Unlawful arrest, detention: Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer loses appeal against police, DSS

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, Monday, dismissed the appeal by Felix Okonkwo, one of the lawyers of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu over his unlawful arrest and detention by the Police and the State Security Services (SSS). Dismissing the appeal for want of merit and substance, the lead judge, justice Abang held that the appellant failed to establish miscarriage of justice in the judgment of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in the matter. Felix Okonkwo, Ikenna Chibuike, and Okafor Ugochukwu had dragged the Nigeria Police Force and the SSS before the high court for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights. They specifically accused the two security agencies of violating their fundamental rights by their unlawful arrest and detention on September 27, 2021, during which they claimed that they were tortured, harassed and intimidated while in the custody of the Police. Justice Samaila Bature had, in his judgment delivered on March 24, 2022 found Police liable for the unlawful arrest and detention of the the appellants and subsequently imposed a fine of N2 million against Police to be paid to the appellants. Justice Bature, however, did not make any order against the SSS because the Appellants, then plaintiffs, did not disclose any cause of action against SSS. Not satisfied with the findings and decisions of the high court, the three plaintiffs approached the Court of Appeal praying for an order to hold that SSS was also culpable in their arrest and detention. They claimed that the N2 million imposed on Police as fine to be paid to them was paltry and ridiculously low and asked the appellate court to jerk up the fine as compensation for their unlawful arrest and detention. In his judgment, Justice Abang held that from the video footage tendered as exhibit by the appellants at the trial court, there was no where the operatives of the SSS were found at the scene of their arrest in the house of Ifeanyi Ejiofor in Anambra state. The appellate court Justice disagreed with the appellants in their claims that the N2 million compensatory damages was grossly insufficient. According to Justice Abang, the decision to award compensatory damages is at the discretion of a judge and can not be dictated by any plaintiff or appellant. In the instant case, Justice Abang agreed with Justice Bature that peculiar facts and circumstances of the unlawful arrest and detention of the appellants were carefully considered at the trial court before arriving at the amount. Besides, Justice Abang said that the appellants did not point out irrelevant facts in the judgment of the high court and did not also disclose their status in the society, their their monthly or yearly income and also what they lost in the course of their detention. “In my opinion and going by the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, the N2 million compensation to the appellants was properly awarded. “I can not fault the award because the appellant did not give any good reason for them to have been awarded a much higher amount. “In the final analysis, the appeal lacks merit, and it is accordingly dismissed. The decision of the trial court is hereby affirmed. There is order as to cost, “Justice Abang held. Justices Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole and Abba Bello Mohammed endorsed the unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Abang.

Terrorists Abduct 87 Persons In Kaduna

Suspected terrorists have abducted about 87 people in a fresh attack on the Kajuru-Station community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The latest attack was confirmed by a member of the Kajuru-Station Youths, Harisu Dari, on Monday. Harisu, said the terrorists stormed the village around 10 pm, breaking into some shops and stealing food items and other valuables. He explained that no contact has been established yet with the 87 locals abducted on Sunday night. “As of the time I visited the community this morning, security operatives have not been drafted to help restore the confidence of the villagers. “The villagers are traumatized by the sad development. The government needs to re-strategise in tackling these terrorists,” he said. The attack came barely two days after 15 women and a man were abducted in the Dogon-Noma community of the same local government. Kajuru and Chikun LGs had in the past two weeks become the hotbed of kidnapping, causing tension in the state. Recall that the terrorists had in two weeks kidnapped over 172 villagers in the area. However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan is yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.

Alleged Terrorism financing: Court orders Binance Ltd. to release data to EFCC

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered Binance Holdings Limited to release all the comprehensive data or information of all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC). Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange that lists more than 350 cryptocurrencies globally. The interim order was granted to enable the anti-graft agency unravel the alleged money laundering and terrorism financing on Binance, a crypto currency exchange platform. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the interim order after ruling on the ex-parte motion moved by the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho. “The applicant’s application dated and filed 29th February, 2024, is hereby granted as prayed. “That an order of this honourable court is hereby made directing the operators of Binance to provide the commission with comprehensive data/information relating to all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform,” the judge ordered. The ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/259/2024, was brought pursuant to Sections 6(b), (h), (I), 7(1), (a)(2), and 38 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Establishment Act, 2004 and Section 15 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 (as amended) and the inherent powers of the court. In the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Hamma Bello, an operative of the EFCC, he said he was attached to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the commission domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Bello averred that, following the inauguration of the Technical Committee on Currency Stability and Forex Manipulation by the ONSA, the SIT “received an intelligence stating the nefarious activities (money laundering and terrorism financing) on Binance, a crypto currency exchange platform. “That on receipt of the Intelligence, the team began investigation by conducting surveillance of the activities of the platform. “That the team uncovered users who have been using the platform for price discovery, confirmation and market manipulation which has caused tremendous distortions in the market, resulting in the Naira losing its values against other currencies. “That the damage the platform has caused was clearly explained to the operators of the platform and they were requested to delist the Naira and avail the ONSA on the activities of the Nigerians on their platform. “That from the information afforded to the team by Binance shows that the total trading volume from Nigeria in 2023 alone stood at $21.6 (twenty one billion, six hundred million dollars). “Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 1 is a copy of the document from Binance to the ONSA stating this fact amongst others. “That the commission will ensure that investigation is conducted within such reasonable time.” Bello, who said that the matter was of utmost urgent public interest, said the data provided would enable the commission accomplish its investigation activities. He said it was in the interest of justice to grant the application as refusal of the request would largely hamper the commission’s investigation. In addition to cryptocurrency trading, it offers several services that enhance the experience for users and blockchain developers.

Federal Government Seeks fresh World Bank loan

The federal government of Nigeria is seeking to obtain a fresh $1 billion loan from the world bank. According to reports, the loan will be used address the challenges facing Internally Displaced Persons and their host communities, as well as bolster rural access and agricultural marketing in the country. This was contained in a recent World Bank document titled, ‘Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project’ and ‘Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project – Scale Up.’ According to the loan breakdown, while the IDPs’ loan is put at $500m, the rural access and agricultural marketing project loan is estimated at $550m. The fund is expected to provide help to communities in Nigeria badly affected by insecurity. “The proposed project will utilise a three-pronged approach to develop sustainable solutions for IDPs and host communities in Northern Nigeria. “First, the proposed project aims to provide tailored solutions for each of the targeted states and communities, recognizing that each internal displacement situation is specific and localised, with conflict, violence and/or climate challenges presenting a different level and set of vulnerabilities for host communities. “Gender, age, and special needs of individuals also play a role, as well as the length of displacement, number of times displaced and other factors. “Thus, responses will be adapted to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations within displacement-affected states and communities. Second, the proposed project will follow a ‘People-in-Place’ approach, integrating the needs of the people and the impacts on the place where they settle,” the document stated. According to a review by a World Bank team, Northern Nigeria, especially Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, has experienced the highest numbers of internally displaced persons. This is primarily due to the ongoing conflict involving Boko Haram, as well as other factors such as banditry and conflicts between farmers and herders, leading to the displacement of over 3.5 million people. Since 2009, Boko Haram has continued to carry out heinous crimes on Nigerians, This is primarily due to the ongoing conflict involving Boko Haram, as well as other factors such as banditry and conflicts between farmers and herders, leading to the displacement of over 3.5 million people. Since 2009, Boko Haram has continued to carry out heinous crimes on Nigerians, while banditry has been described as a variant of Boko Haram.

NJC raises alarm over alleged bid to defraud retired Judicial officers

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has raised an alarm over alleged incessant bids by a group of fraudsters to defraud retired Judicial officers across the country. According to the NJC, the alleged fraudsters have been bombarding its retired Judicial officers with phone calls demanding for various sums of money to help them fast track payment of their retirement benefits. In a statement signed in Abuja on Sunday, by its Director of Information, Barrister Soji Oye, thr council dissociated itself from the actions of the alleged fraudsters and pleaded with retired Judicial officers not to fall victims of the unscrupulous people. The statement read in part “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to the incessant phone calls being made to retired Judicial Officers by some unscrupulous individuals demanding payments to fast track the processing of their retirement benefits. “The National Judicial Council by this medium, informs retired Judicial Officers and members of the public to disregard such phone calls as NJC would never demand money from any Judicial Officer to fast track the payment of his retirement benefit. “The public is hereby advised to be wary of and report such calls to the Pension Department of the Council for appropriate action”, the statement said.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria is dead

Ghana’s high commissioner to Nigeria, Rashid Bawa, has passed away. He died in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Bawa, who was appointed to the position in 2017 by President Nana Akufo-Addo, was reported to have died on Thursday. A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a distinguished diplomat, Bawa previously served as Ghana’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2008. He also represented the Akan constituency in the Ghanaian parliament as an independent candidate from 2001 to January 2005. Bawa’s death comes shortly after the passing of John Kumah, Ghana’s deputy minister for finance and member of parliament for Ejisu constituency. President Akufo-Addo praised Kumah for his dedication to serving the country and his commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians. “His unwavering dedication to service, his tireless commitment to the betterment of our nation, and his profound passion for uplifting the lives of the people of Ejisu and Ghana were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the president said.

16 Soldiers Killed In Delta State

Some military personnel on a peace mission to Okuama community in Delta state have been killed. According to a press statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the troops were of 181 Amphibious Batallion. He said they were headed to Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State on a peace mission to the Okuama community, and they were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024. His words: ”The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State. ”The reinforcement team led by the Commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers. ”The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government. ”However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country. ”So far, a few arrests have been made, while steps in place to unravel the motive behind the attack.”

Akpabio Gets 14 Days Ultimatum to Reverse Ningi’s Suspension

Constituents of the Bauchi Central Senatorial district in the state have given Senate president Godswill Akpabio a 2-week ultimatum to reverse the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi. Ningi, a former majority leader in the upper chambers, was suspended for three months for expressing sincere concern about irregularities in the 2024 national budget. The constituents, under the umbrella of the Youth Coalition of Bauchi Central Senatorial district, said the Senate should instead investigate the irregularities with a view to addressing them in the best interest of the country. The coalition at a press conference addressed by its Chairman, Nazeef Abdullahi Rio in Bauchi, said, “We demand that the Senate should immediately reverse its decision of suspending our Senator. Recall him back to his seat so that he will continue representing our dear Constituency and the Country at large. “To our total dismay, instead of the Senate to commend Senator Ningi for his patriotic discovery investigate the irregularities with a view to addressing them for the best interest of the Country, it ended up unjustifiably suspending him thereby denying his rights as Senator and a Nigerian. “This is the highest level of injustice meted on any Senator and any Senatorial district in the history of our dear country. “As people of Bauchi Central, we declare our total support and solidarity to Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi. We equally strongly commend him for standing firm to represent our views and fight for our rights and that of the entire Nigerians. “We also demand that the Senate should fully investigate all the alleged irregularities in the 2024 budget so that nobody will take Nigerians for granted and so that the image of the Senate will not be painted black in the eyes of Nigerians. “If the Senate fails to meet our demands within two weeks, as constituents of Bauchi Central Senatorial District, we will be left with no option than to take legal action so that our constitutional rights would be upheld.”j

Disaster Management: FCDO, MET Office, Others Join Forces On Flood Risk Communication

In a bid to address the pressing issue of improving the effectiveness of flood risk communication in Nigeria, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the UK MET Office, has commenced collaborative effort with various Nigerian disaster management agencies. Firther to this, experts and stakeholders have expressed optimism about the results of their engagement with vulnerable communities. During the high-level meeting held in Abuja recently, all disaster management agencies’ Directors and Directors General were presented with research findings and recommendations from a 6-month intensive fieldwork project that involved engaging with the most vulnerable communities across the country. Mr. Donovan Timothy, the Project lead from the UK Meteorological Office (Met Office), He stressed the importance of proactive disaster communication management strategies and urged stakeholders to work collaboratively to boost resilience and preparedness for potential disasters. “We are confident that the partners involved in this project will effectively articulate and implement the recommendations provided. We aimed to streamline the process, tailor the recommendations to each agency’s capabilities, and ensure they can be seamlessly implemented across all communication channels outlined in the report. By making the guidelines agency-specific and easy to follow, we believe they will facilitate an efficient and successful execution of the proposed strategies. “It is imperative to enhance the communication strategy in Nigeria to protect the vulnerable population from the destructive effects of frequent flooding, which result in significant loss of lives, damage to properties, and mass displacement of people. Addressing the communication gaps is crucial to ensure timely and effective dissemination of information, warnings, and instructions to those at risk. By improving communication channels and strategies, we can increase preparedness, response, and resilience efforts, ultimately minimizing the impact of disasters on our communities,’’ he said. According to the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Engr. Clement Nze, flooding is a serious threat to our nation, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. He said, ‘‘Effective flood risk communication is critical to mobilizing communities to take action and build resilience. We are grateful for FCDO’s support in helping implement key recommendations from a recent report.” The Steering Committee consisting of representatives of all disaster management agencies, Met Office, and the communication consulting firm, McEnies Global Communication jointly identified opportunities that need to strengthen inter-agency coordination, utilize innovative communication channels, deploy targeted messaging for at-risk groups, and improve monitoring and evaluation of communication efforts. With these recommendations, FCDO opines that The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), National Water Resources Institute (NIWR), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other stakeholders will work together to implement selected recommendations from the report. Also present at the meeting was Dr. Matthew Adepoju, the Director of the Strategic Space Application Department of The National Space Research Development Agency, (NASRDA) representing the Director General, Dr. Halilu Shaba Ahmad, emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse media platforms in the implementation processes for enhanced efficiency. Dr. Adepoju highlighted that involving The Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON) would be beneficial in broadcasting these commendable initiatives effectively. Therefore, he urged for prompt inclusion of BON in the endeavor to ensure the attainment of significant success and wider recognition. The collaborative effort with media outlets such as BON, as suggested by Dr. Adepoju, aims to maximize the impact and reach of the agency’s endeavors. The UK FCDO remains steadfast in its dedication to assisting Nigeria in enhancing resilience against climate change and natural calamities. By prioritizing improved flood risk communication, lives can be saved through the empowerment of local communities with essential information necessary for adequate preparation and response during flood incidents. This collaborative effort not only underscores the importance of proactive measures but also demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by such disasters. It is through these strategic interventions that the UK FCDO and Nigeria can work together to mitigate the impact of environmental challenges and foster sustainable development for future generations.” The collaboration is part of the UK government’s wider support for disaster risk reduction in Nigeria, which includes projects focused on flood modeling and forecasting, data collection networks, and disaster risk management planning. By improving inter-agency coordination and adopting best practices in risk communication, this initiative aims to build a more robust and integrated flood early warning system for Nigeria.

More Attacks Imminent Unless Nigerian Government Negotiates With Bandits – Sheikh Gumi

Kaduna based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has re-emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to dialogue with bandits in order to stop incessant attacks on innocent citizens.  The cleric stated that there is no military solution to end the insecurity problems Nigeria is currently facing.    Speaking during an interview session with AriseNews TV on Friday morning, the Islamic scholar insisted that persistent military attacks on the terrorists were responsible for their latest lack of sympathy on Nigerians they abducted.    He admonished the Nigerian government should emulate how the United States’ government negotiated with the Taliban terrorists by also having a dialogue with the bandits to prevent the insurgence in the country.    “This thing (banditry) is turning into something else. We are turning them into monsters, more monsters as what they are. They are ignorant, they don’t have direction, they don’t have leadership, they don’t have empathy now because of the way we treat them too, we don’t care when we burn them,” he said    “When we burn their children and women, in fact this very recent incident is just a tip of an iceberg; what has been happening in the bush, until we change our tactics and allow people who know, these politicians, I am tired of them.    “I was a military man myself, but I don’t think there is a military solution, in fact I think it is humiliating military to think that the military should take care of civilian insurgency, what we need is a very good detective work, very good policing, very good social programme. We should leave our military off these issues. Our military knows fire for fire and these people do not have the fire power, they hide behind the civilians and do whatever they do. So don’t let us humiliate and disgrace our military. This is not their job, this is the job of politicians. This is the job of the police, this is the job of intelligence.     “In fact I believe no ransom should be paid, I believe that but engage, engage these people. Give them hope. But not only in these children’s cases, be holistic. I heard when one military man said it is turning into a war, I am so sad to see that they are now realising that it is turning into a war. It has been war since, it has been ethnic war, it’s been class war, it is not just more than criminality. We have to accept that.    “If we can see Israel and Hamas exchanging prisoners, I don’t see why we can’t negotiate. If Americans can negotiate with the Taliban, I don’t see why we can’t. They (foreign governments) can’t impose on us their own ideas when behind the door, they also negotiate with these terrorists.”