News

NANS Reacts over Assault, Dehumanisation of Corps Member in Anambra

Published

4 months ago

August 20, 2025

Eric

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the recent assault on Corps member, Edema Elohor Jennifer, by operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Reports said female corps members serving in Anambra State were assaulted by local vigilantes, with one of them, Edema Elohor Jennifer, severely brutalised.

Reacting through a statement on Tuesday night, the Public Relations Officer of NANS, Comrade Samson Adeyemi, described the action as not only unjustified but also a gross violation of the dignity, safety, and fundamental rights of a young Nigerian serving her nation under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

“It is deeply troubling that such brutality could be meted out to a corps member, an individual who has answered the national call to service and who deserves every protection and respect guaranteed under the law.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students considers this incident a dangerous affront to the ideals of national service, rule of law, and human rights.

“The increasing tendency of unregulated security outfits to act outside the bounds of legality and accountability is a matter of urgent national concern.”

NANS called on the Anambra State Government and all relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly, ensure those responsible are held accountable, and take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.

Adeyemi stressed that it was imperative for corps members across the country to feel safe and protected in their places of primary assignment and residence.

The association declared that it stands in solidarity with corps member Edema Elohor Jennifer and reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and youths, even as it urged the NYSC and relevant security agencies to work collaboratively to ensure that the sanctity of Corps Lodges and the safety of corps members are never compromised again.

News

Appeal Court Affirms Ruling Barring VIO from Impounding Vehicles, Fining Motorists

Published

3 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday upheld the judgment that stopped the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from seizing vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.

In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, the appellate court found no basis to set aside the Federal High Court’s ruling of October 16, 2024, which restrained the VIO from harassing motorists.

The appeal filed by the VIO was dismissed for lacking merit. Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi delivered in the lead judgment.

The high court had earlier ruled, in a judgment by Justice Nkeonye Maha, that no law authorizes the VIO to stop motorists, impound vehicles, or impose penalties for alleged traffic offences.

The case arose from a fundamental rights suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by lawyer Abubakar Marshal.

Marshal informed the court that VIO officials stopped him at Jabi in Abuja on December 12, 2023, and seized his vehicle without lawful reason. He asked the court to determine whether their actions violated his rights.

Justice Maha agreed and ordered the VIO and its agents not to impound vehicles or impose fines on motorists, describing the actions as unlawful. She held that only a court can impose fines or sanctions.

She ruled that the VIO’s conduct breached the applicant’s constitutional right to property under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 14 of the African Charter. She further held that the VIO has no legal authority to seize vehicles or penalize motorists, as doing so infringes on rights to fair hearing, movement and presumption of innocence.

Although Marshal, represented by Femi Falana, SAN, requested ₦500 million in damages and a public apology, the court awarded ₦2.5 million.

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services, its Director, its Abuja Area Commander at the time (identified as Mr. Leo), team leader Solomon Onoja, and the FCT Minister were listed as respondents.

They appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.

News

Tinubu Nominates Ibas, Dambazau, Enang, Ohakim As Ambassadors

Published

3 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State and a former Chief of Naval Staff, as a non-career ambassador.

Tinubu also nominated Ita Enang, a former senator; Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State; and Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Minister of Interior and ex-Chief of Army Staff, as non-career ambassadors.

News

Senate Confirms Chris Musa As New Defence Minister

Published

4 days ago

December 3, 2025

Eric

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, as the country’s new Minister of Defence.

The announcement was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.

Musa, who retired from the military just 40 days ago, was nominated by President Tinubu on Tuesday to succeed former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on health grounds.

According to Onanuga’s statement, the Senate approved Musa’s appointment on Wednesday through a voice vote, following a thorough screening session during which lawmakers posed numerous questions.

“Senate confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence. The Senate confirmed Musa on Wednesday via a voice vote after a rigorous screening session in which lawmakers asked him many questions,” the statement read in part.