The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has said the case of the detained leader of banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a difficult one that should be left to the law to have his way since its already in court.

Published

1 year ago

May 24, 2024

Fagbemi stated this while responding to questions from newsmen at the Sectoral Ministerial Briefing on the first anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu administration in Abuja on Friday.

He pointed out that there is a remarkable difference between Kanu’s case and that of the convener of #RevolutionNow protester, Omoyele Sowore.

He said, “Sowore and Kanu are not the same, when it comes to the first one, I didn’t have difficulty to say go, but I have difficulty with the second one”.

Pointing out that Kanu is being held in accordance with the Constitution, Fagbemi observed that, “the matter is still in court, let’s wait for the court”.

Sowore was arrested in 2019 and prosecuted for allegedly calling for the forceful take over of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, the Federal Government through the office of the AGF in February filed a notice of discontinuation of the case.

The minister also stated that the Federal Government has secured 250 convictions from the prosecution of terrorism and criminal offices in various courts across the country.

The AGF who reeled out the achievements of the Ministry of Justice under the year under review, said in furtherance with the Ministry’s mandate of enhancing national security and safety through prosecution, the Federal Government has secured 160 convictions for criminal offences, 87 convictions for terrorism cases, 3 novel convictions in the last one year for extremist terrorism actors involved in the radicalisation of children and violence against women.

Fagbemi hinted that the Justice Ministry in conjunction with relevant security and law enforcement agencies have developed a framework for joint investigation and collaboration geared towards the engagement of prosecution-guided investigation in various criminal cases with a bid to address the challenges to successful prosecutions.

“There is also enhanced inter-agency synergy for prosecution of Maritime Cases, Electricity offences, collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders on cybersecurity protection and cybercrime prosecution,” the AGF said.

Following the Ministry’s intervention for the upgrade of facilities designated for trial of terrorism cases, Fagbemi said the Ministry has resumed trials of terrorism cases in conjunction with the Legal Aid Council, National Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders.

He added that the percentages of terrorism cases initiated and corruption cases concluded within the reporting period have been significant.

The AGF further stated that the Tinubu administration has facilitated international cooperation on terrorism financing and other transnational crimes.

Fagbemi also said the Federal Government has secured the conviction of 13 terrorism financing cases, and also concluded 150 mutual legal assistance requests and 12 extradition requests from law enforcement agencies and foreign countries.

“The Ministry places priority on enhancing the prosecutorial and litigation capacity of its staff, to this end, it organised capacity building programmes to improve knowledge on various aspects of the law, including Darknet and Cryptocurrencies applied to terrorism financing, investigation and prosecution of financial and wildlife crimes in Nigeria.

“The coordination of the effective implementation of the National Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Proliferation Financing (AML/CPF) Strategy 2023 – 2027 is also a top priority for the Ministry,” the AGF said.

Moreso, in line with the cardinal principle of the present administration in the fight against corruption, the Justice Ministry, Fagbemi said, has achieved successes under its international asset recovery and management efforts.

The asset sharing agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Bailiwick of Jersey was signed in February 2024, for the return of £2,125,944 (Two Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-Four GBP) proceeds of corruption, the AGF revealed.

“This has been approved by the President to be utilised for continuation of works on the Abuja-Kano Road project” Fagbemi said.

On the Glencore settlement, the Minister said the ministry on behalf of Nigeria on April 25, 2024, concluded negotiation of a settlement agreement with Glencore International A.G. wherein the firm is expected to pay the sum of $50 million USD as penalty and compensation for certain activities in Nigeria.

Also, speaking on the development of the proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Regulation 2024 by the ministry, the AGF said the objective of the regulation which is being developed with relevant agencies is to ensure transparency, accountability and standardisation in the management of recovered assets, in line with global best practices.

“This document is being finalised for validation,” the AGF said.

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Democracy Day: Benue youths hold pro-Tinubu, Alia rally despite unending killings

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

While victims of Fulani herdsmen attacks are languishing in hospitals and families of the deceased are mourning, a group of Benue State youths and women on Thursday staged a rally in Makurdi to support the present administration.

The youths under the aegis of pro-Tinubu/Alia support groups, stormed major streets of Makurdi, capital city of Benue State, drumming support for second terms for President Bola Tinubu and the state governor, Hyacinth Alia.

The group eventually converged at the roundabout leading to the Government House, expecting the governor to address them.

The pro-Tinubu, Alia rally came a few hours after armed herders launched the latest attacks in Makurdi, killing scores of persons.

Ekwutosblog earlier reported that the bloodthirsty armed herders attacked the Mtsewnem and Akondutyough villages in the North Bank area of Makurdi on Wednesday night, killing several persons and leaving scores injured.

The Benue State University Teaching Hospital subsequently issued an urgent appeal for blood donations to save the lives of injured victims who are currently battling for their lives.

Meanwhile, the rally has continued to generate criticism from members of the public, who accused the group of not bothering about victims of the attacks.

All 242 Aboard Crashed Air India Plane Feared Dead

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The flight, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick airport, crashed shortly after takeoff. According to the local newspaper, the Indian Express, citing police, the passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national.

All the 242 people on board the ill-fated Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick airport that crashed earlier on Thursday, are feared dead.

“The police confirmed that all 242 passengers on board the aircraft had died in the crash,” the outlet reported.

The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been launched into the incident.

Meanwhile, world leaders have been quick to respond to the tragedy, sending their condolences through social media platforms.

French President Emmanuel Macron said, “We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her deepest condolences, saying, “Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad. On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this time of great sorrow.”

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said, “I am saddened by the news of the Air India plane crash. It is a great tragedy that has affected many lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to all those who have lost their loved ones.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky added, “Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day.”

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his deepest sympathies, saying, “Deeply saddened by the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. The loss of so many lives is heartbreaking. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the people of India in this time of sorrow.”

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro posted on X, “It was with deep dismay that I learned of the tragic plane crash in India, involving 7 citizens with Portuguese nationality. On behalf of myself and the government, I would like to express my condolences and deep solidarity with the families of the victims.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone affected.”

The tragedy has sent shockwaves around the world, with people from different countries and backgrounds coming together to mourn the loss of lives.

Two killed, others injured in Nasarawa thunderstorm tragedy

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A devastating thunderstorm struck Obi town on Monday, killing two residents and leaving two others critically injured.

The victims, Aminu Amegwa Ayitogo and Micah Christopher, lost their lives after being struck by lightning during a heavy downpour.

According to eyewitness accounts, the tragic incident occurred while the victims were taking shelter under a motorcycle workshop shade located opposite the Obi Local Government Secretariat.

According to them, the thunderbolt hit the group unexpectedly, resulting in immediate fatalities and injuries.

Two others, Bulus Ogu Iwala and Abraham Francis Tarkaa, were seriously wounded in the incident and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lafia, the state capital. According to medical personnel, efforts are ongoing to stabilise their condition.

In response to the incident, local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution during severe weather conditions, especially by avoiding open spaces, trees, and metal structures during thunderstorms.