News
Supreme Court Declines To Free Nnamdi Kanu, Orders Continuation Of The IPOB Leader’s Trial
The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the continuation of the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on terrorism charges.
The case which started in 2015 had been put on hold at the Federal High Court in Abuja after the Court of Appeal dismissed the charges in a judgement delivered in October 2022.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had anchored its decision dismissing the charges on the illegality of the “extraordinary rendition” of Mr Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 to continue his trial.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Kudirat Kekere-Ekun declared on Friday that Mr Kanu’s forcible repatriation from Kenya to Nigeria is illegal.
However, the court, in the lead judgement prepared by Tijjani Abubakar, ruled that there is no Nigerian law that prohibits the use of “illegally obtained evidence for the trial of a defendant.”
The lead judgement of the Supreme Court was prepared by Mr Abubakar but was read on his behalf by Emmanuel Agim.
“The Court of Appeal was wrong to say that the Federal High Court can no longer try Mr Kanu,” the court held.
“The appeal is allowed and the cross-appeal is dismissed.”
In the unanimous decision, the Supreme Court said Mr Kanu’s forcible repatriation from Kenya in June 2021 by the Nigerian government did not rob the trial court of jurisdiction to entertain the IPOB leader’s trial.
“Our law is that evidence illegality obtained is valid before the court. A violation of Mr Kanu’s right should have been by way of civil proceedings. That is not our law for now,” Mr Abubakar declared.
He also ruled that there is no legislation that provides in Nigeria that trial should stop where the prosecution does something illegal against the defendant while standing trial. “There is a civil remedy,” Mr Abubakar said.
The judgement also implies an effective reversal of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal ordering the release of Mr Kanu from detention.
News
AMVCA 2024: Full Winners List
Below are the list of winners👇
- Best Movie: Breath of Life
- Best Lead Actor: Wale Ojo(Breath of Life)
- Best Lead Actress: Kehinde Bankole (Adire)
- Best Indigenous West Africa. Femi Adebayo Jagun Jagun
- Best writing movie: Fumilayo Rans0me Kuti
- Best Scripted: Slùm King
- Best Costume Design: Jagun Jagun (Lola Awe)
- Best Supporting Actress: Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life
- Best Supporting Actor: Ademola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)
- Best MultiChoice Talent Factory Movie: Our Dàrk Past
- Best Makeup: Mami Wata (Campbell Precious Arebamen
- Industry Merit Awards: Iya Rainbow aka Idowu Philips and Richard Mofe Damijo
- Best Writing Award: Volume
- Best Director: BB Sasore (Breath of Life)
Foreign
Governor Sanwo-Olu Receives Prince Harry & Meghan Markle (Photos)
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, received the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, on Sunday.
The British Royal couple was received by Governor Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, and some members of the State Executive Council during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina.
Prince Harry, accompanied by his wife, Meghan, is on a three-day visit to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014. The couples had a stopover in Lagos on Sunday.
The Invictus Games are aimed at raising funds and supporting serving members of the military as well as veterans to overcome their physical and mental illness or injuries, which would help them to develop a sense of belonging and increased self-esteem.
Speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the British Royal couple for the work they are doing with Nigeria’s military men, especially on issues around mental health.
He said: “We are honoured to receive them (Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) at the Lagos House, Marina. We are excited about the ideas and what they are planning to do, especially with the office of the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, and his wife, Mrs. Lilian Musa.
“For Prince Harry, it has been a very interesting and informative trip to the country. He has seen a lot. And part of the things we are hoping he will take away is the diversity and extent of how big our country is, how we continue to ensure that we live together in peace and harmony, and what role Lagos plays in the whole conversation.
“They have been to Kano, Abuja, and now Lagos. I am sure they have their own experience of what Nigeria looks like. We have extended an additional invitation to them that they can always come back when they want to.
“We are indeed happy for what they are doing, especially for our military men, on the conversation around mental health issues and how they can galvanise their various NGOs to ensure that people who require their support, both in the military and private, can seek that support.
“Mental health issues are all around us. Denial and stigmatisation, are some of the things we talked about. And more importantly, at what point in Nigeria can we have the Invictus Games that Prince Harry is known for so that the true Nigerian competitiveness can also be reflected in those games”
Foreign
US Announces African Infrastructure Venture Amid China’s Belt and Road Scrutiny
In recent developments, the United States has announced plans to embark on its own infrastructure project in Africa, particularly in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. This initiative aims to refurbish and extend the Lobito Corridor, a railway system that will stretch through mineral-rich regions, linking Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to an Atlantic port in Angola.
This move comes at a time when China’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa through infrastructure investments, notably its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have faced scrutiny. Despite China’s investments, criticisms have emerged regarding the sustainability and completion of projects, prompting a shift in focus towards more manageable and sustainable initiatives.
The U.S, in collaboration with the European Union and African nations, is taking a proactive approach to ensure the success of the Lobito Corridor project. Key aspects include the involvement of private partners like the Africa Finance Corp., plans for long-term operation and maintenance, and capacity development strategies. This signifies a departure from past approaches and a commitment to transparent and sustainable infrastructure development.
Reflecting on China’s BRI, the U.S initiative seeks to learn from past experiences and avoid pitfalls encountered in previous projects. While China denies accusations of creating spheres of influence through its initiatives, concerns persist regarding the social, environmental, and economic impacts of its projects.
As the Lobito Corridor project progresses, attention is drawn to its potential connection with existing Chinese-built railways in the region, such as the Tazara railway linking Zambia and Tanzania. While the specifics are yet to be determined, the focus remains on practical and sustainable solutions that promote economic growth and benefit local communities.
-
News6 years ago
Blog Reader; Samson Osagiede Celebrates Fiancè Benedicta Daniels’s Birthday With Sweet Words
-
Home8 years ago
News Channel claims Donald Trump is an orphan from Pakistan,share alleged childhood photo
-
Home8 years ago
Oil Spillage: House of Reps Member Shares Photos of the Water her Constituents Drink .
-
Home8 years ago
Another $175m Found in Patience Jonathan’s wife’s firm’s Bank Account
-
Home7 years ago
Zara Buhari & Ahmed Indimi’s Wedding Access Card
-
News6 years ago
The Best Video You’ve Seen Today?
-
Sport6 years ago
Modric, Marta Wins 2018 FIFA Best Player Of The Year Awards ⚽️
-
News4 years ago
I Rαped Over 40 Women In One Year” – Says Kano Serial Rapist Who Was Caught In A Child’s Bedroom