Category: News

Nnamdi Kanu Sues FG For N50bn Over Human Rights Violation

The embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has sued the Federal Government for N50 billion over alleged human rights violation.
Kanu filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022 on Thursday through his counsel, Mike Ozekhome.

Defendants in the suit are the federal government and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

In the suit, the IPOB leader told the court that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial, asking the court to award the sum of N100 million to him “as the cost of this action”.

Kanu wants the court to order his release from Department of State Service custody, and he is also seeking a ruling restraining the federal government from taking any further step to prosecute him over criminal charges.

Kanu asked the court to determine “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws particularly 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”.

The IPOB leader 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, which are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria”.

Kanu also wants the court to rule on “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the defendants have the enabling powers to detain the plaintiff or subject him to be tried on charges later amended after he was extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria”.

After the questions have been decided, Kanu prayed the court to give judgment on various declarations relating to the circumstances surrounding his extradition and ongoing trial.

“A declaration that the plaintiff’s abduction and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria without being subjected to extent extradition proceedings/hearing in Kenya where he was abducted, is a clear violation of Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9, LFN 2004,” the document reads.

“A declaration that the detention and continued detention of the plaintiff on the strength of an amended charge filed after his extraordinary forceful rendition to Nigeria, are illegal, ultra vires the powers of the defendants and a violation of the 1st defendant’s rights under Nigerian municipal laws, African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention against Torture, its operational protocol, and constitutional rights of the Plaintiff; and the UN Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948.

“A declaration that the forcible abduction of the plaintiff in Kenya on the 19th of June, 2021, and his consequent forcible extraordinary rendition to Nigeria without due compliance with extant laws, were done in blatant breach of Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP, A9, LFN 2004, Section 15 of the Extradition Act CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, Part 5 (A) (Transfer of Individuals) Principles and Guidelines on Human and Peoples Right while countering terrorism in Africa; and Article 13 of the UDHR, 1948.

“A declaration that the plaintiff shall not be subjected to any form of criminal trial or further detention upon his illegal and unlawful rendition to Nigeria, particularly with reference to the newly introduced amended charge filed in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, between F.R.N. V. Nnamdi Kanu, after he was illegally, forcibly and unlawfully renditioned to Nigeria.

“A declaration that pursuant to Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human & Peoples Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, CAP A9 LFN 2004, the forcible abduction, expulsion or extraordinary rendition of the plaintiff from Kenya to Nigeria by the defendants without a decision taken in accordance with the laws of Kenya is illegal, unlawful, wrongful, unconstitutional and amounts to a gross violation of the international human rights of the plaintiff.”

Sankara Murder: Ex-Burkina Faso President, Blaise Compaore Sentenced To Life Imprisonment

 

Former Burkina Faso President, Blaise Compaore has been handed life imprisonment over the alleged murder of his predecessor, Thomas Sankara.

Records have it that Compaore assassinated Sankara who was the first Burkinabe president during a coup on October 15, 1987.

The case had lingered for decades until today when a verdict was delivered in absentia of Campaore.

Naija News understands that it is 35 years already since Sankara was killed, he, however, remains one of the iconic figures in West Africa for his sweeping socialist figures and speeches.

He is called the “African Che Guevara”, referring to the Marxist revolutionary and one of the icons of the Cuban Revolution.

He changed the name of the former French colony from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means “the land of the upright”.

During the ruling, two of Compaore’s former top associates, Hyacinthe Kafando and Gilbert Diendere, were also sentenced to life imprisonment, Naija News understands.

It was gathered that military prosecutors in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, had requested a 30-year sentence for Compaoré, who was being tried alongside 13 others.

After Compaore was unseated following an uprising in 2014, he fled to the neighbouring Ivory Coast where he was given citizenship.

The military tribunal that presided over the case handed jail terms ranging from three to 20 years to eight other suspects while acquitted three other defendants.

 

Bet9ja’s website allegedly hacked by Russian Blackcat group

 

The management of Bet9ja has revealed that its website has been hacked by the Russian Blackcat group.

This was disclosed by Bet9ja in a statement in which it identified the perpetrators as the Russian Blackcat group, who are famous for several attacks on huge companies around the world.

The gaming site said that the group has already demanded ransom but it insists it will not accept the conditions of the hacker group.

What they are saying
Part of the statement reads, “The entire Bet9ja system has been under attack by the Russian Blackcat group who are famous for several attacks to huge companies in the world. It is a huge hacker attack by this Russian group but our people are working from yesterday without stopping for a minute to restore all the services but it is not easy.

“They are asking for ransom already but we will never accept their conditions. it is important to let you know this so that we are all on the same page. They have hit us hard but of course they cannot kill us. We will stand our ground and come back even much more stronger.

“Please do not be discouraged, we will surely restore things as soon as possible and provide update on the progress.”

Bet9ja acknowledged in an earlier social media post that user funds and winnings are safe as it is working to resolve the issue.

What you should know
According to reports, the Russia-linked cybercrime gang, BlackCat, was behind the ransomware attacks that took down a swath of and hindered payments at some German filling stations in January
It was reported that hackers using a strain of ransomware known as “Black Cat” infected computers at Mabanaft GmbH and Oiltanking GmbH Group.
BlackCat (also known as ALPHV) is a relatively new ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operation, which has been aggressively recruiting affiliates from other ransomware groups and targeting organisations worldwide.

BREAKING! Sanwoolu Appoints MC Oluomo As Chairman Of Lagos Parks Management

 

 

Lagos State Government has appointed an ex-chairman of the state’s chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya popularly called MC Oluomo, as the chairman of its Parks Management Committee.

Also, a former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, was appointed as the Liaison Officer between the government and the committee.

This was contained in a press statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, titled, “Lagos govt sets up Parks Management Committee”.

An ex-Permanent Secretary, Dr. Taiwo Salaam, was also appointed as the secretary of the committee while Sulyman Ojora was appointed as the Deputy Chairman.

The appointments were announced less than four weeks after the Lagos State Governmrnt denied plans to appoint MC Oluomo chairman of the parts committee.

The PUNCH reports that the Lagos State government suspended the activities of NURTW in all parks and garages across the state after MC Oluomo was suspended by NURTW national body.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Government has set up a committee to oversee the affairs of all motor parks and garages in the state.

“This is in fulfillment of the Government’s promise to ensure that events in the National Union of Road Transport Workers are not allowed to threaten law and order.

“The Government has, therefore, exercised its constitutional powers to ensure that no vacuum, which can disrupt the peace of our dear state,is allowed to exist in the parks. This is a duty we owe all Lagosians and visitors.

“Members of the committee, who have been selected following consultations with stakeholders in the sector, are:

Mr. Hakeem Odumosu (AIG Rtd) – Government Liaison Officer
2. Alh Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya – Chairman
3. Alh Sulyman B. Ojora – (Deputy Chairman )
4. Dr. Taiwo Olufemi Salaam (Secretary)
5. Comrade Olayiwola Lemboye
6. Alh Mustapha Adekunle
7. Alh Ganiyu Shittu
8. Alh Mukaila Runsewe
9. Alh Sulyman Yusuf
10. Alh Mufutau Mutiu
11. Alh Yinka Hassan
12. Alh Sunday Ogunleye
13. Alh Moshood Omojowa
14. Alh Ismaila Aigoro
15. Alh Ibrahim Yusuf. O
16. Alh Akeem Tijani
17. Mrs Omolabake Adelakun
18. Comrade Kazeem Hassan
19. Alh Wasiu Amole
20. Alh Ganiyu Ayinde
21. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye
22. John Victor Owolabi
23. Saburi Salami
24. Ibrahim Onitiju
25. Odusanya Gbenga
“Members of the committee are to report to the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

“The Government on March 10 suspended NURTW operations in all parks and garages, following the tension sparked by some events in the union.”

 

 

BREAKING: Jonathan finally speaks on Accident, death of his two aides

 

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan escaped unharmed in a ghastly auto accident that claimed the lives of two of his security aides.

The former leader expressed sadness at the development and commiserated with the families of the deceased. Speaking on the incident via a statement signed by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan wished the departed eternal rest.

The statement read; “Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep sadness over the unfortunate tragic death of two police officers attached to him, in a road crash today at the vicinity of the Abuja airport, while on his way out of the airport.”

“The former President who described the incident as painful and heart-rending stated that the sudden death of the two security details has thrown him into deep mourning.”

“Dr. Jonathan noted with sadness that the deceased, Inspectors Ibrahim Abazi and Yakubu Toma, were fine officers who were dedicated to their duties and service to the nation.”

“Two other officers sustained injuries in the accident which involved a car conveying the security men. They were rushed to a hospital in Abuja where they are responding to treatment.”

“The office of the former President has offered condolences to the families of the bereaved and the Police High Command. Dr. Jonathan prayed God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and bless their families and the nation with the fortitude to bear the loss.”

 

JUST IN: MC Oluomo’s reign in Lagos ends as NURTW dissolves Council

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Wednesday removed Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, from his position as Chairman of the Union in Lagos State.

 

MC Oluomo was recently suspended over misconducts and insubordination by the union at the national. The Lagos transport boss though dared the national body and announced the separation of Lagos NURTW from the national body.

The national union has now directed the State Secretary, Seyi Bankole, to take over the administration of affairs in Lagos, in order to avoid leadership vacuum.

The statement signed by Tajudeen Baruwa, the National President, obtained by this newspaper reads in part: “In view of the fact that nature abhors vacuum, the state secretary of the union, Comrade Seyi Bankole, is hereby directed to take over the running of the affairs of Lagos State council pending the constitution of a caretaker committee after consultation with relevant authorities.”

 

BREAKING: Asari Dokubo captures Notorious ESN Commander

 

 

A former leader of the the Movement for the Emnacipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Asari Dokubo has captured a notorious commander of the Eastern Security Network, ESN.

Dokubo, in a statement on his facebook profile(Cibi Dabo) on Wednesday, mocked the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its ESN arm, announcing that he had captured on of their commanders and he was ‘talking like a parrot.’

It will be recalled that Dokubo has been in a running battle with IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu over their activities in the South-East.

He has constantly derided the group stating that it was one of the ‘worst’ things to happen to the region.

He has threatened to kill any ESN/IPOB member that dares him and also once threatened to kill Kanu with his bare hands anytime he appears in court.

 

JUST IN: Tinubu visits Nasir El-rufai in Kaduna

 

National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-rufai on Tuesday.

Tinubu, who is 2023 Presidential aspirant, met with El-rufai to comisserate with him over the recent Train attack by Bandits that led to the loss of several lives.

Tinubu, who was accompanied by former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, announced the donation of N50 million to victims of the attack. He was received by Governor El-Rufai and Senators Uba Sani and Suleiman Abdu-Kwri at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the Kaduna State seat of power.

Others on Tinubu’s entourage include the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Senator Abu Ibrahim. The Lagos Politician described the train attack as a national disaster.

According to him everybody should be concerned about the attacks going on in Kaduna state which have claimed hundreds of lives and properties in recent times. He added that killings by bandits is no longer acceptable and must stop. He also appealed to well-to-do Nigerians to support the Kaduna state government in addressing the humanitarian crises created by bandits attacks.

 

JUST IN: AGF Abubakar Malami Declares Ambition To Run For Kebbi Governorship Race In 2023

 

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, has declared his intention to contest the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

Malami, who declared before his supporters in Kebbi State, promised not to betray them.

“If God in His mercies permits, and all goes well, I will as a politician contest the governorship of Kebbi state. I am seeking your support.

“I want to announce that I will contest indeed and as such I am counting on your prayers and support so that we can all work and survive the race together. I have no history of betrayal and I won’t betray you people. I will work for you,” he told his supporters in Hausa, in a video that was seen yesterday.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, pointed out that leaders need followers and followers in turn need their leaders in order to ensure that the citizens benefit, even as he promised to work day and night to turn the life of citizens around.

Malami had previously told close friends of his intention to contest the Kebbi state election.

He certainly would be contesting under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and would be seeking to succeed the current Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who is completing his second term.

In 2014, Malami picked nomination form to run for Kebbi State Governor under the platform of the APC, but lost to Bagudu in the party’s primary election.

The Attorney General of the Federation was appointed into his current position by President Buhari in 2015. He was born on 17 April 1967 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Malami obtained her First School Leaving Certificate(FSLC) from Nassarawa Primary School, Birnin Kebbi. He proceeded to College of Arts and Arabic Studies for his secondary education.

He obtained a degree in law from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University in 1991 and was called to Bar in 1992.

In 1994, Malami obtained a Master Degree in Public Administration from the University of Maiduguri.

In 2011, Malami served as the National Legal Adviser of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Chairman, Legal Team, CPC Presidential Campaign Organisation and Chairman Legal Team, CPC Presidential Campaign Organization.

Malami was among those that drafted the manifesto of the APC and a member of the inter-party Merger Committees of the CPC, ACN, ANPP, a faction APGA, DPP towards the formation of the APC·

 

 

Just In: 11 soldiers killed’ as gunmen attack military base in Kaduna

 

About 11 soldiers have been killed in an attack by suspected gunmen on a military base in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state.

The gunmen who came in large numbers were said to have invaded the base at Polwire village on Monday and engaged the troops in a fierce gun battle.

Military sources told TheCable that the bandits came on motorcycles and carrying heavy weapons including rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).

The fight was said to have lasted for about two hours before the soldiers were dislodged.

“We lost 11 men while 19 soldiers were wounded in action, after they overwhelmed the troops. They also burnt down three armoured personel carriers (APC) after they overwhelmed the troops,” one of the military sources said.

The gunmen were also said to have carted away with several weapons from the troops.

TheCable understands that the wounded soldiers were evacuated to Birnin Gwari General Hospital and 271 Nigerian Airforce Medical Center while those who were killed have been evacuated to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna (44 NARHK) in Kaduna.

Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, was not immediately available to comment on the attack.

In past recent months, there has been a series of attacks on Kaduna communities, including military bases.

In August 2021, gunmen attacked the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), killing two officers.

The attack on the military base comes days after gunmen attacked a train in Kaduna, which left several people dead and scores injured.

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