Connect with us

JUDICIARY

Justice Binta Nyako Withdraws from Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial

Published

on

Share

Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, recused herself from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

Justice Nyako withdrew from the case following oral applications by Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, upon resumed hearing in the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.

At the resumed hearing, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, said the matter was got continuation of trial and he was ready to proceed.

But Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, asked the court to adjourn the trial due to two pending appeals challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

Awomolo argued that a criminal trial cannot be stalled because of a pending appeal and that the defence should file for a stay of proceedings at the appellate court.

The judge stated that the parties should not delay the matter, having ruled that the court would not attend to any applications until the end of the trial.

Ejimakor insisted it was inappropriate to continue with the trial when he had not adequately prepared his client.

He asserted that all court orders directing that his client should be allowed to prepare for his defence had allegedly been disobeyed.

Justice Nyako then directed that a prosecution witness be called.

While Ejimakor was addressing the court, Kanu stood up from his seat in the dock and ordered him (Ejimakor) to sit down in anger.

“Sit down! I say you should sit down!” Kanu screamed from the dock.

He insisted that the Supreme Court had ruled that his fundamental rights should not be violated by the detaining authority, especially regarding access to his lawyers.

Turning to Justice Nyako, the IPOB leader said: “My lord, I have no confidence in this court any more and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.

“I can understand it if the DSS refuse to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.

“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case,” Kanu stated.

But Awomolo countered the argument on the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered in 2023.

He argued that the apex court mandated the lower court to proceed with the hearing and determination of Kanu’s trial.

He stated that Kanu’s claims did not align with the Supreme Court’s verdict.

“This is clearly an incompetent and audacious observation,” Awomolo said.

The judge responded that, as far as she was concerned, there was nothing in the Supreme Court’s lead judgment that supported Kanu’s assertion.

She expressed surprise that Kanu would stand up and yell at his counsel.

“I hereby recuse myself from this case and remit the file to the Chief Judge for further necessary action,” Nyako stated.

The judge said she could not proceed with a trial where a defendant lacked confidence in the court.

Awomolo expressed his appreciation to the judge, lamenting that it was a very unfortunate day.(NAN)

JUDICIARY

Pastor Arraigned over Alleged Rape of Married Woman in Edo

Published

on

Share

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

A 38-year-old pastor, Simeon Okehielem of the Synagogue Prayers Ministry has been arraigned before an Edo State High Court for allegedly raping a married woman, Isoken Vivian Aigbedo.

The pastor, who was accused of engaging in sexual relationships with married women within his congregation, was docked before the court in Benin City, on Thursday last week.

The charges against Pastor Okehielem followed a year 2022 incident in Uholor Community of Benin City where the cleric allegedly drugged and raped the woman leading to the birth of a child.

Recent DNA results reportedly confirmed the pastor as the biological father of the child, which prompted the Nigerian Police to re-arrest and formally arraign him.

The presiding judge, Justice Erhabor, granted an ex-parte order to remand the suspect at the Benin Correctional Custodial Centre for 14 days, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ministry of Justice, Edo State.

The State Prosecutor, P.O. Odion told the court that the alleged offence occurred in February 2022.

Okehielem was slammed with two-count charge on alleged rape and administering a stupefying substance with the intent to commit a felony.

The charge sheet, marked Suit No: BLOD/2323M/2025, reads: “That you, Okehielem Simeon ‘m’, in or about the month of February 2022, in Benin City within the Benin Criminal Division, did rape one Mrs Isoken Vivian Aigbedo and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 4, punishable under Section 5(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021.

“That you, Okehielem Simeon ‘m’, in or about the month of February 2022, in Benin City within the Benin Criminal Division, with intent to commit a felony, administered a substance to stupefy one Mrs Isoken Vivian Aigbedo, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 256 of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.”

Speaking to journalists after the court session, the victim’s legal counsel, Clinton Ogbebor, applauded the Police for its diligence.

“We are in court today over the alleged rape of my client, Mrs Isoken Aigbedo, by one Pastor Simeon Okehielem,” he said.

Ogbebor confirmed that the case file would now be forwarded to the office of the DPP for legal advice, after which the trial will proceed accordingly.

The development has stirred debates across Benin City, with residents and religious leaders expressing shock and calling for justice.

The case has been adjourned pending further legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.

Continue Reading

JUDICIARY

Court Bars Bello from Acting as Nasarawa APC Chairman

Published

on

Share

A Senior District Court 3, Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Thursday restrained Mr Aliyu Bello, the embattled Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, from presenting himself as Chairman or a member of the party.This followed a motion filed by Suleiman Turaki, Counsel to Ibrahim Iliyasu, the Chairman of APC in Gayam Electoral Ward of Lafia Local Government Area of the state.

Report says that on July 1, Iliyasu, alongside 13 other officials of the party in the ward, suspended Bello from the party over alleged anti-party activities.
The order signed by Abdullahi Lanze, Senior District Judge of the court, stated that the prayer was granted after hearing the application presented by the applicant’s counsel.
The order specifically restrained Bello, his agents, privies, supporters or any person acting on his behalf, authority, or direction, from presenting himself as a member or Chairman of the party.The court also barred Bello from issuing statements, carrying out functions, or acting in any manner whatsoever, through the media or otherwise, as a member or Chairman of APC.This would be pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. (NAN).

Continue Reading

JUDICIARY

Unemployed Man Arraigned for Allegedly Impersonating Military Officer

Published

on

Share

 A 30-year-old unemployed man, Sadiq Usman, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly parading himself as a military officer.

Usman is facing a two-count charge of impersonation.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Supol Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 24 at about 3.

30 p.
m. at Alaba Rago Market area of Ojo, Lagos State.

Ikhayere said that the defendant, who was unemployed, unlawfully had in his possession a Nigerian military camouflage uniform, cap, belt, and boots.

“He paraded himself as a member of the Nigerian Army and had in his possession two Nigerian Navy identity cards,” she said.

According to her, the defendant was arrested when he failed to give a satisfactory account of the items.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened sections 77(a)(b) and 79(a)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 77 stipulates a three-year jail term for anyone found guilty of impersonating a member of the armed forces or the police.

Section 79 stipulates two years imprisonment for unlawfully wearing the uniform of the armed forces.

The Magistrate, Mr Lateef Owolabi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N150,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

He ordered that the sureties must show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

Owolabi adjourned the case until July 1 for mention. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

Metro50 minutes ago

Prof. Barns Ikyo, Wife Celebrate Decade of Public Service, Launch Magazine at Thanksgiving

ShareBy David Torough, Abuja It was a moment of deep gratitude and reflection as Professor Barns Achakpa Ikyo and his...

OPINION3 hours ago

Advancing Nigeria’s Security Strategies through Unmanned Aerial Systems

ShareBy Patricia Amogu In the face of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, marked by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence, a...

NEWS3 hours ago

Christian Body Gives Free Medical Treatment to 3,000 People in A’Ibom

ShareFrom Christopher Tom, Uyo The Gilgal Christians centre health awareness campaign program held at the church auditorium witnessed an unprecedented...

NEWS3 hours ago

Support Group Raises N232m for Take-off of Bassambiri University of Agriculture

ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa A group under the auspices of Federal University of Agriculture Support Group(FSG) has raised a total...

NEWS3 hours ago

Benue Sets to Generate N53bn from Digital Infrastructure

ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi The Benue state government has projected to generate N53 billion from digital electronic management system in...

NEWS3 hours ago

Human Rights Activist Condemns Attack on Kogi Media House

ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja A Human Rights Activist, Idris Miliki Abdul has condemned in its entirety an attack on Kogi...

NEWS4 hours ago

Remembrance: Ooni Sijuwade Made Me What I am Today, Says Adimula

ShareFrom Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo A revered traditional ruler in Osun State, the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife, Oba Abraham Adekola Adeyeye...

NEWS4 hours ago

Bogoro LG Chairman Warns BAROTA Officers against Corruption, Indiscipline

ShareFrom Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi Chairman, Bogoro Local Government area of Bauchi state, Yakubu Lawi Sumi on Monday warned the personnel...

NEWS4 hours ago

Niger LGA Legislators Impeach Council Boss

ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna The Chairman of Chanchaga (Minna) Local Government Area of Niger State, Alhaji Aminu Ladan has been...

NEWS4 hours ago

Thugs Brutalise Edo Man in Viral Video

ShareFrom Joseph Ebi Kanjo A disturbing video has gone viral showing an activist, Okhai Okhani, Coordinator of Edo North Unity...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc