• Applauds committee members for standing strong and tall during crisis

The former Chairman of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), John Aikpokpo-Martins, has commended the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for constituting a seven-man committee to pilot the affairs and conduct elections for SPIDEL.

He said this action “has brought the leadership impasse in SPIDEL to a fitting close and has directly resuscitated our dear Section that has been in hiatus for some time.

Eulogising members of his SPIDEL committee, Aikpokpo-Martins in a statement said, “you distinguished yourselves extremely well in maintaining absolute and unwavering support for our elected executive officers ably led by my humble self effortlessly, effectually and effectively. Your support energized our spirits and guided our thoughts, strategies and decisions throughout the trying times.”

He also announced the discontinuation of cases challenging the actions of past President Y. C. Maikyau, SAN with regard to the leadership of SPIDEL.

Below are excerpts from the statement.

The constitution of the committee is a product of an amicable resolution of the lingering differences between the leadership of SPIDEL and the leadership of our mother association, the NBA. It is gratifying that this is coming to a good end.

We all acknowledge that these past months have extremely tested the will, determination, sincerity, courage, loyalty, and passion of members for our dear SPIDEL as never before. As some of us are aware, members were subjected to intense and extreme pressure to betray the guiding principles of SPIDEL and abandon and isolate their elected leaders. However, as true Trojan of the rule of law in the NBA and the larger society, members remained steadfast, determined, and resolute in the defence of their resolutions, their elected leaders, and our dear SPIDEL. I am very proud of our members. You distinguished yourselves extremely well in maintaining absolute and unwavering support for our elected executive officers ably led by my humble self effortlessly, effectually and effectively. Your support energized our spirits and guided our thoughts, strategies and decisions throughout the trying times.

We were never afraid. There was no way we could have maintained strength and determination without this energizing elixir of support of members. Honestly, I can not recall any instance where members of any branch, section, committee, forum, etc, within the NBA have maintained an over hundred percent support for their leadership under similar circumstances. This absolute and unprecedented support is the greatest endorsement of my humble self (which I proudly claim and acknowledge) as a worthy leader of lawyers. I cannot appreciate you enough. Your executives and I are grateful. History will be kind to us.

Having regard to the circumstances, it is imperative to also inform members that, consequently, the cases challenging the actions of past President Y. C. Maikyau, SAN with regard to the leadership of SPIDEL will now be discontinued.

What can I say about my Executive Committee and my officers! The members embody and personify excellence, wisdom, sagacity, loyalty, strength, and much more. They counseled, advised, admonished, directed, and above all maintained unanimity of purpose in the defence of what we conscientiously believe to be right, true and just. All divisive entreaties were gently but firmly rebuffed with uncommon determination and resolution. In spite of all, they never betrayed nor abandoned me at sea. I must particularly mention my wisdom Vice Chairman, Dr. Princess Frank- Chukwuani, and my indefatigable Secretary, Funmi Adeogun. I also salute my Treasurer,
Chinedu Obienu, Financial Secretary,
Abdullahi Musa Karaye, Publicity Secretary, Sadiya Saleh and Assostant Secretary, Charity Ibezim for their uncommon loyalty, support and candour. They were my bastion of strength and wisdom. It is not really how long, but how well. In spite of all, our administration was impactful from all indications and we have a right to feel smugly satisfied.

My special appreciation to past chairman Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, for always putting what he called his “native intelligence ” at my disposal in navigating the storm.

It is trite that it is at challenging moments of life that the true characters and strengths of men are unveiled. There were exceptional and extraordinary members who, against all odds, stood fearlessly resolute, determined to courageously prosecute and defend our causes in court. I recognise Vincent Adodo and Godspower Eroga both of NBA-Abuja branch. I recognise Echeho Godfrey, Ojo Abijogun, and Felix Akpowowo of Warri branch. Your selflessness shall not be in vain….your names will be written in gold in the annals of SPIDEL.

Finally, I must call out our ladies for special appreciation and recognition. I pleasantly discovered and observed that the ladies of SPIDEL were the most determined, resolute, fearless, and always ready and willing to boldly confront the challenges heads on against all expectations. They constituted my most trusted and reliable reservoir of strength throughout. Their resilience and passion were energizing and invigorating. I state without second-guessing that our ladies are the backbone and the future of SPIDEL.

We, the leadership, thank the NBA President and his officers for eventually steering the ship to a safe landing. The NBA is one and is bigger than anyone. Thus, the interest of the NBA must be the overriding interest at all times.

Now, we start to march again under our inimitable Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, step by step with head up high and hope in our hearts at the end of the storm to reclaim our enviable position as the flagship of the NBA.

May I use this auspicious moment to solicit for your conscientious support in the coming days on a shared vision to have a better association with the expected voice and boldness for the benefit of lawyers particularly and Nigerians generally.

God bless NBA-SPIDEL.

God bless the NBA.

John Aikpokpo-Martins
Past Chairman SPIDEL.
26/05/2025.

Finnish prosecutors on Friday said they had charged a Nigerian separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, with inciting terrorism online.

Finland’s National Prosecution Authority said in a statement that it had charged “a Finnish individual in a case involving suspected public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participation in the activities of a terrorist group.”

It added that the alleged crimes had been committed in the city of Lahti between 2021 and 2024 and were related to the suspect’s efforts to establish Nigeria’s Biafra region as an independent state.

The prosecution authority did not name the accused but Finnish public broadcaster YLE identified him as separatist leader Simon Ekpa.

Ekpa, who claims to lead the Biafra Republic’s government in exile — was detained in November.

According to the prosecution authority, the accused remained in custody and denied the charges.

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Ekpa is known as a self-proclaimed leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which is pushing for the independence of Nigeria’s southeast, where a bloody civil war was fought in the late 1960s.

The dual Finnish-Nigerian national has also been a local representative for Finland’s conservative National Coalition Party in the city of Lahti, north of Helsinki, where he has served on a public transport committee.

When Ekpa was arrested, Finnish authorities also requested that four other people be remanded in custody on suspicion of financing Ekpa’s activities.

On Friday, the prosecution authority said the prosecutor had decided to drop charges against four others in the case due to a lack of evidence.

PUNCH with Agency report

Although many Nigerians were aghast when they learned that military authorities had begun the controversial ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ initiative to ‘rehabilitate and reintegrate surrendered and repentant Boko Haram terrorist members,’ it was fully backed by then President Muhammadu Buhari, with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State fully embracing.

The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, condemned the move it would be difficult to cohabit with ‘repentant’ killers. “Many people were killed along with their property. And you people (government) and the media expect us to forget and forgive the repentant terrorists?” he queried. Senator Ali Ndume (currently the senate chief whip) was no less vehement in his opposition. “I am completely against the idea. You are just telling people to go and join Boko Haram and then repent…that’s a totally unacceptable way of solving the problem.”   

Although the victims of these attacks have been largely left to their fate, the perpetrators get the government’s special attention, with some of them being absorbed into the military.

Now that military bases are being blown up carelessly, could it be that some persons are leaking vital information to their former comrades?

In the meantime, a member of the House of Representatives from Zamfara State, Aminu Jaji, has decried the “terrifying insecurity” in his constituency, narrating how “bandits fed newborn twins to their dogs.”

He painted a harrowing picture of “how bandits attacked, committed mass kidnapping, their crass lawlessness,” which have left the communities in his constituency devastated and many residents displaced.

This came as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, expressed concern over the current insecurity in the country, blaming the situation on the spillover effects from the Sahel region, particularly Sudan and Niger.

On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, said that the military is more determined than ever to go after all terrorists to restore peace and stability in the country.

Jaji, who previously chaired the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said, “Over 200 attacks have been recorded in communities across Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State alone, including Dayo, Banga, Gabaki, Korea and Madura.”

The lawmaker, who was briefing newsmen at the National Assembly, said: “Just two days ago, 60 people were abducted in Banga. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N30 million. Out of those abducted, 10 were killed, and the fate of the remaining 50 hangs in the balance.”

The lawmaker lamented that while leaders often make lofty promises, little is done in practice.

“We gave assurances that if our party came to power, insecurity will become history. Unfortunately, the reality today is different,” he said, adding, “Many communities have been turned into ghost towns due to persistent attacks.

He narrated chilling incidents, including one: “A pregnant woman was abducted. She gave birth to twins while she was in captivity. Then the leader of the bandits took the twins, and threw them to his dog. The dogs ate the twins one by one. Where are we?

“This is situation we need to urgently address. We need to speak to ourselves. I said earlier, whether it is micro or macro operation, something must be done.

“These are not just stories. These are the everyday realities of our people. Our people are no longer safe, they cannot farm, they cannot trade, and many are internally-displaced, unrecognized by both the state and federal governments,” he said.

The lawmaker lamented lack of federal attention, noting that despite engaging the Ministry of Defence and other security stakeholders, there has been no significant response or action on the ground, adding that Zamfara that was once one of the most peaceful states in the country, has become a hotspot for criminal activities.

“Despite the introduction of Sharia and peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians in the past, we are now ravaged by violence,” he said.

He stressed that the people of Zamfara deserve the same protection and support as any other region, especially considering the contributions made by the state to the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections.

“This is not about politics anymore. It’s about human lives. The 1999 Constitution, as amended, states clearly that the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government,” he said.

The lawmaker urged the President and all relevant stakeholders to act urgently, warning that if insecurity in Zamfara is left unchecked, it could spread further and consume the entire nation.

“People cry to us for help. They come in tears. They didn’t want to leave because they have nowhere to go, they are now moving because they have no other choice,” he said.

He urged leaders across political and religious divides to come together for a holistic and unified response to the insecurity, stating, “We must rise above politics. We must respond as people of faith and conscience. This is a national emergency.”

Between Monday and Tuesday, Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents attacked four military bases, killing soldiers and stealing military vehicles in Borno State.

Less than 24 hours after that attack on Marte, the insurgents attacked three more military bases in Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram..

Update on Marte Attack

Suspected members of ISWAP carried out the first attack on the Forward Operation Base, 153 Battalion, located in Marte Local Government Area, minutes before 3 a.m. on Monday.

Sources who spoke to this reporter said the insurgents infiltrated Marte on foot from different directions, cordoned off the area and forced the soldiers to withdraw to Dikwa, a neighbouring community.

“The attack caught the soldiers unaware,” a Civilian Joint Task Force member revealed, adding that apart from the seven soldiers killed, the whereabouts of a few others were still unknown.

However, the source disputed reports that the insurgents stole three gun trucks from the base, stating that the assets were burned down along with the military base and other vehicles, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

A local platform, YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, reported that on Monday morning, the insurgents were seen moving with their stolen motorcycles, weapons, and foodstuffs heading in the direction of Chukungudu, Krenuwa, and Klabariya, all villages within Borno and beyond.

How insurgents attacked Dikwa

In Dikwa, the headquarters of Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno state, the terrorists had a fierce battle with Nigerian Army troops.

They launched the attack about 13 hours after Monday’s attack on Marte. A source in Dikwa, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the troops “dealt with the insurgents”

He explained that the attack, which started around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, was quelled by the army, air force, and the civilian joint task force fighters after an hour.

Rann Attack

The insurgents were also reported to have attacked the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Area of Borno state, almost at the same time as they attacked Dikwa.

Sources, including YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, said the attack began around 12 am on Tuesday. They attacked the military formation with heavy machinery, casting fear among the people of the community.

“Five soldiers were confirmed dead, while six soldiers were injured. They also snatched three gun trucks before leaving the base,’ YERWA EXPRESS NEWS reported, quoting a source.

Gajiram attack

At Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area, sources said the insurgents launched their attack minutes after midnight on Tuesday, but were repelled. The terrorists retreated after an hour of a gun battle with troops.

“The Boko Haram came a minute past midnight. The soldiers chased them away. The terrorists only succeeded in burning a stool in Gajiram, nothing more,” a source in Gajiram told this reporter, requesting anonymity.

Governor Zulum confirms the attack

In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the recent spate of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in various parts of the state.

Mr Zulum also sympathised with the victims of a bomb blast along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, which occurred last Monday.

“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face.

“I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies, and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state,” Mr Zulum said through his spokesperson, Dauda Illiya.

The governor recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged with military personnel and the Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and protect lives and property.

“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” the governor assured.

It felt like the system failed us.

While some of the candidates who wrote the 2025 University Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have called for the total cancellation of the results, a past 1st Vice President of the Nigerain Bar Association (NBA) and rights advocate, John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq., has criticised the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for withholding the results of candidates classified as underage, describing the action as a grave injustice, unconstitutional, malicious, and in contempt of court.

There had been outcries in different quarters over the poor performance in the results, wherein over 1.5 million candidates failed to score 200.  While many had cited technical glitches in some of the centres, others had blamed poor time management and students preparation.

The candidates who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday said, “The system failed us.”

Aham Ijendu Chimereze, who wrote at Unique Computer Institution in Owerri, said he would be glad to retake the examination if the errors would not be repeated again.

Another candidate, Uchenna Eme, said: “I was scheduled to write my exam by 6am and the JAMB had to extend it to 4pm and still changed my centre same day of the exam.

“I have not checked my result to know if I did well or not after the story of poor performance broke out, but I don’t mind retaking as well.”

Another candidate, who gave her name as Jennifer, said that during the examination, the electricity went off and the network failed.

Hassan Abdul, who took the exam in Lokoja, Kogi State, said it will be best if the entire results are cancelled, so that they all retake it.

The same views were shared by Mercy Obinna, from Anambra. She said no need to single out some centres. “The entire exercise should be cancelled and let all of us retake the exams”, she said.

But there are some students with a contrary opinion.

For instance, a candidate from Lagos, Shoneye Neemah Darasimi, said, “When I first saw my result, honestly, I was so proud and relieved. All the late night and sacrifices finally paid off.

Read Also: Breaking!!! JAMB admits responsibility, Registrar weeps, apologises for UTME errors

“Now hearing that some of the results were reversed, I am shocked, confused, and honestly heartbroken. It felt like the system failed us. How do you tell a child who had already started celebrating that his/her result might not be real?

“The reversal might affect my chances of gaining admission this year. In this country, timing matters. That result was our ticket to starting the process early. Now everything feels uncertain again like we’re starting from scratch.”

Falola Deborah Oluwatunmise, another candidate who sat for the UTME in Lagos said, “As you talked about this review now, my heart just skipped. Like you know, I wrote JAMB and I had technical glitches in my own, like 1 – 11 for me were just answers, no questions, it was only answers. I was just seeing only answers and my own exam questions stopped at 55 instead of 60.

“So, like, God forbid now I’m part of these people that they said we should retake this exam because we put in our best in the last one, and it’s just that people failed a lot.

“The exam went smoothly for me, I actually did my best and I’m okay with my result. But I’m kind of scared. What if they ask me to come back and write this exam again and God forbid, my score is not up to the one I got the last time? I’ll be so disappointed and I’ll really hate JAMB for it and myself too.

Read Also: Full Text: JAMB Registrar explains 2025 UTME result glitches, says ‘Man proposes, God disposes’

“I feel disappointed about the reversal of results and I just hope I’m not among those that will retake the exam.”

Errors caused emotional disturbance – Parents

A parent, Sydney Obi, said the errors in the result were a big issue as it caused a lot of emotional disturbance for candidates and their parents.

“But like the saying, no one is above mistake. I think JAMB should have done proper auditing before making official release after the first statistic they published generated a lot out outcry,” he said.

He advised the JAMB to test run any new technology before using it for the examination to avoid causing unnecessary headache for candidates.

Another parent, Funmilayo Lawrence said, “JAMB Registrar has done a good thing to have taken responsibility for the glitches in the UTME. If every office holder can do this, every sector will be better for it.

Read Also: JAMB 2025 UTME Errors: Chidoka, Sowore, Adeyanju, others react

“We can’t outright blame the registrar, the service provider who did this may have compromised and we know that anything can happen in this country.  The beauty of this is that those affected would be made to resit the exam, which for me is commendable.”

Another parent, Ogundipe Bosede Olaitan, said, “As a parent when I heard that the underage candidate results were not released, I was so sad because during the registration, we were not told that the result was not going to be released, what we were told was that if the students do not have or get up to 320, they are not going to give them admission. I am just appealing to the JAMB officials that they should please release the results of those underage candidates in order to know their performance.”

JAMB should get a new software – Don

Speaking to Daily Trust, a professor at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasiru Idris, said, “JAMB should ensure that the results come out immediately as that will go a long way in addressing some of the issues, but as far as you are giving one day, week or month it will be open to manipulation.

“So, I am of the opinion that JAMB should look for a software that will disclose result immediately after answering the last question.”

An educational expert, Oyarekhua Happiness said, “You can’t tell me JAMB will encourage failures. If they actually failed, it is understandable but giving them what they did not deserve makes it seem unjust, so the reversal is justified.

“Going forward, I think proper measures need to be put in place, they are definitely not new to this, they should channel more efforts and look for how to innovate and add more ideas in order to avoid such glitches. This is a national issue and they can’t keep going front and back on issues like this.

It’s a good step, hopefully the best will come out for it.”

Aikpokpo-Martins, in a blistering statement issued on Thursday, faulted the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for failing to address the plight of these affected candidates, even after publicly admitting to discrepancies in the recently released UTME results during a press briefing on May 14.

Although he commended Prof. Oloyede for his rare show of humility in admitting errors that led to massive confusion and trauma, culminating in the tragic suicide of 19-year-old Miss Opesusi Faith Timilehin in Lagos, Aikpokpo-Martins said that failing to release the results of underage candidates remains a grave injustice.

“I commend Prof. Oloyede for his honesty. But that admission is incomplete for as long as JAMB continues to disobey and disregard the subsisting judgment of the Delta State High Court,” Aikpokpo-Martins stated.

The onetime NBA 1st Vice President pointed out that on February 27, 2025, the Delta State High Court sitting in Warri declared JAMB’s age restriction policy null and void, ruling that no candidate should be denied admission on the basis of age. The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining JAMB from enforcing such discriminatory policies.

“Surprisingly, JAMB, under the watch of Prof. Oloyede, has treated the said judgment with utter disdain and contempt,” he said, accusing the Board of breaching Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates authorities to obey court judgments.

Aikpokpo-Martins insists that JAMB’s continued withholding of results is a gross violation of the rights of young Nigerians whose only ‘crime’ was daring to dream early.

“JAMB seems to treat this sacred examination process as just another bureaucratic task. That is deeply unfortunate and unpardonable,” he lamented.

He asserted that the mental, emotional, and psychological trauma inflicted on these children and their families could have lasting consequences, and held JAMB legally and morally responsible for any further harm.

“The future of millions is shaped by this examination. JAMB must not treat the fate of these candidates as mere statistics,” he added.

Aikpokpo-Martins also called on the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-NEC), presently meeting in the capital of Ilorin, Kwara State, to look into JAMB’s alleged contempt of court and disregard for the rule of law.

“No crocodile tears will exculpate JAMB under the watch of Prof. Oloyede,” he concluded. “I urge JAMB to immediately release the withheld results and comply fully with the court’s judgment.”

Most of this report was culled from Daily Trust.

A Nigerian doctor who got the opportunity to serve as an assistant surgeon took to X to celebrate after performing her task. 

But, what most Nigerians noticed was that she was stitching the patient in near darkness, with someone holding a phone with a torchlight for her. 
 

As Nigerians questioned why she was operating in darkness, she replied: “This is Nigeria! I don’t know why most of you are surprised!”

A fresh northern pressure group, Network of Concerned Citizens (NCC), has urgently called on well-meaning Nigerians, politicians, religious leaders, youths and all critical stakeholders to unite, promote inclusiveness and ensuring various ethnicities have a say in decision-making processes and ultimately work in defense of the country’s democracy without sentiments or any form of divisiveness

The Congress which is open to all Nigerians, but predominantly northern based, was made up of former State Assembly Speakers, former lawmakers at both Federal and State Assemblies, former Local Government Chairmen, leaders of civil society groups, academia, diplomats, trade union leaders, community leaders, opinion leaders, and youth organizations expressed deep concern over the socio-political situation in the country as Nigeria prepares for another election circle in 2027.

NCC made the clarion call in a statement made available to newsmen by its convener, a former General Secretary of Nigeria Union Of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG) and former National Chairman of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Comrade Adamu Song, the Wakili Asbiti Adamawa, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

The Congress, according to the statement, noted it was willing and determined to work with any political party or political candidate who believed in its ideals. It stated further that there was a need for those in power to strengthen fundamental constitutional principles and values, while also alerting Nigerians to remain intellectually and legally forceful against any anti-democratic forces poised to undermine the constitutional foundations of the country’s unity, progress and its cherished democracy.

“The birth of Network Of Concerned Citizens is potently and patently crucial to take Nigeria out of her current precarious political and socio-economic situations. In the light of this there is an urgent need to reawaken political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, political parties, and democratic institutions nationally and anyone who can patriotically contribute to the survival of our fragile democracy. This is the appropriate time for us to unite, promote inclusiveness and ensure various ethnicities have a say in decision-making processes and work to defend Nigeria’s democracy without sentiments or divisiveness.

“NCC aims to further ensure that we have a country governed by love, where no one suffers discrimination or victimization, an atmosphere where everyone will be properly accommodated, irrespective of their tribe, religion or background. We want a country where every Nigerian can seamlessly project his or her own socio-economic potentials for the greater good of the country within the ambit of law and order.

“We also crave for even distribution of Nigeria’s resources and wealth, with the popular and valid belief that every Nigerian should have right to aspire for any elective positions of choice and Nigerians should be able to associate with themselves openly and freely with candidates of their choices without any form of harassment or violation of their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the law.

“This has become necessary to guide the citizenry as it is clear that Nigerians need a purposeful paradigm shift as we approach another election circle in 2027 which we are convinced by our calculations that it will never be allowed to be hijacked or manipulated. We remain committed to consistently embark on advocacy to educate and enlighten the people on how democracy and electoral outcomes affect them and their future. We remain unrepentant in dedicating our time and resources to reorient the citizens and work towards eradicating all forms of electoral malpractices.

“Let us also reiterate our resolve that as a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across Nigeria, predominantly from the north, we have come together to show patriotism by sustaining the momentum of protecting and preserving our democratic institutions and values which are crucial for Nigeria’s stability, progress, and the well-being of her citizens.

“We are also desirous of a political structure that will prioritize youth-driven entrepreneurship, industrial growth, and technological advancement. A system that will essentially develop agriculture to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and promote it as a major source of raw materials and foreign exchange. We want a system that will overhaul our educational system to make Nigerian youth more innovative and globally competitive in their discipline and crafts. A system that will provide healthcare for all citizens, including free medical services in learning institutions, for the aged, physically challenged, pregnant women, and other vulnerable segments of our society.

“NCC is also determined to have a system that will look inwards and address infrastructure deficits. Supplying electricity to all areas of Nigeria and encouraging the use of alternative, environmentally sustainable energy sources. Building Nigeria’s brand for export and reducing dependence on foreign products, while also turning around Nigeria’s entire petroleum industry, especially by making the Petroleum Industry Act to be actively and efficiently implemented

“We equally desire a mass-friendly climate that will ensure our refineries are working optimally and Nigerians no longer go through hell in sourcing for domestic, commercial and industrial needs of petroleum products across the country. This Congress also hinges its priority on the importance of safeguarding human rights, security of lives and properties, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining the principles of federalism without bias, inequality, favouritism or nepotism, the statement concluded.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Kolawole Olowookere, has petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over an alleged bid to arraign a community leader, Chief Nwigwe Emeka Williams, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on alleged terrorism and kidnapping charges.

The senior lawyer in the petition asked the Justice Minister to wade into the plight of the community leader by probing the circumstances that led to the new move with a view to ensuring that justice prevails.

The grouse of the senior advocate is that the alleged kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler of Amanze community in Imo State, Eze Basil Okafor on 17th December, 2022, had been thoroughly investigated by the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and those indicted arrested, prosecuted and some of them jailed.

He told the AGF in the petition that the alleged conspiracy and kidnapping were investigated twice by the Special Task Force and that twice the community leader was not found culpable in any way.

The senior lawyer expressed surprise that two years after those indicted in the alleged crime had been put on trial, some lawyers in the Federal Ministry of Justice, allegedly acting on the script of external forces, suddenly woke up to rope the community leader into the charges.

He said that since the police concluded their investigation, there had been no new facts or fresh evidence to warrant the inclusion of Nwigwe Emeka Williams as a defendant in the alleged crime.

The police investigation report of 30th September, 2024 with reference No;mCB;4099/FID/STC/FHQ/ABJ/T.4/Vol.4/94, which listed the suspects arrested, indicted and put on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2023, was attached to the petition.

In the police report, the community leader was found to have contributed N1 million out of the N4 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers and that the contribution was made through the account of one Charles Njoku, the younger brother of the late traditional ruler.

The senior lawyer asserted that instead of using the community leader as a witness in the trial, those involved opted to include his name as a defendant to settle scores.

Accusing those involved of abuse of prosecutorial powers, the senior lawyer pleaded with the AGF to probe the circumstances that led to the inclusion of the name of the community leader as a co-defendant.

He requested that the probe be promptly conducted before the community leader would be arraigned on May 22 in Abuja.

The petition was received and acknowledged by the Attorney General on April 10th, 2025.