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Musings On The NIA Muhammed Dauda And Justice
Musings On The NIA Muhammed Dauda And Justice
By: Inuwa Bwala
For give years now Ambassador Muhamned Dauda, former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency. NIA and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Chad, has been 9n the virtual run for his life.
His family members had to equally go under for their lives, as agents of a cabal that conspired to remove Dauda from office, also went for his jugular.
For the past five years, Dauda cried out for justice and petitioned the world that his removal was a witch hunt, and that some powerful people in the immediate past administration were behind it.
He petitioned the Presidency several times trying to narrate his ordeals, but each time, his cries were either suppressed or the President was deliberately prevented from taking action.
Dauda went to the courts to seek redress, for which he has been consistently threatened and intimidated.
He fled our borders and continued to pursue his cause untill Thursday when the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division ordered his reinstatement as Director General DG of the National Intelligence agency NIA.
One could describe Dauda’s pursuit for justice as one long tortoise journey.
Even to a layman like me one could see the clear destination of the matter, and no one was blind to the intrigues that played out; trying to cover up the monumental fraud that was Dauda’s sack.
That he was vilified for daring to seek justice, is a story for another day, but the eventual judgement last Thursday must have come as a big relief.
Legal pundits and even ordinary minds have described it as a sound judgement by Justice Peter Ige, which will fit a long time remain a watershed in Nigeria’s legal history.
Justice Ige said in the judgement that, the evidence leading to the dismissal of Dauda was frivolous and lacking in merit, and thereby lame and ineffective.
That Judgement had resolved all the contentious issues against the NIA and in favour of the former DG, who was the respondent in the appeal suit.
In ordering for Dauda’s reinstatement and the payment of his salaries and entitlements since the day of his purported dismissal from office, the diplomat DG could begin to pick the pieces of his life and redesign a new life.
While he may not be able to physically return to his seat: having attained the mandatory age of retirement while outside, the judgement not only vindicated him, but exposes the rot in the underbelly of the NIA.
And by ordering the payment of damages to him the appellate court also has succeeded in making an examplery statement, to the effect that, injustice carries with it a burden, that may not be punitively heavy enough but symbolically embarrassing.
Justice Ige in holding that: “Dauda should be allowed to retire in service in accordance with the stipulated laws guarding the NIA, has equally provided a solution to the seeming quagmire, as Dauda himself may not even be interested in sitting on that seat again, but has at least made the point.
Justice Ige was assertive when he said. “There is no evidence before the court that shows that the respondent has constituted any risk or breached any law”, which 8n effect corroborates Ambassador Dauda’s arguments all along, that, he has been a victim of a conspiracy, for resisting to be corrupted.
While it is being argued that, Ambassador Muhammed Dauda may have achieved justice, the cost may remain inestimable untill those behind the act are fully exposed and brought to book.
For those who might not have been familiar with this matter: Muhammed Dauda acted as the head of National Intelligence Agency, NIA from November 2017 to January 2018,when he was replaced by an aide to president Muhammadu Buhari, under very curious circumstances.
Dauda had spent just few months on the job before he was forced out, following which he challenged his removal in court, arguing that his dismissal from service did not follow the due process.
He argued that in contravention of the law, no special management staff of the disciplinary committee (SMSDC) was set up to investigate the charges against him,and he was not given any fair hearing afterwards.
The National Industrial court had in an earlier judgement delivered by Justice Olufunke Anuwe, ordered the reinstatement of Mohammed Dauda as the head of National Intelligence Agency and payment of salaries and entitlements from March 2018 till date after it found that his dismissal fell short of the NIA Act.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Olufunke Anuwe, it was held that, under the agency’s rule, the appropriate committee to investigate disciplinary cases against management staff is the management staff disciplinary committee, “not the special management staff disciplinary committee”.
The NIA appealed Justice Olufunke’s judgement which was thrown out last Thursday.
Musings On The NIA Muhammed Dauda And Justice
Celebration as ECWA Pastor Released, Reunited with Family in Sanga LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Joy filled Mararaban Abros in Sanga Local Government Area yesterday as Samson Ndah Ali, a 30‑year‑old pastor of the ECWA Church, was released by his captors and reunited with his family.
Zagazola Makama reported that Pastor Ali was abducted on April 8, 2025, by unknown gunmen while travelling in the area.
The Kidnappers have earlier demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of Pastor Samson. A joint team of security operatives comprising the Nigerian Army, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) has launched an operation in a bid to rescue the abducted cleric.
His congregation and relatives had been anxiously awaiting news of his safety. On the morning of April 10 at about 9:00 a.m., intelligent sources confirmed that the pastor had regained his freedom and was en route home.
Upon his return, church members and neighbours gathered at his residence to offer prayers of thanksgiving. “We give thanks to God for his safe return,” said one church elder, as tears of relief turned quickly to shouts of praise. Children released balloons, and women sang hymns to mark the occasion.
Pastor Ali is currently resting at home and is reported to be in good health. No further confirmation if ransom was paid for his release.
Celebration as ECWA Pastor Released, Reunited with Family in Sanga LGA
ECOWAS Court Honours Four Retiring Staff
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS held a retirement celebration in honour of four esteemed staff members – Dr Athanase Atannon, Dr William Deiyan Towah, Mr Félicien Hounkanrin and Mr Iliyas Jonah – in recognition of their remarkable years of dedicated service, professionalism and commitment to the institution.
In his address, Honourable President of the Court, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, commended the retirees for their unwavering commitment, hardwork and exemplary professionalism. “We cannot fail to tell you, honored gentlemen, here and now, that the Court owes you all a deep debt of gratitude,” the President remarked. “Each of you leaves an indelible mark on this institution through your professional achievements and impact on your colleagues.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court, reflected on the invaluable contributions of the retirees to the Court’s operational success. He praised their dedication, passion for excellence and hard work that have left a lasting impact’ on the Court and the staff members.
A staff representative, Mr Ghislain Agbozo also delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of the staff members. He shared some highlights that reflected the dedicated service and warm friendship of the retirees. “You have dedicated most of your professional lives to serving the Community,” he noted. ‘It is with great pleasure and deep respect that we pay tribute to each of you today, acknowledging the invaluable contributions you have made’ and celebrating the values you exemplified throughout your service.
Dr William Deiyan Towah who spoke on behalf of the retirees expressed their gratitude for the privilege to serve the institution and the wider Community. “My colleagues and I are about to retire, having served our Community with dedication and commitment, guided by the values we hold dear.” He further expressed hope that the institution would continue to uphold the ideals for which it was founded.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Honourable Vice President Sengu Mohamed Koroma who extended sincere appreciation to all attendees and the organizing team. “To the retirees, as you embark on this new chapter, we wish all of you the best in your retirement – a time filled with joy, relaxation, and the pursuit of new adventures”, he said.
The event, held at Abuja Continental Hotel was filled with moments of reflection, laughter and celebration. Retirees were honoured with plaques and certificates of appreciation, while colleagues shared heartfelt memories and best wishes.
Members of the Court, staff and families of the retirees gathered to celebrate the careers and legacies of these four exceptional individuals. Their contributions will remain embedded in the history of the Court.
ECOWAS Court Honours Four Retiring Staff
Boko Haram: Zulum Meets Army, Naval, Air Force Chiefs in Abuja
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, held a crucial closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s top military leadership in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting, which was held separately behind closed doors with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, was to deploy a renewed push for coordinated action against the insurgents.
Sources from the meeting revealed that the discussions centred on strengthening military operations in the Northeast, improving intelligence sharing, and addressing the recent surge in attacks by the terror group.
Governor Zulum had on Tuesday, during an expanded security meeting held in Maiduguri, lamented the recent surge in attacks by the terrorists on civilian and military facilities, calling for decisive action to avert the situation from getting out of control.
Zulum was accompanied by the senators representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, Borno North, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan.
Others in the governor’s entourage include Mukhtar Betera Aliyu and Engr Bukar Talba, members of the House of Representatives, and Professor Usman Tar, Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security.
Boko Haram: Zulum Meets Army, Naval, Air Force Chiefs in Abuja
Celebration as ECWA Pastor Released, Reunited with Family in Sanga LGA
ECOWAS Court Honours Four Retiring Staff
Boko Haram: Zulum Meets Army, Naval, Air Force Chiefs in Abuja
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