EVENTS

Emergency rule: NBA leadership not fighting enough for our democracy – CSO

Published

3 months ago

April 12, 2025

A civic group, the Centre for Constitutional Watch, CCW, has criticised the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, over what it described as a “muted, convenient reaction” to the ongoing constitutional crisis in Rivers State.

A statement issued on Saturday and signed by Dr. Hassan Bello, Executive Director of the Centre, said relocating the NBA’s 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu was not a bold enough statement against the “illegal and shameful occupation of power” in Rivers.

According to the CCW, Nigerians expected the NBA to go beyond changing venues and instead lead a national resistance against “the creeping military democracy that is slowly strangling our Constitution.”

“You cannot applaud a doctor who simply walks away from a dying patient. By merely relocating their conference, the NBA is walking away from the heart of the crisis. Nigerians expected more. They expected resistance. They expected outrage,” Kura stated.

“Rivers State is under siege. The courts are silent. The Constitution is being desecrated in broad daylight. Yet, the supposed custodians of the law are making travel plans instead of leading the charge for justice.”

The CCW demanded more tangible action from the NBA, including the declaration of a one-month boycott of all courts in Nigeria to signal zero tolerance for the “unconstitutional sole administrator model.”

“This is not the time for cautious statements. The NBA should be declaring a national legal crisis. Their silence in the face of tyranny amounts to complicity,” the statement added.

“You do not fight dictatorship by changing venue. You fight dictatorship by taking the fight to the courtrooms, the streets, and the national conscience.

“If lawyers retreat from a constitutional battle, who then will stand for Nigeria’s democracy?

“The sole administrator is an aberration. The NBA must pursue this matter to the Supreme Court and lead public interest litigation that nullifies this political atrocity.”

The CCW called on well-meaning civil society organisations, student groups, and professional bodies to demand more from the NBA, insisting that the rule of law cannot survive if those entrusted with its defence choose convenience over courage.

EVENTS

Police Ban Peter Obi Supporters’ Birthday Rally in Kaduna Over Security Concerns

Published

1 day ago

July 19, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Fully armed police vehicles at the Obidient birthday rally meeting point in Kaduna.

The Kaduna State Police Command has issued a security advisory, warning against a planned political rally by supporters of former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, scheduled to hold in honour of his birthday.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the Command received credible intelligence suggesting that the rally, though intended as a show of support, may be infiltrated by criminal elements aiming to incite violence and disrupt public order.

EVENTS

151 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS FACE FORCE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OVER DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

‎
‎PRESS RELEASE
‎151 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS FACE FORCE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OVER DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
‎
‎In a decisive step towards reinforcing internal accountability and professional standards, one hundred and fifty-one (151) senior police officers are currently facing the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) over various pending disciplinary matters. The exercise commenced today Monday, 14th July till Friday, 25th July 2025, at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
‎
‎The Force Disciplinary Committee is an essential internal structure responsible for reviewing and adjudicating cases of alleged breaches of professional conduct, misconduct, and ethical violations involving senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above. The affected officers, drawn from various commands and formations across the country, are expected to undergo a thorough and transparent review process in line with extant police regulations and disciplinary procedures for final recommendation to the Police Service Commission.
‎
‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to discipline and ethical conduct within the Force. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force will not condone any form of indiscipline or misconduct.
‎
‎The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to promoting integrity, professionalism, and public trust. The disciplinary process reflects the Force’s keenness to maintaining an accountable and service-driven institution, where standards are upheld and the rule of law is respected from within.
‎
‎ACP
‎FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
‎FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
‎ABUJA.
‎
‎16TH JULY, 2025.

EVENTS

Customs FOU ‘A’ Vows Tougher Action Against Illicit Financial Flows …Hands Over ₦31m Seized Foreign Currency to EFCC

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illicit financial flows, following the seizure of undeclared foreign currency valued at ₦30.86 million near the Seme border.

The seized funds were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

Speaking during the handover, the Unit head, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, explained that the interception occurred on Sunday, 13 July 2025, when officers on routine patrol along the Babapupa bush path flagged down a suspicious Nissan Almera.

According to him, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bush, evading arrest. “Upon inspection, officers discovered undeclared foreign currency, $20,000 in U.S. dollars and 110,000 in West African CFA francs carefully stashed in the vehicle.”

“The seized currency contravenes Section 3 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which mandates the declaration of any amount exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at Nigeria’s borders”, he noted.

Comptroller Shuaibu highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling transnational crimes while reiterating the Unit’s commitment to protecting the Nigerian economy from economic sabotage. “We will remain vigilant and ensure our borders are not used as conduits for criminal activities.”

After receiving the seized currency, the Head of Investigation, Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, Shehu Muhammed-Allah, commended the Service for its professionalism and timely intervention.

“This handover reinforces the synergy between both agencies. It is a strong message to criminals that the law is watching, and there will be consequences”, he warned.

He affirmed that the EFCC will investigate to trace the ownership of the abandoned vehicle and will pursue legal proceedings in accordance with the law.