Connect with us

News

IIP-SARS Says Police Must Produce Officers Involved In The Disappearance Of Edward Leera

Published

on

IG Muhammad Adamu

 

 

From Alhasan Bala, Abuja

 

The Independent Investigative Panel on allegations of human rights violations by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the Nigerian Police force on Thursday told the Police to be serious in complying with its order of November 16, 2020, which directed them to produce three Police officers allegedly involved in the enforced disappearance of Edward Dumsiri Leera.

 

The victim’s brother, Confidence Leera had alleged that his brother was being held in Police custody since November 1, 2019.

 

The Chairman of the 11-man panel, Justice Suleiman Galadima (Rtd) who queried the Police at the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday said that the Commissioner of Police CP Legal should have been present to inform the panel about the whereabouts of the said officers as he promised earlier.

 

While making reference to the panel’s order of November 16, 2020, the former Supreme Court Judge remarked that the Police should be serious in complying with the said order.

 

Against the foregoing, the panel adjourned the case to December 1, 2020, for the Police to comply with the order of November 16, 2020, to produce the victim and the three other Police officers earlier listed.

#EndSARS: INSIDE PMB’S PARLEY WITH FORMER HEADS OF STATE

The affected officers includes SP Martin Samuel, DSP Essien Edet, and ASP David Ameh Agbo (IGP’s IRT “D” Division) Itam, Uyo).

 

Counsel to the Police, Godwin Ijeoma told the panel that Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Cosmas Anyanwu who is also the liaison officer attached to this panel has come to explain the various efforts being made by the Police to produce the affected persons before the panel.

 

Following this, the ACP Cosmas Anyanwu told the panel that the Commissioner of Police Legal, Emenemio Assayomo Tuesday,  has directed him to inform the panel about efforts being made by the Police to produce all affected police personnel in respect of their alleged involvement in this matter.

 

ACP Anyanwu who is also the in-charge of Civil Litigation at the Force headquarters further told the panel that Police authorities have sent signals to all Commands towards ensuring the availability of any concerned Police Officer before the panel.

Advert

 

Similarly, he informed the panel that beginning from Monday next week, the Police will set up a mini-secretariat at the FCT High Court (the venue of the panel sitting) to enhance correspondences relating to service of petitions and proper documentation of the proceedings of the panel.

 

It would be recalled that on November 16, 2020, the elder brother of the victim, Confidence Leera who was led by his counsel, Giwa Victor had testified before the Panel about some of the ordeals of his missing brother in the hands of the affected Police officers.

 

According to the complainant, the victim was arrested, detained for no just cause, and his car confiscated and converted to personal use by IPO ASP David Ahmed Agbo.

 

In addition, he had alleged that ASP Agbo is now driving the car belonging to the victim, as well as allegedly making cash withdrawals from the victim’s bank account using his ATM between the period of November 2019 to October 2020.

 

He had also informed the panel that his family was asked to pay the sum of three million nairas (N3m) by the police before Edward will be released.

 

According to him, Edward Dumisara was not arraigned before any court of law in Nigeria and when the family got worried over his long incarceration, they instituted a suit for the enforcement of his fundamental rights in suit No. BHC/202/2019.

 

“Subsequently, on December 17, 2019, the honorable court-ordered hearing of the application of Edward Dumisara Leera and delivered judgment in his favor and ordered the immediate release of the said Edward. He added that the order was served on the Police but they refused to obey”, he stated.

 

He had equally lamented that instead of complying with the court judgment of December 2019, Edward Dimisara was charged to court on 7 count charge before Honourable Justice E.N. Ogbuji in suit No. PHC/287/CR/2020 but IRT has neither produced him in court nor released him in accordance with the earlier court order.

 

Against the foregoing, he told the panel that it seems the victim had been killed extra-judicially and disposed of.

 

In all the matters heard, the NHRC panel’s legal team led by Chino Obiagwu (SAN) was on hand to offer the necessary legal assistance to the panel even as they assisted Patience Ajibo and her daughter, Favour in presenting their case before the panel.

 

Meanwhile, the panel adjourned Mr. Samson Abudiore’s complaint of alleged abuse of powers, harassment, incessant arbitrary arrest, disobedience of court order by the personnel of the IGP monitoring unit in connivance with one Pastor Maxel Okauru to January 11, 2021, for continuation.

ENDSARS UNREST: My Perspective Views

Also adjourned to December 2, 2020, is the case of alleged unlawful arrest, detention, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of Matthew and Patrick Ella against the Police.

 

In the same vein, the panel directed National Human Rights Commission to liaise with the FCT Police Command to address the demands of Mrs. Patience Ajibo whose daughter, Favour Ajibo was allegedly hit by a stray bullet.

News

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Holds Exclusive Prerogative to Choose Deputy – Malam Inuwa Waya

Published

on

 

Malam Inuwa Waya, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, has reaffirmed that the constitutional prerogative to appoint a new Deputy Governor rests solely with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, Malam Waya cautioned against undue interference from individuals on social media who have been attempting to dictate the Governor’s choice following the resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.

“It is only Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who has the prerogative to choose his deputy. People should stop coming to social media to tell him who to appoint. The constitution does not mandate him to select from any particular zone; it is entirely his decision,” Malam Waya stated.

He further explained that while political balancing may encourage consideration of candidates from Kano North or South since the Governor hails from Kano Central, such arrangements remain political strategies rather than constitutional requirements.

Advert

Malam Waya also commended Governor Yusuf’s infrastructural strides, noting that within two years, the administration has revived water projects, advanced public-private partnerships in power, and accelerated development across education, agriculture, and investment.

“The Governor has revived the glory of Kano. With the infrastructure projects ongoing, it will be an easy sail for all of us as we prepare for 2027. He has put Kano first, and that is what matters,” he said.

On the issue of inclusivity, Malam Waya emphasized that all stakeholders, including former APC members, are being carried along in governance. He urged the people of Kano to unite behind the Governor’s vision.

“We, the old APC members, have no problem with Governor Yusuf. We are knit together in Kano, and our priority is Kano first, not any individual. The Governor knows who he will pick as his deputy, and we trust his judgment,” he concluded.

Malam Waya also extended prayers for the acceptance of Ramadan fasting and congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Kano for celebrating Sallah peacefully.

 

Continue Reading

News

ADC Reports Surge in Membership Following Kwankwaso’s Defection, Calls Him ‘Game Changer’

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold, touting his defection as a pivotal move that strengthens a growing coalition for political realignment in Nigeria.

In a statement released for immediate effect, the party described Kwankwaso as a “game-changer,” announcing that he has directed his network of supporters nationwide to join the ADC. According to the party, this call has already triggered a significant uptick in registrations on its online platform over the past 24 hours.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, framed the defection as part of a broader recognition among Nigerians of the need for a credible political alternative. The statement emphasized Kwankwaso’s experience in governance, grassroots influence, and capacity to unify as assets to the party’s ambition to “rebuild Nigeria.”

Advert

Notably, the ADC highlighted the presence of several high-profile leaders at the defection event, including the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Their attendance, the party stated, reflects a united front and growing momentum.

The party characterized the surge in online registrations as evidence that Nigerians are aligning with what it called a “different path forward.” In its appeal to Kwankwaso’s supporters and the broader public, the ADC positioned itself as a vehicle for restoring dignity, opportunity, and public trust in governance.

“Change does not happen by chance,” the statement concluded. “It happens when people come together with purpose.”

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape, with the ADC seeking to position itself as a converging point for influential politicians and their followings ahead of future elections.

Continue Reading

News

Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Election

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts by the March 31, 2026, deadline.

The directive, issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It affects ministers, advisers, and heads of federal agencies intending to contest in the 2027 general elections.

Advert

Reports have it that his resignation positions him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bauchi State gubernatorial race.

Tuggar’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape, intensifying an already competitive contest for the APC nomination. His background as a career diplomat and serving minister is seen by political observers as a potential advantage, offering national visibility and extensive political networks.

With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, additional resignations from the Federal Executive Council are anticipated as other appointees move to formalize their electoral ambitions.

Continue Reading

Trending