Tight security measures in place as Presidential Tribunal readies for verdict

The Court of Appeal Complex, situated in the Three Arms Zone along Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District of Abuja, is currently under heightened security as the Presidential Election Petition Court prepares to deliver its judgment. Additionally, there has been an extensive security presence at the entry routes to the Federal Capital Territory’s satellite towns leading to the city centre. Armed soldiers and military personnel have set up checkpoints, causing some commuters to experience delays. This increased security presence persists despite the ongoing NLC warning strike, which is in its final day. The Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment on three cases challenging the outcome of the presidential election held on February 25. This decision comes approximately a month after the court heard the closing arguments from the parties involved in the petitions and only two weeks before the expiration of the statutory 180-day timeframe for hearing and determining cases filed in March. The five-member panel of the court, led by Haruna Tsammani, had reserved judgment on the petitions after concluding the closing arguments in early August. Multiple security operatives from various branches, including the armed forces, police, Department of State Service (DSS), and the Civil Defence, are currently stationed along all routes leading to the Court of Appeal Complex. Similar security formations are in place within the court complex itself. In a statement issued on Monday, the Chief Registrar of the Court, Mr. Umar Bangari, assured that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the smooth and secure delivery of judgment in the three pending petitions. He explained that access to the courtroom will be restricted, allowing only invited members of political parties and the general public to enter to prevent congestion and security breaches. Furthermore, media outlets interested in broadcasting the judgment live will be permitted to do so at no cost to the court. As of 7.30 a.m., security personnel were conducting checks on lawyers and journalists entering the premises. Key government buildings, including the Federal Secretariat, the National Assembly Complex, and the access points to the Presidential Villa, were heavily guarded by security personnel. The three petitions challenging President Tinubu’s victory were filed separately by Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), receiving 8.8 million votes, defeating 17 other candidates in a largely competitive race. Atiku secured second place with 6,984,520 votes, followed by Obi with a total of 6,101,533 votes, according to INEC’s official results.

Presidential Tribunal to announce verdict Sept 6, okays live broadcast

Putting an end to two weeks of suspense, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has officially confirmed that it will deliver its judgment on Wednesday, September 6. This landmark decision comes after three petitions contesting the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. The Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Mohammed Bangari, disclosed this important date in Abuja on Monday, putting to rest the speculations that had been swirling around the case. Bangari assured that the court is taking every measure to ensure a smooth and trouble-free delivery of the judgment in response to the three petitions. These petitions were filed by Abubakar Atiku, the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Peter Obi, his counterpart from the Labour Party; and the Allied People Movement (APM) under the APC umbrella. In an effort to maintain order and security, Bangari mentioned that stringent security measures have been implemented. Access to the courtroom will be restricted, permitting only invited members of political parties and the general public to enter. This approach is intended to prevent overcrowding and potential security breaches. Furthermore, Bangari announced that interested television stations would be allowed to broadcast the proceedings live, without any associated costs to the court. However, to ensure security and crowd control, certain restrictions will be in place around the court premises. A notable decision by the court was to reserve judgment on the petitions submitted by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, scheduling them for delivery on the same day as Peter Obi’s Labour Party petition. Notably, last week, the court refuted the claims that it had set September 16 as the date for the judgment, clarifying the actual date as September 6.

EFCC nabs six alleged internet fraudsters in Abuja

In a recent development, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have taken into custody six individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud activities. These arrests were carried out within the Bwari and Dutse areas of Abuja. According to Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s spokesperson, these suspects were apprehended on Monday based on intelligence gathered about their purported involvement in cybercrime-related endeavors. The arrested individuals have been identified as Odey Paul (25), Greg Odey (23), Julius Okpanachi (21), Ugbede Opaluwa (25), Okpanachi Emmanuel (25), and Mohammed Abba (26). From the possessions of the suspects, law enforcement authorities managed to recover two Toyota Camry vehicles, one Mercedes Benz C300 car, a total of twelve mobile phones, and three laptops. As the investigation unfolds and progresses, the EFCC spokesperson, Uwujaren, conveyed that the suspects will be presented before the court to face legal proceedings. The aim is to ensure that justice is served once the investigation is thoroughly concluded.

LP primary appeal dismissed for lack of locus standi

The Court of Appeal situated in Abuja has ruled to dismiss the appeal lodged by Sir Basil Maduka, the Labour Party’s candidate for the Imo governorship election. The dismissal was based on the grounds of lack of locus standi. Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, in his judgment, determined that Maduka did not possess the legal right to challenge the primary election, given that he was not an aspirant in the said election. Consequently, the court not only rejected the appeal but also levied a cost of N250,000 against the appellant. Maduka had emerged as the candidate of the Labour Party within the Julius Abure-led faction, whereas the Lamidi Apapa faction’s candidate was recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Following the high court’s dismissal of his suit challenging INEC’s decision, Maduka pursued his case at the court of appeal. However, the 1st and 3rd respondents, namely the Labour Party and Ikechukwu Joseph, contested his action by filing processes that disputed the appellant’s contentions. They pointed out that the primary election of the 1st respondent occurred on April 16, 2023, as rescheduled by the national leadership of the party. Additionally, they emphasized that the appellant was not a participant in this primary election, which was won by the 3rd respondent. Justice Oyewole, while considering the arguments from both sides’ legal representatives, underlined the concept of locus standi as a prerequisite for maintaining an action in court. He stressed that the absence of such standing undermines the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter. The judge further explained that the appellant failed to establish his participation in the primary election organized by the 1st respondent, rendering him unable to contest the election’s outcome. Consequently, he upheld the lower court’s decision that the appellant lacked the necessary locus standi to maintain the action. In conclusion, the appeal was deemed meritless and dismissed. A cost of N250,000 was ordered to be paid to the 1st and 3rd respondents by the appellant.

Again, Emefiele’s arraignment stalled; ex-CBN gov settles for plea bargain

Suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele’s arraignment on alleged breach of procurement laws and contract inflation, was again stalled on Wednesday. Strong indications have also emerged that the detained former CBN Boss, has opted for a plea bargain policy to settle with the Federal Government, hence, the indefinite hold on the arraignment. NIGERIAN ANCHOR gathered that the arraignment on a 20-count charges slated for Wednesday August 23, was not listed in the cause list before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja It was also gathered at the courtroom that the arraignment was shifted at the instance of the detained CBN Chief. Authoritative sources confided in our correspondent that Emefiele and his-co accused, Saadat Yaro have opted for a plea bargain policy to settle with the Federal Government. Speaking on the development and the defendant’s absence in court, counsel to the defendant, Kehinde Akinlolu, confirmed the shift in the arraignment.  Emefiele’s lawyer, Kehinde Akinlolu SAN confirmed the shift in the arraignment when contacted on phone, adding that a new date may likely be issued by the court’s Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf. At the time of filing this report, operatives of the Department of State Service DSS who used to escort him to court were not seen, as well as his legal team. Meanwhile, the court has commenced proceedings on matters on the cause list. More details later…

UK Police slams bribery charges on Diezani

The British police have charged former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke with bribery offences. According to Reuters, the UK police on Tuesday said they suspected she had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts. Reuters said charges against her also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer shops such as Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods.   The 63-year-old ex-minister served during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, from 2010 to 2015. She was the president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Speaking about the charges, Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) International Corruption Unit, said, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts. “These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.” The NCA said Alison-Madueke was accused of benefiting from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.

Businessman Akindele denies N150m bribe allegations, secures N500m bail

Lagos-based businessman, Akintoye Akindele, has vehemently denied allegations of offering a N150 million bribe to the police in a bid to evade justice in a fraud case. The Managing Director of Duport Midstream Company entered a plea of not guilty to the one-count charge at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Tuesday. The charge, brought forth by the Inspector General of Police, represented by counsel Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, alleged that Akindele attempted to offer N150 million to suppress investigations into a petition against him lodged by Summit Oil International Limited. The charge also stated that Akindele made an initial payment of N50 million to a team of investigators led by Ibrahim Ezekiel Sini from the Federal Investigation Bureau. In the petition by Summit Oil, Akindele was accused of colluding with others to misappropriate $5,636,397 and an additional N73,543,764 belonging to the company. Upon the reading of the charges, Akindele pleaded not guilty, prompting the Police counsel to request an adjournment to gather witnesses to substantiate the case against the defendant. However, Akindele’s defense counsels, Mr. Henry Eni-otu and Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi from Law Corridor, made a compelling case for the defendant’s release on bail under lenient conditions. The defence highlighted that Akindele had been in police custody for over three weeks concerning the petition. Eni-Otu invoked Section 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, seeking the defendant’s admission to bail and assuring the court that Akindele would fully comply with the bail terms. In a swift decision, Justice Hamza Muazu granted bail to Akindele, setting the amount at N500 million, with two sureties required to have property ownership within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and verifiable title documents. As of the latest update, Akindele’s legal team, along with his friends and associates, were in the process of fulfilling the bail conditions for his release. The trial date, however, remains pending. This case marks another chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing effort to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law, demonstrating the legal system’s commitment to a fair and transparent judicial process.

Nigerian Navy returns seized vessels involved in oil theft

In compliance with a court ruling, the Nigerian Navy has handed back a merchant tanker vessel, MV TIS IV, and a Barge Podium, which were impounded for their involvement in oil theft, to their respective owners over the weekend. Following the court conviction of the crew and the subsequent decision to forfeit the stolen crude to the federal government while returning the vessels to their owners, the Naval facility Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso in Brass, Bayelsa, witnessed the return of these impounded vessels. The MV TIS IV had been detained for two years, while the Barge Podium had been held for six years, both on allegations of engaging in crude oil theft. The release of these vessels was conducted in accordance with a directive from the Naval Headquarters, adhering to the court’s judgment. The handover took place at a brief ceremony at FOB Egwema, Brass, and was conducted by Commander Dantani Bukar, the Executive Officer of FOB, on behalf of Navy Captain Murtala Rogo, the Commanding Officer, who was represented. Commander Rogo recounted the circumstances leading to the vessels’ detention. MV TIS IV was apprehended on December 5, 2021, within the Akassa River creek in Bayelsa, while the Barge Podium was seized on May 15, 2017, in the Alaki area of Rivers State. The MV TIS IV, carrying 17 crew members and approximately 700,000 liters of suspected stolen crude, was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for prosecution. The crew members were found guilty and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The court further ruled that the vessel’s content be forfeited to the federal government, a process executed by the EFCC on February 23, 2023. Commander Rogo explained that the court also ordered the vessels’ release to their owners on bond. FOB Formoso, acting on the directives of the Naval Headquarters, facilitated the handover to the owners in the presence of EFCC representatives. He emphasized FOB Formoso’s commitment to upholding the strategic goals set by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, in the battle against oil theft and illegal bunkering within the maritime domain. He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to ensuring a secure and safe maritime environment, conducive to legitimate business operations and aligned with national security objectives.

Kogi Guber: Appeal Court dismisses suits seeking Ododo’s disqualification 

The Court of Appeal, Abuja on Friday dismissed the appeals filed by a former Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Smart Adeyemi and that of a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi state, Mr. Abubakar Achimugu, seeking to nullify the governorship primary election of the party which produced Ahmed Usman Ododo as the party’s flagbearer for the Kogi state governorship election slated for November 11. The court held in a unanimous judgement that the two appeals challenging the judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja lacked merit and accordingly dismissed them. Justice Muhammed Lawal Shuaibu’s led panel held that the appellants failed to prove the criminal allegations in his case. The Appellate court ruled that the burden of prove lies on the plaintiff who alleges irregularities in the conduct of the primary election of the APC for the nomination of its governorship candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi state. He said, “the evidence placed before the trial court by the respondents was not controverted by the appellant in this circumstance, issue one is hereby resolved against the appellant. “Where commission of a crime is an issue, it must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Allegation of falsification of votes is a criminal act and it is required in law to be proved beyond reasonable doubt, which the appellant could not prove, consequently, issue two is resolved against the appellant. “On the whole, the appeal is un-meritorious and it is hereby dismissed. The judgement of the lower court is hereby affirmed. Parties are to bear their respective cost”, Justice Shuaibu held. Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had, in a judgement delivered on July 12, held that Adeyemi did not prove his allegation that Ododo was not lawfully nominated by the APC.  Adeyemi had alleged in his suit that the primary election that purportedly produced Ododo as the APC governorship candidate did not hold and that the results were forged. Delivering judgement in the suit marked FHC/CS/556/2023, Justice Omotosho held that Adeyemi’s allegations of results forgery were criminal and must be proved beyond reasonable doubts. The court noted that the burden of proof was on the applicant to produce the forged results or the original copies of the results to discharge the burden and added that, failure to discharge the burden was fatal to the applicant’s case and further held that, there was evidence that the primary election was validly held and monitored by INEC. Dissatisfied with the judgement which affirmed the primary election that produced Ododo as candidate of the party, Adeyemi approached the appellate court to set aside the judgement. Adeyemi had in his suit at the trial court, sought the cancellation of the primary election on the ground that it was not validly conducted and prayed the court to declare as illegal, unlawful and invalid, the purported direct primary election said to have been conducted by the APC, through which Ododo emerged as a candidate for the governorship poll. The former lawmaker told the court that Ododo was handpicked as flag-bearer of the party by the outgoing Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, in gross violation of Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution, Section 29 and 84 of the Electoral Act as well as Article 20 of the Constitution of the APC. Besides, the aggrieved governorship aspirant, through his team of lawyers led by Dr Adekunle Ottitoju, prayed the court to order the APC to conduct a fresh primary election and to give all aspirants equal opportunity as prescribed by the Electoral Act, 2022. But, in his judgement, Justice Omotosho held that the plaintiff did not by way of credible evidence, establish his allegation and said, he found no reason to invalidate the outcome of the primary election and consequently dismissed the suit for lacking in merit.  In the same vein, the Court of Appeal, Abuja dismissed Achimugu’s appeal against a judgement of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which affirmed Ahmed Usman Ododo as the APC flagbearer for the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi state. The appeal was against the judgement of Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered on 18th July which held that, Ododo can lawfully continue to fly the flag of the APC in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State. The appellate court, in a unanimous judgement delivered on Friday held that Achimugu’s appeal is bereft of merit and affirmed the judgement of the trial court. The court consequently dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit. Achimugu had approached the trial court with a suit seeking to disqualify Ododo from contesting the November 11 governorship election on grounds that he did not resign his employment with the Kogi State public service 30 days before contesting the governorship primary election. But, the trial court, in its judgment, held that contrary to the claim of Achimugu, evidence showed that Ododo resigned his appointment more than 30 days before participating in the APC primary. According to Justice Egwuatu, exhibits tendered by the defendants showed that while Ododo’s resignation letter was received by the Office of the Kogi State Governor on March 8, that of the 3rd defendant, Mr Salami Deedat, was received on March 9. “Satisfied that they resigned their appointment on March 8 and 9, more than 30 days before the April 14 primary election of the APC, the suit is bereft of any merit and is accordingly dismissed”, the court held. Achimugu, in a Notice of Appeal filed on July 21 through his counsel, Josiah Daniel-Ebune said Justice Egwuatu erred in law and occasioned a miscarriage of justice when he held that Ododo and Salami Deedat (2nd and 3rd defendants) duly resigned their appointment and thus, not caught up with the mandatory provision of what the law requires them to do before they participated in the APC’s governorship primary election for Kogi state held on April 15, 2023. He asked the appellate court for an order setting

FG seeks withdrawal of firearms case against Emefiele

* Introduces new charges against former CBN Gov The Federal Government has initiated steps to withdraw the case of “illegal possession of firearms” it had previously filed against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, made an oral application before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, explaining that the decision was based on the outcome of further investigations. However, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal representative for Emefiele, opposed the application. He argued that the government should rectify its disregard for the court’s order granting Emefiele bail before proceeding with its application. Justice Oweibo has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, August 17, 2023, to make a ruling on the matter. After the proceedings, the DPP revealed that a fresh set of charges, totaling 20 counts, has been filed against the suspended CBN governor at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Among the charges is an accusation of “conferring unlawful advantages” against Emefiele.