Category: Breaking News

The Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, sitting in Abuja, has dismissed the application seeking for a live telecast of the proceedings on petitions challenging the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

The two contenders, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)and Peter Obi of the Labour Party(LP) had in  separate applications asked the court for a live broadcast of the proceeding.

However, the Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five member panel in a joint ruling dismissed the application for lacking in merit, adding that no regulatory framework or policy direction permitted it to grant such application.

Dismissing the motion, the court held that allowing cameras in the court room is a major judicial policy that must be supported by the law.

Further in the ruling, the PEPC held that the application, abinitio, was not part of any relief in the petitions before it.

According to the panel, the petitioners failed to establish how live broadcast of the proceedings would advance their case, as well as add value to the determination of the petitions.

“The application was merely hinged on sentimental claim that it would benefit the electorates. 

“The court can only be guided and act in accordance with the practice directions and procedures approved by the President of the Court of Appeal.

“We cannot permit a situation that may lead to dramatization of our proceedings,” Justice Tsammani held.

Premier League defending champions, Manchester City on Sunday lifted their third league title in a row to make it six in total after defeating struggling Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Coach Pep Guardiola had rested nine of his regular players, including this season’s league top scorer, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bryune in a game City had nothing to lose following Arsenal’s slip on Saturday at Nottingham Forest.

Despite playing the game with the second team, Guardiola’s men dominated the game and soon Julian Alvarez who stood in for Haaland provided the cutting edge in his absence with a clinical finish to put City ahead after 12 minutes, as their jubilant fans basked in warm sunshine waiting for the trophy presentations and celebrations.

Chelsea had some of the better chances as the game went on, with City’s deputy keeper Stefan Ortega saving from Raheem Sterling when clean through and Conor Gallagher heading against the post.

Kalvin Phillips headed against the woodwork for City as they closed out another win in the relentless run that has brought them the title and the chance of a Treble, with the FA Cup final at Wembley and Champions League final in Istanbul to come.

The hosts played with the pressure off after the title was secured and manager Guardiola was able to give members of his shadow squad game time on an occasion where most fans were simply waiting for the final whistle to hail their heroes.

Guardiola’s selection gave an illustration of the vast resources of talent he has at his disposal with simply a glance at City’s substitutes’ bench.

Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and goalkeeper Ederson were able to sit the game.

With a treble now on the cards, Manchester City will now turn their attention to Wembley for the FA Cup final and Istanbul for the UEFA Champions League final.

Holders Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions for the third successive season after title rivals Arsenal put up a poor performance to lose at Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Saturday evening.

The Gunners, top for the majority of the campaign, are four points behind City now with only one game left to play after being beaten 1-0 on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won the title in five of the past six campaigns.

They also have a chance to claim the Treble, with the FA Cup and Champions League finals to come next month.

Only Manchester United, in 1998/99 have previously achieved that feat – and it is their derby rivals whom City will meet at Wembley on 3 June, before facing Inter Milan a week later in Istanbul, where they will seek their first Champions League triumph.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Subomi Balogun, has died at the age of 89.

He reportedly died in London on Friday.

Confirming his death on Twitter via his verified account @abiodunMFR, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun said Balogun was a visionary leader and dear father who would be sorely missed.

“It is with a heavy heart and sadness that we receive the news of the passing of our dear father, Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun, the Asiwaju Omooba of Ijeband and founder, First City Monument Bank – @MyFCMB

“He will be remembered as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of our society and his unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and remarkable contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.

“May the memories of Otunba Balogun Subomi serve as a guiding light and source of inspiration as we carry forward  his legacy of service and dedication.

“We hereby express our heartfelt condolences to his family and pray God grants them the strength to bear this sad loss. May God rest his soul,” he twitted.

Until his death, he was Otunba Tunwase of Ijebuland before his death.

As a ranking Ijebu Chief, his death will, however, only be officially announced in line with tradition.

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, presided over by Justice M N Yunusa has nullified the candidature of the Abia State Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti and all the candidates of the Labour Party in Abia and Kano States.

The court ruled that their emergence was not in compliance with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.

A copy of the judgement delivered by the court was made available to newsmen on Friday.

The Court in Suit No FHC/KN/CS/107/2023 filed by Mr Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim against the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ruled that the failure of the Labour Party to submit its membership register to the INEC within 30 days before their primaries renders the process invalid.

“The party that has not complied with the provisions of the electoral act cannot be said to have a candidate in an election and cannot be declared winner of an election; this being so, the votes credited to the 1st defendant is a wasted vote,” the Judge ruled.

Late Nollywood star, Saint Obi’s family have finally broken their silence concerning revelations made by actor/producer Zik Zulu Okafor about their son’s death.

In a statement signed by two elder sisters of the actor on behalf of the family, they stated that part of the story was fabricated and meant to portray his estranged wife in a defamatory manner.

According to them, the “publication by one Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor concerning the death of our son, Mr. Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, and the accompanying negative commentary in social and other media portraying his widow in an unfair and most defamatory manner.

“This is in no way, shape or form an accurate portrayal of the Lynda that we know and relate with,” the family said.

They said further that what Zik Zulu wrote was a figment of his imagination as it does not represent their late brother’s wife that they know and relate with, adding that they should be allowed to mourn their loss in peace whilst they prepare for his burial.

See the full statement below:

“PRESS STATEMENT RE: DEMISE OF SAINT OBI (MR. OBINNA NWAFOR)

“Our attention has been drawn to the publication by one Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor concerning the death of our son, Mr. Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, and the accompanying negative commentary in social and other media portraying his widow in an unfair and most defamatory manner. This is in no way, shape or form an accurate portrayal of the Lynda that we know and relate with.

“The Nwafor family also views the said article by Mr. Okafor as sad and most unfortunate. It was neither written in consultation with any member of the family nor authored with our consent or authority. We totally disassociate ourselves from it.

“The views and allegations contained therein are entirely the opinion of the writer. They are false, malicious and insensitive to the wife, children and entire family he left behind.

“This is a mourning period for the family, and while we appreciate the condolences of friends, fans, and well-wishers, we ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.

“The funeral rites will be communicated to the public in due course. May the soul of our dearly beloved brother, son, father and husband, rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

The statement was signed by Ugoeze Edith Chinyere Obichuku, Mrs. Freda Nwachukwu, Eldest Sister (Texas, U.S.A), Elder Sister (Jos, Nigeria)

For: The Nwafor Family of Umuezealaeze, Alaenyi, Ogwa, Mbatoli L.G.A, Imo State.

*Say the Court is not a theatre, crusade, or Big Brother Naija

The Presidential Election Petition Court sitting in Abuja has reserved ruling on the request of PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Abubakar Atiku for live telecast of his petition challenging the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner.

The court reserved the ruling on the matter to a later date which is to be communicated to the parties after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) all kicked against the application.

Arguing his brief, counsel to the applicant, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), posited that “the matter is of national importance and public interest, involving citizens and voters in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who voted and participated in the said election; including the International Community who have regards to the workings of Nigeria’s Electoral Process”. 

Therefore, Uche relied on and adopted his written addresses and replies to point of law as his arguments and prayed to the court for an order allowing the live coverage of the proceeding given its monumental national importance, as well as an order directing the modality for its implementation.

“The nation is interested in the matter and we have nothing to suppress. We urge you to consider the issues raised.

“The fact that it has not been done before does not mean it cannot be done now. Recall the Oputa Panel was broadcasted live and the nation benefited from it.

“If the results of the election were not transmitted live, at least let the proceeding be transmitted live,” he said.

In their arguments, the Respondents, in their separate objections, insisted that the solemn nature of the court would be put in jeopardy if granted.

Tinubu, in his vehement objections raised by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said that Atiku’s request was not only surprising but dangerous as it was capable of prejudicing the Court itself.

Olanipekun prayed to discountenance Atiku’s move to turn the Court into a football stadium, a crusade ground a theatre, or a film ground where all manner of telecast could be permitted.

He further asked the Court not to grant an order that it cannot be enforced or supervised, adding that the present moment is not the best time for such a request to be granted.

Olanipekun warned that the request if granted could expose judicial officers to avoidable dangers and demanded that heavy costs be imposed on Atiku for making the request.

“We urge you to dispose of the application with a cost. It is very intriguing and surprising that the motion was brought here. 

“The court is not a theatre, stadium or crusade ground. We are here for serious business.

“We pray my lords not to make an order he cannot enforce and supervise.”

On his part, Counsel to the APC, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, faulted the request, adding that the facility and policy documents are not there for the application to be granted.

He said that Atiku failed to disclose injuries he would suffer if the request was not granted, adding that at the moment, nobody, including Atiku had not complained of inadequate coverage of the proceedings so far.

Fagbemi insisted that Atiku did not deserve to be granted the request, adding that the court proceeding is not Big Brother Naija. 

“The application is annoying. This is the fifth time we are conducting presidential elections.

“There is no allegation that there is no adequate coverage of the proceeding as required by law. 

“There is a difference between a trial for the public and a trial in public. I adopted trial for public. It will be like opening a floodgate if my lords grant the request. This is not the Big Brother Naija that requires live coverage,” the APC lawyer submitted.

Similarly, counsel to the INEC, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud SAN said that Courtroom is for serious business and not a marketplace where anything goes, adding that the request for live coverage is unnecessary and uncalled for and should not be granted.

Asking the court to dismiss the application, he described it as unnecessary, uncalled for and a move to defect the essence of the administration of justice.

“The courtroom is for serious business and not a theatrics space.

“We are very committed and serious and committed and do not want to be subjected to more pressure with cameras in our faces,” Mahmoud submitted.

In the meantime, Justice Haruna Tsammani has reserved a ruling on whether to grant Atiku’s request or not.

There seems to be more legal fireworks brewing as factions of the Labour Party (LP) were at each other’s jugular this morning at the Presidential Election Petition Court, engaging in war of words over which faction is the authentic one.

The Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the LP was questioning why members of the party loyal to the Julius Abure are in court for the suit against Tinubu

They insisted that the ruling of a High Court of the FCT, suspending the Abure-led faction remains in force as consequently, they have no business being in Court this Wednesday morning.

The court rose on the last adjourned date for continuation of pre-hearing of the Peter Obi’s petition, however, with this melo-drama, and the mood in court already, there seem to be more fireworks brewing.

Journalists covering the ongoing trial of the suspended DCP Abba Kyari and others were, on Tuesday, restrained from coming into Court 10 of the Federal High Court, Abuja, venue of the proceeding.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order following an application to the effect by Mr. Sunday Joseph, counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Joseph, a director of the Legal and Prosecution Department of the NDLEA, had applied for the protection of the next witness listed to give evidence in the trial.

The lawyer prayed the court that other lawyers, litigants, and visitors, including journalists, who were in the court should not be allowed to be in the courtroom while the hearing lasted.

Justice Nwite then stood down the matter to allow non-parties in the anti-narcotic suit against the suspended police officers to move out.

However, when the judge came in for the matter, a lawyer, Emmanuel Oluwabiyi, whose case was number 11 on the cause list, told Nwite that he was in the court for another matter.

Oluwabiyi said he observed that before the judge rose, counsel for the NDLEA made an application.

“I understand that it was directed that everybody in the courtroom should step out because of the instant matter. The bar is also meant to be vacated.

“ The feedback I am getting is that when this matter is going to be made, no lawyer should be in court. I am embarrassed by the application my lord,” he said.

Justice Nwite then pleaded with lawyers who were not in Kyari’s matter to bear with the court in the interim.

He said their matters too would be heard as soon as the hearing was over.

“In the meantime sir, I want to know when to come back my lord,” Oluwabiyi asked.

“You can hang around. We are not going to take the matter throughout the whole day. Please bear with,” the judge responded.

Another lawyer, Mr Ramiah Imhanaede, also aligned with Oluwabiyi’s submission.

However, when the newsmen asked the NDLEA’s lawyer on reason for the application, he said it was to give protection to the witnesses, who are intelligent officers, in the matter.

When asked about his reaction to the opinions of other lawyers in court, Joseph said “there is a doctrine of state privilege in the interest of national security.”

He said it had been observed that members of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) who were loyal to Mr Kyari, were still coming to court

“And you don’t know who is who; so, it is for the witness’ protection

“We are now going into the nitty-gritty of the matter and there have been allegations that we are just witch-hunting them,” he alleged.

Joseph said though the agency had been calling witnesses, he said the present witnesses cannot be exposed to the public.

The hearing is still ongoing as at the time of filing the report

Justuce Nwite had, on March 22, dismissed an application filed by Kyari and others seeking an order dismissing the NDLEA’s charge against them.

Kyari and three other co-defendants in the suit bordering on drug offence had filed the application.

The applicants are Kyari, ACP Sunday Ubia, Insp Simon Agirigba and Insp John Nuhu.

They had prayed the court to quash the criminal charge against them, in fresh motions on notice filed by their lawyers on the grounds that the suit was incompetent.

They urged the court to stop their trial because they had not been subjected to the internal disciplinary action of the Nigeria Police Council (NPC) and the Police Service Commission (PSC), as provided by the constitution.

They said that the failure of the complainant (NDLEA) to await the disciplinary action against them rendered the charge incompetent and deprived the court of jurisdiction to entertain the charge.