Kanu Requests New Judge, Opposes Resumption of Trial

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, remains firm in his objection to the resumption of his trial, citing a lack of trust in Justice Binta Nyako.  He insisted that the judge should step aside, despite the Federal Government’s push for proceedings to continue under her oversight. The case has faced multiple twists since Kanu’s re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. Initially handled by Justice Nyako since 2015, the trial saw her step down in September 2024 after Kanu challenged her impartiality.  However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court reassigned the case back to her, stating her long-standing familiarity with it.  Kanu’s legal team contends that Justice Nyako’s decision to recuse herself still stands, making the Federal Government’s push for trial resumption improper.  Meanwhile, government lawyers argue that her recusal was not formalized by the required legal process and demand a trial date.   READ ALSO: Tinubu Visits Enugu for Project Commissioning Today The prolonged legal battle, involving allegations of treason and terrorism, has kept Kanu in custody under the Department of State Services, with repeated bail applications denied.  The dispute over the judge’s role further delays proceedings, leaving the case in a state of uncertainty.

Gunmen Strike in Anambra, Seven Killed  

What a year of momentous tragedy. As the curtain falls on 2024, one of the horrific years of the new millennium, a bunch of daredevil gunmen are still drawing blood, killing and maiming in parts of the South East. In Ihiala, Anambra, gunmen launched an early-morning attack, leaving seven dead, including two bystanders.  The incident occurred at a location preparing for a burial ceremony, creating panic in the area.  Attackers also targeted a security post near the local government headquarters during their escape.   One victim was rescued and is receiving medical care.  The police commissioner has ordered a manhunt for those responsible.  This tragedy is the latest in a series of violent attacks in the state, including recent killings of a lawmaker and a priest.

Gunmen Attack Military Checkpoint In Ebonyi

OLukayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the attack by gunmen on a military checkpoint along the Amangwu axis of the Amasiri-Owutu Road in Edda local government area of Ebonyi State.

Bandits Invade Kaduna Primary School, Kidnap Scores Of Students

Chaos ensued in Kuriga town, Kaduna State, unknown gunmen stormed LEA Primary School, Kuriga (1) on Thursday, kidnapping numerous students. Although the exact number of abducted individuals remains unverified, local residents estimated it to be around 100. The victims reportedly included the head teacher of the school and some other staff members. The incident occurred at 8:20 am immediately after the morning assembly, leaving the school community in shock and distress. It was revealed that most pupils managed to flee from their classes upon sighting the armed bandits on the school premises. The LEA Primary School, Kuriga (1), relocated its junior and secondary sections to the town’s inner building a few years ago due to security concerns, abandoning the former school building outside the city. A resident named Shitu confirmed the abduction, saying that many pupils fled their classes upon realizing the presence of bandits. Another resident, Lawal Kuriga, mentioned that the kidnapped victims were forcefully taken into the nearby forest. As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the state government.

Park Ownership Dispute: Unknown gunmen trigger pandemonium in Anambra

Armed robbers kill soldier in Benin heist

An unsettling situation unfolded on Wednesday in Nkpor, situated within the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The cause of the upheaval was the contentious matter of park ownership, which escalated to the point of armed masked individuals purportedly assuming control of the parks. In the midst of this dispute, chaos ensued, leading to the reported injury of at least five individuals due to the commotion caused by gunshots fired by the armed intruders. Emmanuel Idemili, the Chairman of the Amafor Nkpor community, addressed the media regarding the unfolding situation. According to him, his team was duly authorized by the state government to manage and generate revenue from the parks. He revealed that he was away on official business in Awka when he received a distressing call from his staff at the parks. They reported that a group of masked and armed individuals had forcefully entered the scene under the fly-over bridge, immediately resorting to gunfire and driving his team away. Idemili expressed his concern for the wellbeing of his staff, mentioning that he was uncertain whether any of his members were among the injured. The intensity of the shooting triggered a stampede, causing traders at the Nkpor New Auto Spare Parks and Nkpor Relief Markets to hastily close their shops and seek safety. In an attempt to verify the unfolding events, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, was contacted. However, he stated that he had no knowledge of the incident, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty. This alarming incident in Nkpor, Anambra, underscores the potentially volatile nature of disputes over public spaces and their management. The clash over park ownership not only led to injuries but also disrupted the local commercial activities, highlighting the need for swift and effective resolution to maintain order and safety in the community.