Judge Weighs Recusal in IGP Contempt Case Over Missing Man as Police Stay Away

By: Michael Mike

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has deferred a decision on whether to continue presiding over contempt proceedings against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), saying she is considering stepping aside because of her deep involvement in the case.

The contempt proceedings arise from allegations that the IGP failed to obey subsisting court orders directing the police to produce officers implicated in the disappearance of John Anozie and to present several case files linked to the matter. The court had also awarded N2 million in damages to Mr. Anozie’s wife, Nnenna Anozie.

At Monday’s proceedings, the IGP was not represented in court.

When the matter was called, counsel to Mrs. Anozie, Vincent Adodo, told the court that the applicant was ready to proceed with the application seeking to commit the IGP for contempt over the alleged non-compliance with the court’s orders.

Before the application could be argued, Justice Nyako disclosed that she had reflected extensively on the case and was contemplating transferring the contempt proceedings to another judge.

“I have been thinking about this matter, and I am of the opinion that I should send this case to one of my brother judges to take the contempt proceedings,” the judge said.

“I feel I have been so involved in the matter.”

However, Adodo urged the court to retain the case, stating that his client had confidence in the judge’s continued handling of the proceedings.

“We are comfortable with you handling the case, My Lord,” he said.

Justice Nyako said she would take one week to decide whether to continue hearing the contempt application or assign it to another judge.

The proceedings also revealed what appears to be a breakthrough in efforts to recover one of the missing police case files central to the dispute.

Adodo informed the court that the file had been located and temporarily released to his legal team for photocopying before it was returned to the respondents over two weeks ago.

“They have found the case file,” he said, adding that the only outstanding step was for the authorities to certify the document.

“The only thing they need to do is just to certify it,” he told the court.

Reacting, Justice Nyako remarked: “At least something is happening.”

Background

The case stems from the alleged abduction of John Anozie by operatives of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lagos in June 2017. His whereabouts have remained unknown since the incident, making the case one of the unresolved allegations of enforced disappearance linked to the former police unit.

The suit has become a test of police accountability and compliance with judicial orders. The pending contempt proceedings seek to determine whether the IGP should be sanctioned for allegedly failing to obey the court’s directives, with Justice Nyako expected next week to decide whether she will continue hearing the matter or transfer it to another judge.

Judge Weighs Recusal in IGP Contempt Case Over Missing Man as Police Stay Away

WAHO: Stronger Regional Cooperation Vital to Safeguard West Africa’s Health

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has marked its 39th anniversary with a bold declaration that the future of healthcare in the ECOWAS region hinges on stronger regional cooperation, sustainable financing, technological innovation and preparedness against emerging health threats.

In a landmark anniversary statement issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agency, WAHO Director-General, Dr. Melchior Aïssi, reflected on nearly four decades of regional health collaboration, while outlining an ambitious roadmap aimed at tackling some of the most pressing health challenges confronting West Africa.

Founded on July 9, 1987, by the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), WAHO was established to coordinate regional responses to health emergencies, harmonise health policies and strengthen healthcare systems across member states. Dr. Aïssi said the organisation has remained steadfast in pursuing that vision despite evolving political and institutional realities.

Describing the anniversary as particularly significant because it coincides with the completion of his tenure as Director-General, Aïssi said the organisation had weathered numerous challenges while recording remarkable achievements through collective commitment by ECOWAS institutions, member states and development partners.

According to him, even the relocation of WAHO’s headquarters to Côte d’Ivoire and wider changes within the ECOWAS community failed to slow the organisation’s momentum.

Instead, he noted, the developments underscored the resilience of the institution and the dedication of its workforce.

The Director-General highlighted several major initiatives pursued over the past year, including efforts to strengthen national health systems, promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, mobilise protected domestic resources for healthcare financing and expand implementation of the regional community health policy.

One of the defining milestones, he said, came during the 27th Assembly of ECOWAS Ministers of Health held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where ministers adopted far-reaching regional policy instruments expected to shape healthcare delivery for years to come.

Among the landmark decisions were the adoption of a Regional Framework for Malaria Elimination, the Freetown Charter on technology and data-driven reduction of maternal, neonatal and infant mortality, regional recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding and new commitments to strengthen domestic financing for healthcare.

Aïssi described the decisions as evidence of a growing determination among ECOWAS member states to build more resilient, innovative and equitable health systems capable of delivering quality healthcare to millions across the sub-region.

The Director-General also welcomed renewed confidence expressed by ECOWAS Ministers of Health in WAHO’s leadership and performance, saying the recognition belonged to the organisation’s staff, member states and partners whose commitment enabled the institution to achieve results despite operating under difficult conditions.

Looking beyond the anniversary celebrations, Aïssi warned that West Africa faces increasingly complex health threats requiring coordinated regional action.

He identified health security, emerging and re-emerging diseases, climate change, digital transformation of healthcare systems, regional pharmaceutical production and sustainable financing as critical priorities that demand stronger collaboration among governments and stakeholders.

“I remain deeply convinced that the future of our Organisation rests on this collective capacity to innovate, to pool our experiences and to act together for the benefit of our populations,” he said.

Paying tribute to those who have contributed to WAHO’s journey over the past 39 years, Aïssi praised ECOWAS leaders, ministers of health, healthcare professionals, technical and financial partners, and the organisation’s staff for building what he described as one of Africa’s leading regional health institutions.

He expressed confidence that WAHO would continue to advance the vision of universal access to quality healthcare for every woman, man and child in West Africa through sustained support from member states and international partners.

WAHO: Stronger Regional Cooperation Vital to Safeguard West Africa’s Health

Sokoto donates 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles to security agencies

By: Zagazola Makama

The Christopher Gwabin Musa has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s current security challenges will soon be overcome, urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

Musa made the remarks on Wednesday in Sokoto during the inauguration of 62 armoured vehicles and 320 motorcycles procured by the Sokoto State Government for deployment by various security agencies operating in the state.

The security assets, valued at about N27.7 billion, are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The defence chief stressed the need for security personnel to remain resolute in confronting criminal elements, while urging Nigerians to regard security as a collective responsibility through timely intelligence sharing and community support.

He described Sokoto as his home state, recalling that he was born and raised there, and commended the efforts of the state government in sustaining peace despite recent security challenges in some parts of the state.

According to him, the administration of Ahmed Aliyu has consistently supported security agencies with critical logistics, noting that the latest intervention would further boost troop morale and operational effectiveness.

Musa appealed to other state governments and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the Sokoto Government by supporting security agencies with logistics and other resources needed to combat insecurity.

He also said that security remains a key priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability across the country.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu said the newly acquired armoured vehicles and motorcycles would be deployed to identified flashpoints to strengthen ongoing operations against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The governor said the intervention was aimed at improving the operational efficiency of security agencies and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.

He disclosed that his administration had previously spent more than N36.27 billion on similar logistics support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in Sokoto State.

Aliyu further revealed that the Sokoto State House of Assembly was considering legislation that would prescribe sanctions for informants aiding criminal groups, similar to those imposed on bandits.

He reaffirmed that security remains a top priority under his administration’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda and commended the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and stakeholders for their continued efforts in addressing insecurity.

The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support towards improving the nation’s security architecture.

In his remarks, the Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the governor for his sustained investment in security, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to the protection of lives and property in the state.

Sokoto donates 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles to security agencies