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Court dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal on unlawful arrest, detention
Court dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal on unlawful arrest, detention
The Court of Appeal on Monday dismissed the appeal filed by Felix Okonkwo, one of the lawyers to the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu over his unlawful arrest and detention by the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) .
Justice Okon Abang dismissed the appeal for want of merit.
Delivering judgment, Justice Abang held that the appellant failed to establish miscarriage of justice in the judgment of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in the matter.
The appellants comprising of Felix Okonkwo, Ikenna Chibuike and Okafor Ugochukwu had dragged the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS before the high court for the enforcement of their client’s fundamental human rights.
The appellants specifically accused the two security agencies of violating their fundamental rights by their unlawful arrest and detention on September 27, 2021, during which they claimed that they were tortured, harassed and intimidated while in the custody of the Police.
Justice Samaila Bature had, in his judgment delivered on March 24, 2022 found the police liable for the unlawful arrest and detention of the the appellants and subsequently imposed a fine of N2 million against Police to be paid to the appellants.
Justice Bature however did not make any order against the DSS because the appellant, then plaintiffs did not disclose any cause of action against the state services.
Not satisfied with the findings and decisions of the high court, the three plaintiffs had approached the Court of Appeal praying for an order to hold that SSS was also culpable in their arrest and detention.
They claimed that the N2 million imposed on the police as fine, was paltry and ridiculously low and asked the appellate court to jerk up the fine as compensation for their unlawful arrest and detention.
In a unanimous judgment by a three-man panel of the appellate court, Justice Abang held that from the video footage tendered as exhibit by the appellants at the trial court, there was no where the operatives of the SSS were found at the scene of their arrest in the house of Ifeanyi Ejiofor in Anambra state.
He disagreed with the appellants in their claims that the N2 million compensatory damages was grossly insufficient.
According to Abang, the decision to award compensatory damages is at the discretion of a Judge and cannot be dictated by any plaintiff or appellant.
In the instant case, Justice Abang agreed with Justice Bature that perculiar facts and circumstances of the unlawful arrest and detention of the appellants were carefully considered at the trial court before arriving at the amount.
Besides, Justice Abang said that the appellants did not point out irrelevant facts in the judgement of the high court and did not also disclose their status in the society, they did not point out their monthly or yearly income and also did not point out what they lost in the course of their detention.
“In my opinion and going by the perculiar facts and circumstances of this case, the N2 million compensation to the appellants was properly awarded.
“I cannot fault the award because the appellant did not give any good reason for them to have been awarded a much higher amount.
“In the final analysis, the appeals lacks merit and it is accordingly dismissed, the decision of the trial court is hereby affirmed. There is order as to cost”, Justice Abang held.
Justices Joseph Oyewole and Abba Bello Mohammed endorsed the unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Abang.
Court dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal on unlawful arrest, detention
News
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
By: Michael Mike
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is set to transform into one of the capital’s premier destinations for romance and social experiences, unveiling an all-inclusive lineup of activities designed for both couples and singles.

This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by the hotel’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ms Ijeoma Osuji, who said the iconic hospitality brand will host a three-day “Valentine Weekend Package” from February 13 to 15.
According to the statement, the experience is designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from long-term couples seeking a romantic getaway to individuals looking to connect and celebrate the season of love in a vibrant social setting.
For visitors seeking a complete escape, the hotel is offering a bespoke room package that combines luxury accommodation with carefully curated romantic add-ons, promising a serene retreat from the city’s bustle alongside world-class hospitality.
The weekend programme features a diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Among the highlights is the “Signature Couples Event,” a grand and intimate gathering featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music, and comedy performances.
Guests can also look forward to “A Night of Humour,” a comedy showcase featuring top-tier entertainers, aand“Theatre Magic on Stage,” a specially curated romantic stage play designed to engage audiences through powerful storytelling and emotional connection.
For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel will host Dual Restaurant Experiences, with its signature outlets; Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant, offering exclusive Valentine-themed dining packages tailored to diverse tastes.
Breaking away from the traditional focus on couples, the hotel is also introducing a Poolside Party for Singles, providing a chic, lively atmosphere for Abuja’s social crowd to mingle under the stars, accompanied by music and refreshing cocktails.
To help guests capture lasting memories, professional couples’ photography sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to document their special moments against the hotel’s scenic backdrops.
“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory,” the hotel’s management said in the statement. “Whether it’s through laughter at our comedy special or a beautiful moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms.”
Reservations for the Valentine Weekend Package are now open, with organisers confident that guests will experience a memorable, immersive celebration at what remains one of Abuja’s most vibrant social hubs.
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
News
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) E-Registration and Reconciliation Committee in Borno State, Ambassador Baba Ahmad Jidda has led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas as part of efforts to deepen grassroots participation in the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise.
The tour, aimed at monitoring progress and galvanising party members, brought the committee into direct engagement with local government officials, lawmakers, traditional institutions, and party executives across the two councils.

Members of the committee on the visit included Hon. Tijjani Umara Kumalia, Mohammed Makinta, Hon. Busami Ardoram, Hon. Babakura Shettima, Hon. Mohd Maina Tar, Hajiya Mairo Bunu Lawan, Alh. Zanna Mahdi, Alh. Yusuf Adamu, Barrister Ba’ande Imam, and the committee’s Secretary, Dr. Babakura Mamman Gadai.
In Bama, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Shehu Umar Ibn Kyari, where Ambassador Jidda expressed appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support and the warm reception accorded the team. He described Bama as a community with which he shares deep personal and political ties.

Addressing party leaders and stakeholders at the Bama Government Lodge, Ambassador Jidda recalled the overwhelming support he received from the people of Bama during the 1999 governorship election, describing it as a testament to the area’s enduring commitment to progressive politics.
He reaffirmed that Borno remains a stronghold of the APC, noting that the party’s decisive victories in the 2023 general elections reflected unity, discipline, and effective leadership within the party. According to him, the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, has been instrumental in sustaining the party’s dominance and credibility in the state.
Ambassador Jidda emphasised that the ongoing e-registration exercise is a strategic political process that goes beyond record-keeping, explaining that it determines legitimate membership, internal participation, and eligibility for leadership and elective positions within the party.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in Bama, Hon. Aji Kolo Ali Gujja, the Matawali of Bama, urged party members to take full advantage of the exercise and ensure total participation. The Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Hon. Babagana Bagados, also assured the committee of the council’s full support to guarantee a smooth and inclusive registration process.

In Konduga Local Government Area, the committee was received by the council chairman, Dr. Abba Saje Mohd Nur, the area’s representative in the Borno State House of Assembly, and the Executive Secretary of the Borno ICT Development Agency, Hon. Engr. Kabir Wanori, alongside other party stakeholders.
The delegation inspected the APC e-registration centre in the area and expressed satisfaction with the level of coordination and turnout recorded. Local party leaders pledged continued mobilisation to ensure that all eligible members are captured before the close of the exercise.
Ambassador Jidda described the extension of the e-registration exercise as a critical opportunity for APC members in Borno State to reaffirm their loyalty, unity, and numerical strength. He called on ward, local government, and zonal leaders, as well as youth and women groups, to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 8 deadline.
He assured party members of a transparent, inclusive, and credible process, urging all APC supporters to participate fully and contribute to strengthening the party’s structure from the grassroots level.
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
News
200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state
200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state
By: Zagazola Makama
About 200 vigilante men from Nasarawa State have arrived in Ibbi, Niger State, to support local security agencies in maintaining law and order, the Niger State Police reported.
The vigilante were deployed at about 4:18 p.m. on Feb. 8 that the vigilantes were deployed in compliance with directives from the Executive Governor of Niger State.
The arrival of the additional security personnel aims to strengthen joint operations with local vigilantes and police to manage security challenges in Ibbi and its environs.
Monitoring of the situation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated.
200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state
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