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Lawyer suggests that the Emefiele case will challenge Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the law
The detention and legal case surrounding the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, will be a pivotal moment to gauge President Bola Tinubu’s adherence to the principles of the rule of law, according to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Daudu.
Daudu, who is representing Emefiele as his counsel, made this statement after the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Department of State Services (DSS) to either release Emefiele, who has been in custody since June 10, or bring him to court if they have valid charges against him.
Justice Hamza Muazu, in ruling on Emefiele’s fundamental rights enforcement suit against his arrest and continued detention by the DSS, asserted that while the DSS possesses the constitutional authority to arrest, detain, and prevent internal crime, such powers must be exercised within the boundaries of the law.
Consequently, the judge deemed the continued detention of Emefiele by the secret police without trial a clear violation of his fundamental human rights. Justice Muazu emphasized that any form of detention, regardless of its duration, can constitute a breach of these rights. The judge also acknowledged that the allegations against Emefiele were bailable offenses and that the DSS should have granted him administrative bail pending his prosecution.
However, the court dismissed Daudu’s argument that Emefiele’s detention was illegal, acknowledging that the detention was based on a lawful order from a magistrate’s court.
While sympathetic to the applicant, the judge emphasized that his sentiments alone would not dictate the judgment. The judge stated that although the applicant failed to prove that his arrest, detention, and investigation were unlawful, he was entitled to a fair hearing. Considering the absence of any charges against Emefiele, the judge deemed his continued detention unjustified, emphasizing the necessity for his release on administrative bail.
Following the court proceedings, Emefiele’s lawyer commended the court’s courageous ruling. He expressed his expectation that the DSS would comply with the court order and called upon the President to demonstrate that government agencies, under his leadership, would not disobey lawful court orders. Daudu highlighted the President’s previous criticisms of the military government’s disregard for court orders and questioned whether he would uphold the same standard now that he holds power.
In response to the developments, the DSS announced that Godwin Emefiele had been charged to court. The agency’s spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, stated that the DSS had sought a court order in 2022 to detain Emefiele, but another order had been obtained to prevent the DSS from arresting him. Afunanya clarified that Emefiele’s arrest was related to criminal infractions for which he is being prosecuted.
The DSS assured the public of professionalism, justice, and fairness in handling the matter, pledging to fulfill its duties within the confines of the law.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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