By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has issued an urgent appeal to the newly appointed acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, urging him to make press freedom and the safety of journalists a cornerstone of his leadership.

IPI Nigeria, in a statement, urged Disu to immediately halt the harassment, intimidation, and attacks against journalists that marked the tenure of his predecessor, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

Under Egbetokun’s leadership, journalists were reportedly harassed, unlawfully detained, and in some cases assaulted while performing their constitutional duties.

“The police, as a critical institution in a democratic society, have a constitutional responsibility to uphold the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, including freedom of expression and the press,” the organisation said in the statement signed by Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser.

IPI Nigeria specifically urged the new police chief to end all forms of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of journalists; review and withdraw pending cases targeting journalists for legitimate professional work; introduce a reorientation programme for police personnel focused on press freedom and human rights; and establish clear communication channels between the police and media stakeholders to prevent and resolve conflicts.

IPI Nigeria noted that persistent violations under the previous administration led to Mr Egbetokun being included in its “Book of Infamy,” a record of individuals and institutions whose actions or inaction facilitated attacks on press freedom in Nigeria.

The body urged Mr Disu to chart a different course and rebuild trust between the police and the media, emphasising that press freedom is essential for Nigeria’s democracy.

“A free and independent press strengthens accountability, enhances transparency, and supports law enforcement by responsibly informing the public,” IPI Nigeria said.

Concluding on a note of constructive engagement, IPI Nigeria emphasised that the roles of the police and the media are complementary, not adversarial. It reiterated its full readiness to work with the new police leadership to address concerns and promote a relationship built on mutual respect and shared democratic values.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The judge presiding over the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has recused himself from the proceedings. The withdrawal is due to the judge’s scheduled leave, leading to the case file being returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for reassignment to another judicial officer.

The suit, brought before the FCT High Court, alleges violations of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights. Among the grievances cited are an alleged unlawful invasion of his residence in Abuja by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The case also involves other agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), in connection with ongoing legal matters concerning the former governor.

The recusal was confirmed to be by Justice Hussaini Belgore. Consequently, proceedings in the fundamental rights case have been indefinitely paused pending the reassignment of the matter by the Chief Judge.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A fresh twist emerged in the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on Friday, as a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that his earlier bail no longer stands following the reassignment of his case.

The court held that since the matter had commenced afresh before it, all previous proceedings — including the bail granted by Justice Emeka Nwite — were deemed terminated, thereby requiring a fresh bail application.

The EFCC had filed a 16-count charge against the former AGF, over alleged money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets running into over N8.7 billion.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, led by J.S. Okutepa, announced appearance and applied that the pleas of the defendants be taken on the amended 16-count charge.

Malami, his son, Abdulaziz, and his wife, Asabe, each pleaded not guilty to the amended charges.

Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial.

The defence, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), however, asked the court to sustain the earlier bail conditions granted by Justice Nwite, arguing that the Federal High Court is one court and that the defendants had already been admitted to bail.

Responding, the prosecution acknowledged that bail had previously been granted but argued that the new court retained the discretion to either adopt the earlier conditions or impose fresh ones.

He added that while he would not press the issue further, the court should impose conditions capable of ensuring the defendants’ attendance at trial.

Recall that the earlier bail conditions included N500m bail each, with one surety each who must own property in Maitama or Asokoro. The defendants were also required to deposit two international passports each with the court, while the residences of the sureties were to be verified by the Assistant Chief Registrar.

In her ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, held that where a case begins afresh due to reassignment, earlier proceedings are extinguished in law.

The defence conceded that there was no formal bail application before the court but sought to make an oral application.

The court declined, directing the defence to file a formal bail application and serve it on the prosecution, after which a short adjourned date would be given for hearing.

The defence further informed the court that fixing a trial date could pose difficulties because the first and second defendants were currently in the custody of the Department of State Services and were unreachable.

The court responded that it could not speculate on the position of any party and that the prosecution had a duty to ensure the defendants’ availability.

The prosecution, however, maintained that the defendants were not in its custody and that it could not compel the DSS to produce them.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter till March 6 for the hearing of the bail application and commencement of the trial.

She ordered that Malami and his son be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre.