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Court of Appeal Throws Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Rights Violation Case
Court of Appeal Throws Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Rights Violation Case
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in which he alleged violations of his fundamental human rights by the Director-General of the DSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
A three-man panel ruled that the application had lost its legal relevance, stating that all issues raised had become academic following Kanu’s conviction and life sentence delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Boloukuromo Ugo held that claims of rights violations—including lack of proper medical care, denial of dignity, and restriction of religious freedom—could no longer be entertained since Kanu had been transferred from DSS custody to a correctional centre.
Justice Ugo further noted that Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, confirmed at the hearing that the IPOB leader is currently held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, rendering his earlier request for a transfer to Kuje Prison irrelevant.
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The court also recalled that Kanu had previously indicated his preference for prison custody, and since he has already been convicted and remanded, the reliefs he sought had been overtaken.
The appeal challenged a July 3 ruling by retired Federal High Court judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, who dismissed Kanu’s rights enforcement suit for lack of evidence.
Respondents in the case included the DSS Director-General, the Department of State Services, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Kanu’s original suit, filed in December 2021 and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/2021, claimed that his health deteriorated while in DSS detention and that unqualified medical personnel attended to him. However, DSS counsel Idowu Awo countered that no evidence had been presented to prove the medical staff were “quacks.”
Similarly, counsel to the AGF, Simon Enoch, urged the court to dismiss the suit.
The Federal High Court had earlier held that Kanu failed to prove allegations of torture, denial of religious rights, or inadequate medical care. Justice Taiwo ruled that while detainees may practise their religion, such practice must not disrupt the custody environment. The court also noted Kanu called no medical expert to substantiate his claims.
The High Court’s dismissal for lack of merit has now been upheld by the Court of Appeal, closing the chapter on this particular rights violation claim.
Court of Appeal Throws Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Rights Violation Case
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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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