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Nnamdi Kanu’s rearrangement proceedings, a new chapter of justice -Lawyer

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An Abuja-based lawyer, Christopher Chidera has said that proceedings at the last Friday re-arraignment of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a new chapter of justice in the history of Nigeria’s judiciary.

The lawyer who expressed happiness with the way and manner proceedings were conducted without tension, bias, hostility and confrontation said that the step signalled the end of bickering between Kanu and the Federal Government that put him on trial on terrorism charges.

Specifically, the lawyer opined that the development marked a pivotal moment of reconciliation and renewal in the pursuit of justice.

In a statement released on Saturday, Chidera expressed happiness with Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, before whom Kanu was arraigned without tension.

The Abuja lawyer also noted with satisfaction, the wisdom of the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi in initiating the new move and Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for not objecting.

Kanu Agabi, SAN, stood for Nnamdi Kanu at the Friday re-arraignment while Adegboyega Awomolo represented the Federal Government to prosecute the defendant for the alleged offence.

However, contrary to the expected hostilities, Agabi, the lead counsel to Kanu, acting on behalf of his client, took time to apologize profusely to the Federal High Court, the judiciary, Justice Binta Nyako, the Federal Government lawyers and his own lawyers for the anger and outburst he exhibited during the last year’s proceedings.

Kanu in a dramatic turn of events, asked for forgiveness and demanded that peace and not violence should be employed in any reconciliation process.

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Reacting to the development, Chidera said, “The recent proceedings in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), before Justice James Omotosho have marked a pivotal moment of reconciliation and renewal in the pursuit of justice.

“Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, tendered an apology on behalf of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for events that transpired in Justice Binta Nyako’s court, an act reflecting deep respect for the judiciary’s sanctity and its discretionary authority.

“This gesture was not merely procedural but a profound acknowledgment of the need to wipe the slate clean, ensuring that Justice Omotosho’s court could proceed unencumbered by prior tensions or biases.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a gentleman raised in the royal household of a traditional ruler, understands the weight of deference to authority, having observed his father, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Eze I.O Kanu of blessed memory, adjudicate disputes with unchallenged dignity—a value he sought to uphold in this process by allowing Chief Agabi to proceed unhindered.

“In a reciprocal display of magnanimity, Justice Omotosho, during his summation, emphasized the judiciary’s sacred role, stating, “A court of law is the temple of justice with a judge at the head and lawyers as ministers.

“The work that goes on in a court of law is the work of God, because God is a God of justice.

“Guided by principles of justice, faith, and mercy, His Lordship Justice James Omotosho also extended an apology to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, recognizing the need to restore trust and equilibrium.

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“This mutual exchange underscores a shared commitment to refocus the proceedings on the substantive issues before the court, free from the shadow of past confrontations.

“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and judicial officers alike can now look to this fresh start as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s judiciary, bolstered by Chief Agabi’s wisdom and Justice Omotosho’s gracious leadership, ensuring that justice remains the cornerstone of this case.”

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FCT Minister Wike, Emir Ado Bayero Image Sparks Reactions On Social Media

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A striking image of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, engaged in an intense discussion with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has sparked widespread speculation.

Could this meeting signal a political manoeuvre or a bid for influence in Abuja’s corridors of power?

A recently surfaced image of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the deposed Emir of Kano, deep in conversation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media. The picture, circulating widely, has led to intense debates about its political implications.

Renowned political analyst Shehu Mahdi took to social media platform X to share his enigmatic reaction:

“YOUR GUESS COULD BE CORRECT: What comes to your mind on seeing this picture? Politics? Justice on the plate? Saving grace away from home? Seeking refuge?

How the mighty have fallen? Spirit dancing to the devil? End of the game? Casualty on the way? Another sole administrator?”

This cryptic message has only fuelled speculation, leaving many to wonder whether the meeting was a strategic move by Ado Bayero to reclaim his throne or if it was simply a routine discussion.

Following his dethronement, Ado Bayero’s future remains uncertain, and many believe his meeting with Wike was not a mere coincidence. Wike, a seasoned political strategist with strong ties to the current administration, is known for his calculated moves. The timing of this encounter suggests that something significant could be unfolding behind closed doors.

Sources close to the situation indicate that the former Emir may be exploring legal and political avenues to challenge his removal. Others speculate that he could be negotiating a favourable political settlement, ensuring that his influence remains intact despite losing the throne.

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Wike’s role in this saga cannot be overlooked. As a key figure in the government, he wields significant influence in the nation’s political landscape. Given his history of bold and strategic decisions, his meeting with Ado Bayero is bound to raise eyebrows.

Is Wike offering support, or is he merely playing a neutral role in the unfolding drama? Some political analysts argue that the discussion could be an attempt to align interests, especially if Ado Bayero seeks federal backing to mount a legal or political challenge against his dethronement.

Shehu Mahdi’s cryptic statement has left many wondering whether there are deeper forces influencing Kano’s leadership crisis. Could external players be pulling the strings behind the scenes? His reference to “justice on the plate” and “casualty on the way” hints at the possibility of larger forces at work, shaping the destiny of Kano’s traditional institution.

As speculation continues to mount, only time will reveal the true purpose of this meeting.

For now, the nation watches closely, waiting to see if this encounter will alter the political landscape in Kano and beyond.

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Fire guts 1-storey building in Lagos

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Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that a one-storey building at Alapere area of the state was gutted by fire.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

According to him, the agency received distress calls at about 8:55 a.m. regarding the incident at No. 16B, Agidi Road, Osogun Bus Stop, Alapere.

He said LASEMA activated the state’s Emergency Response Plans from its Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.

“Upon arrival at the scene, LASEMA discovered that the upper floor of a one-storey building, comprising four self-contained apartments, had been engulfed by fire.

“Fortunately, the inferno did not spread to the ground floor of the building,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu said preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from one of the kitchens due to an electrical power surge, which rapidly spread to other parts of the apartment, causing significant damage.

“No casualties or fatalities were recorded in the incident.

“The LASEMA Response Team, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, successfully contained and extinguished the fire.

“Necessary safety precautions were implemented to prevent further spread and secondary incidents, while search and rescue operations confirmed that no individuals were trapped,” he added.

He stated that while the affected apartment suffered substantial structural and material losses, the lower floor remained intact.
“The incident has been brought under control, and the inferno has finally been put off. Operation activities have been concluded,” he said. (NAN)

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Policeman goes ‘berserk’, shoots 3 in Cross River

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A police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, suspected to have gone berserk, has shot three persons in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Ugbo Irene, the incident happened in the early hours of Sunday at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar.

She said Bassey “returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behaviour.”

“Inspector Bassey refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle he was assigned and instead proceeded to block the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises. Despite attempts at peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer’s actions escalated,” the statement read.

“Subsequently, Tactical Units/Patrol teams were deployed to the scene, where Inspector Bassey, suspected to be mentally deranged, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the area.

“Tragically, three individuals were struck by the officer’s stray bullets, including Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41-year-old female, who later succumbed to her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.”

The Command’s spokesperson stated that the officer was eventually subdued, disarmed, and is now in police custody, adding that he is undergoing further investigation into the incident.

Worried by the incident, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, and the Cross River State Command Management Team visited the hospital where the victims were receiving care.

At the hospital, the AIG made a donation to support the immediate treatment of the injured.

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The Command explained that police authorities were engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that the tension in the community is de-escalated.

It also called on the families of the victims and the public to remain calm as the investigation into this unfortunate incident continues.

“The Cross River State Police Command is committed to ensuring that justice, fairness, and equity prevail, and the outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the statement said.

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