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How Malami ‘Bungled’ DCP Kyari’s Extradition Suit

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On Monday, a federal high court in Abuja dismissed the case of the federal government which sought to extradite Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police, to the United States for criminal prosecution.

The court, in its judgment, attributed the failure of the case to the negligence of Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF).

Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, said as the chief law officer of the federation, Malami ought to have known that the application was bound to fail since Kyari is already standing trial on criminal charges, on another matter, before a competent court in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Kyari is wanted in the US over alleged conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft.

A grand jury had, on April 29, 2021, filed an indictment against him with the approval of the US district court for the Central District of California, after which a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had also revealed how Kyari allegedly collaborated with Hushpuppi to jail one of his associates after a dispute over a $1.1 million scam on Qatari businesspeople.

On August 26, Usman Baba, inspector-general of police (IGP), received the report of the panel set up to probe the allegations against Kyari.

The police thereafter sent the report to Malami for legal advice.

In his advice, Malami said there was a prima facie case of money laundering and that further investigations should be conducted into the matter.

However, in a February 4, 2022 letter issued through Mohammed Abubakar, director of public prosecutions, ministry of justice, and addressed to the IGP, the AGF said there is no sufficient proof that Kyari was involved in money laundering.

ENTER THE NDLEA ANGLE

While Nigerians were still mulling over the conspiracy allegation between Kyari and Hushpuppi, the NDLEA on February 14 declared the controversial ‘supercop’ wanted for drug trafficking “over his involvement in a 25kg cocaine deal”.

Hours later, the police announced his arrest and subsequent transfer to the custody of the NDLEA.

On February 28, the anti-drug agency filed an eight-count charge against Kyari and six others.

Shortly after, Malami proceeded to file the application for his extradition to the US on March 1.

Explaining the reason for the delay, Malami had said that the process of extradition is cumbersome and multifaceted.

But in dismissing the suit, the presiding judge held that the AGF filed the application in bad faith.

“I find that this application was brought in bad faith,” the judge said.

‘MALAMI OUGHT NOT TO HAVE BROUGHT THE APPLICATION’

As the chief law officer of the federation, Malami has legal powers to institute and undertake, take over and continue or discontinue any criminal proceedings at any time before judgement as provided for in Section 174(1)(a)(b)(c) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The AGF can be said to perform oversight functions over the police, EFCC, ICPC, and NDLEA in the sense that the justice ministry is aware of every criminal charge filed.

The presiding judge noted this when he said: “The applicant, being the attorney-general of the federation, is in a position to know that Mr Kyari is standing trial on offences bordering on the provisions of the NDLEA Act, and ought not to have brought this (extradition) application.”

The court questioned why the AGF requested extradition since he had also given the NDLEA a fiat to bring charges relating to drug trafficking against Kyari.

Kyari had among other things, in a counter-affidavit in opposition to the suit, insisted that he could not be extradited because of the pending drug trafficking charge.

However, Malami had noted that the extradition suit could proceed since the offences Kyari was facing in Nigeria are not the same as that for which he is wanted in the US.

But in its judgment, the court held that the application is in breach of Section 3 (f) of the Extradition Act, and that it is incompetent.

“The AGF could not say that he was not aware of the pending proceeding against the defendant which was entered against him(Kyari) by the NDLEA,” the judge said.

Credit: The Cable

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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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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