Connect with us

NEWS

Court Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s N50bn Suit

Published

on

In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has deferred the N50 billion lawsuit brought by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.

The Adjournment, until April 27 was decided by Justice Inyang Ekwo, following the revelation by Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s legal representative, regarding the filing of a notice for a change of counsel.

Ejimakor informed the court of his assumption of the case from Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who initiated the suit on April 7, 2022.

In response, Justice Ekwo instructed the lawyer to investigate the existence of similar cases in sister courts and verify if judgments had been rendered in comparable suits.

Noting the absence of defense counsel, the judge directed the issuance of a hearing notice to ensure their representation during the next adjourned date.

Recall that Nnamdi Kanu had filed a lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022, against the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as the 1st and 2nd defendants.

The suit revolves around accusations of rights violation, with Kanu asserting that he was unlawfully taken from Kenya and returned to Nigeria for trial.

He seeks the court’s judgment on whether the circumstances surrounding his abduction and extraordinary rendition align with existing laws.

Particularly, he cited “the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on human and peoples rights (ratification and enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa.”

Kanu also wants the court to determine “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

Nnamdi Kanu contends that the charges against him “are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria.”

Through the originating summons, the IPOB leader is pursuing 11 reliefs, one of which is an order for his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Additionally, Nnamdi Kanu is requesting an order to prohibit the defendants from proceeding with any further actions in prosecuting him for criminal charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, presently before a sister court under the jurisdiction of Justice Binta Nyako.

Furthermore, Kanu is urging the court to grant him the sum of N100 million as the cost of this legal action.

In reaction, The Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)  responded by filing a notice of preliminary objection on June 27, 2022.

They are urging the court to dismiss Nnamdi Kanu’s suit, characterizing it as “an abuse of court process.”

Their argument, based on one ground, asserts that Kanu had previously filed a suit with similar facts in a Federal High Court, Umuahia Division, where both defendants were parties.

According to the defendants, this repetition constitutes an abuse of court process, stripping the court of jurisdiction to entertain the current suit.

NEWS

Tragic Building Collapse In R/State Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

Published

on

A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.

READ MORE: Fire Ravages Ajah Market In Lagos, Goods Worth Millions Lost

The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.

According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.

Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”

The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.

Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.

“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”

Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.

The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

JUST IN: Justice Adeyeye, Ekiti State’s CJ Passes On

Published

on

 

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye has passed on.

The news of his passing was leaked by a reliable source under the condition of anonymity.

The sad incident, according to the source, happened in Ado Ekiti in the early hours of Tuesday.

His death is being traced to a sickness which came upon him following the injury he sustained when a section of the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti wall collapsed in July 12, 2023.

ALSO READ: #EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

The late Justice Adeyeye was at the office when the building collapse happened and sustained injuries.

While the state and his family were yet to issue statements on his demise, the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) has sent condolences to the family.

The condolences message read: “With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory.

“May He find rest with his maker.

“I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.

Adieu great one.”

Justice Adeyeye was born 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and was called to bar in 1986.

He started his career as a State Counsel in the civil service of the then Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the state was created in 1996.

He was promoted to the position of a judge in the state’s high court in 2002 and has served at different occasions in the election petition tribunal.

Continue Reading

NEWS

BREAKING: Court Drops Charges Against 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters

Published

on

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all charges against 76 individuals accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The ruling came after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, moved to discontinue the case under orders from President Bola Tinubu.

READ MORE: N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, struck out the charges after hearing a motion from the AGF’s representative, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar.

Citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the AGF formally took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, then requested to drop all charges against the defendants, many of whom are minors.

The judge granted the AGF’s application without objection from defense counsel, ordering the immediate release of the accused, who were not present in court.

This decision follows a directive issued on Monday by President Tinubu, instructing the AGF to withdraw charges against the protesters.

 

 

 

 

More to follow………. 

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.