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Breaking: DSS denies journalists access from covering Kanu’s court case

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DSS Operatives

The Department of State Services, DSS, has again, denied journalists access to the court room where trial of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is expected to resume today.

Kanu, who was re-arraigned before trial Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, is facing a seven-count amended treasonable felony charge the Federal Government preferred against him.

As a early as 6am when this reporter arrived at the court which is adjacent the Federal Ministry of Justice, heavily armed operatives of the DSS ordered him to turn back.

The hooded operatives, who barricaded all routes leading to the court, equally barred both print and broadcast Journalists from major media organizations from entering the court premises.

“We are working on instruction. We can’t let you people in”, one of the operatives told newsmen

As at 8:23am when this report was filed in, the operatives had yet to allow any Journalist to gain access to the court premises.

Similarly, some lawyers and Igbo traditional rulers that arrived the court around 7am, were also turned back.

Other security agents on ground to ensure that no journalist is allowed into the court, were drawn from the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Officials of the court had after a meeting it held with leaders of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, NAJUC, on Tuesday, disclosed that Justice Nyako insisted that she would only allow five journalists into the courtroom.

Sequel to their instruction, a five-man list, comparising of journalists from the Print, Television, Radio and Online news outlets, among whom included this reporter, was submitted to the court.

However, upon arrival at court on Wednesday, DSS operatives, refused to allow any journalists in.

Effort to persuade the security agents to bulge is still ongoing.

FG had in the amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, which was signed by a team of government lawyers led by the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr. M. B. Abubakar, alleged that Kanu had in furtherance of an act of terrorism, issued a deadly threat that anyone that flouted his sit-at-home order should write his or her will.

FG alleged that as a result of Kanu’s directive, banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, fuel stations were not opened for businesses, with vehicular movements grounded in the South East region of the country.

It said the action amounted to an offence contrary to and punishable under 1(2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

FG alleged that Kanu had “on or about the 28th April, 2015 in London, United Kingdom did in a broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu state and other parts of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, referred to Major General Muhammadu Buhari, GCON, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a paedophile, a terrorist, an idiot and an embodiment of evil, knowing same to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C. 38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.

He was alleged to have committed treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria

He was alleged to had between 2018 and 2021, through Radio Biafra, professed to be a member of IPOB, a proscribed organization in Nigeria, and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

In count five of the charge, FG alleged that Kanu had on April 22, 2021, in London, United Kingdom, on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other parts of Nigeria, did an act of terrorism “in that you incite the other members (followers) of the Indegenious People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organization in Nigeria, to look for security personnel, their family members through a Radio Biafra on 102.1FM monitored through the IPOB Community Radio, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 1 (2) (h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

Attached in support of the amended charge dated October 14, included a seven-paragraphed affidavit of completion of investigation deposed to by one Loveme Odubo, a prosecutor in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

FG equally lined up five witnesses to testify in the matter, among whom are officials of the DSS and one Ronald S. who was identified as the manager of a Hotel in Lagos.

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Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

The Kwara State Government has condemned the killing of five forest guards in a deadly bandit attack in Kwara State, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed grief over the tragic incident and unveiled fresh measures to strengthen security.

The हमला occurred in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected bandits reportedly launched a coordinated midnight raid on a security outpost around 3:00 a.m., killing five forest guards on duty.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, the governor described the slain guards as brave patriots who died defending their communities.

“I received the news with a heavy heart. These men paid the ultimate price while confronting armed assailants. Nothing can truly compensate for their sacrifice,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers, overwhelmed the guards, and set fire to motorcycles and patrol vehicles at the outpost, leaving critical security assets destroyed.

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The latest bandit attack in Kaiama LGA has heightened fear among residents, especially as it comes barely two months after similar deadly raids on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities.

Security experts say the increasing frequency of such attacks signals a worrying spread of banditry in North Central Nigeria, with forested areas serving as operational bases for armed groups.

Governor AbdulRazaq commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts but urged them to intensify operations to curb the growing threat.

To tackle the situation, he announced the formation of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, comprising retired senior military and security officers tasked with strengthening intelligence gathering and coordinating security responses.

The committee is chaired by retired Major General G.A. Wahab, with members including Major General Yemi Abidoye, Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, Rear Admiral Aliyu Lawal, Air Commodore A.S.A. Buhari, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aderemi Opadokun, and Lieutenant Colonel W.A. Lawal. Shuaib Abdulganiyu will serve as secretary.

The governor said the committee would immediately begin deliberations on practical strategies to address insecurity, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

He also assured that the state government would support the families of the deceased guards and work closely with federal security agencies to prevent further attacks.

“Our sincere condolences go to the families and communities of the forest guards. They will forever remain our heroes,” he added.

Authorities have reportedly deployed additional security personnel to the affected area, while investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the killings.

The incident underscores growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, as residents continue to call for stronger protection and proactive security measures.

Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

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Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 24 in Kebbi Bandit Attack

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Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 24 in Kebbi Bandit Attack

Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 24 in Kebbi Bandit Attack

Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least 24 people following a brutal bandit attack in Kebbi State, describing the घटना as a serious failure of security and a violation of fundamental human rights.

The attack occurred in Debe community, located in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, on the evening of Easter Sunday, when armed bandits reportedly invaded the village and unleashed violence on residents.

According to survivors, the attackers carried out indiscriminate killings, targeting anyone in sight without regard for religion or identity. Victims included Muslims, Christians, and followers of traditional beliefs, highlighting the random and devastating nature of the assault.

Residents said the gunmen moved from house to house, killing and burning properties in what has been described as one of the deadliest recent attacks in the area.

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Beyond the loss of lives, several homes were razed during the হাম, leaving many families homeless. A Catholic church—an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish in Shafa—was completely destroyed, while at least 14 shops belonging to local traders were set ablaze, wiping out goods and livelihoods.

The violence has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with many residents displaced and forced to flee to neighbouring communities. Victims are currently in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical assistance, as local resources remain overstretched.

In its statement, Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to launch a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The organisation also urged the government to improve security in Kebbi State and other vulnerable parts of northwestern Nigeria, where banditry continues to pose a major threat to civilian lives.

Security concerns in the region have persisted despite ongoing military operations, with communities frequently reporting delayed response times and insufficient protection during attacks.

The incident further underscores the growing insecurity crisis in Nigeria’s northwest, where repeated bandit attacks have led to loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of property.

Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 24 in Kebbi Bandit Attack

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Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children

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Ndata Bobb died in hospital after emergency services were called to a disturbance in Edinburgh's Restalrig Avenue
Ndata Bobb died in hospital after emergency services were called to a disturbance in Edinburgh's Restalrig Avenue

Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children

A 56-year-old man, Momodou Bobb, is facing a mandatory life sentence after admitting to the brutal killing of his wife, Ndata Bobb, in a shocking domestic violence case that took place while their four children were inside the home.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the attack occurred at the family’s home in Restalrig, Restalrig, Edinburgh, where the victim suffered at least 22 stab wounds to multiple parts of her body, including the face, neck, chest, back, arms, and abdomen.

Prosecutors told the court that Bobb initially claimed the incident happened during a struggle in which he was holding a knife that “slipped,” but he later admitted murdering his wife during a violent confrontation on 27 and 28 August last year.

The court was told that emergency services were alerted after a 999 call reported a “fight” between the couple. When police arrived, Bobb opened the door wearing only boxer shorts and was covered in blood. Officers also found two blood-stained knives in the kitchen.

Despite rapid medical intervention, including attempts by paramedics to resuscitate the victim at the scene, she was later pronounced dead at hospital. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was a deep stab wound to the neck that severed a major vein.

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Witness testimony presented in court described hearing the victim screaming for help, reportedly shouting “leave me alone” before collapsing inside the living room.

The court also heard that Bobb sustained injuries to his hand during the incident and was treated in hospital under police supervision. During treatment, he reportedly told officers that the knife had “slipped” during a fight.

Lady Haldane, presiding over the case, described the victim as a “much-loved mother” and noted the devastating impact her death has had on her family, including her four children—three of whom she shared with the accused and one from a previous relationship.

She further confirmed that under UK law, murder carries a mandatory life sentence, with the court set to determine the minimum term Bobb must serve before being eligible to apply for parole.

The judge noted that the victim, originally from The Gambia, had a large extended family and was deeply loved by those who knew her, adding that the “tragedy of her loss is immense.”

Court proceedings revealed that the couple had moved to the UK in the 1990s and later settled in Scotland, with the victim obtaining tenancy of the Edinburgh property in late 2023.

Sentence has been deferred pending the preparation of background and sentencing reports.

Authorities have described the case as a deeply disturbing example of domestic violence, highlighting ongoing concerns about the need for stronger prevention and intervention measures to protect vulnerable families.

Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children

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