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APC Chieftain Sani Shinkafi Criticizes Reports of Court Approval to Probe Ex-Governor Matawalle

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has reacted to a recent report claiming that a court has approved a suit seeking to compel the federal government to investigate former Governor Bello Matawalle.

According to the report, the Federal High Court in Abuja allegedly gave the green light for a lawsuit demanding that the Federal Government investigate Matawalle’s alleged connections to banditry in Zamfara State. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, lists President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants respectively. The legal action is said to have been initiated by human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru.

In a statement released on Sunday, Shinkafi, a former aide to Matawalle, clarified the status of the case. He emphasized that while a suit has been filed at the Federal High Court, it has yet to be assigned to a judge, nor has it been mentioned, heard, or determined by the court. Shinkafi argued that it was misleading to claim that the court had “okayed” the suit when no legal proceedings had taken place.

Quoting Professor Kabir Danladi, Shinkafi stated, “A case filed is not a case heard, and a case heard is not a case determined until the court has pronounced its judgment. The presumption of innocence is applicable to all defendants.” He further referenced Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees that “every person charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

Shinkafi also noted that the constitution entitles every individual to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a competent court or tribunal, which must be independent and impartial. He argued that no such hearing had occurred in this case, and therefore, it was premature and inaccurate for the media to report that the court had approved the suit.

Moreover, Shinkafi criticized the media for presenting an incomplete and misleading narrative, pointing out that the report failed to provide critical details. “The story was incomplete since it did not publish the court proceedings or the enrolled court order where this suit was supposedly ‘okayed.’ It also did not mention the name of the judge, the court number, or the counsel representing the defendants,” he said.

Shinkafi urged the public and media outlets to refrain from sensationalism and instead ensure that due process is followed in legal matters, particularly when the integrity of individuals is at stake. He reiterated that the legal process surrounding the case must be allowed to run its course, without undue interference or distortion of facts.

In closing, Shinkafi stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting constitutional protections, including the presumption of innocence. He called on all parties involved to allow the judiciary to perform its role without undue pressure, reminding them that justice must be done—and seen to be done—fairly and transparently.

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Defence and Security

NSCDC Arrests 12 Scavengers in FCT Crackdown

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By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 12 scavengers in Abuja as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal scrap dealings, following the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA), ban on the activity.

 

FCT NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, stated that the suspects were apprehended across various locations amid rising concerns over vandalism of public infrastructure, including rail tracks, manhole covers, and streetlight poles.

 

He reiterated that anyone caught trading in stolen government property would face prosecution and possible business closure.

 

Authorities are also screening dealers at the Pantaker scrap market to eliminate illegal operators, urging residents to report scavenging activities. Odumosu emphasized that the ban remains in force, vowing to curb vandalism in Abuja and its environs.

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Defence and Security

NSCDC Boss Warns Officers Against Firearm Misuse

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By Alexis Uchendu

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has cautioned officers against the misuse of firearms.

He urged them to apply the skills acquired during the Pistol Management Course (PMC 002), to enhance service delivery.

Speaking at the closing ceremony for the second batch of trainees at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Audi, who was represented by Assistant Commandant General (ACG) Lawal Muktar, underscored the importance of responsible firearm handling.

He emphasized that officers must uphold the highest ethical standards while safeguarding national security.

The two-week training brought together 214 officers from all state commands, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the National Headquarters. It aimed to enhance operational efficiency.

The Provost of the NSCDC Academy, ACG Samuel Umanah, commended the trainees and instructors for their dedication.

He encouraged officers to apply their newly acquired expertise in their duties.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Timothy Abraham expressed gratitude to the Commandant General.

He noted that the training had significantly improved their operational readiness.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding participants, certificates of participation, and group photographs.

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Defence and Security

Refusing Police Entry, Exit from Your Home Is an Offence —Police PRO

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By Our Correspondent 

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has stated that refusing police officers entry or exit from a residence is an offence.

Reacting to a viral video on X showing young men denying access to individuals dressed as police officers, Edafe noted that while wearing masks is prohibited in the Nigeria Police Force, blocking officers’ access is unacceptable.

The video showed the men claiming to be content creators, not internet fraudsters, and expressing unease over the masked appearance of the armed men. One officer fired a shot before another scaled the fence to enter the premises.

Addressing the situation, Edafe wrote, “Wearing a mask as a policeman is a red flag and not allowed in policing. However, locking the police either outside or inside is an offence on its own.”

He confirmed investigations were ongoing to verify the location and details of the incident.

Edafe also questioned the men’s assertion about not being fraudsters when no such accusation had been made.

 

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