Justice James Omotosho handed down the judgment after they pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them by the federal government and a witness from the Department of State Services, DSS, gave evidence accordingly.

Justice Omotosho, on Tuesday, also convicted and sentenced 14 others to different jail terms, ranging from 20 to 25 years in each of the counts filed against them.

Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, led the federal government’s lawyers, including Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, in the proceedings.

The confessional statements of the convicts and  investigation reports were tendered by the prosecution through the DSS witness and were admitted in evidence and marked as exhibits.

Those convicts, who bagged life imprisonment, are Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (a.k.a Luka Garba) and Babagoni Masawai.

In one of the charges, marked: FHC/KNJ/CR/509/2026, the federal government sued  Abiso as sole defendant.

After the counts were read to him, Abiso pleaded guilty to all the four counts.

Justice Omotosho, who sentenced Abiso to life imprisonment in counts two and four, committed him to 25 years jail term in each of counts one and count three, totalling 50 years.

The judge, however, directed that the sentencing in counts one and three must run concurrently.

“The plea of guilty made by the defendant corroborates his confessional statement and the court is of the irresistible view that the defendant is guilty as charged of the four counts charge.

“In final analysis, this court is satisfied that the prosecution has established the charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, he is convicted as charged,” Justice Omotosho ruled.

In count four, the convict, a 30-year-old man from Bama local government area of Borno, was alleged to have, on or before July 8, 2022, aided and participated in Boko Haram attacks carried out in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza and Aulari.

The offence, the prosecution said, was contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Also, Bakura Abah Kabiru, who actively participated in the terror group’s activities, was sentenced to life imprisonment in count two and given a 25-year jail term in each of counts one and three.

For Ado (a.k.a Luka Garba), the judge committed him to life imprisonment in count two and 25 years in count one.

Babagoni Masawai was sentenced to life in jail in counts six and seven; 20 years imprisonment in counts one and two while the judge committed him to 10 years in each of counts three, four and five respectively.

Justice Omotosho equally sentenced 14 other convicts to various jail terms.

The judge delivered the judgment after they all pleaded guilty to the charges and their confessional statements with investigation reports tendered through the DSS investigator who testified as prosecution witness.

The convicts are Ali Mustapha, who bagged 20 years in count one and 10 years in each of counts two to seven, making 80 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the sentencing shall run concurrently after a plea for mercy.

Other defendants who were convicted and sentenced by Justice Omotosho for terrorism-related offences are  Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali, Modu Musa, Bidal Modu and Mohammed Abdullahi.

Others are Umar Garba, Usman Ahmadu, Hussaini Bukar, Baba Manye, Musa Mai Modu and Ali Musa.

Source: NAN

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The post Court sentences four terrorists to life imprisonment, convicts 14 others appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

Jutsice Omotosho, who convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts, sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making a total of 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently beginning from Monday, March 23.

Nwabuoku was admitted to a N500 million bail with two sureties in the like sum after he was arraigned on January 15, 2025, on a nine-count amended charge.

The EFCC listed Nwabuoku as the sole defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, which bordered on money laundering to the tune of N868 million.

In count one of the charge filed on November 27, 2024, the EFCC alleged that Nwabuoku, alongside Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited (at large), Turge Global Investment Limited (at large), Laptev Bridge Limited, Arafura Transnational Afro Limited (at large), and other persons (all at large), conspired to convert funds.

The funds were said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The anti-graft agency said the offence was contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011, as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012, and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Nwabuoku was alleged to have perpetrated the act while serving as the director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

He was later appointed acting AGoF on May 20, 2022, under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari after Ahmed Idris was suspended as AGoF over alleged N80 billion fraud.

Nwabuoku, however, was removed in July 2022, a few weeks after assuming office.

Sylva Okolieaboh, a director at the Treasury Single Account, TSA, Department, replaced Nwabuoku as acting AGoF.

Okolieaboh’s appointment followed a report that Nwabuoku was under the EFCC’s radar over corruption allegations.

Delivering the judgment on Monday, Justice Omotosho said that in determining the charge, the court had one issue for determination.

“Whether the prosecution has established the charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt to secure his conviction?” he said.

The judge earlier dismissed the argument of Nwabuoku’s lawyer, Norrison Quakers, SAN, on inadmissibility of his client’s three confessional statements.

Quakers had argued that the defendant’s statements were not voluntarily made and did not comply with the law.

But Justice Omotosho held that in challenging the admissibility of a confessional statement on the ground of involuntariness, the best time to raise the issue is at the stage of it being tendered in evidence by the prosecution, and not on appeal by way of counsel’s submissions.

The judge, who cited a previous case delivered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said if the counsel had raised an objection to the admissibility of the statement on the ground that it was not voluntarily made, the court would have conducted a trial-within-trial to determine the issue.

“At the point of tendering these statements, Exhibits PWT, PWV2 and Exhibit DWI were not objected to by defence counsel.

“This failure to raise the objections is deemed to be an admission that the statements were made voluntarily and thus raising same at this stage amounts to an afterthought.

“Consequently, this court is entitled to rely on the statements in the determination of this charge,” he ruled.

On the substantive issue, the judge said that the standard of proof is usually beyond reasonable doubt because criminal cases were very serious specie of proceedings as the freedom and in some cases the life of the defendant was on the line if found guilty.

According to him, while the prosecution is not mandated to call a certain number of witnesses in proof of its case, it must call material witnesses to help it prove its case.

“The prosecution is not absolved of the duty placed on it by the law to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt even where the defendant has pleaded guilty to the charge, ” he said.

While reviewing the counts, the judge found that the anti-graft agency had been able to prove all the ingredients essential in each of the counts to convict the defendant.

“The defendant as the Director of Finance at the Federal Ministry of Defence had monies entrusted to him.

“Monies meant for the security and defence of the nation. Instead, the defendant converted the monies to his use.

“The defendant expertly put the money through proxy into his portfolio account with Quantum Zenith Securities to buy and trade securities.

“This is a classic example of what money laundering does. It is the putting of dirty money into legitimate business which helps to clean the money.

“The idea behind proving a predicate offence comes from what money laundering itself means.

“As a global phenomenon, money laundering means cleaning money from unlawful source to make it look clean and legal.

“Money laundering is a global scourge that affects countries worldwide, Nigeria not being an exception.

“It has been described as the washing of illegitimate money in a bid to make it appear clean or legitimate.

“It involves the process of transforming the proceeds of crime into ostensibly legitimate money or other assets.

“Hence, any action or transaction emanating from legally obtained money cannot ground a charge of money laundering, let alone result in conviction for the offence,” he said.

Justice Omotosho observed that Nwabuoku, in Exhibit DW1, had earlier stated that the monies paid into the four corporate accounts were for secret operations.

“However, the evidence before the court all show that they were rather used for the personal use of the defendant, ‘ he said.

The judge also observed that prior to 2019, the balance in the defendant’s account from Exhibit PWG was less than N3 million but suddenly from August 2019, his portfolio grew and it began being credited with tens of millions of naira to purchase more securities.

“The timing is quite curious as it coincides with the timeline of the alleged offences.

“From the accounts of MDavi Limited (PWE), the sum of about N160 million was credited to the account of the defendant with Quantum Zenith Securities for the purchase of securities.

“All these evidence clearly proves the guilt of the defendant.

“Consequently, the defendant is convicted of count 9 of the charge,” he ruled.

The judge further observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded N220 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

According to the judge, the defendant’s act of diverting funds meant for other purposes to his own use is quite appalling and revealing.

“This is even more concerning as it involves a very critical ministry such as the Ministry of Defence.

“These monies were probably meant to improve the security situation in the country. Unfortunately, they were siphoned into private pockets.

“I must say the defendant was ingenious in trying to hide the source of these funds by using shell companies and using friends and associates.

“However, the diligent investigation of the prosecution was able to link him to the said funds.

“This court must commend the prosecution for being detailed in its investigation and for presenting a coherent and cogent case against the defendant.

“The defendant on the other hand is condemned for greedily converting public funds to his own use.

“In final analysis, the prosecution has successfully established the nine counts charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

“The defendant is hereby convicted as charged,” he declared.

Responding, lawyer who appeared for the prosecution, Ogechi Ujam, thanked the judge for the time and industry put in to deliver the judgment.

She said the prosecution had no previous criminal record of the convict.

Justice Omotosho then asked the lawyer what the law says about the punishment of the offence.

Ujam, who cited Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering Act, 2011, said it provided for not less than seven years or not more than 14 years jail term in each of the count.

Isidore Udenko, who represented the former AGoF, pleaded for leniency.

“My lord, the defendant is a first offender. He is a man that had served this country for 35 years at the highest level.

“He has shown remorse and he has an aged mother as the only son.

“In showing remorse, he has refunded part of the money to the prosecution and throughout the trial, he was diligent and did not offend the court,” Udenko begged.

The judge said the Supreme Court had also decided that the defendant himself should be allowed to make allocution (plead for mercy) why the court should not give the maximum sentence.

Responding, Nwabuoku also begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

“My Lord, I have served for 35 years and retired. In all these years, I have been diligent.

“It is not as if I converted any money but I have returned some from my shares. My lord, I will plead for leniency,” he said.

Nwabuoku, however, pledged to refund the remaining part of the money.

“But you said at a point that the refund was not coming from…,” the judge responded to the defendant’s plea to refund the remaining part of the money.

“What I meant was that the refund was not voluntary; I was compelled,” he said.

But his lawyer suddenly cut in and said: “My lord, what the defendant is saying is that he is remorseful and whatever remains, he is ready to refund.”

“At this level, we have gone beyond issues of refund,” the judge said.

The EFCC lawyer then urged the court to sentence the convict in accordance with the law and to order the forfeiture of the property.

Justice Omotosho, after listening to the lawyers and the defendant, sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years imprisonment in each of the nine counts which shall bring concurrently.

“The sentence shall start to run from today the 23 Day of March, 2026 and shall run concurrently.

“The prosecution is at liberty to file formal application for forfeiture of applicable assets and properties,” the judge ruled.

The judge said the EFCC should file the application for forfeiture of the affected property and that the defence would respond accordingly before a final order is made.

“You can bring the post-conviction application so that the defence too can respond appropriately because he is entitled to fair hearing and we will ensure that,” he said.

On January 31, 2025, the 1st prosecution witness (PW-1), Eucharia Ezeodi, a Zenith Bank Plc staff member and PW-2, Felix Nweke, a director in the federal civil service, gave their testimonies against the defendant.

The anti-graft agency, however, closed its case after calling nine witnesses to establish its case against Nwabuoku.

Justice Omotosho had, on November 13, 2025, dismissed Nwabuoku’s no-case submission, which he opted for after the prosecution closed its case.

The judge, in a ruling, held that a prima facie case had been made out against Mr Nwabuoku by the EFCC to warrant him to enter his defence.

Nwabuoku, who opened his defence on February 2, prayed the court to acquit and discharge him of the alleged N868.46 million fraud case preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.

Led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr Quakers, the former AGoF denied being a signatory to some companies allegedly linked to him.

Nwabuoku had, in February 2025, opted for a plea bargain but later changed his mind.

The ex-AGoF was earlier arraigned with Felix Nweke, who worked under him in the Federal Ministry of Defence.

Both defendants, on October 14, 2024, equally opted for a plea bargain agreement with the EFCC, which was eventually not carried through.

The commission, subsequently, amended the charge and listed Nwabuoku as the sole defendant, with Nweke as one of its witnesses.

Source: NAN

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The post Court jails ex-AGoF, Nwabuoku, 72 years for N868m fraud appeared first on Frontpageng.

The PDP-GF under the chairmanship of Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State made the call in a statement by its Director-General, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, in Abuja on Sunday.

“We urge our members, supporters, and indeed all Nigerians to remain calm and disciplined in their reactions to the ruling.

“Our collective response must reflect maturity and a deep respect for the rule of law.

“We call on all party members and leaders to show maximum restraint, calm and be law-abiding before, during and after the judgment,” he said.

Agbo said that the party leadership would meet immediately to review the judgment and chart the necessary post- judgment line of action.

He said that whatever the decision might be, the PDP reaffirmed its respect for the judicial process and its commitment to peace.

He expressed the party’s belief in the judiciary which he described as the custodian of justice, which carries the weight of ensuring fairness, impartiality, and the preservation of national stability.

“Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the PDP remains resolute in its mission to provide Nigerians with a strong, credible, and people-centered alternative.

“No ruling can erase the will of Nigerians for a fair and competitive political system.

“We are prepared to participate fully in the democratic process, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected.

“The judiciary has always remained the only impartial and people-oriented arm of government whose tireless defense of the constitution has ensured the stability of our democratic governance,” he said.

Agbo noted that the PDP had always been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He noted that the party had governed, opposed, and contributed to the strengthening of institutions that protected the rights of citizens.

He added that democracy thrived on diversity of voices, competition of ideas, and the ability of citizens to choose from credible alternatives.

“The PDP will continue to embody these values; we therefore call on all members with political aspirations to contest the 2027 general elections to have faith in the party’s ability to provide the party’s platform that will ensure their electoral victories.

“Notwithstanding the fact that INEC has already published the timetable for the general elections, the party will ensure the protection and realisation of their political ambitions,” he said.

The appellate court had on February 13, reserved judgment in nine appeals filed by rival factions of the PDP regarding the controversial national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025.

The appeals stemmed mainly from separate decisions handed down by two Federal High Court judges in Abuja – James Omotosho and Peter Lifu.

There were also counter-decisions from the Oyo State High Court and recently the Federal High Court, both in Ibadan, regarding the disputed convention.

In spite the rulings stopping the convention ahead of the scheduled date, the organisers proceeded with it in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and November 16 2025, producing Tanimu Turaki, as national chairperson of the PDP, alongside other national officers.

There was another related case before Joyce Abdulmalik, also of the Federal High Court, Abuja, filed on November 21, 2025 by a rival faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to restrain the Turaki-led group from representing the party and to bar the Department of State Services, DSS, from granting them access to the PDP secretariat in Abuja.

On January 23, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until February 20 in deference to the Court of Appeal over the appeals regarding the same subject matter of the Ibadan convention pending before it.

Justice Abdumalik rescheduled the case for February 20 to take report from the Court of Appeal regarding the appeals.

During the hearing of the appeals, lawyers to the appellants – the Turaki led group – urged the court to allow the appeals and set aside the judgements invalidating its convention.

But lawyers to the respondents including the acting chair, Mohammed Abdulrahman, whose group aligns Wike, asked the court to dismiss the appeals and uphold the decisions of the Federal High Court.

Adopting his written brief of arguments the appellants’ lawyer, Chris Uche, SAN, said the appeal challenged the October 31 , 2025 judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

He argued that the judgment was delivered without jurisdiction and asked the court to dismiss a preliminary objection against the appeal.

He also urged the court to set aside Judge Omotosho’s judgment and orders.

However, lawyers to the first to third respondents, Joseph Daudu, a SAN, while also adopting his clients’ preliminary objections and briefs of argument filed in opposition to the appeal, urged the court to uphold the objections and dismiss the appeal.

Other respondents’ lawyers similarly asked the court to dismiss the appeal.

Source: NAN

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The post Leadership crisis: PDP govs call for calm ahead of A’Court ruling appeared first on Frontpageng.

Nwabuoku told Justice James Omotosho shortly after he opened his defence in the charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and was being led in evidence by his lawyer, Norrison Quakers, SAN.

The EFCC is prosecuting the former AGoF on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N868, 465, 000.

Justice Omotosho had, on November 13, 2025, dismissed a no-case submission filed by Nwabuoku, on the grounds that the anti-graft agency had made out a prima facie case against him, necessitating the need to open his defence.

The judge, who said that a prima facie case had been established did not necessarily imply that the court found him guilty of the charge, said that for Nwabuoku to open his defence was to allow him exhaust the options for his defence and to clear every unresolved issue.

According to the judge, the defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Led in evidence by his counsel on Monday, the ex-AGF denied being a signatory to some companies allegedly linked to him.

The companies include Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited, which the EFCC alleged Nwabuoku benefitted from during his time as former Director, Finance and Account in the Federal Ministry of Defence.

“I did not sign any document and my name did not appear in the account opening packages of the companies,” he said when he was asked by Quakers to go through the exhibits containing the names of the companies.

When the lawyer asked him if he knew Chief Jerry Nwachukwu, Nwabuoku, who is the 1st defence witness (DW-1), responded in the affirmative.

“Yes, I know him. He is a contractor, a registered contracted in the Ministry of Defence, even before I became director in the ministry,” he said.

He was asked to confirm if he instructed Chief Jerry Nwachukwu, one of the prosecution witness, to purchase the property he is occupying in CityGate, as alleged before the court.

Responding, he said, “I didn’t instruct him to buy any property for me. I bought the property myself.”

The DW-1 added that all documents associated with the said property are his, stressing that his name is on the transactional receipts of the property.

He said he had established a good record of service for 35 years allegedly without any dent and that Nwachukwu, who was EFCC’s witness, acknowledged this when he told the court that “he has no reason to doubt his (Nwabuoku’s) integrity.”

“My lord, I will be relying on the receipts of the property and at appropriate time, I will address the court on this,” Quakers said.

Nwabuoku told the court that he was neither a director nor a shareholder in Nwachukwu’s company.

The lawyer asked him to confirm refunding N220 million through another litigation by the EFCC and explain what he knew about the development.

The ex-AGoF said the development occurred during an investigation at the office of National Security Adviser, NSA, where the officials said they saw a financial investment he made.

He told the judge that he received “not less than N70 million annually on dividends” and that the money came from his bank account and was equally in his stock statement.

He said the civil suit for forfeiture of his money was instituted by the EFCC at Court 5 of a sister judge, while the trial was ongoing.

When the lawyer showed him the court order in respect of the forfeiture, Nwabuoku confirmed it and Quakers tendered it in evidence and it was marked as Exhibit DW-H after the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, did not raise objection.

“Finally, what do you want the court to do for you,” the lawyer asked.

“My lord, I want the court to discharge and acquit me in respect of this suit,” the ex-AGof said.

After concluding his testimony, the judge adjourned the matter until February 10 for continuation of hearing, when the commission’s lawyer is executed to cross-examine Nwabuoku.

Nwabuoku was admitted to a N500 million bail with two sureties in the like sum after he was arraigned on January 15, 2025, on a nine-count amended charge.

The EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, listed Nwabuoku as sole defendant.

In count one of the charge filed on November 27, 2024, the EFCC alleged that Nwabuoku, alongside Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited (at large), Turge Global Investment Limited (at large), Laptev Bridge Limited, Arafura Transnational Afro Limited (at large) and other persons (all at large) conspired to convert funds.

The funds were said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The anti-graft agency said the offence was contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as (amended by Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

He was alleged to have perpetrated the act while he served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

Nwabuoku was later appointed acting AGoF on May 20, 2022 under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari after Ahmed Idris was suspended as AGoF over alleged N80 billion fraud.

He was, however, replaced in July 2022, few weeks after assumed office.

Sylva Okolieaboh, a Director at the Treasury Single Account (TSA) Department, replaced Nwabuoku as acting AGoF.

Okolieaboh’s appointment followed a report that Nwabuoku was under the radar of EFCC over corruption allegations.

On January 31, 2025, the 1st prosecution witness (PW-1), Eucharia Ezeodi, a Zenith Bank Plc staff, and a director with the federal civil service, Felix Nweke, a PW-2, gave their testimonies against the defendant.

The anti-graft agency, however, closed its case after calling nine witnesses to establish its case against Nwabuoku.

Source: NAN

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The post Alleged N868m fraud: Ex-AGoF opens his defence appeared first on Frontpageng.

A three-member panel of justices, in a unanimous judgment, held that the appeal lacked merit and had become academic following Kanu’s conviction for terrorism offences.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, FHC, in Abuja, on November 20, convicted and sentenced the IPOB leader to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of terrorism offences charged by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Kanu had claimed, in the instant appeal, that his fundamental rights to human dignity, right to quality healthcare and religion were being breached by his continued detention in the facility of the DSS.

He had prayed the appellate court to upturn the judgement of the FHC in Abuja delivered by retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo on July 3, 2022, which dismissed his suit against the Director General, DG, of the DSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, on the grounds that he failed to prove his case.

The convicted IPOB leader had named the DG DSS and AGF as 1st and 2nd respondents.

Justice Boloukuromo Ugo, in the lead judgment, held that the appeal was no longer feasible since his conviction, life imprisonment sentence and remand in prison correctional centre.

Justice Ugo held that the substance of the case had become academic because, since Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, confirmed at the proceedings on Friday, that his client was being held in Sokoto Correctional Centre, the court could no longer order him to be moved to Kuje Correctional Centre to which he had sought to be relocated from the DSS custody.

Justice Ugo further held that, having earlier exhibited preference for prison custody, the court could no longer grant his prayers since he had been convicted and sent to the correctional centre where he had wanted to be kept.

Source: NAN

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The post A’Court strikes out Kanu’s rights breach case against DSS, AGF appeared first on Frontpageng.

A blogger had reported on his Facebook page that Justice Omotosho survived an assassination attempt early Saturday morning, just days after handing down the life sentences to Nnamdi Kanu.

According to the report, Justice Omotosho was immediately rushed to a hospital as security forces scrambled to secure the area.

But reacting, the Chief Registrar of FHC, Sulaiman Hassan, in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday morning, said the report was untrue.

The statement is titled, “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.”

It reads: “The attention of the Federal High Court has been drawn to a publication by CELEBRITY BLOGGER, alleging that the Honourable Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, survived an assassination attempt following the life sentence imposed on Nnamdi Kanu.

“We hereby firmly and unequivocally declare that the said report is completely false and unfounded.

“The public is advised to treat this publication as fake news and refrain from further dissemination to prevent the spread of misinformation.”

Hassan, therefore, called on relevant security agencies to launch a probe into the report with a view to arrest and prosecute the culprits in line with the laws.

“Given the gravity of the report, which has the potential to cause panic and undermine confidence in the judicial system—possibly intended as a form of intimidation—we call on the relevant security agencies and regulatory authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

“The goal being to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this false report and prosecute them in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly those relating to cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation.”

Justice Omotosho had, on Thursday, commuted the death sentence of Kanu, leader of the prescribed IPOB to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of the seven-count terrorism offences.

The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment in relation to counts one, two, four, five and six which carried death sentence each.

For count three, relating to the offences of belonging to a proscribed terrorist group, Justice Omotosho sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine.

On count seven, bordering on his unlawful importation of a radio transmitter for the purpose of furthering the clandestine activities of Radio Biafra, which is not registered in Nigeria, the judge sentenced him to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.

He, however, said that to further extend the mercy on the defendant, counts three and seven would run concurrently.

The judge, who noted that Kanu had been unruly all through the trial, said the law allowed the court to sentence him to death for the terrorism offences, but that he (the judge), as a Christian, chose to be merciful to the defendant, citing Mathew 23:23.

Justice Omotosho equally considered the alocutus made by Rep Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia in the National Assembly, on Kanu’s behalf.

He ordered that the IPOB leader be kept in a protective custody in any part of the country, but not in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja and that the radio transmitter be forfeited to the federal government.

Besides, the judge ordered that Kanu, while in custody, should be restricted from making use of digital devices to prevent him from further incitement.

He held that if Kanu must make use of a digital device, this must be closely monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The judge held that regarding other exhibits found with Kanu, the Department of State Services, DSS, the prosecuting agency, could bring an application for forfeiture to the federal government after the expiration of 90 days of appeal.

Justice Omotosho, who described Kanu’s conduct as “unruly behaviours,” said the defendant was not remorseful.

“I have no hesitation to conclude that the defendant has tendency of violence and it has not left him,” the judge had said.

Source: NAN

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The verdict was given on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho at about 4.23 p.m.

The judge said Kanu was supposed to be sentenced to death, but the court decided to be lenient.

His words: “I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for the set count 1, 4, 5 and 6 instead of death sentence. This life is sacred to God…”

He spoke generally on the case before giving the verdict and why the court decided to be lenient.

Said he: “No doubt, the convict has not acted well throughout. He has caused delay severally and started crying unlawfully that he was held without trial. And also, his unruly behaviour from the beginning even till today was noticed.

“However, this court will not consider that as the Lord Himself is merciful.  This court is only being merciful to him because we have to be merciful as enjoined by our lord Jesus Christ.  The court is minded to sentence the convict to death due to the sins he committed. The convict did not show any remorse whatever for his actions.

“He remained arrogant, cocky and full of himself, not realising the magnitude of his crime and effect of what he had done against his people in the South East.

“I’ve listened to the alocutus made by the member of the House of Representative representing the constituency of the convict. Although I’m not really persuaded, but I must temper justice with mercy…

“It is on that note that the court will follow this admonition and show mercy to the convict. In addition, the death penalty is globally being frowned upon  by the international community.

“Consequently and in the interest of justice, I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for the set count 1, 4, 5 and 6 instead of death sentence. This life is sacred to God…”

Meanwhile, before the judgement was given, Kanu, who was returned to court having been earlier ordered out for being unruly, again insisted that he must be given the opportunity to make a final written statement.

When he started shouting, the judge ordered that he should be taken out for the second time.

He suspended the sitting and said he would come back for the judgement.

Shortly after, the judge returned and gave the judgement, but without Kanu allowed in court.

The judge directed Kanu’s consultant to take the judgement to him upon delivery.

Recall that the court had earlier in the day found Kanu guilty of terrorism.

Justice Omotosho declared that the judgement followed the incontrovertible evidences that Kanu made series of broadcasts to incite violence and killings in the country.

Kanu was found guilty of all the seven counts charge against him.

While the first count charge is on terrorism, the second is enforcement of illegal sit at home order while count three is being a member of a proscribed organisatioin.

He is also guilty of the fourth and five counts bordering on inciting people to take up arms against security personnel and their families.

Kanu was also guilty of counts six and seven.

It would be recalled that earlier, Justice Omotosho, ordered Kanu to be removed from the courtroom.

The order followed Kanu’s repeated insistence that the judgement would not be delivered in the terrorism case against him by the federal government.

Kanu argued that the court could not go ahead with the delivery of the judgement which was to be scheduled for Thursday.

His reason was that he was yet to file his final written address.

The IPOB leader accused the judge of being bias.

He also alleged that the judge did not know the law.

Following the order of the judge, Kanu was taken away from the court room.

The judge continued the delivery of the final judgement in his absence and it was broadcast live.

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The post BREAKING: IPOB leader, Kanu, sentenced to life imprisonment appeared first on Frontpageng.

The verdict was given on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho while delivering judgement in the case of terrorism against Kanu.

Justice Omotosho declared that the judgement followed the incontrovertible evidences in count one that Kanu made series of broadcasts to incite violence and killings in the country.

Kanu has been found guilty of all the seven counts charge against him.

While the first count charge is on terrorism, the second is enforcement of illegal sit at home order while count three is being a member of a proscribed organisatioin.

He is also guilty of the fourth and five counts bordering on inciting people to take up arms against security personnel and their families.

It would be recalled that earlier, Justice Omotosho, ordered Kanu to be removed from the courtroom.

The order followed Kanu’s repeated insistence that the judgement would not be delivered in the terrorism case against him by the federal government.

Kanu argued that the court could not go ahead with the delivery of the judgement which was to be scheduled for Thursday.

His reason was that he was yet to file his final written address.

The IPOB leader accused the judge of being bias.

He also alleged that the judge did not know the law.

Following the order of the judge, Kanu was taken away from the court room.

The judge continued the delivery of the final judgement in his absence and broadcast live.

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The post BREAKING: IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, found guilty of terrorism appeared first on Frontpageng.

The order followed Kanu’s repeated insistence that the judgement would not be delivered in the terrorism case against him by the federal government.

Kanu argued that the court could not go ahead with the delivery of the judgement which was to be scheduled for Thursday.

His reason was the he was yet to file his final written address

The IPOB leader accused the judge of being bias.

He also alleged that the judge did not know the law.

Following the order of the judge, Kanu was taken away from the court room.

The judge continued the delivery of the final judgement in his absence and broadcast live.

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The post Judgement day: Judge orders Kanu out of court for being unruly appeared first on Frontpageng.

Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, is currently being charged on seven-count bordering on alleged terrorism.

Justice Omotosho had, on November 7, fixed November 20 for judgment in the trial.

The judge fixed the date after Kanu’s defence was foreclosed following his insistence that he would not enter his defence under a repealed law.

However, in a motion on notice dated November 10 but filed on November 12, Kanu, who personally signed the documents sought one relief.

He prayed the appellate court for “an order staying the proceedings of the trial court in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015: Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs. Nnamdi Kanu currently pending before Justice James K. Omotosho.”

He sought the order pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

The IPOB leader urged the Appeal Court to look into the lower court’s decision on his no-case submission, the alleged refusal of the lower court to determine its jurisdiction and the validity of the counts under which he is being tried.

He also urged the appellate court to look into the FHC ‘s “foreclosure of the appeliant’s right to defend the case by fielding witnesses.”

Kanu, in his nine-ground argument, averred that in spite of the jurisdictional questions raised before the trial court, the trial court refused to rule on them.

He said the trial court refused to evaluate the evidence of the prosecution witnesses vis-a-vis the cross-examination questions to determine whether the evidence was discredited under cross examination.

He said though he filed a list of witnesses to be called in defence of the case and indicated that his defence would come up “and the appellant fields witnesses immediately the court determines its jurisdiction, the trial court refused and held that the decision would only be given on the objections during judgment.”

According to him, the trial court, while refusing to rule on the objection, foreclosed the appellant’s right to defend the heinous allegations levelled against the appellant.

“The trial court has adjourned the matter for judgment on the 20th of November, 2025.

“If the application is not granted, the appellant may be unlawfully convicted without being afforded the opportunity of knowing the validity of the counts, the jurisdiction of the trial court and offering defence on the merit.

“Further proceedings on the matter will stultify the appellant’s right of appeal and any appellate decision fait accompli,” he said.

Kanu said neither the trial court nor him would be prejudiced “if the application is granted, the case having prolonged since the year 2015 only to commence before the instant court some times in this year 2025.”

He said it would be in the interest of justice to grant the application and allow the matter taken on the merit.

Kanu, who disengaged his lawyers, had opted to represent himself in the charge before Justice Omotosho

Kanu had queried the jurisdiction of the court to try him based on the charge, which he claimed was invalid on the grounds that it was based on repealed laws.

Kanu submitted that the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap C45 LFN 2004 on which the charge was hinged, had been repealed.

He further argued that the failure of the court to take judicial notice that the laws had been repealed rendered the proceedings so far conducted in the case a nullity.

Kanu claimed that his trial was a conspiracy and had been pre-determined, accusing the British authorities of wanting him to be convicted and jailed.

He alleged that he learnt of the British authorities’ intention about his fate about one and half years ago.

But Justice Omotosho said he was unaware of Kanu’s claim.

The judge, who said that he had no relationship with the British authorities, also clarified that he was not the judge during the period Kanu referred to.

The IPOB leader insisted that he would only enter the witness box to give his testimony after he must have been told under which law he was being tried.

Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, held that Kanu, having exhausted the six days allocated to him by the court to conduct his defence, had waived his right to do so.

The judge said he would have extended the days allocated to Kanu to conduct his defence if he had opted to open it.

He said Kanu, having failed to utilise the opportunity given to him to conduct his defence, could not claim to have been denied the constitutionally guaranteed right to fair hearing.

“This court has given opportunity to the defendant under Section 36 as requires by the constitution and I will not allow this to continue.

“It is based on this, without hesitation, that I say that the defendant has waived his right,” Justice Omotosho said and adjourned the matter until November 20 for judgment.

Source: NAN

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