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Nigerian Man To Get N20m After 16 Years In Prison Without Trial

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The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has awarded N20 million in damages to a Nigerian man, Mr. Moses Abiodun, after being held in detention for 16 years without trial.

The court on Thursday also ordered the Nigerian Government to release Mr Abiodun.

Abiodun sued the Federal Government of Nigeria before the ECOWAS Court for alleged violations of his rights to liberty, freedom of movement, and a fair trial.

The applicant, through his counsel, Chigozie Uzodinma, said Abiodun was arrested in November 2008 by officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and detained for several months.

He said on March 23, 2009, he was remanded by a magistrate court in Lagos on provisional charges of conspiracy and armed robbery, and since then, he has neither been formally charged nor taken to trial.

The applicant alleged violations of his rights to liberty, freedom of movement, fair trial, and protection from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.

The respondent denied knowledge of the SARS unit and questioned the authenticity of the remand warrant provided by the applicant.

But the court admitted a certified true copy of the remand order submitted by Mr. Abiodun and dismissed the claims of forgery.

The ECOWAS court affirmed its jurisdiction based on Article 9(4) of its Rules, recognised the applicant’s victim status, and ruled that the case was not statute-barred.

The court further cited that the time limitations do not apply in cases of human rights violations.

On the merits, the court found Nigeria liable on all four counts: Violation of the right to liberty, Violation of the right to freedom of movement, Violation of the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time, Violation of the right to freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

The court held that 16 years of detention without trial was unjustifiable, inhumane, and a clear breach of International Human Rights obligations.

The court therefore dismissed the respondent’s claim, affirmed the applicant’s case, and awarded N20 million in compensation to Abiodun.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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