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Nnamdi Kanu trial: Justice Nyako steps down as presiding judge
Nnamdi Kanu trial: Justice Nyako steps down as presiding judge
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from overseeing the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This decision follows Kanu’s formal request for her withdrawal, citing her failure to comply with a Supreme Court order, which eroded his confidence in the court’s impartiality.
During Tuesday’s court session, Kanu openly asked Justice Nyako to recuse herself from the proceedings. In response, the judge expressed no objections and confirmed that she would forward the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The tension between Kanu and the court revolves around a Supreme Court ruling that raised questions about the jurisdiction over charges stemming from Kanu’s alleged broadcasts.
Despite the Federal Government’s readiness to continue with the trial, Kanu instructed his lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, to stay seated while he personally addressed the judge.
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“Sit down! I say you should sit down!” Kanu had yelled at his lawyer.
Speaking further, he said, “My lord, I have no confidence in this court any more, and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.
“I can understand it if the DSS refuses to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.
“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case.”
He also read a part of the judgment of the Supreme Court, where alleged bias against Justice Nyako was raised.
The counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, had earlier told the court that he was ready for the commencement of trial, but that it could not hold under the present circumstance.
Awomolo, however, tried to urge Justice Nyako to proceed with the trial, but she responded that she had been minded to recuse herself from the case.
“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge,” she declared.
Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 by the Federal Government and brought to the country for trial on terrorism charges.
Although he pleaded not guilty to the charges, Justice Nyako declined to admit him to bail on the ground that he jumped the earlier one in which Senator Abaribe was his surety.
Kanu has since been in the custody of the Department of State Services on the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Nnamdi Kanu trial: Justice Nyako steps down as presiding judge
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Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
Four people, including a soldier, were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday and Friday.
Local sources revealed that the victims, including two young men and a soldier, were attacked late Friday night.
Another individual, believed to be a cultist, was killed in his home on Thursday.
Chairman of the vigilance group Operation Shara, Nura Umar, stated, “The soldier and two boys were innocent victims attacked by suspected cultists. The incidents occurred near the BIPC area.”
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However, police spokesperson Catherine Anene confirmed only one civilian death, adding, “Operatives have been deployed to address the situation.”
The area has seen a surge in rival cult clashes in recent weeks, raising concerns over public safety.
Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
metro
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on Daniel Bwala, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, to apologize to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement, Ndume attributed his plea to Bwala’s earlier criticism of Shettima’s selection as Tinubu’s running mate, a decision that led to Bwala’s exit from the APC over concerns about the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.
It should be recalled that Bwala, previously a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, recently joined Tinubu’s team after being a vocal critic of the ruling party’s decision to present two Muslim candidates for the 2023 presidential election.
Bwala resigned from the APC in July 2022, condemning the party’s choice of Shettima as insensitive to Nigeria’s secular principles. At the time, he publicly opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket, sparking significant debate.
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In his statement, Ndume said, “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media. This gesture deserves serious applause, particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in the recent past.”
Ndume praised Tinubu’s appointment as a move towards inclusivity and reconciliation, urging Bwala to work closely with Vice President Shettima. “You should work with the Vice President closely as your second principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” Ndume advised.
He also encouraged Bwala to follow the example of key Tinubu allies such as Sunday Dare, Hadiza Bala Usman, and Bayo Onanuga, emphasizing the need for constructive advocacy. “These individuals defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures without being abusive or offensive. Bwala should adopt a similar approach,” Ndume stated.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots connection, Ndume added, “Charity begins at home. You must connect with the grassroots to ensure the administration’s message resonates with the people. I wish you success in your new assignment.”
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
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Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
The Supreme Court in Abuja has affirmed Oba Olatunji Kalejaiye’s removal from the throne, the Nloku of Iraye in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Apex court’s decision affirmed an earlier order of the Appeal Court asking Kalejaiye to stop parading himself as the Nloku of Iraye.
In the Supreme Court ruling delivered by Justice Uwani Musa Aba Aji, the Apex Court granted the application to strike out Kalejaiye’s appeal for lack of diligent prosecution, as prayed.
“Appeal number SC/CV11112022 is at this moment struck out for lack of diligent prosecution,”’ the Supreme Court ruled to end the embattled monarch’s troubled reign as Nloku of Iraye.
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The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State had in September 2022, halted the reign of the deposed Nloku of Iraye, Oba Kalejaiye, while ruling on the case (Appeal No: CA/1B/255/2015 Suit No: HCS/65/2019, an appeal filed by Kalejaiye against his deposition in 2015 by a State High Court sitting in Sagamu.
The Justices of the Appeal Court, led by Hon. Justice Moore A. A. Adumein, ruled that “the appeal lacked merit and is hereby dismissed. The Judgment of Hon. Justice Olugbenga Ogunfowora is hereby affirmed.”
Speaking on the Supreme Court judgment, Pa Olu Salau, head of the Sugbada royal family appreciated the Justices for doing justice to the matter brought before them in a brilliant, comprehensive, and incisive manner. He urged all parties in the dispute to accept the judgment as the will of God and the wishes of the good people of Iraye.
Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
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