Breaking News
Nnamdi Kanu To Appear In Court On Feb 26th Over Terrorism Charges
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Federal Government of Nigeria is to resume the trial of the self appointed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges on Monday, February 26.
The decision of the government to resume trial followed the December 15, 2023, judgment of the Supreme Court which gave go ahead for continuation of trial of Kanu in the remaining seven count charges against him.
A notice for resumption of the trial, indicated that it would proceed before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The notice indicated that Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) have been put on notice.
The Director General of the Department of the State Services (DSS) has also been contacted to make the IPOB leader available in court on the date.
Kanu has been in the custody of the DSS since June 19, 2021, when he was arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria by the federal government through its security agency.
Although he was initially slammed with 15-count terrorism charges, Justice Binta Nyako in the course of trial did not find merit in 8 of the charges and subsequently dismissed them.
In a ruling in April 2022, the Judge upheld only seven count charges against Kanu and ordered him to open his defense on the alleged offense.
Temporary respite however came the way of the detained IPOB leader when the Court of Appeal in Abuja, in October 2022, quashed the entire terrorism charges against him and ordered his immediate release from DSS custody.
The decision of the Court of Appeal was predicated on the unlawful rendition of Kanu by the Nigerian government from Kenya instead of extradition and held that his trial was unlawful along with the charges against him.
However, on October 28, 2022, the Court of Appeal granted a stay of execution of its order discharging Kanu following an appeal filed by the federal government at the Supreme Court.
On its part, the Supreme Court in a judgment on December 15, 2023, upturned the judgment of the lower court in favour of the government.
The Apex Court in the lead unanimous judgment by Justice Garba Lawal, but read by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, ordered that the trial of Kanu in the seven count charges be continued.
Justice Lawal held that although the Nigerian government recklessly, irresponsibly and unlawfully rendered Kanu from Kenya, such an unlawful act had not divested any court power to proceed with his trial.
The apex count said that no Nigerian law supported quashing of the charges and releasing Kanu owing to his mere unlawful abduction from Kenya and held that the remedy for such an action is for Kanu to file a civil matter against the government.
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries, through his legal representative, has formally submitted a corruption petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
This was disclosed in a statement made available to our correspondent by the Dangote Group media team on Friday.
Recall that Dangote had earlier petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate Ahmed for allegedly spending $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. He withdrew the petition a few days ago, even as the ICPC vowed to continue with its investigation.
The statement on Friday said Dangote’s petition to the EFCC followed “The withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”
In the petition, signed by Lead Counsel Dr O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed, and to prosecute him if found culpable.
The petition further stated that Dangote would provide evidence to substantiate claims of financial misconduct and impunity.
“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624) 337,” the petition read.
Onoja further urged the commission, under the leadership of Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, “To investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”
The Rivers State House of Assembly formally recommenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
This marks the second time within ten months that the state legislature has initiated such a move.
At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.
The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days.
During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct leveled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
Breaking News
Supreme Court: President Has Power To Declare Emergency Rule, Remove Elected Officials
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the President holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state where circumstances threaten public safety or governance.
According to the ruling, this authority may be exercised to prevent a serious breakdown of law and order or to stop conditions from deteriorating into chaos or anarchy.
The court emphasized that such powers are intended to safeguard national stability and ensure the continued functioning of democratic institutions when extraordinary situations arise.
It noted that emergency measures are justified only in exceptional cases where normal governance mechanisms are unable to effectively address escalating crises.
More details later…
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