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Behave yourself, Court Warns Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer for Unprofessional Conduct
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra has continued with Justice James Omotosho sounding a note of warning against Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the defence team and others that are in the habit of posting live stream and Court documents on the social media.
This comes on a day that the defense team continued with the cross examination of the government’s second witness, code named BBB in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The day’s proceedings began with lead counsel for the defence, Kanu Agabi, informing the Court of a letter by the lead counsel for the prosecution, Adegboyega Awomolo dated 14 May about illegal live streaming of court proceedings.
He recommended that phones be banned from the courtroom. He laments the action of Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the defense team who posts misleading information on social media. He says the case is too serious for anyone to trivialise in the manner that it’s being done.
In his intervention, Justice James Omotosho said he granted an accelerated hearing of the case in the interest of all parties, particularly for Nnamdi Kanu who has been in custody for too long.
The judge charged all parties in the case to act professionally to ensure progress. He further warned Aloy Ejimakor to stop such conduct that may warrant the disbarring of a lawyer.
Justice Omotosho therefore charged all parties in the case to avoid acts that amount to misconduct and watch what they post on social media.
The actual case continued with the cross examination of Mr BBB (a personnel of the DSS) by Paul Erokoro who conducted proceedings on behalf of the defence.
On whether the DSS can be influenced by politicians or ministers, the witness stated that the Agency is under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). He also clarified that the Attorney General does not teleguide the operations of the DSS.
Asked on the mode of intelligence gathering by the DSS, the witness noted that the sources are many, including human, social media, among others.
BBB further says owing to their mode of training, DSS operatives have the capacity to get information where necessary.
Probed further, the witness said he was told by Nnamdi Kanu that he was ‘kidnapped’ from Kenya and returned to Nigeria in 2021. On allegations that the DSS carried out the act, Mr BBB stated that the agency lacks the powers to effect arrest beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The witness therefore restated that Kanu, via his Radio Biafra broadcasts, incited violence, including during the ENDSARS protests in 2020. The witness adds that the defendant expressed readiness to make Biafra possible, by all means, including war.
Mr BBB stressed that the inciting comments made by the IPOB leader led to the burning of a police station in Ebonyi State, a Lagos State High Court, and the cargo shed of the Murtala Mohammed Airport.
The witness said the casualties from the inciting comments made by Kanu include an army couple killed and beheaded in Orlu by persons believed to be members of the ESN the military wing of IPOB. Another was a retired judge, Stephen Nnaji.
At some point during cross examination, Paul Erokoro, sought adjournment, informing the Court that there is a video clip that the defense seeks to tender. He asked for some time to make that possible.
Meanwhile, the Court admitted as evidence, certified true copies of judgments of three fundamental rights enforcement lawsuits instituted by Nnamdi Kanu.
These are those of the Abia State High Court of 19 January 2022, Federal High Court, Umuahia division delivered on 26 October, 2022 and another by the High Court of Enugu State, delivered on 26th October 2023.
Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case till Thursday 22 May for the conclusion of the cross examination of the second prosecution witness.
News
Uzodimma to Editors: You should be held accountable for what happens to Nigeria
“The narratives you shape between now and the election will determine whether Nigerians approach 2027 with hope or cynicism, with trust or suspicion, with a sense of shared stake or through a tribal lens.”
Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, says the Nigerian media industry should be held accountable for what’s happening in the country and to its citizens, both positively and negatively.
“Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect,” said Uzodimma.
In a keynote address , he delivered today during the 21st edition of the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Abuja.
Uzodimma, critique the theme, ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,’ and a sub-theme: ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,’ said : I will not let you escape accountability for electoral integrity, trust deficit, and what Nigerians expect in 2027.
Here is why. If you have a role to play in “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion,’ then you also have a role to play in ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit.’
Without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy. Electoral integrity begets democracy, and democracy begets good governance, and good governance fast-tracks the exorcism of trust deficit.
In all of these, your role as facilitator, amplifier, or catalyst is key.
“Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect.”
He emphasised that what editors actually do is akin to a pastoral duty.
“You decide what becomes urgent and what disappears.
You choose the lens through which millions of Nigerians see their country, their leaders, and each other.
“That is how the media is structured. A policy shift is either “Government U-Turn” or “Strategic Adaptation.”
A land border closure is either “Economic Protectionism Impoverishing the People” or “National Security Imperative.” Same facts, different frames. Entirely different public perception.,” he said.
He added: ” You are not spectators in 2027. You are active participants. You are catalysts and facilitators, whether r you acknowledge it or not.
The narratives you shape between now and the election will determine whether Nigerians approach 2027 with hope or cynicism, with trust or suspicion, with a sense of shared stake or through a tribal lens.”
News
Editors demand 10-year corporate tax relief for the media industry
The President of the NGE, Mr Eze Anaba, who made the call on behalf of the media organisations, lamented that the present economic realities in the country have put the media in distress.
•President of the NGE, Mr Eze Anaba
The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) is requesting for 10-year corporate tax relief from the federal government.
The guild presented their demand on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) with the theme “Democracy, Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.
The President of the NGE, Mr Eze Anaba, who made the call on behalf of the media organisations, lamented that the present economic realities in the country have put the media in distress.
He emphasized that the economic situation in the country has forced some media houses to shut down, while some that struggle to operate cannot pay workers’ salaries.
The NGE boss also called for tax exemption, the establishment of low-interest loans for the media, and a digital transformation and innovation fund.
Anaba further proposed a Media Freedom and Safety Charter to protect journalists from a hostile environment.
•Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
Ethiopia has been selected to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027.
Richard Muyingi, chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), disclosed that Ethiopia’s bid was endorsed last week after the country resubmitted its expression of interest , beating Nigeria in a closely contested bid.
“The matter was discussed by the African group in a meeting last week, and Ethiopia was confirmed as the host of COP32,” Muyingi said.
The hosting of COPs rotates among global regions, with Africa due to host the summit in 2027.
The host country for COP31 is yet to be decided between Turkey and Australia.
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