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Families Of Slain 1949 Coal Miners Drag FG, UK Govt, Others To Court

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seek compensation

Families who lost their loved ones in the November 18th 1949 massacre of coal miners in Iva Valley, Enugu by the British Colonial Government have sued the Federal Government, the British Government and the Head of the Commonwealth, demanding compensation.

Human Rights Lawyers, Professor Akinseyi George SAN and P.N Agazie ESQ. said they were seeking for the enforcement of the fundamental rights to Life of the miners as preserved by extant laws applicable to British-Colonial Nigeria and Nigeria as of today.

In a suit, NO: E/909/2024, instituted at Enugu High Court on their behalf, by Mazi Greg Nwachukwu Onoh, the families contend that “the deliberate and excessive use of lethal force by colonial police against unarmed and defenseless miners, who were lawfully demanding fair wages from their British employers, constituted grave violation of their rights to life as guaranteed under both domestic and international law applicable at the time”.

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READ ALSO: ECOWAS Court Dismisses Suit Against FG Over Shrine Destruction

Joined in the suit are the Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom, British Government, Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and Head of the Commonwealth.

The Applicant through their lawyers Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, and P.N Agazie Esq. also argued that “the indiscriminate execution of these miners amounts to an egregious act of state-sanctioned murder, extrajudicial killing, and a flagrant abuse of human rights without Legal or moral justification “

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They are demanding an unequivocal acknowledgment of liability by the respondents for the wrongful and unlawful execution of the 21 coal miners; a formal apology from the British Government for the extrajudicial killings, comprehensive compensation for the families and dependents of the deceased miners for the irreversible loss inflicted by the British colonial administration.

READ ALSO: Court Orders Forfeiture Of Keystone Bank Controlling Share To FG

The High Court of Enugu had on 12th November 2024, granted leave to the applicant to proceed with the enforcement of the fundamental rights of the deceased victims. The Court also authorized substituted service of the originating processes on the respondents, after which the substantive application was adjourned to 13th February 2025 for hearing.

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At the resumed hearing on 13th February 2025, the presiding judge, Justice A.O. Onovo after listening to the prayers and application for adjournment made by the counsel to the 3rd and 4th Respondents, (Federal Government of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation ), Mrs. N.R Chude, that based on the seriousness of the matter they should be allowed more time to file a rejoinder, a request which was not countered by the lead counsel to Applicant , Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George SAN.

The court granted adjournment at the behest of the 3rd and 4th Respondents,definite hearing of the case is ordered to be on 15th April 2025.

 

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Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

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Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.

Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.

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He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.

READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

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“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.

“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

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Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

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The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.

The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.

She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.

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“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

READ ALSO:Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.

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In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.

She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.

“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.

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READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.

“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”

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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

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Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

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The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph

The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.

The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.

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Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.

READ ALSO:CSOs, Academia, Impacted Communities Launch Climate Justice Campaign In Edo

Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.

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“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”

“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.

“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: NSCDC Commandant, Slumps, Dies In Edo

“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.

“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.

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On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.

Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”

READ ALSO:NSCDC Mining Marshals Smash Illegal Mineral Storage Network In Rivers

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“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.

“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.

Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.

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It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.

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