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Unlawful Arrest: Court Dismisses Kanu Lawyer’s Appeal Against Police, DSS

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal by one of the lawyers of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, Felix Okonkwo, over his unlawful arrest and detention by the police and the Department of State Services.

Okonkwo, Ikenna Chibuike, and Okafor Ugochukwu had filed a fundamental human rights suit against the police and the DSS.

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They accused the two security agencies of violating their fundamental rights by their unlawful arrest and detention on September 27, 2021, during which they claimed that they were tortured, harassed, and intimidated while in the custody of the police.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Soldiers Bar Journalists As Delta Gov Visits Troubled Community

Justice Samaila Bature, in his judgment delivered on March 24, 2022, found the police liable for the unlawful arrest and detention of the appellants and subsequently imposed a fine of N2 million against the police to be paid to the appellants.

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Justice Bature, however, did not give any order against the DSS because the appellants did not disclose any cause of action against the agency.

Not satisfied, the appellants approached the court of appeal, claiming the N2m fine imposed on the police was ridiculously low.

They also urged the court to hold that the DSS was also culpable for their arrest and detention.

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Reading the lead judgement on Monday, Justice Okon Abang dismissed the appeal for lack of merit and substance.

READ ALSO: EFCC Arraigns Three Ex-bankers, One Other For N15.9m Fraud

He held that the appellants failed to establish a miscarriage of justice in the judgment of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in the matter.

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Justice Abang also held that from the video footage tendered as exhibit by the appellants at the trial court, nowhere were the operatives of the DSS found at the scene of their arrest in the house of Ifeanyi Ejiofor in Anambra State.

He disagreed with the appellants in their claims that the N2m damages were grossly insufficient, adding that awarding damages was at the discretion of a judge and could not be dictated by any plaintiff or appellant.

“In my opinion and going by the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, the N2 million compensation to the appellants was properly awarded.

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“I cannot fault the award because the appellant did not give any good reason for them to have been awarded a much higher amount.

“In the final analysis, the appeal lacks merit, and it is accordingly dismissed. The decision of the trial court is hereby affirmed. There is order as to cost,” Justice Abang held.

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DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

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The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”

The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.

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‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

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Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

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READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

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Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

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Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

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Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash

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The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

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“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

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I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.

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