The Legal Aid Council has withdrawn from representing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, accusing him of attempting to dictate how his case should be conducted.

The development occurred on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice James Omotosho subsequently struck out an ex parte motion filed by Kanu seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.

Counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, informed the court that irreconcilable differences had arisen between him and the defendant, making it impossible to continue legal representation.

Asan told the court that efforts to involve Kanu’s relatives in supporting the transfer application were unsuccessful, as none appeared to depose to the motion despite repeated communication and assurances.

He further alleged that Kanu sought to control the conduct of the case by dictating what counsel should say in court, a situation he said was unacceptable for an officer of the court.

According to him, after consultations with his superiors at the Legal Aid Council, a unanimous decision was taken to withdraw from the matter, stressing that a detained client could not direct legal proceedings.

Following the application, Justice Omotosho granted the request for withdrawal, commending the lawyer for upholding the dignity of the court.

On the transfer request, the judge held that the application was incompetent and struck it out, noting that there was no proof of service on the relevant parties since it was filed on December 8, 2025.

Kanu was convicted on November 20, 2025, on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment, a verdict his family has vowed to challenge on appeal.

After the conviction, he was moved from the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja to the Sokoto Correctional Centre on security grounds.

The IPOB leader had previously dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), opting at one point to defend himself in court, a decision that resulted in repeated confrontations with the trial judge.

Former AGF Malami,

A judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Emeka Nwite, has withdrawn from the N212.8 billion asset forfeiture case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Justice Nwite announced on Tuesday that he had returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge who will conclude the proceedings.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on 7 January against 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, valued at N212.8 billion.

The assets are located in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and were seized on allegations that they were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Justice Nwite had initially granted the interim forfeiture order on 6 January and adjourned the matter to 27 January for the consideration of a final forfeiture order.

However, the case did not appear on the list of the 24 matters scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, despite the presence of lawyers who had filed processes challenging the final forfeiture of the assets. Counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, was also in court.

When proceedings were about to commence, Okutepa drew the judge’s attention to the matter, noting that it was fixed for a report of compliance and urging the court to conclude the case.

In response, Justice Nwite explained that under established court practice, cases handled by judges during court vacations, including the Christmas and New Year break, must be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment once normal court sittings resume.

He added that the Chief Judge would reassign the matter to any judge of his choice for substantive hearing and determination.

Malami, who is currently in the custody of the State Security Service, is also facing a separate N8.7 billion money laundering charge before the Federal High Court.

An interim investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu has identified an Army Colonel as the central coordinator of a clandestine network of military officers accused of planning to overthrow the government.

The report, obtained on Tuesday, revealed that the Colonel allegedly provided funding, recruitment, and operational direction for the plot, which investigators say had progressed beyond dissent into early-stage execution.

According to findings, the officer mobilised disgruntled personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, assigning them roles that included covert surveillance of critical national assets such as the Presidential Villa, key military formations, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.

Investigators linked the Colonel’s alleged actions to personal grievances, particularly repeated failures in promotion examinations, which reportedly fuelled his disaffection and drive to recruit like-minded officers.

He was said to have openly expressed frustration with his career stagnation and the need to “change government.”

In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

Shortly afterward, Sahara Reporters alleged that the officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency for holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the government.

At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the reports as attempts to sow tension, insisting the matter was an internal disciplinary issue.

He disclosed that an investigative panel had been set up, with assurances that its findings would be made public.

Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation had been concluded in line with established military procedures and forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

The interim report described the alleged plot as deliberate and structured, noting that surveillance had been conducted on strategic locations including the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major airports.

Intelligence sources said the plot was uncovered following credible information on disgruntled elements within the Armed Forces and civilian population.

Searches conducted on the Colonel’s vehicle reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, allegedly yielded sensitive documents detailing assigned roles to key actors and plans on how certain national dignitaries would be handled during the operation.

Multiple testimonies reportedly identified the Colonel as the primary financier and motivator of the conspiracy, with investigators alleging that financial inducements ranging from N2m to N5m were disbursed to some officers for logistics and mobilisation.

The Defence Headquarters has stated that personnel indicted in the probe will be arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel.

Those reported to be in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, several Majors and Captains across the services, as well as a Squadron Leader and a Lieutenant Commander.

The report noted that Lt Col S. Bappah had emerged as a key witness, allegedly cooperating fully with investigators and providing details on recruitment, funding channels, and encrypted communication platforms used to coordinate activities.

Investigators warned that the cross-service nature of the network, the involvement of senior officers, and the targeting of strategic installations elevated the threat level and justified swift preventive action.

While investigations continue, security sources disclosed that the probe has expanded to include civilian contacts, financiers, and possible political associates.

A former minister reportedly surfaced during intelligence reviews, though no charges have been filed and no arrest warrant issued.

“The investigation is not limited to uniforms alone,” a security source said.

“We are examining communication trails, financial flows, and political interfaces. That does not imply guilt, but due diligence.”

The alleged coup, which investigators say was planned for October 25, 2025, was described as potentially fatal, with the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and service chiefs reportedly marked as targets.

Security agencies concluded that failure to disrupt the plot early could have had grave implications for national stability.

The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art digital court building, describing the project as a landmark step toward modernising justice delivery in the state.

Speaking at the commissioning and special court session marking the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Enugu State Judiciary at the state judicial complex on Monday, Mbah said technological integration combined with judicial financial autonomy—which is already in effect in the state—would ensure that the judiciary is not only independent in form but effective in practice.

“Our vision for the Enugu State Judiciary is one that is independent, efficient, technology-driven, and people-centred,” the governor stated, adding that the new facilities underscore his administration’s commitment to strengthening governance through modernisation.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Mbah said the four ultra-modern court halls were designed to decongest existing facilities, enhance working conditions, and improve the dignity and efficiency of judicial proceedings.

“These halls are not mere buildings; they are purpose-built spaces equipped with digital recording systems, smart displays, secure data connectivity, and ergonomic designs that meet contemporary standards for modern courts. They reflect our commitment to creating an enabling environment for justice delivery,” Mbah said.

Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, praised the governor for his support and urged judicial officers to uphold integrity, the rule of law, and zero tolerance for corruption.

He highlighted the launch of a comprehensive digital justice platform that covers the High Court of Justice, Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Magistrates’ Courts, Customary Courts, the Multi-Door Courthouse, the Ministry of Justice, and key public-facing services including the Probate and Affidavit Sections.

“The judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man places upon it the obligation to serve with renewed commitment,” Justice Ozoemena said.

“This transformation redefines how cases are filed, processed, heard, recorded, and concluded across the justice sector in Enugu State.”

State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, lauded the governor’s transformative support, noting that it has positioned the justice sector as a pillar of good governance, economic growth, and social order.

He added that the Ministry of Justice has driven a digitalisation initiative in collaboration with the judiciary, introducing innovative solutions such as the e-Litigation System, e-Affidavit System, Virtual Court Hearing System, e-Probate, and e-Lis Pendens, alongside full e-filing, e-assessment, e-payment, and e-assignment of cases.

“In addition, we recruited and trained 39 Verbatim Court Reporters to enhance transcription accuracy in court proceedings,” Nnajieze said.

The commissioning of the digital court building marks a significant milestone in Enugu State’s journey toward a technology-enabled, efficient, and people-focused judiciary.