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  • Delta police arrest suspected cultist, rescue four kidnap victims, recover firearm

    Delta police arrest suspected cultist, rescue four kidnap victims, recover firearm

    The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational breakthroughs in two separate operations, reinforcing its determination to combat violent crime and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

    The Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, revealed in a statement on Thursday that on February 2, 2026, five armed men suspected to be kidnappers blocked the Ewu–Ajekuta Road and forcibly abducted four occupants of a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

    Edafe said upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Otu-Jeremi Division, swiftly mobilised operatives.

    He said operatives, working in synergy with sister security agencies and vigilante members of the Ewu community, launched an intensive pursuit of the suspects.

    He said the operation led to the successful rescue of all four victims, who were immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.

    Two expended 7.5mm ammunition were recovered at the scene, he stated.

    The spokesman said a comprehensive bush-combing operation and manhunt were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    Edafe also revealed that in a separate intelligence-led operation on February 3, 2026, operatives of the Ibusa Division raided a suspected cult meeting at Anioma Garden, Ugboli Quarters, Ibusa.

    He stated that during the raid, one suspect, Michael Ayauze, was arrested, noting that a preliminary investigation identified him as a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

    He indicated that a search of the suspect led to the recovery of one English Beretta pistol, one live round of ammunition, and assorted charms.

    He said other members of the gang fled on sighting the Police, stressing that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the remaining suspects.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Aina Adesola, has reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance for kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes. He urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information through the appropriate channels.

  • NCC, NDPC sign MoU on protection and privacy of citizens’ data in telecom sector

    NCC, NDPC sign MoU on protection and privacy of citizens’ data in telecom sector

    The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the protection of citizens’ data in the telecommunications industry.

    The MoU was signed at the headquarters of the NCC by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Wada Maida, and the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji.

    Speaking at the event, Dr Olatunji stressed the significance of data safety, data security, and governance in the present digital age, saying the collaboration between the NDPC and NCC was aimed at adding value to the services rendered by both institutions.

    He said the partnership would strengthen their commitment towards delivering efficient and effective services to Nigerians, as data protection has become a cornerstone of digital governance worldwide.

    Olatunji noted that the telecommunications sector, which is one of the largest ICT sectors with significant contributions to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), became the first point of call for the NDPC for collaboration and positive engagements for the good of the country.

    “In Nigeria, the rapid expansion of telecommunications and digital services has created both opportunities and risks.

    “The NCC, as the regulator of telecoms, and the NDPC, as the authority on data protection, share overlapping responsibilities in ensuring that citizens’ personal information is secure.

    “To avoid potential conflicts in the mandates of the two Commissions as enshrined in their respective Acts, and pursuant to their statutory responsibilities, both NCC and NDPC recognize the importance of streamlining the regulatory process to avoid overlaps in their respective mandates and ensure clarity in the regulation of data in the communications sector,” Dr Olatunji said.

    He said the MoU on data protection was necessary to strengthen consumer privacy, align regulatory mandates, and safeguard Nigeria’s digital economy, particularly in the telecommunications sector.

    In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, expressed delight over the collaboration, saying that the MoU between the two agencies would provide a structured framework for collaboration.

    Dr Maida, who highlighted the steps taken by the leadership of the NCC to ensure regulatory compliance by stakeholders in the telecommunications sector, described the MoU as a significant step that would strengthen collaboration between the two institutions.

    The EVC urged Nigerians to know their data rights in order to guard against exploitation, emphasising that data protection was key to the future and sovereignty of Nigeria.

    “This is why data protection is very, very important for the future and sovereignty of this nation.

    “Somebody is monetising your data. But it is going to get to a point where you, too, should also have your rights to either say, yes, you can use it, or no, you cannot use it.

    “You are laying the foundations whereby people have a right to govern their own data. Because in the future, I believe we are going to be moving away from labour unions to data unions.

    He said foundations being laid today would prepare individuals for the future, adding that people need to know that they have data, they need to be aware of the data they are generating, and they need to know their rights around that data.

    “If they do not know it, somebody will monetise it. So when they say you are using the platform for free, it’s not really free,” the EVC said.

  • Wike dismisses claims of compromising the Judiciary

    Wike dismisses claims of compromising the Judiciary

    • …inspects judicial projects in FCT

    The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday dismissed claims that ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

    Wike spoke after inspecting several judicial projects in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    The projects inspected include the Court of Appeal complex, Judges’ Quarters and heads of courts of Appeal.

    The projects, which he said are presidential interventions to the third arm of government to ensure its independence, are being executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

    Wike insisted that the intervention is solely aimed at improving welfare, security, and efficiency within the third arm of government.

    He added, “There is nothing you would do that critics will not criticize. Before now, people complained that judges had nowhere to stay to do their work effectively. Now that the government is providing accommodation, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?

    He stressed that no democracy can function without a strong and independent judiciary, noting that providing decent accommodation and a secure environment for judges does not in any way undermine their constitutional independence.

    “You can’t talk about democracy without talking about the judiciary. You also can’t expect them to perform efficiently when they don’t have befitting places to stay. Even when funds are released to the judiciary, it is still the executive that provides those funds,” Wike stated.

    The minister explained that the projects followed a clear directive by President Bola Tinubu shortly after his inauguration in May 2023, mandating the Administration to reduce the accommodation burden on judges and improve their welfare.

    According to him, one of the key projects, a Court of Appeal division with a separate administrative headquarters, is already between 85 and 90 per cent completed.

    Read Also: 2027 election won’t stall infrastructure projects in FCT – Wike

    “We were there this morning and saw that the work is almost finished. That directive was very clear, and we are glad that it is being faithfully implemented,” he said.

    He disclosed that the FCT Administration is also constructing 40 residential houses for judges, 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court with plans underway to commence similar housing for the National Industrial Court.

    Wike further revealed that official residences, referred to as “Houses of Courts,” are being built for heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.

    “We believe that by June or July, with the speed of work we are seeing, these projects will be handed over for Mr. President to formally present to the judiciary,” he said.

    Wike described the development as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.

    Addressing concerns over delays in completing the Court of Appeal complex, Wike attributed the setback to last year’s unusually heavy rainfall but assured that the project is now nearing completion and would be commissioned during President Tinubu’s third year in office.

    He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, reiterating the commitment of the Tinubu administration to strengthening the judiciary as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system.

  • Borno swears in six new High Court Judges, deepens judicial reforms

    Borno swears in six new High Court Judges, deepens judicial reforms

    The Borno State Government on Thursday swore in six newly appointed High Court Judges, as it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the rule of law and accelerating reforms aimed at improving justice delivery in the state.

    The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Acting Governor’s Conference Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, was presided over by the Acting Governor, Hon. (Dr) Umar Usman Kadafur, who described the exercise as a strategic institutional intervention to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public confidence in the judiciary.

    Kadafur said the state had prioritised the modernisation of judicial processes through the adoption of digital platforms, including electronic filing, electronic case management systems, and access to digital legal resources, to reduce delays and eliminate administrative bottlenecks.

    “Our vision is to build a judiciary that is responsive to contemporary realities and aligned with global best practices, where justice is dispensed fairly, promptly, and without undue hindrance,” the Acting Governor said.

    He charged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold integrity, impartiality, and professionalism, while actively supporting the digitisation and modernisation agenda of the state judiciary.

    In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah, congratulated the new judges and urged them to see their appointments as a call to higher responsibility and service to society.

    Justice Zannah emphasised that the judiciary remained the last hope of the common man, stressing that judges must dispense justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

    He also called on the judges to embrace ongoing judicial reforms, particularly the deployment of digital tools, noting that technology had become indispensable in improving efficiency, transparency, and access to justice.

    Read Also: NBA threatens boycott of Enugu CJ’s court over delay in Bright Ngene’s appeal

    The Chief Judge further assured the state government and the public of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding ethical standards, strengthening institutional discipline, and ensuring speedy dispensation of justice.

    The Acting Governor assured that the state government would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure, training, and institutional support required to sustain judicial reforms.

    The ceremony was attended by top government officials, senior judicial officers, and members of the legal profession

  • NAF, Enugu partnership a model for effective sub-national security collaboration – CAS

    NAF, Enugu partnership a model for effective sub-national security collaboration – CAS

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has described the partnership between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Enugu State Government as “a model of subnational cooperation in national security.”

    Air Marshal Aneke said this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, at Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, as part of a two-day operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command (GTC) and other units in the state.

    In a statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS commended the governor for sustained support to NAF personnel and infrastructure, particularly accommodation development and improvements to essential utilities.

    He outlined the NAF’s long-term welfare and sustainability vision, emphasizing initiatives that integrate housing, agriculture, and operational resilience.

    The NAF Chief noted that collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would enhance personnel wellbeing while contributing to economic activity within the State.

    Air Marshal Aneke assured that the NAF would continue intelligence-driven cooperation with sister security agencies to sustain peace in Enugu and across the South-East.

    He said, “Ground training is the engine room of airpower. When our technical and support personnel are properly trained and motivated, our operational aircraft can deliver decisive results.

    “I deeply appreciate the Enugu State Government’s commitment to strengthening our capacity to protect lives and critical assets.”

    Governor Mbah emphasized that security and development are inseparable priorities of the state government, and commended the professionalism and stabilizing role of Air Force personnel in the SouthEast region.

    He assured the CAS that the state government would continue to collaborate with the NAF in facilitating the security of Enugu and the country at large.

    The governor also assured that the state government is ready to allocate land for resettlement homes for NAF personnel, as well as for NAF farms and agro-allied services. 

  • Disenfranchisement of election workers causes low voter turnout, says Yilwatda

    Disenfranchisement of election workers causes low voter turnout, says Yilwatda

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s electoral process, identifying the disenfranchisement of election-day workers as a largely overlooked factor contributing to low voter turnout.

    Yilwatda made the remarks during a meeting of chairmen and secretaries of political parties with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

    According to a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said thousands of Nigerians who are legally eligible to vote are unable to do so on Election Day because of the roles they play in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.

    He listed those affected to include INEC ad-hoc staff, security personnel, civil society observers, medical workers, journalists, and other essential support staff deployed for election duties.

    Yilwatda argued that despite their inability to vote being a result of national service, these citizens are often wrongly counted among those blamed for voter apathy.

    He said the situation calls for urgent policy review, particularly on the long-standing debate around early voting, stressing that a democratic system should not exclude citizens from the ballot because they are serving the country.

    Responding, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), said that while early voting had been considered, it raised significant operational and cultural challenges.

    Read Also: 2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    He noted that by the time he assumed office, work on the Electoral Bill had largely been concluded, adding that early voting remained one reform capable of addressing the voting needs of election-day workers.

    However, the INEC Chairman cautioned against a system where votes are cast early and “warehoused” for counting after the general election. Such an arrangement, he warned, could expose the process to abuse, manipulation, and loss of public trust, with fears that “huge votes could suddenly appear from somewhere.”

    At the heart of the matter, he said, is Nigeria’s electoral culture. Nigerians, he observed, are deeply invested in real-time voting and counting, wanting to see results as they emerge. Until the country builds a culture and system that enjoys absolute public confidence and is seen as incorruptible, adopting early voting may remain difficult.

    The INEC Chairman also highlighted the heavy financial implications of conducting elections in a single day nationwide. He explained that doing so would require the Commission to almost double its electoral materials since the current staggered process allows for the reuse of some equipment.

    A one-day election, he said, would significantly increase the cost of elections and place enormous pressure on resources.

  • Adeleke’s wife distributes N25million Remi Tinubu business grant to traders

    Adeleke’s wife distributes N25million Remi Tinubu business grant to traders

    The Osun State First Lady, Chief Titilola Adeleke, has distributed a ₦25 million business grant donated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu to traders across the state, as part of efforts to strengthen economic empowerment and support small-scale businesses.

    The grants were presented to 500 traders drawn from various parts of the state at the Osun State Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, on Thursday.

    Speaking at the event, Mrs Adeleke commended Senator Tinubu for her continued support for women at the grassroots, particularly in boosting livelihoods and improving family welfare.

    Read Also: Adeleke to Tinubu: intervene in crisis

    She urged the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds and cautioned against spending the grants on frivolous activities.

    According to her, proper utilisation of the grants would enhance business profits, ease economic pressures, and enable the beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and societal development.

    Earlier, the wife of the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Adenike Adeleke, praised Nigeria’s First Lady for prioritising the welfare of women, children, girls, the elderly, and widows.

    Also speaking, the Iyaloja-General of Osun State, Chief Mary Oyebode, pledged on behalf of the beneficiaries that the grants would be used strictly for their intended purposes.

  • Nigeria targets $7.7trn global halal market, as Tinubu launches national strategy

    Nigeria targets $7.7trn global halal market, as Tinubu launches national strategy

    • …plan will unlock $12bn value, boost exports, jobs, halal-friendly tourism — Shettima

    The Federal Government on Thursday launched Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy, as it moved to position the country to tap into the $7.7 trillion global halal market and diversify the economy through exports, industrial value chains and ethical finance.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the strategy at the State House, Abuja, describing it as a signal of Nigeria’s readiness to take a “huge chunk” of a global market expected to add an estimated $1.5 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2027.

    Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said “it is with this sense of responsibility that I formally unveil the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy”.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu said “this document is a declaration of our promise to meet global standards with Nigerian capacity and to convert opportunity into lasting economic value”.

    The Vice President called for “disciplined, inclusive, and measurable” implementation, stressing that the strategy must translate into “jobs, exports, and shared prosperity across our nation.”

    He announced that the strategy committee would be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, whom he described as “supremely competent.”

    Shettima outlined the plan’s key ambitions up to 2030, including expanding halal-compliant food exports, developing pharmaceutical and cosmetic value chains, positioning Nigeria as a halal-friendly tourism destination, and mobilising ethical finance at scale.

    According to him, the combined efforts “are projected to unlock over twelve billion dollars in economic value, while strengthening food security, deepening industrial capacity, and creating opportunities for small-and-medium-sized enterprises across our states.”

    Addressing concerns linking halal to religious affiliation, Shettima said the global halal economy had outgrown “parochial interpretations,” explaining that it is now defined by “trust,” with systems that emphasise “quality, traceability, safety, and ethical production.”

    He noted that these principles appeal widely to consumers and investors seeking certainty in how goods are produced, financed and delivered.

    The Vice President also said several Western economies have integrated halal into their export and quality-assurance systems, naming the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as among leading producers, certifiers and exporters of halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and financial products.

    “The halal economy is a global market framework rooted in standards, safety, and consumer trust, not geography or belief,” he said.

    Shettima said the strategy was inspired by the Tinubu administration’s commitment to diversifying exports, attracting foreign direct investment and create sustainable jobs across the federation.

    He disclosed that it was developed through partnerships involving the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, alongside Dar Al Halal Group Nigeria, with technical backing from institutions including the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.

    The Vice President also linked the initiative to Nigeria’s recent state visit to Türkiye, which he said reinforced the country’s drive to build a globally competitive halal ecosystem.

    A major outcome of that visit was the signing of an agreement on Halal Quality Infrastructure between Nigeria and Türkiye, aimed at strengthening standards, accreditation, certification and quality assurance systems to boost international acceptance of Nigerian halal products and services.

    Speaking at the event, Oduwole said the strategy was a public-private collaboration shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement.

    She said the private sector led the drive to make it a “whole-of-government and whole-of-country intervention,” with the Office of the Vice President coordinating ministries, departments, and agencies, while her ministry played a pivotal role.

    “What the Halal Strategy has done for Nigeria is to position us among countries that export Halal-certified goods across the world,” she said.

    Oduwole added that Nigeria would leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand exports of halal-friendly goods across Africa and beyond, stressing that participation would be voluntary.

    Also speaking, Chairman and CEO of Dar Al-Halal Group Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Ladan, said an export programme was already underway through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to onboard Nigerian companies into the Saudi Arabian market and other destinations.

    He described the strategy as a landmark opportunity that would create market access and attract foreign direct investment.

    In a message from the French Embassy, Financial Counsellor Carole Lebreton, representing French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier, said the strategy was significant for Nigeria–France relations, noting that France was exploring more ways to build socio-economic bridges with Nigeria.

    She said the French government was ready to support Nigeria’s export drive, especially in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

    Other dignitaries at the unveiling included the CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni; Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr. Olasupo Olusi; and the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle Johnson.

    The strategy, developed by HPDC of Saudi Arabia, is an outcome of the bilateral cooperation agreement signed between Nigeria and HPDC in February 2025 at the Makkah Halal Forum, aimed at deepening Nigeria–Saudi economic relations, improving market access, and integrating Nigeria into international halal value chains.

  • Hundeyin’s promotion followed due process – Ex-AIG Yaro

    Hundeyin’s promotion followed due process – Ex-AIG Yaro

    A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Abutu Yaro, has dismissed claims that the promotion of the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin, was secretly approved by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

    Yaro said the promotion followed due process and was carried out in line with constitutional provisions and service rules, stressing that it fell within the exclusive authority of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    He described allegations of favouritism as unfounded, noting that promotions from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) are handled solely by the PSC.

    According to Yaro, Hundeyin met the eligibility requirements for the position of FPRO, which include a minimum rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, a university degree or equivalent, at least 10 years of meritorious service, emotional stability, a clean disciplinary record, and professional competence in public relations or broadcasting.

    He added that officers appointed to the role are also exposed to specialised training and capacity-building programmes supported by media consultants engaged by the police.

    Explaining the promotion framework, Yaro said promotions for constables to inspectors are handled internally by the police hierarchy, while promotions for inspectorate officers involve an Inspectorate Selection Board. However, he stressed that promotions for superior officers remain the sole responsibility of the PSC.

    Read Also: JUST IN: IGP appoints CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as new FPRO 

    “There is a clause for accelerated promotion in our service manuals,” Yaro said, explaining that officers may be promoted ahead of schedule where performance evaluations and recommendations justify such advancement.

    Addressing concerns about transparency, Yaro noted that police promotions are governed by established regulations and PSC guidelines, adding that public agitation over service matters is prohibited within the force.

    “Promotions to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police are strictly on the PSC schedule. Any inquiry into the criteria applied should be directed to the Police Service Commission, which is an independent constitutional body,” he said.

    He also dismissed claims that the IGP personally promoted Hundeyin, describing them as “misplaced and misleading.”

    “The Inspector-General of Police does not have the authority to promote an Assistant Commissioner of Police. His powers are limited to promotions from constable to inspector. Promotions from ASP to DIG are handled exclusively by the Police Service Commission,” Yaro stated.

    Meanwhile, a senior police officer familiar with internal procedures said the office of the Force Public Relations Officer is structurally designated for an officer of at least the rank of ACP.

    “Anyone appointed to the office who is below the rank of ACP must be promoted to occupy the position. This is standard practice. It is about the office, not the individual,” the officer said.

    He cited former FPROs Frank Mba, Jimoh Moshood, and Olumuyiwa Adejobi as precedents, noting that similar conventions apply across other security agencies.

    “It is not about Hundeyin. It is about the office. The office of FPRO comes with a defined rank, and whoever is appointed must meet that requirement,” he added.

    The officer further stated that the only recommendation forwarded by the IGP to the PSC was Hundeyin’s, based on his appointment.

    “Any other promotions are entirely at the discretion of the Police Service Commission. The IGP does not determine those outcomes,” he said.

  • NBA threatens boycott of Enugu CJ’s court over delay in Bright Ngene’s appeal

    NBA threatens boycott of Enugu CJ’s court over delay in Bright Ngene’s appeal

     The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to boycott proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Enugu State over what it described as persistent delays in the hearing of an appeal involving a legal practitioner, Mr. Bright Ngene.

    The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA, which expressed concern that the delay raises serious issues about the protection of lawyers’ rights and public confidence in the administration of justice.

    To address the situation, NEC resolved to constitute a five-member intervention committee to interface directly with the Chief Judge of Enugu State and ensure that a hearing date for the appeal is fixed within two weeks.

    The committee is to be chaired by Mr. Sammie Somiari, SAN. Other members include Mr. Musa Attah, SAN; the Chairman of the NBA Enugu Branch, Mr. V. C. Odo, Esq.; Hon. Chidi Aroh; and Ms. Osato Uwagboe. Two senior advocates, Mr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and Mr. Abdul Muhammed, SAN, also volunteered to serve on the committee.

    According to the resolution, the committee’s mandate is to engage with the Chief Judge to secure an expedited hearing of the appeal “in the interest of justice and fairness.”

    Read Also: NBA moves to penalise branch chairman for naming ex-convict grand patron

    NEC further warned that if a hearing date is not fixed within the stipulated period, NBA branches in Enugu State would commence a boycott of proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge.

    The Association also indicated that it would explore additional measures, including the institution of legal action, to challenge what it views as a violation of Mr. Ngene’s fundamental rights.

    The NBA said the move reflects its commitment to defending due process, protecting its members, and ensuring that delays or administrative lapses do not undermine the justice system.