Connect with us

Metro

Kogi AG Vs. AGF: Supreme Court cautions against continued harassment of Kogi officials, pending outcome of suit, adjourns hearing to Oct. 10

Published

on

The Supreme Court has cautioned Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies against harassing officials and associates of the Kogi State Government pending the determination of a suit instituted by the Attorney General of Kogi State against the Attorney General of the Federation challenging the constitutionality of Acts establishing some anti-graft agencies, including the Proceed of Crime Protection and Prevention Act 2022, and their applicability to the state.

The Acts mentioned in the Originating Summons include those establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.

When the matter came up before the full panel of the Supreme Court on Tuesday (today), May 23, 2023, Counsel to the Attorney General of Kogi State, Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN, drew the attention of the Court to the continued harassment and even arraignment of associates of Kogi State Government in various Courts despite the pendency of the Suit that was filed in February, 2023. Chief A.A. Adeniyi, SAN, also represented the plaintiff (Kogi State AG).

However, Counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation, T.A. Ghazali, SAN, who was in Court, strangely claimed not to have been served the Originating Process.

The full panel of the Court, led by Hon. Justice Amina Augie, in reaction to the concerns raised by Counsel to the plaintiff (Kogi AG), was unequivocal in making it clear to all parties that once a dispute had been submitted to the Court, and in this case, the apex Court of the land, all persons and authorities in Nigeria are expected to stay further action and await the outcome of the suit.

The Court therefore advised parties to stay further action on the subject of litigation pending the outcome of the suit and adjourned the hearing of the substantive originating Summons to October 10, 2023.

The Attorney General Of Kogi State had, in February, 2023, in Suit No. SC/178/ 2023, approached the Supreme Court vide an originating Summons to invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to determine the Constitutionality of the EFCC Act, the ICPC Act, the NFIU Act, the Proceed of Crime (Prevention and Management Act) 2022.

He contended that, going by the pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of Joseph Nwobike V.FRN to the effect that the United Nation Convention Against Corruption is the precursor to the EFCC, NFIU, ICPC and Proceed of Crime (Prevention and Protection) Act,  and that these laws, having not been enacted in consonance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), are unconstitutional and have no applicability whatsoever to Kogi State under whatever guise.

Advertisement Ad Code
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Metro

Governor Sanwo-Olu invites DSS to join investigation into Mohbad’s death

Published

on

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended an invitation to the Department of Security Services (DSS) to collaborate in the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

This announcement was conveyed through an official statement signed by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, on Tuesday.

Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley’s Marlian Records, passed away last Tuesday at the age of 27, leaving his family, friends, and fans in mourning.

In the statement, the Lagos State government expressed its heartfelt condolences to Mohbad’s family and fans, acknowledging the profound loss of a young and promising talent in the fiercely competitive music industry.

The statement read,

  • “We feel the pains of losing such a talented and promising young man, who made a name for himself in a highly competitive industry. May the Almighty grant his soul rest and comfort his bereaved family and fans.”

In a concerted effort to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s untimely death, Governor Sanwo-Olu has taken the initiative to involve the Department of Security Services (DSS).

The aim is to widen the scope of the inquiry through inter-agency collaboration and the utilization of state-of-the-art technology to uncover the truth.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has issued a directive that all individuals who may have played any role in events leading up to Mohbad’s tragic death be held accountable and face legal consequences after a meticulous investigation.

The inclusion of the DSS in the investigation underscores the determination of the Lagos State government to achieve transparency and justice in the inquiry, with a commitment to bringing those responsible to account.

The state government also implores anyone who possesses vital information that could assist the investigative process to come forward and share their insights with the investigative team.

Furthermore, the government emphasizes the need for the investigating team to guarantee the confidentiality and protection of all witnesses who may provide essential information or indicative evidence to aid the process.

Meanwhile, in response to Mohbad’s passing, his management announced a candlelight procession and tribute night to honour the late artist.

The move comes as fans and sympathizers continue to call for a thorough investigation into the cause of his death.

The management expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans worldwide and those who have organized events in their communities to pay respects to Mohbad. They invited everyone to join them in the candlelight procession and tribute concert to remember and celebrate the artist’s life.

Continue Reading

Education

University of Lagos Associate Professor accused of rape by female undergraduate

Published

on

In a disturbing development, a female undergraduate student, whose identity has been withheld, has come forward with allegations of rape against an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

The accused lecturer has been identified as Dr Akeem Kadiri, as the victim alleged that the incident took place during a visit to Dr Kadiri’s office to address concerns related to her academic results.

Instead of addressing her academic issues, the undergraduate alleged that Dr. Kadiri sexually assaulted her on August 16, 2023.

As expected, the victim reported the incident to the Inclusive Social Welfare and Empowerment Foundation (InclusiveSWEF), a non-governmental organization.

InclusiveSWEF subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Gender Unit of the state police command and in a swift response to the issue, the Officer in Charge of the Gender Unit secured a warrant of arrest for Dr Akeem Kadiri through the state High Court.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos has also been brought into the investigation.

Confirming the incident, Benjamin Hundeyin, the State Police Public Relations Officer, stated, “He is to appear in court in the coming days.”

The University of Lagos has acknowledged the ongoing investigation and in a statement by the spokesperson/Head of the Information Unit for Unilag, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, said,

  • “UNILAG Management, on August 28, received a letter from the Nigeria Police Force, inviting an employee of the university for questioning. The employee was immediately informed of the development and advised to comply.”

She further added,

  • “On August 29, the employee complied. While we are not yet privy to the full details of the incident that led to the arrest of the employee, we are fully aware that the investigation is ongoing, and we are cooperating with security agencies to ensure that the matter is resolved in the interest of justice.”
Continue Reading

Metro

BREAKING: Tinubu Holds Emergency Security Meeting (Video)

 President Bola Tinubu has presided over an emergency security meeting at the Presidential Villa.

Published

on

Tinubu appoints Khalil Halilu as EVC/CEO of NASENI

However, the details of the meeting have not been made public.

In attendance were top military officials, including General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff; and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff.

The Ministers of Defence were also present.

The meeting precedes President Tinubu’s scheduled departure today for the G-20 summit in New Delhi, India, set for the 9th and 10th of the month.

It is expected that the presidnet was briefed on security situation in the country ahead of his trip.

Watch video here;

Continue Reading

Ad

Trending

Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com