Connect with us

latest

NBA Demands Immediate Trial Or Release Of Pastor Detained Over Alleged Wike Plot.

Published

8 months ago

on

According to Nivo News, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has urged the Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Police Force to either promptly charge Pastor Tombari Joseph Gbeneol to court or release him without further delay, following his continued detention over an alleged plot to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Pastor Gbeneol, a Port Harcourt-based cleric, was reportedly taken into custody after a leaked telephone conversation surfaced online, allegedly linking him and a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, to a plan involving the recruitment of foreign nationals to carry out an attack on the former Rivers governor. The viral audio triggered widespread reactions and prompted police intervention, leading to the pastor’s arrest and detention.

Reacting to the development, Osigwe expressed deep concern over what he described as a violation of constitutional provisions, noting that the prolonged detention of the cleric without formal charges raises serious questions about adherence to the rule of law. In a statement personally signed by him, the NBA president said reports of Gbeneol’s arrest and his continued detention for nearly two weeks without arraignment strike at the heart of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

While acknowledging the duty of law enforcement agencies to safeguard national security and protect public officials, Osigwe stressed that such responsibilities must always be exercised within the confines of the Constitution. He emphasized that security concerns do not override constitutional safeguards, nor do they justify indefinite detention without due process.

The NBA president reiterated that the Constitution guarantees personal liberty and clearly outlines procedures for arrest and detention, including the requirement that any suspect be informed of the allegations against them and brought before a competent court within the time prescribed by law. He maintained that detention beyond these limits, without a valid court order or formal charge, remains unlawful regardless of the gravity of the allegation.

Osigwe further noted that the NBA is particularly troubled by reports indicating that Pastor Gbeneol has remained in custody for an extended period without being charged, stressing that allegations, no matter how serious, remain unproven until tested in open court. He warned against allowing investigative delays, media narratives or executive actions to erode the presumption of innocence, which he described as a cornerstone of the criminal justice system.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force to act strictly in line with the law by either charging the pastor before a court of competent jurisdiction or releasing him immediately if investigations fail to establish sufficient grounds for prosecution. Osigwe cautioned that continued detention without judicial oversight undermines public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The NBA also urged that investigations into the matter be conducted professionally and transparently, without unlawful detention or coercive tactics, adding that the same constitutional standards must apply to all individuals involved. He warned against the criminal justice system being weaponised or allegations of political or security nature being used to justify actions that erode fundamental rights.

Related Topics:
Advertisement

latest

‘The Battle For The Dollar!’ — Naira Holds Steady As Financial Markets Hold Their Breath

Published

4 minutes ago

on

September 21, 2026

By

The Nigerian Naira maintained a stable position against the United States Dollar in the official foreign exchange market on Sunday, September 20, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the local currency traded at an official rate of ₦1,331.2027 per dollar, marking a slight shift from Saturday’s rate of ₦1,331.2812. Meanwhile, at the parallel (black) market, the naira closed trading on Sunday at ₦1,395 against the dollar.

Continue Reading

latest

‘I Am Not In Charge!’ — Governor Bago Drops Bombshell Over 37 Miners’ Deaths

Published

11 minutes ago

on

September 21, 2026

By

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has opened up about his limited authority over security agencies in the state, despite holding the constitutional title of chief security officer.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

His comments follow mounting concerns over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Governor Bago was questioned regarding state accountability and whether the tragic incident could have been prevented.

In his defense, Governor Bago explained that federal institutions like the NSCDC and the police report directly to the central government rather than to him, leaving the state with minimal control over federal facilities and detention centers. He noted that the state government typically only intervenes when complaints about unlawful detention or related issues are brought forward by civil society organizations, the public, or handled through the Ministry of Justice and the courts.

Continue Reading

latest

‘The Net Closes In!’ — Atiku And Malami Caught In EFCC’s Crosshairs Over Multi-Billion Mambilla Scam

Published

14 minutes ago

on

September 21, 2026

By

Following a favorable ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formed a special team under Chairman Ola Olukoyede to investigate individuals linked to questionable transactions surrounding the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The ICC tribunal dismissed major claims by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited—which sought billions in compensation—and ordered Sunrise and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, to refund Nigeria $11.8 million in legal fees. The tribunal also ruled that Adesanya is bound by the arbitration agreement and highlighted numerous transactions and “red flags” involving several prominent Nigerian politicians and public figures.

Key figures flagged by the tribunal include:

  • Abubakar Malami: The former Attorney-General of the Federation was severely criticized for acting against national interests and entering into a corrupt deal, adding to separate ongoing trials he faces with his family over alleged N8.7 billion proceeds of unlawful activities.

  • Atiku Abubakar: The tribunal reviewed a $500,000 payment made in January 2003 from Adesanya’s offshore company to a US bank account belonging to Atiku’s ex-wife, Jennifer Douglas, shortly before the Mambilla contract was awarded. While Adesanya claimed it was a forex transaction, the tribunal noted a lack of documentary evidence, and sources indicate both Atiku and Douglas may face EFCC questioning.

  • Olu Agunloye: The former Minister of Power and Steel, who is already standing trial over the project, was questioned over payments he labeled as “medical expenses.”

  • Abubakar Dasuki & Sambo Dasuki: The tribunal flagged $1.74 million paid to Abubakar Dasuki (son of former NSA Sambo Dasuki), noting inconsistencies and a lack of documentation to support claims that it was a loan.

  • Abdullahi Yola & Dere Awosika: Both were also named among those linked to alleged bribery and controversial payments.

Sources indicate that the EFCC intends to expand its investigation and invite the implicated individuals for questioning in the near future.

Continue Reading

Trending