Judge bars police, DSS, others from making arrests on court premises – Newstrends
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Judge bars police, DSS, others from making arrests on court premises

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The Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies have been barred from blocking access to the premises and courtrooms of Abia State High Court or any other court when it is in session.

Justice Benson Anya gave the order, saying that security agencies have no right to prevent people from having access to the court, while “there must not be any arrests in the premises and vicinity of any court, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction”.

He gave the order following the court proceedings on Friday in the case of HIN/FR/14/2021 Nnamdi Kanu Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria and seven others.

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is in the Abia State High Court seeking a leave to enforce his fundamental rights with the federal government, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice and DSS, among others, listed as defendants.

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The police and other security agencies had formed the habit of restricting movements along Ikot Ekpene road, Umuahia and other adjoining roads as well as barring people from entering the court whenever Kanu’s case came up for hearing.

But Justice Anya faulted the excessive enforcement of security, saying that barricading and impeding access to court is an anomaly in a democratic setting and could only be effected by security agencies if “the head of the court so requests in writing”.

“It is hereby declared unlawful to restrict the citizens and the members of the public access to the courtroom and the court premises during the working hours of the court.

“It is also declared that the act of barricading the court, blocking roads leading to the court and impeding access to the court premises and the court rooms in a democratic society by any person under any guise is unconstitutional, illegal and abuse of the integrity and sanctity of the court of law,” he said.

The judge also frowned on the disruptive activities of security agencies during court proceedings, noting that “in administration of justice, only the person officials and policemen posted on official court duties are allowed within the court of law and it is so orded”.

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According to him, “Legal practitioners, litigants and the general public must be allowed free access to the court without let or hinderance,” adding that security agencies should not portray the court of law as an autocratic institution.

“The judiciary is a democratic institution with a mandate to protect the rights of any person or persons who approach the court to ventilate their grievances. It is unlawful to militarise it or cause the court to perform its function under the force of arms,” Anya declared.

In addition, the court ordered that the federal government and all the parties concerned must protect the sanctity of the judiciary, the freedom and constitutional rights of the people.

The case was adjourned to December 10, 2021 for motion.

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Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

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Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

Early Wednesday morning, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The assailants reportedly arrived around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus SUV (model 350/400) and launched an assault that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, provided details of the incident but could not confirm the exact number of attackers involved.

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Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

 

Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

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94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

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94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

At least 94 illegal occupants and squatters along the railway corridor from Pen Cinema to Fagba were arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce in an early morning sting operation on Wednesday.

During the raid, substances suspected to be hard drugs—such as Indian hemp, colorado, and other harmful drugs—were seized, along with various weapons.

It was gathered that those arrested attempted to resist the task force’s actions.

In a statement, Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that those arrested will face prosecution.

He added that the agency dismantled shanties and makeshift structures along the railway corridor, clearing a distance of some kilometers.

The Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele explained that the eviction aimed to provide relief for residents around the Fagba, Agege, and Pen Cinema railway routes, following numerous complaints from the public about criminal activities in the area.

He noted that the squatting had violated environmental and sanitary regulations.

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Akerele also highlighted the health and safety risks posed by the presence of squatters along the rail corridor.

He warned the evicted individuals not to return and assured residents and train passengers that regular patrols and surveillance would be conducted to prevent the re-establishment of shanties in the area.

“The rail tracks are not meant for habitation or the sale of narcotics. Anyone caught converting this place into a den of criminals or an area of residence will face severe consequences according to the law,” Akerele was quoted as saying.

Speaking on the raid, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that a locally fabricated short gun was recovered.

“94 suspects were arrested during the midnight operation; a locally fabricated short gun and several wraps of illicit substance suspected to be indian hemp, charm and a jack knife were recovered.

“The suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Wahab stated in a post on X.

 

94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

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Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has swept out all Board, Parastatal, and Agency appointees from his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, in a decisive move to overhaul the state’s public service.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the immediate dismissal of all political appointees and Permanent Secretaries brought in from outside the state Civil Service.

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The statement reads:

“For the information of the general public, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the dissolution of Executives of all Boards, Agencies, and Parastatals in the Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.

“In addition, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all Political Appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.”

Affected individuals have been directed to return all government property in their possession to the senior Public Officers in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

 

Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

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