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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
Military Airstrikes Neutralise Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Axis
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI has successfully neutralised over 30 terrorists belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a series of precision air interdiction missions conducted in the Lake Chad region of Borno state.
Sources disclosed that the operation was executed following credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs indicating significant terrorist activity involving logistics movement via waterways around the Kaniram Island axis.
An ISR platform, was deployed to the general area where it established overhead presence and confirmed the sighting of approximately 31 boats dispersed along the riverbank, with associated human activity consistent with ISWAP fighters.
Upon positive identification, the Air Component initiated precision strike operations in line with established Rules of Engagement and targeting protocols.
The first strike effectively disrupted the hub of terrorists and degraded their logistics capability by damaging several of the boats used for movement and supply across the waterways.
Further ISR monitoring revealed attempts by the terrorists to regroup within nearby vegetation. Consequently, follow-on strikes were conducted.
A second precision strike targeted a cluster of about eight terrorists, neutralising them, while additional elements were observed withdrawing into concealed positions.
Subsequently, a third strike was executed on another group of approximately 15 terrorists who had taken cover under tree foliage, resulting in their elimination. Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) confirmed significant attrition, with surviving elements seen dispersing from adjacent hideouts.
In a related strike mission at Sowolwolo, Military air assets engaged and neutralised nine additional terrorists identified within the area. Residual elements were observed fleeing in disarray, indicating loss of cohesion and command structure.
The Nigerian Military Command reiterated that the operation illustrated its sustained commitment to precision targeting, minimising collateral damage while maximising operational impact against terrorist elements.
Military further assured that ISR missions and offensive air operations will continue in coordination with ground forces to exploit the success achieved and deny terrorists freedom of action within the theatre.
The Service reaffirmed its resolve to sustain air superiority and contribute decisively to the restoration of peace and stability in the North East
Military Airstrikes Neutralise Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Axis
Troops neutralise two Fulani bandits, recover weapons in Plateau ambush operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised two suspected armed Fulani bandits and recovered weapons during an ambush operation in parts of Plateau state.
Security sources said the operation was carried out on April 21, 2026, around the Marit general area of Doruwa Babuje following credible intelligence on the activities of armed criminals in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were known for attacking locals, engaging in armed robbery and other violent crimes.
The troops, acting on the intelligence, laid an ambush and engaged the bandits, neutralising two of them while others fled the scene.
Items recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition, a cutlass, a jack knife and a mobile phone.
The sources added that troops remained deployed in Marit and Lajam villages, maintaining ambush positions and conducting patrols to track down the fleeing suspects.
They said the general security situation in the area remains under control, while operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal group.
Military authorities reiterated that troops would sustain offensive operations to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops neutralise two Fulani bandits, recover weapons in Plateau ambush operation
Angwa-Rukuba killings: Plateau Government Files Charges Against Five Suspects Arrested By DSS
Few weeks after President Bola Tinubu visited Plateau State and promised justice for victims of serial attacks, the State Government on Friday filed charges against five suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the March 2026 killings of several persons in Angwa- Rukuba, Jos North LGA of the state.
The government filed charges of
criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and other related offences against the quartet of Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar aka Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim aka Yaroro.
On his part, Adamu Isa Alhassan, who is one of the five defendants, was charged with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegally dealing in arms and ammunition. They were arrested between April 3 and April 10, 2026.
The State Attorney General, Philemon Audu Daffi, who filed the charges, said the actions of the four men were “contrary to Section 269 and Punishable under Section 270 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017.”
The particulars of offence read, “That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; you thereby committed the above offence.
“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did commit the offence of terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, contributed and received money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over thirty (30) people in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”
Part of the particulars of Alhassan’s offence read, “That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (Now at Large), Imarana Sa’idu (Now at Large), Yusuf Sa’idu (Now at Large) Aliyu Usaini (Now at Large), Yahuza Adamu (Now at Large), Mubarak Yunusa (Now at Large), Yakubu, whose surname is unknown (Now at Large) and others also at large between the months of January to December, 2025 and in January, 2026 at Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an illegal act to wit: Culpable Homicide Punishable with Death, when you armed yourselves with guns, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committed the above offence.”
Recall that, on Friday March 28, 2025, no fewer than 30 persons including children were killed after suspected herders attacked some communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas and their environs, of the State.
Following the killings, many called for the cancellation of a state-,organized programme,”Experience Plateau, Arts Meets Fashion.”
Brushing aside the calls, Governor Caleb Mutfwang said cancelling the event would satisfy the agenda of the attackers.
Remarked the governor, “Last week, Bokkos Local Government Area came under renewed attack by murderers who are desperate to break our spirit.
“Many advised that we suspend this function, but we realized that these attackers intend to keep us in perpetual mourning, to force us indoors, and to shackle our collective spirit.
“But I said no! Life must go on. Plateau must move forward by the grace of God.
The genocide on the Plateau will come to an end. What is happening is not a farmer-herder conflict. Let me be clear: it is genocide, and I urge the international community to take note,” declared the governor.
During the President’s visit early this month, he met with victims of the attacks, assessed the damage, and promised justice for those who suffered losses.
“We are optimistic that ongoing interventions will help restore lasting peace,” assured the President, even as he charged citizens of the state to be vigilant
Angwa-Rukuba killings: Plateau Government Files Charges Against Five Suspects Arrested By DSS
Military Airstrikes Neutralise Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Axis
Troops neutralise two Fulani bandits, recover weapons in Plateau ambush operation
Angwa-Rukuba killings: Plateau Government Files Charges Against Five Suspects Arrested By DSS
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