News

16 Soldiers, One Officer Face Court Martial In Plateau

Published

2 years ago

February 27, 2024

Editor

At least, 16 soldiers and one officer are currently facing court martial in Plateau state.

The personnel facing trial were accused of various offences ranging from armed robbery and murder to unlawful possession of arms and ammunition and selling same contrary to their operational mandate within the 3rd Amoured Division.

The inaugural sitting of the court martial took place at the 3rd Armoured Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, the Nigerian Army in Bassa Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major Aminu Mairuwa, who spoke after the inauguration of the General Court Martial noted that the Nigerian military is an institution that believes in discipline and will continue to ensure the full application of its internal disciplinary mechanism.

He said the accused personnel were brought before the court martial to follow the necessary procedures premised on respect for the rule of law and ensuring that there is compliance with the principle of natural justice and the extant rules and procedures.

“The essence is to make sure that the military personnel always operate within the confines of our rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect to international best practices”, he stated

The President of the General Court Martial, Brigadier General Liafis Bello, who read the order of the Convening Officer and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maj.General Abdulsalam Abubakar, maintained that Nigerian Army as an institution thrives on discipline, regimentation and utmost professionalism.

He said unveiling the court martial in the Nigerian Army is a routine duty aimed at compliance with the dictates of the military justice system pointing out that the 3 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army had keyed into the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Judge Advocate, Major Nasir Abdullahi, stressed that the court was set up to enhance discipline and ensure that erring officers and soldiers are investigated and prosecuted within a reasonable time through the laid down rules, regulations and procedures.

He further stated that the General Court Martial is being convened to try some Nigerian Army personnel who are alleged to have committed various offences within the 3 Division Area of Responsibility.

“One of the aims of Court Martial is to achieve timely and quick dispensation of justice” he stated

Abdullahi charged the accused and their defense Counsels to avoid frivolous adjournments that may lead to unnecessary delay in dispensing justice.

Representative of the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association, Samson Gotom, stressed the need for fair hearing and expressed satisfaction with the composition of the Court.

He said the Nigerian Bar Association would support the Court to ensure a smooth trial and speedy dispensation of justice for the accused soldiers.

The President, Judge Advocate and other members sworn in pledged to administer justice according to the Armed Forces Act CAP 820 and the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria without partiality, favour or affection.

The Court adjourned further sitting to 6th March 2024, for commencement of trial.

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.