Litigants in Anambra State have expressed frustration over the continued closure of the Federal High Court in Awka, which has remained shut since Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The closure is reportedly in response to a renewed threat from Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRIGE), who demanded that the Federal Government release all detained Biafrans to the Southeast or face further disruptions, including the closure of courts across the region.

Several litigants, some of whom have experienced multiple adjournments due to previous judge transfers, voiced their dismay at the continuing delays.

They argued that, despite the recent appointment of new judges in Anambra, court operations have been stalled by the threat, leaving many cases in limbo.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, some litigants criticized the judiciary staff and other civil servants, alleging that they often use such situations as an excuse to avoid work.

While acknowledging that judges and lawyers are ready to proceed with hearings, they pointed out that the absence of court staff has hindered progress.

One litigant called the situation “unacceptable,” highlighting the irony that the state capital, which houses both the state police command and the seat of government, remains paralyzed by an external threat.

Chief Sylvanus, one of the frustrated litigants, said he was unaware of any new ultimatum issued by Ekpa, noting that the previous deadline had ended on October 27, 2024.

Another anonymous litigant questioned why a threat originating from Finland would be able to shut down courts in Nigeria, calling for greater security measures to ensure that court operations continue unaffected by external influences.

“Has Anambra State really become so lawless that an online threat can bring everything to a halt?” one litigant asked.

“Why isn’t the police stepping in to provide protection for the court and citizens?”

The litigants also noted that Federal High Courts in other Southeastern states, including Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi, continue to operate without disruptions.

They expressed disappointment that Awka, the state capital, is the only one affected, calling the closure a “humiliation” for both the state and federal governments.

“This is an attack on the people of Anambra State,” one litigant stated.

“Thousands of cases are delayed, many of them involving people whose freedom or livelihood is at stake.The holiday season is approaching, and people who could be freed from detention remain locked up, while others wait for justice in cases affecting public welfare.”

They urged both federal and state authorities to take immediate action to secure the court and resume legal proceedings, emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent further disruptions to justice in the region.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Auchi in Edo State, has regained his freedom after being held captive for 11 days.

The priest was released late Wednesday night by his abductors, who reportedly dropped him off along a road where he was later found by members of his diocese.

While authorities, including the police and the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, have yet to confirm the details of his release, a Facebook post from a local Catholic member confirmed the news.

The post expressed gratitude for the priest’s safe return, stating, “Good NEWS, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has been released from the kidnappers’ den. Indeed, what God cannot do does not exist. Thank you all for your unrelenting passion for God’s servant and prayers.”

Rev. Fr. Oyode was abducted on October 27 by gunmen at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivanokpodi, Agenegbode, Etsako East Local Government Area.

The kidnappers initially took two students but, after the priest pleaded for their release, he was taken in their place, while the students were freed.

The gunmen later demanded a ransom of N200 million for the priest’s release. It remains unclear whether the ransom was paid.

The Diocese is yet to respond to requests for further details as circumstances surrounding the release are still pending.

The national electricity grid has collapsed again, marking the second time in just three days, plunging millions of homes nationwide into darkness.

Detail shortly…

At least 22 miners were feared dead after a mining pit collapsed at an illegal mining site in the Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State, which borders Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State.

The collapse occurred in the Buffa zone of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, an area known for its gold deposits.

Adamu Jamtare, a miner from the Gashaka region, revealed that many of the victims were from Jamtare town.

“The miners were extracting gold when the pit caved in, trapping all 22 inside. They are presumed to be dead,” he said.

The Chairman of Toungo LGA, Engineer Suleiman Toungo, confirmed the death of five miners, although he was unsure of the exact number still buried under the rubble.

He added that the incident occurred nearly a month ago, with the miners coming from various states including Zamfara and Adamawa.

Despite the presence of rangers in the area, illegal mining activities continue, often carried out secretly during the night.

“So far, five bodies have been recovered, but many others remain trapped,” said Toungo.

The Gashaka-Gumti National Park, known for its rich mineral resources, has seen a rising number of fatalities due to unregulated mining.

A resident of Tila village, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that around 70 miners lost their lives in similar accidents last year, although these incidents were largely unreported.

The Adamawa Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed two recent fatal pit collapses in the region.

In one of the incidents, four miners died, while in another, two were killed and four were injured.

The police are working with officials from the Gumti National Park to track down and arrest those involved in the illegal mining operations.