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Supreme Court Declines To Free Nnamdi Kanu, Orders Continuation Of The IPOB Leader’s Trial

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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.

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I Was Expelled From School Because Of Fela Kuti – Movie Director, Andy Boyo

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Renowned movie director and patron of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Andy Boyo, has shared how he was expelled from school because of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Fela, a Nigerian artist and political advocate, passed away in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1997 at 58

Fela is seen as the main creator of Afrobeat, a Nigerian music style that mixes West African rhythms with American funk and jazz.

Boyo, however, is preparing to bring the iconic life of the Afrobeats legend to the silver screen in a much-awaited biographical film.

After three years of planning, Boyo has obtained the rights to the music and is ready to begin filming in Nigeria, the UK, and the US in 2025.

Rumours suggest the high-profile movie will have an extensive cast, including 27 actresses portraying Fela’s wives.

Boyo, recognized for his successful films such as “Untamed” and “Spirit of Assassins,” will also direct, write, and produce the biographical film.

Speaking on his love for Fela and the project he is working on.

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‘‘Not an inch of our land will be ceded to Lagos, Ondo” – Gov Abiodun

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Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured the people of Waterside Local Government that his administration would not cede any part of the state to other states in the country.

Governor Abiodun gave the assurance at a meeting with representatives of the local government, made up of traditional rulers, technocrats, and prominent government functionaries, at Government House, Abeokuta.

The former Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Segun Awonusi, said the governor has taken note of reported incursions into parts of the state from neighbouring states and has taken steps to address the issue.

Prof. Awonusi said: “We have come here to discuss the affairs of the local government with the governor. We appreciate him for what he has done so far, and we urge him to do more.

“Because of reports of incursions from Lagos and Ondo states on Ode-Omi and Makun to seize parts of our land, the governor has promised that he will ensure that not an inch of Ogun State is lost to any other state.

“He has also promised to provide adequate security so that our people can live in peace.”

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Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill Doesn’t Discriminate Against The North -Shehu Sani

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“The Tax reform Bill is not inimical to the North or any part of this country. Its in fact economically beneficial and fair to all parts. People should keep aside sentiments and read the Bill carefully. Its a comprehensive and bold move to harmonise and simplify tax administration and streamline it’s operations and enforcement.

“The Bill will actually generate and safeguard more revenue to the states. It will also combat the corruption in the so called tax waivers granted to business cabals. There is nowhere in the document where any region will be shortchanged or taxes will be increased or jobs will be lost.

“Northern Governors should rescind their decision to reject the Bill, take time to read it and make inputs where necessary. NASS must treat this important Bill with all seriousness. Just read the content of the Bill.” -Senator Shehu Sani

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