News

Nnamdi Kanu appeals against trial court’s ruling

Published

4 weeks ago

April 4, 2024

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed against the decision of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja dismissing his objection to his trial continuation.

Kanu, in a notice of appeal dated and filed March 28 through his team of lawyers led by Aloy Ejimakor, prayed the Court of Appeal, Abuja to allow the appeal and set aside the trial court’s decision.

The IPOB leader had filed a preliminary objection seeking an order for some conditions to be met by the Federal Government before his trial at FHC could proceed.

He had alleged that the Department of State Service (DSS) personnel often seized documents of his lawyers during visitation, stopped his lawyers from taking notes, eavesdropped on his consultation with his lawyers on matters pertaining to his defence, among others.

He alleged that he had not been given adequate time and facilities to defend himself in accordance with Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

But Justice Binta Nyako of a FHC had, in a ruling on March 19, declined to grant the objection of the detained IPOB leader.

The judge, who ordered accelerated hearing of the trial, also dismissed his application for bail.

However, Kanu, in the notice of appeal, listed the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the sole respondent.

He argued that the trial court erred in law when the court assumed jurisdiction to proceed with the hearing of the criminal trial against him when he was glaringly denied the constitutional right to fair trial.

He alleged that he was denied adequate facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations against him and his right to counsel of his own choice, thereby occasioning a grave miscarriage of justice.

“The denial of the appellant (Kanu) the opportunity to interact and brief his counsel on what line of defences the appellant tends to agitate in the trial court and rely on was adequately brought to the attention of the trial court by motion.

“The trial court failed and neglected to make necessary orders that would protect the appellant’s aforesaid rights but rather held that the court cannot dictate how the respondent carries out its work,” he said.

He said the trial court had the power to order the respondent to cease and desist from interfering with his constitutional right.

Besides, Kanu said the lower court had the power to order an alternative custodial arrangement or non-custodial arrangement for him, where it is impossible for the respondent to comply or where the respondent persists in the act.

He said: “Denial of the appellant’s right to adequate facilities to prepare defence as enshrined in Section 36 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution is a jurisdictional issues in the absence of which the trial court cannot assume or proceed with the jurisdiction over the case unless and until such facilities are accorded to the appellant.”

Kanu argued that though he had prayed the court to stop the DSS alleged unconstitutional acts of forcibly seizing and photocopying confidential legal documents brought to him by his lawyers meant for his defence of the charges against him, the court declined to grant the plea.

He said the trial judge erred in law when the court ordered for accelerated hearing despite the consistently refusal of the respondent to afford him the right to adequate facility to prepare for his defence of the charges levelled against him and his right to counsel.

According to him, the order for accelerated hearing of the case in face of the constitutional breaches of fair hearing/trial rights of the appellant is a credence to the respondent to proceed on the unconstitutional denial of the appellant his right to adequate facilities to prepare for his defence and his right to counsel of his choice.

“In the present case, where Sections 36 (6) (b) and (c) of the Constitution are violated by the respondent against the appellant, the trial court lacks the jurisdiction to hear and or proceed with the hearing of the case,” he added.

The IPOB leader, therefore, prayed the appellate court to allow the appeal, vacate the ruling of the lower court for the trial court to decline jurisdiction to proceed with the hearing of the case unless and until he is granted his right to fair hearing under Section 36(6)(6)(b) and (c) of the constitution.

Alternatively, he urged the Appeal Court for the trial court to order an alternative custodial or non-custodial arrangement free of interference with his said constitutional right to fair hearing.

He equally sought an order setting aside the order for accelerated hearing of the case in the circumstances of the case where he is not allowed facilities to prepare for the defence of the charges against him and denied his right to counsel. .

Kanu sought a stay of proceedings pending when the respondent affords him the constitutional safeguards of being afforded adequate facilities to prepare for his defence and his unfettered right to counsel.

News

Nigerian Army begins recruitment, warns against fraudsters

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Walewale

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of recruitment applications for Non-Tradesmen and Women.

This is contained in a post on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army on Friday, stating that the application which is free, starts from 3rd May – 7th June.

Non-tradesmen and women are those who wish to join the Nigerian Army but have only the certificate from their Senior School Certificate Examination.

The post reads: “This is to inform the general public & all interested applicants that online application for 87 Regular Recruits Intake for Non-Tradesmen & Women has commenced.

“Application starts from 3rd May – 7th June 2024.

“Application Is Free at http://recruitment.army.mil.ng. Shortlisted candidates will participate in the State Recruitment Screening Exercise scheduled from 20th June – 3rd July 2024.

“Recruitment into the Nigerian Army Is FREE, Beware of Fraudsters.”

News

Turkey halts trade relationship with Israel

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Walewale

Turkey has announced the suspension of all trade with Israel, saying it is because of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The Turkish trade ministry stated that the suspension would remain in effect until Israel permitted an “uninterrupted and sufficient flow” of aid into Gaza.

The Turkish government declared that the trade suspension would apply to all products.

This new development comes amid escalating tensions over Israel’s offensive in the region.

Last year, trade between Turkey and Israel amounted to nearly $7 billion.

Responding to Turkey’s announcement, Israel’s foreign minister accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of acting dictatorially and disregarding the interests of Turkish citizens and businesses.

Israel said it would seek alternatives for trade, focusing on local production and imports from other countries.

Tensions between Turkey and Israel have been strained for years, with diplomatic relations experiencing ups and downs.

Turkey severed ties with Israel in 2010 after clashes between Israeli commandos and pro-Palestinian Turkish activists aboard a ship attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza resulted in casualties.

Although diplomatic relations were restored in 2016, they soured again in 2018 when both countries expelled each other’s top diplomats over Israel’s handling of protests on the Gaza-Israel border.

However, the recent escalation in tensions between Turkey and Israel follows the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October last year.

News

Press Freedom Day: NGE salutes journalists working under harsh economic conditions

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Walewale

The professional body of editors and media executives in Nigeria, gave this commendation in a statement signed on Friday by its President, Mr Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, to commemorate the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.

‘’We celebrate the courageousness and commitment of journalists across the country, who continue to risk everything to bring us the truth and reliable/credible information.

“We also acknowledge the growing threats to press freedom – from violence and censorship to disinformation and economic pressures.

‘’We pay tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives or faced persecution, and we stand in solidarity with those under threat or attack and those who continue to work under very harsh economic conditions,” the NGE said.

The forum reaffirmed that media freedom, freedom of expression and access to public information are crucial to democracy and must be at the heart of Nigerian government’s values and actions.

The NGE said it recognised the crucial role played by journalists, media workers and free/ independent media in protecting the country’s democracy and advised them not to give up, in spite of the prevailing economic challenges.

The guild also requested the National Assembly to initiate and adopt a law to protect journalists, who speak out on matters of public interest, especially against abusive and strategic lawsuits, which are regularly initiated to silence them.

According to the NGE, the 2024 World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to emphasising the importance of good journalism amidst the current global environmental crisis.

‘’In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, we believe that journalism and freedom of expression are crucial in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

‘’Journalism and freedom of expression help in raising public awareness about environmental issues; holding power accountable; amplifying marginalised voices; promoting transparency and accountability.

“It also help in fostering public debate/engagement, and providing a platform for solutions,” the body said

The NGE added that 2024 World Press Freedom Day provided an opportunity for every stakeholder in the media community to continue to drum it to the hearing of both state and non-state actors – about the importance of press freedom and the challenges being faced by journalists.

The editors said that such challenges included censorship, harassment, imprisonment and violence.

The guild said that there was urgent need by the government to take deliberate and sustained action to promote press freedom and good journalism in the country.

The NGE added: ‘’The federal government will fundamentally be promoting the enabling environment for media to operate responsibly if it adopts a law to protect persons who speak out on matters of public interest against abusive lawsuits meant to silence them.

‘’The federal government should take a clue from the European Union and other democracies around the world, who have adopted similar laws to protect journalists and media houses against Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP suit).

‘’More so, there are still many obnoxious and anti-media laws in our statutory books that are targeted at journalists and media houses. The National Assembly (NASS) must take immediate step to repeal them.’’

The guild also urged government at all levels, international organisations and civil society organisation to protect and promote press freedom;.

The editors urged them to ensure safety and security for journalists/media houses; and ensure that all restrictive laws and policies targeted at the media are repealed.

The guild said that it would continue to advocate for press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information, adding that they are crucial to good governance, democratic societies and fundamental human rights

The World Press Freedom Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, is observed annually on May 3.

It is set aside to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It highlights the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in fostering transparency, accountability and democracy.