Uzor Kalu’s Case Exposes Serious Deficiencies In Criminal Justice System

Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption has expressed dissatisfaction over recent developments surrounding the N6.7 billion fraud case involving former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Jones Udeogu. The right group held that the situation has exposed serious deficiencies in the criminal justice system of the nation. The Director General of the group, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, on a press statement released on April 19, informed that the utilization of technicalities and procedural loopholes to evade justice in the matter is deeply troubling and undermines the principles of accountability and fairness. The convener recall that the Supreme Court, had on the 8th of May, 2020, nullified the conviction by Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State, holding that the Constitution does not permit a judge elevated to a higher court to return to a lower court to conclude a part-heard case. Justice Ejembi Eko, who delivered the lead judgment of the panel led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour (retd.), also declared as unconstitutional the provision of Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which the then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (retd), relied on to authorized Justice Idris to return from the Court of Appeal to the High Court to conclude the trial. The decision by the Court of Appeal to dismiss the EFCC’s appeal based on insufficient records highlights how technicalities are being exploited to thwart the judicial process. Instead of addressing the substantive issues of fraud and corruption, the focus has shifted to procedural irregularities, allowing the accused to evade accountability and delay justice for the people of Abia State. The group insisted that Sen. Orji Uzor has been tried, found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, and convicted accordingly, consistent with the extant laws as provided by the Constitution of Nigeria. According to Nwambu, the interpretation of legal provisions, such as the constitutional limitations on judges returning to a lower court to conclude a part-heard case, has been used to create confusion and delay in the adjudication of this case. He said that the insistence on strict compliance with procedural requirements, to the detriment of addressing the actual allegations of financial misconduct and massive fraud, is a disservice to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. “It is unacceptable that technicalities are being prioritized over the merits of the matter, especially in a case as serious as an alleged N7.6 billion fraud. The manipulation of legal loopholes to avoid facing the substantive allegations undermines the integrity of our criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in the ability of our institutions to hold the powerful accountable.” Consequently, our coalition here by call on all stakeholders in the legal system to prioritize the fair and expeditious adjudication of cases involving financial crimes and corruption. The focus should be on addressing the substantive issues at hand and ensuring that justice is served without being derailed by technicalities and procedural obstacles. The coalition thanks President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his willingness and determination to combat the hydra- headed monster of corruption, which has held the Nigerian nation on her knees for several decades. The group informed that the pronouncement of the Attorney General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice on the current case of the former Governor of Kogi State has shown Mr president’s determination to ensure that every alleged corrupt Nigerian citizen irrespective of creed, religion or office held is made to face the law is a clear testament to this fact The group therefore informed that it is time to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those accused of financial misconduct are held accountable, regardless of the legal maneuvers they may employ to evade justice.

Mr Macaroni Calls For Release Of Detained #EndSARS Protesters

Nigerian skit maker and activist, Adebowale ‘Debo’ Adedayo popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, has made a passionate plea for the release of #EndSARS protesters who continue to be held in detention three years after the mass demonstrations that rocked Nigeria in October 2020.  These protests initially demanded an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, extortion, and abuse of power, particularly by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The October 2020 protests, marked by their peaceful beginnings, ultimately led to the federal government’s decision to disband SARS.  Tragically, the movement was cut short on October 20 when Nigerian Army officers opened fire on protesters, resulting in numerous casualties. On the third anniversary of the Lekki shooting incident, Mr. Macaroni led a peace walk in Lagos to honour those who lost their lives that fateful day.  During this solemn occasion, he called for the immediate and unconditional release of all #EndSARS protesters who remain incarcerated. Mr. Macaroni emphasized the importance of preventing any pretext for violence and urged authorities to address the prolonged detention of activists, stating that some have been in prison since 2020 despite legal efforts to secure their release. “I want to use this opportunity to call for the unconditional release of all those [protesters] that are still in Lagos prisons. There are still some protesters who have been in prison since 2020. Lawyers have been on the cases, different shouts every day but till now, they are still there. “We are using this walk to once again call on all those concerned to grant the unconditional release of all protesters that are still in prison,” he said.

Many ENDSARS Protesters Still Languishing In Lagos Prisons –Amnesty Int’l

Amnesty International has reported that a total of fifteen protesters, arrested in 2020 during the #EndSARS protests, are still being arbitrarily detained three years after the movement that shook Nigeria. The majority of these detainees are held in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre and Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos, without trial. According to human rights group, charges filed against the protesters include theft, arson, possession of unlawful firearms, and murder, some of whom have alleged torture. Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, expressed concern, stating, “Our investigation shows the Nigerian authorities’ utter disdain for human rights. Three years in detention without trial is a travesty of justice. The protesters must be immediately and unconditionally released.” The report also highlighted the ongoing issue of police brutality in Nigeria despite claims of comprehensive police reforms following the #EndSARS protests. “The police continue to commit violations of human rights, including extrajudicial killings, harassment, arbitrary detention, and extortion with almost absolute impunity,” he said, adding that Amnesty International documented the unlawful killing of at least six people by law enforcement officers in the past year. Amnesty International further called on Nigerian authorities to take concrete and effective measures to end police impunity, including giving clear directives to the police not to violate human rights. It also urged genuine reforms to address widespread human rights violations by the police. The #EndSARS protests in Nigeria began on October 8, 2020, in response to the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and police brutality. The protests led to casualties, including peaceful protesters and individuals hired to confront the protesters. Despite claims, police reforms, and ongoing investigations, concerns about human rights abuses and justice persist.

FG Expresses Readiness To Increase Supreme Court Justices

Following the increasing workload as a result of the depleting number of Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has said the Federal Government is prepared and ready to strengthen the Apex Court to attain the required number of Justices as required by the Constitution. Speaking at the special court session of Justice Amina Adamu Augie’s retirement, Fagbemi said, the Federal Government acknowledges the sacrifices and the working conditions of the current Justices of the Supreme Court and other Judges in Nigeria.  The AGF said, “President Bola Tinubu’s led government shall guarantee excellent conditions of service and renumerations good enough to appreciate the onerous duties of judicial officers at all level. According to the AGF, “While we appreciate the urgency in reviewing the remuneration of judicial officers which had not been done for over a decade as an integral component of our judicial reforms, we are also appreciative of the greater goal of achieving a true independence for the judiciary which can only be achieved through a comprehensive and sustainable reform process which requires attention and details”. He said the federal government has commenced a painstaking effort at revisiting and reviewing all necessary instruments towards strengthening the judiciary, rule of law and improving the living conditions of all judicial officers. While noting that Nigeria’s judiciary has lived up to expectations, Fagbemi said the federal government will support critical reforms that would enhance greater access to Justice, facilitate speedy trials and build confidence in the country’s judicial and legal systems. The AGF described Justice Amina Augie as an embodiment of a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who made several far-reaching legal and judicial pronouncements, which have continued to generate reviews from legal commentators. Earlier in his speech, the CJN said, Justice Amina Adamu Augie, “has, largely, made herself a pliable legal personality that has diligently sunk a pool of enduring legal knowledge and experience in all her judicial pronouncements. She has been a formidable ally, an admirable pillar of support and indeed, a jolly good fellow to all of us. “His Lordship is a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety. Her judgments are not only incisive but equally analytical and rich in content and context. Her robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are fascinating and captivating, too. Her impeccable attention to details in every matter that came before her is alluring and salutary as well.” The CJN said Justice Amina Augie has variously exhibited rare qualities and tenacity of strength and character to the admiration of her colleagues and admirers, especially when it comes to the administration of justice. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in his speech said, there is no Supreme Court in the world that is over-worked like the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Even at that, the NBA boss said Justices of the court still carry out their judicial duties deligently, he commended the sacrifices of the Supreme Court Justices. While urging the Justices of the Supreme Court to continue in dispensing justice without fear or favour, Maikyau said the NBA is championing the fight for the upward review of the salaries, allowances and improved working conditions of judicial workers in the country.