The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Enugu arrests groom, parents, in-laws, others marrying 13-year-old girl

    Enugu arrests groom, parents, in-laws, others marrying 13-year-old girl

    • ’We married her for our only son’

    The Enugu State Government has announced the arrest and detention of the parents of a teenage bride, the parents of the groom, the groom himself and a matchmaker over the controversial underage marriage involving a girl identified as Amarachi in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.

    Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Ngozi Eni, said the arrests followed the refusal of the parties to honour an invitation from her ministry after videos of the illegal marriage went viral on social media.

    Eni said the government was compelled to act when it became clear that the marriage, already consummated, involved a minor (13-year-old) who had neither given consent nor understood the implications of marriage.

    “We invited them to the ministry to explain why a child was given out in marriage, but they refused to come. Their refusal suggested complicity, so we initiated their arrest,” she said.

    Those now in custody include the groom’s parents and a native doctor, Mrs Patience, who acted as matchmaker.

    According to the commissioner, the matchmaker claimed ignorance of the law criminalising child marriage.

    Amarachi, now under state protection, told ministry officials she was forced into the union and had never been to school.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    The groom’s mother reportedly justified the action on the grounds that her son is an only child, but went silent when confronted with the illegality of marrying off a minor.

    Eni said the ministry’s legal team briefed the detained persons on the Child Rights Law, including penalties for early marriage, while senior officials educated them on gender-based violence and the severe health risks associated with early marriage, such as VVF, cervical cancer and psychological trauma.

    The commissioner said all suspects had been handed over to security agencies for further investigation, while Amarachi and a two-year-old baby found during the operation, whose mother is yet to be determined, were taken into protective custody.

    She assured that the state would rehabilitate and educate Amarachi, adding that the marriage would be formally nullified.

    Eni also commended the swift support of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Ogalla, the constituency’s House of Assembly member and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission in ensuring the successful intervention.

  • Court orders release of 27 houses wrongly seized by EFCC

    Court orders release of 27 houses wrongly seized by EFCC

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release 27 houses wrongly seized by the commission.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order while giving judgment in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025 filed by the EFCC.

    The EFCC had, on March 13 obtained an ex-parte interim forfeiture order against the 27 properties which it claimed were acquired from proceeds of unlawful acts.

    Following its publication of the interim forfeiture order in The Punch newspaper of April 4 as ordered by the court, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, claimed ownership of 26 of the properties, while Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo showed interest in House No: 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.

    Okwete, Jamec Ltd and Oladapo objected to EFCC’s subsequent application for final forfeiture of the properties and, in a judgment on October 31, Justice Abdulmalik upheld their objection, dismissed EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, vacated the earlier order for interim forfeiture and ordered the commission to immediately release the properties.

    In the October 31 judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik said based on her analysis of the evidence presented before the court, “I firmly find that the property owner/respondent’s (Okwete’s) affidavit to show cause has merit.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    “Additionally, I hold in favour of the Adebukunola lyabode Oladapo being person interested in House No 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, FCT, that since the learned senior counsel for the applicant (EFCC) has informed court that it has no objection to her affidavit to show cause, that her affidavit filed to show cause, stands substantiated in its entirety.

    “Without more, I forthwith set aside and vacate in its entirety the interim order of forfeiture granted on 13th March 2025 to the applicant in respect of the properties listed in the schedule attached to the applicant’s ex-parte originating motion.

    “Accordingly, I order the immediate release of the aforementioned properties/its documents to the property owner/respondent and the House No: 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, FCT to Adebukunola lyabode Oladapo respectively.

    “In that vein, the applicant’s motion for final forfeiture along with the corresponding responses filed are now otiose. I so hold,” Justice Abdulmalik said.

    However, lawyer to Okwete and Jamec Ltd, Serekowei Larry (SAN) has written to the Chairman of the EFCC complaining about the commission’s alleged failure to comply with the judgment.

    The November 27 letter written by Larry on behalf of Okwete and Jamec Ltd reads: “We write as counsel to Mr. James Okwete and his company ~ Jamec West Africa Ltd ‘the property owners,’ to formally apprise you of the events that have followed this case since 31th October, 2025 when judgment was given against you.

    “As indicated above, judgment was given by the Federal High Court, coram: Hon. Justice Joyce O. Abdulmalik on Friday, 31 October, 2025 in the presence of your counsel, led by Maryam Hayatudeen Esq.

  • Thousands of mourners bid Sheikh Dahiru farewell

    Thousands of mourners bid Sheikh Dahiru farewell

    • Shettima, others in Bauchi for cleric’s funeral

    Thousands of mourners yesterday thronged Bauchi to pay their last respects to the revered Islamic scholar, Dahiru Usman-Bauchi.

    Usman-Bauchi died on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.

    The Bauchi State Government had declared Friday work-free day to enable residents to pay their last respects and attend the funeral prayer.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a crowd of followers, students and Muslims from Bauchi and neighbouring states had arrived in the metropolis for the burial.

    Security had been beefed up as police operatives and road marshals had been deployed to strategic locations to control traffic as well as maintain law and order.

    Leading the long list of dignitaries at the occasion was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who joined thousands of mourners to pay last respects to the late cleric.

    Shettima and other top government officials arrived at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport around 1:45 p.m. ahead of the funeral rites scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    Among those in the Vice President’s delegation were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Senator Shehu Buba; and Senator Abdulaziz Yari.

    They were received by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, his deputy Auwal Jatau, and members of the State Executive Council.

    Others are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano; Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State; former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed; and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, Bala Wunti.

    Recall that the respected cleric died on Wednesday night at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi at the age of 102. His body was moved to the family residence along Gombe Road, where funeral prayers took place.

    Governor Mohammed in his condolence message described the late cleric as “a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, a man of deep faith, humility, and wisdom.”

    The governor noted that the late cleric dedicated his life to teaching the Qur’an, spreading Islamic knowledge, and promoting moral and spiritual growth in society.

    Mohammed highlighted the Sheikh’s lasting impact through the many Islamic schools and learning centres he founded, which have produced thousands of Qur’an memorizers and scholars who continue to propagate Islamic knowledge across Africa.

    He also commended his contributions to Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and history, emphasising that his teachings on peace, tolerance and unity leave a permanent mark on society.

    Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi is survived by a large family comprising 100 children, 406 grandchildren and 100 great-grandchildren.

    Notably, 78 of his children, over 199 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren are also teachers of the Qur’an, blending Islamic and Western education, ensuring his legacy of Qur’an memorization continues.

    Maulud Dahiru Bauchi, who spoke on behalf of the late scholar’s family, said the funeral prayer would be held by 3:00 p.m. in accordance with the deceased’s written will.

     He said the will specified that Sheikh Sharif Saleh, the Grand Imam of Nigeria, would preside over the congregation.

  • Guinea Bissau election result must be announced – Jonathan

    Guinea Bissau election result must be announced – Jonathan

    • Insists there was no coup in West African country

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the incident that occurred in Guinea Bissau was not a coup but a stage-managed plot by President Umaro Embalo to thwart democratic governance.

    Jonathan, who addressed the media in Abuja, said a transparent electoral process was hijacked, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to rise up.

    The former Nigerian leader called on the international community to ensure that the results of the Guinea Bissau presidential election are released and a winner announced in spite of the military’s declaration that it is now in charge of the country.

     Speaking with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikwe airport in Abuja, Jonathan, who rarely grants unscheduled media interviews, said he chose to break his silence this time “to thank Nigerians for the show of empathy” during the tense hours of uncertainty in Bissau.

    “Since I left office, I’ve always been scared talking to the media,” he admitted with a chuckle.

    “But in this particular case, I decided to speak. First, to thank Nigerians.

    “While we were in Bissau and this so-called coup happened, the information we got was that the whole country was agitated—young and old, irrespective of religious or political divides. I sincerely appreciate Nigerians.”

    Read Also: Alhassan out of Guinea Bissau game

    According to Jonathan who was part of a joint election observer mission deployed by the African Union, AU, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum to monitor the presidential and legislative elections, both President Bola Tinubu and Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara immediately prepared aircraft to evacuate him and his delegation when the situation became uncertain.

    “I thank President Tinubu and President Ouattara; both presidents were to send aircraft to lift us,” he said, adding that the swift intervention showed Africa still has leaders committed to protecting democratic processes.

    He told journalists that the coup that purportedly ousted Umaro Sissoco Embaló from the presidency of Guinea-Bissau is more of a phantom coup because the tenure of the former military leader had just expired, Jonathan has said.

    “What happened was not a coup – maybe a ceremonial one. I wouldn’t call it a coup. For want of a better word, maybe it was a ceremonial coup,” he said

    He spoke further: “Two things made it bizarre: it was President Embaló himself who first announced it. And while this ‘coup’ was happening, he was using his phone to address media organisations across the world, saying he had been arrested.

    “I am a Nigerian close to 70. I know how heads of state are kept when a coup takes place. This one does not fit.”

    Jonathan said his pain stems from the fact that he has personally invested years mediating and stabilising Guinea-Bissau, recalling the country’s dark period between 2011 and 2014.

  • Tinubu establishes national tax policy implementation committee to drive new law execution

    Tinubu establishes national tax policy implementation committee to drive new law execution

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) to ensure coordinated nationwide implementation of the administration’s sweeping tax reforms.

    The committee, chaired by renowned financial expert, Mr Joseph Tegbe, is tasked with translating the President’s new Tax Acts into practical, harmonised actions across the federal, state, and private sectors.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, will provide ministerial oversight for the committee.

    Announcing the decision in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the Presidency said the NTPIC will undertake wide consultations with public- and private-sector stakeholders to ensure the reforms align with Nigeria’s economic aspirations and secure broad acceptance.

    Tegbe, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), brings over 35 years of experience from both sectors, including his tenure as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa.

    Mrs Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, will serve as Secretary, while members include Ismaeel Ahmed, Rukaiya El-Rufai, and other experts.

    President Tinubu, in establishing the committee, underscored the centrality of effective implementation to his administration’s economic transformation drive.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Olisa Metuh at 60, describes him as a voice of reason

    “These new Tax Acts reflect our administration’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of citizens and businesses.

    “The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee will ensure coherent, effective, and well-aligned implementation across all levels of government,” the President said.

    According to the statement, the NTPIC will prioritise extensive stakeholder engagement through nationwide consultations with professional bodies, the private sector, and subnational governments.

    Public awareness campaigns will also accompany the rollout of the reforms to deepen citizens’ understanding and compliance.

    The committee is further mandated to strengthen inter-agency coordination by aligning revenue collection bodies and regulatory institutions with the new laws, harmonising existing frameworks, and ensuring unified oversight and reporting throughout the transition.

    The statement noted that the multi-disciplinary composition of the NTPIC, covering tax administration, finance, law, the private sector, and civil society, will guarantee a balanced and inclusive approach to execution.

    Tegbe said the team is prepared to begin work immediately.

    “We understand the strategic importance of these Tax Acts. Our committee will work closely with all stakeholders to support the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in ensuring seamless implementation and building public trust in the tax system,” he said.

    Edun described the committee’s inauguration as a decisive step towards repositioning Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

    “With the establishment of this Committee, Mr President has not only set the direction but also provided the authority and support required to reset not just the tax system but the entire fiscal policy framework of government, to deliver significant economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the minister said.

    The NTPIC is expected to strengthen revenue mobilisation, reduce leakages, enhance accountability, and reinforce the federal government’s fiscal sustainability goals.

  • FG vows to defeat insecurity, seeks stronger global support

    FG vows to defeat insecurity, seeks stronger global support

    The Federal Government has restated its unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity, urging regional and international partners to deepen collaboration in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the appeal on Thursday when he received a high-powered delegation of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop Prof. Leonard Bature Kawas, in his office in Abuja.

    According to a statement issued by Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, Akume said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains fully committed to securing the lives and property of Nigerians, noting that security institutions are being strengthened while partnerships are being expanded both within and outside the country.

    “But the government is seriously committed to eradicating insecurity… We need support from our allies to be able to fight terrorists in the land,” the SGF said, calling for intensified international collaboration to contain emerging threats.

    He welcomed the vote of confidence passed on the administration by the CBCN, describing it as further validation of the President’s efforts to stabilise the nation and address longstanding security challenges.

    Senator Akume added that the Federal Government has continued to deepen engagements with traditional rulers, business leaders, the private sector, political actors, and religious bodies to build “a strong and virile Nigeria for all.”

    Read Also: Fed govt reaffirms resolve to defeat insecurity, seeks stronger global support

    He urged religious organisations to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and national prosperity.

    Earlier, Archbishop Kawas reaffirmed the Conference’s commitment to supporting the Tinubu administration’s quest to restore security nationwide.

    He said the bishops would continue to pray for peace and unity, while backing ongoing government efforts to protect citizens and strengthen social cohesion.

    The SGF praised the delegation for its solidarity and assured them of the government’s determination to overcome insecurity and reposition Nigeria on the path of lasting stability.

  • Osun 2026: Nine aspirants jostle for APC guber ticket

    Osun 2026: Nine aspirants jostle for APC guber ticket

    • Oyebamiji may emerge as consensus candidate after Elders’ Caucus purported endorsement

    Ahead of the 13th December, 2025 primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore  and eight others are to jostle for the party’s ticket for the Osun State Governorship Election billed for August 8, 2026.

    At the close of sales of the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms on Thursday night, eight male and one female aspirants had secured the forms.

    They are former deputy governor in the state, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, development financier, Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, the Managing Director the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bar. Oyedotun Babayemi, and immediate past deputy governor of the state,  Benedict Olugboyega Alabi.

    Others are business magnate and insurance expert,  Dr Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, legal icon, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle (SAN), the only female aspirant and former lawmaker in Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. (Mrs.) Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and the vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. Babajide Omoworare.

    According to the schedule of activities and timetable for the election released by the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Arugungu, all the aspirants are expected to submit their completed governorship nomination and expression of interest forms with all necessary accompanying documents by Monday December 1, 2025.

    Read Also: Most of Adeleke’s appointees would rate his third anniversary poorly – APC

    Screening of the aspirants is slated to be held in Abuja on the 3rd and 4th of December,  2025, while the party will publish the screening results by 5th of December, ahead of the 6th December screening appeal.

    The party’s shadow election is slated to hold on  December 13, 2025.

    The Nation, however, gathered that the party leadership and critical stakeholders in the state are to hold a crucial meeting today with a view to adopting a consensus candidate for the party.

    But a chieftain of the party who spoke in confidence faulted the proposed meeting, arguing that the meeting was belated.

    “What happened to the previous meetings? The aspirants were never informed of the outcome. The party leaders allowed aspirants to purchase forms, and now they are trying to push for consensus.

    “If we must get the state back for our party, I will strongly advise that the Party should allow the aspirants to go into the primary election. Whoever wins will be supported by other aspirants.”

    Meanwhile, the party has raked in N450 million from the sales of nomination and expression of interest forms to the nine aspirants.

    Each of the eight male aspirants paid N50 million each for the nomination and expression of interest forms while the only female aspirant paid N10 million for the expression of interest form, in line with the party’s free nomination form policy for women and youth under 40 years.

    Barely 15 days to the primary election in Osun State, the gubernatorial ambition of the ex-Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), received a boost yesterday  as the party’s Elders Caucus purportedly endorsed his aspiration.

    A source confirmed to The Nation that the APC Elders’ Caucus endorsed Oyebamiji as the preferred candidate of the party after the screening and mediation role.

    A top source said “We suggest that the party should make Oyebamiji its consensus candidate after our findings among the aspirants. He has penetrated many of the aspirants and won their hearts, he has played his politics well and considering his capacity, he topped the ratings.”

    Efforts to get the reaction of the Chairman of the Caucus, Engr. Sola Akinwumi was abortive as he refused to pick answer calls and respond to messages sent to his phone at the time of filing this report.

    Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Caucus, Hon Gbenga Omolaoye, refused to comment on the development, saying, “I can’t give you the details and latest position of the Elders’ Caucus about the speculation, only the Chairman can.”

    Also, a member of the caucus, Professor Rasak Abubakar, declined to comment on behalf of the APC Elders but stated that “I will personally be glad if the ticket of the party is given to Ouebamiji. He deserved the ticket.”

  • Hasetins’ $400m rare earth processing plant, game changer, say Sule, Tuggar, Alake, others

    Hasetins’ $400m rare earth processing plant, game changer, say Sule, Tuggar, Alake, others

    Eminent Nigerians have described the initiative by an indigenous firm, Hasetins Commodities Limited to set up a $400 million rare earth/critical metals processing plant as a game changer in the nation’s industrialisation efforts.

    They include Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar; his Solid Minerals Development counterpart, Dele Alake, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

    They spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony held at the project’s site in Uke, a community in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    According to Hasetins, the plant, when completed, will be the largest of its kind in Africa, with a processing capacity of 12,000 metric tons per annum.

    Governor Sule  said the initiative is a “historic milestone” and a great contribution to his state’s  quest for industrialisation.

    The governor added that the initiative would pioneer domestic processing of rare earth elements and critical metals such as platinum, uranium and chromium.

    “This is a huge investment that we should all be proud of the government and good people of Nasarawa. The potential is enormous. This investment will transform Nasarawa State into a hub for high-technology production,” Sule said.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    The governor added that rare earth minerals like tungsten, tin, coltan and tantalum are indispensable in the production of electric vehicles, medical equipment, powerful magnets and advanced manufacturing.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development described the initiative as an eloquent testimony to the drive and willpower that the country could harness to become an economic giant.

    He noted that the project represents a patriotic revolution to set Nigeria on the path of self-reliance and prosperity for all.

    Tuggar said the initiative was the type of investment and collaboration between Nigeria and other nations that the Federal Government will continue to encourage and would like to see more of.

    The Foreign Affairs Minister, who highlighted the many benefits of

    rare earth and electro minerals, was optimistic that the project would yield more job opportunities.

    “It will create jobs for our youths. It will provide the much needed electro minerals and rare earth that will ultimately power the progress that we expect to make in the 21st Century,” Tuggar said

    Ms. Onyejeocha hailed those behind Hasetins for their vision and commitment, noting that by investing in shared infrastructure and a structured platform for miners, service providers and innovators, they are building an ecosystem, not just a facility.

    She added: “As we formally recognise this initiative today, we send a clear signal about the kind of growth Nigeria needs: growth driven by productive investment, anchored in strong labour standards and measured in the number and quality of jobs created.

    “Initiatives like this one are therefore strategic. Few sectors can match mining in its ability to create jobs across the skills spectrum, from professionals and technicians to artisans, service providers and local entrepreneurs,” she said.

    Nasarawa Deputy Governor said the facility will have far-reaching economic implications, explaining that rare earth minerals like tungsten, tin, coltan and tantalum are indispensable in electric vehicles, medical equipment, powerful magnets and advanced manufacturing.

    He added: “The potential is enormous. This investment will transform Nasarawa into a hub for high-technology production.”

    Hasetins’ Managing Director and CEO, Prince Jidayi said the groundbreaking ceremony was a significant milestone not only for the company, the community, and the entire mining industry in the country.

    Jidayi said the plant represents a bold step into a future that holds immense potential for innovation, sustainability, and advancement.

    He added: “Rare earth elements and critical metals are vital to many of today’s advanced technologies – everything from renewable energy solutions and electric vehicles to consumer electronics and defense systems.

    “The global demand for these minerals is soaring, and we stand at the forefront of meeting this demand in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner,” he said.

    The Hasetins’ boss explained that the plant will not only boost local and national economies, it will equally create numerous job opportunities.

    He added: “We are deeply committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity and talent of the regions. This project will also embrace sustainable practices, ensuring that we protect our environment while we innovate and advance.

    “As we break ground, let us also break new ground in how we approach resource processing, let us embrace innovation, invest in our people, and prioritize sustainability.

    “Together, we will create a legacy not only for our company but also for future generations,” Jidayi said.

  • Appeal Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s rights breach case against DSS, AGF

    Appeal Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s rights breach case against DSS, AGF

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out the appeal by the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on the grounds that it was without merit and had become academic following his conviction for terrorism offences by a Federal High Court in a judgment on November 20.

     In a judgment yesterday, a three-member panel of the appellate court found that Kanu’s claim that his fundamental rights to human dignity, right to quality health care and religion were being breached by his continued detention in the facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) was no longer feasible since his conviction, life imprisonment sentence and remand in prison custody.

     Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo, in the lead judgment, held that the substance of the case had become academic because, since Kanu’s lawyer (Maxwell Opara) confirmed at the commencement of proceedings yesterday, that his client was being held in Sokoto Prison, the court could no longer order him to be moved to Kuje Prison to which he had sought to be relocated from the DSS custody.

     Justice Ugo further held that, having earlier exhibited preference for prison custody, the court could no longer grant his prayers since he had been convicted and sent to the prison where he had wanted to be kept.

     The judgment was on Kanu’s appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/813/2022 against the June 3, 2022 judgment by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja (now retired), which earlier dismissed his fundamental rights enforcement suit on the grounds that he failed to prove his case.

     Listed as respondents in the appeal were the Director General of the DSS, DSS and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

     Justice Ugo noted that the pertinent question was whether the request by the appellant that he should be moved out of the DSS facility was still feasible now in the light of the recent public event concerning his trial.

     He added: “It is a matter of common knowledge, which this court is bound to take judicial notice of, that the criminal trial of the appellant for which he was detained at the detention facility of the first and second respondents (DG, DSS and the DSS) has terminated in the recently televised judgment of James Omotosho J. of the Federal High Court on 20th November 2025 and convicting him of charges of terrorism, among others and sentencing him to life imprisonment.

     “Even more significant is the further fact, which is equally of public knowledge, as confirmed by his counsel in court this morning, that the appellant has since been moved from the detention facility of the first and second respondents to a correctional facility in Sokoto State.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

     “Incidentally, the appellant himself had earlier complained, in his affidavit, that he had actually desired detention in a correctional facility.

     “What that means is that the first and second respondents are no longer in a position to breach the fundamental human right to human dignity as he (Kanu) complained that they were doing for which he sought the orders of the lawyer court and this court, compelling them to afford him better treatment.

     “In effect, the appellant’s fundamental rights enforcement application, and even the correctness of the decision of Taiwo Taiwo J, endorsing his continued detention in the detention facility of the first and second respondents, have all become academic and so, no longer worthy of deliberation, let alone decision by us,” Justice Ugo said and proceeded to strike out the appeal.

  • LP crisis: INEC, Baba-Ahmed present as Abure hosts NEC meeting

    LP crisis: INEC, Baba-Ahmed present as Abure hosts NEC meeting

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has ratified the party’s Nnewi, Anambra State convention, preparing grounds for congresses at ward, local government and state levels.

    The NEC meeting was presided over by Julius Abure, National Chairman of the party yesterday at the party secretariat in Abuja.

    It was attended by members of the National and State Working Committees from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, and other stakeholders including the former Vice Presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general election, Dr. Yusuf Baba Datti-Ahmed and a team of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Rakiya Dattijo of the Election and Party Monitoring  (EPM) department.

    The NEC discussed the state of the party and plans for the future.

    In a communiqué signed by Abure and National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, the party resolved among other things to uphold the outcome of the 2024 Nnewi National Convention which NEC said was in line with the Supreme Court decision which vested the party powers to decide on its leadership as part of its internal affairs.

    The communiqué read in part: “The NEC in session notes and recalls vividly the following Supreme Court pronouncements:

    “The reason for the non-justiciability of internal disputes of a political party is simple, and that is that in the eyes of the law, a political party is a corporate entity with its constitution, rules, regulations, and guidelines which are binding on members who have joined freely have consented to be so bound (See Abegunde Vs. Ondo State House of Assembly & Ors. (2025) LPELR-24588 (SC).)

    “Political Parties have put in place diverse kinds of internal dispute resolution mechanisms to handle any matter arising from disputes among members.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    “Political parties and their members should therefore have faith in the internal dispute resolution mechanisms prescribed in their party constitution.

    “Having subscribed to the membership of a Political party, a  member of a Political party has by his membership agreed to be bound by the constitution and the decision of the party contained in its guidelines.

     “So the Politician must comply with the provisions of the party constitution on how disputes over the internal affairs of the party can be resolved in keeping with the legal doctrine that the internal affairs of a Political party are non-justiceable and therefore not subject to the judicial powers of the courts..

     “Consequent upon the above, NEC in session reaffirmed those elected as National officers of the Party at the National Convention held in 2024 in Anambra State on the 27th of March 2024.”

     Those elected were the current 17 member National Working Committee which has Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Farouk as National Secretary, Chief Clement Ojukwu, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi and Dr Esther Gulmu (Deputy National Chairmen) and Obiora Ifoh as National Publicity Secretary among others.