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Tag: law enforcement

  • Nigerian Army Dismisses Coup Speculations, Threatens Legal Action

    Nigerian Army Dismisses Coup Speculations, Threatens Legal Action

    The Nigeria Army has dismissed speculations about the military taking over the government of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    There were reports on Sunday, claiming that the presidential guards have been placed on “high alert” over suspicions of a coup plot in Nigeria.

    The report said key brigades were under watch as the Commander of the Presidential Guards Brigade, Col. Adebisi Onasanya held meetings with Tinubu and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Reacting to the report, the Nigerian Army quoted one of such reports on their official X page and wrote “FAKE NEWS”.

    The Defence Headquarters also threatened to seek legal redress on the recent claim that the Guards Brigade has been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicion of a coup plot in Nigeria.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Defence Headquarters stated that the allegation was totally false.

    Gusua, maintained that the Guards Brigade has been statutorily assigned the responsibility of protecting the seat of power (The Presidency) and by extension the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

    According to him, the Guards Brigade has always been on high alert in order to effectively execute its assigned tasks.

    While calling on relevant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the source of the report (not Daily Post), it added that the Defence Headquarters will seek legal redress on the issue as it’s capable of creating unnecessary tension in the country.

    The statement read: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded article published online by @SaharaReporters on 25 February 2024 claiming that the Guards Brigade has been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicion of a coup plot in Nigeria. The publication also asserted amongst other things that the suspicion prompted an emergency meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President and Commander of the Guards Brigade.

    The Defence Headquarters wishes to categorically state that the allegation is totally false. For the avoidance of doubt, the Guards Brigade has been statutorily assigned the responsibility of protecting the seat of power (The Presidency) and by extension the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. Hence, it is to be noted that the Guards Brigade has always been on high alert in order to effectively execute its assigned tasks.

    “It will be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR had in various fora reiterated the unalloyed commitment of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Therefore, the Defence Headquarters strongly condemn this unsubstantiated assertion which is just a figment of imagination of the publisher and enjoins members of the public to disregard it.

    “Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters calls on relevant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the Sahara Reporters for this unpatriotic action. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters will seek legal redress on the issue which has the ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension in the country.”

    Last week, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, warned against calls for a coup and asked people to desist from such, noting that the rumour has the ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension in the country.

    Meanwhile, tension has continued to rise in Nigeria amid the current economic hardship, rising inflation and high cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira by President Tinubu.

  • Deputy Speaker Reveals When New Nigerian Constitution Will Be Ready

    Deputy Speaker Reveals When New Nigerian Constitution Will Be Ready

    Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, announced on Monday that Nigeria’s new constitution is expected to be ready for presidential assent within the next 24 months.

    During the formal inauguration of the House Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution, Kalu emphasized the importance of allowing the President ample time to study proposed alterations before signing them into law, particularly amidst the busy schedule of an election year.

    Kalu highlighted the crucial need for constitutional reform in light of the 21st-century realities, stating,

    “Our constitution, the foundation of our democracy, stands as a testament to our collective aspirations for a just, equitable, and prosperous society.”

    He revealed that the House has received various bill proposals, including those for the establishment of state police, state access to mines, increased participation of women in politics, clear tax specifications for each tier of government, and the provision for the office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

    Moreover, Kalu mentioned the reintroduction of several bill proposals that didn’t receive presidential assent in the previous constitution alterations. 

    These include powers of the National Assembly and State Assemblies to summon the President and State governors, as well as requirements for the government to focus on ensuring the rights to food and food security.

    Highlighting the dynamic nature of the constitution review process, Kalu expressed the House’s openness to more proposals aimed at enhancing the Constitution and strengthening the nation’s democracy.

    He also noted the anticipation of executive-sponsored bill proposals reflecting issues on the renewed hope agenda of the President. 

    Kalu acknowledged past constitutional amendments, such as financial independence of State Houses of Assembly and State Judiciary, redesignating “Prisons” as “Correctional Services,” and transferring certain matters to the concurrent legislative list.

  • Terrorism charge: Kanu, FG, engage new lawyers

    Terrorism charge: Kanu, FG, engage new lawyers

    The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has engaged new lawyers in his defense of the terrorism offences brought against him by the Federal Government.

    It was gathered that a new team of lawyers to be led by PAM Ejiofor and Alloy Ejimakor will take over Kanu’s defense in the 7-count charges.

    In the same vein, the federal government engaged the services of Chief Adegboyega Awomolo to lead its legal team in the prosecution.

    Awomolo is taking over from David Kaswe SAN, from the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, who has been handling the case for the federal government.

    No reason was given for the change in the legal team being led before now by Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN and Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

    Meanwhile, the court has already been jam parked by lawyers, traditional rulers, clergymen, family members, and sympathizers of the Biafra agitator present.

    Kanu has already been brought to the courtroom by the operatives of the Department of State Service DS$

    Details later.

  • Community Leader Murdered By Gunmen In Anambra

    Community Leader Murdered By Gunmen In Anambra

    The President-General of Umuoji Community in Anambra State, Silas Onyima, fell victim to a ruthless attack by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums.

    Approximately 15 assailants invaded Onyima’s home on Friday evening, fatally shooting him and sending shockwaves through the community.

    Onyima, recently elected to lead the community, presided over a local election before meeting his untimely demise. 

    A source revealed, “He was killed when masked men visited his home and shot him dead.”

    The Anambra State Police Spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the tragic incident, stating, “The police are aware of the development. Our men have been deployed to the area, found the victim in a pool of blood, and recovered the body. 

    “We are collaborating with eyewitnesses and community members to track the perpetrators, and the investigation is ongoing.” The deceased’s body has been deposited at the morgue with the assistance of family members.

  • Pro Tinubu Rally Holds In Abuja

    Pro Tinubu Rally Holds In Abuja

    A solidarity rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration is taking place in Abuja.

    The rally was organized by youths from the Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF). 

    The event, held at the Unity Fountain in the Business District Centre, saw participants donning white T-shirts and face caps with the inscription “Jagaban is working” as they displayed placards. 

    Among the messages conveyed was a critique of the Nigerian Labour Congress’s planned nationwide strike, with placards stating “NLC Stop Faking To Be Fighting For Nigerians.” 

    The rally organizers highlighted their motivation to counter misleading narratives about the country’s situation and reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to his programmes and policies.

  • Former Kwara Governor Arraigned In Court For Fraud

    Former Kwara Governor Arraigned In Court For Fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought forward charges against the immediate past Kwara State Governor, Abdulfattah Ahmed. 

    Ahmed was arraigned on Friday at the Federal High Court in Ilorin, the state capital.

    The anti-graft agency alleged that Ahmed misappropriated the sum of N1,610,730,500.00, originally designated for the security and running costs of the state, to charter private jets during his tenure. 

    The charges include an alleged N10 billion fraud, with Ahmed facing a total of 12 counts.

    One of the counts accused Ahmed of converting N400 million from a N1 billion short-term loan received by the Kwara State Government from Ecobank Nigeria Limited. 

    The EFCC contended that this conversion was done fraudulently, diverting funds intended for ongoing state projects.

    The EFCC’s document stated, “Ahmed (while being the Governor of Kwara State) between 2015 and 2019 in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this honourable court used an aggregate sum of N1,610,730,500, property of Kwara State Government, meant for the security and running cost of the Government of Kwara State, to charter private jets through Travel Messengers Limited on different occasions for your local travels and which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust or theft.”

    Abdulfattah Ahmed, who served as the state finance commissioner during Dr. Bukola Saraki’s governorship, succeeded Saraki in office and governed Kwara from 2011 to 2019.

  • Military Issues Stern Warning Against Calls for Coup Amid Economic Hardship

    Military Issues Stern Warning Against Calls for Coup Amid Economic Hardship

    In response to social media discussions calling for a coup due to economic challenges, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning. 

    He emphasized that those advocating for a coup “do not love Nigeria” and stated that the Armed Forces are committed to protecting democracy.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army entrance in Port Harcourt, General Musa urged citizens to be patient, support the government, and trust that the country will overcome its current difficulties. 

    He emphasized that democracy is crucial, and any attempt to undermine it is considered as the work of “evil people” who will face legal consequences.

    “Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy. We all want democracy and we do better under democracy,” he said.

    “And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those ones that are calling for anything other than Democracy are evil people and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria.

    “And they should be very careful because the law will come after them. We can see that with democracy a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes we are going through trying periods, I mean in life nothing is hundred percent.”

    He emphasized that what is needed is for citizens to be patient and give their support to the government to succeed and put the enemies of state to shame.

    “Everybody goes through a trying period in life, and it is what you do with them. You can see the government putting efforts to ensure that we come out better. And it is when you go through difficulties and come out better you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation. And so we are going through our trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that it will get better.

    “All we need is for all of us to put our hands together to ensure that we defeat those enemies of the government, those enemies of this country that don’t want us to succeed. We will surely succeed and the Armed Forces are here to support the Government in ensuring that we develop, we succeed and to see that there is peace in Nigeria.”

  • Labour Party Chairman Released on Bail After Arrest in Edo State

    Labour Party Chairman Released on Bail After Arrest in Edo State

    Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, who was apprehended in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, has been released on bail. 

    His arrest, triggered by a petition from the Inspector General of Police, involved charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses.

    Addressing supporters after his release, Abure linked his persecution to efforts to destabilize the party following the 2023 general election. 

    He highlighted ongoing challenges within the party, expressing hope for the release of the state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, and the state youth leader later today.

    He said, “Let me appreciate all of you for the solidarity, for the support and your commitment. No struggle to liberate the country comes easy. In many countries of the world where freedom fighters have fought for the emancipation of the people, freedom fighters suffer injustice, suffer prosecution and it is what is happening to me and my other colleagues since after the general election.

    “After the general election, they have been trying to instigate crises in the party. They try to bring false accusations against us. They talked about forgery against us at a time when it didn’t work. They came with embezzlement.

    “Any person that is aggrieved in the party, they go and instigate them to write a petition against us. The irony is that the police even act on those, and at the end of the day, they discover that those things are false.

    “Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the Edo State primaries and of course, the police swooped on us and arrested us over what I will not want to discuss now because the investigation is still going on and therefore we would not want to preempt them.

    “But I must state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail except for the Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi and the youth leader. They (police) have also promised that by the early hours of Thursday, they will release them. We are hoping that they will fulfil their promise and release them.

    “Whatever is happening to me will not discourage me from the struggle. We must continue to pursue the cause of the people. We must continue to fight for our people until we liberate them. I have said it, and I will say it again, it is not capturing power that matters. It is what you do with power.

    “Today, APC is in power. Life has become more unbearable for the people. Today, the dollar is exchanging for almost N2,000. Fuel today is sold for N700 per litre. There is even scarcity now, and the price is likely going to increase.

    “Inflation, even though it is double digit, it is now above 31 per cent, unemployment has increased, and a bag of rice today is sold for N120, 000, and the minimum wage is N30, 000. You can see the paradox. You can see the irony and Nigerians are in for a difficult time.”

  • FG To Resume Trial Of IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu On Terrorism Charges

    FG To Resume Trial Of IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu On Terrorism Charges

    The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to recommence the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on terrorism charges.

    Following a Supreme Court judgment on December 15, 2023, permitting the continuation of the trial, proceedings are scheduled to resume on Monday, February 26.

    The trial will take place before Justice Binta Nyako at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as indicated in a notice viewed by reporters. 

    Notably, Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice have been duly notified.

    Efforts have also been made to ensure Kanu’s presence in court, with the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) contacted for this purpose. 

    Kanu has been in DSS custody since his arrest in Kenya on June 19, 2021, and subsequent extradition to Nigeria.

    Initially facing 15-count terrorism charges, Justice Binta Nyako dismissed eight of the charges during the trial. 

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja later overturned the entire terrorism case in October 2022, citing the unlawful rendition of Kanu by the Nigerian government from Kenya.

    However, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Garba Lawal on December 15, 2023, overturned the Court of Appeal’s decision, affirming the continuation of Kanu’s trial. 

    Despite acknowledging the irregularities in Kanu’s extradition, the Apex Court emphasized that such actions did not hinder the court’s authority to proceed with the trial, suggesting that the appropriate remedy for Kanu would be through a civil matter against the government.

  • NARTO Calls off Planned Nationwide Strike

    NARTO Calls off Planned Nationwide Strike

    The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has suspended its planned nationwide strike.

    NARTO National President of NARTO, Othman Yusuf, directed members to immediately resume petroleum loading activities after a meeting held in Abuja.

    It was gathered that the meeting was attended by the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, with NARTO, oil marketers and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, (NMDPRA).

    This followed Monday’s meeting with the Federal Government and stakeholders after tanker drivers suspended operations and stopped lifting of petroleum products amid harsh economic realities.

    NARTO members had threatened shutdown all over the country beginning Monday over the high cost of Automotive Gas Oil also known as diesel which is used to fuel their trucks for the movement of petroleum products across Nigeria.

    The association explained that the decision to withdraw its operation was due to the high operational costs in the industry.

    Like Premium Motor Spirit popularly known as petrol which now sells at over N600 per litre, the price of diesel has skyrocketed of late, no thanks to the forex crisis in the country. At the moment, diesel sells above N1,250 per litre in Nigeria.