Politics
Hearing On Ibori’s Bid To Stop EFCC Begins, Wednesday
Federal High Court, Asaba will begin fresh hearing of Chief James Ibori on Wednesday April 28, 2010 in his application to restrain EFCC from arresting him.
Justice I.N. Buba, Monday April 19 in Asaba after listening to arguments by Mr J.B. Dauda (SAN) counsel to Ibori and Mr Chidi Okoroma, counsel to EFCC, fixed April 20.
Ibori, through his counsel had filed a motion exparte on April 12, praying Buba to grant an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from arresting or harassing him.
Joined in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation; the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS).
Ibori also urged the court to restrain the respondents, their agents, privies and assigns from intimidating him or attempting to arrest him pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion.
But the court ruled on April 14, that the Motion on Notice filed by Ibori be served on all the respondents and that the motion be heard April 19.
Counsel to Ibori who argued the motion Monday said he was served the counter affidavit and Notice of Preliminary objection by the EFCC.
Dauda said he was also served the first respondents counter affidavit.
He said that the Notice of preliminary objection by EFCC contained an elaborate address and it was only fair for him to respond because it questioned the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
“The lawyer raised certain facts not contemplated by the original application in which we need to file a counter and further affidavit.”
He also clarified “some misinformation” that the court granted Ibori a restraining order.
He also urged the court to compel the respondents to subject themselves to the rule of law.
Dauda also urged the court to grant Ibori a preservative injunction.
But Okoroma said the EFCC was “taken aback” when Dauda mentioned that they were in court to hear the case in which they were served only on April 15.
The EFCC counsel said there were no bases for the court to grant preservative order over Ibori.
He also urged the court to call the press to order against what he called the misrepresentation of processes of court in the reportage of the matter.
The judge said he would invoke and apply relevant sections of the criminal code on false publication on any journalists who ridiculed the administration of justice.
He said the court was at liberty to commit to prison anybody who is in contempt of court.
The judge who also adjourned to April 28 for fresh hearing notices to be served on the first and third respondents.
He also appealed to journalists to report correctly what happened in court and cross check facts when in doubt.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.
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