Justice James Omotosho, of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, dismissed the Fundamental Human rights suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra against the Federal Government.

Kanu, in the suit, is seeking N1 billion in damages from the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Department of State Services, for alleged right violation.

Kanu, in the suit, marked: FHC/CS/1633/2023, claimed that the DSS and its Director-General violated his right to a fair hearing by allegedly preventing his lawyers from having unhindered interactions with him where he is being detained, in preparation for his defence in his criminal trial.

Omotosho, while delivering a judgment on the suit, held that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence to sustain his claims that his interactions with his lawyers were interfered with, that he was denied unhindered access to his lawyers and that DSS officials eavesdropped on his conversations with his lawyers, which constituted a breach of his right to a fair hearing.

Omotosho further held that the applicant failed to prove that his lawyers were stopped from taking notes at meetings held with him during visitation, and further held that there was no evidence before him showing that he was denied a fair hearing as claimed in his suit.

On this note, the judge dismissed the suit for lacking in merit.

Kanu, through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, in an originating motion dated and filed December 4, 2023, sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the AGF, the DSS, and its DG, as 1st to 4th respondents respectively.

Kanu, in the suit, demanded the enforcement of his fundamental rights while in detention at the DSS.

The suit was filed under Order II, Rules 1 & 2 of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009, among others.

In the motion, Kanu prayed for “a declaration that the respondents’ act of forcible seizure and photocopying of confidential legal documents about facilitating the preparation of his defence which were brought to him at the respondents’ detention facility by his lawyers, amounted to a denial of his rights to be defended by legal practitioners of his own choice”.

He also sought a declaration that the respondents’ act of refusing or preventing his counsel from taking notes of details of the counsel’s professional discussions/consultations with him at DSS detention is unlawful and amounts to a denial of his right to be given adequate facilities for the preparation of his defence by legal practitioners of his own choice.

He further sought a declaration that the respondents’ act of eavesdropping on his confidential consultations or conversations with his lawyers amounted to denial of his right, among others.

Kanu, on this note, sought an order of injunction restraining and prohibiting the respondents from their act of forcible seizure and photocopying of confidential legal documents brought to him at the detention facility by his lawyers.

He also sought an order mandating the respondents to jointly and severally pay the sum of N1bn as damages for the mental, emotional, psychological and other damages he suffered as a result of his rights’ breach, among others.

The FRN and the AGF, in a counter affidavit, urged the court to dismiss the suit for being an abuse of court process.

The DSS, in a counter affidavit dated and filed March 12, 2024, denied the allegations levelled against it by Kanu.

In the application deposed to by staff in the service’s legal department, Yamuje Benye argued that 11 paragraphs in Kanu’s affidavit were untrue.

The deponent averred that Kanu was in safe and secured custody of the DSS and that he was not detained in solitary confinement.

According to him, Kanu, alongside his counsel, was permitted to consult and interact on visiting days in one of the best interview facilities of the DSS to ensure maximum comfort of the applicant and his visitor(s).

He argued that there is no basis for eavesdropping and recording of Kanu’s conversations.

He said, in line with the Service Standard Operation Procedure of the State Security Service, all visitors to her facility are subjected to normal routine security checks and items in their possession are scanned.

According to him, this is to avoid unauthorised materials making their way into the facility.

Benye said the instant suit was an abuse of the court process, adding that Kanu, had previously argued the same issues before Justice Nyako.

He added that Justice Nyako, who is presiding over Kanu’s criminal trial, has always maintained that visits to him should always be under supervision, as it is the best practice all over the world.

He said Kanu has always been allowed access to his family members and team of lawyers on his visiting days without any hindrance, and at no time did any DSS personnel seize or confiscate documents brought to Kanu by his lawyers or any other person.

He added that their personnel never denied Kanu’s lawyers the professional liberty to perform their lawful duty of discussing, consulting, and interacting with him.

“Applicant’s counsels are allowed to moderate size notes or pads for the visit, but the exchange of materials that promote the IPOB ideals (subject matter of applicant’s criminal trial) were strongly resisted and refused.”

 

Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Sunday morning, see below 

1. No fewer than eight people died and fifteen others injured in a bomb explosion in Gwoza Local Government area of Borno State on Saturday, the police have confirmed. Borno Police spokesman, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso reported that the tragic incident occurred at about 03:40 pm on Saturday.

2. The Federal Government has debunked claims that it is running four budgets in a fiscal year. This was stated in a post on X by Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Mr. Temitope Ajayi. The media aide responded to a thread of tweets by former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, alleging that the government was running four budgets concurrently.

3. Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi has said that President Bola Tinubu will flag-off construction of the Akwa Ibom and Cross River states portions of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway in August. The portions to be inaugurated in the two sister states totalling 107km are Sections 3B and 4 covering, Umahi said.

4. The Director General (DG) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has praised President Bola Tinubu for signing the Executive Order, EO, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector. According to the DG, the EO would lead to increased local production of healthcare products, reduce costs of healthcare equipment and consumables, and promote local investments.

5. A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Olanrewaju Agboola, has cried out after armed robbers broke into his home in Aseese community in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State and stole his car and other valuables worth N10 million. It was gathered that the community had experienced similar incidents in recent times.

6. One person was confirmed dead in an accident that occurred on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos on Saturday morning. The accident involved a mini truck (MUS 489 XS) and a Toyota Camry (KRD 470 JD).

7. A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced a 41-year-old man, Baridapsi Needam, to 17 years in prison for raping and impregnating his daughter. It was gathered that the victim gave birth to a baby girl while the trial was pending.

8. Former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other people still in detention. Obi made the call on Saturday while addressing reporters in Onitsha.

9. The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate the N23 billion expenditure on the building of Radisson Hotel by the state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki. The state chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, made the call while addressing journalists in Benin City.

10. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Saturday vowed that he is ready to use every legal means to retrieve over N5.4 billion deducted monthly pension contributions that were not remitted by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration.

A viral video captures the heartbreaking moment a Nigerian man’s public marriage proposal meets a devastating rejection from his girlfriend.

A Nigerian man went down on one knee to propose marriage to his girlfriend and didn’t get the expected Yes.

In the short video trending online, the man was seen on both knees when the lady landed him a loud resounding slap that was heard by everyone within earshot.

The man bent down holding his cheek as his girlfriend stormed off.

Onlookers tried to console the man, offering him words of encouragement and urging him to stand up.

Reactions have followed …

@Nature stated: “Who’s heart is boiling like mine here 😏”

@John bosco Obinna commented: “This guy disappointed brotherhood, common upper cut he no sabi”

@Mahoney wrote: “God bless this girl. make that manchi go hustle for him life”

@emmangpgwtj declared: “No woman can try this with me..”

@@teacher swag opined: “it can happen to anyone forget love is dangerous”

@Bra offside stated: “Brotherhood we just lost one man 😂😂”

@MMadric stated: “5yrs later
she🗣️: Dear God please give me my own husband, why is my own world different 😭 dear God”

@cryptobender said: “if no be say na acting she for sabi weytin gender equality means”

 

Former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan rules out any possibility of returning to Aso Rock as she laments the difficulties with living in the presidential residence.

It would be recalled that she lived in the presidential villa for eight years, from 2007 to 2015, during her husband, Goodluck‘s tenure as vice president before stepping in as president.

She succeeded Turai Yar’Adua as First Lady following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010.

Speaking at a recent event, she reflected on the challenges of living in Aso Rock and expressed her desire to never return to the seat of power, noting that she feels younger since leaving office.

“Because to me, if you call me now for Villa I won’t go there. I won’t go there. Don’t you see how young I am? Because the stress is so much. The stress of Nigeria is so much. If God manages to bring you out of it you should glorify God and thank God for the Lord’s doing because it’s marvellous in His eyes.

“He has taken you there once and you want to go there again? Me I won’t go o. I need peace o. I need your love. I want to share love with you. May God bless us o,” Jonathan said.

During her time in office, Patience became known for her involvement in state affairs, which contributed to the challenges faced by her husband’s presidency. She gained national attention in 2014 when a video of her questioning officials from the Chibok Secondary School in Borno went viral during the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls.

Since leaving office in 2015, Patience has returned to private life after 16 continuous years in power, starting from her husband’s time as deputy and later governor of Bayelsa State.

“I won't go back to the Aso Villa, the stress of Nigeria is too much” — Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

pic.twitter.com/ogQGlyFFFX

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) June 28, 2024

 

 

The #Chivido rain poured relentlessly on Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, but it did not dampen the spirits of fans and guests who turned out in their numbers to witness the much-anticipated wedding.

The venue, Harbour Point Event Centre, buzzed with anticipation. However, the journey to get there wasn’t quite the fairytale. Gridlock choked the streets of Victoria Island, with frustrated commuters and drivers stuck in traffic. Many blamed the venue choice, arguing that a larger space would have eased congestion.

The event was practically earth shattering. In a phone conversation with the United Kingdom-based Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, Davido had told him, “All my friends and family are here. We have scattered Nigeria.”

Indeed the event ‘scattered’ Nigeria, as it is still the talk of the town both on the Internet and on the streets.

Venue confusion

Many had initially thought that the wedding would hold at the popular Eko Hotel and Suites, also on Victoria Island, as earlier announces, but were shocked when it was relocated to Harbour Point.

Tight security

Security was tight, with barricades erected at the street leading to the venue. Invitations were strictly enforced, and even members of the press faced different layers and teams of security personnel, who did not allow anyone without an invitation entry. At a point, our correspondent was struck with a pipe on his leg by an overzealous soldier, who assaulted him for trying to approach the entrance to the street.

Davido’s dramatic entry

Davido, ever the showman, did not disappoint with his arrival. A long motorcade with sirens blaring heralded his entrance. Dressed in a white and red Igbo traditional attire, he stood aloft in his car with the upper part of his body through the vehicle’s sunroof, acknowledging the chants of his fans who called, “OBO! OBO! 001 001.”

Indeed, the energy was electric, with bystanders whipping out their phones to get a picture of the superstar groom.

Your daughter will be protected, respected, connected’, Davido promises

As is customary during traditional weddings, Davido and his friends had to prostrate themselves before Chioma’s parents and other family members to beg for her hands in marriage.

While on the floor, the singer promised, “Your daughter will be protected, respected and connected,” to the applause of guests.

The singer also stated that it was the happiest day of his life.

Another touching moment was when Chioma’s family prayed for her. During the session, the person who led the prayer acknowledged the couple’s journey, highlighting the ‘battles’ Chioma had fought in the course of their relationship.

Recall that the couple lost their son, Ifeanyi, on October 31, 2022, when he drowned in a pool in their Lagos home; and the singer has been involved in cheating scandals, which some had thought would tear their relationship apart.

As part of the traditional rites at the event, Chioma knelt down gracefully to offer her husband a drink. He eagerly accepted it, and lovingly helped her back on her feet.

Singer shares dad’s prophecy

During the event, an excited Davido revealed a vision his father once shared with him. The happy groom said, “My father told me he had a vision about me. When I asked him what it was, he said, ‘David, I had a vision that you ended your music career as a gospel singer’.” Unsurprisingly, the revelation elicited raucous laughter from guests present.

Latest couple gets surprise SUV gift

At the elaborate event, an automobile company, GAC Motors, surprised the couple with a brand new Sport Utility Vehicle. An elated Davido then led his wife, who was beaming with smiles, to inspect the gleaming white vehicle, which was parked on the premises of the event centre.

A post shared on the company’s Instagram page read, “GAC Motor Nigeria gifts Davido and his wife a brand new GAC Motor 2024 GN8 MPV as a wedding gift.”

‘Spray dollars not naira’, Ebuka warned guests

Media personality and master of ceremonies at the high octane wedding, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, took time to warn guests against abusing the naira by spraying it.

He humorously stated that should spray dollars instead. He said, “We have one very important announcement— EFCC is watching us. Don’t do it. But, they said we can do it to the dollar. If you are bringing naira, we have a basket for you. But, if you are spraying dollars, feel free; Joe Biden is not here. We do not abuse the naira. Don’t be shy; bring drop it like an offering inside the basket.”

Like wedding, like concert

Being the wedding of an A-list artiste, it was not surprising that at some point, the nuptials had the semblance of a concert.

Legendary juju singer, King Sunny Ade, and his band were in their elements as they serenaded the guests with a medley of the singer’s timeless songs. In the course of his performance, KSA called Chioma by her new surname, ‘Adeleke’, to the admiration of many. Davido also showed respect by prostrating himself for the iconic musician.

‘Running to You’ crooner, Chike, was also on hand to perform some of his love songs, while Kcee energised the reception with his performance, and the moves of his dancers who were garbed like masquerades from the South-East.

The after-party took things a notch higher as there were performances by many entertainers, such as Fireboy, and dance, Poco Lee.

Budding singers— Boypee, Hyce, and Brown Joel— also rendered their hit track titled, ‘Ogechi’. Davido also joined them to perform, for the first time, the remix of the song, on which he used his wife’s name.

The excitement took another dimension when rapper, singer and YBNL boss, Olamide, surprised Davido by showing up and performing at the event. Sharing a heartfelt hug, Davido stated that Olamide had informed him that he would not be able to attend the event.

Dignitaries, celebs everywhere

To say that wedding was star-studded would undoubtedly qualify as an understatement. Personalities from different walks of life came out in their numbers to celebrate with the couple.

Dignitaries at the event included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors of Lagos, Ogun, Abia and Edo states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Alex Otti and Godwin Obaseki, respectively.

Others were a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; son of the President, Seyi Tinubu; Senator Daisy Danjuma, football legend, Jay Jay Okocha; singer, producer and record label boss, Don Jazzy; billionaire businessman, Obi Cubana, Cubana Chief Priest, E-Money, Victor Osimhen, Ini Edo, and Rudeboy and Mr P (of P-Square fame), among others.

Fashion extravaganza

Another high point of the event were the fashion choices made by the attendees. It was indeed a sight for sore eyes as many of the guests turned out in different elaborate styles.

Leading the charge, Chioma and Davido wowed in different outfits, including traditional Yoruba and Igbo attire. For the after-party, Chioma wore a glittering wine-coloured gown, while Davido wore a black native.

For the traditional Igbo look, Chioma wore a white and red corset dress with a long train and red coral beads.

Post-wedding social media drama

After the wedding, controversial social media personality, Martin Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, stirred up a hornet’s nest, when he claimed that actress, Iyabo Ojo, and some other celebrities were only invited to the after-party which was to start by 5pm, and not the main event, which was billed for 10am. He also claimed that another actress, Nkechi Blessing, was almost denied entry to the event. In a video he shared on social media, he had said, “Most of your celebrities sneaked into the party. They don’t have ‘level’. Iyabo Ojo was not invited to the main wedding.”

Reacting, Ojo and her daughter, Priscy, shared pictures of their invites indicating that they were invited for the 10am main wedding.

Ojo’s lover and showbiz personality, Paul Okoye, aka Paul O, lambasted VDM for being rude to Ojo. He wrote, “Pray for this guy, the person who placed a curse on him is dead. It’s a pity he has to live with this condition for the rest of his miserable life.”

Not one to take such comments lying low, VDM fired back, saying, “With no due respect, I will advise you to stay off this issue. Don’t get involved because it has nothing to do with you.”

Evidently incensed by VDM’s utterances, Paul O stated that people who were close to VDM, such as Davido, Seun Kuti, Cubana Chief Priest and Poco Lee should choose between being friends with him, and VDM. His post read in part, “This nonsense stops today. Either me (friend) or him (VDM). You need to make a decision.”

Ostensibly referring to VDM, Obi Cubana also wrote on social media, “Dear blogs, please stop giving visibility to youth insulting elders. You enable them! We can’t continue to enable rubbish. Stop, please.”

No-shows

Though there were many celebrities in attendance, the conspicuous absence of some entertainers also raised eyebrows. Some of the top entertainers who were absent include Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Eniola Badmus and Kizz Daniel, among others.