AGF Explains Why Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Still In Court – AGF …says FG convicted 250 terrorism, criminal cases

Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Friday, maintained the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is very difficult, requested it is left to court. Also, the Federal Government, revealed that it prosecuted and convicted 250 terrorism and criminal offenses in various courts across the country. The AGF made this revelation, Friday, at the Sectoral Ministerial briefing to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office. Fielding questions from the press, the minister explained that there is a remarkable difference between Kanu’s case and that of the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore. He said, “Sowore and Kanu are not the same. When it comes to the first one, I didn’t have difficulty to say go, but I have difficulty with the second one. “The matter is still in court, let’s wait for the court”. Sowore was arrested in 2019 and prosecuted for allegedly calling for the forceful take over of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, the federal government through the office of the AGF in February this year filed a notice of discontinuation of the case. Breaking down the achievements of justice ministry in the year under review, Fagbemi said the FG has secured 160 convictions for criminal offences, 87 convictions for terrorism cases, 3 novel convictions in the last one year for extremist terrorism actors involved in the radicalization of children and violence against women. He hinted on enhanced interagency synergy for prosecution of Maritime Cases, Electricity offences, collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders on cybersecurity protection and cybercrime prosecution. Following the Ministry’s intervention for the upgrade of facilities designated for trial of terrorism cases, Fagbemi said the Ministry has resumed trials of terrorism cases in conjunction with the Legal Aid Council, National Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders. “The percentages of terrorism cases initiated and corruption cases concluded within the reporting period has been significant,” the Justice Minister said. Speaking on the development of the proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Regulation, 2024, by the Ministry, the AGF said the objective of the regulation which is being developed with relevant agencies is to ensure transparency, accountability and standardization in the management of recovered assets, in line with global best practices. “This document is being finalized for validation, the AGF said. On terrorism financing and other transnational crimes, the AGF stated that the Tinubu administration has facilitated international cooperation and secured conviction of 13 terrorism financing cases, and have also concluded 150 mutual legal assistance requests and 12 extradition requests from law enforcement agencies and foreign countries. “The Ministry places priority on enhancing the prosecutorial and litigation capacity of its staff, to this end it organized capacity building programmes to improve knowledge on various aspects of the law including Darknet and Cryptocurrencies applied to terrorism financing, investigation and prosecution of financial and wildlife crimes in Nigeria. “The coordination of the effective implementation of the National Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Proliferation Financing (AML/CPF) Strategy 2023 – 2027 is also a top priority for the Ministry, the AGF said. On the fight against corruption, the Minister submitted that the present administration has achieved successes under its international asset recovery and management efforts. The asset sharing agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Bailiwick of Jersey was signed in February 2024, for the return of £2,125,944 (Two Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-Four GBP) proceeds of corruption, the AGF revealed. “This has been approved by the President to be utilized, for continuation of works on the Abuja-Kano Road project” Fagbemi said. On the Glencore settlement, the Justice Minister said the Ministry on behalf of Nigeria on April 25, 2024, concluded negotiation of a settlement agreement with Glencore International A.G. wherein the firm is expected to pay the sum of $50 million USD as penalty and compensation for certain activities in Nigeria.

₦19.4 Billion Fraud: Court Grants Sirika, Brother N200 Million Bail

Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday granted bail to the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika. The bail was set at ₦100 million each, with stringent conditions attached, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against them. Both defendants are required to provide two sureties, one of whom must own a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory, valued at a similar sum. In addition to the financial conditions, the court has restricted their travel, stipulating that the Sirika brothers cannot leave Nigeria without prior permission from the court. This decision comes after careful consideration of the bail application, with Justice Belgore stating he found no reason to deviate from the bail conditions previously granted by Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the same court. Ruling on the motion on notice for the 1st defendant, Hadi Sirika, the court held that “The prosecution filed no counter affidavit. He is already on administrative bail, he met all the bail applications, he continues to abide by the bail conditions, he has never been convicted of any criminal offence in Nigeria, he is a recipient of National honours, he has an aged mother he is catering for an investigation in the case has been completed. “It is my resolution that this applicant deserves to be admitted to bail and I so do.” Concerning Sirika’s brother, ruling on the motion on notice, brought pursuant to Sections 158, 156 and 135 of ACJA, where he requested a sole relief (bail). The trial judge granted him bail in the same terms and conditions as the 1st defendant (Sirika). The Sirika brothers, and the company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, are facing a ten-count amended charge bordering on contract fraud to the tune of ₦19.4 billion.

Abba Kyari Granted Bail After 27 Months In Prison 

Abba Kyari has been granted bail following 27 months of being held in detention. An Abuja Federal High Court has approved a two-week bail for DCP Abba Kyari, the former commander of the Force Intelligence Response Team, following his 27-month detention. Kyari is anticipated to complete the funeral ceremonies for his late mother, Yachilla Kyari. The court has scheduled Friday, May 31st, as the date to decide on his bail application in the ongoing trial involving drug-related charges brought forth by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. This legal matter stems from his arrest over two years ago on February 14, 2022. The mother passed away on the morning of Sunday, May 5, 2024. She is survived by 10 children, consisting of five boys and five girls. Among them is Abba, who is the eldest son.

Tax Evasion: Absence of Binance official, Gambaryan, stalls arraignment

For the third time, the arraignment of Binance Holding Limited and it’s official, Tigran Gambaryan, on tax evasion charges brought against them by the federal government failed to hold due to the absence of the defendants at the federal high court Abuja. The company, alongside its officials, Tigran Gambaryan (2nd defendant)and Nadeem Anjarwalla (3rd defendant)who fled the country on March 22, 2024, were dragged to court for tax evasion by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). FIRS, had in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, preferred on them a 4-count charges of failing to register with the FIRS for the purpose of paying all relevant taxes administered by the service. The FIRS also alleged that while it was offering taxable services to subscribers on its trading platform, the company failed to issue invoices to the subscribers for the purposes of determining and payment of its Value Added Taxes. In the last adjourned date, Counsel for the FIRS, Moses Ideh, served the second defendant, Gambaryan with the charges, with the leave of the court, as the case was adjourned for his arraignment. However, in Thursdays proceedings, Gambaryan failed to appear in court The Counsel for the second defendant Chukwuka Ikwuazo (SAN), said he was not in court because the correctional service was yet to bring him. He asked for a stand down to find out what might have happened. Moses Ideh, representing the FIRS, expressed displeasure over the failure of the defendant to show up and opposed a stand down on the matter. He accused the defense counsel of knowing his client was not going to be present in court and not doing enough to make him available. Ikwuazo (SAN), who denied the claims, said the defendant is in the custody of the Correctional service and they are to blame for not providing him. He then asked for an adjournment and promised to ensure that the defendant is present in court on the next adjourned date. The motion for adjournment was not opposed by Ideh or T.J. Krukrubo (SAN), who represented the first defendant. Justice Emeka Nwite therefore adjourned the matter till July 14, for arraignment. It would be recalled that two executives of the company were arrested and detained after they flew into the country as a result of a ban on their website, by the Nigerian government, over allegations of handling illicit flow of cash through their platform. A Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently ordered Binance to provide the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with comprehensive information on all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform. This led to a spat between Binance and the Nigerian authorities who detained two of Binance’s executives upon arrival into the country. Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the detained Binance executives escaped to Kenya according to Interpol and was tried in absentia. Documents for his Extradition to Nigeria have been prepared by the Interpol. The Crypto exchange company now faces two separate cases, with that of the EFCC, billed to continue tomorrow.

Kano Governor Vows to Sign Death Warrant Of Mosque Bombing Suspect

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has revealed that last Wednesday’s bombing of a mosque at Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area of the state was neither extremism nor politically motivated. Directing that the mastermind of the bombing be prosecuted before the Shariah court, the governor said that investigation had revealed that the attack was occasioned by family squabbles over inheritance. Yusuf made this disclosure on Sunday when he visited injured victims at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano after he returned from Abuja on official visit. He noted that the death toll in the incident had risen to 15, and vowed that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant if the court found the 38-year-old guilty and sentenced him to death. Recall that Abubakar threw a locally-made bomb at the mosque while worshippers were inside observing the early morning prayers. Speaking during the visit, Yusuf said, “Whatever the court decides, we will ensure that the victims of the Gadan village arson get justice and if it condemns him to death after finding him guilty, we will not hesitate to sign the death warrant.” He added, “For the avoidance of any doubt, the incendiarism that led to the death of 15 out of the 24 victims was neither politically motivated nor a terrorist attack on the residents of the state.” The governor donated N100,000 to each of the victims.

IPOB: “You are a terrorist” Kanu berates FG lawyer Awomolo

Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Monday, blasted counsel to the Federal Government, Asiwaju Awomolo SAN, for perpetrating an act of illegality in a bid to prosecute him. The visibly angry Kanu, told the court that he cannot be tried in Nigeria because the Supreme Court had declared his forceful rendition from Kenya, an act of illegality. “My Lord, I don’t understand why my trial is being conducted contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kanu said. He insisted that the Supreme Court had made a pronouncement on his issue, stressing that “Anything you do on the contrary is an act of terrorism. “This man is a terrorist for conducting a trial in violation of an international treaty that Nigeria entered into. Once a treaty is entered into and signed, it becomes a law. “You are a dishonest man. You are a terrorist. Who the hell are you” Kanu yelled at Awomolo.”

Stay in DSS custody, court tells Nnamdi Kanu

The Biafra nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, loses bid for restoration of his revoked bail and the removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to a house arrest or prison custody. Ruling on the request, Justice Binta Nyako held that she found as a fact that Kanu jumped the bail earlier granted him and escaped out of the country. The Judge also held that the sureties who stood for him in the earlier bail had applied to be discharged and had been discharged on the ground that they could not locate Kanu and did not know his whereabouts. Therefore, she delared the application not meritorious and dismissed it. However, the court proffered that the detained IPOB leader had Kanu’s only option is to approach the Court of Appeal to exercise his right of appeal. On the argument that by Kanu’s lead Counsel that Supreme Court held that the earlier bail granted him ought not to have been revoked, the court said that it perused the Supreme Court judgment copy and did not see the claim of the lawyer. At the time of this report, Kanu shouting on top of his voice is insisting not to stand trial before any court in Nigeria. He is claiming that any attempt to put him on trial would amount to a breach of Nigeria’s Constitution and the international laws. Details later.

Court refuses terrorists negotiator, Tukur Mamu’s request for transfer to Kuje Prison

Mohammed Tukur Mamu, a terrorist negotiator’s bid to be transfered from the custody of the Department of the State Service, DSS to Kuje Prison in Abuja has been refused by the federal high court, Abuja. Mamu was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport upon his arrival from Egypt on September 6, 2022, over his alleged relationship with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022. Consequently, DSS is trying Mamu on 10 counts charge of terrorism financing, among others, but he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been at the custody of the prosecution agency following the refusal of the Court to admit him to bail. In the ruling, the court said that the federal government had raised the issues of incessant jail breaks in prisons as a major ground to oppose the request for transfer to Kuje. According to the judge, since the averments were not challenged by Mamu, they are deemed to be true facts and facts admitted need no further proof. The judge subsequently ordered Mamu to remain in DSS custody throughout his trial in the criminal charges against him. Justice Ekwo, however, affirmed his earlier order that the terrorist negotiator be allowed to access his personal physician for medical treatment with the supervision of the DSS. Mamu, through his lawyer, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, had on April 29, alleged that the order of the court made on December 19, 2023, that he be allowed access to his personal physician for medical treatment was not complied with by the DSS. In his motion on notice argued by Mohammed, the terrorist negotiator claimed that he was allowed access to the physician once during which a report of comprehensive medical examination to be carried out on him was submitted to the DSS. Since the submission of the report, Mamu alleged that the physician had not been allowed to access him and that he needed urgent surgical operations in any hospital in the country. The defendant further claimed that his health had since deteriorated and that he may lose his life any moment if he was not moved out of DSS custody to Kuje Prison. He promised regular attendance in court, adding that he can only stand trial when alive.

Client’s Death: Court Convicts Lagos Cosmetic Surgeon

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted a medical doctor and founder of MedContour Services Ltd., Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, over a failed plastic surgery that resulted in the death of one Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020. The conviction was disclosed by a former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, on Friday. Irukera was the one who instituted the case against the convict. In his tweet, Irukera, tweeting as #TundeIrukera, wrote, “Today is a day of pride for me that I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Though I’ve left public service, the case has ended in a conviction, strengthening the accountability framework for all in society, professionals, or otherwise. “This is how society should work and grow. “Dr. Anu Adepoju and her medical practice convicted in all 5 counts charged by FCCPC. The wheel of justice may grind slowly, but we must see it through. What we need are enforced with audacity and the will to prosecute competently and diligently. Good day for consumers of professional services.” Adepoju was arraigned in 2020 on five counts before Justice Mohammed.

NJC Bars 3 Judges From Elevation …issues warning letter to them

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has barred three judges from elevation for two to three years over a series of offenses and also issued warning letters to them. The decision followed resolutions reached at the NJC’s 105th plenary meeting on May 15 and 16, 2024. Therefore, the chairman of the council, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had issued warning letters to Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Justice GB Brikins-Okolosi of the Delta State High Court. In a statement, NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, said Justice Ekwo was warned for abusing his discretionary power by improperly granting an ex parte order in the case between Juliet Ebere Nwadi Gbaka & 2 Ors. vs. Seplat Energy Plc & 12 Ors. The NJC therefore barred Justice Ekwo from elevation to a higher bench for two years. Similarly, Justice GB Brikins-Okolosi was warned for failing to deliver a judgment within the stipulated period in the case of Joseph AneneOkafor vs. Skye Bank, despite the parties having filed and adopted their final written addresses. Consequently, Justice Brikins-Okolosi was prohibited from elevation to a higher bench for three years. Furthermore, the NJC cautioned Justice Amina Shehu of the Yobe State High Court for issuing a writ of possession conferring title on the defendant in a case without any subsisting judgment from any court to justify the issuance of the writ. During the meeting, the Council reviewed two reports from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, which examined 35 petitions against judges from the Federal and State High Courts. The Council decided to form eight committees to further investigate the petitions deemed meritorious by the assessment committees. Additionally, the NJC considered recommendations from its Interview Committee on the Appointment of Judicial Officers for all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria. As a result, the NJC resolved to recommend 86 judicial officers for appointment to the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal of various states in Nigeria. These candidates will be sworn in after the NJC’s recommendations are approved by the President and their respective state governors.