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FG can’t fairly prosecute Nnamdi Kanu for terrorism charges – Igbo ministers

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CJN of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat kekete -Ekun

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi, Abuja

The Igbo Ministers Commission of South East has again restated that the Nigerian government cannot fairly prosecute the leader of the Igbo nation agitators, Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges and any other offense known to law.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB

The group in objecting to the trial of Kanu by the federal government, predicated its opposition on the alleged breach by the country of its own laws and international obligations.

In a statement on Thursday, in Abuja, the Ministers faulted the way and manner Kanu was brought in 2021 to the country through what they described as “kidnapping and state sponsored international banditry”.

Rev Tony Uzo Anthony, the international President of the concerned Igbo Ministers Commission signed the statement on behalf of his colleagues.

The statement read in part “We understand that the upcoming trial of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, scheduled to begin on 21 March 2025 in Abuja, has raised many questions and concerns.

“As this case is of great public interest, we believe it is important to break down the key legal issues in simple terms so that everyone can understand what is at stake.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the great and noble family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is being tried on charges related to terrorism- they have abandoned treason and treasonable felony after many years of maligning our leader and peddling worthless charges all because they want to cripple his legitimate right to agitate for Biafra.

“The fact remains that the way he was brought back to Nigeria—through kidnapping and state sponsored international banditry—has raised serious legal questions.

“The Supreme Court judgement that nullified the sound judgement of the Appeal Court that discharged him and referred the matter back to the high court, is now dead on arrival. This case is restarting from scratch (de Novo), which means all previous proceedings are set aside, and the trial will begin anew.

“Can Nigeria prosecute Onyendu for Terrorism After Breaking International Laws? Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022 defines terrorism as acts committed to further an ideology (political, religious, racial, or ethnic) that violate international treaties.

“The abduction of Onyendu, an act described as criminal by the Nigeria’s apex court, violated several international treaties Nigeria has signed. This raises the question: Can a government that breaks its own laws and international obligations fairly prosecute someone for terrorism?

“Section 19(d) of the Nigerian Constitution requires the government to respect international laws and treaties. By abducting the IPOB Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the government of Nigeria has broken these laws as confirmed by the Supreme Court, which weakens Nigeria’s moral and legal standing in this case.

“The TPPA 2022 replaced an older law, the TPPA 2013. The new law allows the government to continue using the old law for cases that started before the change.

“However, since this case is restarting from scratch, courts have ruled that old laws cannot be used for new cases. This means the government will not be able to rely on the old law to charge him.

“Starting de Novo means the case is beginning anew, as if the previous trial never happened. This makes it harder for the government to use old laws or past actions to justify new charges. This means that he can no longer be charged under the old law which is the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act (TPAA) 2013.

“This case is not just about Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; it is about the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system. If the government can break its own laws and international treaties, it sets a dangerous precedent for how citizens are treated. A fair and transparent trial is essential to uphold justice and maintain public trust in the legal system.

“We urge the international community to prevail upon the Nigerian government to
ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s trial is conducted in the open and is seen to be fair and transparent, in line with the laws of Nigeria and especially its Constitution and international laws.

“Government should avoid using outdated laws to prosecute him, as this would be against legal principles and a violation of the Constitution of Nigeria. It should uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights, which are the foundation of any democratic society.

“The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. We call on all nations and peoples of the world to pay attention to this case and demand a process that is fair, transparent, and respectful of the municipal laws and international obligations.

“Together, we can ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done”, the statement said.

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Law & Crime

Lifu Judgement : ADC Guber Candidates Forum Seeks Int. Community’s Intervention

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By Grorge Abuja
As the awaits the outcome of Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment invalidating Sen. David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ( ADC), a Forum of the African Democratic Congress gubernatorial candidates has condemned the ruling and sought the intervention of International community.

Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ,Abuja had in its judgment invalidated Sen. David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The Forum had at a Press Conference on thursday at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja , described the judgment as a dangerous assault on multi party democracy and a threat to Nigetian’ s 2027 electoral process.

A former member of the house of Representatives and ADC kwara state gubernatorial candidates, Hon Zakari Mohammed who spoke on behalf of the forum urged the international Community to monitor the development and process leading to the 2027 general election.

He said ” We Call on the International Community, African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations, Commonwealth and Democratic Institutions Worldwide to Intervene Against the Growing Threat to Opposition Politics in Nigeria.
Distinguished members of the press, fellow Nigerians, representatives of the international community, ladies and gentlemen.
We address you today on behalf of the Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Gubernatorial Candidates across Nigeria, at a defining moment in the history of our democracy.

“We are compelled to speak out against the November 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken under that leadership,
This judgment has profound implications beyond the internal affairs of the ADC. It raises fundamental questions about judicial consistency, political participation, the independence of democratic institutions and the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria.

“We consider the decision a grave assault on democratic freedoms and a development capable of destabilising the 2027 electoral process if its implications are not urgently addressed through lawful constitutional remedies.

“We hereby formally draw the attention of the international community to the unfolding developments in Nigeria.
We call on:
The United Nations Secretary-General and relevant democratic institutions of the United Nations.
The African Union Commission and its Peace and Security Council.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Commonwealth Secretariat.
The European Union and European Parliament.
The United States Government and the United Kingdom Government.
International human rights organisations and democracy-monitoring institutions.
International election observation organisations.

“We urge these institutions to closely monitor developments surrounding opposition political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
We specifically call on them to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the relevant Nigerian authorities on the need to guarantee political pluralism, judicial independence, freedom of association and equal opportunities for all political parties.

“We are not inviting foreign governments to dictate Nigeria’s political choices or interfere in the legitimate judicial process.
Rather, we are asking the international community to uphold the democratic commitments Nigeria has voluntarily undertaken and to ensure that the rights of Nigerian citizens to participate in free and competitive elections are protected.
Nigeria cannot sign international democratic instruments, make commitments to democratic governance and subsequently treat those obligations as ceremonial documents”

The Forum called on the appellate courts to urgently examine the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu and determine the issues raised in accordance with the Constitution, established judicial precedents and the rule of law.

It urged President Tinubu to create the environment that will guarantee free participation than harassment and muzzling of the opposition .

“You cannot demand democratic legitimacy while allowing an environment in which opposition parties face persistent uncertainty over their ability to organise and contest elections.
If you seek another mandate, face the Nigerian people.
Present your achievements, defend your policies and submit yourself to the judgment of the electorate.
That is the essence of democracy.
The opposition is not an enemy of Nigeria. Political disagreement is not treason. Competition for public office is not an act of hostility against the state”

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Law & Crime

Niger Police Assures FUT Minna of Enhanced Security

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BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

The Niger State Police Command has assured the management of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, of sustained police patrols and enhanced security around the university to protect students, staff and property.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, gave the assurance when he received the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adamu Faruk Kuta, and his entourage during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Dutsen-kura, Minna.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Police for their prompt response to distress calls and security requests, as well as their continued support in maintaining safety within and around the university environment.

Professor Kuta said the institution, which is approaching its 44th anniversary, has a growing population of about 40,000 students from different parts of the country, making sustained collaboration with the Police necessary to ensure the safety of students, staff and university facilities.

He disclosed that the university had recently commenced medical programmes and sought the support of the Police Command in providing opportunities for students to undertake practical training where necessary.

The Vice-Chancellor also praised the commitment and visibility of police patrol teams around the institution, while requesting sustained and increased deployment to address security challenges associated with its growing population.

Responding, CP Elleman described the university’s requests as part of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the institution.

He assured the Vice-Chancellor of improved collaboration, sustained police presence and enhanced patrols around the university, particularly at night, to protect students engaged in legitimate academic activities and prevent criminal activities.

The Commissioner urged the university management to promptly report security concerns to the Police, assuring them of the Command’s readiness to respond appropriately.

He further assured the delegation that all the requests presented would receive adequate attention, while expressing appreciation for the visit and reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the university management.

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Law & Crime

Suspected cultists kill rival member in Bayelsa, hid his mutilated corpse in a sack

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By David Owei,Bayelsa
There was a sense of horror in Yenagoa, the Bayelsà following the suspected cultists killing of a rival and his his mutilated corpse in a sack.

The sack containing the mutilated body of the victim, according to sources, was dropped in front of the FCMB bank located at Obele junction in the outskirts of the State capital.

The incident according to sources occured on Monday night and the Corpse was discovered on Tuesday Morning.

The killing of the deceased has again threatened the peace recorded under the present leadership of the Police led by Commissioner Ajao Saka Adewale.

Investigation by our correspondent gathered that the deceased, whose identity is yet to be known, was reported to have defected from the notorious cult group, Greenlanders to rival notorious group known as Bobos.

And was accused to have led members of his new group on a “proof of loyalty,” to allegedly attack and kill a member of his former group at the back of Amarata.

It was gathered that suspected members of the Greenlanders were allegedly provoked and reportedly lures him out with a woman and death him several deadly matchet cuts.

Some Residents of the Obele area confirmed to newsmen that the Corpse of the deceased was kept carefully in a sack soaked in blood and left by the FCMB bank.

Concerned Youths and vigilante group contacted the police and the sack was evacuated.

In the last three days after the discovery of the bagged corpse, residents of the Sand Road, Aritalin, GweGwe and Obele streets have been thrown into restless nights due to the activities of the rival cult groups searching for one another.

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