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Court Declines IBD Dende’s Request To Stop Fisayo Soyombo, FIJ From Publishing Reports About Him

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A federal high court in Abuja has rejected a request by businessman Ibrahim Egungbohun, also known as IBD Dende, to restrain Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), from publishing additional reports about him.

Egungbohun had filed a lawsuit against Soyombo and FIJ over an undercover report published in February 2024, titled “Undercover as a smuggler.”

In the report, Soyombo exposed the ease of illegally importing goods into Nigeria by attempting to smuggle 100 bags of rice from the Republic of Benin, highlighting the country’s porous borders.

The court’s decision allows FIJ to continue publishing reports about Egungbohun.

The journalist highlighted how he transported the bags of rice without resistance from security operatives after using information provided by some officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

In the report, Soyombo described IBD Dende as the “biggest smuggler” in Ilaro, a town in Ogun state.

He also published a video where IBD Dende was threatening to kill a customs officer during an altercation.

Angered by the investigative report, IBD Dende filed a defamation suit against Soyombo, FIJ, and Arise Group after the television station broadcast the documentary.

At the resumed hearing on July 2, Binta Mohammed, the judge of the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, listened to the application for interlocutory injunction for an order to restrain the defendants from further defamatory publications against him.

  • The Arguments

In his written argument, the counsel of IBD Dende averred that the first and second defendants consistently defamed and maligned the character of his client.

The counsel claimed that Soyombo published statements about IBD Dende as recently as June 3, while the case was before the court.

The counsel said the investigative journalist is subjecting his client to a social media trial.

He averred that it had become imperative for the court to grant an injunction to halt the “continuous and daily defamatory publications” against the person of the claimant, pending the final determination of the suit.

The counsel said the right to freedom of expression under the constitution does not permit any journalist to defame a character.

On the video published by Soyombo, the counsel argued that the video was nothing more than a “verbal altercation” with customs officers.

The counsel said it cannot be concluded from the video that the incident was about smuggled goods belonging to IBD Dende.

He added that his client is a licensed customs clearing and forwarding agent, whose job it is to provide assistance to get goods transported into and out of Nigeria.

In the written argument submitted on behalf of Soyombo and FIJ, the counsel argued that the press is duty-bound to expose wrongdoing.

The counsel said the press must not be subjected to censorship or curtailed.

The FIJ counsel argued that IBD Dende, who had admitted under oath to assaulting law enforcement agencies, did not deserve an equitable relief of injunction to restrain the press.

The counsels closed their arguments, and the court reserved the ruling on the application for interlocutory injunction for a later date to be communicated to the parties.

Soyombo and FIJ have also filed a defence to the main suit, along with a list of witnesses to be invited to testify.

The witnesses include one Rotimi Awoyemi, the customs officer who was allegedly threatened in the video published by FIJ; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), comptroller-general of customs; and Hussein Ejigbunu, whom IBD Dende reportedly mentioned in the viral video.

IBD Dende also listed two witnesses: himself and Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the traditional ruler of Iselu, Yewa north LGA, whose written statement on oath was filed in support of the statement of claim.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Jigawa State Governor Loses 24-Yr-Old Son A Day After Mother’s Demise

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Tragically, just one day after the passing of his mother, Governor Namadi of Jigawa has now lost his 24-year-old son.

A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, confirmed that the governor’s son sadly lost his life in a road accident on Thursday.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday, December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road. “The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24-year-old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings. “To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

 

More to come…

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BIG STORY

Sokoto Counters Military, Says 10 Civilians Accidentally Killed In Air Strike

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The Sokoto state government says no fewer than 10 civilians were killed when a military air strike targeted suspected terrorists in Gidan Bisa village, Silame LGA of the state.

Abubakar Bawa, press secretary to Ahmed Aliyu, governor of the state, wrote in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Bawa quoted Abubakar Rana, chairman of Silame LGA, as saying that the incident occurred around 6am on Christmas Day, when two military fighter jets “mistakenly” dropped bombs on the village.

Aliyu, who was accompanied by Aliyu Wamakko, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment, attended the funeral prayers for the victims.

Consoling the villagers, the governor described the incident as “unfortunate.”

“The military jets were on their mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorising the state and mistakenly bombed innocent people of this community,” he said.

“We consider this a mistake because the same military had on several occasions successfully raided many criminal hideouts in the state.”

Aliyu prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and strength for their families.

Muhammad Sifawa, secretary to the state government, announced a relief package of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted foodstuffs for the families of the deceased.

He also assured that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured.

The military had denied reports of civilian casualties in the bombing.

Reports said air strikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji, targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group, had inadvertently killed civilians in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.

However, Abubakar Abdullahi, joint media coordinator for the operation, said the strikes targeted locations confirmed to be linked to the insurgents.

“All military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions to ensure precision and protect civilian lives,” Abdullahi said.

“The targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action.”

Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, told TheCable that the missiles were launched following credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.

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BIG STORY

Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas With Customers, Reaffirms Commitment To Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

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As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”

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