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Ikenga Ugochinyere begs Tinubu to discontinue Kanu’s trial

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Ikenga Ugochinyere
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Some South East members of the House of Representatives, led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, have called on President Bola Tinubu to invoke the relevant sections of the Constitution to discontinue the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

They also noted that the dismissal of Kanu’s bail application was another major setback for the healing process and return of peace in the region.

Justice Binta Nyako had on Tuesday rejected Kanu’s bail request, and granted an accelerated hearing on the matter.

Speaking on behalf of other South East lawmakers who were in court, Ugochinyere stated that granting Kanu bail would have provided an opportunity to open doors for discussion to bring about peace in the South East.

 

Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato South and North in the House of Representatives, however, appealed to the president to extend the same gesture as he did to Sunday Igboho as well as Omoyele Sowore.

He said, “We received the news of the rejection of the bail with sadness, and we just lost an opportunity to commence the process of healing in our land.

“That bail application, if granted, would have brought an opportunity to open doors for discussion to bring about peace in the South East.

“Just a few weeks back, the Federal Government discontinued the criminal charge filed against Omoyele Sowore. I’m also aware that the Federal Government has allowed Sunday Igboho back home.

“We are calling on President Bola Tinubu not to allow this moment pass him by. What the President should do and the Attorney-General in particular, is to invoke the power invested on him under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to discontinue the matter. The case can be discontinued in the interest of the public and justice.

“It is also painful for us that this bail application was rejected and we hope that President Tinubu will do the needful by discontinuing the matter.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ejected the bail application by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, however, granted an accelerated hearing instead.

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Court Strikes Out BobRisky’s Fundamental Rights Suit against EFCC

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Court Strikes Out BobRisky’s Fundamental Rights Suit against EFCC
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Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights suit instituted against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju (a.k.a Bobrisky) alleging breach of his rights by the Commission and seeking N200million damages.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Justice Owoeye held that Bobrisky’s claims of encroachment of his rights lacked merit with no credible evidence to justify the reliefs he sought from the court.

One of the reliefs sought was an “ an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents” from harassing, declaring him wanted, arresting or detaining him “whether by themselves, their officers, servants, agents…”.

In another relief, Bobrisky prayed the court to award the sum of N200million against the EFCC as damages he allegedly suffered from the activities of the Commission regarding his arrest and trial.

After evaluating all the reliefs he sought, Justice Owoeye ruled that “having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him”.

The judge further stated that, “in the final analysis, I hold the claims of violation of fundamental rights against the 1st and 2nd Respondents were not made out of the affidavit evidence placed before this Court. The claim of the Applicant against the 1st to the 2nd Respondents hereby lacks merit and is liable to be dismissed. It is accordingly dismissed”. The judge also refused to award any damage against the EFCC.

Bobrisky had dragged both the EFCC and the National Assembly before the court and all the reliefs he sought were thrown out. He was originally arrested by the EFCC on April 4, 2024 by the Commission for Naira abuse. His arrest eventually led to his six months conviction by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on April 12, 2024 .

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

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DG WTO STATEMENT: “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.

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DG WTO STATEMENT “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.
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DG WTO STATEMENT

“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.

“In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions. I commend Members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts.

“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.

“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”

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DEATH OF PRISCILLA OCHEME: POLICE COMMITTED TO THOROUGH, UNBIASED INVESTIGATION.

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DEATH OF PRISCILLA OCHEME: POLICE COMMITTED TO THOROUGH, UNBIASED INVESTIGATION.
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PRESS RELEASE

DEATH OF PRISCILLA OCHEME: POLICE COMMITTED TO THOROUGH, UNBIASED INVESTIGATION.

As IGP Orders SIU to Take Over Case.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the thorough investigation of the recent tragic case involving the death of Priscilla Ocheme, a young woman who went missing after visiting her boyfriend, one Ekhousuehi Elvis, at his home in Goshen Estate, Pyakasa, FCT, on September 22, 2024.

Priscilla’s lifeless body was subsequently discovered, raising significant concerns. The case was promptly reported to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General Zone 7 Abuja, and Elvis, as a primary suspect, was invited to provide his account of the events leading to Priscilla’s sudden disappearance.

However, instead of reporting as requested, Elvis proceeded to another police formation in Lagos State to file a counter-petition. In light of this development, and to maintain clarity and avoid duplication in the ongoing investigations, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has ordered the IGP-Special Investigation Unit to take over the case, ensuring that it receives the attention and sensitivity it requires.

The primary suspect in the investigation, Ekhousuehi Elvis, and other suspects arrested in connection with the case are presently in the police custody where they are being interrogated. It is important to clarify that contrary to the rumours that have been circulating, Elvis or any of the suspects is not experiencing any form of mistreatment. The IGP emphasizes the importance of justice and thoroughness in this investigation. The Special Investigation Unit is equipped to handle cases of this nature and will investigate thoroughly to uncover the truth.

The Nigeria Police Force reassures the public of its commitment to transparency and diligence throughout the process. As investigations progress, we urge members of the public to disregard any form of calumny. Anyone with relevant information is hereby urged to come forward and assist the Police in ensuring Justice for Priscilla Ocheme and her family.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

28TH NOVEMBER, 2024

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