• 
• All News
• October 2, 2024
• 22 views

10 die in Lagos auto crash

At least 10 people, including three children and seven adults, lost their lives in an accident at the Abule Osun area of the Lagos-Badagary Expressway, Lagos State, on Tuesday night. Three other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident that occurred around 11 pm. According to a Wednesday statement by the Permanent Secretary
Read More

At least 10 people, including three children and seven adults, lost their lives in an accident at the Abule Osun area of the Lagos-Badagary Expressway, Lagos State, on Tuesday night. Three other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident that occurred around 11 pm. According to a Wednesday statement by the Permanent Secretary

Read More

• 
• All News
• October 2, 2024
• 22 views

Biafra: Lawyers chart course as Kanu’s trial lingers

As the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, continues to linger, judges’ withdrawal from his case is raising concerns. The Nigerian Government has been prosecuting Kanu since 2015. He is standing trial for several charges ranging from treasonable felony to terrorism. In 2017, Justice Binta Nyako of an Abuja
Biafra: Lawyers chart course as Kanu’s trial lingers

As the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, continues to linger, judges’ withdrawal from his case is raising concerns.

The Nigerian Government has been prosecuting Kanu since 2015.

He is standing trial for several charges ranging from treasonable felony to terrorism.

In 2017, Justice Binta Nyako of an Abuja Federal High Court granted him bail in the sum of N100 million, but the IPOB leader absconded from Nigeria after the military allegedly invaded his residence in Afaraukwu, Abia State.

Kanu was, however, rearrested in July 2021 in Kenya and subjected to extraordinary rendition back to Nigeria where he was re-arraigned on charges bordering on terrorism.

In October 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted Kanu of all the 15 count charges, describing them as illegal and unlawful.

The Court held that the Federal Government breached all local and international laws by subjecting the Biafra agitator to extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria, a situation that makes the terrorism charges against him incompetent and unlawful.

However, the Supreme Court ruled that Kanu should return to the High Court and face trial afresh.

Three judges have recused themselves from Kanu’s trial

DAILY POST reports that a total of three judges have stepped down from handling Kanu’s trial since its inception in 2015.

In December 2015, Justice Ahmed Mohammed stepped down from Kanu’s trial after the IPOB leader said he had no confidence in him.

In September 2016, Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja pulled out of Kanu’s case.

In a petition his then lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor sent to the National Judiciary Council, NJC, Kanu accused Justice Tsoho of “judicial rascality” and called for the council to investigate the judge for giving parallel judgments on the same issue.

Following the petition, Justice Tsoho who stepped down from the case said: “Even if I am cleared of any bias by the NJC, I will not continue with this case.”

In September 2024, Justice Binta Nyako of Abuja Federal High Court also recused herself from Kanu’s case following his declaration of lack of confidence in her.

Despite arguments from the Federal Government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, Justice Nyako had said: “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.”

But, Kanu’s lead Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, said the decision of judges to recuse themselves from Kanu’s trial was evidence that the judiciary was having a hard time.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Ejimakor said: “Three judges have been withdrawn from Kanu’s trial since its inception in 2015. This is affirmative evidence that the judiciary is having a hard time or a conflict with coming to a verdict that Kanu committed any real offense.

“Another incident that demonstrates the conflict within the judiciary is the acquittal by the Court of Appeal that was reversed by the Supreme Court on reasons that do not comport with good law.

“Yet another point of judicial conflict in the case is the inexplicable refusal of Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako of the Federal High Court to abide by the finding of the Supreme Court that Kanu did not jump bail.

“These anomalies have posed complexities that are not supposed to be allowed in a society governed by rule of law and fundamental fairness.”

Breaking the Jinx of judges stepping down

Ejimakor said the IPOB leader must be treated in accordance with the constitution.

He added that if the Supreme Court restored Kanu’s bail, judges wouldn’t need to step down.

“To break what you called a jinx of judges recusing themselves, all that is required is for Kanu to be treated in accordance with the law and the Constitution.

“For instance, he is not supposed to be detained at the DSS where his preparations for trial are hampered by the monitoring of his conversations with his lawyers and interdiction of his confidential legal documents.

“Sometimes, the DSS even blocks his lawyers from meeting with him. He is supposed to be detained in prison or a correctional facility that does not engage in such unconstitutional acts.

“Another fair way is for his bail to be restored as the Supreme Court held. This is even better because a Court or Judge that refuses to follow the Supreme Court and restore Kanu’s bail is unlikely to give him a fair trial.

“One might also add that it is up to the government of the day to discontinue a trial that has become an albatross and a blight that makes this administration look like the infamous one it succeeded,” he added.

On his part, activist lawyer, Madubuachi Idam suggested that with a fair trial, judges won’t need to recuse themselves from Kanu’s trial.

Idam told DAILY POST: “The only thing here is a fair trial, where the trial is seen to be fair and not just fair, where the trial is just and speedy, where there are no needless delays on the part of the state.

“You can see that the state has made a series of applications for amendment of charges, those amendments led the matter to be protracted.

“The delay was not occasioned by Nnamdi Kanu or his team but by the state. When you have that delay, many things would have lasted; the period the case lasted in Justice Nyako’s Court, it could have been concluded without needing to get to this point.

“The case has lasted in that court for many years, whereas, the case could have been concluded within a few months.

“The state is not interested in giving Kanu a fair trial but only interested in getting him through a horrendous experience.

“Two or three months is enough to conclude the trial.

“The continued prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has not solved any problem or security issues in Nigeria.

“The state has a right to enter a law called Nolle prosequi – a constitutional right given to the Attorney General to decide to discontinue a case instituted by the Federal government.

“Anybody undergoing criminal prosecution is undergoing that at the instance of the state.

“The Attorney General can decide to prosecute two out of 10 people for a crime and nobody will question him for not prosecuting the others. He can decide to withdraw the same case along the way.

“It’s a sane and honourable thing for the judge to recuse herself from a case if the judge entertains an application requiring her to recuse herself, especially when such an application is meritorious.”

Political solution in Kanu’s case

Ejimakor also noted that Kanu’s case is still open to both political and judicial solutions.

“The two paths you mentioned (political solution and the judiciary) are not foreclosed. They are still open and ongoing.

“Presently, the legal team is working quietly to ensure that Kanu’s case is treated in accordance with the Constitution, equity and good conscience,” he added.

Similarly, Idam said President Bola Tinubu might be considering toeing the path of a political solution.

He suggested that the president might be consulting with relevant stakeholders on the need to consider a political solution in Kanu’s case.

“I don’t want to believe that a political solution has failed because there is no limit to exploring a political solution.

“I have not seen Tinubu make a concrete statement in respect of Nnamdi Kanu since his assumption of office unlike what we had during Buhari.

“At least, we know that Buhari said let the law take its course, so we knew that he was not willing to throw his weight to see that Kanu gets a soft landing.

“But, in the case of the present government, we haven’t seen him come out to make a bold statement with respect to Kanu, so nobody should say that a political solution is no longer feasible.

“I still believe that he’s considering or making consultations to give Kanu that political solution, which is necessary under this circumstance.

“He should take advantage of his power and enter a Nolle for his case. There is no need to continue pursuing this matter. The matter is heating the polity more,” he advised.

Biafra: Lawyers chart course as Kanu’s trial lingers

• 
• All News
• October 2, 2024
• 21 views

Independence: Benue Gov, Alia pardons 6 inmates

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday, visited the Maximum Correctional Centre, Makurdi, and granted pardon to six inmates serving at the facility. The governor said that all the pardoned inmates were recommended by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy headed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Fidelis
Independence: Benue Gov, Alia pardons 6 inmates

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday, visited the Maximum Correctional Centre, Makurdi, and granted pardon to six inmates serving at the facility.

The governor said that all the pardoned inmates were recommended by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy headed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Fidelis Mnyim.

Represented by Mnyim, the governor said that the released inmates would be empowered with various skills to be self-reliant.

According to the governor, he was empowered by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to do so.

Alia explained that through the council, inmates who have shown genuine change and remorse by exhibiting good character worthy to cohabit with other members of society may be pardoned.

“This action has no political influence attached to it but is based on the recommendation and testimonies of people cutting across the clergy and good-spirited individuals who interacted with the inmates personally,” he said.

The Benue Comptroller, Nigeria Correctional Services, Mary Oche, appreciated the governor for using his good office to free six inmates from the correctional centre.

Oche charged the freed inmates to shun crime and embrace new life.

Among the six freed inmates is Umar Dansabe, who was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging 14 years ago for armed robbery.

Dansabe, who spoke with newsmen, thanked the governor for granting them pardon and promised to be of good conduct going forward.

Independence: Benue Gov, Alia pardons 6 inmates

• 
• All News
• October 2, 2024
• 20 views

Nigeria@64: Alleviate economic hardship, cleric urges Tinubu

Canadian-based Nigerian Priest, Reverend Patrick Ampani, has urged President Bola Tinubu to do more to alleviate the hardship Nigerians are experiencing. Ampani, made the call on Tuesday while reacting to President Tinubu’s 64th Independence Anniversary speech. “I am personally grateful that you are aware of what the common citizens are experiencing under your watch. “I
Read More

Canadian-based Nigerian Priest, Reverend Patrick Ampani, has urged President Bola Tinubu to do more to alleviate the hardship Nigerians are experiencing. Ampani, made the call on Tuesday while reacting to President Tinubu’s 64th Independence Anniversary speech. “I am personally grateful that you are aware of what the common citizens are experiencing under your watch. “I

Read More

• 
• All News
• October 2, 2024
• 21 views

War: You’ve made ‘big mistake’ – Israel Prime minister, Netanyahu reacts to Iran missile attack

Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has told the Islamic Republic of Iran that it would regret launching missiles on Israeli territory. The Prime minister spoke out on the missile attack on Israel by Iran a little earlier on Tuesday. “Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it. Whoever attacks us, we attack
War: You’ve made ‘big mistake’ – Israel Prime minister, Netanyahu reacts to Iran missile attack

Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has told the Islamic Republic of Iran that it would regret launching missiles on Israeli territory.

The Prime minister spoke out on the missile attack on Israel by Iran a little earlier on Tuesday.

“Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it. Whoever attacks us, we attack them,” he said, as he gathered his security cabinet for a meeting late Tuesday.

The Israeli military says it has received no reports of injuries from the Iranian missile attack.

The military’s spokesperson, Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, said the country’s air defenses intercepted many of the incoming missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel.

“This strike will have consequences,” he said.

He urged the public to continue to listen to public-safety guidelines from the army.

War: You’ve made ‘big mistake’ – Israel Prime minister, Netanyahu reacts to Iran missile attack

• 
• All News
• October 2, 2024
• 18 views

NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms from Wednesday across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted thunderstorms from Thursday to Saturday across the country. NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna States during Wednesday’s morning hours. According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Taraba, Yobe,
NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms from Wednesday across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted thunderstorms from Thursday to Saturday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna States during Wednesday’s morning hours.

According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, Borno and Kebbi states later in the day.

In the North central region, it said thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Benue States during the morning hours.

Then, later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa States.

In the southern region, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Ebonyi, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning hours.

According to the agency, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Edo, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Cross River later in the day.

The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Kebbi States in the Thursday morning hours.

It anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Sokoto and Zamfara states later in the day.

In the North central region, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and Nasarawa states during the morning hours.

While in the afternoon into evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Benue and Nasarawa states.

NiMet said in the southern region, thunderstorms are expected over part of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.

NiMet envisaged thunderstorms over the entire region later in the day.

According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States in the Friday morning hours.

It forecast patches of clouds with intervals of sunshine over the northern region later in the day.

In the North central region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory during the morning hours.

Then later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory.

It added that in the southern region, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Rivers during the morning hours.

The agency said there is a high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.

It advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas as strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

It charged Airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms from Wednesday across Nigeria

• 
• All News
• October 2, 2024
• 22 views

APC fumes as PDP accuses Tinubu of making false claims

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Tuesday, berated President Bola Tinubu for allegedly making false claims of achievements in his 64th Independence Day speech. The opposition party claimed that Tinubu’s speech exposed the ruling All Progressives Congress’ insensitivity to the struggles of Nigerians. But in a reaction, the APC described the PDP as a frustrated party
Read More

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Tuesday, berated President Bola Tinubu for allegedly making false claims of achievements in his 64th Independence Day speech. The opposition party claimed that Tinubu’s speech exposed the ruling All Progressives Congress’ insensitivity to the struggles of Nigerians. But in a reaction, the APC described the PDP as a frustrated party

Read More