Metro

Court orders ISIS-linked Nigerian detained for 60 days

Published

9 months ago

April 4, 2024

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday granted the Department of State Services (DSS) an order it sought to detain a Nigerian, Emmanuel Osase, who is accused of being a member of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), for 60 days pending investigations and proper arraignment in court.

The presiding judge of the court, Justice Inyang Ekwo, granted the order following an ex parte application, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/409/2024, filed by a DSS lawyer, A. A. Ugee.

In the ex parte motion, Ugee told the court that the matter was brought pursuant to Section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and prayed the court for an order enabling the secret police to detain Osase for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

While delivering his ruling granting the application, Justice Ekwo, said he had no objection to granting the motion.

“Upon studying the averments in the affidavit, I hereby grant the relief as prayed,” the judge ruled, before subsequently adjourning till June 3 for further proceedings.

A report from the DSS states that Osase who was arrested on March 11, was accused of “propagating ISIS messages, opposing the democratic system of government in Nigeria, and calling for terrorist attacks on Nigeria and its symbols of sovereignty.”

In the affidavit presented before the court, Ahmad Abubakar of the DSS Legal Service Department, Abuja, said the suspect needed to be detained because his release would jeopardise the DSS investigation,” the report said.

According to Abubakar, “Osase was arrested by a team of personnel from the applicant’s office for alleged membership and propagation of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria terrorist messages, including opposition to the democratic system of government and the call for staging terrorist attacks against the Nigerian state and its symbols of sovereignty.”

Abubakar added that Osase was jailed for five years for terrorism-related offences in France and was deported after the completion of his sentence.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the respondent, who is an ex-convict, still engages in terrorist activities which previously led to his conviction in France.

“The respondent appears not to have renounced his terrorist ideologies, as he continues to engage with the proscribed pro-ISIS online media group known as ‘al-Alawn Media Foundation,’ whose main objective is the creation and dissemination of terrorist content and the promotion of terrorist attacks against the democratic systems of Nigeria and the Western governments, including their interests across the globe.

“The respondent, who was born in the Federal Capital Territory, left Nigeria for France and never returned to Nigeria until his deportation after completion of a five-year jail term in France for acts of terrorism and attempt to join the Islamic State (IS) linked terrorist group, Friqat Al-Ghuraba (group of foreigners) in Syria.

“The respondent at the point of arrest, formatted his mobile device to factory settings upon sighting security agents ostensibly to wipe out any suspicious contents on the device and cover up his nefarious activities.

“The activities of the respondent constitute a potent threat to national security and corporate existence of Nigeria.

“The release of the respondent at this time would jeopardise the investigation, as investigation has assumed a wider dimension.

“There is a need for a thorough investigation of the suspect to ensure that he does not pose any security threat to Nigeria or the world at large

“The respondent is helping with vital information that will lead to the arrest of other members who are still at large.”

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Metro

Nigeria’s future is very bright, we’ll overcome challenges, VP Shettima says

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed his belief and optimism that the future of the country is very bright despite a myriad of economic and security challenges facing the nation.

Shettima, who expressed his hopes in a Christmas message, reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to economic transformation, national security, and the overall well-being of all citizens.

Shettima assured Nigerians that Tinubu was resolute and was working assiduously to tackle critical issues such as security and economic challenges, as the country prepares for the coming year.

“As we approach a new year, I want to reassure you that President Tinubu’s administration remains fully dedicated to improving the lives of all Nigerians,” the VP said.

“We are committed to tackling economic transformation and enhancing the welfare of every citizen,” he added, while emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, and called on Nigerians to use the festive period to strengthen unity across all regions and faiths, fostering a spirit of togetherness.

“Our nation’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. This holiday season offers us the perfect opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us,” he stated.

Shettima reiterated that the present administration will continue to prioritize national security and assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the country’s security forces, emphasising that security personnel would remain on high alert during the holiday period to ensure safety.

“Our brave security personnel will continue to work tirelessly to protect us. Enhanced security measures are in place to safeguard citizens during the festive season,” he said.

“I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is rolling out various initiatives to empower you, enabling you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s growth,” Shettima added.

Metro

Zambian drug agency declares ex-President Lungu’s daughter wanted

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has declared the daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, Tasila Lungu, wanted in connection with money laundering activities.

The Director General of the DEC, Nason Banda, who made the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, told journalists that Tasila, who was a Member of Parliament representing Chawama Constituency, fled the country after her father lost elections on pretext of being on maternity leave, and had remained defiant to calls from law enforcement officers to present herself for investigations.

Banda stated that the Commission was tired of issuing call outs to Tasila through her lawyers, hence the decision to place her on the wanted list.

Banda noted that the Commission wanted Tasila to explain her certain sources of income like other persons who were called for questioning after they were found with a case to answer.

He said the Commission had issued several call outs to Tasila through her lawyers since she was not in the country and had grown tired of waiting because this was prolonging the investigations which should be closed as soon as possible.

“We have been attempting to contact her to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation. Messages have been sent, and lawyers have been contacted, but Honorable Lungu has not responded. As of now, Honorable Lungu is considered a wanted person,” Banda said.

He urged Tasila to come forward and answer questions while assuring that the process will be fair and she will be treated with respect, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.

Banda also assured that there was no witch-hunt in the process of investigating Tasila and other politicians, emphasizing that in the past, seizures had been lifted, and property had been returned to owners after investigations were completed.

“We have issues with her, let her come and answer a few questions. It’s only fair for her to respond because we have issues with her. So we would like honourable Lungu to come and answer a few questions. We have sent call outs through her lawyers,” he said.

Banda said the DEC had, on May, 30, 2024, summoned Tasila together with the former first lady to appear before them for interviews through two separate notices signed by an Officer of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, but despite assurances from her lawyers, Zulu and Advocates, that she would make herself available to the agency, she had failed to show up.