TRIAL BY ORDEAL: POLICE PAREDES NATIVE DOCTOR 5 OTHERS FOR STRIPPING WIDOW NAKED

The Police in Anambra have arrested six persons, including a native doctor and two women, for allegedly involving in parading a widow naked in public.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the woman was accused of causing the death of her husband through her alleged infidelity.

Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr Echeng Echeng, who paraded the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, said that they were identified in a viral video.

NAN reports that in the video, a woman (name withheld) was made to sit by her late husband’s corpse and was later paraded naked on the street of Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area.
Echeng, however, said that investigation had revealed that the deceased was sick and had sought healing at a traditional healing home where he eventually died.

The police commissioner, who said that investigations were still ongoing, added that all those involved in the dastardly act would be apprehended and charged to court.

“The command’s operatives have arrested six additional suspects, including a native doctor who was identified during the study of the video by police operatives.”

“The native doctor confessed to engaging the deceased in some spiritual cleansing and administering some herbs on him before he died.”

“It was the native doctor who allegedly told the family of the deceased that the cause of his death was as a result of the wife’s infidelity.”

“We also want to use the opportunity to advise members of the public to stop sharing the video. This will help to protect the dignity of the woman.”

“The woman has been rescued, taken to hospital and reunited with her family safely. She is in good condition,” he said.

Similarly, Echeng said that the command had arrested some cultists, who allegedly killed two police personnel during an attack on the chairman of the tricycle owners association on Dec. 14, 2021.
He said that two AK 47 rifles, among other weapons, were recovered in the process.

The police commissioner listed some of the weapons and other items recovered in recent crack operations as: two AK47, three pump actions guns, three locally-made beretta pistols and one locally-made chief recover pistol.

Others were: nine AK-47 magazines, two battle axes, assorted ammunition for the firearms and a Mercedes Benz V-Booth car, with registration number: LAGOS HC 661 AAA which the gang used in their operation.

“The leader of the gang was killed, while the other gang member was arrested,” he said.

Echeng described jungle justice as an act of barbarism, urging those with information that could lead to the arrest of culprits to divulge them for arrest and prosecution.

He said that some persons, suspected of trafficking in Tramadol and other prohibited drugs were also arrested in a Toyota Hiace bus coming from Ebonyi.

The police commissioner said that the case had been transferred to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). (NAN)

NJC WARNS 2 JUDGES, PLACES 1 ON WATCH LIST, ELEVATES 15

The National Judicial Council (NJC), has issued letters of warning to two judges over their alleged act of misconduct, while one of them was placed on ‘watch list’.

Also, the NJC recommended the appointment of six heads of court and nine judicial officers for the Federal and State High Courts, Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal.

Director of Information of the Council, Mr Soji Oye, in a statement issued on Wednesday, disclosed that the decision was taken at the Council’s 97th meeting held on March 15 and 16, 2022, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who is also Chairman of the NJC, Hon. Justice Tanko Mohammad.

The statement disclosed that the Judges affected were; Justice Muawiyah Baba Idris of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Justice M. M. Ladan of the High Court of Kaduna State.

Justice Idris was issued a warning letter and placed on Council’s ‘Watch List’ for a period of one year while Justice M. M. Ladan was issued a letter of warning.

Justice Idris was found wanting by the NJC for signing the Writ of Possession for execution on the same day he delivered judgment in suit No. FCT/HC/CV/FT/36/19 between Sicons Nigeria Ltd V Nile Place Restaurant and Catering Services Ltd.

According to Oye, the council agreed with the findings of the committee that investigated the judge that his action was in contravention of the proviso to Order 27 Rule (16) (b) High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Procedure Rules 2018 and Order 4 (1) and (2) of the Judgment Enforcement Rules 2004.

Oye said the NJC also issued a warning letter to Justice M. M. Ladan of the High Court of Kaduna State having found merit in the petition written against him in Suit No. KDH/KAD/1321/2018 between VTLS Inc. Vs Ahmadu Bello University.

Justice Ladan was said to have signed the Writ of Attachment while the Garnishee Order Nisi was pending.

The Council, having considered the list of candidates presented by its Interview Committee, recommended 15 successful candidates as heads of courts and other judicial officers in Nigeria.

The Council also considered the reports of various committees and noted the notification of retirements of 23 judicial officers of the Federal and State Courts and notification of death of one State High Court judge.

Those recommended appointments

1. CHIEF JUDGE, PLATEAU STATE
i) Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann
2. CHIEF JUDGE, GOMBE STATE
i) Hon. Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak
3. GRAND KADI, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, KADUNA STATE
i) Hon. Kadi Abdurrahman Umar Abubakar
4. GRAND KADI, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, TARABA STATE
i) Hon. Kadi Shuaibu Dahiru Ahmad
5. PRESIDENT, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, RIVERS STATE
i) Hon. Justice Ihemnacho Wilfred Obuzor

6. PRESIDENT, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, CROSS RIVER STATE
i) Hon. Justice Sampson Mbeh Anjor
7. SIX (6) JUDGES, FEDERAL HIGH COURT
i) Bala Khalifa-Mohammed Usman
ii) Emmanuel Gakko
iii) Aminu Garba
iv) Musa Sulaiman Liman
v) Ahmad Gama Mahmud
vi) Segun-Bello Mabel Taiye
8. ONE (1) JUDGE, HIGH COURT, FCT, ABUJA
i) Joseph Adebayo Aina
9. ONE (1) KADI, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, TARABA STATE
i) Sallau Ismaila Madugu

10. ONE (1) JUDGE, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, TARABA
i) Bulus Samuelson Nyiputen

The statement all recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in after an approval by President Muhammadu Buhari, and their respective state Governors and confirmation by the National Assembly and the respective State Houses of Assembly as the case may be.

SUSPENSION OF STUDENT, WORK, FAMILY VISAS NOT TRUE -UK PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

The United Kingdom has dismissed trending reports that the country has suspended student, work and family visas for Nigerian applicants.

A statement issued, Wednesday, by the Press and Public Affairs Officer of the British High Commission in Lagos, Ndidiamaka Eze, said: “Following the statement issued by the British High Commission in Nigeria on 15 March ‘temporary suspension of priority visas for student work and family applications’, we are aware of reporting circulating in the Nigerian media and online that the UK has suspended student, work and family visas for Nigerian applicants.”

“This is not true. It is still possible to apply for any category of UK visa in the usual way on gov.uk and via our Visa Applications Centres (VAC) in Nigeria.”

“Our VACs remain open and customers are welcome to apply for a standard visa of any category in the usual manner, this includes student, family, work and visit visas.”

“As our 15 March statement, made clear, this temporary suspension only applies to the UKVI’s expedited, added-value ‘Priority’ and ‘Super Priority’ visa services.”

“This decision to suspend priority visa services is also clearly stated on UKVI’s guidance page, which sets out the latest decision waiting times for visa applicants outside the UK,” Eze stated.

She, however, added that the suspension is to enable the UKs global visa operation to prioritise applications for the new Ukraine Family Scheme.

ILEGAL USE OF UNIFORM: IGP SUSPENDS EDO PCRC CHAIRPERSON

The Chairperson, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Edo State Command, Helen Atekha Odemwingie, has been suspended by the Nigerian Police Force.

The suspension may not be unconnected with a trending photo wherein the PCRC chairperson and other members dressed in police uniform.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, frowned at the illegal use of police uniforms, kits and accoutrement by non-police individuals and groups.

The FPRO disclosed that the Police will meet with members of the Guild of Actors in Nigeria to improve partnership and ensure proper use of police uniforms, kits and accoutrement in their movies/skits.

Adejobi who warned that henceforth, any individual who adorns themselves illegally in police uniforms, would face the full wrath of the law, emphasized that the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba has ordered the Force Provost Marshal, the IGP Xsquad and Monitoring Unit to embark on a clampdown on those who indulge in the illegal sales of uniforms, kits and accoutrement, outside of police approved stores and the office of the Quartermaster.

The act, according to the FPRO, contravenes provisions of Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 101 of the Police Act, 2020.

SUSPECTED BANDITS KILL DPO, SIX OTHERS

Gunmen, suspected to be Bandits, have reportedly killed six persons including a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mohammed Umar, from Kebbi State, was a former ADC to former Governor of Kebbi, Usman Dakingari.

The incident occurred in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State during an attack on Nasko village, by suspected Bandit.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, disclosed that the DPO was killed in a gun battle with the Bandits which resulted in death of two other police officers and four vigilantes members.

“On 15/03/2022 at about 1: p.m. armed bandits/terrorists invaded Nasko village, Magama LGA of Niger State Police operatives with vigilante members were immediately mobilized by DPO Nasko and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle in which some the hoodlums were neutralised and others escaped with gunshot injuries.”

“Unfortunately, during the gun battle, the DPO, two other policemen, and four vigilante members lost their lives.”

“The Area Commander, Kotangora immediately drafted reinforcement with the military personnel to the area to forestall break down of law and order.”

“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Monday Bala Kuryas, fsi condoles with the families of officers and vigilante members who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, while reassuring members of the public that the Command will not be deterred or relent in it’s effort to curb banditry in the State,” the PPRO said.

MAN DOCKED FOR ALLEGEDLY RAPING, DEFRAUDING 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL

A man, Daniel Eze, was on Tuesday re-arraigned at a State High Court in Enugu State, Nigeria’s South-east, over the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl.

Mr Eze is also accused of defrauding the girl of N80,000.
Court documents showed that the defendant allegedly committed the crime in 2017, arraigned before a Magistrate in 2019 and since then, the case was abandoned.

He was arraigned on two-count charge of rape and obtaining money under false pretense.

When the statement of offence was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Mrs Ugwu said the defendant used false pretense to defraud the complainant of the sum of N80,000 at the same venue.

The offence, she said, contravened Section 306 of Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol.ll, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004 and Section 12 of Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2016.

The court, presided over by A. O. Anidi adjourned the matter to April 7 for hearing.

The defendant, who had no representation before now, was defended pro-bono by a counsel, Ngozi Eke. (NAN)

FOUR KILLED AS GUNMEN ATTACKS NDLEA FACILITY

Four persons have been killed in an attack by unknown gunmen on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), facility in Ntezi Isielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Loveth Odah, while confirming the incident, disclosed that security agencies killed two of the gunmen, while others escaped with injuries.

“Too bad, one of the officers and a patient at the NDLEA rehabilitation center were also killed.”

“The security agencies are still searching the bush to get some of the gunmen, who were injured.”

“Other items recovered include: 140 rounds of K2 ammunition, 36 rounds of GPMG live ammunition, 30 rounds of Ak 47 rounds of ammunition, a 4 Runner jeep, motorcycles, military and police uniforms, charms amongst others,” Odah said.

COURT THREATENS TO STRIKE OUT KIYARI’S FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS SUIT

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, threatened to strike out a fundamental enforcement rights suit filed by suspended DCP Abba Kyari against National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Justice Inyang Ekwo, gave the warning following the delay by Kyari’s lawyer, Cynthia Ikena, to serve NDLEA counsel, Joseph Sunday, her further and better affidavit after being served with the counter affidavit since Feb. 28.

At the resumed hearing, Sunday, a director of Prosecution and Legal Services of the agency, informed that Ikena only served on him the further and better affidavit this morning.

“The matter was adjourned for the hearing of fundamental enforcement rights of the applicant (Kyari).

“This morning, we were served with applicant’s further and better affidavit.

“We filed our counter-affidavit since Feb. 24 and served the applicant Feb. 28 but today, they are just serving us,’ he said.

The lawyer argued that by virtue of Order 2 of Fundamental Enforcement Rights Civil Procedure Rules, 2019, the applicant was out of time to file the application.

Ikena, who complained that she had tried to meet with Kyari in NDLEA’s detention about three tines but was denied access, prayed the court for more time to regularise the application.
Justice Ekwo, in a short ruling, threatened to strike out the suit if the lawyer was unprepared in the next adjourned date.

“Put your house in order before the next date of hearing and if you do not, I will assume you are frustrating this matter and the suit will be struck out,” he said.

The judge adjourned the matter until April 7 for a hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kyari, NDLEA’s allegation against me fictitious, Abba Kyari tells the court.

The suspended DCP, disclosed this in an affidavit in support of his motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ANJ/CS/182/22 and filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, by his lawyer, C. O. Ikena.

The affidavit, dated Feb. 16 and filed Feb. 17, was deposed to by Kyari’s younger brother, Muhammad Usman.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had, on Feb. 21 reported that Kyari, through Ikena, had filled the application to seek for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

In the document, Kyari, who described the allegation against him by NDLEA as “trump-up,” said the agency had failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

He averred that the allegation linking him to an international drug cartel by the anti-narcotic agency was untrue.

He said since the Nigerian Police Force arrested him and handed him over to the NDLEA, he has been kept in custody since Feb. 12, without having access to his medical treatment.

He averred that his arrest and continued detention was an infringement on his fundamental human rights.

Kyari, a former head of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), in an originating motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22, dated Feb. 16 and filed Feb. 17 demanded a N500 million in damages from the NDLEA over alleged unlawful arrest and detention.

He also sought for an order, directing the NDLEA to tender a written apology to him in two national dailies.

Famously called “Super Cop,” Kyari, who said that his fundamental rights would continue to be infringed upon by the NDLEA if the court did not intervene, urged the court to grant the application for bail in the interest of justice.

NAN also reports that Justice Zainab Abubakar had, on Feb. 22, granted the NDLEA’s prayer to further detain Kyari and six others for 14 more days to enable its conclude its investigation.

Justice Ekwo had, on Feb. 28, declined to grant Kyari’s bail application on the grounds that a court of coordinate jurisdiction had already granted an order to further detain him for 14 days. (NAN)

36-YEAR-OLD FATHER OF TWO TO DIE BY HANGING FOR KIDNAPPING 3-YEAR-OLD PUPIL

For kidnapping a three-year-old pupil in her school at Mbierebe Obio, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, an Akwa Ibom State High Court, sentenced one 36-year-old Monday Joshua Okon to death by hanging.

The trial Judge, Justice Okon Okon also, sentenced one 44-year-old Cecilia Thompson Ebong to five year jail term, for helping the convict to hold the child inside a tricycle which they boarded to AKTC Park, where the victim was to be transported to Aba, for a prospective buyer.

The Court held that the Convict, a father of two and a native of Ekpene Ikpan, in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area kidnapped the victim on 20th July, 2018, during a graduation party in the school and kept her in his house in Ibesikpo for three days.

The duo were arrested on 24th July, 2018, when a passerby noticed the child covered with a cloth inside the tricycle and raised an alarm, which attracted others to the scene at Aka Road-IBB Roundabout in Uyo.