Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, a student of History and International Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been expelled from the institution with immediate effect.
The expulsion follows a report from the Student Disciplinary Committee, which found Chimamaka guilty of assaulting a lecturer from the Department of Theater and Film Studies.
According to the report, Chimamaka’s actions were deemed a gross misconduct and a violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations, particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).
The Ag. Vice-Chancellor, acting on behalf of the University Senate, approved the Committee’s recommendation for Chimamaka’s expulsion.
Chimamaka has been directed to vacate the University premises immediately and return any University property in her possession.
The expulsion takes effect immediately, and Chimamaka will no longer be recognized as a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The Staff members of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university for alleged contract racketeering amounting to public procurement violation, fraud and financial crimes.
In a 27 January 2025 letter addressed to the EFCC Chairman, by Silas, Joseph Onu, Esq., counsel to the petitioners who have elected to remain anonymous, the EFCC was informed that a probe into the “dealings of the Ag. Vice Chancellor with her son and the various companies linked to Mr. Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka, will not only reveal multiple violations of the Public Procurement Act 2007, financial misappropriation and other heinous public financial crimes being perpetrated by the team, but will also expose other unknown fraudulent activities being perpetrated by the Ag. Vice-chancellor.”
The most part of the petition reads:
INTRODUCTION:
Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha is currently the Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State (formerly known as Anambra State University) and since she assumed that office, which also automatically placed her as the chairman of the University’s Tenders Board, our clients have been witnesses of her reckless disregard for adherence to due process and a penchant for awarding contracts to her son – Mr. Nelson Omenugha and one Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka, who uses multiple companies all registered by him, blatantly. Our clients believe that an investigation into the dealings of the Ag. Vice Chancellor with her son and the various companies linked to Mr. Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka, will not only reveal multiple violations of the Public Procurement Act 2007, financial misappropriation and other heinous public financial crimes being perpetrated by the team, but will also expose other unknown fraudulent activities being perpetrated by the Ag. Vice-chancellor.
Our clients have diligently obtained some evidence of these abuses of public office and financial crimes through the splitting and awarding of contracts for personal gains. Each instance of such infractions is as detailed below:
RE: ALLOCATION FOR YEAR 2024 TETFUND SPECIAL HIGH IMPACT PROJECT INTERVENTION PHASE XIV 2024V/FXS13: DISBURSEMENT OF FIRST TRANCHE OF FUNDS. (annexure)
This intervention is for the sum of four billion naira (N4,000,000,000.00). This intervention was divided into (8) eight lots, which are for 4 constructions contract and 4 consultancy contracts. Attached herein are the evidence of award for contracts lots 1, 2 to Fibelle & Mibble Ltd. And lot 3 to Humblerock Ltd., they are marked accordingly annextures 1,2 and 3.
It is important to note that due process was not followed in splitting and awarding these contracts. The Ag. Vice-chancellor as chairman of the Tenders Board of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, in cahoots with Mr. Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka – who poses as a contractor, violated the Procurement Act in the award of these contracts in the following ways:
There were no public notifications for expression of bids as required by the Public Procurement Act.
The 4 construction contracts and the 4 consultancy contracts were awarded to Fibelle & Mibble Ltd., Humblerock Ltd., FIDES ET RATIO Ltd., Field Mashal Integrated Engineering Concept Ltd. All registered to Mr. Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka. See the attached Corporate Affair Commission search reports attached as annextures 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Payments have been requested by one of the companies and approved by the Ag. Vice-chancellor. See the request for payment attached as annextures 8 and 9. (Our clients believe that the payments are prioritised and paid without delays)
At the time of these awards, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other related Anti-graft agencies were already prosecuting the said contractor. The attention of the Ag. Vice-chancellor was called to this information which was in the public domain, but she rebuffed it, because of her vested interest in the contract and the contractor. This is in violation of Part XIl s. 4 (a, b, c and e) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
2. STAFF BIOMETRIC CAPTURING EXERCISE
The contract for this staff biometric capturing exercise was awarded by the Ag. Vice-chancellor to IMPERIAL ASSOCIATE LIMITED of 7B OBA ADETONA STREET, ILUPEJU, LAGOS. See attached as annexture 10. This contract was actually awarded by the Ag. Vice-chancellor to her son, Nelson Omenugha in total disregard for conflict of interest. This contract violates Part XI (s. 10) and s. 12 (a, b, c. d, e, f. and g) of the Public Procurement Act 2007. This is an inactive company on the records of the Corporate Affairs Commission. An inactive company means that it has been denying the Government of the Federation taxes for decades. Yet public funds were fraudulently paid to this company.
3. THE UNIVERSITY GATE HOUSE, IGBARIAM CAMPUS
The University perimeter fence at the Igbariam campus collapsed since 2010. The Gatehouse was declared poorly executed in 2013 and the contractor – Mactonnel Associates was blacklisted by the University. However, in 2024, the Ag. Vice-chancellor and her son, embarked on a facelift of the gatehouse without the input of the University’s Director of Physical Planning and, without any valuation by the Council haven been done, as required by law. This gatehouse facelift, alleged to have been carried out by the Ag. Vice-chancellor’s son, Nelson Omenugha has gulped millions of naira ranging from N65m, (Sixty-five million) to N110m (One hundred and ten million naira). This contract violates Part XI (s. 10) and s. 12 (a, b, c, d, e, f, and g) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
4. SOLAR STREET LIGHTING IN THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, AMAKU, AWKA
This contract awarded by the Ag. Vice-chancellor for the sum of N20m (Twenty Million naira) was executed in 2024 by her son, Nelson Omenugha. There was no valuation by the Director of Physical Planning nor was there a bid for the contract. This contract was in violation of Part XI (s. 10) and s. 12 (a, b, c, d, e, f, and g). Two batteries were procured with some solar panels. This project has never worked in the college with the students left in darkness. The contract sum was paid into the account of the Ag. Vice-chancellor’s son by the University. The Ag. Bursar will be able to provide proof of payment and account details.
5. B-ORIENT TABLE WATER
In 2024, the Ag. Vice-chancellor through her children took advantage of her office to enter a business transaction with the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, to sell only their family table water (KONCIO) within the entire University premises. KONCIO table water and KONCIOO Enterprises Ltd. has Kate Azuka Omenugha and her children as Persons with Significant Control of the companies, see attached annexture 11 and 12. This is in violation of Part XI (s. 10) and s. 12 (a, b, c, d, e, f, and g) of the Public Procurement Act 2007. Millions of naira of university funds were paid over to the Ag. VC’s companies under the contract. Furthermore, the University’s vehicles were deployed to the services of the private family business, and attendant expenses including fuelling and maintenance were borne by the university.
When University Council got wind of this gross violation of the procurement process, it directed the termination of the relationship and sale of the table water within the University. However, the Ag. Vice-chancellor in contravention of Part XI (s. 10) and s. 12 (a, b, c, d, e, f, and g) of the Public Procurement Act 2007, circumvented the Council directive and introduced another table water named B-ORIENT Table water and gave it monopoly of the water market within the University. A further investigation and petition by a staff to Council on behalf of the shop owners in the University minimart at the Igbariam campus, got Council to once again direct the stoppage of the sale of B-Orient Table water. But the Ag. Vice-chancellor, has persisted in the act of violation of the conflict-of-interest doctrine of the Public Procurement Act. Here again the company purportedly behind B-ORIENT Table water, ORIENT-WRITERS LIMITED of BLK 9 NEWSITE ABOR, OGBUNIKE, OYI LGA, AMA WA, ANAMBRA, is inactive and illegally operated according to the search report from the Corporate Affairs Commission, see attached annexture 13.
6. PRINTING OF STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD
In 2024, the Ag. Vice-chancellor’s son, Nelson Omenugha instructed the Dean of Students Affairs Arch-Deacon Dr. Sunday Achebe to transfer to him the money meant for the printing of identity cards for students. The Dean transferred the sum of N4.5m (Four million, Five Hundred thousand naira) to the account of the Ag. Vice chancellor son, Nelson Omenugha. The identity card was neither printed nor the money refunded. It is alleged that the Ag. Vice-chancellor’s son comes to the Dean’s office every Friday evenings to collect huge stacks of money in Ghana-must-go bags. These are dues and service charges generated by the Students Affairs Directorate, that to be used for running cost of the student’s hostels and other student activities.
7. RE: YEAR 2023 TETFUND ANNUAL INTERVENTION (LOT), CONSTRUCTION OF DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE BUILDING; PASSIONATE APPEAL TO CONSIDER PROJECT AUGMENTATION AS A RESULT OF INFLATION
The contract for the construction of Department of Architecture building was awarded to SOTTAM SYNERGY RESOURCES LTD On 21 July, 2023 which mobilized to site on the 13th September, 2023, with a completion duration of 48 weeks (One year). This contract was awarded at the cost of N414 million (Four Hundred and fourteen million naira) and the funds were made available promptly. The contractor completed 92 percent of the work and was to finish the job and take his remaining 15 percent payment from TETfund. However, when the Ag. Vice-chancellor visited the site; she saw the contract as an avenue to extort money from the university and colluded with the contractor to stop the work. She first proposed that the Contractor be paid N100 million (One Hundred Million naira) of the University’s money to enable him complete the job given and being paid for by TETfund.
This contractor has been working for TETfund and knows that TETfund does not pay variations in their contracts. That was why the contractor almost completed his job before the corrupt manipulations started. The University got a consultant and paid him to value what was needed to complete the contract and the Consultant got the sum of N48m (Forty-eight million). The University gratuitously paid the contractor N58m (Fifty-eight million naira). Yet the contractor was encouraged by the Ag. Vice-chancellor, not to return to site but demand for N100m (One Million naira) which she initially insisted the University must pay to the contractor. Annexure 8 is the company’s ludicrous request for variation and the reasons given. These actions of the Ag. Vice-chancellor and the contractor are in violation of Part XIl s. 4(a, b, c, f and g) of the Public Procurement Act 2007. The appeal for augmentation is attached and marked annexture 14.
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER:
Going by the above submissions with verifiable documentary proof of the alleged infractions perpetrated by the Ag. Vice Chancellor in cahoots with her son, family members and Mr. Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka – who is the front for the many companies involved in the racket, including others not listed above, which are: Fibelle and Mibbelle Energy Resource Ltd.; Fibelle and Mibbelle Academy Ltd.; Fibelle and Mibbelle Foods Ltd.; Humbelrock Iron and Steel Ltd.; Captal Fides Et Ratio Ltd.; and Fides Et Ratio Academy Ltd. – CAC reports of all are herein attached and marked as annextures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, respectfully. We hereby petition all the individuals and corporate entities involved in the fleecing of public funds under the pretentious cover of contract awards. Their actions clearly amount to gross violations of the procurement processes and the Public Procurement Act 2007 and undermines the proper administration of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State.
A thorough investigation will certainly expose more unknown fraudulent activities by the Ag. Vice Chancellor.
We look forward to your swift action to forestall the continuance of this criminal enterprise.
Canada Denies Visa to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and Other Top Military Officials
The Canadian government has denied visa applications for Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and several other senior military officials.
General Musa disclosed this on Thursday during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja.
Describing the visa denial as both embarrassing and disappointing, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its self-reliance.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event honoring our veterans
-those injured in battle. We were invited alongside our team, but while half of the delegation was granted visas, the other half was denied. It’s very disappointing,” Musa stated.
He further remarked that the incident serves as a reminder for Nigeria to “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and ensure it is no longer taken for granted.”
No official reason for the visa denial has been provided by the Canadian government at this time.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says charges will now apply anytime customers use the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of banks other than theirs.
This was contained in a circular dated February 10, 2025, and addressed to all banks and financial institutions, the apex bank’s acting Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department, John Onojah.
“The three free monthly withdrawals allowed for remote-on-us (other bank’s customers/not-on-us consumers) in Nigeria under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide shall no longer apply,” the circular partly read.
The CBN directed banks and other financial institutions to apply the following charges with effect from March 1, 2025.
The apex bank said while customers withdrawing at the ATMs of their banks and financial institutions won’t be charged, customers withdrawing from the ATM of other banks would now be charged A100 per every N20,000.
The CBN said for off-site ATMs — automated teller machines not on a bank’s premises – like those at shopping malls, eateries and other public places — a surcharge of not more than A500 per every N20,000 will apply in addition to the statutory #100 fee for withdrawals by customers of other banks’ ATMs.
The apex bank attributed the reviewed charges to rising costs and the need to improve the efficiency of ATM services in the country.
“This review is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs and ensure that appropriate charges are applied by financial institutions to consumers of the service,” the circular stated.
The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to prohibit the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers during daytime hours across the country.
A bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, to Restrict the Daytime Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles and for Related Matters” was introduced for its first reading yesterday.
Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), the proposed legislation seeks to confine heavy-duty vehicle operations to the hours between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am, except in cases of emergency. The bill proposes penalties of N500,000 for individual violators, N5,000,000 for corporate offenders, and vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days.
However, exceptions will be made for vehicles transporting essential goods, such as medical supplies, or those involved in emergency public service operations.
The bill aims to curb the high rate of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles, ease traffic congestion, and enhance road safety. According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), tanker and trailer accidents caused 3,200 deaths between 2015 and 2018, with losses exceeding #39 billion in 2018 alone due to related incidents.
Senator Nwoko emphasized the dangers posed by fuel tankers, cement trucks, and trailers carrying hazardous cargo, which compete for road space with passenger vehicles, particularly during peak hours. He noted that these conditions contribute to frequent fatal accidents and significant economic disruptions.
The bill will now proceed to its second reading, where lawmakers will debate its general principles before it advances to a public hearing stage.
The chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area in Enugu State, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, has announced his administration’s plan to establish farm estates across all 14 political wards in the council area.
Hon. Edeh, who also serves as the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu chapter made this commitment on Tuesday, 10th February 2025, during an on-site assessment of the Amafor Ugbawka Ward Farm Estate Project at Uhuona, Ugbawka, Nkanu East LGA.
Farm estates initiative is a key part of Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s agricultural transformation programme for the 260 wards in Enugu State, which will be spearheaded by the council chairmen.
The project aims to promote year-round farming, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth within the state.
Speaking at Nvenne Waterfall, Hon. Edeh emphasised that the farm estate is an essential component of Mbah’s strategy to ensure sustainable agricultural production in the state.
He noted that significant progress has already been made at the Akpawfu farm estate, the first location of the project in Enugu.
He expressed gratitude to the community leaders for not only donating the land for the project but also for turning out in large numbers to join him for the inspection.
In his remarks, the PDP State Treasurer, Hon. Patrick Okoh, a community native, thanked the Chairman for choosing to site the project in his area and urged his fellow citizens to support the Governor and Chairman’s efforts to bring development to the community.
The PG of the town, Chief Sir Osita Ogbu Nwonovo, also thanked the Chairman and his team, pledging their continued support for the success of the project.
The Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025 (Agunechemba Law) contains specific provisions affecting religious leaders and religious institutions, particularly regarding their involvement in crime and supernatural activities. Below are the explicit sections that address religious leaders and their responsibilities:
1. Use of Religious Places for Crime (Section 19)
This section criminalizes the use of religious places for unlawful activities and gives the Governor the power to shut down any religious establishment involved in crime.
Key Provisions:
1.Crime by Religious Leaders – and Penalty:
“ANY person who uses any religious place for the commission or to aid the commission of any crime, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 6 years with an option of fine of ₦20 million or both.” (Section 19(1))
2.Sealing of Religious Places:
“ANY religious place suspected of being used to commit or aid the commission of any crime may be sealed by the order of the Governor pending the conclusion of investigation.” (Section 19(2))
3.Criminal Prosecution for Religious Leaders:
“If after the conclusion of investigation, there exists a prima facie case of the commission or aiding the commission of any crime in such place, any person found culpable shall be charged to court.” (Section 19(3))
4.Duration of Closure:
“Where a person is charged to court under this section, the property or place involved shall, where sealed, except unsealed by the order of the Governor, remain sealed until the determination of the charge or unless otherwise ordered by the court.” (Section 19(4))
Implications for Religious Leaders (of all and any religion):
~ Religious leaders must ensure their places of worship are not used for criminal activities.
~ The Governor can seal any church, mosque, or shrine suspected of harboring criminals.
~ If a religious leader is found guilty of aiding a crime, they face 6 years imprisonment or a ₦20 million fine.
2.Use of Supernatural Powers for Crime (Section 18)
This section criminalizes the use of supernatural powers, charms, or rituals for criminal purposes. Many traditional and spiritual leaders who perform supernatural rituals are affected by this provision.
Key Provisions:
1.Banning Rituals for Wealth or Crime:
“Any person who under the practice of ‘okite’ or ‘ezenwanyi’ or under any other guise, administers any substance or charm on or for any other person for the purpose of commission of any offence or for the purpose of accumulation of wealth by supernatural means other than by any known lawful means of livelihood or who publicly propagates the accumulation of such wealth other than by any known lawful means of livelihood, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 6 years with an option of fine of ₦20 million or both.” (Section 18(1))
2.Ban on Ritual Sacrifices in Public Places:
“Any person who performs any sacrifice or dumps on any road or throws into any water body in the State, any charms, substance or items of sacrifice in furtherance of the commission of any offence under sub-section (1) of this section, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 6 years with an option of fine of ₦20 million or both.” (Section 18(2))
3.Punishment for False Claims of Supernatural Powers:
“Any person who misleads the public by purporting to wield any supernatural powers which he is found not to possess or who obtains any reward from any person in furtherance thereof, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 6 years with an option of fine of ₦20 million or both.” (Section 18(3))
4.Proof of Supernatural Claims:
“For the purpose of ascertaining whether or not a person possesses the supernatural powers under sub-section (3) of this section, any such person suspected of misleading the public under sub-section (3) of this section shall at the stage of investigation, be subjected to proof that he possesses such powers.” (Section 18(4))
5.Investigation by Attorney General:
“An investigation made by the police in respect of any offence under this section shall be forwarded to the Attorney General of the State for review and advice before the prosecution of any person suspected of having committed the offence.” (Section 18(5))
Implications for Religious Leaders:
*Pastors, native doctors, and spiritualists who perform rituals for wealth or protection linked to crime could be prosecuted.*
False prophets or traditional priests claiming supernatural powers without proof risk 6 years imprisonment or a ₦20 million fine.
Public sacrifices, charms, and occult practices in roads or rivers are banned and criminalized.
3.Crimes Involving Human Rituals (Section 20)
This provision targets ritualists and human parts trading, affecting religious leaders involved in ritual sacrifices.
Key Provision:
“Any person who performs or requires of any person the performance of any rituals involving human parts, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 25 years without an option of fine.” (Section 20)
Implications for Religious Leaders:
Ritual killings and human sacrifices are now capital offences.
Any pastor, native doctor, or cultist involved in human rituals faces 25 years in prison.
4.Governor’s Oversight Powers Over Religious Leaders & Traditional Authorities (Section 12)
This section gives the Governor the power to dissolve town unions and remove local leaders, including traditional rulers and religious leaders, if they are linked to security threats.
Key Provision:
“Where there is a breakdown of law and order or likelihood of breakdown of law and order in any community, the Governor may for security reasons suspend the activities or operation of the leadership of the town union or bar the leadership of the town union from operating and shall appoint a Caretaker Committee for the community.” (Section 12(2)(a)-(b))
Implications for Religious & Traditional Leaders:
If a religious leader or traditional ruler is linked to a security crisis, the Governor can dissolve their leadership or appoint a caretaker committee.
Any person who continues to act as a leader after being barred faces a ₦20 million fine or 6 years in prison. (Section 12(5))
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
The Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025 imposes strict regulations on religious institutions, pastors, native doctors, and traditional leaders.
Key Takeaways for Religious Leaders in Ukpor:
1. Avoid using churches, mosques, or shrines for criminal activities to prevent closure and legal prosecution. (→ Section 19)
2. Do not engage in rituals, charms, or supernatural claims linked to crime or unexplained wealth. (→ Section 18)
3. Ritual sacrifices involving human parts attract a mandatory 25-year prison sentence. (→ Section 20)
4. If involved in security crises, religious leaders risk removal by the Governor. (→ Section 12)
Recommendations for Compliance:
Churches, mosques, and traditional temples in Ukpor should establish internal compliance measures.
Religious leaders should publicly denounce ritual killings, “money rituals,” and supernatural fraud.
Community leaders should report any suspected violations early to avoid state intervention.
Failure to adhere to these provisions could lead to arrests, heavy fines, long-term imprisonment or government takeover of religious institutions.
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has announced a reduction in the retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across its stations nationwide.
The oil marketing firm disclosed on Monday, February 10, through its official X (formerly Twitter) account, that its stations in Lagos will now sell petrol at N925 per litre.
The move follows a similar price adjustment by its partner, Dangote Refinery, which recently lowered the ex-depot price to #890 per litre.
Beyond Lagos, MRS outlined region-specific pricing, with petrol selling at A935 per litre in the South West, A945 in the North, and N955 in the East.
A Legal Practitioner and community leader in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, Barr Nonso Madu has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the giant strides his administration has recorded in Anambra State, stressing that the massive infrastructural development currently going on in the state has turned Anambra state into a big construction site.
Speaking to newsmen in Awka, Barr.Madu noted that the recent positive initiatives taken by the Soludo administration in the area of security by setting up the operation Udo Ga Achi Security Outfit to rid the state of the menace of insecurity, kidnapping and wanton loss of lives and property is highly commendable and urged Ndi Anambra to support the soludo administration in its efforts to sanitize the State.
Barr Madu who was a 2017 Gubernatorial Aspirant in Anambra State under the All Progressives Congress, lauded the recent successful raids on criminal hideouts and camps in Umunze, Ogbunka and Owerre-Ezukala and called for its sustenance, while urging affluent individuals to set up a security trust fund and make meaningful donations to help government in tackling insecurity in the State, assuring Governor Soludo of his continued support to his administration.
He pleaded that the raids on criminal hideouts and camps in Orumba South be intensified, noting that 70 percent of the criminal activities in Anambra State can be traced to criminal camps in the named three border communities in Orumba South.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely suspended the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This follows a heated courtroom exchange where Kanu openly rejected Justice Binta Nyako’s authority to preside over his case.
The adjournment came after Kanu insisted that Nyako had no jurisdiction over his trial, after her earlier decision to withdraw from the case.
In September 2024, Nyako recused herself following Kanu’s oral request.
However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, later reassigned the case back to her, arguing that Kanu needed to formally apply for reassignment through a motion on notice.
Despite this, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, maintained that the judge’s withdrawal remained valid.
He requested that the case be transferred to another judge, preferably in the South-East, if no judge in Abuja was willing to preside.
At the February 10 hearing, prosecution lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo informed the court that all necessary documents had been submitted, and they were ready for trial.
However, Ejimakor disagreed, insisting that the issue at hand was Nyako’s jurisdiction, not trial proceedings.
As legal arguments continued, Kanu interrupted, demanding to speak for himself.
When asked if he wanted to take over from his lawyer, he replied affirmatively, stating that he was only present in court out of respect but did not recognize Nyako’s authority.
Kanu accused the court of manipulating the legal process and claimed that the chief judge’s directive could not override Nyako’s previous decision to recuse herself.
He further criticized the prosecution, alleging bias and unlawful interference in his case.
In response to the escalating tension, Nyako clarified that she did not wish to handle the case but was instructed to continue unless a formal application for reassignment was filed.
She then ruled that, given the circumstances, the case would be adjourned indefinitely.
Kanu rejected this ruling, stating that Nyako had no legal power to make any decisions regarding his case.
He declared that he would not recognize any further proceedings under her authority.
With the case now on hold, the next steps remain uncertain, as Kanu’s legal team may be required to formally request a new judge before proceedings can resume.
