News
Falana Asks Court To Dismiss Charges Against Arraigned Minors
Published
9 months agoon
By
Editor
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged a federal high court in Abuja to dismiss charges against 76 protesters, including minors, involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement. These protesters face charges of treason and other related offenses.
During Friday’s proceedings, several minors among the defendants collapsed while waiting to be arraigned, leading to a chaotic scene in the courtroom. These individuals were arrested across various states, including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.
The court set bail at N10 million for each defendant, while the prosecution requested that the charges be dismissed for those who collapsed. Falana, representing the defendants, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction over the case. He emphasized that, according to Section 18 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, Section 15 of the Child’s Rights Act, Section 2 of the Universal Basic Education Act, and Article 17 of the African Charter, minors should not be subjected to criminal trials.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: AGF Asks Police To Hand Over Case-file Of EndBadGovernance Protesters
Falana stated that both national and international laws protect the rights of these minors, calling on the government to fulfill its duty to provide for their education instead. He argued, “No child should be subjected to criminal proceedings. If a minor is alleged to have committed an offense, they should be handled within the child justice system.”
He further contended that certain charges against the protesters did not meet the requirements for an offense under Nigerian law. Falana noted that actions such as carrying placards that read “end bad government” or chanting revolutionary songs do not amount to a crime under Sections 416 and 114 of the Penal Code. He asserted that these charges are baseless under Sections 1, 3, 6, 36, and 44 of the 1999 Constitution.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Malnourished 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters Arraigned
Falana’s application also included a request for the federal government to pay the school fees of the minors through senior secondary or university education, in line with legal provisions such as the 1999 Constitution, the Child’s Rights Act, and the Universal Basic Education Act.
The arraignment of these minors has drawn widespread criticism from various groups, both within and outside Nigeria. Amnesty International condemned their detention, calling it a violation of legal rights and an indication of governmental disregard for the law. Additionally, prominent figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra governor Peter Obi, and ex-senator Shehu Sani have voiced their disapproval of the minors’ prosecution.
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Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has increased the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps members serving in the state from N20,000 to N30,000.
The governor made the announcement on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei Local Government Area.
“As a government, we are committed to improving the welfare of corps members.
“This increment aligns with our promise to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere for you,” the governor stated.
READ ALSO:Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory
Fintiri also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development and welfare, stating that the allowance hike complements ongoing support efforts such as regular food provision and other welfare initiatives.
Speaking further, he disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage for the construction of a new NYSC orientation camp in the state.
He directed the NYSC State Coordinator to involve corps members with relevant qualifications—such as architects, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors—in supervising the project.
Congratulating the new corps members, Fintiri welcomed them to Adamawa and assured them of government support.
READ ALSO:Man Allegedly Defiles Minor At Wedding Ceremony In Adamawa
He described them as vital partners in delivering key government policies, particularly in education.
“As bonafide citizens of Adamawa during your service year, you are expected to uphold discipline, engage in community development, and cultivate healthy interactions,” Fintiri stated.
He emphasised the importance of the orientation programme in preparing corps members for their national assignment.
The state Commissioner for Youths and NYSC Governing Board Chairman, Wali Yakubu, urged corps members to take the course seriously, follow camp rules, and embrace skill acquisition for post-service self-reliance.
READ ALSO:Reverend Fathers Kidnapped In Adamawa
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Osoro Caroline, commended the corps members’ discipline and participation so far.
She said the orientation course was tailored to equip them for meaningful national contributions.
Osoro praised Fintiri’s consistent support, describing him as a “visionary leader and a beacon of youth empowerment in Nigeria.”
The event also featured the oath of allegiance administered by the Chief Judge of Adamawa, Justice Hapsat Abdurrahman, and a ceremonial presentation of the NYSC journal to the governor.
News
Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory
Published
4 hours agoon
August 1, 2025By
Editor
The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has gifted Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million for leading the national women’s football team to victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
According to a Facebook post by the governor’s aide, Pius Iliya, the presentation was made at the Government House in Yola, the state capital.
Madugu, an indigene of Adamawa, was hailed by Fintiri for his role in the Falcons’ triumph at the tournament, which took place in Morocco earlier this year.
“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu ( Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons) a three-bedroom bungalow and a sum of N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women African Cup of Nation that took place in Morocco this year,” the post read.
READ ALSO:
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, with Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Yola… Photo: Posted on Facebook by Fintiri’s aide, Pius Iliya.
The gesture comes weeks after the Super Falcons clinched a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, reaffirming their dominance in women’s football on the continent.
The Falcons had earlier arrived in Abuja on Monday to a presidential reception hosted by President Bola Tinubu.
READ ALSO:
Each player was rewarded with $100,000, while every member of the technical crew, including Madugu, received $50,000, three-bedroom apartments, and national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger.
The Falcons sealed the title in dramatic fashion, coming from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final, with second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini.
They also finished the tournament undefeated, scoring 10 goals and conceding just three.
News
Policeman Rejects N800,000 Bribe To Free Robbery Suspect In A’Ibom
Published
4 hours agoon
August 1, 2025By
Editor
A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Ebong Thompson has rejected the sum of N800,000 offered to him to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and cover up the crime.
This is as the command has arrested the suspects in connection with the bribe
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday said the suspects involved in the deal have been arrested and taken to custody.
According to the statement, 53-year-old David Isaac was arrested after a Samsung phone that was snatched at gun point was traced to him.
READ ALSO:Police Arrest ‘One-chance’ Suspects Linked To Killing Of Benue Lady, Grace Alewa In Abuja
John stated that the suspect has a record of similar offences having been arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.
She added that the other suspect, Emmanuel Peter, was arrested and taken to custody after he brought the the sum of N.8m to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police who has given a commendation letter to the officer, warned the public to desist from compromising police investigation.
The statement read in part, ”A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, CSP Ebong Thompson, rejected N800,000 bribe offered to him on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
READ ALSO:Police Arrest Suspected Stolen Goods Dealer In Akwa Ibom, Recover Items
“The money was intended to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and also cover up the crime.
”The suspect, 53-year-old David Samuel Isaac, was arrested after a Samsung phone that was gotten at gun point was traced to him. Isaac has a history of similar offences as he was arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.
”The other suspect, Emmanuel Mendie Peter was arrested after he brought the bribe to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect. He was taken into custody after the offer was rejected.
READ ALSO:Nigeria Police Fighting Against Justice – Scott Iguma Speaks On Travails [VIDEO]
”All officers concerned with this discreet investigation received a commendation letter from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare. The CP, while addressing officers at the end of the month briefing, charged them to emulate the Distinguished officers.
”Members of the public are therefore warned to desist from compromising police investigation.”
(PUNCH)
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