Tag: Court

 

 

An Abuja High Court on Monday, ordered the release of Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, from the Department of State Service (DSS) detention.

Justice Mohammed Zubairu, in a ruling, described Bodejo’s detention since Dec. 9 after his arrest and without being charged to court as unlawful.

Justice Zubairu made the order following an application for the order of habeas corpus subjiciendum moved against the respondents by Bodejo’s lawyer, Reuben Atabo, SAN.

The judge held that the application was meritorious having not been challenged by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS DG, who are 1st and 2nd respondents.

“The applicant is hereby released from the 2nd respondent’s detention,” he declared.
Justice Zubairu, however, said that Bodejo’s release from detention is not tantamount to an acquittal.

He, therefore, ordered Atabo, who appeared for him, to ensure that Bodejo is produced before the respondents should there be any reason to file charges against him.
He equally warned the respondents not to detain him beyond the constitutional provisions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bodejo, in an ex-parte motion marked: M/16976/2024, sued the AGF and DSS DG.
Bodejo, in the motion dated and filed on Dec. 19, had prayed the court to order his release from the detention of DSS pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.
He also sought an order granting him leave to apply for the order of habeas corpus subjiciendum against the respondents.
NAN reports that habeas corpus subjiciendum is a Latin phrase and a legal term used to describe a writ that is directed to someone who is detaining another person to inquire into the legality of the detention.
Justice Zubairu grant leave to Bodejo’s lawyer to apply for an order of habeas corpus.
He also ordered that the substantive application be filed within 24 hours from the day tye order was made for the purpose of determining the merit or other wise of the application.
The judge held that having found out that Bodejo was yet to be arraigned before a court of law since his arrest, made an order that he should be produced before the court today, Dec. 30, or admit him to an administrative bail.
When the matter was called on Monday, Atabo informed the court that Bodejo was yet to be produced in court.
He, however, said that the respondent’s lawyer told him that his client was within the court premises.
He sought a stand down for him to be produced in court.
When the court reconvened, Bodejo, in company of security agents, walked into the courtroom.
Atabo then informed the court that his client was in court and that he was ready to move their substantive motion slated for today for hearing.
He said the motion, dated Dec. 24, was filed “pursuant to your lordship order that we should filed within 24 hours.”
He said it was also brought pursuant to Order 47 of the Civil Procedure Rules of the court and in compliance with Sections 34, 35, 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
“We sought for your lordship order of habeas corpus subjiciendum commanding the respondents to produce the applicant from custody for the purpose of being released from detention and for such further order,” he said.
He said the application was supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Hauwa Bodejo, the senior wife to the applicant.
According to Atabo, before your lordship, there is no counter affidavit in opposition to the deposition of Hauwa Bodejo.
Citing a previous case, the senior lawyer argued that where there is affidavit and there is no opposition, it is deemed to be correct.
“We urge your lordship to deem the deposition of Hauwa Bodejo as the correct deposition,” he said.
The lawyer further said that Bodejo had been in detention from Dec. 9 and had not been charged to court.
“This is contrary to the provision of our constitution.
“We urge the court in the interest of justice and respect for the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria to invoke your judicial power under Order 47 to release the applicant in custody,” he prayed.
Atabo undertook to produce Bodejo before the court in the event of prosecution by the state.
Although the AGF was not represented in court, the DSS counsel, A.M. Danlami, told the court that they had not filed any counter affidavit in opposition to the applicant’s affidavit.
Danlami, who said he was not opposed to the application for Bodejo’s release, urged the court to make an order that Bodejo should be produced to the respondents in the event a charge is preferred against him.

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the sum of 49, 700. 00 US dollars allegedly recovered from Dr Nura Ali, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for Sokoto State in the 2023 general elections.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order after Osuobeni Akponimisingha, counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), moved an ex-parte motion to the effect.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) was the applicant, Ali was the sole respondent in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1846/2024.

The motion, dated Dec. 20 and filed Dec. 24, was jointly filed by the ICPC and the Department of State Service (DSS).

Mr Usman Dauda, the Director of Legal, signed the application on DSS’ behalf, Akponimisingha, Assistant Chief Legal Officer in ICPC, was part of the legal team that drafted the process.

The motion sought an order of the court temporarily forfeiting the sum of $49,700.00 (forty-nine thousand, seven hundred dollars), “recovered from one Dr. Nura Ali during a search operation by the Federal Government of Nigeria being property suspected to be proceed of an unlawful activity.”

It also sought an order directing the applicant i.e., the FRN, through the ICPC and the DSS to jointly conduct a thorough preliminary investigation into the alleged unlawful activities of Ali, in respect of the moveable property sought to be forfeited and make a report to the court within 90 days.

It sought an order directing the applicant i.e., FRN, through the ICPC and the DSS to deposit the 49,700.00 dollars in an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN.)

The application equally sought an order directing the applicant to publish a notice in any national newspaper calling for persons whether, human, juristic or artificial, having Interest in the money to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Giving nine grounds why the application should be granted, the applicant said the victim of the alleged crime was the Federal Government of Nigeria and innocent taxpayers which include judges of courts across the country.

It said the money was recovered during a search operation by operatives of the DSS at the residence of Ali.
“The alleged moveable property of $49,700.00 was bribe money received by Dr Nura Ali when he was the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Sokoto State.
“The alleged moveable property is not the legitimate earning of Dr Ali as independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner. S
“The alleged moveable property is suspected to be proceed of crime,” it said.
The applicant argued that INEC does not pay its staff members with United States Dollar as salaries or allowances.
It said the essence of the application was not to compulsorily acquire the alleged moveable property from the alleged owner, but to preserve the property from dissipation.
It said if the court grants the reliefs sought, interested persons including the alleged owner will be given opportunity to offer an explanation as to the legitimacy of the alleged property.
“Where cogent and verifiable explanation exists as to how the property was acquired, devoid of crime, the alleged owner or any other person having proprietary interest in the property will be allowed unrestricted possession of the property.
“This application is not in conflict with the provisions of Sections 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantee the rights of citizens of Nigeria to acquire and own immoveable and moveable properties in any part of Nigeria,” it said.
When the matter was called, Akponimisingha, who appeared for the FRN, told the court that the motion ex-parte prayed the court for four orders.
The lawyer said four exhibits were attached to the motion, including Exhibit DSS 1 to Exhibit DSS 4.
He urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.
He said a search was conducted in Ali’s residence in Kano and the sum of 49, 700, 000 US dollars was retrieved from the building.
He told the court that Ali allegedly said that the sum of $150, 000 US dollars was given to him by the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko.
The ICPC lawyer, who alleged that Ali made this disclosure in his extra-judicial statement to the DSS, said the former REC also wrote a letter to the security outfit in the bid to reclaim the money.
He insisted that INEC does not pay his workers or RECs in dollars.
Also in the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte deposed to by Iliya Markus, a litigation officer with ICPC, he said that Akponimisingha informed him that he read through the case file and comprehended facts forming the allegations leading to the execution of e search warrant by operatives of the DSS at Ali’s residence.
Markus said the DSS received an intelligence report on Dr Ali on allegations of bribery received from stakeholders, i.e politicians in the course of his official duties as INEC REC in charge of Sokoto State.
He said the intelligence report was processed and residence of Ali in Kano was searched pursuant to a search warrant executed jointly by operatives of the ICPC and DSS.
“A copy of the search warrant is hereby attached and marked as exhibit DSS 1,” he said.
The officer said in the course of the execution of the search warrant, the sum of $47,000.00 was recovered from the house.
According to him, Dr Ali also made statement(s) with respect to the search on his residence and the subsequent recovery of the alleged $49,700.00.
“A copy of the said extra-judicial statement is hereby attached and marked as exhibit DSS 2,” he said.
He said invitation letters had been written to invite persons he claimed gifted him the alleged $49,700.00.
“I also know as a fact that Dr Nura Ali did not report the gift of the alleged $49,700.00 to any law enforcement agency as required by extant laws of the land.
“Dr Ali had in the past written letters to the State Security Services requesting for release of the alleged $49,700.00 bribe money to him.
“Copies of the said letters are hereby attached and marked as exhibits DSS 3 & 4 respectively,” he said.
Markus said the investigation was yet to be concluded, hence, the need for the 90 days’ application.
Justice Nwite, who said that the application was meritorious, granted the prayers.
The judge adjourned the matter until Jan. 30, for report of compliance on the publication in the media and adjourned until March 31 for hearing of the matter

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, ordered that Akindele Akintoye, Founder and Chairman of Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, should be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order shortly after Akintoye was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations bordering on diversion of $26,,060, 406.00 US dollars meant to build a refinery in Brass, Bayelsa.

Justice Nwite, who adjourned the matter until Dec. 31, directed Akintoye, to remain in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had sued Akintoye, Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited and Duport Midstream Company Limited, where he is also the Managing Director and CEO, as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

The anti-graft agency, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/641/V/2024 dated and filed on Dec. 19 by its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, preferred four counts against the trio.

Akintoye and Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited were alleged to have, between December, 2020 and February, 2021, indirectly retained 16 million dollars.

The amount, the EFCC said, was part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.
The said sum of $16, 006, 000 is alleged to constitute proceed of unlawful activity.
The offence, EFCC said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 20!2) and punishable under Section [5(3) of the same Act.
In count two, Akintoye and Platform Capital were alleged to have, between December, 2020 and January, 2021, indirectly used the aggregate sum of $9, 048, 725 being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.
The said sum of $9, 048, 725 is said to constitute proceeds of unlawful activity and the offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Moncey Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
In count three, Akintoye and Duport Midstream Company Limited were alleged to have, sometime in March 2021, retained the sum of $785, 681 being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited as investment.
The sum is said to constitute proceed of unlawful activity.
The offence, the commission said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Moncey Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
The EFCC, in count four, accused Akintoye and Duport Midstream of allegedly retaining the sum of $220, 000 being patt of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.
The money is said to be proceed of unlawful activity and the offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and | punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
After the charge was read to Akintoye, he and on behalf of the companies, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The EFCC’s counsel, Iheanacho, prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand Akintoye in a correctional centre after the non-guilty plea by the defendants.
The defence lawyer, Emmanuel Esedo, told the court that a bail application on Akintoye’s behalf had been filed.
The lawyer, who said the application was filed on Dec. 23, sought the leave of the court to move the motion.
Iheanacho, however, opposed the submission.
The senior lawyer said that besides being served with the bail application in the open court, he would need time to respond to the process.
After a lengthy argument by the prosecution and the defence lawyers, Justice Nwite agreed with Iheanacho’s submission.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Dec. 31 for the hearing of the bail application.
He ordered Akintoye to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of the application.
NAN reports that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Akintoye were said to have entered a refinery deal around December 2020, after the latter indicated his interest to build a refinery.
The NCDMB, a government-owned organisation established to support local content development and implement policies to improve indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector, was alleged to have released the sum of 35 million dollars to a bank account to be managed by Akintoye and the Finance Director of NCDMB.
The agency said while 35 million dollars was released by the board as an investment into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited planned to be built by Akintoye, the 1st defendant (Akintoye) was also expected to contribute 15 million dollars to the project.

The ownership of the refinery is said to be on 60 to 40 per cent ratio. While NCDMB would have 40 per cent share, Akintoye would get 60 per cent share.
However, Akintoye was alleged to have moved the money ($35 million) into a separate account to which he was the sole signatory, and the funds ($35 million) thereafter were allegedly disbursed to his companies’ accounts and other accounts.

 

There was a mild drama at a Federal High Court in Abuja as a suspect begged to retake his plea after pleading guilty to the two-count charge read to him.
The suspect, Adun Adewale, also known as “Coachbanter,” was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on alleged cybercrime offence against Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the I-G had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2024, sued Adewale as sole defendant.

In the charge filed on Dec. 17 by A.A. Egwu, the defendant was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, intentionally sent video recording by means of computer system and network through his Tiktok username: “@brodabanter_backup_page” and handle “CoachBanter.”

Adewale was alleged to have said in the said video, “Police IG Egbetokun busted for colluding with notorious cartel moving cash from CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) vault via Abuja, Lagos airport.”

The statement he knew to be false, “for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.”

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, he was also alleged to have sent a video through his Tiktok username accusing Egbetokun of victimising police officers to shield members of a cartel notorious for hauling suspicious new bank notes from the CBN.

The statement, which was said to be false, was contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Upon resumed hearing, the I-G’s counsel, Victor Okoye, told the court that the matter was slated for the arraignment of the defendant and that he was ready to proceed.
After count one was read to Adewale, he pleaded guilty.
When the registrar read count two, the defendant said: “I pleaded guilty with reason.”
“What is the reason?” Justice Nwite asked.
Adewale explained from the dock that he saw the post somewhere and he forwarded it to his page.
His lawyer, O.A Olaleye, therefore, prayed the court for a stand down in order to confer with his client.
Although Okoye opposed the application, the judge stood down the matter in the interest of justice.
After the court reconvened, Adewale’s lawyer told the court that he had discussion with his client and Adewale told him that he (defendant) did not understand the charge read to him.
Based on this premise, the lawyer prayed the court for the charge to be read again for his client to take his plea.
But Okoye vehemently opposed the application.
He argued that before Adewale took his plea, he was asked if he understood English Language and he responded in affirmative.
The prosecutor said besides, the defendant was represented by a lawyer.
He said the law is clear that when a defendant understands the charge read to him, it does not behove on the lawyer to persuade the defendant to change his plea.
Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until Dec. 30 for the parties to address the court on the position of law in such instance.

 

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, ordered the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to release the detained Singer, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, within 48 hours.

Justice Musa Liman made the order in a ruling on an ex-parte motion moved by Achakpo’s counsel, David Ihuoma.

Justice Liman ordered the I-G to charge Speed Darlington to court or release him on bail unconditionally within 48 hours.
The judge adjourned the matter until Jan. 6 for the hearing of the substantive case .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Speed Darlington, 39, was allegedly arrested by the police over allegations of “defamation and cyberstalking” of Burna Boy but was released on bail on 8 Oct.

A lawyer and human right activist, Deji Adeyanju alleged that Speed Darlington was apprehended in Lagos State following a petition by the ace award-winning artiste, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, and was moved to Abuja where he had been in detention.

The singer, also known as Akpi, was arrested on 4 Oct. following the release of a contentious video in which he allegedly mocked Burna Boy’s association with American rapper, Diddy, who had faced legal issues with the FBI over charges of sexual exploitation.

He was said to have been rearrested by the police on Nov. 27 and had since been on detention.

Meanwhile, in the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024 dated and filed on Dec. 13 by his team of lawyers led by Deji Adeyanju, the I-G was the sole respondent.

The singer sought “an order directing the release of the applicant from the detention facility of the Force Intelligence Bureau at the Force Headquarters or any other facility where he is being kept by the respondent, pending the determination of the substantive originating motion on notice.

Alternatively, he sought “an order admitting him to bail on liberal terms pending the determination of the substantive originating motion on notice.
In the affidavit deposed to by Esther Eyisi, a Secretary in the law firm of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, alleged that Speed Darlington had been unlawfully detained since Nov. 27 by the officers of the I-G.

She said on Dec. 6, the singer filed an originating motion to enforce his fundamental human rights.
She said Darlington had been in detention at the Force Investigation Bureau (FIB) Force Headquarters, since Nov. 27, but had been recently transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Guzape.
Eyisi said he was previously arrested by the respondent for alleged cyber defamation and granted administrative bail.
“The respondent rearrested the applicant on November 27, 2024, on the purportedly ground of arraigning him in court.
“Rather than arraign the applicant in court, the respondent has kept him in detention since November 27, 2024,” she said.
She said the singer had been battling with severe high blood pressure and had been undergoing medical emergency that requires him to frequently have access to medical intervention.
“Most recently, while in detention, the applicant’s blood pressure spiked beyond a manageable condition,” she added.
The secretary said despite repeated demands for medical intervention, he had been deprived of medical attention and proper diagnosis by the officers of the respondent.
According to her, if the respondent does not get the proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, his health will continue to deteriorate.

She alleged that the I-G had resolved to detain Speed Darlington at his pleasure without arraignment.

“The applicant desires his temporary freedom pending the hearing and determination of the substantive origination motion on notice,” he said.
Eyisi said the singer is willing and ready to stand trial whenever the I-G is ready to arraign him.

 

 

The Federal Government will on Monday, arraigned five suspected terrorists linked to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suspects, who were arrested by the Nigerian security agencies, will be arraigned by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) before Justice Emeka Nwite, a vacation judge.

Although they were scheduled for arraignment on Friday, their plea could not be taken because no lawyer appeared for them.

AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, sought for a short adjournment to enable them engaged counsel of their choice and Justice Nwite fixed Monday for their arraignment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FG, through the office of the AGF, had filed the 11-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024 against the eight defendants, three of who are at large.

In the charge filed on Dec. 16 by M.B. Abubakar, the Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Musa Kamarawa; Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Bashir Abdullahi; Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma were sued as first to fifth defendants respectively.

While Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, who are all at large, are sued as 6th to 8th defendants.

They were alleged to have provided material services to terrorists groups led by Turji, Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, Buderi and others, by procuring and supplying illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis plants (aka indian hemp); food items; military and police uniforms, camouflage, boots, caps and building materials.

They were also accused of providing bags of cement, cover zinc, bags of nails, M.M. iron rod, etc., to terrorist camps in the forests located in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act.

In count four, Kamarawa, Muhammad (at large) and Lawal (at large), sometime in 2021 in Sokoto State, allegedly aided and abetted the commission of acts of terrorism by acquiring a military gun truck from Libya and supplying same to a terrorist, Kachalla Halilu, at a cost of approximately N28.5 million (28,500,000).

They were alleged to have paid for the gun truck partly in cash and partly via electronic transfer.

“And which you knew or had reason to believe that this vehicle would be used by Kachalla Halilu, a known terrorist, to commit acts of terrorism.

“You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act,” the count read in part.

In count five, Kamarawa, Hashimu a.k.a Doctor, and Abdullahi, sometime in 2018 in Sokoto State, were alleged to have aided and abetted the commission of acts of terrorism by providing material services, including wound care, medication, and shelter, to treat gunshot injuries sustained by Bello Turji after he led his terrorist group to attack Tungar Kolo Village in Zurmi L.G.A. of Zamfara

The offence is contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act.

 

 

A woman, Olamide Thomas, who allegedly threatened Seyi Tinubu with death threat on social media, was, on Friday, arraigned at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on three-count charge.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on Dec 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo, SAN, sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until Dec 30 for commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.
He consequently ordered her to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.

NAN reports that in count one, Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated “that Mr Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”
The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.
The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Egbetokun.
The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.
The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
In count three, Olamide was accused of intentionally transmitting or causing the transmission of communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language, stating that the children of Adejobi would all die before his eyes.

She was quoted to have also said that “he (Adejobi) will bury all his children in a single day, with Intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi.”
The communication was said to have placed Adejobi in fear of death of his loved ones.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

 

Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, on Thursday, prayed an Abuja High Court to order his release from the State Security Service (SSS)’s detention facility pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.

Bodejo, in a motion ex-parte marked: M/16976/2024 and filed by his team of lawyers led by Reuben Atabo, SAN, also sought an order granting him leave to apply for the order of habeas corpus subjiciendum against the respondents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that habeas corpus subjiciendum is a Latin phrase and a legal term used to describe a writ that is directed to someone who is detaining another person to inquire into the legality of the detention.

Bodejo, in the motion dated and filed on Dec. 19, sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Director General of SSS as 1st and 2nd respondents.

He sought two orders, including “an interim order directing the respondents to, forthwith, produce the applicant from detention for him to be released, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application for habeas corpus subjiciendum.”

Giving five grounds upon which the application is predicated, the senior lawyer said that Bodejo was arrested on Dec. 9 by soldiers of the 177 Guards Battalion, Keffi of the Nigerian Army and detained at their barracks in Keffi.

He said the Nigerian Army, thereafter, transferred him to the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja up to Wednesday (Dec. 18) without being charged to any court of competent jurisdiction.

Atabo said Bodejo had been transferred from the custody of the DIA to the SSS custody in Abuja, today (Dec. 19) without being informed of the allegation against him.

The lawyer said the respondents are not desirous of diligently prosecuting his client “before a competent court of law and thus, their actions are unconstitutional and shorn of any legal basis whatsoever.”

He said the continuous and inexplicable detention of Bodejo by the respondents without trial in a competent court of law is unlawful and without justification, thus, necessitating the instant application.

In the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte deposed to by Bodejo’s senior wife and a businesswoman, Hauwa, she said her husband is the president of Miyetti Allah, a Fulani socio-cultural organisation with his office in Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.

She said on Dec. 8, there was a communal clash between some Fulanis and a retired military officer, Admiral Dan Gwari, at Shuwari Village in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.

Hauwa said Gwari has a farmland situate at Shuwari Village, where he cultivates crops.

She said some Fulanis rearing their cattle entered the farmland belonging to Gwari on Dec. 8.

She said upon entry into the said farmland, there was exchange of words between the Fulanis and Gwari, consequent upon which the retired officer drew out his gun and began shooting at the Fulanis.

“That the Fulanis rearing the cattle however dodged the bullets he repeatedly shot at them, whereupon the bullets hit and killed about four (4) of their cows.

“That the said Fulanis thereafter proceeded to disarm ADMIRAL DAN GWARI (RI’D.) and in the process of struggling with him in order to disarm him, he accidentally sustained machete cuts on his head.

“That the Fulani Elders at the RUGA in Shuwari Village immediately took ADMIRAL DAN GWARI (RTD.) to the hospital, where he was promptly treated and discharged shortly, after the said elders had fully paid the hospital bills,” she averred.

Hauwa alleged that upon being discharged from the hospital, Gwari proceeded to the military barracks of the 177 Guards Battalion of the DIA at Keffi and mobilised some men of the Nigerian Army who subsequently stormed the RUGA Settlement, arrested several Fulani boys and further took away with them about Four Hundred (400) cows.

She said during all these incidents, Bodejo was away to Bauchi State on a business trip and was not in any way aware or privy to what had happened between Gwari and the Fulani boys/herders at Shuwari Village.

She alleged that when her husband came back on Dec. 9, some men of the 177 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, acting on the instruction and active promptings of Gwari, came and invited him to the barracks in Keffi.

She said when Bodejo got to the barracks, he was detained, allegedly “acting on the instructions of Gwari and the Nigerian Army, thereby cutting him off from his wives, children, family members and lawyers.”

She further alleged that Bodejo was subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment in the custody.

“My husband (the applicant) called me on the phone on Dec. 11, to inform me that the Nigerian Army were taking him to an underground cell of the Defence Intelligence Agency and will blind fold him thereafter,” she said.

She said she later found that her husband had been moved on Wednesday night to the custody of SSS where he is currently being detained.

Bodejo’s wife said since her husband’s arrest and detention, he had been denied of his drugs and medications.

Hauwa, who said that the applicant would be greatly prejudiced if the application is refused, said it would be in the interest of justice to grant their motion.

No date has been given for the hearing of the motion as at the time of filing the report.

 

Flowerbudnews

Justice Benedict Kanyip of National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja, on Tuesday, withdrew from separate suits filed by 62 staff members of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who were recently disengaged from the apex bank’s service.

Justice Kanyip, who is also the President of NICN, recused himself from the cases following the announcement of a lawyer’s name in the team of counsel to the CBN who he said was his in-law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 62 ex-staff had filed separate suits against the nation’s apex bank as sole defendant.

In one of the originating summons marked: NICN/ABJ/26x/2024 dated Aug. 21 but filed on Aug. 22 by a team of lawyers led by Ola Olanipekun, SAN, on behalf of one of the staff, the claimants urged the court to nullify the termination letters issued to them.

They sought a declaration that the letter, titled: “Re-ORGANISATION,” dated May 23 but with effect from May 24, issued by the CBN’s Director, Human Resources Department, and addressed to the claimants, was in contravention of the provisions of the CBN Act 2007.
They said that the action also contravened the bank’s Human Resource Policies and Procedure Manual (HRPPM) and therefore was arbitrary, unlawful, null and void.
They sought a declaration that the claimants’ contract of employment with the CBN, subsisted and remained valid and of full effect, to date.
They, therefore, sought “an order setting aside the purported termination of the claimant’s employment vide letter titled: “REORGANISATION”, dated 23rd May, 2024, for being arbitrary, unlawful, null and void.”
They also prayed the court for an order directing the CBN to reinstate them to the positions which they were at the time of the termination letters or other higher positions as they would ordinarily have attained or been promoted in the course of their employment, if same were not unlawfully terminated.
They equally sought an order directing the bank to pay them all their monthly salaries, allowances and other emoluments/entitlements which they would have earned if their employment had not been unlawfully terminated, among other reliefs.
NAN observed that 31 of the 62 suits were listed for hearing on Tuesday, while the remaining 31 cases were scheduled for Wednesday.
Besides, motion to consolidate the cases had also been filed by the claimants’ counsel.
However, upon resumed hearing on the first suit, Olanipekun announced his appearance alongside other lawyers in his company.
The senior lawyer told the court that the matter was slated for mention.
Obafemi Agaba of Jackson, Etti, and Edu & Co, while announcing appearance for CBN, said there were consortium of law firms that will be representing the bank in the case, including D.D. Dodo, SAN & Co law firm.
Then Justice Kanyip made observation that Mr Damian Dodo, SAN, is his in-law.
The judge, who said he was not comfortable to continue with the matter, said the case, would be reassigned to another judge for adjudication.
He, however, sought the view of counsel to the claimant.
Olanipekun, in his response, said they do not have any doubt about the impartiality of the court at discharging its judicial functions.
Agaba equally expressed confidence in the court.
He however said that justice must not only be done in the court but must have been seen to have been done.
He said whatever the judge decided would be okayed by them.
In a short ruling, Justice Kanyip recused himself from the case and ordered the reassignment of the matter, including the 61 others that were sought to be consolidated by the claimants’ counsel.