Nnamdi Kanu heads to appeal court over “denial of fair hearing”
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has approached Court of Appeal, Abuja, to seek redress over alleged denial of his right to fair hearing by the Federal High Court Abuja. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, had on March 19, 2024, refused to grant bail to Kanu, who is being prosecuted by the Federal Government over allegation of treasonable felony. The legal team of the IPOB leader, led by Aloy Ejimakor, told the appellate court in a notice of appeal with charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, that the trial judge erred when she denied Kanu’s constitutional rights to fair trial. In the grounds of Appeal, it was stated that, “The learned trial Court erred in law when the Court assumed jurisdiction to proceed with the hearing of the criminal trial against the Appellant when the Appellant is glaringly denied the constitutional right to fair trial with particular reference to denial of adequate facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations against the Appellant and his right to counsel of his own choice, thereby occasioning a grave miscarriage of justice. “Fair hearing/trial bears the constitutional safeguards of ensuring that the Appellant is accorded the adequate facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations levelled against the Appellant. The appellant held that the Department of State Services, also failed to provide adequate “facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations against the Appellant and his right to counsel of his own choice, thereby occasioning a grave miscarriage of justice”.
Malabu OPL: EFCC Dismisses Prosecutor Amid Bribery Allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken decisive action against one of its prominent prosecutors, Offem Uket, in response to allegations of bribery and misconduct linked to the Malabu OPL 245 oil block scam case. Following the dismissal of the case by Justice Abubakar Kutigi due to insufficient evidence, the EFCC opted to terminate Uket’s appointment. It’s alleged that Uket yielded to pressure from former Attorney General Bello Adoke and defense attorney Wole Olanipekun to undermine the trial. Despite the setback in court, the EFCC remains committed to challenging the ruling, citing substantial evidence against the accused parties. Expressing dismay over Uket’s purported actions, EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to pursuing justice in the Malabu case. Uket, who has previously handled high-profile cases involving notable figures such as Stella Oduah and Sambo Dasuki, vehemently denies the bribery allegations. Nonetheless, his contract was not renewed amidst the controversy surrounding the Malabu proceedings. An internal investigation reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting Uket’s misconduct, prompting the decision to terminate his appointment. In response to the developments, Wole Olanipekun vehemently denied offering any bribes to Uket, dismissing the allegations as unfounded and irresponsible. He emphasized that investigations conducted by international authorities found no wrongdoing in connection to the Malabu transaction.
Notice of Business Closure in Jos Bukuru Metropolis
An imbroglio may be brewing in Jos, plateau state as an association of Traders and Marketers, in collaboration IPMAN, NARTO, NURTW, and Tricycle Riders, have threatened to close businesses in Jos Metropolis today, Wednesday, April 3rd. The decision follows a series of unsuccessful negotiations with the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) concerning the hefty fines imposed on violators of the new parking and offloading regulations for trucks, lorries, trailers, and tankers. This was made known in a statement signed by Secretary-General, Plateau State Traders & Marketers Association. Expressing grievances over the absence of alternative parking and offloading facilities, the associations have mobilized for a unified protest. As a result, all businesses, markets, shops, filling stations, workshops, and other establishments within the metropolis are expected to shut down on the specified date. Leaders of various trade unions and associations have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the directive among their respective members. The closure serves as an initial demonstration against the enforcement of the contentious parking and offloading regulations.
Lagos Deputy Commissioner Of Police Found Dead In His Home
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Gbolahan Oyedemi, serving under the Lagos State Police Command, was discovered dead in his private residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. DCP Oyedemi, who previously served as the Aide de Camp (ADC) to former Oyo State Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala in 2006, was found hanging in his home on Monday, raising suspicions of suicide. The late officer, a native of Ogbomoso, had returned to the town for Easter celebrations from Lagos before the tragic incident occurred. Sources revealed that he had discharged his aides to enjoy the holiday with their families before the shocking discovery was made. Oyedemi, who had been residing with his mother before constructing a new home, was reportedly unmarried. Efforts to reach the spokespersons of the Lagos and Oyo State Police Commands for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
APC Chieftain Accuses El-rufai of Fueling Insecurity In Northern Nigeria
Yekini Nabena, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has leveled serious allegations against Nasir El-rufai, the ex-governor of Kaduna state, claiming he’s behind the escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Sun newspaper, Nabena pointed fingers directly at El-rufai, accusing him of exacerbating the security challenges plaguing the region. Nabena minced no words, stating, “He is among the people that caused problems for the APC and not only APC but also Nigeria. It is people like him that caused all the problems of insecurity we have in the northern part of the country.” He further hinted at El-rufai’s purported political ambitions, suggesting that the former governor’s discontent over not securing certain positions within the APC hierarchy might be a driving factor behind his actions. “I am waiting for the day he will leave the APC. I will remind him a lot of what he did in Kaduna, what he did in the country, what he did in the party and what he did during our party primaries,” Nabena stated firmly. As tensions rise within the party, Nabena vowed to pursue El-rufai should he formally resign from the APC, promising to expose his alleged misdeeds and confront him in the political arena. El-rufai has yet to respond to these damning accusations.
8 Arrested in Connection with Killing of Police Officers in Delta
The Nigeria Police Force has taken significant strides in the investigation into the tragic killings of six officers in Delta State. Confirming the arrest, Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the arrests were made following intensive investigative efforts. The officers were ambushed on February 23 and 26 in Ughelli, with six still missing. Adejobi announced that a total of eight suspects are currently in custody, with initial arrests leading to additional apprehensions. The suspects are aiding in the ongoing investigation. Expressing condolences to the families of the fallen officers, the police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice is served swiftly. Adejobi emphasized that those responsible for the heinous act will face the full force of the law. The statement read: “Following intensive investigative efforts, the police have apprehended eight (8) suspects in connection with the brutal ambush attack. Five (5) suspects were initially arrested shortly after the incident, and an additional three (3) suspects have been apprehended, at different locations, following the statements and cooperation of the initially arrested suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to eight (8). “The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. While the Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this reprehensible act, and many alike, are brought to justice swiftly and decisively. The Police assures that the suspects will soon have their day in court, with credible evidence, once investigations are concluded. “The Nigeria Police is deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against our officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time. “We wish to reiterate that killers of our officers in this extant case, and many others, have murdered peace, and none of them will go unpunished.”
Why there’s no banditry in Southwest, Ex-Minister, Shittu
Former Communications Minister under the former President Buhari’s administration, Adebayo Shittu, says the level of education in the southwest is the reason why the region has little or no record of banditry. Shittu, who disclosed this while featuring on Arise TV Morning Show, on Thursday, maintains that bandits are people rebelling due to lack of education. According to the former Minister, “Why there is no banditry in the southwest is because we chose to educate the children. “When you fail to educate people, over the years they will grow up to find out that the social inequality like some people enjoying light, some driving cars, and they are left out. This makes them start rebellion against the society. “What is happening in the Northwest and Northeast in particular is a rebellion against the neglect of the poor. “Now that we have the issue of banditry on our hands, we have over the years been spending billions of naira in kinetic approach and it’s because people left out of education and civilization that Westernization brings about are rebelling.” Shittu had advised the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to give bandits a promising future by negotiating with them, stressing that most of the bandits are able-bodied men who the Federal Government should retain. The former Minister also added that a non-kinetic approach in dealing with banditry would bring about a lot of results.
NLC Chairman Lands In Prison For Diverting Palliative Funds
Comrade Muktar Tarbutu, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Yobe State, has been remanded in prison following accusations of diverting palliatives intended for union members. Tarbutu faced arraignment before Magistrate II Damaturu on Wednesday, responding to allegations of misappropriating palliatives provided by the North East Development Commission (NEDC). According to Barrister Mohammad Mohammad Ngumurumi, Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Yobe, the NEDC had allocated various essential items, including rice, sugar, spaghetti, and textiles, for distribution among several unions, which Tarbutu allegedly failed to fulfill. “The North East Development Commission (NEDC) had distributed these items to the NLC, TUC, NUJ, and NBA for distribution among their members. However, the accused did not distribute the items allocated to the NUJ and NBA,” Ngumurumi stated. Tarbutu, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was remanded in custody until April 18, 2024, awaiting further legal proceedings, as ordered by Chief Magistrate II Damaturu, His Worship Hasiya Abubakar.
Bandits Should be given promising future – Adebayo Shittu
In what seems like a shocking appeal similar to that of Kaduna-based cleric, Ahmad Gumi, former Minister of Communication Adebayo Shittu, says bandits terrorising the country ought to be given promising future. The ex-minister also implores the Tinubu-led administration to negotiate with the bandits, stressing that they are able-bodied men who should be retained by the federal government. The former minister stated this while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, stating that a non-kinetic approach in dealing with banditry would bring about a lot of results. “If I am in position, it is not too late to use non-kinetic measures in negotiating with bandits, giving them a promising future. Let us retain them. Many of them are very intelligent, many of them are able-bodied,” Shittu said. The ex-minister said the millions of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria are a “production factory for banditry” in the country. This is coming when controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi had urged the federal government to negotiate with bandits. Recall that popular controversial Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi had warned President Tinubu against toeing the path of former President Muhammadu Buhari who refused to negotiate with bandits, while urging the president to hire him in negotiating with bandits.
Details Of Sheikh Gumi’s Meeting With FG Emerge
The details of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s meeting with security agencies over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country has emerged. Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Monday, revealed that Gumi had been invited over some of his remarks. The minister said Gumi was not above the law and would be interrogated if security agencies deemed his comments reckless. This comes after Gumi continued his advocacy for amnesty for bandits in a recent radio interview, saying that many took to banditry because of alleged neglect and marginalisation from the government. The cleric has been photographed with various bandit groups on numerous occasions, while some Nigerians have called on security agencies to arrest him over his alleged ties with terrorist groups. In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Gumi said he had a productive interaction with security agencies who invited him over his alleged connections with bandits. The cleric stated that his meeting with the security agents centred on how to curb banditry in the North West region of the country. Gumi said there was no cause for alarm and thanked well-wishers and journalists who called to check on him. He wrote: “Last night I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is absolutely no cause for alarm. “Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying — each in his own sphere — to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect. “We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace.”