2 Supreme Court judges gunned down in Iran

Two prominent Iranian judges were fatally shot in what authorities are calling a targeted assassination at the supreme court in Tehran on Saturday morning.

The victims, Ali Razini, 71, and Mohammad Moghiseh, 68, were attacked by a gunman who entered the court premises. According to the judiciary’s news agency, Mizan, the assailant took his own life while attempting to flee the scene. A bodyguard was also injured during the incident.

While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, both judges had long histories of involvement in the Islamic Republic’s crackdown on government opposition dating back to the 1980s.

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In a statement, the judiciary’s media office characterized the incident as a “premeditated assassination.”

Officials have also stated that preliminary investigations indicate the attacker was not connected to any case heard by the supreme court. Authorities are now exploring the possibility of other individuals being involved in the planning of the attack.

Razini, who had been one of Iran’s highest-ranking judges, survived a previous assassination attempt in 1998. Moghiseh, meanwhile, was sanctioned by the European Union, the United States, and Canada for alleged human rights violations.

Both men had decades-long careers in the judiciary, where their duties included confirming death sentences.

Investigations into the attack are ongoing.

2 Supreme Court judges gunned down in Iran

Nnamdi Kanu petitions NJC over alleged bias by Justice Nyako

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a petition against Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing her of judicial misconduct in handling his case.

The petition, dated January 13, 2024, was addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

In the complaint, Kanu alleged that Justice Nyako’s actions during his trial had caused him “incalculable and continuing damage,” including a prolonged loss of his liberty.

Justice Nyako is currently overseeing the Federal Government’s seven-count terrorism charges against the IPOB leader.

The petition, backed by an affidavit signed by Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, accuses the judge of several instances of misconduct, including her refusal to reinstate Kanu’s bail. He described this as a violation of constitutional rights.

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“Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako currently presides over Court 2 of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. Her conduct amounts to judicial fraud and non-adherence to the Constitution and established rules of law,” Kanu stated in the petition.

He further argued that the judge’s refusal to act in line with a Supreme Court ruling constitutes a breach of Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates enforcement of the apex court’s decisions.

Kanu accused Justice Nyako of violating his fundamental rights through actions he described as disregarding constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

The petition concluded with Kanu requesting that the NJC take disciplinary action against Justice Nyako, stating, “Wherefore, the complainant prays the Council to discipline Her Lordship, Honourable Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako in accordance with the pertinent rules for disciplining erring judicial officers.”

Nnamdi Kanu petitions NJC over alleged bias by Justice Nyako

Residents flee as bandits impose N172m levy on Zamfara villages

Gunmen, allegedly led by a notorious bandit leader, Danisuhu, have reportedly imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the levies were accompanied by demands for in-kind contributions, including bags of soybeans and threats of violence against those who fail to comply.The report added that these demands have forced hundreds of residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

Makama stated that the targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million + 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), Kurar Mota (N6 million), Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi (N2.5 million), Kibari (N3 million), Karda (N5 million), Daga Ciki (N3 million), Biya (N5 million), Barebari (N6 million), Kauyen Magaji (N7 million), Kwaren Maisaje (N10 million), Magazawa (N10 million), Maciya (N5 million), and Unguwar Danhalima (N5 million).

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Others are Unguwar Rogo (N5 million), Katanga (N5 million), Magazu (N5 million), Sungawa (N15 million), Rakyabu (N15 million), Yalwa (N2.7 million), Tsageru (N5 million), Gidan Anne (N7 million), and Kunchin Kalgo (N20 million).

“Hundreds of residents of these villages have reportedly abandoned their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in fear of violent reprisals for failing to meet the demands,” the report reads.

Makama quoted a local source as describing the situation as dire.

“The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee,” the source said.

“While security has improved along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have yet to extend to the rural villages of Tsafe West.”

The report added that residents have called for more security personnel and permanent posts in Tsafe west, alongside emergency relief for displaced residents.

Residents flee as bandits impose N172m levy on Zamfara villages