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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
One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued one kidnapped victim and neutralised a suspected armed bandit following an attack on Dankabali Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on April 30 when about 20 armed bandits on 10 motorcycles invaded the community in Kagara District and abducted four residents.
The sources disclosed that the abducted persons were identified as Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, Halima Mani, Rabiatu Muhammad, and Karima Muhammad.
According to the sources, the troops under Operation Fansar Yamma and the police joint tactical team was mobilised immediately after receiving the distress call and commenced search-and-rescue operations.
They added that during a combing operation in a nearby forest, the joint forces made contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire in which one bandit was neutralised.
The sources further said one of the abducted victims, Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, was successfully rescued unharmed, taken to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara for medical examination, and later reunited with his family.
They noted that ongoing operations are aimed at rescuing the remaining three victims and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
Security presence has since been reinforced in the Dankabali axis, while surveillance and patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks.
One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits and recovered 27 rustled animals in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 1 when a large number of armed bandits invaded Gumki and Zeringo-Gande villages, firing sporadically and rustling domestic animals.
The sources disclosed that upon receiving the distress the troops swiftly mobilised and blocked routes leading to the bandits’ camp in Zamori forest.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun duel, overpowering them and forcing their retreat toward the Niger Republic border.
They added that all 27 rustled animals were successfully recovered and would be returned to their rightful owners.
The sources further confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded among security personnel during the operation.
Security presence has since been reinforced in the area, with continuous patrols to prevent further incursions.
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community
By Zagazola Makama
A 14-year-old boy, Musa Umar, has died following a violent altercation with a neighbour in Jama’are village via Fika in Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred on April 30 at about 10:00 p.m. when Musa engaged in a fight with another minor, Adamu Yusuf, 12, during which he was struck on the head with a stick.
The sources disclosed that the injured boy was initially rushed to Gadaka General Hospital for treatment before being referred to Fika General Hospital due to the severity of his condition.
According to the sources, Musa died on the way to the referral hospital and was later certified dead by a medical doctor.
They added that the body was documented and released to the family for burial following necessary procedures.
The sources further said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect, while investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community
One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara
One Killed, Two Injured in Communal Clash in Niger
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
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