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NBA president meets CDS, decries lawyers’ harassment

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The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has bemoaned the persistent attacks on legal practitioners by security agencies in the country.

He bemoaned the case of two lawyers, Okorie Kevin, who was reportedly detained by the Navy for over 120 days and Mr Ernest Okpaga, who was unlawfully detained and assaulted by officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

Speaking on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters, where he was received by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, the NBA President raised the case of Kevin, calling for intervention.

Osigwe also brought the attention of the CDS to reports of military checkpoints being used as avenues for extortion by some unscrupulous personnel.

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He criticised the practice of collective punishment in communities experiencing crises involving the military.

The legal luminary stressed the need for a collaborative relationship between the NBA and the military to ensure justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.

Gen Musa, in his response, acknowledged the issues raised by the NBA President.

While denying knowledge of Kevin’s case, Gen Musa assured the NBA President that immediate steps would be taken to investigate and resolve the matter.

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He said the Defence Headquarters remained committed to maintaining a people-centric approach and adhering to rules of engagement when interacting with civilians, including lawyers.

The CDS expressed a willingness to collaborate with the NBA to strengthen mutual understanding and ensure adherence to the rule of law.

He assured the NBA that any soldier found engaging in unlawful activities at checkpoints would henceforth face disciplinary action.

In a separate press statement on Tuesday, Osigwe, while hosting members of the NBA National Litigation Committee in Abuja, commended the committee for professionalism, dedication and proactive response to Okpaga’s matter.

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He added, “The commitment demonstrated by the National Litigation Committee in addressing critical issues affecting lawyers is a testament to the strength and integrity of the NBA.”

Osigwe reiterated that the NBA remained resolute in its commitment to defending the rule of law and safeguarding the sanctity of the legal profession.

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Just in: Lagos LG chairman slumps during APC meeting

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The Chairman of Bariga Local Government Area of Lagos State, Kolade Alabi, on Wednesday, suddenly slumped at the All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s Secretariat in Ikeja, the state capital.

According to The PUNCH, Alabi, who is the state chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, was addressing party members when the sad incident occured.

Fortunately, he was immediately revived and rushed away to the hospital in an ambulance for further treatment.

Details shortly…

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Multiple video evidence against Nnamdi Kanu

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, admitted a video recording allegedly showing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu issuing inflammatory directives which the prosecution claims incited acts of terrorism across the South – East region of the country.

The Wednesday proceedings resumed with the continuation of the testimony of the second Prosecution witness, an operative of Department of State Services (DSS) codenamed PWBBB.

In the video played in open court, Kanu was seen addressing his followers in what he called, “the blessed land of Biafra”, wherein he announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), urging followers to defend their land against what he referred to as “Fulani domination.”

He warned political leaders in the region against compromises and issued a directive forbidding the presence of fulani herdsmen, saying, “No Fulani parading as herdsman shall be allowed in our land. If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”

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The device was admitted as evidence alongside a certificate of compliance, despite objections from the defence.

They were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1, respectively.

The court also admitted a letter dated June 17, 2021, authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence.

The letter, addressed to the DSS, was tendered without objection and marked as Exhibit PWF.

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Reading from the document, the witness, who was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were followed by coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, resulting in loss of lives and property.

He quoted the petition as saying Kanu had instructed that security operatives be “brought down” and their weapons seized.

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Just in: Security and Exchange Commission declares PWAN as PONZI scheme, cautions Nigerians

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Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has alerted the public on the activities of Property World Africa Network (PWAN), which holds itself out as a real estate investment company and solicits funds from the public for investment purposes through PWAN MAX.

In a statement on Tuesday, the SEC said PWAN/PWAN MAX are not registered either to solicit investments from the public or operate in any other capacity within the Nigerian capital market.

The SEC said investigations revealed that PWAN’s operations exhibit the typical indicators of a fraudulent Ponzi scheme, including the promise of unusually high returns and failure to honour withdrawal requests from subscribers.

“Accordingly, the public is strongly advised to be wary about investing with PWAN/PWAN MAX, as any person who places such investment with these entities, does so at his/her own risk.

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“The commission similarly reminds potential investors of the need to verify the registration status of investment platforms via the commission’s dedicated portal: www.sec.gov.ng/cmos before transacting with them,” the SEC said.

(The Guardian)

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