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Discuss My Matter In Your National Conference – Nnamdi Kanu Begs NBA

 

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has formally appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to include his legal travails as a subject of discourse during its ongoing 2025 Annual General Conference in Enugu State.

Kanu made this request in a letter dated August 18, 2025, and received at the NBA’s National Secretariat on August 22.

The letter, titled “Re: Miscarriages of Justice in the Case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” was personally signed by him and later shared with journalists in Abuja.

In his appeal, Kanu described the NBA as a guardian of the legal profession and defender of the rule of law, arguing that the association “cannot continue to turn its face the other way.”

“Sir, my name is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an organisation which is a lawful human right organisation registered in over 18 countries of the world with peacefully agitation for my right to self determination of Biafra Republic which is a fundamental human right of association guaranteed both in local and international laws and human rights,” he wrote.

“May I inform you that this is not merely a letter of a persecuted man; it is a bill of indictment against a segment of the Nigerian judiciary that has, in my case, converted courts of law into arenas of impunity,” Kanu continued, describing the proceedings against him as a form of “judicial lynching as against constitutional order.”

Kanu implored the NBA to examine his case as part of its conference deliberations, lamenting the disregard for due process in his legal experience.

“Audi alteram partem—the sacred maxim of fair hearing has been shattered beyond recognition,” he stated.

He further cited several legal frameworks he believes have been violated in his matter, including: “Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 (as amended), Sections 169 and 293 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and binding international instruments like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 7) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 14).”

Kanu claimed that multiple legal and human rights authorities have ruled in his favour or recognized the injustices done to him.

These include the Nigerian Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, the Kenyan High Court, the UN Special Rapportes sssand the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

“This letter sets out, in painstaking details, the catalogue of infractions that now stand as an unerasable blot on Nigeria’s legal conscience, supported by judicial authority,” he said.

“It is further compounded by the fact that multiple authoritative bodies, including the Supreme Court itself, Court of Appeal of Nigeria (which discharged me), the Federal High Court (which declared my extraordinary rendition illegal), the Kenyan High Court, UN Special Rapporteur opinions, and the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD), have confirmed that I was abducted, tortured, and extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya in violation of domestic and international law.”

He listed specific infractions allegedly committed by three judges in his case and called on the NBA to investigate these claims, issue a report, and take a firm stance against the misuse of civil procedures in criminal matters and the unlawful application of repealed statutes.

“Affirm that no Nigerian should ever again be detained by abduction or tried under a repealed law. Hold errant judges accountable, restoring public confidence in the Bar and Bench,” he urged.

Kanu concluded his letter by highlighting the broader implications of his case:

“This case is not only about me. It is about whether Nigeria’s judiciary is bound by law or by impunity. The constitution, statutes, and international treaties have all been shredded. The Bar cannot be silent.”

He emphasized the importance of the NBA’s voice in such matters: “I hereby call on Nigerian Bar Association to discuss these judicial misconducts as one of your topic of discussions in the ongoing 2025 NBA annual conference going on in Enugu State.”

“Qui tacet consentire videtur, he who is silent is taken to agree. Silence now would make the NBA complicit in the erosion of Nigeria’s legal foundations. Thank you and God bless the NBA,” Kanu concluded.

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Why Atiku’s Son-in-Law Was Declared Wanted – EFCC

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the reasons behind its decision to declare Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted.

Dismissing speculation that the move was politically motivated due to Haske’s relationship with the 2027 presidential hopeful, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the allegations were baseless.

“The idea that Haske is being targeted because of his connection to Atiku is complete rubbish,” Oyewale told Weekend Trust in a phone interview on Friday.

“He has been under investigation for several years and was granted administrative bail, which he violated. That’s why he was declared wanted.”

Haske, 38, is being sought in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, according to an official notice issued by the EFCC on Thursday evening.

In the statement signed by Oyewale, the commission appealed to the public for information that could help locate the suspect. Haske was last known to reside at No. 6 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, and 952/953 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The EFCC encouraged citizens to report any useful leads to its offices across the country, including branches in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Sokoto, Enugu, and several other locations, or contact the agency via its hotline or official email.

The commission reiterated its commitment to following due process in the investigation and urged Nigerians to avoid politicising the matter.

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Girl Drowns In Flood While Rushing To Check SSCE Results

 

A 16-year-old girl, Praise Malachi, has tragically lost her life after being swept away by floodwaters while hurrying home to check her Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results.

Praise, a final-year student of Government Day Secondary School, Samaru, Zaria, was said to have rushed off after her friends informed her that the results had been released and that she had performed exceptionally well.

She had earlier secured a scholarship from the Centre for Girls Education, Zaria, in recognition of her academic excellence.

Her father, Emmanuel Malachi, recounted the heartbreaking incident:

“It was around 6pm after a rainfall. Her friends came to my shop to tell her the results were out and she did very well. She rushed home to check them on her phone. But while crossing a small river caused by erosion, she slipped and got carried away by the flood.”

Praise’s body was discovered the following day, several kilometers away in Hunkuyi, Kudan Local Government Area.

Neighbours, Danladi Mudi and Emma Yashi, described the worsening environmental challenges in the area, citing severe erosion and the absence of proper drainage infrastructure as key contributors to frequent flooding.

“She wasn’t the first to die in such a tragic way,” said Yashi.

“This flooding has claimed multiple lives over the years.”

The Director of the Centre for Girls Education, Habiba Mohammed, described Praise as one of the centre’s brightest beneficiaries.

“She was a brilliant, well-behaved young girl,” Mohammed said. “We are deeply saddened by this loss. It’s painful to see such potential cut short.”

She called on authorities to urgently address the environmental hazards in the area by tackling the erosion and constructing a bridge to prevent further loss of life.

Flooding has been a persistent issue in Zaria, with the Chikaji area particularly affected.

On August 27, 2024, over 200 homes were damaged, including LEA Primary School and parts of Hayin Ojo Cemetery.

Residents continue to appeal to the government and well-meaning individuals for intervention to prevent further tragedies.

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Reps Probe NERC, Metering Firms Over Alleged Misuse Of N59bn CBN Loan

 

The House of Representatives has raised serious concerns over the disbursement and use of ₦59 billion meant for the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), questioning the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Meristem Wealth Management Ltd, and NESI-Stabilization Strategy Ltd (NESI-SSL) for alleged mismanagement of the funds.

The probe is being led by the Joint Committee on Banking Regulations, Power, Rural Electrification, and Housing, chaired by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, who represents Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency.

According to Hon. Okonkwo, preliminary findings suggest that while ₦55.4 billion of the total ₦59.2 billion loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been disbursed, the programme has failed to meet its key goalsgoals, including bridging Nigeria’s metering gap, promoting local meter manufacturing, and ending estimated billing practices.

He revealed that Meristem Wealth Management was appointed as the fund administrator, while NESI-SSL served as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) overseeing implementation.

However, both firms, along with NERC, are under scrutiny for not providing adequate documentation or results to justify the funds received.

“Our investigation uncovered inconsistencies and contradictions that point to poor execution of the metering programme,” Okonkwo said.

The lawmakers are also questioning a clause that reportedly allows Meristem Wealth Management to collect 0.5% of electricity Distribution Companies’ (Discos) annual revenue up to 2030, a move they say lacks transparency and justification.

Despite evidence that several Discos including those in Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kano, and Yola, remain indebted to the CBN for funds issued for meter installation, the committee noted that NERC has yet to verify the number of meters actually installed.

Okonkwo warned that the committee would invoke relevant constitutional powers if stakeholders fail to cooperate fully with the investigation.

The committee summoned officials from Meristem, NERC, NESI-SSL and other involved parties to appear before it at the next hearing.

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Reps Probe NERC, Metering Firms Over Alleged Misuse Of N59bn CBN Loan

 

The House of Representatives has raised serious concerns over the disbursement and use of ₦59 billion meant for the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), questioning the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Meristem Wealth Management Ltd, and NESI-Stabilization Strategy Ltd (NESI-SSL) for alleged mismanagement of the funds.

The probe is being led by the Joint Committee on Banking Regulations, Power, Rural Electrification, and Housing, chaired by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, who represents Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency.

According to Hon. Okonkwo, preliminary findings suggest that while ₦55.4 billion of the total ₦59.2 billion loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been disbursed, the programme has failed to meet its key goalsgoals, including bridging Nigeria’s metering gap, promoting local meter manufacturing, and ending estimated billing practices.

He revealed that Meristem Wealth Management was appointed as the fund administrator, while NESI-SSL served as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) overseeing implementation.

However, both firms, along with NERC, are under scrutiny for not providing adequate documentation or results to justify the funds received.

“Our investigation uncovered inconsistencies and contradictions that point to poor execution of the metering programme,” Okonkwo said.

The lawmakers are also questioning a clause that reportedly allows Meristem Wealth Management to collect 0.5% of electricity Distribution Companies’ (Discos) annual revenue up to 2030, a move they say lacks transparency and justification.

Despite evidence that several Discos including those in Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kano, and Yola, remain indebted to the CBN for funds issued for meter installation, the committee noted that NERC has yet to verify the number of meters actually installed.

Okonkwo warned that the committee would invoke relevant constitutional powers if stakeholders fail to cooperate fully with the investigation.

The committee summoned officials from Meristem, NERC, NESI-SSL and other involved parties to appear before it at the next hearing.

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Criminals Face Bans From Public Events, Travel, As UK Rolls Out Tough New Sanctions

 

The United Kingdom government has unveiled a new set of sentencing reforms that will impose stricter community-based restrictions on convicted offenders.

As part of its “Plan for Change” initiative, individuals with criminal records may now be banned from attending public spaces such as pubs, concerts, and football matches.

The announcement, made on Sunday, highlights the government’s aim to strengthen community punishments in order to reduce reoffending and enhance public safety.

Under the proposed changes, judges will have the authority to enforce travel bans, driving restrictions, geographic “restriction zones” limiting an offender’s movement as well as social bans from events and venues regardless of the crime location.

These measures are not limited to crimes committed in public venues.

The law will soon be updated to allow such restrictions for any offense, broadening the scope of non-custodial sentences across the UK.

The government also announced plans to apply similar restrictions to individuals released from prison under probation supervision.

A new mandatory drug testing regime will be expanded to cover all probationers, including those without previous drug offenses.

Those who violate these terms risk being returned to court or imprisoned, depending on their original sentence.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that the public expects firm action to prevent crime and protect communities.

“When criminals break society’s rules, they must be punished. Those serving sentences in the community should also feel the consequences of their actions. These new punishments send a clear message, crime does not pay,” she stated.

The reforms are also intended to relieve pressure on the prison system.

Since July 2024, the government has opened more than 2,400 new prison spaces, with a commitment to creating 14,000 places in total through a £7 billion investment.

Additionally, the Probation Service is set to receive a major funding increase up to £700 million by 2028/29, compared to the current annual budget of £1.6 billion.

The workforce has already seen a 7% increase in probation officers over the past year, along with a 15% rise in new recruits.

These changes, the government insists, are designed to make communities safer while reducing reliance on short prison sentences that often fail to rehabilitate offenders.

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Benue Assembly Speaker Resigns Amid Impeachment Plot

 

Aondona Dajoh, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, has formally resigned from his role.

In a resignation letter dated August 24, 2025, Dajoh stated that his decision to step down was made in good faith and in the best interest of the state.

“I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today… I want to appreciate my dear colleagues for the opportunity they gave me to be the first among equals,” he said.

Dajoh, who represents Gboko West State Constituency, emphasized that while he is leaving the leadership position, he remains committed to his responsibilities as a lawmaker.

As at the time of this report, the Assembly has not announced who will succeed him.

However, a new Speaker is expected to be chosen according to the House’s internal legislative rules and procedures.

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Tinubu Backs Local Arms Production To Bolster National Security

 

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting local arms and ammunition production as part of a broader strategy to enhance national security and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the graduation ceremony of Course 33 at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that indigenous military manufacturing is central to Nigeria’s development and security.

“This government is committed to strengthening our internal capacity,” Tinubu said.

“By boosting local manufacturing, we can better equip our forces and secure our nation without relying heavily on foreign nations.”

The graduating class included members of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, and allied participants from other countries.

The president lauded the course theme: “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development,” noting that robust institutions are the backbone of stable societies.

Tinubu praised the NDC’s focus on research and innovation, especially its recent work on “Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for National Security by 2040.”

He directed relevant stakeholders to implement the College’s recommendations, acknowledging their strategic importance.

He also addressed infrastructure concerns at the NDC, promising to prioritize completion of its permanent site in Piwoyi.

“We are committed to turning this institution into a full-fledged Defence Postgraduate University,” he stated.

Highlighting the broader vision of his administration, Tinubu noted that institutional reforms and economic growth are already yielding results, citing a 48% year-on-year rise in the Nigerian stock market—its best performance in nearly 30 years.

However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as inflation and food insecurity, which the government must tackle to make growth meaningful for citizens.

To the Course 33 graduands, he issued a charge: “You’re stepping into a complex world, but you’ve been trained to lead with vision. Join us in delivering renewed hope to Nigerians.”

Earlier in the event, NDC Commandant Rear Admiral J.O. Okosu and Deputy Commandant Maj. Gen. Kevin Ukandu expressed gratitude to the federal government for its continued support.

They emphasized the strategic importance of the training program in addressing threats like banditry and oil theft.

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EFCC, Immigration Repatriate 51 Foreigners Convicted Of Cybercrime

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has repatriated 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime and cyber-terrorism offences.

The group includes 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, all of whom were sentenced by Nigerian courts for their involvement in large-scale internet fraud activities.

This latest batch brings the total number of repatriated convicts to 102 since the deportation exercise began on August 15, 2025.

According to the EFCC, the convicted individuals were among 192 foreign suspects arrested during a high-profile sting operation in Lagos, which targeted a sprawling international cybercrime syndicate operating in Nigeria.

Authorities say the operation was based on credible intelligence and revealed one of the most coordinated foreign-led cybercrime rings in the country.

Officials confirmed that additional repatriations are expected in the coming days, as the crackdown on cybercrime continues.

The agency reiterated its commitment to combating cybercriminal activities and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a haven for international digital fraud syndicates.

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Police Arrest 65 Year-Old Man With Over 1,000 Rounds Of Ammunition In Anambra

 

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 65-year-old man, Akpan Godwin, who was allegedly found in possession of 1,100 rounds of live ammunition in Nkpor, near Onitsha.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the arrest was made by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad in Akwuzu, following a tip-off from credible intelligence sources.

According to Ikenga, the suspect was intercepted on Friday, and upon interrogation, confessed to being involved in the illegal sale of ammunition.

He also reportedly named other individuals believed to be connected to the arms trafficking network.

“We are currently tracking other suspects mentioned by the accused. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend his accomplices,” SP Ikenga said.

The police assured the public that efforts are ongoing to dismantle the illegal arms syndicate and bring all involved to justice.

Ikenga also promised to provide updates as investigations progress.

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