Media Houses Barred As Court Announces Secret Trial For Nnamdi Kanu, Boko Haram Sponsors

By

-

April 8, 2022

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has released a new practice direction for the trial of terrorism cases before…

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has released a new practice direction for the trial of terrorism cases before the Court.

The cases of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, bureau de change operators indicted over sponsorship of terrorism, and Boko Haram suspects are currently before the court.

Justice Tsoho said the new practice direction is in the exercise of his constitutional powers as enshrined in Section 254 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Under the new arrangement, the court said media coverage of proceedings is strictly prohibited, “save as may be directed by the court.”

“A person who contravenes an order or direction made under these practice directions shall be deemed to have committed an offence contrary to section 34(5) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended),” the direction states.

It further reads that “only the judges; other essential court staff and security agencies involved in the particular case and their vehicles shall have access to the court premises.”

He said in any proceedings the court deems necessary to ensure the safety and or to protect the identity of the victim or witness, may hold its proceedings at any place to be designated by the chief judge with the Code of Conduct Tribunal as the venue for the time being.

The names, addresses, telephone numbers and identity of the victims of such offences or witnesses in the proceedings shall not be disclosed in any record or report of the proceedings and it shall be sufficient to designate the names of the victims or witnesses with a combination of alphabets.”

The court listed other procedure to include evidence by video link; permit the witness to be screened or masked; receive written depositions of expert witnesses; and direct that all or any part of the proceedings of the court shall not be published in any manner.

Others are to exclude from the the proceedings any person other than the parties and their legal representatives; make order as to any electronic devices that would be allowed during proceedings; and make order on any other measure that the court considers appropriate in the circumstances.

Source : Journalist 101

BREAKING:Soludo Place Aguata Under Heavy Attack By Unknown Gunmen

By

bvichannel1

-

April 7, 2022

The Aguata local government area headquarters in Anambra State is currently under heavy attack by arsonists believed to be the dreaded unknown gunmen that has been ravaging the South East.

Aguata, which is the local government of the Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo came under attack in the afternoon of Thursday, April 7th, 2022.

As at press time, the council headquarters was torched by the attackers which our Reporter also gathered that the gunmen also attacked the market in the council- Eke Ekwulobia.

When contacted, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu told our correspondent that “following the report of the fire incident at the local government headquarters, the command has deployed men to the area and the situation has been brought under control.”

Ikenga, who’s the spokesman of Anambra State Police Command also said that men of the Fire Service have been contacted and they’re already combating the inferno.

He promised to get back with more details when they’re available to him.

Aguata is fast becoming a theatre of the activities of unknown gunmen. On Monday, two officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC were shot dead in Igboukwu-Ezinifite-Uga road.

The Governor had declared an end to the Monday’s sit-at-home which the main stream Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB had suspended but some hoodlums are still enforcing it.

Source: Journalist 101

Breaking:Ayade – Court Stops PDP

By

bvichannel1

-

April 7, 2022

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade
A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Ben Ayade as Cross River governor.

The PDP had taken Ayade to court to seek an order directing him and his deputy, Ivara Esu, to vacate office over their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court, in a judgement that was delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo, held that the duo could not be sacked from their positions, other than through statutory procedures that were stipulated in sections 180, 188 and 189 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

It held that defection to another political party was not stated as one of the grounds for the removal of either a governor or his deputy.

“The 3rd and 4th Defendant cannot be removed except by Constitutional provision.

“This court has no power to declare vacant the seat of the 3rd and 4th Defendants”, Justice Ekwo held.

Ayade was elected on the platform of the PDP in 2015 and 2019, but defected to the APC on May 20, 2021, along with his deputy

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021, the PDP prayed the court for “a declaration that in view of the provisions of section 221 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the democratic system of governance operated in Nigeria, votes at the election and elections are won by political parties and not their candidate or the candidates sponsored at the election by the political parties”.

IPOB Battles Against Deportation Of Member From UK

By

bvichannel1

-

April 7, 2022

The Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB is currently battling to stop the authorities of the United Kingdom from deporting it’s member Mr Victor Ugochukwu Enuobi to Nigeria.

Enuobi who is the Deputy Coordinator of IPOB in Kent was sentenced to thirty years imprisonment for the sale of tobacco without license had served out his jail term. He has the option to remain in UK but there is pressure on the government to deport him.

According to Mr Anderson Okeke who spoke to reporters in Awka ,”there is no point deporting him since he has served out his jail term but there is growing pressure on UK government to deport him and we are suspecting the remote hands of the Nigerian government.

Okeke alleged that once Ugochukwu is deported to Nigeria the security operatives in Nigeria would arrest him and then you all know what would happen to him.

We learnt that IPOB has written the government in the United Kingdom not to deport him because his life is at risk and no one can tell what would become of his fate.

Mr Victor Ugochukwu Enuobi, Kent Deputy Coordinator of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra hereafter IPOB and manager of Biafran Football UK has looming case of deportation hanging on his neck we learnt from a reliable source.

Except something is done urgently Mr Enuobi may be ushered into the waiting hands of the Department of State Security in Nigeria by the UK.

He is also not alone in this plot to deport our members because about thirteen of them are under this condition and these people are very loyal members that have been neck deep in this struggle and some were with our leader Nnamdi Kanu before he was kidnapped by the Nigerian government; he said.

Source: PIFMEDIA

Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today

By

Queen Madu

-

April 7, 2022

The official rate for the Naira against the U.S Dollar today, Thursday, April 7 begins at N416.30 to a Dollar.

According to the data obtained from the FMDQ, where Naira is traded officially, the exchange rate between the naira and the US dollar opened at N416.30/$1 on Wednesday 6th, after it closed at N416.83 to a $1 on Tuesday, 5th April 2022.

The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N580 and sell at N600 on Wednesday, April 6th 2022, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).

According to data from FMDQ, the forward rate went as high as N452.65 and as low as N417.00.

A spot exchange rate is the current price level in the market to directly exchange one currency for another, for delivery on the earliest possible value date.

Naira depreciated against the US dollar at the P2P market on Thursday morning, trading at a minimum of N584.1 to a dollar compared to N583/$1 recorded in the previous trading session, representing a depreciation of 0.189%.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank has continued to intervene in the official forex market from the external reserve in order to maintain the stability of the local currency.

The exchange rate at the Investors and Exporters window closed at N416.5/$1 on Wednesday, 6th April 2022, representing a 0.08% appreciation compared to N416.83/$1 recorded on Tuesday.

The opening indicative rate closed at N416.3/$1 on Wednesday, 6th April 2022, which is the highest recorded since 24th March 2022.

An exchange rate of N444/$1 was the highest rate recorded during intra-day trading before it settled at N416.5/$1, while it sold for as low as N410/$1 during intra-day trading.

(Journalist101)

Breaking: Goodluck Jonathan Convoy Involves in a Fatal Accident, Two Aides Dead

By

Queen Madu

-

April 6, 2022

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, was on Wednesday involved in a fatal auto crash that killed two of his aides, a report by People’s Gazzate said.

According to sources, the convoy was involved in an accident while returning from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to his residence in the Federal Capital Territory.

Although Jonathan was not admitted into any of the units in the hospital, some members of his team were critically injured.

He had barely returned from an international assignment when the accident happened.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, which confirmed the incident, admitted that two people died in the accident.

The spokesman for the FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem said: “Two people died in the accident. It was the ex-President’s convoy that was involved but he was not in the car that had the accident.”

(Journalist101)

NIN: Customers complain as MTN Barred Lines

By

Queen Madu

-

April 6, 2022

Several subscribers have taken to social media on Tuesday to express their displeasure over the barring of their communication lines by telecommunication network providers in Nigeria.

However, the Mobile Telephone Network, in its tweets, apologised to the complainants over the restrictions.

Some customers called out MTN for restricting their lines despite having linked them with their National Identification Numbers.

“Mtn has done their worse ba. They have finally done what they have been saying they will do. I hope they are happy?
@MTNNG, what will happen to my airtime now? #givemebackmyairtime #blocked #mtn,” @rinaj_walta tweeted.

Been trying to add my nimc number for over months it keeps saying error input again. After 6 months oooo. You guys decided to wake and block off my number. Kodaaaa naaa,” @teslim_oyedele said.

@Drjoshobi posted, “why am I not able to make calls, my NIN has been duly linked to my mobile number. What’s all this?”

In response, MTN apologised to the customers affected, stating that the order was a directive from the Federal Government. It, in turn, asked those who claimed their lines were barred despite linking them with their NINs to send in their numbers for rectification.

In response, MTN via its official handle, @MTN180, apologised to the tweeps.

“Y’ello. We apologize for any inconvenience caused you. The communication to implement restrictions on outgoing calls for customers who have not linked their National Identification Number (NIN) to their SIM is a directive from the Federal Government. ~AO,” it tweeted.

“Y’ello, I am so sorry to read about this. Kindly provide the affected phone number via DM for checks. Thanks. ^NA,” MTN apologised to @Drjoshobi who had asked why MTN gave him free airtime when he linked his number with his NIN but still had his line restricted.

(Punch)

Court sentences Kano atheist to 24yrs imprisonment For Blasphemy

By

Queen Madu

-

April 6, 2022

Mubarak Bala, a Kano-born atheist, has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment for bl@sphemy.

He was convicted and sentenced by a High Court sitting in Audu Bako, Kano State, on Tuesday, April 5, after he pleaded guilty to committing bl@sphemy against Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Recall that the convict was arrested after he posted inciting comments about Islam, Allah and Prophet Muhammad on Facebook.

Mr Mubarak who had been in a correctional facility for almost two years, entered a guilty plea on Tuesday when he was brought before the court on an 18-count charge.

While pleading with the court to tender justice with mercy, Bala promised not to repeat the said bl@sphemous post, saying he did not know it would elicit the sort of reactions it got when he shared them.

Earlier, the judge, Justice Farouk Lawan, and the convict’s lawyer, James Ibori, had tried to convince him against his guilty plea but the convict insisted he knew what he was doing and maintained his plea.

In view of his plea, the judge sentenced him to 24 years’ imprisonment.

#Akwaugo1

Court sentences Kano atheist to 24yrs imprisonment

Mubarak Bala, a Kano-born atheist, has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment for bl@sphemy.

He was convicted and sentenced by a High Court sitting in Audu Bako, Kano State, on Tuesday, April 5, after he pleaded guilty to committing bl@sphemy against Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Recall that the convict was arrested after he posted inciting comments about Islam, Allah and Prophet Muhammad on Facebook.

Mr Mubarak who had been in a correctional facility for almost two years, entered a guilty plea on Tuesday when he was brought before the court on an 18-count charge.

While pleading with the court to tender justice with mercy, Bala promised not to repeat the said bl@sphemous post, saying he did not know it would elicit the sort of reactions it got when he shared them.

Earlier, the judge, Justice Farouk Lawan, and the convict’s lawyer, James Ibori, had tried to convince him against his guilty plea but the convict insisted he knew what he was doing and maintained his plea.

In view of his plea, the judge sentenced him to 24 years’ imprisonment.

(Akwaugo1)

Breaking: Prof Odinkalu,Charles Oputa(Charly Boy) ,Bianca,Others Make Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Committee

By

bvichannel1

-

April 6, 2022

In line with the agreement by the Southeast leaders and stakeholders in finding permanent solution to the State of insecurity in the Igbo Homesteads, the Governor of Anambra state, Chukwuma Soludo on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 set up a 15-man Truth, Justice and Peace Committee to seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts.

In view that the current situation goes beyond a law enforcement problem, the Pan-Igbo Committee which is to be chaired by Prof Chidi Odinaku and Amb Lady Bianca Ojukwu as its Secretary, has been directed to identify the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence, and armed struggle in the South East since 1999 and craft a comprehensive and credible roadmap to the restoration of the socio-economic and security stability in the southeast.

The Committee shall document victims/circumstances of death, brutality and incarceration. It shall Identify stakeholders and groups who have played critical roles in the agitations and conflicts, their roles, capabilities and demands and as well, address any other issue(s) that may be germane to unravelling the extent of the crisis and charting the roadmap for the future.

While the Committee is empowered to draw up the methodology to accomplish its assignment, they shall give recommendations for sustainable peace and security in Anambra state/Southeast, have a direct reporting line to the Governor or his designee, and will be provided with administrative support.

The Committee which shall be inaugurated on a date to be communicated to its members, was expected to complete the assignment within a period of 6 months from its inauguration, with its preliminary report due no later than 2 months after the sunset and the final report after 2 months of receiving feedback on the preliminary report from the government.

The members of the Committee are as follows:

1. Professor Chidi Odinkalu-Chairman

2. HE Amb. Bianca Ojukwu-Member / Secretary

3. Dr. Joe Nwaorgu

4. Dr. Udenta Udenta – Member

5. Dr. Uju Agomoh — Member

6. Rev. Fr (Msgnr) Jerome Madueke

7. Canon Dr. Okechukwu C. Obi-Okoye

8. Mr. Charles Oputa (Charly Boy)

9. Dr. John Otu

10. Mr. Ngozi Odumuko

11. Ms Onyeka Onwenu

12. Dr. Joe Abah

13. Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu

14. Mr. Sam Egwuatu

15. Prof. Joseph Ikechukwu

Just In: Bandits Attack Military Base in Kaduna, 11 Soldiers Slaughtered

By

Queen Madu

-

April 5, 2022

At least 11 soldiers have been feared killed after some terrorists raided a Nigerian military base in Polwire village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A source who disclosed this to SaharaReporters said the incident occurred on Monday.

According to the source, the bandits came in large numbers on motorcycles and engaged the troops in a battle that lasted for two hours before dislodging them.

It was also reported that three members of the Kaduna Vigilante Group were also killed during the attack.

A military signal exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed the incident.

The signal read, “TEXT: OP DOMINION STORM SPECIAL SITREP (.) SITREP AS AT 041200A APR 22 (.) *BHT/ BANDITS ATTK *(.) AT ABOUT 031645A APR 22 (.) TPS AT BLK POSN POLEWIRE GEO COORD 10°42’59.40”N 06°42’01.97E CAME UNDER ATTK FROM UNCFM NO OF BHT/BANDITS USING RPG BOMBS AND OTHER SP WPNS (.) THE ENCOUNTER LASTED UP TO ABOUT 2000HRS BEFORE TPS WERE DISLODGED FROM THE LOC (.) TPS WDR TO POLEWIRE VILL GEO COORD 10°42’14.49”N 06°41’05.38”E (.) TPS WERE RFT FROM FOB GWASKA AND RTN TO POLEWIRE AT ABOUT 2115HRS CMM NO FURTHER CONTACT WAS MADE (.) TPS CARRIED OUT EXPLOITATION FIRST LI (.) BANDITS CAS (.) UNCFM (.)WIA (.) UNCFM (.) OWN CAS (.) KIA (.) 11 X SLDRS AND 3 X KADVS (.) WIA (.) 1 X 19 SLDRS AND 2 X KADVS.”

This is coming barely 24hours after terrorists stormed villages across Kagarko and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna State killing no fewer than 17 residents in the four communities after abducting 22 others around Angwar Ma’aji in Jere, Kagarko LGA.

(Journalist101)