Headlines
Alleged U.S. Conviction: Court Rules in Favour of Gbajabiamila
- /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Gbajabiamila.jpg&description=Alleged U.S. Conviction: Court Rules in Favour of Gbajabiamila', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 69
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Gbajabiamila.jpg&description=Alleged U.S. Conviction: Court Rules in Favour of Gbajabiamila', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has faulted the decision of a political party to challenge the emergence of Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The court in a ruling said the applicants acted recklessly by approaching an area court to determine their application, as the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
The court also ruled that the documents before it were sufficient to agree with the submissions of Mr Gbajabiamila that he was never convicted as suggested by the applicants.
Explaining the proceedings that resulted in the ruling on Wednesday, Mr Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Olowole Adaja, said they reacted to the application at the area court by approaching the FCT High Court with a request that it judicially reviews the decision of the area court to entertain the application.
He said that the applicants relied on what they believed to be a decision of the Supreme Court in Georgia, which had punished Mr Gbajabiamila after a disciplinary panel heard a case of professional misconduct against him.
Mr Adaja further explained that, according to the applicants, the decision of the supreme court of Georgia amounted to a conviction, hence Mr Gbajabiamila ought not to have denied being convicted when he responded to form CF001, ahead of the general elections.
“We, therefore, set the record straight by stating that what had happened in Georgia, United States was not a trial. There was neither an arraignment nor a conviction. And the basis upon which they brought their application is that he had been convicted.
“The court ruled that based on the facts before it, there were no sufficient reasons to submit that Hon. Gbajabiamila had been convicted by any court of law.”
Mr Adaja added that the court ruled in favour of their submissions that based on provisions of the Electoral Act, only a High Court, like the instant one, could entertain the nature of application brought by the applicants.
The judgement was delivered by Justice A. O Musa
A similar application is also pending at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.
Premium Times
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
