Court Trying Nnamdi Kanu Under A Repealed Law, FG Using Tactics To Keep Him In Detention – Lawyer
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has decried what he calls a series of executive and judicial manipulations against him since his extraordinary rendition in 2021.
In an open letter addressed to Nigerians, Kanu recalled past court rulings in his favor and accused the federal government of deliberately undermining them.
“In a judgment entered on March 1, 2017, the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the ‘IPOB is not an unlawful group’. At the time, it received widespread publicity which can be verified.
“This landmark ruling (made by the court before it turned unjust) emanated in a criminal proceeding that required ‘proof beyond reasonable doubt’ and in which the federal government and my humble self presented our respective cases.
“Alas! Instead of the federal government to go on appeal as the law mandated (if they are dissatisfied with the judgment), the former Attorney-General (Abubakar Malami) went behind closed doors with a letter signed by late Abba Kyari and got IPOB proscribed/tagged a terrorist group in an ex parte proceeding that was conducted without notice to me or to IPOB.
“This abominable incident was the earliest sign yet that the government and its judiciary have struck an unholy and fraudulent alliance to deny me my rights and thereby imperil the life and liberty of millions who identify with IPOB.”
Kanu also referenced an October 26, 2022, Federal High Court ruling that declared his extraordinary rendition and detention unconstitutional.
“The court further ordered the federal government to apologize to me and pay me compensation. In a responsible society and well-ordered government, this judgment is sufficient to have ended my lengthy detention and encourage the federal government to constructively engage me on the issue of the self-determination agitation that triggered this whole saga.
“Pedal back to October 13, 2022, when the Court of Appeal held that: ‘The courts must never shy away from calling the executive to order when they resort to acts of executive lawlessness.’
“The duty of the courts is to maintain a balance between ensuring that law and order is obeyed and the protection of the individual from oppressive actions by the executive.
“By the forcible abduction and extraordinary rendition of the Appellant (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) from Kenya to this country on the 27th day of June 2021, in violation of international and state laws, the lower court or, indeed, any court in this country is divested of jurisdiction to entertain charges against the Appellant.
“Despite the clarity of this judgment and its comportment with reason, the federal government refused to release me from detention while it went behind closed doors and connived with three other justices of the court of appeal who fraudulently and swiftly sat on appeal over the judgment and practically destroyed it by issuing what they termed ‘a stay of execution.’
“One may then ask: Is it not abominable for a court to stay a judgment the government already disobeyed? In a plethora of cases, the Supreme Court has held that anybody who disobeys a related court order cannot be given any judicial relief until such order is obeyed.
“This is a sound reasoning that applied to everybody but is fraudulently overlooked when it comes to my case.
“Fast forward to 15th December 2023, when the Supreme Court sent back my case to the Federal High Court for trial.
“For avoidance of doubt, that was not the only decision the Supreme Court made. It also decided that my bail should not have been revoked and it went on to state clearly that the judge exhibited significant and unacceptable bias by revoking my bail.
“In a sane society, one would expect that when the High Court received my case from the Supreme Court and hankered down for trial, it was also duty-bound to restore my bail in line with the pronouncement of the apex court.
“But that did not happen. Why? Well, your guess is as good as mine, and that is: the Court connived with the federal government to continue my detention in violation of Section 287 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“On September 24, 2024, I decided that I have had enough of taking my chances at getting justice from a judge that, in June 2021, sent me to secret police detention without fair hearing, later refused to transfer me to prison to better prepare for my trial, and capped it all by refusing to restore my bail and instead ordering an accelerated trial in the face of the reality that I will never get a fair trial whilst detained at the DSS.
“These are the major reasons that compelled me to request recusal of the judge, and having consented to it, she proceeded to make an order removing herself from my case. That order was never challenged on appeal; thus, it remains extant to this day.
“But instead of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to do the lawful thing by assigning my case to another judge, he connived with the federal government to eat crow and send my case to a judge that stands recused by a valid order.
“To conclude this open letter, let me make it clear that it should in no way be construed to mean that there are no decent judges in Nigeria that can be trusted to deliver even-handed justice in my case. That is not the issue.
“Instead, the issue is that my case is deliberately being shielded from judges and justices that are deemed to be committed to doing justice, even when it means that the federal government must lose.
“Be that as it may, if it will take the rest of my life in detention to produce me before a proper and impartial court, so be it. But let me say this for the world to know: I will not succumb to any trial conducted by any judge or court whose jurisdiction does not pass constitutional muster. Not now, not ever.”
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Barr. Christopher Chidera has raised concerns over the federal government’s intention to prosecute Kanu under the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Chidera argued that the law under which the IPOB leader is being prosecuted is no longer in force.
“Any attempt to prosecute the IPOB leader under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 is legally untenable and procedurally flawed,” he stated.
He called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to negotiate with Kanu before March 20, 2025, warning that continuing the prosecution would expose weaknesses in Nigeria’s judicial system.
“The section of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 on which the prosecution relies is no longer an active law in Nigeria.
“The jurisdiction to prosecute Kanu under this Act ceased with its repeal. Continuing with this prosecution would draw scrutiny and criticism both domestically and internationally,” Chidera added.
With Kanu set to represent himself in court on March 21, 2025, Chidera suggested that this could further highlight inconsistencies in the judiciary.
“Reports that Mazi Kanu will assume his own defense on March 21, 2025, signal a significant shift in this case. His self-representation may reveal inconsistencies and vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s judicial system,” he said.
Describing the case as a major test for the judiciary, Chidera urged the Tinubu administration to rethink its approach.
“Political dissent cannot be extinguished by force, and the Biafran struggle will not be subdued by crackdowns or detention without trial,” he emphasized.
Nigerians’ Suffering Worse Under Tinubu – ADP National Chair
The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Eng. Yabagi Sani, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as one of the worst in Nigerian history due to the hardship it has inflicted on citizens.
Citing a report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Sani noted that over seven million businesses have shut down in Nigeria within the two years of the current administration.
According to Dr. Segun Omisakin, Chief Economist and Director of Research at NESG, the economic downturn led to an estimated N94 trillion loss due to multinational divestments and business closures.
He further revealed that between 2023 and 2024, approximately 7.2 million businesses ceased operations, with 30% of Nigeria’s 24 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) shutting down.
However, President Tinubu, while speaking to a delegation of his former National Assembly colleagues last Thursday, defended his administration’s economic policies.
“We faced serious headwinds when I took over; very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse.
“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the exchange rate is stabilizing. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.”
Despite this, Sani, who was the ADP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, expressed a different view on the state of the economy during an interview on Trust TV’s Sunday Politics.
“There is worse suffering in Nigeria than during the previous administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
He urged the federal government to address inflation, exchange rate instability, and high transportation costs, among other economic issues.
“Nigeria’s economy is a promise of greatness and I believe we can do much better with what is happening today. Yes, the government took certain decisions that one would say are necessary.
“But today, Nigerians are not happy. They are going through what is called ‘Hell’ because looking at Nigeria before President Tinubu took over power, it wasn’t anything good, but today we are worse off.
“I understand that you must go through pains before enjoying, but don’t let the pains be prolonged; otherwise, by the time all the goodies come, there will be nobody available to enjoy them.
“So, it is expected for this government to do more than what it is doing. The reality is that the current inflation in the country is too high.
“The government should tackle the issue of corruption because it is there. Government should ensure that direct measures should be taken to ensure that the cost of transportation is addressed.
“Another factor the government should address is the exchange rate. It also plays a big role in what becomes inflation. Nigeria imports a lot of things; therefore, the strength of the naira is crucial, that is what we are asking the government to look at this.
“Government should take a bold step to ensure that the manufacturing sector is alive and active, to ensure that they are able to produce at a price that Nigerians can afford.”
However, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Comr. Samuel Danjuma, disagreed with Sani’s assertions, defending the Tinubu administration’s policies.
“By the time the previous administration was leaving in 2023, that budget had no provision for removal of subsidy.
“One thing we should give to this administration is that from the inception of democracy in 1999 till date, I think if there is any administration that has pulled through with policies of government aimed at bettering the lot of the people and positioning the economy on the right track of recovery and prosperity, we should give it to the Bola Tinubu-led administration.”
On the continued high cost of transportation despite recent reductions in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Group, Danjuma placed part of the responsibility on Nigerians.
“We should begin to search our conscience to see if we are really doing what we are supposed to do as individuals. If the reason for the increase was because fuel price was at this rate and fuel price has dropped, it should automatically reflect in the cost of transportation.
“Nigerians are the problem of their own self and not the government. The government is doing everything humanly possible to alleviate the sufferings of the people.”
He further argued that the government has provided support to businesses, but citizens and industries must also act responsibly.
“The government has released funds to assist the manufacturing industries to be able to mitigate the removal of fuel subsidy. But are they really using the funds judiciously?
“As the government has a role to play, so do citizens. We should also look at our responsibility.”
Man Arraigned In Enugu For Alleged Abduction, Sexual Assault Of 13-Year-Old Girl
A 23-year-old man, Agene Gabriel, has been arraigned before the Nsukka Magistrate Court on charges related to the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Enugu State.
According to the prosecution, Gabriel allegedly traveled from Lagos to Nkpologu in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, where the incident reportedly occurred.
During the court session, Chief Magistrate Samuel Audu moved the proceedings to his chambers to ensure the minor’s identity and privacy were protected.
The court adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for a ruling on Gabriel’s bail application.
The defendant faces four counts, including abduction, rape, and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.
The charges, as outlined in court, allege that between January 7 and March 7, 2025, Gabriel unlawfully took the girl from her parents’ custody, detained her in his apartment, and engaged in indecent acts, including inappropriate touching.
These offenses are said to contravene various sections of the Criminal Code of Enugu State.
Gabriel pleaded not guilty to all the charges. His defense counsel, Nenanya Kenneth, applied for bail, but the court reserved its decision for the next hearing.
Speaking after the proceedings, the victim’s uncle, Mr. Francis Akaugwu, commended the court’s decision to handle the case with discretion, emphasizing the need to safeguard the child’s well-being.
The matter remains pending, with further developments expected at the next hearing.
Nothing Must Happen To Viral Corps Member, Nigerians Are Frustrated – TUC Tells FG
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has weighed in on the controversy surrounding a corps member who was allegedly threatened by officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
TUC President Festus Osifo, speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, urged the government to show tolerance, emphasizing that the corps member’s remarks were a result of frustration. He advised against any punitive action.
“They (government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and come after such individuals,” Osifo said.
The corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, who is serving in Lagos, had posted a video on TikTok lamenting the hardship Nigerians are facing due to the administration’s economic policies.
Her video quickly went viral, attracting the attention of NYSC officials, whom she later accused of calling her and threatening her to take down the post. The NYSC is yet to issue an official response on the matter.
Osifo further stated, “Imagine a young lady carrying out her NYSC function, what does she really have to do to bring down the government? So, it is about personal frustration that she has aired.
“So, I think that the government has to persevere much more, they have to be more tolerant, and they have to have this deep level of patience with Nigerians because people are passing through a lot as it stands today.”
However, the TUC president also advised critics to express their opinions with a certain level of decorum and within acceptable norms.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has also condemned the alleged threats against the corps member.
In a statement released on Sunday, the organization called on the Federal Government to stop targeting individuals and groups who criticize the administration.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for the Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” Amnesty International stated via its official X handle.
BREAKING: Impeachment Underway As Rivers Assembly Issues ‘Gross Misconduct Allegation Notice’ To Governor Fubara, Deputy
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a notice of alleged misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, DAILY GAZETTE reports.
According to the notice obtained by Channels Television, the lawmakers stated that their action was in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.
“In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office,” the notice read.
Detail shortly…
Only Restoration Of Family Values Can Save Our Society, Says Lagos Deputy Governor
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has called on parents and religious leaders to take urgent steps in addressing the decline of societal values, emphasizing their role in shaping the moral compass of future generations.
Speaking at the 20th Late Justice Muri Okunola Memorial Ramadan Lecture on Sunday at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Marquee, Hamzat expressed concern over the erosion of family values, attributing it to parental neglect and the failure to instill strong moral foundations in children.
“Our sermons must now evolve in the mosques and churches. The issue now is, how do we start to re-orientate ourselves toward making our society better?” he asked.
“As we all know, the corporate world has changed the DNA of our women to what they are not.
“Let us, in our sermons as Muslims, deal with contemporary issues and proffer solutions. If not, humanity can be in a big problem,” he added.
Hamzat also raised concerns about the readiness of today’s youth for adulthood. “We are now raising children that are not ready for life,” he said.
The Chief Imam of Adangba Central Mosque, Ejigbo, Lagos, Abdulrahman Adangba, also addressed the gathering, speaking on the theme “The Distress in Family Values and Morality in Our Society: A Multidimensional Approach.”
He urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to embrace truthfulness, proper management, and reliance on Allah as essential virtues for societal transformation.
He emphasized the importance of cultivating homes built on peace and integrity, stating, “External peace in society fosters internal stability.”
Adangba further called on Nigerians to uphold values that promote positive morals, ensuring that these principles are passed down to future generations.
Report Of My Resignation As PDP Chairman Fake, Misleading – Damagum
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has resigned from his position.
Responding to what he described as baseless rumors, Damagum reaffirmed his stance through a statement issued by his personal assistant, Nuru Shehu.
The statement clarified that he remains in office and that the PDP constitution grants the national chairman a four-year term in the first instance.
Amid mounting calls for Damagum to step down in favor of the North Central zone, which originally held the seat, concerns have been raised about his tenure.
Damagum, who hails from the North East geopolitical zone, was elected as the party’s deputy national chairman before assuming the acting role.
“We caution mischief makers to desist forthwith from trading fake news to malign a dedicated and hardworking acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun.”
“We insist that this malicious content against Ambassador Damagun is fake, defamatory, and a height of criminality.”
“We therefore call on all members of the Peoples Democratic Party-PDP, elders, stakeholders, all youth and women groups, to disregard the fake news. We assure the sponsors of this evil that soon the law of the land will catch up with them,” the statement said.
Atiku Hails Corps Member Who Criticized Tinubu, Compares Her To Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Others
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has praised the courage and intelligence of Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who recently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Uguamaye, popularly known as @talktoraye on TikTok, posted a video highlighting the economic struggles Nigerians have faced since Tinubu took office.
In a follow-up video, she alleged that an NYSC official had threatened her over the post.
She also shared a screenshot of a message purportedly from NYSC officials, summoning her to the Eti-Osa Local Government office on Monday.
Fearing for her safety, Uguamaye claimed she had received additional threats from anonymous sources after her video went viral.
Reacting to the situation, Atiku commended her bravery and commitment to civic engagement.
“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,” he wrote on X.
The former vice president likened Uguamaye to iconic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, stating that she upholds their legacy of standing firm for the common good.
He emphasized that rather than being targeted, Uguamaye should be encouraged.
“She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future,” he concluded.
Ramadan: Peter Obi Breaks Fast With Muslims In Onitsha
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, shared an evening meal with the Muslim community in Onitsha, Anambra State, during their daily fast-breaking (Iftar) on Saturday.
In a video making rounds on social media, Obi is seen sitting on the floor and eating from the same plate as children inside the Onitsha Central Mosque, a gesture that has sparked discussions online.
The former governor of Anambra State had also participated in Iftar with Muslims in Awka on Friday before proceeding to Onitsha the following day.
Reacting on social media, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, known as #Ziter001 on X, wrote, “Yesterday, after breaking his fast at iftar in Awka, Mr. Peter Obi joined the Muslim Ummah in Onitsha for breakfast at the Onitsha Central Mosque.”
Another user, #IPrinceSaviour, noted on Saturday, “Today again, H.E Peter Obi joins our Muslim brothers and sisters in breaking their daily fasting at the Onitsha Central Mosque.”
