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Group Accuses Nigerian Police Of Abuse Of Power, Tags Journalist NonsoNkwa’s Detention As Deliberate Victimisation

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2 weeks ago

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Nonsonkwa
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The organisation said the continued detention of journalist, Chinonso Uba, popularly known as NonsoNkwa, without credible evidence is a clear case of deliberate victimisation and political prosecution.

 

A human rights advocacy organisation, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has lambasted the Nigeria Police Force for “abusing power, undermining the integrity of the legal process and attempting to silence dissent voices”.

The organisation said the continued detention of journalist, Chinonso Uba, popularly known as NonsoNkwa, without credible evidence is a clear case of deliberate victimisation and political prosecution.

The Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a statement issued on Thursday said in its brazen abuse of power and attempt to stifle individuals for political reasons, the police, knowing that a Magistrates’ Court lacks jurisdiction over charges the against Uba, deliberately arraigned him before the court to prolong his detention.

 

Nwanguma siad, “The actions taken against Nonso Nkwa bear resemblances of victimisation and political persecution.

“Arranging to bring Mr. Nonso Nkwa before a Magistrate’s Court, knowing it lacked jurisdiction over the charges, suggests a deliberate attempt to prolong his detention.

“The police’s decision to arrest and detain him without credible evidence undermines the integrity of the legal process and raises questions about the motives behind the arrest.

“These actions reflect a potential misuse of power aimed at silencing dissent or targeting individuals for political reasons.”

See Also:

Civil Society Coalition Tackles Nigerian Police Over Continued Detention Of Critic, Nonsonkwa

The RULAAC boss said the police’s choice not to present Nonso Nkwa’s case to an appropriate court with competent jurisdiction indicates failure of the police to adhere to established legal standards and due process.

He, therefore, called for an “independent review is essential to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the law and do not exploit their powers for political ends”.

 

According to him, Nonso Nkwa’s case exemplifies the critical need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law to prevent the abuse of power by state authorities.

SaharaReporters had reported that the Magistrates’ Court in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Wednesday, denied Nonso Nkwa bail and remanded him at the Owerri Correctional Centre.

Uba was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, His Worship Adikaibe, on five counts preferred against him by N.S. Onwochie, Legal Prosecution Officer, Owerri, Imo State on behalf of the state police commissioner.

See Also:

Nigerian Magistrates’ Court Remands Journalist NonsoNkwa In

The five counts include conspiracy, treason and arson.

 

The journalist was apprehended on October 20 near Teachers House, Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, following a petition regarding viral videos allegedly containing inflammatory statements.

The videos were said to relate to the burning of the National Open University (NOUN) Study Centre in Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA, on September 30, 2024.

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Equatorial Guinea VP Suspends Officials Involved in Sex Scandal

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13 hours ago

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November 5, 2024

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Equatorial Guinea VP Suspends Officials Involved in Sex Scandal
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Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teodoro Nguema, has taken swift action by suspending all government officials implicated in a shocking sex scandal.

Nguema announced the suspensions on his social media platform, emphasizing that severe measures will be taken against such behavior, which violates the country’s Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.

The scandal involves Baltasar Ebang Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, who was caught on tape engaging in illicit activities with multiple women, including his brother’s wife, cousin, and the President’s sister.

This development comes amid concerns about corruption and abuse of power in Equatorial Guinea. The country has faced criticism for its human rights record and lack of transparency. The international community has been calling for accountability, with organizations like Human Rights Watch highlighting the need for protection of human rights and prevention of corruption.

Photo source: Instagram

 

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Nigerian govt drops treason charges against EndBadGovernance protesters

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23 hours ago

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November 5, 2024

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Nigerian govt drops treason charges against EndBadGovernance protesters
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Nigerian govt drops treason charges against EndBadGovernance protesters

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the treason charges brought against the #Endbadgovernance# movement by the Inspector General of Police.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu dismissed the charges on Tuesday after they were withdrawn by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, on behalf of the federal government.

Fagbemi, SAN, represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), M.D. Abubakar, had announced during the proceedings the exercise of his powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to take over the case from the Inspector General of Police.

Upon the court granting the request, the AGF then invoked the same section of the Constitution to discontinue the trial of the 150 accused persons.

With no objections from the various lawyers representing the accused persons, Justice Egwuatu granted the request and struck out the charges.

Although the accused persons were not in court, the judge ordered their immediate release from prison remand.

President Bola Tinubu had on Monday directed the AGF to terminate the charges against the accused persons, most of whom are reportedly minors and legally exempt from such trials.

Details later.

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Uche Ogbodo Bemoans Devastating Burglary: Thieves Make Off with Over N50 Million Worth of Goods

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1 day ago

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November 4, 2024

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Uche Ogbodo Bemoans Devastating Burglary: Thieves Make Off with Over N50 Million Worth of Goods
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Uche Ogbodo Bemoans Devastating Burglary: Thieves Make Off with Over N50 Million Worth of Goods

Nigerian actress and entrepreneur Uche Ogbodo has been left reeling after her shop was targeted by thieves, resulting in a staggering loss of over N50 million.

In an emotional Instagram video, Uche revealed the shocking aftermath of the break-in, showcasing the hole cut through her shop’s ceiling.

The thieves made off with a substantial amount of merchandise, primarily men’s items.

Uche expressed frustration and despair, questioning the effectiveness of her shop’s security measures.

Photo source: Instagram

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