NEWS
EndBadGovernance: Court Permits Police to Remand 124 Protesters
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted applications filed by the police to remand 124 arrested #EndBadGovernance protesters for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in separate rulings on ex-parte motions moved by Ibrahim Mohammed, counsel for the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, granted the interim order to remand the suspects until conclusion of investigation.
Justice Nwite equally ordered that the suspects who are minors in the applications be remanded in Borstal Home of the correctional centre pending the conclusion of investigation.
In the first motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2024 moved by Mohammed on Aug 14 but a certified true copy (CTC) of the order, obtained by NAN, the judge directed that the suspects be remanded for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation and legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The I-G, in the motion dated Aug. 8 but filed Aug. 9, sued 75 protesters with their ages ranging between 14 and 34 years.
They include Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Abubakar Adam (19), Suleiman Ali (16), Mubarak Mas’ud (23), Umar Musa (19), Aminu Hussaini (20),Umar Kabir (23), Ibrahim Musa (24), Abba Usman (30), Umar Inusa (18), Tasi’u Lawan (17), Ibrahim Rabi’u (16) and Jamilu Haruna (16).
The suspects also include Muktar Yahaya (17). Abdulbasit Abdulsalam (34), Salisu Adamu (16), Bilal Auwalu (15), Abdul’aziz Adam (15), Sadiq Sunusi (15), Muhd Musa (14), Usman Amiru (14), Abdulganiyu Musa (15), Muhd Yahaya (19), and Sunusi Nura (14), among others.
They were alleged to have committed offences of acts of terrorism, treason, and treasonable felonies, arson and terrorism.
The police said the offence was contrary to Sections 2(1) and (3), 24 and 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022; Sections 41 and 42 of the Criminal Code Act; Sections 410, 411, 412 Penal Code Act and Section 4 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and other enabling statutes.
Miss Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a Litigation Secretary of Legal and Prosecution Section, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, deposed to the affidavit in support of the motion.
She said the I-G’s office, through the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), received a damning credible intelligence report of plan violent uprising against the government of the states and Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ogochukwu averred that “the plan violent insurrection was believed to have been orchestrated by terrorist groups both within and outside Nigeria to unleash terror against the sovereign states of Nigeria scheduled to start from the 1st day of August, 2015.”
She said “despite serious security measures intensified by the various law enforcement agencies, the planned protest took place as scheduled and seriously intimidates the populace and seriously destabilises, or destroys the fundamental, political, constitutional, economic or social structures of some parts of Nigeria.
“That the violent protest causes death and bodily harm to citizens of the country and led to arson and wanton destructions of government or public and private facility, transport system and infrastructural facility in Nigeria.
“That the suspects were arrested in the actual act of rampage and reasonably suspected to be complicit in the crime which calls for district investigations.
*That the suspects/defendants herein were found to have been carrying Russian flags, banners placards singing slogans agitating for sovereign invasion of Nigerian territory to destabilising or overthrow the sovereign state of Nigeria by the Russian government.”
Ogochukwu said the suspects were arrested in Abuja and various states in possession of many Russian flags and other incriminating exhibits, while others are still at large.
She said investigations into the matter had commenced and the defendants made a voluntary statements, mostly admitting the crime which reasonably suspected them to be members of proscribed terrorist groups.
She said the investigators had to travel to various states to discover and apprehend the sponsors of this heinous crime for effective prosecution and same would not be completed within the time frame contemplated by the constitution which necessitated the application.
She said that “time is required to complete investigation thoroughly and obtain legal advice from the office” of the AGF as most of the prime suspects are still at large.
Ogochukwu averred that the suspects admitted the commission of the offence.
According to her, the suspects/defendants are now in detention in Police cells which are congested and poses serious health challenges on the inmates, and possibility of attack or escape will be ruled out.
Also, in the second ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1223/2024 moved by Mohammed on Thursday, Justice Nwite ordered another set of 49 defendants to be remanded for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.
“That an order of this Honourable Court is hereby made committing the defendants to correctional centre pursuant to Section 299 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015,” he said in the CTC of the order sighted on Saturday in Abuja.
The judge, who directed that the underage defendants’ be remanded in Borstal Home of the correctional centre, adjourned the case until Oct. 23 for mention.
The motion, dated Aug. 20, was filed on Aug. 21.
Giving four grounds why the application should be granted, the lawyer said that the defendants engaged in the offence of terrorism financing in other to overthrow a democratic elected government.
Mohammed alleged that the defendants were supporting some disgruntled element that were flying the flag of another country in Nigeria.
He alleged that the defendants conspired with some foreign nationals to take over the sovereign nation which is treasonable felony.
A detective attached to Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, Gregory Woje, in the affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion, deposed that preliminary investigation revealed that some suspects arrested were being recruited by some financiers to cause mayhem and destroyed life and property.
“That preliminary investigation further revealed that the financiers were sending money to recruit the indigents and other vulnerable individuals to carry banners and overthrow a democratically elected government.
“That preliminary investigation further reveals that some foreign nationals were the hanow head in the unscrupulous act of treasonable felony and promoting terrorism financing in Nigeria,” he averred.
Woje said the act of the accused persons is akin to the offence of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cyberstalking and cyberbullying.
He said it is the function of the police to stop the act by appending the offenders as offence to one is an offence to all.
Some of the defendants include Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo, Michael Adaramuye, Musiu Sadiq, Buhari Lawal, Love Angel Innocent, Suleiman Yakubu, Yunusa Aliyu, Ahmad Nasir, Muhammed Sani, Iliyasu Anas, Abdullahi Sani and Gaddafi Muhammed.
They also include Jibrin Abdulhakim, Mahmud Umar, Kabiru Rabiu, Aminu Muhammed, Sagir Hassan, Lukman Abubakar,and Ahmed Isah.
Others are Abdullahi Abdulwahab, Hassan Muhammad, Abdullahi Salisu, Sabo Murtala, Fahad Ibrahim, Umar Yakubu, Zakari Yakubu and Ahmed Haruna, among others.(NAN)
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Bayelsà chapter has celebrated the International Women’s Day with the launching of a Mentor-Mentee Pairing Program targeted at promoting strategic value of sponsorship in shaping career trajectories.
The celebration, tagged the spirit of “Give to Gain: Unlocking Potential through Mentorship and Sponsorship” brought together the hosting of a transformative panel discussion, bringing together professionals, graduate engineers, young professionals, and students eager to grow and thrive.
The session,which was rich, insightful, and deeply engaging, as our distinguished panelists, seasoned professionals from academia and industry, shared practical wisdom on the power of mentorship and the strategic value of sponsorship in shaping career trajectories.
The conversations, which involved leading Female Engineers and academia, went beyond theory, offering real-life experiences, honest reflections, and actionable guidance that resonated strongly with participants.
It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination of the young women who attended, each one ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.
A major highlight of the program was the successful pairing of 27 young female engineers and students with accomplished senior engineers who have graciously committed to serve as mentors.
This moment also marked not just the end of an event, but the beginning of meaningful relationships that will nurture growth, build confidence, and open doors for the next generation of leaders in engineering.
Speaking the event, the Chairman of the APWEN,Bayelsà chapter,Engr. Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite, Ph.D., FNSE, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the panelists who going forward will become mentors, investing their time, knowledge, and experience into these young minds.
“Your willingness to give is a powerful testament to the truth that when we pour into others, we collectively rise stronger.”
“To our mentees, this is your moment, embrace it fully, stay committed, and make the most of this invaluable opportunity. Together, we are not just building careers; we are shaping the future of engineering.”she stated
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the nation’s premier engineering construction powerhouse, is not only building bridges and highways but also weaving bonds of goodwill across communities.
In Rivers State, the company has recently intensified its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, leaving indelible marks of joy, inspiration, and empowerment on the faces of grateful beneficiaries.
Just last week, Julius Berger brought excitement to Community Primary School, Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, by sponsoring the school’s annual Interhouse Sports competition.
Beyond presenting gleaming trophies to the top three winners, the company ensured the event’s success by providing canopies and other essential support.
In his address, Community Liaison Officer Hon. Chike urged the young athletes to cultivate focus and discipline from their formative years, reminding them that Julius Berger is deeply invested in their academic growth, physical well‑being, and the nurturing of their talents.
A few weeks earlier, the company opened its doors to Senior Secondary students from Bloombreed Schools, Port Harcourt, hosting them at its Regional Office on the Eastern Bypass.
The excursion began with a safety induction led by Regional HSE/CSR Manager, Tim Oseghe, before students were immersed in technical sessions designed to broaden their horizons and guide future career choices.
The highlight was a hands‑on facility tour, where experts including Laboratory Supervisor Kelly Ngbor, Civil Engineer Elorah Adebola, Maintenance Supervisor Abdul Samuel, HSE Supervisor Mike Fanisi, and HSE Officer Chima Nwaudah showcased the company’s cutting‑edge operations.
Earlier in February, Julius Berger had also sponsored joint interhouse sports competitions for several schools in the region.
At one of these events, Gabriel Ubani, Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board, encouraged students to balance academic excellence with sporting talent, underscoring the opportunities that await well‑rounded individuals. Similarly, at Model Primary School, Nkpogwu, Port Harcourt, company representatives emphasized the importance of holistic child developmental, academic, and physical, while urging students to embrace healthy, positive life choices.
According to Oseghe, these initiatives are not mere gestures but deliberate investments in shaping the next generation. Our objective is to promote the total well‑being of students, helping them grow into complete individuals equipped for life’s challenges, he reiterated.
Julius Berger’s CSR footprint extends far beyond sports and excursions. Across Rivers State and Nigeria at large, the company has donated food and relief items to orphanages and foundations, provided free vocational training for female children to empower them for greater exploits, and supported community development programs that foster resilience and opportunity.
With each initiative, Julius Berger demonstrates that its mission transcends engineering excellence; it is about building lives, nurturing dreams, and cementing a legacy of care and community empowerment.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Former Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Uche Kanu, has said that Nigeria’s leadership debate ahead of 2027 should not be defined by age, but by the quality of governance and patriotism—remarks that resonate with the rising profile of politician Adewole Adebayo.
Responding to questions about the growing call for younger leaders, the cleric declined to endorse any individual but emphasized that competence and love for Nigeria must take precedence over generational considerations.
“I don’t want to mention names. Whether the candidate is young or old, all we need is good governance—someone who loves this country,” he said.
His comments come at a time when Adebayo and other emerging political figures are gaining attention in national discourse, particularly among voters seeking alternatives to traditional political elites.
While not directly referencing any candidate, Kanu’s position underscores a broader expectation that leadership should be anchored on integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to national development.
The archbishop maintained that both older and younger aspirants bring unique strengths—experience on one hand and dynamism on the other—but warned that neither attribute alone guarantees effective governance.
Instead, he stressed the need for leaders who are driven by selfless service and a desire to make Nigeria more prosperous and peaceful.
Kanu’s remarks add a moral dimension to the ongoing political conversations, suggesting that the electorate should look beyond age or regional sentiments and focus on candidates capable of delivering meaningful change.
As political momentum builds toward the 2027 elections, his message reinforces a growing sentiment among Nigerians that leadership credibility—rather than age brackets—should be the defining factor in choosing the nation’s next leaders.
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