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  • Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers

    Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers

    • Company says action necessary to safeguard facility
    • Union kicks, warns of consequences
    • Reps committee opens investigation into NNPC Ltd/OVH Energy acquisition

    The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals on Thursday laid off about 800 workers in its employment.

    Although the refinery’s management explained that the exercise is part of a major reorganisation to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency, organised labour said the action is the climax of a lingering face-off with the firm over labour related issues bordering on unionization of workers.

    A memo signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management at Dangote Group, Femi Adekunle, a copy of which was sighted by The Nation, confirmed the disengagement of the workers yesterday.

    The total reorganisation of the refinery, Adekunle said, followed multiple cases of reported sabotage across refinery units that posed major safety risks.

    According to the contents of the memo, the management was left with no choice but to carry out a total reorganisation of the refinery, effective Thursday, September 25, 2025.

    Read Also: Ondo police arrest ‘notorious gunrunner’ supplying arms to Osun, Kogi, Edo, Kwara

    The employees were told to give all company property to their line managers and obtain an exit clearance, with the specific date for the process to be communicated later.

    “The Finance Department, by a copy of this letter, is advised to compute all your benefits and entitlements in line with your terms of employment and conditions of service and pay the amount due to you (less all indebtedness), subject to the condition that you have obtained the exit clearance certificate as mentioned above,” Adekunle stated in the memo.

    Late yesterday, following the outrage from labour unions, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, in response, explained that it is not an arbitrary exercise but one necessary to safeguard the $20 billion facility.

    It said over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in the Refinery at present, and only a very small number of staff were affected. The firm also assured that it would continue to recruit Nigerian talent through its various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process.

    “This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.

    “The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as a result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns.

    “We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset.

    “It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it.

    “We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union.

    “Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering.

    “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs.

    “We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability,” a statement from Dangote said.

    But the organised labour, through the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), expressed outrage over the development, calling it “anti-labour practices.”

    In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba lghotefmu Okugbawa, the union regretted the development, urging the management of the Dangote Refinery to recall all terminated Nigerian workers.

    It also warned that the union might be left with no other option but to commence exploring all sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the relevant labour laws for solution.

     “We are deeply saddened to report the unjust termination of over 800 Nigerian workers, whose dedication and service have been integral to the operations of this plant.

    “Instead of valuing and retaining this workforce, Management has chosen to replace these qualified Nigerians with over 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom lack valid immigration documentation,” PENGASSAN stated.

    It noted that Section 7 of the Labour Act prohibits discrimination and ensures the right to fair treatment in the workplace; a section it said Dangote Refinery are glaringly in violation of.

    PENGASSAN further noted that the dismissal of such a significant number of Nigerian workers without due consultation or any transparent justification contravenes the legal rights granted to all employees in Nigeria.

    “We will not tolerate this blatant disregard for the rights of Nigerian workers, particularly in light of the existing provisions under the Trade Union Act, which enshrines the right of workers to organise and join trade unions.

    “The recent organisation of these workers as members of PENGASSAN underscores their collective power and right to protection under the law.

    “We emphasise that such actions illustrate a troubling trend towards the marginalisation of Nigerian workers in favour of foreign labour, which we cannot, and will not, tolerate.

    “The sacrifice and talents of our workforce deserve respect and we demand accountability from employers who possess a social responsibility to the communities they operate in.

    “Furthermore, we would be remiss to overlook the broader implications of Dangote Group’s capitalistic pursuits beyond the confines of the refinery sector.

    “Instances of exploitative practices have been reported in various sectors where the company maintains significant business interests.

    “The relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of local talent, ethical employment practices, and community welfare is unacceptable.

    “We stand resolute in our commitment to uphold the rights of Nigerian workers and will take all necessary legal actions open to us as an Association to ensure that they are afforded the dignity and respect they deserve.

    “We have scheduled an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to direct the Association on the way forward.

    “We call on all Nigerians therefore to support this cause and to stand against the exploitation of our workforce by capitalists who seek to undermine our national priorities for their profit.

    “This slave labour of our brothers and sisters must not stand,” PENGASSAN said in its statement.

    But the management of Dangote refinery has swiftly debunked the allegation of mass sacking of its staff because of joining the Association.

    The refinery described the allegation as both unfounded and misleading, noting that the re-organisation within its workforce was aimed at strengthening operations and addressing repeated acts of sabotage.

    Reassuring employees and stakeholders, the refinery reaffirmed its commitment to internationally accepted labour principles, including workers’ freedom to decide on union membership without interference.

    It emphasised that the exercise was an audit process to safeguard the long-term stability of what it described as a strategic national asset.

  • Alleged terrorism: You have case to answer, court tells Nnamdi Kanu

    Alleged terrorism: You have case to answer, court tells Nnamdi Kanu

    • Orders NMA President to determine whether Kanu is still fit to stand trial

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the no-case submission made by the detained self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu in his ongoing terrorism trial.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling yesterday, held that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Kanu to warrant that he be ordered to enter his defence.

    The judge, who overruled Kanu’s no-case submission, found that the evidence led by the prosecution and the exhibits it tendered have raised serious allegations of Kanu’s involvement in terrorism activities to warrant that he be given the opportunity to defend himself.

    On the defendant’s argument that the court lacked jurisdiction because of his alleged extraordinary rendition from Kenya, the judge held that evidence to that effect were not placed before the court, and so the court cannot make a finding on it.

    He said: “The defence raised the issue of jurisdiction of the court as a result of the alleged extraordinary rendition of the defendant.

    “It must be known that no evidence of extraordinary rendition has been placed or given in this court.

    “It is when such evidence relating to extraordinary rendition of the defendant is given on oath that the issue of jurisdiction relating to it can be considered by this court.

    “Laws are not based on evidence that are not placed before the court,” the judge said.

    Justice Omotosho held that the evidence and exhibits and the need for him to demonstrate and lead evidence on his allegations of an extraordinary rendition requires that the defendant is given the opportunity and afforded his fundamental rights to fair hearing to be allowed to enter his defence.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Court orders NMA’s President to determine whether Nnamdi Kanu is still fit to stand trial

    Kanu is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a seven-count amended charge bordering of his alleged involvement in terrorism activities.

    Justice Omotosho said: “I have carefully gone through the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution with respect to this charge. The evidence all point to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendant.

    “The evidence is such that the defendant must proffer some explanation or defence to the allegation made against him especially considering the seriousness of the offence as they are such that the life of the defendant is at stake.

    “This court will refrain from evaluating the evidence, but will limit itself to stating that, on the whole, a prima facie case of engaging in terrorist activities has been made out against the defendant.

    “This is not to say that the defendant is guilty as charged, but simply that he be afforded his right to fair hearing and put in his defence before this court.

    “The evidence of the prosecution has founded sufficient ground for proceeding with this trial.

    “A connection of the defendant with the offence, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence, and as such the Defendant would be required to enter his defence to the charge or a rebuttal of some sort.

    “I must say here that holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendant guilty of the charge.

    “It is simply to allow the defendant exhaust his options for his defence and to clear every unresolved issue which may weigh on the mind of the court in reaching a final decision.

    “The defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.

    “I must say here that in determining a no case submission, no other issue including credibility of witnesses, competence of charge, pre-trial detention, lack of fair hearing, etc will be entertained.

    “It is only whether a prima facie case is made out that will be considered.

    “The right of a defendant to defend himself/herself is a fundamental right provided under section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “Such right cannot be taken from a defendant except where a Defendant expressly or by conduct waives same.

    “This defendant, having not waived his right to defend himself either expressly or by conduct, and the no case submission made by him having been overruled, he is hereby called upon to put in his defence to the charge against him.

    “The evidence by the prosecution witnesses, exhibits and the need for the defendant to give evidence on how the extraordinary rendition took place and for the defendant to react to the evidence led by the prosecution through its five witnesses and the exhibits tendered, have occasioned a need for the defendant to put in his defence.

    “The address of counsel, no matter how beautifully constructed, cannot take the place of evidence.

    “Based on the fundamental right to fair hearing, as contained in Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which the defendant is entitled to, this court is inclined to give him the opportunity and afford him his fundamental right to fair hearing.

    “Consequently, the no-case submission is overruled and the defendant is hereby ordered to enter his defence and make some explanations relating to the prima facie case against him.”

    In an earlier ruling, the judge ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a team of between eight and 10 members to determine whether Kanu’s health status makes him unfit to continue to stand trial.

    Justice Omotosho issued the order while ruling on an application by Kanu, seeking to be transferred to a private ward in the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for alleged life threatening ailments.

    Justice Omotosho, who reviewed arguments by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and that of the prosecution, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), ordered that the team, to be constituted by the NMA’s President, should assess the health facilities of the Department of State Services (DSS) to determine if they were adequate to effectively take care of Kanu’s ailments.

    According to the judge, the team is also to determine whether or not it was necessary to transfer Kanu to the National Hospital as he requested and whether Kanu’s medical status was such that could make him unfit to continue to stand trial.

    The judge also ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital or his representative should be a member of the team because the National Hospital is the hospital of choice of the defendant.

    Justice Omotosho ordered that the report of the team’s findings should be signed by both its Chairman and Secretary, and should be filed in the court’s registry within eight days.

  • Economic reforms bearing fruit as Nigeria charts new course for growth – Tinubu

    Economic reforms bearing fruit as Nigeria charts new course for growth – Tinubu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that the difficult economic reforms introduced by his administration over the past 28 months are beginning to yield results, with the economy “turning the corner” and a future of prosperity in sight.

    Speaking at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, during the installation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices and hardships endured by citizens, likening them to “a painful surgery” that would ultimately lead to national recovery and sustainable growth.

    “Today, I am honoured and proud to give you the cheering news that the economy has turned the corner. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Your suffering is the pain of a painful surgery, but it is now giving way to growth and prosperity awaiting us ahead. Thank you for your perseverance, your endurance, and your understanding”, the President said.

    READ ALSO; FG provides clarification on $220 million fine imposed on Meta for data breaches

    The President also used the occasion to congratulate the newly installed Olubadan, describing Oba Ladoja as a man of “impeccable resilience, unwavering determination, and steadfast reliability.”

    Recalling their shared history as senators and governors, Tinubu lauded Ladoja’s political journey and perseverance. 

    “If I start to recall the moments in the Senate and the struggles we had together as governors—the impeachment history, your conquered story, your perseverance, resilience, determination, and reliability—they are impeccable,” he said.

    The President prayed for the monarch’s long life, wishing him many prosperous years on the throne and describing the coronation as “one of the rare gems of history.”

    President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the people of Ibadan for their overwhelming support during his 2023 presidential campaign, describing the warm reception in the city as one of the most memorable moments of his life.

    He further acknowledged the presence of political leaders, including former governors Donald Duke (Cross River), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), among others, noting that their attendance underscored the national significance of the occasion.

    Meanwhile, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Ladoja, describing the moment as monumental in the presence of President Tinubu and dignitaries from across the country.

    “In exercise of the power conferred on me as the governor, I hereby present the staff of office to His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Makinde declared.

    In his acceptance speech, the new Olubadan, after acknowledging the unprecedented ceremony of his installation, pledging to devote the remaining years of his life to the service and prosperity of the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Yorubaland and the Nigerian nation, tasked President Tinubu to see to the actualisation of the age long demand for an Ibadan State.

    Oba Ladoja, 81, a respected businessman, former Oyo State governor, and senator, rose through the traditional ranks of the Ibadan chieftaincy system to attain the revered stool, following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.

  • 65th Independence: Tinubu charges Nigerians to unite for nation’s progress

    65th Independence: Tinubu charges Nigerians to unite for nation’s progress

    …as Independence anniversary celebrations starts with Juma’a prayers

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to rise above divisions and work together for the progress of the nation, stressing that unity is vital to achieving sustainable prosperity.

    Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the special Juma’a prayer held on Friday at the National Mosque, Abuja, to kick off activities for the 65th Independence anniversary, the President said the country’s future rests on collective effort.

    “Mr President has enjoined me to ask all Nigerians, irrespective of whatever affiliations you have, to come together in unity so that our march towards sustainable prosperity can be achieved,” Idris said.

    He noted that though Nigeria has faced political, economic, and security challenges in the past 65 years, the country is now on the path of sustainable development. 

    “Indeed, 65 years is a long one in the history of any developing nation. Our country has passed through numerous challenges, but alhamdulilah, today Nigeria is on the path of sustainable development,” he added.

    The President’s representative reaffirmed that the theme of this year’s anniversary, “All Hands on Deck for the Progress and Development of Our Nation”, reflects the administration’s conviction that prosperity requires national cohesion and dedication.

    READ ALSO; FG provides clarification on $220 million fine imposed on Meta for data breaches

    In his sermon, Professor Luqman Zakariya, one of the Imams of the National Mosque, led prayers for divine guidance for the nation’s leaders and called for the purification of hearts from corruption, tribalism, and injustice. 

    “The source of peace, we seek your peace upon Nigeria, dispel the cloud of insecurity and establish lasting peace and tranquility throughout our land,” he prayed.

    The prayer session attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; members of the Federal Executive Council; senators and House of Representatives members; representatives of state governors; and members of the diplomatic community. 

    Ambassadors from Algeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina were among those present.

    The Independence commemoration continues with an inter-denominational church service on Sunday, a press conference on Monday, and the presidential broadcast and anniversary parade on October 1.

  • JUST IN: President Tinubu arrives Mapo Hall for Ladoja’s coronation as 44th Olubadan

    JUST IN: President Tinubu arrives Mapo Hall for Ladoja’s coronation as 44th Olubadan

    President Bola Tinubu has arrived at Mapo Hall Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja. 

    Tinubu is leading other dignitaries to witness the final installation of the monarch at the historic Mapo Hall.

    Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, emerged as the 44th Olubadan following the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025.

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    The Nation reports dignitaries including governors, former governors, serving senators, House of Representatives members, traditional rulers and notable personalities are currently in Ibadan to witness the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Details shortly…

  • UPDATED: Alleged terrorism: ‘You have case to answer,’ Court tells Nnamdi Kanu

    UPDATED: Alleged terrorism: ‘You have case to answer,’ Court tells Nnamdi Kanu

    …orders NMA’s president to determine whether or not Kanu is still fit to stand trial

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the no-case submission made by the detained self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in his ongoing alleged terrorism trial.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Friday, held that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Kanu to warrant that he be ordered to enter his defence.

    The judge, who overruled Kanu’s no-case submission, found that the evidence led by the prosecution and the exhibits it tendered have raised serious allegations of Kanu’s involvement in terrorist activities to warrant that he be allowed to defend himself.

    On the defendant’s argument that the court lacked jurisdiction because of his alleged extraordinary rendition from Kenya, the judge held that evidence to that effect was not placed before the court, and so, the court cannot make a finding on it.

    He said, “The defence raised the issue of jurisdiction of the court as a result of the alleged extraordinary rendition of the defendant.

    “It must be known that no evidence of extraordinary rendition has been placed or given in this court.

    READ ALSO; FG provides clarification on $220 million fine imposed on Meta for data breaches

    “It is when such evidence relating to extraordinary rendition of the defendant is given on oath that the issue of jurisdiction relating to it can be considered by this court.

    “Laws are not based on evidence that is not placed before the court,” the judge said.

    Justice Omotosho held that the evidence and exhibits and the need for him to demonstrate and lead evidence on his allegations of an extraordinary rendition, require that the defendant be given the opportunity and afforded his fundamental rights to a fair hearing to be allowed to enter his defence.

    Kanu is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a seven-count amended charge bordering on his alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

    Justice Omotosho said, “I have carefully gone through the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution with respect to this charge. The evidence all points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendant.

    “The evidence is such that the defendant must proffer some explanation or defence to the allegation made against him, especially considering the seriousness of the offence, as they are such that the life of the defendant is at stake.

    “This court will refrain from evaluating the evidence, but will limit itself to stating that, on the whole, a prima facie case of engaging in terrorist activities has been made out against the defendant.

    “This is not to say that the defendant is guilty as charged, but simply that he be afforded his right to a fair hearing and put in his defence before this court.

    “The evidence of the prosecution has founded sufficient ground for proceeding with this trial.

    “A connection of the defendant with the offence, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence and as such the Defendant would be required to enter his defence to the charge or a rebuttal of some sort.

    “I must say here that holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendant guilty of the charge.

    “It is simply to allow the defendant to exhaust his options for his defence and to clear every unresolved issue which may weigh on the mind of the court in reaching a final decision.

    “The defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

    “I must say here that, in determining a no case submission, no other issue, including credibility of witnesses, competence of charge, pre-trial detention, lack of fair hearing, etc., will be entertained.

    “It is only whether a prima facie case is made out that will be considered.

    “The right of a defendant to defend himself/herself is a fundamental right provided under section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “Such right cannot be taken from a defendant except where a Defendant expressly or by conduct waives the same.

    “This defendant, having not waived his right to defend himself either expressly or by conduct, and the no case submission made by him, having been overruled, he is hereby called upon to put in his defence to the charge against him.

    “The evidence by the prosecution witnesses, exhibits, and the need for the defendant to give evidence on how the extraordinary rendition took place and for the defendant to react to the evidence led by the prosecution through its five witnesses and the exhibits tendered, have occasioned a need for the defendant to put in his defence.

    “The address of counsel, no matter how beautifully constructed, cannot take the place of evidence.

    “Based on the fundamental right to fair hearing as contained in Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which the defendant is entitled to, this court is inclined to give him the opportunity and afford him his fundamental right to fair hearing.

    “Consequently, the no-case submission is overruled and the defendant is hereby ordered to enter his defence and make some explanations relating to the prima facie case against him,” Justice Omotosho said.

    In an earlier ruling, the judge ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a team of between eight to 10 members to determine whether Kanu’s health status makes him unfit to continue to stand trial.

    Justice Omotosho issued the order while ruling on an application by Kanu, seeking to be transferred to a private ward in the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for alleged life-threatening ailments.

    Justice Omotosho, who reviewed arguments by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and that of the prosecution, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), ordered that the team, to be constituted by the NMA’s President, should assess the health facilities of the Department of State Services (DSS) to determine if they were adequate to effectively take care of Kanu’s ailments.

    According to the judge, the team is also to determine whether or not it was necessary to transfer Kanu to the National Hospital as he requested and whether Kanu’s medical status was such that it could make him unfit to continue to stand trial.

    The judge also ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital or his representative should be a member of the team because the National Hospital is the hospital of choice of the defendant.

    Justice Omotosho ordered that the report of the team’s findings should be signed by both its Chairman and Secretary, and it should be filed in the court’s registry within eight days from today.

  • Olubadan: Alaafin, Soun, Oluwo, Onpetu, Olugbo, others await Tinubu’s arrival

    Olubadan: Alaafin, Soun, Oluwo, Onpetu, Olugbo, others await Tinubu’s arrival

    …as Ladoja ends traditional rites at Osemeji

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi; Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Akinruntan, and other prominent traditional rulers are at Mapo Hall, awaiting President Bola Tinubu for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    READ ALSO: Alleged terrorism: ‘You have case to answer,’ Court tells Nnamdi Kanu 

    Oba Ladoja earlier completed the necessary traditional rites at the Osemeji shrine, Oja’ba, under the supervision of the Abore of Ibadanland.

    Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde has led a delegation—including Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, alongside federal and state lawmakers—to Ladoke Akintola International Airport to receive President Tinubu.

  • Alleged terrorism: ‘You have case to answer,’ Court tells Nnamdi Kanu 

    Alleged terrorism: ‘You have case to answer,’ Court tells Nnamdi Kanu 

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the no-case submission made by the detained self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu in his ongoing alleged terrorism trial.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Friday, held that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Kanu to warrant that he be ordered to enter his defence.

    The judge who overruled Kanu’s no-case submission, found that the evidence led by the prosecution and the exhibits it tendered have raised serious allegations of Kanu’s involvement in terrorism activities to warrant that he be given the opportunity to defend himself.

    READ ALSO: Army neutralises ISWAP fighters, foils terror attacks in Zamfara, Kwara

    Justice Omotosho said the evidence and exhibits and the need for him to demonstrate and lead evidence on his allegations of an extra ordinary rendition, requires that the defendant is given the opportunity and afforded his fundamental rights to fair hearing to be allowed to enter his defence.

    Kanu is being prosecuted by the DSS on a seven-count charge bordering of his alleged involvement in terrorism activities.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Court orders NMA’s President to determine whether Nnamdi Kanu is still fit to stand trial

    JUST IN: Court orders NMA’s President to determine whether Nnamdi Kanu is still fit to stand trial

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a team of between eight to 10 members to determine whether the health challenges claimed by the detained self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu were such that could prevent him from further standing trial.

    Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday while ruling on an application by Kanu, seeking to be transferred to a private ward in the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for alleged life threatening ailments.

    Justice Omotosho, who reviewed arguments by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and that of the prosecution, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), ordered that the team, to be constituted by the NMA’s President, should assess the health facilities of the Department of State Services (DSS) to determine if they were adequate to effectively take care of Kanu’s ailments.

    READ ALSO: Army neutralises ISWAP fighters, foils terror attacks in Zamfara, Kwara

    According to the judge, the team is also to determine whether or not it was necessary to transfer Kanu to the National Hospital as he requested and whether Kanu’s medical status was such that could make him unfit to continue to stand trial.

    The judge also ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital or his representative should be a member of the team.

    Justice Omotosho ordered that the report of the team’s findings should be signed by both its Chairman and Secretary and which should be filed in the court’s registry within eight days from today.

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: NMA sets up team to ascertain Nnamdi Kanu’s health status – DSS

    BREAKING: NMA sets up team to ascertain Nnamdi Kanu’s health status – DSS

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has constituted a seven-member team of experts to ascertain the actual health status of the detained self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    Lawyer to the Department of State Services (DSS) and prosecuting lawyer in Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) disclosed this at the resumed hearing in the case on Friday.

    Awomolo said the Federal Government chose to invite the NMA to intervene in the matter in view of conflicting information about Kanu’s actual state of health.

    He spoke while opposing the application by Kanu in which he (Kanu) is seeking to be taken to the National Hospital in Abuja for medical attention.

    READ ALSO: Army neutralises ISWAP fighters, foils terror attacks in Zamfara, Kwara

    Awomolo prayed the court to grant a week’s adjournment to enable the NMA team submit its report.

    As against claim by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) that his client’s health was seriously threatened, Awomolo argued otherwise, insisting that nothing was unusual about Kanu’s complaint in relation to his health.

    Justice James Omotosho has stood down proceedings to write a ruling on whether or not Kanu should be taken to the National Hospital as he requested in his application.

    Details shortly…