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Tag: law enforcement

  • Police Arrest, Detain Another Editor in Abuja

    Police Arrest, Detain Another Editor in Abuja

    Police operatives have arrested the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Global Upfront newspapers (Online), Madu Onuorah, in Abuja.

    It was gathered that Onuorah was arrested by the police at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

    About ten fully armed policemen in two Sienna buses were said to have stormed his residence in the Lugbe area of Abuja.

    The management of Globalupfront Newspapers, in a statement on Wednesday, said the Editor was arrested in the presence of his wife and children who fruitlessly demanded from the police why they were arresting the head of the family.

    The organisation added: “The police have seized Onuorah’s phones, thereby completely cutting him off from communication with people, including his family members.

    “He was not even allowed to contact his lawyer or any of his relations before he was whisked away to the Lugbe police station by the stern-looking operatives.

    “To make sure Mr. Onuorah did not get attention or bail, the policemen who arrested him, though not of the Lugbe Police Station, simply dumped him at the Station and left no traces for friends and family members to reach them.”

    The management said the police should release Onuorah “immediately and unconditionally”.

    The platform noted: “Mr. Onuorah is an experienced Journalist, former Abuja Bureau Chief of The Guardian Newspaper, former Managing Director of The AUTHORITY Newspaper, who operates within the ambit of the law.

    “Anybody who has any issue against Mr Onuorah should approach the law court and not turn the Nigerian Police into a Gestapo outfit that bullies a man in the presence of his wife and children.

    “Any second Mr Onuorah spends in police custody constitutes a serious infringement against his fundamental rights and a continuation of the assault on freedom of expression that has become frequent occurrence in Nigeria recently.”

  • Tax Evasion: Absence of Binance official, Gambaryan, stalls arraignment

    Tax Evasion: Absence of Binance official, Gambaryan, stalls arraignment

    For the third time, the arraignment of Binance Holding Limited and it’s official, Tigran Gambaryan, on tax evasion charges brought against them by the federal government failed to hold due to the absence of the defendants at the federal high court Abuja.

    The company, alongside its officials, Tigran Gambaryan (2nd defendant)and Nadeem Anjarwalla (3rd defendant)who fled the country on March 22, 2024, were dragged to court for tax evasion by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    FIRS, had in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, preferred on them a 4-count charges of failing to register with the FIRS for the purpose of paying all relevant taxes administered by the service.

    The FIRS also alleged that while it was offering taxable services to subscribers on its trading platform, the company failed to issue invoices to the subscribers for the purposes of determining and payment of its Value Added Taxes.

    In the last adjourned date, Counsel for the FIRS, Moses Ideh, served the second defendant, Gambaryan with the charges, with the leave of the court, as the case was adjourned for his arraignment.

    However, in Thursdays proceedings, Gambaryan failed to appear in court

    The Counsel for the second defendant Chukwuka Ikwuazo (SAN), said he was not in court because the correctional service was yet to bring him. He asked for a stand down to find out what might have happened.

    Moses Ideh, representing the FIRS, expressed displeasure over the failure of the defendant to show up and opposed a stand down on the matter.

    He accused the defense counsel of knowing his client was not going to be present in court and not doing enough to make him available.

    Ikwuazo (SAN), who denied the claims, said the defendant is in the custody of the Correctional service and they are to blame for not providing him.

    He then asked for an adjournment and promised to ensure that the defendant is present in court on the next adjourned date.

    The motion for adjournment was not opposed by Ideh or T.J. Krukrubo (SAN), who represented the first defendant.

    Justice Emeka Nwite therefore adjourned the matter till July 14, for arraignment.

    It would be recalled that two executives of the company were arrested and detained after they flew into the country as a result of a ban on their website, by the Nigerian government, over allegations of handling illicit flow of cash through their platform.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently ordered Binance to provide the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with comprehensive information on all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform.

    This led to a spat between Binance and the Nigerian authorities who detained two of Binance’s executives upon arrival into the country.

    Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the detained Binance executives escaped to Kenya according to Interpol and was tried in absentia. Documents for his Extradition to Nigeria have been prepared by the Interpol.

    The Crypto exchange company now faces two separate cases, with that of the EFCC, billed to continue tomorrow.

  • Kano Governor Vows to Sign Death Warrant Of Mosque Bombing Suspect

    Kano Governor Vows to Sign Death Warrant Of Mosque Bombing Suspect

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has revealed that last Wednesday’s bombing of a mosque at Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area of the state was neither extremism nor politically motivated.

    Directing that the mastermind of the bombing be prosecuted before the Shariah court, the governor said that investigation had revealed that the attack was occasioned by family squabbles over inheritance.

    Yusuf made this disclosure on Sunday when he visited injured victims at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano after he returned from Abuja on official visit.

    He noted that the death toll in the incident had risen to 15, and vowed that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant if the court found the 38-year-old guilty and sentenced him to death.

    Recall that Abubakar threw a locally-made bomb at the mosque while worshippers were inside observing the early morning prayers.

    Speaking during the visit, Yusuf said, “Whatever the court decides, we will ensure that the victims of the Gadan village arson get justice and if it condemns him to death after finding him guilty, we will not hesitate to sign the death warrant.”

    He added, “For the avoidance of any doubt, the incendiarism that led to the death of 15 out of the 24 victims was neither politically motivated nor a terrorist attack on the residents of the state.”

    The governor donated N100,000 to each of the victims.

  • Military shut down Abuja shopping complex to ‘protest’ assault on soldiers

    Military shut down Abuja shopping complex to ‘protest’ assault on soldiers

    Officers of the Nigeria Army have shut down Banex Plaza, a shopping complex located in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja, following attacks on some soldiers over the weekend.

    A trader at the nearby Emab Plaza, Mr Somto, confirmed this to our correspondent via phone call on Monday.

    “Yes, Banex is locked down. We are not affected by it, though. Some men of the Army are here”, he said.

    Another shop owner, who runs an Apple Products store, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, also confirmed the development, adding that traders are still in talks with the Army.

    “No, we are not open. You know it is because of the issue that happened. The Army has locked down the place. At each gate of Banex now, there is a Hilux vehicle, Army Hilux. They won’t even let you cross the place.

    “But maybe between tomorrow and next, it will be open, we don’t know. We are still on it, having meetings with them,” he said

  • Stay in DSS custody, court tells Nnamdi Kanu

    Stay in DSS custody, court tells Nnamdi Kanu

    The Biafra nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, loses bid for restoration of his revoked bail and the removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to a house arrest or prison custody.

    Ruling on the request, Justice Binta Nyako held that she found as a fact that Kanu jumped the bail earlier granted him and escaped out of the country.

    The Judge also held that the sureties who stood for him in the earlier bail had applied to be discharged and had been discharged on the ground that they could not locate Kanu and did not know his whereabouts.

    Therefore, she delared the application not meritorious and dismissed it.

    However, the court proffered that the detained IPOB leader had Kanu’s only option is to approach the Court of Appeal to exercise his right of appeal.

    On the argument that by Kanu’s lead Counsel that Supreme Court held that the earlier bail granted him ought not to have been revoked, the court said that it perused the Supreme Court judgment copy and did not see the claim of the lawyer.

    At the time of this report, Kanu shouting on top of his voice is insisting not to stand trial before any court in Nigeria.

    He is claiming that any attempt to put him on trial would amount to a breach of Nigeria’s Constitution and the international laws.

    Details later.

  • Rivers Executive, Judiciary Tussle Akin To Anarchy, Worrisome – Group Warns …calls NJC to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali

    Rivers Executive, Judiciary Tussle Akin To Anarchy, Worrisome – Group Warns …calls NJC to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali

    By Daniel Okejeme

    Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has stated that the rift between the Rivers State Executive and its Legislative counterpart is becoming worrisome, and the actions of the chief executive officer is akin to anarchy.

    The group through it’s Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, said it cannot allow a threat to the hard-earned democracy to thrive in Nigeria where we operate a constitutional democracy, where the rule of law stipulating the supremacy and predominance of the law should be practiced to the later.

    The group said that they are talking about a purported assembly where 3 persons parade themselves as law makers for an entire state contradicting clearly the provisions of section 96(1) as amendment which defines one-third (1/3) as what constitutes a quorum.

    They maintained that if for any reason the Assembly cannot form quorum, the Assembly shall adjourn, adding that it is never the intendant of those who crafted the 1999 Constitution that only 3 lawmakers shall be enacting laws for the people.

    Furthermore, the group faulted the legislative sitting inside the government house as not consistent with the principles of Separation of Power.

    They, therefore, urge the appropriate authorities to investigate the allegations that
    chief executive is spending Rivers State funds outside the realm of appropriation thoroughly and take appropriate actions to safeguard the interests of the citizens.

    Also, they call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali of the Rivers State High Court for issuing an ex-parte order contradicting section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    They insisted that the order made by Justice C.N. Wali amounts to Forum Shopping, Abuse of Court Process and tantamount to self-help.

    According to them, Wali’s action violated a subsisting Judgement made by Justice J.K. Omotosho stating that the Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule is the Assembly that is recognized by law and certified by the Court.

    They call on all citizens, civil society organizations, and leaders of the Bar and the Bench to join in defending the rule of law, upholding democratic tenets and principles, and safeguarding our constitutionally guaranteed rights.

    “We will take all necessary steps to oppose these desecrations of our courts and the noble profession of law. Together, we can ensure that justice prevails and the rights of the people in Rivers State are protected.”

  • BREAKING! Court denies Binance executive, Gambaryan bail …see why

    BREAKING! Court denies Binance executive, Gambaryan bail …see why

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday denied the bail application of a crypto currency firm executive, Tigran Gambaryan.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, while delivering the ruling, held that the bail application is refused as he has carefully gone through the application submitted before him and resolved that the defendant will jump bail if granted.

    Gambaryan, his company, Binance Holdings Limited, and a fellow top executive currently on the run, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, with money laundering and terrorism financing .

  • DHQ Declares Nigerian Terrorist Halilu Buzu Wanted

    DHQ Declares Nigerian Terrorist Halilu Buzu Wanted

    Nigeria Defence Headquarters, has declared Nigerian terrorist, Halilu Buzu, wanted.

    Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. General Edward Buba made the declaration at a media briefing on Thursday at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

    According to General Buba, this terrorist leader settled in Subbubu Forest as well as lives in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.

    He has a camp for illegal gold mining located at Kawayi, in Anka LGA of Zamfara State, and has a lot of boys working for him and also a prominent cattle rustlers.

    He revealed that last week his boys killed 19 villagers at Farar Kasa. He is a High Value Target and we hereby declared him wanted.

    Furthermore, he is a major arms supplier, trusted by arms dealers supplying arms from Libya.

    “We have been on his trail and whenever, we close in on him. He bolts across the border into Republic of Niger for refuge.

    “At this time, we are through appropriate channels calling on the Nigerian authorities, regional and international bodies to support in effecting his arrest to hold him accountable for his atrocities.

  • Death Toll In Kano Mosque Attack Rises To Eleven 

    Death Toll In Kano Mosque Attack Rises To Eleven 

    Eleven individuals have now lost their lives in a devastating arson attack on a mosque in Kano State. 

    The attack, carried out by 38-year-old Shafiu Abubakar, occurred during the early morning prayer at Gadan village.

    Reports indicate that approximately 40 worshippers were inside the mosque when Abubakar ignited the fire and locked them inside, preventing their escape.

    Rabiu Gadan, a resident of the village, confirmed the death toll, with eight funerals already conducted and preparations underway for the remaining three victims. 

    According to witnesses, Abubakar had a history of violence, including previous assaults on family members.

    The assailant, now in police custody, confessed to his actions, citing frustration over an inheritance dispute as his motive. Despite warnings to his family to cease mistreatment, his grievances allegedly went unaddressed.

    While details surrounding the inheritance disagreement remain unclear, the tragic incident has left the community reeling, with injured individuals receiving treatment at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police, AIG Umar Mamman Sanda, expressed condolences and confirmed the suspect’s cooperation with authorities. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

  • Man caught ‘strapped with bomb’ in Plateau bank

    Man caught ‘strapped with bomb’ in Plateau bank

    A group of men caught a yet-to-be-identified man who reportedly tried to detonate a bomb within the premises of a bank in Plateau State.

    The incident reportedly took place on Monday, May 13, in Dadin Kowa town in the Jos South area of the state.

    According to a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X on Tuesday, the vigilante security at the bank thwarted the attack when they noticed the suspect.

    Angered by the situation, a mob attacked the suspect and reportedly demanded his execution.

    It is unclear whether the suspect has ties to any terrorist organization in the country.

    He has been taken to the police station for further investigation.

    Credit: X // Zagazilo