News
Kanu Declines to Open Defence, Insists no Case Against him
………..Judge Advises Kanu to Consult Expert on Criminal Law
The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declined to open his defence in his ongoing trial, insisting that the Federal Government has no valid charges against him.
At Monday’s proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kanu informed the court that, after finally receiving and reviewing his case file, he found no basis for the charges brought against him. He therefore requested one week to file a written address instead of calling witnesses as earlier planned.
However, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, strongly objected to the request, noting that the court had already granted the defendant six days to conclude his defence—two of which had elapsed. Awomolo argued that Kanu was fully aware of the charges since his plea was taken and witnesses were cross-examined, stressing that the matter could not be allowed to drag indefinitely.
The prosecution urged the court to deem Kanu’s refusal to open his defence as a conclusion of the case and to proceed to judgment.
Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu about the risks of representing himself, describing him as a “layman” in legal practice and advising him to seek counsel from someone versed in criminal law. The court also reminded him that the issue of his extraordinary rendition from Kenya had already been resolved and was no longer relevant to the current trial.
In the interest of justice, Justice Omotosho granted Kanu’s request and adjourned the case until Tuesday, November 4, for either the opening of his defence or the adoption of his written address on his claim that the Federal Government has no case to answer.
News
NDLEA Arrests Wanted Drug Baron, Seizes Tons of Skunk in Raids
NDLEA further confirmed that it seized $11,600; 2,000 British Pounds; 2,200 Euros and 50 Canadian dollars all in cash from the suspect at the point of his arrest.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a wanted drug baron, Frank Ibemesi, alias Chisco Bee.
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Chisco Bee who operates under the cover of being a businessman and hotelier, is the MD/CEO of Franc CJ Ibemesi Nig Ltd.
Babafemi disclosed that Chisco Bee was arrested at his Daisy Garden Hotel, in Ago palace way, Isolo Lagos.
He was then taken to his warehouse where 42 jumbo bags and four cartoons of Loud were recovered.
NDLEA further confirmed that it seized $11,600; 2,000 British Pounds; 2,200 Euros and 50 Canadian dollars all in cash from the suspect at the point of his arrest.
NDLEA also confirmed that operatives foiled attempt by a drug syndicate in Osun state to load and distribute large quantities of processed skunk, across the country.
Two trucks used to transport the illicit consignment were seized and seven suspects arrested.
The peddlers are Lucky Abiodun; Julius Amos; Victor Ngbikili; Sunday Oduegwu; Ibrahim Akanni; Eze Godstime; and Fred Ifeanyichukwu.In Edo State, NDLEA said it recovered a total of 1,902.1 kilograms of skunk.
While 184.1kg was recovered along a bush path in Igbanke, in Orhionmwon LGA , 672kg was evacuated from Utese forest, Ovia North East LGA with 494kg recovered along Benin-Akure road where a suspect, 45 year old Felix Edah was arrested.
The NDLEA also confirmed the arrest of four suspects: Micheal Okoh; Offor Agada; Raphael Nkemjika and Nwabueze Franklin for being in possession of 68kg skunk and 3.150kg methamphetamine.
They were arrested along Ijebu-Ode expressway in Ogun state just as Danjuma Tukura, was nabbed with 172kg skunk at Sunkani area of Ardo Kola LGA, of Taraba state and Wisdom Titus was nabbed with 84kg of same substance at Takum area of the state.
NDLEA made several other similar arrests in Adamawa, Kwara States even as it intensified its fight against drug crime in Nigeria.
Crime
DSS Cracks Down on Plateau Violence, Arms Recovery
The Department of State Services has recorded another breakthrough, arresting a man believed to be a major supplier of weapons to armed groups.
This comes Three months after arraigning suspects in the Yelwata and Plateau massacres.
In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Musa Abubakar, a suspected arms manufacturer, in a targeted raid on November 12th.
The operation took place at his workshop in Mista Ali, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The arrest followed weeks of meticulous surveillance and the gathering of credible intelligence.
According to investigators, Abubakar confessed to manufacturing and distributing high-caliber weapons and ammunition.
These weapons were allegedly supplied to groups responsible for the recent violent attacks in Plateau State and other northern states.
Authorities seized a cache of evidence during the raid, including components of improvised explosive devices, various chemicals, and equipment used in the manufacturing process.
The DSS is continuing its investigation, aiming to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the arms supply chain and bring them to justice.
News
JUST IN: Governor Mutfwang Disassociate Self From Motion Expelling Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, others From the PDP
….Fintiri Abandons Convention after Wike’s Expulsion
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally distanced himself from the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike; former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; Samuel Anyanwu alongside other leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a press statement, Governor Mutfwang clarified that the subject was neither discussed by Governors Forum nor at NEC before the motion was presented. He emphasized that the proposal does not reflect his position on the matter.
Governor Mutfwang further noted that expelling the party leaders at this crucial time is not a strategic step toward resolving the internal challenges currently confronting the PDP.
He reiterated the need for unity, dialogue, and collective effort in rebuilding and repositioning the party.
-
Sports2 days agoCAF announces free e-visas for fans attending AFCON Morocco 2025
-
News2 days agoParliamentary Workers set for full-scale nationwide strike
-
Politics2 days agoPDP Ibadan Convention : Amotekun, DSS and Police Beefup Securiy
-
News1 day agoFG vows to end frequent power grid collapses
-
Crime2 days agoBREAKING: DSS Recaptures Ansaru Terrorist Commander Linked to Church Massacre
-
News1 day agoMarwa Vows Tougher Crackdown on Drug Traffickers in Second NDLEA Tenure
-
News2 days agoMarwa To Serve As NDLEA Chairman Until 2031- Tinubu
-
Crime1 day agoArmy confirms death of two soldiers in Borno ambush
