Amidst ongoing controversy over the delayed listing of Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal, lawyer Onyedikachi Ifedi has accused the trial court of operating like a tribunal determined to convict the IPOB leader at all costs [cite: 1]. In a statement on Saturday, Ifedi condemned the proceedings under Justice James Omotosho as a “public execution of the Nigerian Constitution,” citing a litany of legal violations [cite: 2, 4].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ifedi alleged that the court convicted Kanu under a repealed 2013 law rather than the active 2022 Terrorism Act, a direct violation of Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which requires criminal offenses to be based on written, in-force laws [cite: 5, 6]. Furthermore, the lawyer accused the judge of intellectual dishonesty by refusing to take judicial notice of the 2022 repeal, as mandated by the Evidence Act, and by ignoring the National Assembly’s explicit command to migrate pending proceedings to the new Act [cite: 8, 9, 11]. Ifedi concluded that these cumulative evasions demonstrate that the verdict was “written before the trial ever began” [cite: 12].

Option 2: Journalistic Style (More descriptive)

JUDICIAL REBELLION: Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Was a Sham Designed to Imprison Him, Says Counsel

With tensions rising over the prolonged delay in hearing Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal, his defense team has launched a blistering new attack on the conduct of his original trial. Lawyer Onyedikachi Ifedi has declared that the proceedings presided over by Justice James Omotosho were not a search for justice, but rather a “pre-engineered conviction” overseen by a tribunal bent on securing a guilty verdict by any means necessary [cite: 1, 2].

Ifedi accused Justice Omotosho of openly defying the constitution, the Evidence Act, and the National Assembly to achieve a predetermined outcome [cite: 12]. The most serious charge leveled by the lawyer is that the court sentenced Kanu under a “legal corpse”—the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013—instead of the only valid law at the time, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 [cite: 5, 6].

Describing the court’s refusal to acknowledge the 2022 repeal as “intellectual dishonesty,” Ifedi argued that the entire trial is an “absolute nullity” based on Supreme Court precedents [cite: 8, 10]. The lawyer stated, “Justice Omotosho did not convict under the living law of the land. He convicted on a legal corpse” [cite: 6].

Option 3: Formal Press Release Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Team Accuses Trial Court of Violating the Constitution and Evidence Act to Secure Conviction

ABUJA, Nigeria – Legal counsel for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Onyedikachi Ifedi, has issued a scathing statement decrying the conduct of the trial court that led to the IPOB leader’s conviction. Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the delay in listing Kanu’s appeal, Ifedi characterizes the initial trial as a “tribunal operating under a predetermined directive,” where the Nigerian Constitution was treated as an “inconvenient obstacle” [cite: 1, 2].

Mr. Ifedi outlined multiple constitutional breaches committed by the court under Justice James Omotosho:

1. Violation of Written Law: Ifedi stated that the court convicted Kanu under the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013, ignoring the fact that the National Assembly had replaced it with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. This constitutes a violation of Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which prohibits conviction for an offense not defined in a written law in force at the time [cite: 5, 6].

2. Refusal of Judicial Notice: The lawyer accused Justice Omotosho of intellectual dishonesty for refusing to take mandatory judicial notice of the 2022 repeal under Section 122 of the Evidence Act, instead choosing to “assume without conceding” that the 2013 Act was repealed to uphold the conviction [cite: 8].

3. Defiance of Legislative Command: Ifedi highlighted that the TPPA 2022 contained an explicit command to migrate pending proceedings from the 2013 Act to the new Act, a directive the trial judge “openly defied” by failing to amend the charge or re-arraign the defendant [cite: 11].

Citing Supreme Court precedents, Ifedi asserted that a conviction built upon a legal void or a repealed statute is an “absolute nullity” [cite: 10]. He concluded that the judiciary’s repeated procedural evasions demonstrate that the verdict was predetermined before the trial commenced [cite: 12].

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During a weekend inspection of the ongoing Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway project, Minister of Works David Umahi directed contractors to open multiple work fronts and increase construction activities [cite: 1, 2]. Umahi emphasized the need for rapid delivery but stipulated that existing buildings along the route must be protected, even if a technical realignment is required [cite: 2, 5].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

To overcome significant engineering challenges, such as rivers and swampy sections, the minister insisted that construction must progress simultaneously at different locations without compromising quality [cite: 3, 4]. Specifically, he ordered the contractor for Section Two to establish at least three work fronts and to create temporary motorability in difficult areas while permanent work continues [cite: 5, 7]. Acknowledging the project’s complexity, Umahi stated, “I do not believe in engineering that anything is impossible,” and commended the team for the progress made since his last visit [cite: 5, 8].

Separately, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements (South-East), Barrister Chioma Nweze, lauded the Ministry of Works for the initiative. She highlighted the project’s role in connecting regions, creating jobs, and boosting local economies through improved transport of goods and produce [cite: 9, 10].

Option 2: Journalistic Style (More detailed)

UMAHI ON SITE: Minister Slashes Superhighway Timeline, Orders Contractors to Flood Difficult Terrain with Men and Machines

In a decisive move to accelerate Nigeria’s critical infrastructure development, Minister of Works David Umahi has issued a stern directive to contractors handling the massive Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway project [cite: 1]. During a weekend inspection tour, Umahi ordered the firms to immediately open multiple work fronts and intensify construction efforts, deploying full manpower and resources [cite: 2].

The minister’s directive is a direct response to the challenging engineering terrain along the route, which includes rivers and swampy sections [cite: 3]. To ensure the project stays on schedule despite these obstacles, Umahi mandated that construction must proceed simultaneously at various locations, declaring, “I do not believe in engineering that anything is impossible. We’ve sat this morning and we’ve agreed how to cross the bridge” [cite: 3, 5].

Crucially, Umahi placed a moratorium on the demolition of structures, ordering that no building should be touched solely because it falls within the original alignment without a technical reassessment [cite: 6]. He affirmed that his ministry would execute necessary technical realignments to bypass structures, especially around sharp curves and built-up areas, ensuring that these modifications do not create extra costs for the Federal Government [cite: 5].

The minister specifically instructed the contractor for Section Two to open at least three simultaneous work fronts, with a focus on river crossings and difficult portions to achieve temporary motorability while permanent works advance [cite: 5, 7]. Praising the team for significant progress since his last visit, Umahi concluded that contractors must find engineering solutions to the terrain without compromising the highway’s durability [cite: 4, 8].

The visit also drew commendation from Barrister Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements, South-East. She praised the Ministry of Works for the transformative project, noting it is already generating employment and will unlock economic potential by connecting regions and facilitating the movement of goods and agricultural produce [cite: 9, 10].

Option 3: Formal Press Release Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minister of Works David Umahi Directs Accelerated Construction on Calabar-Abuja Superhighway, Mandates Protection of Existing Structures

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Honorable Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a directive to all contractors involved in the construction of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway to immediately open multiple work fronts and increase the intensity of construction activities [cite: 1].

This directive was delivered at the weekend during a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing project. Minister Umahi emphasized that to accelerate delivery, contractors must deploy sufficient manpower and resources to work simultaneously across different segments of the route [cite: 2].

The minister noted that this multi-front approach is essential to overcoming significant engineering challenges, particularly through rivers and swampy sections [cite: 3]. He stressed that while rapid progress is required, contractors must devise innovative engineering solutions to manage difficult terrain without compromising the quality or long-term durability of the highway [cite: 4].

In a significant directive concerning affected communities, Minister Umahi ordered that no buildings should be demolished merely because they fall within the proposed alignment. He stated clearly, “My directive is that no building should be touched. Even if it’s within the alignment, I have to come and realign it” [cite: 6]. The ministry will perform necessary technical adjustments to the alignment, particularly in built-up areas and around curves, provided such modifications do not result in additional costs to the Federal Government [cite: 5].

Furthermore, the minister specifically instructed the contractor for Section Two to prioritize work around river crossings and other challenging portions, aiming for temporary motorability where necessary to facilitate movement while permanent construction proceeds [cite: 5, 7].

Minister Umahi expressed satisfaction with the progress observed since his last inspection and commended the project team for their execution of the work to date [cite: 8].

Also speaking during the site visit, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements, South-East, Barrister Chioma Nweze, commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its intervention in connecting communities across the nation’s regions [cite: 9]. Barrister Nweze noted that the project is already creating direct and indirect employment opportunities while unlocking economic potential by enhancing connectivity for people and goods, particularly agricultural produce [cite: 10].

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As part of the 66th Independence Day celebrations, the Kaduna State Government organized special prayers for the peace, stability, and economic prosperity of Nigeria at the Sultan Bello Mosque [cite: 1, 6]. The supplications were led by the Deputy Chief Imam, Malam Abdullahi Aliyu, following Jumaat prayers and attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Muázu Meyere, senior officials, and the Muslim faithful [cite: 2].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During the service, Imam Aliyu prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani to effectively lead the country and the state, respectively [cite: 3]. He also delivered a sermon urging political leaders and citizens to embrace integrity, truthfulness, and trustworthiness, reminding them that worldly power is temporary and that honesty is a divine obligation in all aspects of life, including governance and commerce [cite: 4, 5].

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, outlined the remaining activities for the celebration, noting that an inter-denominational church service will be held on Sunday at Living Faith Church, Barnawa, to be attended by the Attorney General representing the Governor [cite: 7]. The week of events will culminate in an official parade at Murtala Mohammed Square on Thursday, October 1, to be presided over by Governor Sani [cite: 8].

Option 2: Formal Press Release Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kaduna State Government Commences 66th Independence Day Celebrations with Special Prayers for Divine Guidance and National Stability

KADUNA, Nigeria – The Kaduna State Government has officially begun the countdown to Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day by hosting special supplications for the nation’s peace, stability, and economic prosperity. The religious service was held at the historic Sultan Bello Mosque [cite: 1, 6].

The prayers were led by the Deputy Chief Imam, Malam Abdullahi Aliyu, immediately following Jumaat prayers. The event was graced by the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Muázu Meyere, alongside a delegation of senior government officials and the Muslim community [cite: 2].

In his sermon, Deputy Chief Imam Aliyu offered prayers for President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, beseeching Allah(SWT) to grant them the wisdom and guidance necessary to steer the affairs of the nation and the state during these critical times [cite: 3].

The cleric took the opportunity to address both leadership and the citizenry, stressing the paramount importance of upholding trust, truthfulness, and integrity as the foundational pillars of national development. He reminded the congregation that political office and earthly power are transient [cite: 4].

‘’God tests us with trust, our wealth, our families, and the positions He has given us, whether big or small, to see how we will manage them—whether or not we will act with honesty, truthfulness and fairness,’’ Malam Abdullahi stated [cite: 4].

He further emphasized that honesty is a divine obligation applicable to all areas of life, from governance to commercial activities [cite: 5].

Providing details on the forthcoming schedule of events, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, announced that the celebrations would continue with an inter-denominational church service on Sunday at Living Faith Church, Barnawa. The Governor will be represented at the service by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. James Kanyip [cite: 7].

The week’s activities will reach their climax on Thursday, October 1, with an official Independence Day parade at Murtala Mohammed Square, which will be presided over by Governor Uba Sani [cite: 8].

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