Connect with us

Crime

President Tinubu Taken To ECOWAS Court Over Rivers State Emergency Rule

Published

on

Tinubu Taken To ECOWAS Court

President Tinubu Taken To ECOWAS Court Over Rivers State Emergency Rule

President Tinubu taken to ECOWAS court over Rivers State Emergency Rule. The federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been sued at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja over the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.

Legal Challenge Against Emergency Rule

In a suit filed on March 20, 2025 (ECW/CCJ/APP/18/25), the applicants are seeking a court order to nullify the suspension of elected officials and the removal of democratic structures in Rivers State.

The plaintiffs, Harry Ibiso and 11 others, along with the Eastern Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council, also demand the cancellation of all decisions, policies, and directives issued by the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, who was appointed by President Tinubu on March 18.

Claim: Tinubu Lacked Authority to Remove Elected Officials

The applicants argue that President Tinubu, as an elected official, lacks the constitutional authority to remove or suspend a state governor, who was also democratically elected.

They claim the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly violated their fundamental rights and those of the state’s residents.

“The action has stripped the people of Rivers State of their democratic rights and human dignity, effectively disenfranchising them,” the applicants stated.

They further argued that a state of emergency should not serve as a pretext for executive overreach, allowing the usurpation of a governor’s powers or the legislative authority of the state assembly.

Court Yet to Fix Hearing Date

Tinubu Taken To ECOWAS Court

Tinubu Taken To ECOWAS Court

The case, backed by constitutional lawyer Festus Ogwuche, is yet to be scheduled for a hearing.

Meanwhile, Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State was ratified by the National Assembly on Thursday, despite opposition protests.

Vice Admiral Ibas has since assumed office as the state’s sole administrator.

Crime

NHRC Calls For Urgent Legal Reforms To Address AI-Related Human Rights Challenges

Published

on

By

NHRC Calls For Urgent Legal Reforms

NHRC Calls For Urgent Legal Reforms To Address AI-Related Human Rights Challenges

NHRC calls for urgent legal reforms to address AI-Related human rights challenges. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for an urgent review of existing laws to tackle emerging human rights concerns arising from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.

Speaking at a workshop on AI governance and human rights, NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, warned that without robust ethical frameworks, AI could widen inequalities, introduce algorithmic bias, invade privacy, and threaten human rights.

AI as a Double-Edged Sword

Ojukwu emphasized that while AI is reshaping societies, economies, and human interactions, its regulation must ensure that technological progress does not outpace human rights protections.

“As AI becomes more sophisticated, human oversight remains crucial. Our laws must evolve to balance innovation with ethical principles,” he said.

He called on policymakers, business leaders, technologists, and civil society groups to collaborate in ensuring AI promotes human dignity rather than undermines it.

NHRC Calls For Urgent Legal Reforms

NHRC Calls For Urgent Legal Reforms

Need for Legal and Ethical Frameworks

The President of the International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (IN-CRS), Eustace Onuegbu, noted that AI’s rapid expansion in Africa brings both opportunities and challenges that require urgent legal and ethical considerations.

Similarly, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, representing the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, stressed the need for Nigeria to balance AI’s benefits with strong human rights safeguards.

Continue Reading

Crime

Nnamdi Kanu Apologizes For Misconduct In High Court

Published

on

By

Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu Apologizes For Misconduct In High Court

Nnamdi Kanu apologizes for misconduct in High Court. The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has formally apologized to the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo for his misconduct during the last session of his terrorism trial.

In a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, Kanu assured the court that he would maintain good conduct throughout the proceedings.

Emotional Apology Delivered by Counsel

His apology was conveyed through a prepared speech delivered by his lead counsel, former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN). Kanu expressed regret over his outburst in open court and pleaded for understanding.

Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu

Agabi acknowledged that while Kanu had reasons to be frustrated, he should not have spoken in anger.

Prosecutor Accepts Apology

In response, Awomolo (SAN) said he was moved by Kanu’s sincere plea and had forgiven him. He clarified that his role was not to persecute but to ensure a fair and swift resolution of the case.

Video Credit: @galaxytv…

Continue Reading

Crime

Nigerian Customs Seize $578,000 Undeclared Cash At Lagos Airport

Published

on

By

Nigerian Customs

Nigerian Customs Seize $578,000 Undeclared Cash At Lagos Airport

Nigerian customs seize $578,000 undeclared cash at Lagos Airport. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, has intercepted $578,000 in undeclared cash from an inbound passenger arriving from South Africa.

Customs Area Controller John Harrison revealed this on Friday, identifying the suspect as Okorie Sunday, who arrived on March 19, 2025, and attempted to smuggle the cash hidden on his body.

Violation of Financial Regulations

Harrison explained that the passenger declared only $279,000 but concealed an additional $299,000, violating Nigeria’s $10,000 cash declaration limit. He also had £100 and a counterfeit $250.

Nigerian Customs

Nigerian Customs dollars

The seized cash was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

EFCC’s acting Zonal Director, Ahmed Ghali, warned that failing to declare large sums of cash raises money laundering concerns and urged travelers to comply with financial regulations.

Continue Reading

Trending