COURT ORDERS REMAND OF #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS FOR 60 DAYS

images 10 2

COURT ORDERS REMAND OF 124 #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS FOR 60 DAYS

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the police permission to remand 124 protesters arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigations.

Justice Emeka Nwite made the ruling on separate ex-parte motions filed by the police, citing the need for further investigation and legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The protesters, aged between 14 and 34, were accused of terrorism, treason, and treasonable felonies, including arson and terrorism.

The police alleged that they were part of a planned violent uprising against the government, orchestrated by terrorist groups within and outside Nigeria.

The court also ordered that minors among the suspects be remanded in the Borstal Home of the correctional centre pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The police had filed two separate motions, one for 75 protesters and another for 49, alleging that they engaged in terrorism financing, conspiracy, and treasonable felony.

The protesters were arrested in Abuja and various states, with some found carrying Russian flags and other incriminating exhibits. Investigations have commenced, with some suspects making voluntary statements admitting to the crime.

The police argued that more time was needed to complete the investigation, apprehend sponsors, and obtain legal advice from the AGF.

The case has been adjourned until October 23 for mention.

  • Dons Eze

    DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.

    Related Posts

    WIKE, FUBARA ACCUMULATE HUGE DEBTS FOR RIVERS GOVT

    WIKE, FUBARA ACCUMULATE HUGE DEBTS FOR RIVERS GOVT The Rivers State government under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accumulated debts from N5,225,575,493.20 to N213,902,344,833.33 within a period of 12 months. The 2023 audit report of the state revealed that the state entered 2023 with an opening debt balance of N5,225,575,493.20 in Zenith Bank but in 12 months, which is the period of a year ending on December 31, 2023, the state borrowed a total sum of N213,902,344,833.33, all from Zenith Bank. The audit report further revealed that at the end of the year 2023 ending on December 31, the total debt of the state stood at N342billion. The audit report also stated that as of the end of the year 2023, the state government had paid back N59billion of the total debt stock. President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government a few days ago planned to halt the October monthly FAAC revenue payment to Rivers State, citing a court order as the reason. The development came amid an ongoing dispute between Governor Fubara and Wike. The FAAC typically disburses revenue to the three tiers of government, including states, local governments, and the federal government. According to Bawa Mokwa, the spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the decision to stop the payment is in respect of the court order, which bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian government from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State government. The court order was obtained by the factional Rivers State Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who had filed an originating summons against the Rivers State Executive, under the leadership of Simi Fubara. The Amaewhule faction had alleged that the Rivers State Executive was yet to comply with the order of a Federal High Court directing it to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Mokwa, who spoke last Friday, emphasised that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) would respect the court order, following due diligence until a contrary order is issued. However, on Saturday, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigerian government backtracked, saying it has not halted the disbursement of funds to Rivers State, as the allocation process is continuing. In an interview, Mokwa had said that the disbursement of October allocations to states and local governments by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) is still in progress. Mokwa had further explained that Rivers State would continue to benefit from the funds due to a subsisting appeal and a stay of execution order.

    NORTH MUST NOT TEAR NIGERIA APART – GOWON

    NORTH MUST NOT TEAR NIGERIA APART – GOWON Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Retd), has warned that following early agitation for power to return to the northern part of the country, the region must not tear the country apart. Gowon therefore urged northern elites to champion causes that serve the collective interest of Nigeria rather than narrow regional concerns. The former Head of State made the warning on Wednesday while hosting a delegation from the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja. The LND like other emerging groups in the north was formed to mobilise northerners for the 2027 general elections specifically the presidential election to snatch power. Barely a year after President Bola Tinubu took over as president, northerners began agitation for power to return to the North citing marginalisation. This was even after Muhammadu Buhari did eight years leaving Nigeria in a deplorable state in 2023. In essence, northerners are expected to allow for eight years of leadership from the South, with Gowon emphasising that much when he said the North should strive to foster unity and collaboration across Nigeria’s diverse regions instead of narrow regional interest. Recall former presidential spokesman, Doyin Okupe in an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER had also said the unwritten agreement among governing elites was that “after eight years, power must return to another region.” He dismissed northern agitation, stating that “Tinubu or the south must have another four years before power returns to the north.” Corollary, Gowon pointedly advised, “The north must ensure that its actions are in the best interest of Nigeria. “My support for the creation of states was driven by the need to address fears of domination and to promote unity among all regions of the country,” the elder statesman said. He reflected on his time as Head of State, noting the challenges of maintaining national unity amid regional tensions and secession threats during his administration. “At that time, the fear of disintegration was palpable across all regions. My decision to advocate for state creation was to mitigate these fears and ensure a balanced federation.” The elder statesman also explained his deliberate choice to remain neutral in politics, focusing instead on national service. “My allegiance has always been to Nigeria. I believe in putting the country first and avoiding the distractions of partisan politics. Differences in opinion should never hinder us from working together for the nation’s good.” Gowon highlighted Nigeria’s diversity as a strength and called on citizens to prioritize unity and collective development. Gowon expressed concern over the current challenges facing northern Nigeria, including insecurity, disunity, and social issues like poverty and drug addiction. “The activities of groups such as the Lukurawa from Mali have only compounded our problems. However, I am encouraged by your efforts to address these issues and promote unity in the north and across Nigeria.” Speaking, Chairman of the League of Northern Democrats, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, described Gowon as a symbol of unity and resilience. He commended the retired general for his leadership during Nigeria’s most challenging periods and his continued commitment to the nation. Shekarau explained that the LND was established to address critical challenges facing the north and to reposition it as a leader in political, economic, and cultural spheres within Nigeria. “LND is not a political party but a platform for patriots to find collaborative solutions to the issues of disunity, poverty, insecurity, and societal value erosion.” In his closing remarks, Gowon encouraged the LND and other groups to pursue initiatives that promote national unity and development. “Whatever you do, prioritize the collective good of Nigeria. Collaboration among states is essential, but it should never undermine the nation’s unity. Your efforts give me…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    NIGERIA TO CONDUCT NATIONAL CENSUS IN 2025

    • By Dons Eze
    • November 28, 2024
    • 21 views

    WIKE, FUBARA ACCUMULATE HUGE DEBTS FOR RIVERS GOVT

    • By Dons Eze
    • November 28, 2024
    • 31 views

    IBB, ORTOM, TAMBUWAL TOP LIST OF PUBLISHED LAND TITLE DEBTORS

    • By Dons Eze
    • November 28, 2024
    • 50 views

    200 TRUCKS LOAD 150,000BP DAILY AT PH REFINERY, ELEME PLANT DORMANT

    • By Dons Eze
    • November 28, 2024
    • 27 views

    FINISH COURT FIXES MAY 2025 DATE AS SIMON EKPA’S TRIAL

    • By Dons Eze
    • November 28, 2024
    • 102 views

    SACKED VC SUES GUSAU UNIVERSITY FOR DENYING HIS PROFESSORSHIP

    • By Dons Eze
    • November 28, 2024
    • 32 views