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JUST IN: Kanu Blasts FG, Calls Lawyer Terrorist In Open Court
Embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, appeared to have lost his cool at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which led to verbal attacks on the government’s legal team.
This followed the court turning down his bail application on Monday, despite its coming with several options for the court to look into.
A visibly angry Kanu, who had been in detention on allegations of treasonable felony, for about three years, called the prosecution counsel, Gboyega Awomolo, a terrorist and dishonest man.
The court had turned town Kanu’s plea for bail or transfer him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the correctional service.
Another option that Kanu placed before the court was to place him under house arrest.
The presiding judge, Binta Nyako, turned down Kanu’s bail application in its entirety.
In the opinion of the Justice Nyako, the only option available to Kanu was to take the matter before the appellate court.
However, Justice Nyako ordered the DSS to consistently grant Kanu access to his legal team. She ruled that this should not exceed five people on every visiting day.
She ordered that Kanu must be given “a clean place” to consult with his lawyers at the DSS detention facility, adding that the IPOB leader must be granted access to a doctor of his choice.
Justice Nyako also cautioned that any attempt by Kanu’s legal team to file similar applications before the court would be regarded as a gross abuse of the judicial process.
In Kanu’s reaction to the ruling, he accused the Nigerian Government of violating the constitution and other international treaties following his forceful rendition to Nigeria.
In his words, “My lord, you said in your earlier ruling that you will not grant me bail until you make a determination about the reason for my disappearance. But you have not done so.
“At this stage, I am of the opinion that you can’t try me without first looking into that.”
On what sounded like an attempt to explain his ‘disappearance’, Kanu pointed out that “The criminals came to my house to kill me!
“I don’t understand why my trial must be conducted contrary to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is the law of Nigeria as of today.
“This court is in violation of the laws of Nigeria. Section 2(3)(f) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, is very clear.”
It was at this point that Awomolo interjected, urging Kanu’s legal team to call him to order.
This led to the unthinkable as Kanu turned to Awomolo and tore him to shreds with his tongue.
“This man is a terrorist for conducting a trial in violation of an international treaty that Nigeria entered into. Once a treaty is entered into and signed, it becomes a law.” Kanu told the court.
On the entire court process, Kanu expressed the opinion that no court Nigeria was competent to try him.
A visibly angry Kanu, who brandished books including what many believed included the Nigerian constitution and other treaties said, “They are all terrorists! No court can try me in Nigeria. Anything done in violation of any treaty entered into by Nigeria is an act of terrorism.”
Turning to the prosecution counsel again, Kanu, said, “This man here is a terrorist as at today. He is a dishonest man! You are a terrorist! Who the hell are you? Follow what the law says.
“I have been in detention for over three years. You are the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and you are violating the laws of this country.”
A visibly shocked Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that he was not angry about Kanu’s outburst.
“I am not a terrorist and I am not provoked by the action of the defendant. It is understandable. He is only being emotional,” he said.
The matter was adjourned to June 19 and 20 for continuation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, is aimed at advancing “Mission 300,” a pan-African initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
Hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, the summit will bring together African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations.
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The goal is to develop strategies for accelerating energy access in underserved regions, increasing renewable energy adoption, and mobilizing private sector investment.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the summit will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.
The first day of the summit will feature ministerial-level discussions, during which participating nations, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, or “compacts,” detailing their plans to achieve universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, African Heads of State will sign the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a unified roadmap for achieving the goals of Mission 300.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to universal energy access and its leadership role in the continent’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and integrated energy delivery strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Accompanying the president will be key government officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen.
President Tinubu is set to return to Abuja immediately after the summit concludes.
The menace of illegal migration is getting diplomatic attention from the Italian authorities and the Edo State Government.
The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua divulged this in a government house statement issued in Benin City on Saturday.
He explained that the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani had expressed the readiness of the Governor, Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the state.
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It was gathered that Anani made the stance public on Friday in Government House, Benin City, when Dr. Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy, led a delegation to her office.
Welcoming the delegation, she highlighted the importance of collaboration to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
The Coordinator expressed her gratitude to the delegation, and emphasized the transformative impact the partnership will bring to Edo State.
In her words, “This initiative will reduce unemployment, create job opportunities, and address human trafficking and irregular migration. It will also enhance education, skills acquisition, agricultural investment, and infrastructural development for our people.”
On his part, Dr. Cilala emphasized that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making, shoemaking, and more.
“The Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on six key sectors: education and training, health, security, agriculture, and renewable energy. The goal is to promote integrated development and improve living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
“These projects will be fully funded by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour,” he stated.
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, in his remarks, said the Mattei Plan prioritizes practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Although nine African countries are involved in this initiative, Edo State is a crucial partner for Italy. This partnership will strengthen bilateral relations under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey was at the event and lauded the initiative.
He noted, “This program provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.”
Supporters of the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Saturday morning stormed the Speaker’s Lodge located at 47 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
The supporters, dressed in pro-Obasa vests and caps, arrived in large numbers at the premises.
According to multiple sources, the group was planning a “heroic welcome” for the former Speaker, who was recently removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in the House.
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Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his impeachment, was replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Since her emergence as Speaker, Meranda has presided over two sittings, with Obasa absent from both.
The choice of the Speaker’s Lodge as the location for Obasa’s supposed welcome sparked controversy, as he is no longer officially entitled to the property following his removal.
A resident in the area expressed surprise over the situation, saying, “I didn’t expect that the lodge would be opened for them.”
Armed security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any potential disruption.
As of the time of filing this report, Obasa had yet to arrive at the lodge.
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