Category Nigeria News

Legal counsel to human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said that the police acted outside the law by declaring his client wanted.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, the counsel, Tope Temokun, stated that “there is no law in Nigeria that empowers the police to declare anybody wanted.”

He explained that under the law, declaring a person wanted is a legal process that must follow due procedure and be backed by a court order.

“When you are looking for somebody and cannot find him after a criminal complaint, investigation, or charge, and the person is evading arrest, that is when you can seek the order of the court,” he said.

The counsel added that “when you publish an individual as being wanted without the backing of a court order, you are not only committing a tortious act and defaming that individual, but also acting unconstitutionally. Declaring Sowore wanted in this manner is arbitrary and reflects total ignorance of the law they claim to be enforcing.”

Emphasising the constitutional rights of citizens, he said, “A Nigerian citizen has the right to freedom of movement and personal liberty as provided by the Constitution. Before you can declare a person a fugitive or outlaw, it must not stem from personal malice; it must follow due process backed by a court order.”

He further revealed that the matter is already before the court, which has granted an order restraining the Commissioner of Police from carrying out the effects of the declaration.

READ ALSO: Court Stops Police From Declaring Sowore Wanted

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His comments come amid the Federal High Court, Lagos, restraining the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, and other security agencies from arresting Sowore.

It also restrained them from intimidating or declaring the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) wanted.

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Sowore was declared wanted for allegedly plotting to disrupt public peace in the state. CP Jimoh announced this while addressing journalists in Lagos.

“I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police of the Lagos Police Command, declare Sowore wanted. “He is wanted for causing a disturbance of public peace and for acts to commit a serious felony by planning to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge,” Jimoh said.

Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, has been prevented by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security forces by the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Additionally, it prevented them from intimidating or declaring the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for 2023.

Read more recently: Sowore is still wanted, and we will do everything to arrest him, Lagos CP.

Sowore requested Justice Musa Kakaki’s decision after reports that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted in connection with unspecified allegations surfaced.

In the end, the judge granted an interim injunction barring the respondents from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

Even in the midst of widespread public skepticism about the system, Sowore claimed shortly after the ruling that the decision signaled a renewed commitment to the Nigerian judiciary.

He claimed that the decision demonstrated that civil rights activism still exists.

“Many people claim they don’t trust the justice system, but citizens who show up say justice needs to be done.”
Sowore remarked, “I thank the court for having the courage to take up this matter so late in the day and for granting this crucial order.”

The activist claimed that any legitimate investigation would not have been conducted if the activist had been trying to declare him wanted.

He claimed that the police had no way of prosecuting him or inviting him to a criminal trial before making the decision to make him a fugitive.

The police are not permitted to simply wake up and declare someone wanted without any inquiry or invitation, as the law dictates.

He remarked that it shows how far institutions have strayed from the law.

In spite of the growing instances of political intimidation and the abuse of state institutions, Sowore, who was flanked by his legal team and supporters, said the order was a reminder that the rule of law still applies in Nigeria.

He vowed to carry on his activism in a legal setting and peaceful manner.

“I’m not in charge of this conflict. Regardless of race, gender, or religion, justice and freedom are the goals of the project.

He remarked that “anyone in power must not believe they can intimidate dissent.”

Sowore, who has recently been the subject of numerous arrests and prosecutions, said he was concerned about the most recent development as part of a wider pattern of harassment aimed at dissidents.

He argued, however, that using such tactics would not dissuade him or others from speaking out in favor of a better world.

The state “creates an atmosphere of fear and injustice” when it begins to violate the law. However, we must peacefully oppose that.

He said that Nigeria can only advance if its law enforcement activities are limited by their constitutional requirements.

Despite the lateness of the hour, he thanked the judge for hearing the matter and praised his legal counsel for what he called “dogged commitment to justice” on the occasion.

The judge was already exhausted, and this was the day’s final instance. He nevertheless maintained his interest in it. Sowore observed that is what courage looks like.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police’s declaration that Sowore was a wanted person was specifically restrained by the court’s order, which was read out to journalists.

The order will continue pending a hearing into the substantive lawsuit challenging the police declaration’s legality.

In order to combat gridlock and illegal structures ahead of the holiday season, the Lagos State government has launched a state-wide 24-hour traffic management operation and a comprehensive enforcement campaign.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the general manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), described the initiative as “Operation Ember Months Stability,” adding that the exercise aims to promote safe driving, promote public safety, and maintain environmental harmony in the state’s major corridors and nightlife areas.

To manage traffic round-the-clock, deter road indiscipline, and raise safety awareness among drivers and commuters, LASTMA announced a statement.

A multi-agency enforcement task force led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon., complemented the exercise, according to Bakare-Oki. . . Sola Giwa

Organizations included in the task force are LAMATA, LAMATA, LAWMA, LAWMA, LAWMA, LAWMA, and the Public Works Corporation.

Read more about the Lagos government’s demonetization of over 200 illegal weapons and the discovery of fake weapons.

He disclosed that the joint team had already swept up under-bridges in Apapa, Ijora, and Costain, demolinating over 250 illegal shanties, removing abandoned cars, and evacuating makeshift encampments obstructing roads in preparation for a sweeping clearance operation.

He claimed that the state’s renewed commitment to public safety was prompted by the discovery of a fake firearm and potentially dangerous weapons during the operation.

Commercial bus operators who were previously loading illegally have been relocated to designated parks and terminals, according to Bakare-Oki, while LAMATA has been directed to integrate the cleared areas into Lagos’ mass transit system.

The agency’s prompt response to the recent heavy-duty truck crashes at Kara Bridge and Otedola Bridge, which both claimed lives but were quickly cleared to stop further casualties and restore normal traffic flow, was cited by the LASTMA boss.

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, criticized President Donald Trump’s claims of Christian genocide and the threat of military action as embarrassing. She attributed this to the country’s inability to address insecurity. &nbsp,

Falana, who spoke on Wednesday’s Politics Today episode of Channels Television, cited among other things, the government’s inability to combat crimes like kidnapping for ransom. &nbsp,

Why have we embarrassed ourselves as a people by treating ourselves like a United States of America’s citizens? the attorney’s senior inquired. &nbsp,

How dare you, Mr. Trump? “We can’t even challenge him,” he said. Where is the source of this slander?

Read more about Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” and his claim that there is a mass murder of Christians is carried out.

Trump referred to Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) last week for what he claimed was a “mass slaughter of Christians.” In the event that the West African government doesn’t quickly address the issue, he then threatened military action. &nbsp,

“I hereby instruct our Department of War to get ready for possible action.” We’ll launch an attack that will be swift, vicious, and sweet, just like terrorist thugs attack our Christian enemies! WARNING: “Better Move Faster” The NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT Trump’s platform, Truth Social, contained some writing. &nbsp,

The Federal Government refuted the claims, sparking a flurry of debate both domestically and internationally about Trump’s comments.

Falana weighs in on the situation, calling on Nigeria to take action in light of the recent developments. &nbsp,

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) stated on the current affairs program that “we as a people and for the government of Nigeria, we must now take Mr. Trump’s warning as a wake-up call.”

When the country’s history of unity, democracy, and good governance is written, former president Olusegun Obasanjo referred to his late Major General Abdullahi (Adangba) Muhammed as a patriotic Nigerian whose name is unmissable.

Read more about Tinubu’s memorial to the late chief of staff and NSA General Adangba.

Umaru Musa Yar’adua and Muhammed Musa Yar’adua served as Obasanjo’s Chief of Staff between 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Obasanjo was cited by Kehinde Akinyemi, the Special Assistant to the former president for media, in a statement on Wednesday as saying that the passing of the late Chief of Staff had come to him unexpectedly and with great shock.

The unexpected and unfortunate passing of a close friend, brother, and coworker, he said, is a great trial for humanity’s best, he said.

The late Maj-Gen. Abdul Mohammed was a diligent and conscientious soldier who distinguished himself in both the military and the public eye and served his country with patriotic zeal, according to Obasanjo in a tribute to journalists.

One of the few people I know who could be described as having both integrity and incorruptibility.

“He made a tremendous impression as the military governor of the old Benue-Plateau State from 1975 to 1976 under General Murtala Mohammed’s military regime, showing unwavering commitment to his work, loyalty to his fatherland, and impeccable leadership.

He received a number of training, including becoming one of the first military officers to receive training in being a member of the intelligence service.

Rare Courage

After the coup that killed General Muritala Muhammed, the late CoS brought his knowledge and expertise to the formation of the National Security Organization (NSO), now known as the Department of State Services.

Obasanjo continued, “It is also noteworthy that I had to persuade General Abdulsalami Abubakar to become the head of state in his regime between 1998 and 1999.

He will undoubtedly be remembered for his extraordinary courage and leadership in the development of the Nigerian Army, a position he held for the next few years.

I couldn’t find a better person than Maj-Gen. Abdulahi Mohammed, because I made the decision to have a Chief of Staff with military background as part of the gradual transition from the military to democracy and to give the military the impression that they could have access to the highest level of government.

Great Nationalist

He also referred to Muhammad as a great nationalist who had unwavering commitment and dedication to serving Nigeria.

He fought tirelessly for the common good of this nation while remaining committed to the ideal of a prosperous Nigeria where justice and fairness will rule.

It is no exaggeration to say that he played a patriotic, selfless, visionary, and heroic role in our struggle for national unity, democracy, and good governance, and that this is not the case with him.

“On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I express my condolences to Maj-Gen. Abdul Mohammed’s entire family for his tragic passing. May Jannatul Firdausi be granted to him and Allah (SWT) forgive him. Ameen”.

Two people died and two others were hurt when a train traveling from Bukuru Station to Jos collided with a tricycle, killing both of them.

Read more recently, Warri-Itakpe Derailment: Two Suspects Arrested, NRC Announces Resumption Date.

The accident occurred on Tuesday when the operator of the tricycle, known as the Keke NAPEP, attempted to outrun the approaching train despite receiving no response from railway workers at the crossing, according to Adamu Abdullahi, the NRC’s public relations officer at Jos Station.

One keke NAPEP anxious to pass the train at the Dogon Karfe level crossing didn’t wait until the train collided with it, Abdullahi said. “Our train was returning to Jos from the Bukuru Station.”

He continued, “Two people died instantly, and two others are currently receiving medical care in the hospital” .

He continued, noting that NRC officials are stationed at level crossings to prevent accidents and control traffic.

He did, however, point out that the tricycle operator allegedly tried to cross the tracks without passing the train and ignored warnings.

The male passenger and the keke operator were named as the deceased victims.

Two female passengers suffered injuries and were treated nearby.