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Jos North/Bassa Fed. Constituency: Tribunal reserves Judgment in Baba Hassan, APC vs Musa Agah, 6 others

Published

3 years ago

July 28, 2023

vicky

In a high-stakes legal battle before the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Trial Tribunal, the final written addresses of the parties were adopted on Thursday, marking the conclusion of arguments in the case. The Tribunal has now reserved its judgment, leaving the parties and the public in anticipation.

The case, between Ibrahim Baba Hassan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the petitioner and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Musa Agah Avia of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Adam Alkali of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and Daniel Asama Agoh of the Labour Party (LP) as the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth respondents, was the second on the cause list and took precedence in proceedings.

Representing the first respondent (INEC), P. A Okereke Esq presented the final written address along with the response to the petitioner’s final written address, dated and filed on 26th July 2023.

P. A Akubo (SAN), counsel for the second respondent (Musa Agah Avia), adopted two processes – the substantive final written address dated 15th July 2023 and the response to the petitioner’s final written address dated 24th July 2023.

The crux of the petitioner’s case lies in challenging the second respondent’s qualification to contest the House of Representatives Election for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency on the grounds of alleged invalid nomination. Additionally, they claim that the third respondent (PDP) lacks a valid structure due to non-compliance with a court order. However, the second respondent’s counsel vehemently contended that these grounds were no longer valid, citing Exhibit 2R1, 2R2, 2R6, and 2R8, which included reports and judgments confirming the 3rd respondent’s compliance and legitimacy.

Furthermore, the issue of the 2nd respondent’s nomination was asserted to be within the domain of the 3rd respondent (PDP), making the petitioner’s challenge irrelevant, according to the second respondent’s counsel.

Counsel for the third respondent, J. M Okafor Esq, brought to the Tribunal’s attention that the petitioner’s allegations pertain to pre-election matters rather than constitutional qualifications or disqualifications of candidates. As such, he urged the Tribunal to dismiss the petition entirely with substantial costs.

Yakubu Ruba SAN, representing the fourth and fifth respondents, argued that the other respondents’ focus was misdirected, urging the Tribunal to disregard their attacks on co-respondents and instead focus on the issues raised by the petitioners.

N. D Gwaison Esq, on behalf of the sixth and seventh respondents, refuted the claim that respondents should not attack each other, asserting that parties have a duty to address the court on the facts and evidence presented.

Finally, J. A Adoku, the counsel for the petitioners, adopted their final written address and pointed out that the case falls under the Tribunal’s jurisdiction, citing relevant precedents. He emphasized that the petition had merit and all requested reliefs should be granted.

With the adoption of all written addresses and responses, the Tribunal concluded the proceedings and announced that the date for judgment would be communicated to the parties involved. As the country awaits the tribunal’s decision, the outcome of this closely watched case will have significant implications for the political landscape.

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Izala Muslim corps seeks AK-47s to kill Christians in Enugu, Plateau

Published

2 hours ago

October 28, 2026

PlateauReports

WhatsApp Image 2026 10 28 at 07.32.51 e1793169280952.jpeg

A video has shown some members of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (the Izala sect) chanting and demanding AK-47 rifles to shoot Christian infidels in Enugu and Jos, the capital of Plateau.

In the video, a young man dressed in Izala Volunteer Corps uniform, a beige and blue beret colour, chanted, “Give us AK. Give AK. Let’s go to Enugu among infidels on Sunday while they are worshipping. Let’s open fire on them.” Several others chanted along with him in the video.

The chorus leader called for AK-47 rifles to invade churches in Jos.

Sheikh Bala Lau, the national chairman of JIBWIS, on Monday condemned the call for violence by its sect members, urging the State Security Service, the police and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.

A netizen, @Arojinle, said, “That’s Izala’s uniform. I hope the @PoliceNG and @OfficialDSSNG take action before we have another terrorist faction within us. One major problem is that Izala adherents are not in the North alone. They exist in Hausa-dominated microenvironments. I’ve seen their branded bus at Sabo, Ìbàdàn, several times.”

“Just watched a disturbing video of this Izala (JIBWIS) Agaji member singing a gyration song while leading his team, saying, “Give me AK-47 so that I will go to Enugu and kill infidels (arna) on Sunday while they are praying and happy. Give me guns to go to Jos and kill more infidels—that is the Sunnah, that is the training,” @Timmosion said. “You may think this is just music or a joke, but deep down, that is their true mindset. The only thing standing between them and carrying out such thoughts is the secular state and its laws.”

@Abdul_Ahmad said, “With all due respect, this is completely wrong and not part of the teaching of Islam. I’m calling the attention of the Izala 2 leadership under Sheikh Bala Lau and Kabiru Gombe to look into this matter with immediate effect so as not to produce more extremists.”

Police spokesperson Ani Iniedu did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the video.

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2027: Osun ADC urges Nigerians to reject APC

Published

2 hours ago

October 28, 2026

PlateauReports

Osun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has urged Nigerians to vote against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general elections, accusing the party of failing to demonstrate the capacity to manage the country effectively.

The ADC also dismissed allegations that it had failed to pay its secretariat staff for more than a year, describing the claim as an attempt by the APC to undermine its credibility and portray it as unfit to govern Nigeria.

The party stated this in a statement signed by its Osun State Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, on Tuesday.

The statement was in response to a statement attributed to the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

“The APC’s attempt to portray the ADC as a party incapable of governing Nigeria is neither an argument based on sound reasoning nor a credible assessment of our capacity to lead,” the statement read.

ADC argued that the ruling party was attempting to divert public attention from the economic challenges facing Nigerians, including rising living costs, insecurity and mounting financial pressures on households and businesses.

“Nigerians are interested in leadership that delivers results, not an administration that issues statements condemning its opponents while struggling to convince citizens that its own record deserves another mandate," it added.

The opposition party also accused the APC Presidential Campaign Council of targeting its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, over issues surrounding salary modulation and outstanding pension obligations during his tenure as Osun State governor.

It criticised the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and the APC for allegedly reducing Aregbesola’s eight-year administration to a single issue while overlooking its policies on infrastructure, education and other sectors.

Highlighting the administration’s achievements, the ADC said it constructed 170 model schools, comprising 100 elementary schools, 50 middle schools and 20 high schools.

It also cited reduced fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, bursary payments and assistance for medical students undertaking clinical training abroad.

The party said the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, O-YES, created employment opportunities for thousands of young people, while road projects delivered more than 300 kilometres of township roads and 222 kilometres of rural roads through interventions supported by the World Bank and the French government under the Rural Access and Mobility Project.

On healthcare, the ADC said the administration "upgraded or rehabilitated more than nine state hospitals and 12 comprehensive health centres."

It also cited the establishment of the Osun Ambulance Service, alongside the Omoluabi Garment Factory, the O’Clean environmental sanitation initiative and projects aimed at reducing flooding.

The party added that the administration introduced social welfare programmes, including Agba Osun for older residents and O-Widow for widows, while supporting agriculture and food production.

It maintained that it would focus on policy proposals and practical solutions rather than exchanging insults with the APC.

“The time has come for Nigerians to reject political propaganda and demand accountable leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people. We urge voters to use their ballots in the 2027 general elections to decide the ruling party’s political future," it concluded.

2027: Osun ADC urges Nigerians to reject APC