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Details Of Today’s Court Proceedings Over Nnamdi Kanu’s N1 Billion ‘Rights Breach’ Suit

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a N1 billion lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS).

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Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment, stated that Kanu failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims of fundamental rights violations by the defendants.

Kanu had alleged that the DSS denied him unhindered access to his lawyers and eavesdropped on his confidential conversations during the preparation for his defense.

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However, Justice Omotosho ruled that these allegations could not be substantiated.

The suit, filed on December 4, 2023, by Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the DSS, and its Director-General as respondents.

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Kanu sought eight reliefs, including declarations that the DSS’s actions amounted to a denial of his rights to legal representation and an injunction to prevent further violations.

Kanu also requested N1 billion in damages for the mental, emotional, and psychological distress he claimed to have suffered.

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In a counter-affidavit filed on March 12, the DSS denied the allegations.

Yamuje Benye, a staff member from the DSS legal department, asserted that Kanu was provided with secure and safe custody and had regular access to his family and lawyers.

He argued that the DSS personnel never confiscated documents brought by Kanu’s lawyers or interfered with their consultations.

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Benye also highlighted that Justice Binta Nyako, who presides over Kanu’s criminal trial, mandated supervised visits to ensure security.

He emphasized that all visitors to DSS facilities undergo routine security checks to prevent unauthorized materials from entering the premises.

The DSS argued that the lawsuit was an abuse of court process, given that similar issues were being adjudicated by Justice Nyako.

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The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation also urged the court to dismiss the suit on similar grounds.

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NAF Helicopter Crashes In Kaduna

In the early hours of Monday, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter crashed in Tami village, located in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred around 5:00 am, causing significant alarm among local residents.

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The helicopter, on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash.

Fortunately, the pilot successfully executed emergency protocols, ensuring his survival.

Witnesses at the scene stated that the pilot emerged from the wreckage largely unscathed.

Residents of Tami village quickly gathered at the crash site, offering assistance and expressing relief that no lives were lost.

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“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a local villager who witnessed the crash.

A team of military officers from the Nigerian Air Force promptly arrived at the scene to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation. They cordoned off the crash site to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of the villagers.

The officers also began preliminary assessments to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

An investigation is expected to be launched to ascertain the factors leading to the crash.

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Napoli Silent On Osimhen Amidst Departure Of Six Players

Former Italian champions Napoli have yet to comment on the future of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen despite announcing the departure of six key first-team players.

The club recently confirmed that Piotr Zielinski, Leander Dendoncker, Pierluigi Gollini, Hubert Idasiak, Diego Demme, and Hamed Traore will all be leaving Napoli as their contracts expired on June 30.

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Napoli expressed their gratitude for the players’ professionalism and commitment in a brief statement on their website, wishing them well in their future endeavors.

While these departures mark a significant change in Napoli’s squad, the club remains silent on Osimhen’s future.

Reports indicate that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is open to selling the Nigerian international this summer.

New coach Antonio Conte has reportedly accepted that Osimhen will likely leave the Azzurri in the coming months.

Napoli’s asking price for Osimhen is set at €120 million, which has so far deterred potential suitors from making a definitive move.

Manchester United have shown interest in Osimhen, with speculation that they might offer a cash-plus-player deal involving Rasmus Hojlund to secure the striker’s services.

Although this proposal was initially dismissed, reports from La Repubblica suggest it may still be under consideration.

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Manchester United is also reportedly in talks with Joshua Zirkzee.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea continue to monitor Osimhen’s situation closely. La Repubblica claims that Manchester United have tried to persuade Napoli with an offer combining cash and the price tag of Hojlund.

However, Conte’s primary target remains Romelu Lukaku, indicating that Napoli’s transfer activities will intensify following Osimhen’s sale.

The departure of Osimhen is expected to trigger a series of moves in Napoli’s attack market, with the club aiming to secure a high-profile striker to fill the void.

Until then, the future of Victor Osimhen at Napoli remains uncertain as the club navigates this critical transfer window.

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Amuneke Set To Take Over At Heartland FC

Former Nigerian international and Barcelona winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, is on the brink of resuming his coaching career after a year-long hiatus.

Amuneke’s last coaching position was with Zambia’s Zanaco FC, where he served as both coach and consultant until his departure in 2023.

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Recently, he applied for the role of head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national team, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) selected Finidi George instead.

However, Finidi resigned following Nigeria’s poor performances against South Africa and Benin in June, leaving the position vacant.

The NFF is now seeking a foreign Technical Adviser for the team.

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It appears that Amuneke is now set to secure a coaching role with Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Heartland FC.

According to SCORENigeria, Amuneke has already been offered the job and an official announcement is expected soon.

Amuneke, who has been working discreetly with his hometown club, has reportedly begun recruiting players for the upcoming season.

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Heartland FC was relegated from the NPFL after finishing 19th in the 20-team league last season.

The club is reportedly considering purchasing the NPFL slot of Beyond Limits, who were promoted from the Nigeria National League (NNL) but face participation issues due to their affiliation with Remo Stars.

At 53, Amuneke brings a wealth of coaching experience from both domestic and international football.

He has previously coached Julius Berger and Ocean Boys in Nigeria, led the Nigeria U17 team to World Cup victory in 2015, and managed Tanzania’s national team, guiding them to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Additionally, he has held coaching roles with Egypt’s Misr El Makkasa and served as an assistant coach for Nigeria’s national team.

Amuneke’s return to the NPFL with Heartland FC is eagerly anticipated, as his extensive experience and proven track record are expected to revitalize the club and improve their performance in the upcoming season.

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US Supreme Court To Decide On Trump’s Immunity Today

The US Supreme Court is set to deliver a landmark ruling on whether former President Donald Trump is immune from prosecution.

This decision, anticipated to be one of the most significant of the term, could determine whether Trump’s trial for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election can proceed before the upcoming presidential election in which he is the Republican candidate.

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Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump appointee, emphasized the importance of the ruling during April’s arguments, calling it “a rule for the ages.” Justice Brett Kavanaugh, another Trump appointee, highlighted the case’s profound implications for the presidency and the country.

Initially, Trump’s trial was scheduled for March 4, well ahead of the November election.

However, the Supreme Court, with its conservative majority including three Trump appointees, agreed in February to hear his argument for presidential immunity, delaying the trial.

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The court is expected to reject Trump’s claim of complete immunity.

During the April arguments, the justices appeared skeptical, with some questioning whether such immunity would allow a president to “commit crimes with abandon.”

The ruling’s specifics could still delay the trial further.

The justices might send the case back to lower courts to determine which allegations against Trump involve official acts that could be immune from prosecution.

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This would extend the trial timeline, making it unlikely for Trump to face prosecutors before the November 5 election.

Trump faces four criminal cases and has sought to delay the trials until after the election.

On May 30, a New York court convicted Trump on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records related to a sex scandal during the 2016 campaign, making him the first former US president convicted of a crime.

His sentencing is set for July 11.

Despite the New York case being considered the weakest, it is likely the only one to go to trial before the election.

Trump’s lawyers have managed to delay the three other trials, which include efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling top-secret documents in Florida.

If Trump is re-elected, he could potentially order the federal trials against him to be closed once he takes office in January 2025.

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20 Travellers Kidnapped By Gunmen

In a distressing development, approximately 20 travellers were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway on Sunday around 9 p.m.

The incident took place between the Sagamu Area Command of the Nigeria Police and Ilisan township.

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Wemmy Osude, Chairman of the Ilisan Development Council, informed newsmen that the kidnapping occurred between the Area Command and the Ilisan City Gate.

“A resident of Ilisan, whose name is yet to be confirmed, was reportedly shot in the knee and is currently receiving medical treatment at Babcock Teaching Hospital,” Osude stated. “The other victims were taken into the bush.”

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Osude advised people to exercise caution and reach out to loved ones who might be travelling on that route. “Please contact your loved ones who may be plying that road at about this time to be cautious,” he added.

The Ilisan Development Council Chairman confirmed that he had spoken with the Sagamu Police Area Commander regarding the incident.

“I have spoken to the Sagamu Area Commander about this incident, and we are hopeful that all security agents will mobilize to rescue the abducted individuals.”

Further details on the incident are awaited as security forces are expected to launch a manhunt for the kidnappers.

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Restoring The Chinua Achebe Prize For Literature

Albert Chinualumogu Achebe (1930-2013), fondly known as Chinua Achebe, is celebrated as the father of modern African literature.

Despite this widespread acclaim, Achebe, in his characteristic humility, always rejected the title.

Born in Ogidi, Anambra State, Nigeria, Achebe was a novelist, poet, and critic whose works have left an indelible mark on global literature.

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His groundbreaking debut novel, Things Fall Apart (1958), remains a seminal piece in African literature, noted for its profound impact and extensive translations.

This monumental work was followed by No Longer at Ease (1960) and Arrow of God (1964), completing what is known as his African Trilogy.

Achebe’s later novels, such as A Man of the People (1966) and Anthills of the Savannah (1987), along with his short stories, poetry, essays, children’s books, and his memoir, There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra (2012), further solidify his literary legacy.

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In addition to his literary contributions, Achebe was instrumental in establishing the Heinemann African Writers Series, which helped launch the careers of numerous African authors, including Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Flora Nwapa, and Ayi Kwei Armah.

In 2021, the Anambra State Government, under Governor Willie Obiano, established the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature, a move that was widely praised as a fitting tribute to Achebe’s enduring legacy.

The prize, valued at one million naira (approximately $660 today), was to be awarded annually and administered in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

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Unfortunately, it has come to light that the Anambra State Government has failed to maintain its commitment to funding this prestigious prize.

Reports indicate that the prize has not been funded since 2023, casting serious doubts on its future. This neglect is both disappointing and disheartening.

Professor Charles Soludo, the current Governor of Anambra State and a distinguished economist from Achebe’s home state, must urgently address this issue.

It is imperative that the government upholds its commitment to the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature.

The Anambra State Government must renew its support for the prize and seek additional funding from other benefactors.

A well-supported Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature will continue to inspire and nurture future generations of writers, ensuring the enduring growth and richness of African literature.

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PDP Explains Why It Lost 2023 Governorship Election In Cross River

Venatius Ikem, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, expressed regret over the party’s defeat in the 2023 governorship election, attributing the loss to internal conflicts and disunity.

During a stakeholders meeting in Calabar, Ikem emphasized that the party’s divisions were a significant factor in their electoral setback.

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Acknowledging past successes, Ikem admitted that complacency had taken hold and stressed the need for restructuring.

“We went into an election with a divided house, and a divided house can not stand. As a party, we’ve enjoyed unprecedented success and we took that for granted.

“This party remains strong at the grassroots. I take responsibility for the outcome of the last election and the way things turned out.

“We’re going back to rejig our party. We are going to put things in place. I am not proud to be a chairman who lost elections in the state, but I am proud that I come from a zone where we did a bit differently.

“Let’s look beyond personal interests, there are challenges we need to overcome. We need to reason with one another. There’s still enthusiasm for the PDP and we will definitely bounce back.”

He assured members of plans to rejuvenate the party, emphasizing its grassroots strength and expressing a commitment to overcoming personal interests and internal challenges.

Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe from Cross River North praised party members for their resilience and highlighted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was not immune to errors, suggesting that such missteps could benefit the PDP in future contests.

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“Let’s look beyond personal interests, there are challenges we need to overcome. We need to reason with one another. There’s still enthusiasm for the PDP and we will definitely bounce back.”

Prof. Sandy Onor, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate, encouraged members to remain hopeful, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to recover and regain its footing in subsequent elections.

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2025: ‘At No Time Did We Endorse Gov. Soludo For Second Term’ – Rep Clarifies

Members of the Anambra State Caucus in the House of Representatives have clarified that their recent visit to Governor Chukwuma Soludo was not an endorsement for his re-election in the 2025 governorship race.

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Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, the leader of the caucus and representative for Ogbaru federal constituency, emphasized in a statement that the visit focused on collaborating for the state’s development.

Ogene responded to social media reports claiming the caucus had endorsed Soludo, calling these claims misleading and attributing them to “meddlesome interlopers.”

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He clarified that discussions during the visit at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia revolved around addressing development and security challenges, with no endorsements made.

Governor Soludo, in his own remarks on social media, described the meeting as a step towards partnership for infrastructural development, without mention of electoral support.

Ogene urged the public to disregard rumors and reiterated the caucus’s commitment to non-partisan collaboration for Anambra’s benefit.

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Just In: VeryDarkMan Released From Police Custody

Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, a prominent social media influencer and blogger, has been released by the police just hours after his initial arrest on Sunday.

The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Benneth Igwe, confirmed his release later in the evening.

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Earlier in the day, VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, had revealed that his client was apprehended for allegedly exposing someone involved in fraudulent activities targeting a Nigerian living abroad.

Adeyanju criticized the police for prioritizing defamation charges against VeryDarkMan instead of focusing on the alleged fraudster.

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