Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim During Patrol in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have rescued a kidnap victim abandoned by suspected terrorists along the Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Security sources said the rescue operation was carried out at about 9:00 a.m. on May 13 by troops of 12 Brigade during a fighting patrol along the old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi road.

According to the report, the troops discovered the victim after suspected kidnappers abandoned him while fleeing from the advancing security personnel.

The rescued victim was subsequently reunited with his family after the operation.

Security patrols and clearance operations have continued along the route and adjoining communities as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.

Troops Repel Terrorists, Rescue Injured Civilian in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under 8 Division Garrison, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, have repelled suspected terrorists during a security operation in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 2:50 a.m. on May 14 following intelligence reports on terrorist activities around Lugu Village in the area.

The troops reportedly made contact with the armed suspects and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee toward the Bafarawa axis.

Following the encounter, troops conducted further exploitation operations around Danzanke in Modachi Village and along a riverbank near a damaged bridge within the general area.

During the operation, troops rescued a civilian who had sustained gunshot wounds.

The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while security operatives continued clearance and patrol operations across the affected communities to track the fleeing suspects and prevent further terrorist activities.

Troops Repel Terrorists, Rescue Injured Civilian in Sokoto

HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERING MUST NOT BE REDUCED TO EGO CONTESTS

By: Frank Tietie

The unfortunate events surrounding the aborted hearing of the bail application filed on behalf of Justice Crack are deeply troubling and represent a sad commentary on the administration of justice in matters affecting personal liberty and fundamental human rights.

While a lawyer who has authority to withdraw an application scheduled for hearing before a court may determine who leads a team of counsel, no lawyer possesses the unilateral authority to withdraw an application already filed on behalf of a client without the express consent and instruction of that client.

Accordingly, it was wrong for the court to have permitted the withdrawal of the bail application filed on behalf of Justice Crack by Marshall Abubakar, Esq., unless there was clear authorisation from Justice Crack himself consenting to such withdrawal. The implication of that development is grave because it further delayed the hearing of the application of a man who has already endured prolonged detention.

Equally disappointing was the conduct of every lawyer present who failed to oppose the withdrawal of the application. By allowing arguments over seniority, representation, and professional hierarchy to overshadow the urgent necessity of securing the liberty of an oppressed citizen, the entire defence team failed in its sacred duty to the cause of justice.

The position becomes even more disturbing when viewed against the provisions of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, which clearly empower the court to adopt written addresses already before it even where counsel elect not to orally move an application. In other words, there was absolutely no justification for allowing avoidable disputes among counsel to frustrate proceedings in a matter fundamentally concerning liberty and human dignity.

Human rights litigation is not a platform for personal glory, ego contests, or professional grandstanding. It is a solemn calling that demands self-effacement, sacrifice, austerity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the protection of the human person above all else. Lawyers who undertake human rights causes must constantly remember that the suffering client and not the lawyer’s prestige remains the true centre of every struggle for justice.

The development at the court over such an insignificant procedural disagreement has understandably generated public concern and disappointment. I therefore call on the Comrade-President, Omoyele Sowore, in his capacity as the avowed defender of the oppressed as well as the family of Justice Crack, to urgently take definitive steps regarding his legal representation in order to avoid any further setbacks capable of undermining the pursuit of justice in this matter.

The liberty of a citizen must never become collateral damage in professional rivalries among lawyers.

Frank Tietie, Esq.
Human Rights Lawyer &
Executive Director,
Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER)

HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERING MUST NOT BE REDUCED TO EGO CONTESTS