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HURIWA Accuses Justice Omotosho of Predetermined Bias in Nnamdi Kanu Trial*

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IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of acting in a manner that suggests he has already reached a predetermined conclusion in the ongoing trial of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. HURIWA said the judge’s conduct in recent proceedings gives the unmistakable impression of a man working to satisfy external instructions rather than upholding the constitutional obligation to ensure a fair hearing.

In a statement issued on Thursday, HURIWA condemned what it described as the judge’s “hurried, choreographed and restrictive approach,” noting that his refusal to grant adequate time for Kanu to defend himself is incompatible with the principles of justice and due process. According to the group, Kanu has been in the custody of the Federal Government since June 2021 (over four years) and yet, instead of affording him full opportunity to challenge the charges, the court appears determined to fast-track a conclusion.

HURIWA explained that a central point Kanu attempted to raise in court is the alleged nullity of the terrorism charges filed against him. The organisation reiterated his argument that the charges are anchored on a repealed and therefore non-existent statute, insisting that “you cannot stand something on nothing.” HURIWA stated that Kanu’s effort to point out this legal defect was repeatedly frustrated by the judge, who it alleged behaved as if he “was on a mission to deliver an outcome already written long before the proceedings.”

The rights group questioned why the court appears unwilling to consider the validity of the legal foundation of the charges before pushing aggressively toward judgment. It argued that any trial based on an abrogated law is automatically void, and that Kanu was well within his rights to raise that objection. HURIWA said the speed and manner of the proceedings, despite the defendant’s prolonged incarceration, raise legitimate concerns that Justice Omotosho is railroading the case “to satisfy certain forces” rather than ensuring justice.

Commending Kanu for approaching the Court of Appeal to halt the Federal High Court’s judgment, HURIWA expressed hope that the appellate court will “once again rise to the occasion and deliver justice without fear.” The group recalled that the Court of Appeal had previously freed Kanu, only for the Federal Government to refuse to obey the judgment and instead rush to the Supreme Court on appeal. It urged the appellate justices to provide a fair and open platform for Kanu to fully ventilate his defence, insisting that anything short of that would deepen public mistrust in the judiciary.

HURIWA maintained that, in its assessment, the charges against Kanu amount to a complete nullity and cannot stand in any properly constituted legal system. It stressed that Kanu’s advocacy on self-determination; a right recognised under international law, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution, cannot be criminalised simply because it is politically inconvenient to the government.

The organisation also clarified a distinction that it believes the Federal Government deliberately conflates: that self-determination is not synonymous with secession. It noted that globally, courts have affirmed the protection of political advocacy unless it crosses into direct incitement to imminent violence. HURIWA referenced the United States Supreme Court’s principle in Brandenburg v. Ohio, which protects even controversial political speech unless it is intended and likely to produce imminent unlawful action, as well as the European Court of Human Rights’ rulings that shield activists advocating autonomy or independence movements under Article 10 on freedom of expression.

According to HURIWA, these authorities reflect a global consensus that a democratic state must tolerate peaceful, non-violent agitation for self-determination, whether or not it agrees with such ideas. The group insisted that branding Kanu’s political expressions as terrorism is an abuse of law and a dangerous precedent.

HURIWA called on the National Judicial Council to take interest in what it described as worrying signals from Justice Omotosho’s courtroom. It warned that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, especially in a case as sensitive and widely followed as that of Nnamdi Kanu. The group reaffirmed its belief that only the Court of Appeal, intervening decisively and impartially, can restore confidence in the process.

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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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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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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