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FG asks court to dismiss bail application filed by suspects linked to Bello Turji

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The Federal Government, on Monday, prayed a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a bail application filed by four suspects linked to notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.

Mr David Kaswe, lawyer who appeared for the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), told Justice Emeka Nwite not to grant the bail request.

Kaswe argued that the defendants were standing trial for terrorism offences.

“We refer this honourable court to Page 9, particularly Paragraph 3.2 of the written address in support of the counter affidavit,” he said.

The lawyer urged the court to take judicial notice that some other members of the group listed as defendants were still at large.

He said, “chief among them is the 6th defendant, Bello Turji, who continues to cause mayhem and havoc to innocent Nigerians and has become a threat to national security.”

While opposing the bail application filed by the 1st defendant (Musa Muhammad Kamarawa), Kaswe said: “in swift opposition, we filed a counter affudavit of five paragraphs deposed to by Michael Akawo. Also we have three exhibits marked as Exhibit A, Exhibit B and Exhibit C. “

“We humbly urge the court to refuse the bail application of the 1st defendant and order accelerated hearing of the case.”

The lawyer equally urged the court to dismiss the bail applications by the 2nd defendant (Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor), the 4th defendant (Samuel Chinedu) and the 5th defendant (Lucky Chukwuma) respectively.

Earlier, A.M. Lukman, who appeared for the first and second defendants; P.I. Ezeme, who represented the fourth defendant and Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, who appeared for the 5th defendant, while moving the bail applications, prayed the court to admit their clients to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge against them.

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Justice Nwite after listening to the parties adjourned the matter until March 14 for ruling on the bail request and for commencement of trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nwite had, on Dec 23, 2024, ordered the remand of the four suspected terrorists in Kuje Correctional Centre.

The judge made the order after the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge bordering on terrorism following their arraignment.

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until Feb. 10 for trial.

NAN reports that the four suspects; Musa Kamarawa; Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma, denied their involvement in the offences with which they were charged when the 11 counts were read to them.

NAN reports that though eight defendants were listed on the face of the charge, three of them, including Bello Turji, were at large.

However, shortly after the court registrar called the case, only four defendants were in court.

Justice Nwite then asked about the whereabouts of Bashir Abdullahi, who is the third defendant.

Kaswe then told the court that Abdullahi was also at large.

The lawyer, therefore, sought the leave of the court to enter “at large” for Abdullahi and the judge granted the oral application after it was not opposed by the defence lawyers.

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

In the charge filed on Dec. 16 by M.B. Abubakar, Director, Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Musa Muhammad Kamarawa; Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma were sued as 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th defendants.

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While Bashir Abdullahi, Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, who are all at large, are sued as third, sixth, seventh and eighth defendants respectively.

In count one, Musa Kamarawa; Abubakar Hashimu, aka Doctor; Bashir Abdullahi; Samuel Chinedu; Lucky Chukwuma; Bello Turji (at large); Aminu Muhammad (at large) and Sani Lawal (at large), sometime between 2018 and 2022 in Sokoto State, were alleged to have conspired among themselves to commit the terror act.

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

They were also alleged to have supplied , boots, caps and building materials, including bags of cement, cover zinc, bags of nails, M.M. iron rod, etc., to terrorist camps in the forests located in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States.

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

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

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

The offence, the federal government said, is contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act,” the count read in part.

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

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Kano Emirate Dispute: Court Of Appeal Upholds Status Quo Pending Supreme Court Decision

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The Court of Appeal has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo in the ongoing Kano Emirate dispute, effectively halting the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano until the Supreme Court delivers its judgment.

The Emirate has been embroiled in a legal tussle following the state’s legislative actions affecting its traditional leadership. In 2024, the Kano State Government enacted the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which led to significant changes in the emirate’s structure, including the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

On June 20, 2024, the Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Abubakar Liman, nullified the actions taken by the Kano State Government under the 2024 law.

Subsequently, on January 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal overturned the Federal High Court’s decision, asserting that the lower court lacked jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, which are typically under the purview of state high courts. This appellate decision reinstated the 2024 law and, by extension, Sanusi’s position as Emir.

Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s judgment, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, a prominent kingmaker, filed an appeal to the Supreme Court. He also sought an injunction to prevent the enforcement of the January 10 judgment pending the Supreme Court’s decision. On March 14, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Okon Abang, granted this injunction.

The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo as it existed before the Federal High Court’s June 2024 ruling, effectively halting Sanusi’s reinstatement until the Supreme Court adjudicates the matter.

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Mohbad Death: Fabiyi Unveils Shocking Confession

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Nigerian actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi has made a shocking claim regarding the mysterious death of popular singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad. During a recent interview, Fabiyi disclosed that Mohbad’s brother, Adura Aloba, allegedly confessed that the late singer was pushed, causing him to fall and fatally hit his head.

The revelation has sparked fresh public outrage, with many questioning the slow pace of the official investigation. Fabiyi insists that this critical piece of evidence should not be ignored, raising concerns about possible attempts to suppress the truth.

Fabiyi revealed that Adura Aloba contacted him via TikTok DM, claiming he possessed video evidence related to a fight between Mohbad and his wife. In their exchange, Adura sent a short 30-second clip, allegedly showing blood on the floor, which Fabiyi confirmed was filmed inside Mohbad’s house.

Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Fabiyi pursued further investigation and submitted petitions to the police, including the Assistant Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Command. However, despite his efforts, he lamented that the authorities have been slow to act on the evidence presented.

Fabiyi later disclosed that, during a press conference, Adura admitted that the short clip he initially shared was part of a much longer 10-minute video. In this full recording, Mohbad’s wife is allegedly seen pushing him, which led to his fatal head injury.

Despite the gravity of this claim, Fabiyi expressed frustration that law enforcement appears to be downplaying the importance of this revelation. He accused the authorities of focusing on unrelated details while neglecting key evidence that could change the course of the investigation.

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Following Fabiyi’s revelation, the case has taken a new turn, reigniting public calls for transparency and justice. Many Nigerians are demanding that law enforcement agencies prioritise the investigation and act on the new evidence without bias.

Fabiyi remains determined to ensure that the truth behind Mohbad’s untimely demise is uncovered. He has vowed to continue pushing for accountability until justice is served.

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Cross River cracks down on land encroachment

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Cross River government has warned individuals encroaching on state-owned land to vacate immediately, as it is now committed to reclaiming such properties across the state.

A strong warning was issued specifically to individuals and groups unlawfully occupying land belonging to state-owned educational institutions.

This was stated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Mr Gilbert Agbor, in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Friday.

The government condemned the increasing cases of land encroachment affecting several schools, including the University of Cross River (UNICROSS), formerly CRUTECH, and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.

Other affected institutions include Government College, Ikot Ansa; Government Secondary School, Obio-Asim, Odukpani; Girls’ Secondary School, Ugep; and Government Technical College, Obubra.

Government Secondary School (GOVISCO), Ikom, and several other institutions across the state have also been impacted by illegal occupation.

“The government has directed all illegal occupants to vacate these lands immediately. Swift and decisive action will be taken against defaulters, regardless of their status or influence.

“Gov. Bassey Otu has ordered the immediate recovery of all state properties unlawfully taken over. His administration remains committed to protecting government assets from misuse,” Agbor said.

He urged the public to provide useful information that could assist in recovering these assets, assuring informants of confidentiality and appropriate rewards for credible intelligence.

Additionally, members of the public were encouraged to report illegal occupation of government property to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery at the Governor’s Office. (NAN)

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