The Federal High Court has dismissed reports that the newly assigned judge in the case of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has stepped down.

The FHC, in a statement signed by the Chief Registrar, Sulaiman Hassan, on Tuesday described the report as “false and misleading.”

A publication circulating on social media had claimed that Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, was the new judge in Kanu’s case and had withdrawn, citing the illegality of his arrest.

However, in the statement, the chief registrar said the claim was “entirely unfounded, fictitious, grossly mischievous, damaging in intent and should be disregarded in its entirety.”

“The attention of Management of the Federal High Court has been drawn, with great concern, to an online reportage as above captioned.

“The court unequivocally refutes the false and misleading report, alleging that the Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, OFR, has stepped down from Nnamdi Kanu’s case and made statements regarding the legality of his arrest,” the statement read.

According to Hassan, the true position is that the Justice Tsoho, in his capacity as Chief Judge, has reassigned Nnamdi Kanu’s case from Justice Binta Nyako to another (‘new’) Judge.

Hassan said, “The report referred to, is, therefore, totally spurious.

“The defence team should hence prepare to receive instructions regarding the case, as may be issued by the new judge.

“The Federal High Court strongly cautions against deliberate misinformation to mislead the public and erode confidence in the judicial system.

“We urge the general public to be wary and rely only on verified information from official court sources.

“The court remains steadfast in upholding justice through due process of the law.”

NAN reliably gathered, however, that the case between the Federal Government and Kanu had been reassigned to Justice James Omotosho, following Justice Nyako’s recusal (withdrawal).

NAN

The House of Representatives has ordered total shutdown of porn websites nationwide.

It directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to enforce the immediate shutdown of the websites in the country.

The House gave the directive during plenary on Tuesday.

The lawmakers suggested that the internet providers must block access under the new directive.

Member representing the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal constituency, Dalhatu Tafoki, sponsored the motion, calling it a step to “protect societal values.”

He said, “I would like to move a motion for the need to block internet websites hosting pornographic content and sanction the internet service providers responsible for the posting. The House notes that cyber pornography is fast becoming a global problem, and no concrete steps have been taken to cut its phenomenon in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all the major religions in the country forbid nudity and obscenity in any form. Also note that countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have passed legislation that bans pornography in their domains.

“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings that there are psychological and sociological consequences for creating ponographic content.

“The immediate effects of doing ponographic content include a. promotion of adultery, prostitution, and other promiscuous behaviours, leading to addiction, escalation, and desensitisation, change of attitude towards oneself and family.”

The House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure its implementation and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, also warned that sanctions would be imposed on internet service providers that default while lawmakers put a voice vote in favour of the motion.

The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance has issued a formal apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nigerians over what it described as the “gross misconduct” of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Senate chamber.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ikechukwu, expressed deep embarrassment over the senator’s behavior, stating that it undermines the efforts of women striving for inclusion and respect in governance.

“Women have fought tirelessly for inclusion in governance, proving their competence and capability. However, Senator Natasha’s actions cast a shadow over this collective effort. Instead of contributing meaningfully with dignity, she resorted to disruptive and crude behavior,” Ikechukwu said.

The group accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of engaging in a pattern of reckless conduct, which they claim has damaged the reputation of female politicians. They also referenced past controversies involving the senator, including allegations of blackmail against public figures.

Acknowledging that personal circumstances may have influenced her behavior, the group urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to use her six-month suspension to reflect on her actions and seek personal and professional reform.

“While we recognize that her upbringing may have contributed to certain traits, this is no excuse for unruly behavior. As a public figure, she must uphold values of respect, integrity, and accountability,” the group stated.

The women’s organization also reaffirmed its support for Senate President Akpabio, whom they praised for his leadership and commitment to gender inclusion in governance.

“Senator Akpabio has been a strong advocate for women in leadership, appointing many to key positions throughout his career. It is ironic and unacceptable that a woman who claims to champion female representation would disrespect a leader who has done so much for women in politics,” the statement read.

Despite condemning the senator’s actions, the group emphasized that her behavior should not define women in politics. They urged female leaders to continue demonstrating excellence and integrity, ensuring that the actions of one individual do not tarnish the progress made in increasing women’s participation in governance.

The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for women in leadership while holding public officials accountable for their conduct.

“We remain dedicated to good governance and will not allow one individual’s behavior to overshadow the achievements of women in politics. We sincerely apologize to the Senate President and all Nigerians for this unfortunate incident,” Ikechukwu concluded.