News
Ejimakor: “DSS Acting Above the Law,” Denies Nnamdi Kanu Access to Legal Team
Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of denying the agitator access to his legal team and visitors, in violation of existing court orders.
Ejimakor expressed growing concern over Kanu’s health and wellbeing following the DSS’s latest refusal to allow his legal team to see him. The incident occurred during a routine visit to the DSS headquarters in Abuja on October 14, 2024, as part of a court-ordered visitation schedule.
“We were blocked from seeing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in direct violation of subsisting court orders,” Ejimakor revealed in a statement. He further noted that Kanu has been denied visitors since his last court appearance on September 24, 2024, when the IPOB leader demanded that Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from his case due to a lack of confidence. Although the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, overruled the recusal, the DSS has consistently blocked access to Kanu since then.
Ejimakor raised alarms about the DSS’s actions, suggesting that they may be related to Kanu’s successful bid to have Justice Nyako step down, even though her recusal was later overturned. He added that previous attempts to enforce court compliance through legal applications have been ignored, leaving the impression that the DSS is acting above the law.
“The DSS should remember that court-ordered visitations are meant for Kanu’s relatives and lawyers to ensure his wellbeing. Now that access has been completely denied, one must ask: What is the DSS hiding? Is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hale and hearty?” Ejimakor questioned.
This latest development has fueled ongoing tensions, as the legal battle surrounding Kanu’s trial intensifies, with the DSS facing increasing criticism for defying judicial orders and infringing on Kanu’s rights.
News
Four Suspended Police Officers to Stand Trial for Alleged N43m Theft
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of four officers accused of misappropriating N43.16 million from a total of N74.95 million recovered during an unauthorized operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The officers—DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, all attached to Zone 7 Headquarters—were implicated in a case involving the arrest of Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting cash for clients in August 2023.
Investigations revealed that while the officers initially reported N31.79 million as the recovered sum, they concealed the remaining N43.16 million. This prompted the owners of the funds to file a petition, escalating the matter to the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.
Findings and Allegations
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed that investigations uncovered a conspiracy among the officers to steal part of the recovered funds. Key revelations include:
The officers photographed the suspect and the money during the arrest but later claimed their device was damaged to hide evidence.
They allegedly transported the missing cash out of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to conceal it.
Attempts were made to mislead the investigation by claiming technical issues and disseminating false narratives to media outlets.
Adejobi stated, “These officers conspired to steal part of the money amounting to N43.16 million, attempting to cover their tracks through misinformation and corruption.”
The four officers have been suspended for gross misconduct, tampering with evidence, abuse of office, corrupt practices, and unprofessional behavior. Following due legal and administrative procedures, they are set to face prosecution.
The police force also dismissed allegations suggesting that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was protecting a cartel involved in smuggling banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Adejobi condemned these claims as part of a “sponsored misinformation campaign,” emphasizing that such narratives are attempts to distract from the criminal acts of the officers involved. He reiterated the force’s commitment to accountability and professionalism under the current administration’s reform agenda.
The police urged the public and media outlets to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing reforms aimed at eliminating corruption and restoring trust in the force.
This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, as the officers await trial for their alleged misconduct.
News
Fire Incidents in Kano Claim Three Lives, Cause Over N132.4m in Damages
The Kano State Fire Service has reported that three lives were lost and properties worth over N132,450,000 destroyed in various fire incidents across the state during November.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the service’s spokesman, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, provided an overview of the service’s operations for the month. According to the statement, fire personnel responded to 43 fire emergencies and successfully rescued three individuals.
Additionally, the fire service saved properties valued at approximately N310,600,000 during their operations. However, they also handled six false alarms and responded to five rescue calls.
The emergency responses came from the service’s 29 fire stations located throughout Kano State.
Highlighting the need for public vigilance, Abdullahi urged residents to handle fire responsibly, especially during the dry harmattan season, to prevent further fire outbreaks.
He also cautioned motorists to adhere to traffic rules and drive carefully, particularly during the Christmas season, to minimize the risk of road accidents.
“The general public must exercise caution with fire to avoid incidents during this harmattan period. Motorists should also drive carefully and observe traffic regulations, especially during holiday travels,” Abdullahi emphasized.
The Kano State Fire Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while encouraging the public to adopt safety measures to reduce fire-related incidents.
News
Police Hunt for Suspected Killers of Security Guard in Ogun State
The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers responsible for the murder of a security guard in the Ologede community, Atan area of Ogun State.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, responding to inquiries from journalists.
Reports indicate that the armed robbers attacked a mini car park in the area during a late-night raid. The guard, who had been recently employed to secure the premises, was brutally killed, with his body discovered tied up and bearing severe injuries.
A food vendor operating on the premises reportedly found the lifeless body of the guard the following morning and raised the alarm, drawing the attention of community members. It was also discovered that a truck parked at the facility had been stolen during the invasion.
A resident of the area, speaking anonymously, described the park as a former mechanic workshop turned car park. The resident added that the guard was a familiar face in the community before being hired by the park’s owner to safeguard the facility.
“The robbers killed the guard, hacking him and tying him in a corner. A food vendor who came to the premises early in the morning found his body and raised the alarm. When the park owner arrived, it was confirmed that a truck parked there had been stolen,” the resident explained.
Police officers from the Atan division were alerted and arrived at the scene, transferring the body to Ilaro General Hospital Morgue.
Odutola stated that the chairman of Ologede Village reported the incident to the police, leading to the dispatch of detectives to the scene.
“On 28th November 2024, around 6:00 a.m., the chairman of Ologede Village informed the police about the discovery of a corpse, estimated to be about 40 years old, lying in a pool of blood near the community’s entrance. The victim had severe head injuries, suggesting a possible case of murder and armed robbery,” she said.
The police have commenced a preliminary investigation and assured the public that efforts are underway to track and apprehend the suspects responsible for the heinous crime.
“Investigations are ongoing, and we are committed to bringing those involved to justice,” Odutola concluded.