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‘We have no hope of fair trial’ – Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers

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The legal representatives of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have raised concerns about the lack of a fair trial for him due to his ongoing detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

During a media briefing, Kanu’s lawyers expressed frustration over his limited access to legal counsel and the interference by DSS operatives, hindering his ability to defend himself against charges of treasonable felony and terrorism.

Kanu has been in DSS custody since 2021 when he was arrested in Kenya and forcibly returned to Nigeria for trial. Despite being granted bail on health grounds in 2017, his bail was revoked in 2019 after he allegedly fled the country following an attack on his family’s home.

The lawyers argue that the charges against Kanu have been altered over the years, with the government abandoning previous charges and introducing fresh terrorism charges. They highlight the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment of procedural errors in Kanu’s case and their filing of a new application to reinstate his previous bail conditions.

However, they criticize the government for not providing Kanu with adequate facilities to prepare his defense, alleging surveillance and interference during legal consultations. They express doubts about the possibility of a fair trial under current conditions.

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The legal team is open to a political solution to resolve the case, suggesting that the trial judge could recommend reconciliation. They urge the government to review Kanu’s case, referencing instances where other activists had their prosecutions discontinued.

In conclusion, they call upon President Tinubu’s administration to handle the matter differently and consider whether Kanu’s case was politically motivated, emphasizing that their primary focus is on defending their client’s rights.

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Driver dies as vehicle crashes into White House gate

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The U.S. Secret Service has said that a driver died after a vehicle traveling at high speed collided with a gate at the White House.

In a statement via X on Sunday, the federal law enforcement agency, said shortly before 10:30 p.m. (1430 GMT) on May 4th, the vehicle crashed into an outer perimeter gate on the White House complex.

“Security protocols were implemented as officers cleared the vehicle,” it said, adding that “there was no threat to the White House.”

The chief of Communications for the agency, Anthony Guglielmi in a post on X, said limited traffic closures remain in effect as the agency and the local police department investigate the incident.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Nigerian govt moves to reduce multiple security personnel at airports

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The Nigerian government has announced its intention to decrease the frequency of security checks at the country’s airports. This initiative comes as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) collaborates with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to streamline security procedures at Nigerian airports.

Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN, revealed this development over the weekend, citing the proliferation of multiple security checks as a significant concern in Nigeria.

Kuku explained that FAAN and the NSA have reached an agreement to address this issue. She expressed frustration over the excessive checks, stating that it was among her first priorities upon assuming office. She highlighted past efforts dating back to 2011 and 2012, during her tenure in the industry, where similar discussions were held with former ministers.

Kuku outlined the collaborative efforts involving various agencies such as Customs, NDLEA, Quarantine, Agriculture, and EFCC, noting the previous Executive Order 001 issued during the Buhari administration to streamline operations. She mentioned ongoing dialogues with the NSA over the past five weeks to develop strategies for enhancing facilitation.

The short-term intervention aims to reduce the number of agencies present at airports, particularly those conducting routine checks that disrupt passengers. This approach seeks to streamline security procedures while maintaining effectiveness.

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Only PhD students eligible to bring dependants to UK – Envoy

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The United Kingdom (UK) has clarified that only international students enrolling in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are permitted to bring their dependents into the country.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He explained that the recent policy alteration in the educational system, preventing international students in higher education from bringing dependents to the UK, aimed to address the rising number of foreign students doing so.

Montgomery emphasized that the significant increase in dependents was creating unsustainable pressure on many universities, leading to the introduction of these changes. Prior to his tenure as High Commissioner to Nigeria, he had engaged with universities regarding this policy adjustment, which had been under consideration for some time.

The envoy highlighted concerns expressed by university Chancellors about the challenges posed by large student populations, including accommodation shortages, access to healthcare services through the National Health Service, and schooling for dependents.

He clarified that the restrictions did not apply universally, noting that individuals pursuing long-term research degrees such as a PhD or doctorate remained unaffected.

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Montgomery underscored the rationale behind the policy change, emphasizing its practicality given the UK’s extensive higher education sector, with many universities situated across various towns in the country.

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