Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe

The security situation in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom took another major step today, 11 December 2025, as Patrick Izu Osammor and Augustine Nwafor Ashi were formally arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/594/2025.

The duo, previously held at Keffi Prison, face allegations connected to a coordinated plot to destabilise the kingdom.

Dramatic Bail Hearing
The court granted the defendants bail after a forceful plea by their lawyer, Barrister Steve Emelieze, who made the unusual offer to deposit his Call-to-Bar certificate to assure the court that the defendants would not abscond. Other sureties—including the ODA Abuja President, Diokpa Patrick Obi—also undertook to guarantee their attendance throughout the trial.

Despite the court’s approval, the defendants failed to perfect the bail terms and were consequently remanded to Kuje Correctional Centre. Our reporter witnessed correctional officers escorting them back into custody. Their trial is scheduled to begin on 11 March 2025.

The judge warned the defendants to maintain strict good behaviour and avoid any acts that may breach the peace or interfere with ongoing investigations, noting that any misconduct could lead to an immediate revocation of bail.

Background to the Case
Osammor and Ashi were arrested in October 2025 following months of intelligence-gathering directed by the Inspector General of Police.

Investigators allege that they played central roles in a campaign of misinformation, incitement, and mobilisation of factions aimed at destabilising Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Both men, along with others still at large, are longstanding supporters of the Umu Obi Dieyi faction, which lost its challenge to the Ogwashi-Uku throne at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and finally the Supreme Court.

In court today were Barr. Victor Nobei and Barr. Francis Okolie, lawyers known to represent the faction. Barr. Okolie is himself facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Asaba for allegedly participating in the violent attack on the Obi in October 2023.

Investigation Expands
Police sources confirm that the investigation has now broadened to include fresh threats against His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, and possible links between the defendants and individuals already on trial for the 2023 palace attack. Investigators believe the current activities may be a continuation of that earlier plot.

Attempts by some suspects to block their arrest through Fundamental Rights applications have been dismissed by senior police lawyers as legally baseless, noting that courts cannot restrain the police from investigating crime.
Police Vow to Pursue All Leads

A senior officer told our reporter: “The police will follow every lead. Anyone found liable in the attempt to plunge Ogwashi-Uku into crisis will be brought to justice. No one is above the law.”

As the kingdom awaits the commencement of trial in March 2025, many residents hope that this case will finally expose the full network behind the unrest and help restore lasting peace.

Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe

Yobe: MBICA to commence full operation

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu, Yobe State, will soon commence full commercial operations.

This was contained in a signed service level agreement with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Managing Director Mr. Farouq Ahmed Umar, and the Yobe State Government.

At the signing of the agreement, the Yobe State government was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammad Bara, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam FCVSN.

Under the agreement, NAMA will provide critical services to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant aerodrome operations at the Cargo Airport, including Air Traffic Control (ATC) Services and managing aircraft movements within the airport airspace.

In the agreement, others include communication services provision and maintenance of aeronautical communication systems, navigation and surveillance systems, instrument landing systems radar coverage, and flight path monitoring.

Therefore, this brings Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA) to the verge of full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) operational and safety standards.

Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) ensures pilots and airlines receive up-to-date flight and operational information, and search and rescue coordination support within national airspace regulations would also be provided under the agreement.

Yobe: MBICA to commence full operation

Guterres Calls for Recommitment to Protection of Fundamental Freedoms

By: Michael Mike

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to recommit to the protection of fundamental freedoms, warning that human rights are increasingly under threat worldwide.

Guterres made the call in his annual message to mark Human Rights Day, commemorated globally.

Guterres, whose message was read by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, at the celebration of 30th Anniversary celebration of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), reflected on the legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted nearly 80 years ago, describing it as a “philosophical and political breakthrough” that remains the foundation of modern international cooperation.

The declaration, he noted, laid out the basic civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights required for every person to “survive and thrive.”

He however cautioned that the world is experiencing a disturbing erosion of these rights. “Recent years have brought a shrinking of civic space,” he said. “We have grave violations that signal a flagrant disregard for rights, and a callous indifference to human suffering.”

He noted that despite these setbacks, change is possible when governments, institutions and citizens work together.

He highlighted the role of the United Nations in supporting vulnerable populations through activities such as food assistance, shelter provision, education support, election monitoring, environmental protection, women’s empowerment and peacebuilding.

“This work depends on all people, everywhere, taking a stand,” he emphasised. “When we protect the most vulnerable, when we refuse to look away, when we speak up for the institutions that speak up for us, we keep human rights alive.”

He underscored that human rights must never be sacrificed for political gain or economic interests. “Our rights should never take second place to profit or power,” Guterres said. “Let us unite to protect them, for the dignity and freedom of all.”

He noted that Human Rights Day 2025 continues the global call for renewed commitment to justice, equality and universal freedoms at a time of rising conflict, displacement and social inequality.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu restated the Commission’s commitment to advancing freedom, equality and justice in Nigeria.

Ojukwu who led the commission on symbolic “Walk for Human Rights” in Abuja, said a lot needs to be done to safeguard human rights.

NHRC, which also used the day to commemorate the 2025 International Human Rights Day, welcomed stakeholders, partners and human rights defenders to the celebration,

Ojukwu described the event as a moment of gratitude and reflection, noting that the Commission has, since its establishment in 1995, remained a beacon for the protection and enforcement of human rights across the country.

He said: “This year’s Human Rights Day is special,” he said. “It marks three decades of dedicated service to humanity by Nigeria’s National Human Rights Institution. It is also an opportunity to honour exceptional partners whose support has strengthened our work over the years.”

Ojukwu emphasised that the anniversary represents both a journey and a reaffirmation: a journey that began with the vision of entrenching freedom, equality and justice, and a reaffirmation of the Commission’s resolve despite persistent challenges including insecurity and socio-economic pressures.

He noted that the annual walk was not a protest but a demonstration of unity and determination. “We walk not in anger, but with purpose—to defend human rights. Not as spectators, but as active participants in building a Nigeria where every voice counts and no one is left behind,” he said.

The Executive Secretary stressed that human rights can only thrive in societies that embrace harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. He added that the awards presented during the ceremony were a tribute to organisations and individuals whose courage and consistency have helped strengthen the Commission’s mandate.

Reaffirming the NHRC’s statutory duty, Ojukwu noted that protecting and promoting human rights cannot be the responsibility of the Commission alone. He called for collaboration across ministries, government agencies, the private sector and communities.

He appealed that: “Together, let us build a nation where human rights are not distant ambitions but everyday realities,” he urged. “Our collective effort remains the driver of progress.”

Guterres Calls for Recommitment to Protection of Fundamental Freedoms