Abba Kyari: Malami Has Always Played Hide-And-Seek Game: HURIWA Says

…Calls for Abubakar Malami’s sack

…Calls for forensic investigations of circumstances surrounding death of DIG JOSEPH EGBUNIKE

Leading Civil Rights Advocacy Group- HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has called for the dismissal of the federal attorney general and minister of Justice Abubakar Malami for disgracefully playing politics with the demand by the United States of America to extradite the disgraced Deputy Commissioner of Police Alhaji Abba Kyari to the United States of America to face prosecution over fraud allegations. 

HURIWA has also asked the Anambra State government and the Governors of the Soith East to demand that investigations about the sudden death of the most senior Igbo police officer in Nigeria hitherto charged with the investigation of the disgraced police officer Abba Kyari be opened because there have been many accounts of how he died alongside insinuations that his death was connected to his principled stand to indict the disgraced police officer who however has been in jail before the death of the Senior police officer. 

HURIWA said: “We are not pointing accusing fingers on any one in particular but the interest generated by a section of federal government officials on the case of Abba Kyari and the crude determination by these officials to frustrate any talk of extraditing their beloved ‘super cop’ shows that some desperate agents even working independent of the accused persons,  may have masterminded the death of DIG JOSEPH EGBUNIKE.  So his death should be investigated independent of the police or government since both the police and federal government are in collusion to undermine the entire legal process of extradition application”. 

The Rights group said categorically that the plots allegedly by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to save a former Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari, from facing criminal prosecution for alleged money laundering by writing a second and contradictory advice, has rubbished what is left of the international image of Nigeria and the World will view Nigeria as a criminal empire. “If President Muhammadu Buhari has any honour left in his administration,  then he must sack Abubakar Malami with immediate effect or leave him in office and surely his government has gone down in history as that which sabotaged the constitution and the principle of rule of law to massage their ethnic and tribal egos and interests.”

HURIWA further stated that the second contradictory opinion by Abubakar Malami which attempts to free the police officer, shows that all the while that the Federal Attorney general and minister of Justice and by extension the federal government of President Muhammadu Buhari has never planned to hand over the disgraced police officer to the Federal Bureau of Investigation but were simply deceiving gullible Nigerians.

The Rights group said the volte -face by the incredibly ridiculous Attorney-General is a confirmation of the alarm we raised last week stating that all the while the government does not want to extradite the indicted police office Abba Kyari to the USA even with the abundance of evidence allegedly linking him to several crimes of advanced fees fraud allegedly masterminded by Hushpuppi. 

HURIWA said although the current administration may get away with this clear case of covering up for someone they see as their errand boy,  but in the long term the image of Nigeria will suffer near irreparable damage of distrust due to this mess the Attorney-General has created. How the Attorney-General could change opinions like he is changing bathroom slippers,  is a monumental body of shame and is so despicable,  disgusting,  atrocious and vexatious.”

Recall that HURIWA had on March 5th alleged that, “the AGF and some northern political forces must be on a conspiratorial mission because as long as Kyari is facing charges in Nigeria, he cannot be extradited to the U.S. based on the Extradition Treaty between Nigeria and the United States.”

The group quoted the law thus: “Attorney General of the Federation however has the power to refuse extradition. According to section 3 of the Extradition Act, which places restrictions on extradition, ‘A fugitive criminal – (a) who has been charged with an offence under the law of Nigeria or any part thereof, not being the offence for which his surrender is sought; or (b) who is serving a sentence imposed in respect of any such offence by a court in Nigeria, shall not be surrendered until such a time as he has been discharged whether by acquittal or on the expiration of his sentence or otherwise.’

HURIWA added: “Apparently, it would seem that either that the AGF is not even aware that NDLEA, which is an agency under his Ministry had filed charges or he knew and he still authorised filing of extradition application even when aspects of the Extradition Treaty between Nigeria and U.S. says no extradition will happen if the accused person is facing same or another charge or charges at the time of filing the extradition application.

HURIWA had also accused the minister of justice of connivance to undermine the extraditionnof Abba Kyari  thus: “So, it is either that the government is taking Nigerians for a ride by muddying up the extradition application so their sacred cow does not go to the U.S. to face charges of 419 alongside Hushpuppi or the justice minister need to explain why his office did not ask the NDLEA not to file charges so the extradition application goes first and is successfully obtained because as it is, the accused person can’t be extradited since he now has an advantage of the provision of the extradition treaty not to be extradited.”

HURIWA in a statement  by the National  Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko said the clearest evidence of collusion to undermine the extradition of the disgraced police officer has emerged because weeks after directing the police to probe Abba Kyari for allegedly receiving 33 proceeds of crime, stating that a case of money laundering had been established against Kyari, the justice minister in a new legal advice said there was no evidence to show that money was laundered by the senior police officer. HURIWA said this clear crass incompetence that even a year one law student wouldn’t commit is a bug slap on the face of Nigerians and is absolutely repugnant to good reasoning.  

HURIWA said this contradiction by the Federal Attorney general and minister of Justice has painted Nigeria graphically as a lawless contraption whereby anything goes and a kingdom of filth whereby if you have a big man in government, then you can literally commit murder in Broad daylight and you walk freely on the corridors of power in Abuja same way armed Fulani terrorists have killed over 6, 000 farmers all over Nigeria and the Federal Attorney general shamelessly told HURIWA in writing that he can’t prosecute the alleged mass killers because there is no case file. 

HURIWA recalled  that the embattled police man Alhaji Abba Kyari, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, who is wanted in the United States for alleged involvement in a $1.1m scam carried out by the then Dubai based advanced fees fraud kingpin Abbas Ramon also known as Hushpuppi. 

HURIWA stated that it is a shocking and disappointing that the AGF affirmed in January that investigations carried out by the police indicted the former IRT commander for money laundering.

Malami, in a legal advice, therefore, directed the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to carry out further investigations, noting that a prima facie case of money laundering had been established against the DCP.

He also said the force should intensify investigation into 33 crime proceeds received by the ex-IRT commander.

HURIWA recalled that police investigations revealed how the international scammers led by Hushpuppi paid N235,120,000 to Kyari’s younger brother.

The police report also said Kyari equally funnelled N44 million into his sibling’s bank account in multiple transactions.

Then in January the AGF’s legal advice read in part, “That there exists prima facie case of conspiracy, collaboration, receipt, conversion, transfer and/or retention of proceeds of unlawful activities contrary to the provision of sections 15, 17 & 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and Section 17 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, Cap E, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, against DCP Abba Kyari and other suspects in view of the overwhelming evidence showing the nature of his disguised financial transactions and activities with Abbas Hushpuppi, Efe Martins, Usman Ibrahim Waziri, Sikiru Adekoya, Hussaini Ala and Sharon Festus, who are all confirmed members of an international Internet fraud network.

“Although the facts and circumstances of this case as contained in the case file are suggestive to money laundering offences against DCP Abba Kyari and his accomplices namely: Abbas Hushpuppi, Efe Martins, Usman Ibrahim Waziri, Sikiru Adekoya, Hussaini Ala and Sharon Festus; to successfully prosecute them, there is a need for a more thorough dissecting and tracing of the suspected 33 proceeds of crime received by DCP Abba Kyari directly or indirectly through the said accomplices.”

HURIWA lamented that in a sinister attempt to free the sacred cow and the good boy of the Northern political class, who used him in the past for all kinds of allegedly abominable assignment, However, Malami, in his latest advice contradicted his January directive that Kyari should be probed for money laundering and for receiving 33 proceeds of crime.

HURIWA stated that in a letter dated February 4, 2022, with reference number, DPPA/LA/814/21, the AGF sought to exonerate the embattled senior officer, saying there was no link between Kyari and the Hushpuppi gang.

According to the letter written on behalf of the AGF by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, the evidence contained in the case diary “was not sufficient to indicate or show that the said monies (N279mn) were laundered directly or indirectly by Kyari to disguise their origin.”

The new position of the attorney-general was contained in a letter titled, ‘Re: Forwarding of the investigation report of the Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Team and request for legal advice with regards to allegations of criminal conspiracy, aiding and abetting Internet fraud, wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering against DCP Abba Kyari’.

The letter addressed to the IG, read in part, “I am directed to inform you that after a careful study of the said response wherein you stated that ‘the monies have been traced to Zenith Bank account no. 2255416115 belonging to Usman Ibrahim Waziri; Guaranty Trust Bank account no. 0130665392 belonging to Adekoya Sikiru; Zenith Bank account no. 2080537566 belonging to Hussein Ala and other funds went to Sharon Festus. The monies were withdrawn and utilised by the aforementioned account holders and the lady.

“It is our view that the above response has not linked the suspect, DCP Abba Kyari, to the offence of money laundering as the evidence contained in the case diary is not sufficient to indicate or show that the said monies were laundered directly or indirectly by Kyari to disguise their origin, more so that the aforementioned recipients or receivers exonerated him in their statements as having nothing to do with the monies.”

HURIWA in its reaction to the latest volte face of the Federal attorney general and minister of Justice Abubakar Malami said it is one more evidence of crass incompetence and/or alleged collusion to undermine any attempt to extradite Abba Kyari to the USA. 

HURIWA said the impression being created by this turn around and a show of shame by the AGF is that the Federal government recognises impunity as its official mantra and the officials don’t give a damn  to do all kinds of things because they think that they are above the law. 

HURIWA stated that the current Attorney General and minister of Justice Abubakar Malami has entered the national book of infamy and will for generations to come be looked upon as one of the worst lawyers to have held the post of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Such a shame really!”

Like APC, Like Nigeria, Buhari’s maladministration infectious: HURIWA

The administration crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress is evidence of the inept misgovernment of President Muhammadu Buhari in all aspect of the governance in Nigeria in the last seven years, civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria(HURIWA), has said.

HURIWA, in a statement on Friday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the power tussle shaking the boat of APC whose leader is said to be the President has shown that the APC government cannot competently run the affairs of the country going forward.

The group pointed out that the President and APC governors run the affairs of the party like headmasters, with no regard for constitutional and legal provisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission, thus the many woes confronting the party.

According to reports, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said the President ordered the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, to remove Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State as Chairman and replace him with his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Bello.

But INEC rejected a letter inviting it to an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the governing party where Bello’s chairmanship, among other things, is to be ratified.

The commission drew  the attention of CECPC to the fact that the letter of invitation was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC, Buni and Dr John Akpanudoedehe, respectively.

It said this was contrary to the provision of Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).

Also, the APC, due to maladministration is currently battling no fewer than 208 court cases with some of them challenging the leadership of the party in various states and the legitimacy of the caretaker committee appointed by the President at a meeting on June 25, 2020 after the dissolution of the national leadership led by Adams Oshiomhole. 

But the party has battled many crises since the Buni committee took over, threatening its March 26 planned convention of the party hurriedly put together in 2017 to oust then President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Commenting on the commotion rocking the APC, HURIWA faulted the appointment of Buni as caretaker chairman in the first instance and the subsequent appointment of Bello, noting that it is illegal for an elected governor to hold a very top position in any political party.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “How on earth will a governor who is elected for four years on full time job for a specific state government and governance territory be clothed with the extra judicial executive office of the national chairman of a national political party for years and the Independent National Electoral Commission looks on as if the commission is not to be concerned about the ethical and constitutional wellbeing of political parties given  all the constitutional guidelines made on how parties should be administered transparently?

“How on earth are President Muhammadu Buhari and governors behaving like head masters of their political party as against their oaths of office which obliges them to be loyal to the constitution and be 100 per cent dedicated to the mandates that the voters and those who never voted delegated and clothed them with as the legitimate permission to exercise their authorities as governors or President and not to mix these up with party administration?

“The persistent crises rocking the APC and the blatant violation of guidelines governing the affairs of political parties by the APC is condemnable. The party should learn from best practices in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.

“These abuses if not rectified within seven working days will be challenged in court by HURIWA so we get the Court to make pronouncements on how political party administration should be for the sake of national security and national health.”

March 11, 2022

Emmanuel Onwubiko

National Coordinator – HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA). 

Sunday Marshall Katung “THE MAN WHOM THE CAP FITS”.

By
Sefinatu Sophie Umaru.

The legislature is a crucial arm in a democracy. Typically, democracies operate a bicameral legislature i.e. a legislature comprising two chambers; an upper chamber (The Senate) and a lower chamber (House of Representatives). A bicameral legislature guarantees equal representation, especially for minorities and the disadvantaged.

The senate checks & prevents hasty and ill considered passage of bills, ensures bills are properly debated, corrects faulty legislation and creates room for more politically & administratively experienced people skilled in the act of law making to make meaningful contributions to the society.

In addition to his legislative duties, a senator represents the interest of his people and lobbies for benefits and favourable outcomes on their behalf.

Southern Kaduna Senatorial District is inundated with several challenges among which are primarily; insecurity, unemployment and lack of amenities that make life meaningful for residents.

Southern Kaduna needs an energetic, proactive and emphatic man skilled in the art of negotiating. A man with networks and acquaintances across the country to adequately secure meaningful legislation that will tackle the challenges faced by residents of Southern Kaduna.

Every society needs people-oriented leaders and Honourable Sunday Marshall Katung (SMK) has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he takes the interest of his people to heart.
He has garnered vast experience in the corporate world, governance and legislature as listed below:

1. In the corporate world, he was a stickler for due process, professionalism and objectivity.
2. As a commissioner, he developed and implemented people-oriented policies.
3. As a member Federal House of Representatives, he initiated and sponsored motions which include:
   − A motion that the HoR receives the report of the bill for an act to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps (NPC) to empower, develop and provide alternative empowerment for the youths to facilitate peaceful community service, nation-building and for other related matters.

− A motion investigating tremours and earthquake at Jaba LGA, and setting up special intervention for those affected

− A motion to revive the textile industries in Nigeria with particular reference to Kaduna/Kano axis.

− A bill to establish The National Security Trust Fund for the provision of Military and Security hardware, infrastructure and technology for security agencies in Nigeria and for related matters.

− Advocating for sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna whose employments were wrongfully terminated.

As a believer in youth empowerment, he kept an eye for employment opportunities, grants and scholarship opportunities for members of his constituents and maximised the opportunities whenever they came up.

4. As a philanthropist, he believes education is the key to unlocking one’s potentials and has sponsored youth of Southern Kaduna to seek knowledge and empowerment via scholarships.

Sunday Marshall Katung (SMK) is a dynamic leader and visionary that can represent the people of Southern Kaduna in The Senate. The people of Zangon Kataf/Java Federal Constituency who have been endeared to him during his first term in the Blue Chamber can attest to the fact that he has got what it takes to fight for his people at the Federal Level.

Sunday Marshall Katung (SMK) has been greatly disturbed and affected by the insecurity within Southern Kaduna and has already drafted legislative agenda to tackle the situation.

Sunday Marshall Katung is a firm believer in innovation and is highly motivated to try new methods and ideas to carry Southern Kaduna forward and motivate and inspire those around him.

To the people of Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung deserves your vote to serve you better in the years ahead.

Let us bring peace, equity, development and good governance to Southern Kaduna.

I KNOW OF A MAN

By Jerry Ishaku

I know a Man who was honest, gentle, peaceful, who understand the rule of Law, a great reformer, Intelligent yet so calm, great achiever, yet so silent.

I know a Peace Maker..An unbiased, non ethno religious sentimental.

I know the Transformation Master..the midwife of modern democracy.

Throw him the insults, and he replies with a smile, Pierce him with arrows and he spills the bowels of mercy, Nail him with betrayals, and he replies with a Laughter..

Lacerated by the blade of his trusted, But his Soul bleeds with the tears of compassion, His heart is without guile no hatred, colder than the winters zone.

Look into his eyes and you see the aura of peace..

A compassionate diplomat..an active leader in servitude..

His smiles are genuine, pure, honest and true..
He was never Perfect, but he gave his best..
He was not always right, but even when he was wrong, He was true and sincerely wrong..

His weakness was Trust..

Like the wonder years, you will remain Precious, More Precious than the jewel of stones..

Tender at heart, kind in Spirit and joyful in soul..

I Know Barr Sunday Marshall Katunɡ

May Katung Succeed…

2023: 100 Bishops Announce Prayer For Yahaya Bello At Unity Fountain

No less than 100 Christian clerics, mostly Bishops, have announced their intention to hold a three-day prayer and fasting for Governor Yahaya Bello’s emergence as president in 2023.

According to a statement signed by the convener, Bishop Jonathan Praise, on Tuesday, in Abuja, the clerics are drawn from each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

He noted that over 1,000 church leaders are also expected alongside their pastors at the Unity Fountain Abuja, the venue of the prayers.

Bishop Jonathan said the purpose of their gathering is to provide a spiritual shield and support for Governor Bello, who according to him is “God’s anointed choice to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari”.

Like the Biblical account of David, he explained that Governor Bello is a man after God’s heart and must be protected by all means to fulfil his purpose.

Recalling how Bello rose to become governor, the Bishop said it was not mere coincidence but destiny, adding that he would again shock critics at the next polls.

“In the Scriptures, there is no king who was the apple of God’s eye like David. The heart of God had a special affection for the man who was later described by the Lord as, a man after my heart, who will do all my will. (Acts 13:33),” Bishop Jonathan said.

“David was not perfect. He failed and sinned in many ways. So why did God love and bless him so much? Because God chose him. Yahaya Bello is our David. He embodies all his traits.

“Like David, Bello is young, focused, dedicated, charismatic, passionate, compassionate, kind. Name it. He is a man that loves God”.

Bishop Jonathan said aside from the spiritual aspects which have been revealed to him and other clerics, Bello had outperformed all the so-called aspirants.

He said the governor’s innate leadership qualities, innovations and doggedness are what is needed at this critical time in Nigeria.

” Even if we do away with the spiritual aspect and focus on the physical, Governor Bello is unmatched. He is a young man who has demonstrated that indeed quality leadership is possible in Nigeria.

“Bello is a young man with a true Nigerian spirit who has used his leadership acumen, skills and resources to promote peaceful co-existence.

“He is also a man of peace and will not only unite the various ethnic groups as he has done in Kogi State today, but will ensure that the issue of religion gradually fades out of our political life through his wisdom and understanding of ssues”.

Bishop Jonathan, therefore, called on Governor Bello to formally declare his intention to run for President.

He, however, assured the governor of the support of the church in Nigeria as soon as he makes public his intention.

TNP

Nigerian Army Promotes Commanding Officer, Bello Who Supervised Killing Of #EndSARS Protesters At Lekki Toll Gate

The Nigerian Army Council has approved the promotion of Lieutenant Colonel S.O. Bello, the commanding officer of the 65 Batallion, which was at the Lekki tollgate on the evening of October 20, 2020, to the rank of a Colonel.

On Monday, a report of the Lagos State Judicial Panel on Police Brutality, including an investigation on the Lekki massacre said protesters were killed at the tollgate in what the panel described as a massacre.

According to the report, at least nine persons were confirmed dead at the Lekki toll plaza when soldiers led by Bello stormed there to disperse #EndSARS protesters on October 20, 2020.
Titled, ‘Report of Lekki Incident Investigation Of 20th October 2020’, a copy of the 309-page report which was leaked said at least 48 protesters were either shot dead, injured with bullet wounds or assaulted by soldiers.

Major Gen. Ahmed Ibrahim Taiwo of the 81 Division Intelligence Brigade had while appearing before the Lagos Judicial Panel in November 2020 revealed that Bello was the commander on the ground, who gave the order for the soldiers to release bullets at the toll gate.

He had said, “Bello had arrived the scene first before Omata, as the whole 81 Division Garrison had been given the mandate to secure the whole Eti-Osa corridor. Omata had left Obalende to meet up with Bello and patrol the whole area.

“When I called Bello, he said that while they were being deployed, they were attacked by hoodlums and they released some shots into the air. I also asked him if anybody had died as it is being reported over the Internet and he replied ‘negative’ that nobody had died that he had only seen two people who had fainted and were revived.

“I had called three times and after speaking with Bello, I spoke to General Omata using Bello’s phone. It was one of those instances that when I called Bello he said Omata was with him. I spoke with Omata and asked if deaths were recorded and he told me no. I called him twice and he said no, that the place had been cleared.”

Bello however refused to appear before the panel when summoned to defend all the allegations levelled against him.

When the matter was called, Jonathan Ogunsanya, one of the registrars attached to the panel, said the Kogi State-born military officer refused to receive the summons issued to him.

Military sources on Thursday said Bello, despite leading the team that unleashed mayhem on defenceless protesters, has been promoted to the rank of a Colonel.

Lt Col. S. O. Bello with full name, Salisu Ovada Bello, and Service Number–N/11249, was promoted on November 13, 2021, SaharaReporters learnt. 

“Lt Col S.O. Bello has just been promoted to the rank of a Colonel. He is the commanding officer who led the Lekki massacre,” one of the sources, a colonel told SaharaReporters.

SaharaReporters learnt that the Army Council on October 28 met to approve the promotion of officers. 

It was learnt that the promotion would favour some Majors, Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels with new ranks. 

Calls put across by SaharaReporters to the Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu were not answered nor returned. He had also not replied to a text message sent to his line, at the time of this report.

Credit: Saharareporters

Lekki Tollgate incident was a massacre — Lagos #ENDSARS Panel

The just concluded Lagos #EndSARS Panel of Inquiry has described the October 20, 2020 incident at the Lekki toll gate as a massacre.

The panel of inquiry also stated that contrary to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s claim that he didn’t invite soldiers to the toll gate, the governor actually invited the Nigerian soldiers who carried out a massacre against unarmed and peaceful protesters during the October 20th, 2020 EndSARS protest at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.

“The panel found that there was an invitation of the Nigerian Army to Lagos State made by the Lagos State government through the governor,” the just-released panel’s report stated unequivocally,

“before the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army deployed its soldiers to the Lekki Toll Gate on the night of October 20.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu had claimed that he knew nothing about how Nigerian soldiers were mobilised to the tollgate. He had repeatedly deflected any blame of what happened at the Lekki tollgate to the Nigerian Army, playing the victim that he had no control over the military force that invaded the tollgate and killed the protesters without any provocations.

The report submitted to the Lagos government on November 15, over one year after the #EndSARS protesters were massacred, pointed out that the soldiers and police shot, injured and killed protesters holding national flags and singing the national anthem at the Lekki tollgate.

Information minister Lai Mohammed had also denied any protesters’ killing on the night of October 20, 2020, accusing the peaceful demonstrators of orchestrating anarchy.

#EndSARS, a nationwide protest against police brutality championed by young Nigerians, ended on a sad note as Nigerian soldiers shot and killed protesters waving the national flag and singing the national anthem.

Credit: Gazette

REFUSAL TO CLASSIFY FULANI MILITIA AS TERRORISTS IS A DISSERVICE TO NIGERIA-: SAYS HURIWA

“That armed Fulani militia continue to decimate and degrade operatives of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari continues to delay the classification of these mass murderers as terrorists is a grave disservice to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and amounts to a violation of the countrr terrorism law because it portrays the Federal government of President Buhari as a sponsor of terrorists and a terrorism sympathiser”. 

With the above citation the prominent Civil Rights Advocacy Group-: HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has once again condemned the tolerable tendency of the Federal government towards the daredevil mass killings of armed Fulani bandits who are yet to classify as terrorists and who have continued to unleashed violence in Zango Kataf Southern Kaduna State and most parts of North West including Zamfara where I the last few days, scores of armed security operatives and soldiers have been slaughtered hy the armed bandits.

“HURIWA is shocked that the soldiers were killed while trying to repel the attack of armed Fulani attackers in Zamfara State and some villages in the Christian dominated Southern Kaduna were attacked and many villagers killed but the government is still pampering these terrorists. The bandits were said to have abducted many motorists and carted away guns and ammunitions of the soldiers.  A resident, Abubakar Bala Tsafe, confirmed the attack  “I heard that they blocked the Wanzamai – Kucheri road and they killed soldiers. The attack took place around 2:45 p.m. and they (bandits) were said to have closed down the road to ensure that security personnel did not come to the rescue of the motorists or villagers being attacked.”

HURIWA is convinced that the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to classify the North Western armed Fulani bandits as terrorists even when they have shot down a military jet and have continued to kill off operatives of the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Army amounts to being SYMPATHETIC TO TERRORISTS.  

” For the avoidance of doubts, terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government or its citizens to further certain political or social objectives.

CAUSES OF TERRORISM. Thus, the causes of terrorism suggested include “poverty,” “inequality,” “globalization,” “technology,” “energy,” “oil,” “Islam,” “Islamic fundamentalism,” and “psychopathy,” among others. There are also widespread challenges to each of these causes on both scientific and ideological grounds.

Nigeria is no stranger to the activities of terrorists, and in particular, Boko-Haram. … Nigeria has a national legislation against terrorism, Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013, which provides measures for the prevention, prohibition and combating of acts of terrorism, and the financing of terrorism.”

HURIWA says ignoring persistent call by Nigerians on government  to classify armed bandits as terrorists is itself a crime of terrorism. Declaration of Fulani militia members as terrorists will allow the judicial system to be employed to deal decisively with them. This is because the

Federal terrorism penalties can include a death sentence even where a state has banned the death penalty. Even if no one is harmed or killed, an individual can face a long prison sentence. A conviction for providing material support or resources to a terrorist organization can result in imprisonment for 20 years.”

“As stated above the penalties can range from a 20-year jail term to death sentences depending on the severity of cases. The Act also facilitates help from foreign governments by way of mutual assistance, information sharing, and extradition with regard to that.

According to Federal High Court Practice Direction it is only the High Court that has the exclusive Jurisdiction on Matters on Terrorism. Laws guiding Terrorism in Nigeria. 

-Terrorism prevention Act ( TPA)2011.

-Terrorism prevention  (Amendment )Act 2013.

-Criminal code ( in the south ) Cap 38.

-Penal code ( in the North )Cap 89.

-Administration of criminal justice Act 2015.

THE POSITION OF LAW ON THE GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS TO COMBAT TERRORIST. 

The Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 and 2013  as amended  provides for the prevention and combating of Acts of terrorism and the finacing of terrorism in Nigeria.All states have obligation to prosecute  any individual alleged to have committed  Terrorism crimes and  extradicte The suspect to a third state for prosecution,just like in the extradition of Amino Sadiq Ogwuche from Sudan to Nigeria in 2014 to face terms charges In Abuja relating to the bomb attack on Nyanya bus terminal, Abuja in 2014 is an example of the obligations to prosecute or extradite. 

The ground against terrorism in Nigeria ;

The constitution,  court system and anti – terriorism laws. 

LAW AND CASES  AGAINST SUPPORT TO TERRIORISM. According to Section 15(1-3) of ECONOMIC AND FINACIAL CRIME COMMISSION  (established ) Act 2004.

(1) – A person who wilfully provides or collects by any means directly or indirectly  any money by any other person with intent that the money shall be used for any act of Terriorism commits an Offence under this act and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

(2)- Any person who commits or attempt to commits a terrorist act ,commits an Offence under this act and liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

(3)- Any person who makes funds,finacial assets or economic resources or finacial or other related services available for use of any other person to commit or attempt to commit,facilitie or participate in the commission of a terriorist act is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life. 

In the Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs Sauaibu Abubakar,Salisu Ahmed,Umar Babangida ,Mohammed  Ali,Musa Adam and Umar Ibrahim, the accused were charged under section 15 (2).of the Economic and finacial crime commission.”

PDP chieftain urges IPOB to stop violent campaign in South East

Alhaji Lawal Usman,  a  Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State,  has advised the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop its  current violent  campaign in the South East.

Usman,  popularly called ‘Mr LA’ told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria that the campaign lacked support from the leaders of the South East.

He also faulted the group’s threats to break away from Nigeria, saying it was not real.

“We have Igbo people living and doing business in all parts of the country,  are you saying that this people are ready to fold their businesses and fortunes and just go back empty handed from Nigeria.

“The  whole thing about IPOB is a great joke, they just want attention from the Federal Government.

“I don’t take them seriously, left to me, they won’t last more than one week, especially if the government is serious about them.

“There are great people in South East who believe in oneness of Nigeria, I think that IPOB is made up of some trouble makers, making noise trying to seek government attention,” Usman said.

He said that the group had no knowledge of Nigeria’s politics.

“They are young men who have no knowledge of the  country’s  history, especially the Civil War, I think they needed to be educated on the history of the country, because they are acting blindly.

“They are also seeking for foreign funding from enemies of Nigeria who do not wish the country well,” he said.

Usman said that Igbo business men were scattered across the country,  doing legitimate businesses and  ownership property.

“There are Igbo businessmen and women in Kano for example doing business and living peacefully for years and they are not talking of Biafra.

“There are Igbo businessmen in Abuja,  in Yola,  Kaduna, Sokoto and all-over the North owning property and living like Kings in the areas,  they are not  talking of Biafra.

“The Anambra election was also held peacefully where people voted for their choice candidates, without thinking of Biafra, ” he said.

Usman advised IPOB to channel it grievances through the South East representatives at the  National Assembly rather than engage in violent campaign without results.

(NAN)

Ortom Has Been a Great Governor To The Benue People -Group Says

A group, Coalition of Patriotic Idoma, Tiv, and Igede Youths in Nigeria (COPITIYN) has responded to a publication credited to a group, Tiv Youth Council Worldwide, describing it as malicious and mischievous.

The group in a statement obtained by TMS News signed by its National President, Comrade Aondona Tersoo, and its National publicity secretary Elijah Adamu said it is laughable for a group that does not reside in Benue and does not understand the yearnings of the people of Benue state to assume such a fallacious position.

COPITIYN said Governor Ortom has been a great leader to the people of Benue through thick and thin and deserves commendation instead of condemnation. It also said that even though the state like every other state in the country is struggling to meet certain financial obligations including pensions, it would be unfair to say that Governor Ortom has underperformed.

The statement reads in part;
“There is no state in Nigeria today that is not struggling financially including the more economically viable states. We want to state categorically that Ortom inherited backlogs of pensions from his predecessor.

“Ortom also inherited a state where insecurity has been the order of the day since 2015, this has negatively impacted the states’ meager resources as help hasn’t been forthcoming from Abuja to deal with the security challenges.

The group further said that only the living has the capacity to enjoy pensions.

“You need to be alive to enjoy pensions, those who have been killed by the terrorists ravaging our dear state cannot talk about pensions.

“Being alive is the primary thing and that is what Ortom has been working hard to ensure since he assumed office in 2015. Tersoo said.

While the group said it is not in support of pensioners who have served the state diligently being owed, it also questioned the sincerity of the Tiv Youth Council Worldwide, saying such a group is either not in touch with the existential reality in Benue or is just being economical with the truth.

“Where was the Tiv Youth Council Worldwide when Benue citizens were been massacred in large numbers? Why didn’t they lend their voice against the killings? Where were they when our leader, Governor Ortom narrowly escaped assassination?

“Their resurfacing at this time is clearly political and not in the interest of the Benue people.

COPITIYN also said that neither governor Ortom nor the Benue People have any problems living with peace-loving Fulani but that they have a problem with AK-47 wielding Fulani mercenaries who regularly attack communities in the state.

“We do not hate the Fulani, we have lived with some of them for many years peacefully and we appreciate their contribution to Benue state.

“We do have a problem with the Fulani mercenaries whose only desire is to cause tears, blood, and sorrow in Benue.” He said.

On the allegation that Ortom is obsessed with Buhari.

The group said the governor has the right to call out President Muhammadu Buhari if he deems it necessary, over his poor handling of the security situation in Benue and the general state of the nation Nigeria.

It also warned the Tiv Youth Council Worldwide to desist from making an inflammatory utterances that would further endanger the lives and properties of Benue citizens and other Nigerians.