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Insurgency: Centre scores Nigerian military high on human rights compliance

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Insurgency: Centre scores Nigerian military high on human rights compliance

…Identifies Buratai’s regular visits to troops as factors in Nigeria’s war against terror

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has identified the secrets behind the success of the Nigerian troops in their fight against insurgency in the country.

The centre linked the success of the troops to high human rights compliance and regular visits of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai to soldiers on the battle field.

The Centre made the observation at the public presentation of its special report on the war against terror by the Nigerian military and human rights compliance.

The report, which was presented on Wednesday in Abuha, called on the Nigerian government to accept repentant terrorists so as to ensure they are fully rehabilitated so they can fit back into society.

The report jointly signed by Ibrahim Abubakar, Executive Secretary and Emmanuel Ogah, Director of Research and Documentation reads below.

Executive Summary:

The war against terrorism in Nigeria (North-east) had spanned over ten years since when the Boko Haram terrorist group resorted to violence against the state in 2009. The Nigerian military has since then been actively engaged in the battle for the soul of Nigeria. The turn of events has witnessed sordid tales of maiming and killings of innocent people by Boko Haram terrorist. This period also saw an increase in kidnapping of women and children, that drew the world attention to Nigeria.

The Nigerian military has indeed risen to the occasion in ensuring that the territorial integrity of the country is preserved due to concerted efforts of all relevant stakeholders, including President Muhammadu Buhari. This report took a cursory look at the various issues at stake as it concerns the protection of human rights by the Nigerian military in executing the war, as well as the multiple allegations of human rights violations against the Nigerian military by organizations such as Amnesty International.

This report was commissioned to put paid to speculation and to present issues in proper perspective for all sundry.

INTRODUCTION:

Boko Haram violence escalated from revenge attacks on the Nigerian police and security forces to (soft target) attacks on public servants, politicians, moderate imams, and civilians, through bombing and shooting attacks on schools, churches, mosques, markets, government installations, and other public places. Most writers and commentators have attributed the transformation of the group to the death of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, ostensibly at the hands of government security agencies in 2009. Since then the group has launched a full-fledged military campaign against public institutions and civilian populations. Although its methods have occasionally included terrorist attacks in a few towns and cities in other parts of northern Nigeria, the most severely affected communities are in the North-east, (especially Borno State) where these attacks have been concentrated. In other cases, attacks on rural communities are routinely carried out, resulting in mass murders and abductions.

Consequently, the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre, a civil society organisation dedicated to the protection of human rights and the entrenchment of good governance in Nigeria commissioned a special report to look at the various lingering issues in the theatre of operations in North East Nigeria as it concerns the protection of human rights and the multiple interventions of the Nigerian military in ensuring that the security of lives and properties takes centre stage.

THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IN NIGERIA:

The Nigerian military has fought the war against terrorism in Nigeria since 2009. However, there was a period when the Nigerian military was struggling to understand the peculiarity of the war, and in that process, lots of casualties were inflicted on them by Boko Haram terrorist, who were engaged in guerrilla warfare and were also conversant with the terrain.

This gave rise to casualties on the part of the Nigerian military and also saw to the control of over 16 local government areas in North East Nigeria by Boko Haram terrorist. In some instances, it was reported that women and children were taken into forced marriages and as sex slaves. Young boys were recruited in the Boko Haram fighting force, and young girls were used as suicide bombers.

All of these changed in 2015 by the change of government in Nigeria that ushered in President Muhammadu Buhari as president and the subsequent rejigging of the operational strategy of the Nigerian military that also saw to the appointment of new service chiefs for the various arms of the Armed Forces.

From the observations gleaned from the research work, a lot has been done by the Nigerian military in the fight against terrorism since 2015. The present crop of service chiefs has displayed a commitment that has seen to the dislodgement of Boko Haram fighters from areas it once held sway including the notorious Sambisa Forest.

Our team of researchers made discoveries that explain why the Nigerian military was able to turn the tide against Boko Haram terrorist. And they are:

ROUTINE VISIT BY THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TO THE THEATRE OF OPERATIONS:

It was observed that the Chief of Army Staff, as an operational strategy towards boosting the morale of the fighting troops, carries periodic visits to the theatre of operations. In some instances, it was announced and in other cases not announced in an attempt to gauge the mood of the troops.

It was also observed that there are several times the Chief of Army Staff when on routine visits, his convoy was ambushed. These incidents didn’t deter the Chief of Army Staff from continuing with the regular visits that also involves occasional dining with troops at the battlefront.

The team of researchers was able to identify that the impact of the routine visits by the Chief of Army staff has had a tremendous impact on the morale of the fighting troops, which has resulted in the renewed vigour as exhibited by the troops in the battlefront.

The soldiers in the battlefront always look forward to the visit of the Chief of Army Staff to the battlefront. In some instances, the Chief of Army Staff visits the troops in trenches and passes the night in the trenches with them.

COMMANDERS AND TROOPS OBSERVE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF HUMAN RIGHTS WITHIN THE THEATRE OF OPERATIONS:

Another area where the routine visits of the Chief of Army staff have impacted positively in North East Nigeria is in the area of helping to ensure that commanders and troops observe the highest level of human rights within the theatre of operations.
This is on the heels that there has been a series of allegations against the Nigerian Army on human rights violations in executing the war against terrorism.

However, what was observed was that the bulk of the allegations are speculations that were propelled by rumours and not any verifiable fact gave the tough stance of the troops on the battlefield. It was also observed that so e aspect of the rumour was also fuelled by the narrative been pushed in the media by some foreign NGO’s whose activities have been questioned by the military authorities as to their sincerity in the rendering of humanitarian services in the North East region.

Available information that was deposed by locals and community leaders in the affected communities indicates that the issue of human rights violations is on the side of the Boko Haram terrorist who has carried on with a high level of recklessness and without regards to the sanctity of human life.

The team of researchers also noted that the operational structure of the Nigerian military in the theatre of operations is structured in such a way that ensures strict adherence to best practices as it concerns the civilian population. There is also a human rights desk that constantly probes cases of human rights violations that arises, and such cases are given speedy attention and action taken in the overall interest of all concerned.

This is also attributed to the routine visit of the Chief of Army staff to the theatre of operations alongside the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs who constantly briefs the Chief of Army Staff on the relationship between the military and the civilian populace in the theatre of operations.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE MILITARY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF BORNO, YOBE, AND ADAMAWA STATES:

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre took out time to analyse the various collaborations entered by the Nigerian military with the government of the states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. It was observed that the collaborations in place are yielding the required dividend that has manifested in some of the success stories of the Nigerian military in the war against terrorism. However, it was observed that more work has to be done in ensuring that the collaborations are watertight to yield more dividends in ensuring that more success is recorded.

The Nigerian military has always engaged these states governments on critical issues as it concerns its operational strategies, but there are some bottlenecks manifest in government bureaucracy that somewhat slows down the process. Therefore, there is a need for a review of the collaborations to make it more robust and encompassing to improve the synergy between the Nigerian military and the state government.

The state government must see themselves as critical stakeholders and live up to expectation by giving the Nigerian military all the necessary support it needs in the war against terrorism.

THE LAKE CHAD BASIN AREA AND THE MULTINATIONAL JOINT TASKFORCE OPERATIONS:

The Lake Chad Basin is the largest endorheic drainage basin in Africa, centred on Lake Chad. It has no outlet to the sea and contains large areas of desert or semi-arid savanna. The drainage basin is roughly coterminous with the sedimentary basin of the same name but extends further to northeast Nigeria. The basin spans seven countries, including Nigeria, Chad and a part of Niger.

By its geographic situation, the Lake Chad basin is the buffer zone between the Sahel and Sub-equatorial Africa; between Central and West Africa. Indeed, the former great lake is shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. It is because of this strategic position in the trade routes that the British colonial power made Maiduguri as the capital of Borno state in Nigeria.
The first Joint Task Force operation aimed at the Boko Haram insurgents was code named Operation Restore Order I. It was established on June 12, 2011. Later in the year, Operation Restore Order II and III were launched to provide security against Boko Haram in Bauchi and Yobe states respectively. The mandate of the task force was to restore law and order to the north-eastern part of Nigeria and Borno State in particular.

The countries in the Lake Chad Basin region established the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in April 2012 and upgraded it in 2015 for managing the Boko Haram crisis. The decision followed the realization that the problem is not necessarily Nigerian, as initially perceived, but a regional question. This security management formation is with a counter-terrorism mandate.

The most critical of the problems is that the countries need to work collaboratively at dealing with a common enemy, they are suspicious of each other over border issues. This factor has reduced the effectiveness of this security community.

It was observed that the current operations of the Multinational Joint Taskforce need to be scaled up for more effectiveness given the fact that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist has made the Lake Chad Basin region as a haven for their operations. There is also a need for an improved financial commitment from the countries in the Lake Chad Basin region for the effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force operations.

CONCLUSION:

• The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre after comprehensive scrutiny of the operations of the Nigerian military in the war against terrorism states that the Nigerian military has displayed a considerable commitment towards the fight against terrorism in Northeast Nigeria. The determination of the Nigerian Army is impeccable and worthy of commendation given the fact that despite the avalanche of challenges associated with unconventional warfare such as this, it has strived to adhere to global best practices in human rights.

• The Nigerian military must sustain the tempo of the war by ensuring that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist are not allowed to regroup.

• Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist must surrender in the light of the prevailing circumstances in an attempt to ensure a seamless transition into civilian through the instrumentality of Operation Safe Corridor.

• The Nigerian government must accept repentant terrorists but must ensure they are fully rehabilitated so they can fit back into society.

Dear C-in-C, why we still need Lt Gen TY Buratai by AO Ude

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Dear C-in-C, why we still need Lt Gen TY Buratai by AO Ude

“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.” Winston Churchill

I am writing this piece, not on the strength of ethnicity or religion, but a firm conviction of the true Nigerian spirit. As an officer of the Nigerian Army and from the South Eastern part of Nigeria, I say with all confidence that the Nigerian Army has never had it so good like in the past four years.

I recall with nostalgia when President Muhammadu Buhari was elected president of our great country. Those of us in the theatre of operations in North East Nigeria heaved a sigh of relief because we were down casted and delusional with the level of rot in the Nigerian Army as it were. We lacked on all front so much so that so many of us went AWOL (Absent without leave). And were happy that at least a general that understand our critical constituency is now on-board the leadership of the country and luck might as well smile on us.

It was a dire situation we were in. We regularly lost soldiers and officers because the military hierarchy then was clueless on the way forward. To make matters worse, they fed fat from the lapses in the system. They built castles in odd places to the extent that Nigeria was on the verge. The professionalism in the military was sacrificed on the altar of material acquisition and at the expense of our collective interest as a country.

The country was bleeding to the point of death. Our commanders were more interested in their pockets than in the country. They looted and looted like the world was coming to an end. But God, in his infinite mercies, came to our rescue on two fronts. One was the election of President Muhammadu Buhari and the subsequent appointment of Lt Gen TY Buratai as Chief of Army Staff.

God bless that day Lt Gen TY Buratai was appointed as Chief of Army Staff. I recall the uproar of excitement that greeted the appointment. Some of us in the frontlines were still with mixed feelings thinking that it would be business as usual given our experience. But we were wrong. We were incredibly wrong in the sense that Lt Gen Buratai hit the ground, running with innovative policies and ideas suitable for unconventional warfare. The departure from the norm was radical and it paid off handsomely.

I recall that the first briefing that he had with us in the North East was more of a psychological meal that filled every part of our bosom. He enumerated his plans as the commander and the need for us his lieutenants to see ourselves as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian cause. His words were piercing and loud. We saw the commitment and sincerity in his words, which was subsequently corroborated by his actions as the Chief of Army Staff in the years ahead.

That the Nigerian Army was able to make substantial gains in a record time didn’t happen by magic. It didn’t happen overnight, but rather a conscious effort that was laced with two things: passion and dedication. And guess what. Lt Gen TY Buratai infected us with this mind-set. He charged us to see ourselves as Nigerians as a first before our religious and ethnic affiliations. And this strategy paid out tremendously.

Regardless of what anyone thinks or say, the Chief of Army Staff is a legend and one gifted with the art of bringing out the best of the troops in the battlefront. He has demonstrated a capacity and steadfast loyalty to Nigeria. And this much was imbibed in the bulk of the Nigerian Army. To think that upon assumption of office as Chief of Army Staff he was able to make a tremendous impact on the morale of the troops is an indication of his worth and his commitment to leaving a positive effect on the operations of the Nigerian Army.

Lt Gen TY Buratai is indeed a soldier’s soldier. He understands what it meant to be infantry. And he also understood what it takes to keep the morale of the troops high. And guess what? The Nigerian Army is better for it. And for once, I felt proud of wearing the khaki of the Nigerian Army.

My despair turned to hopes. I was eager to be a part of the preservation of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. My enthusiasm was rekindled that I renewed my pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest, to serve with all my might and uphold her unity and glory. And God has helped me. Just like many others of my colleagues.

As an Army officer, I know penning this article might be against the rules of public engagement , but again the truth must be told at all times. If a fraction of Nigerians would come to terms with the personality of Lt Gen TY Buratai, they would indeed know that in service to fatherland, ethnicity or religion has no place. And like I mentioned earlier, been an officer of South East extraction I should know better, and this has culminated in this article stating that the services of Lt Gen Tukur Buratai are still needed in the Nigerian Army for apparent reasons.

His grasps of the issues as it concerns warfare is legendary. He also knows the place of keeping his troops psychologically active by the routine visit he pays to the battlefront. Imagine that the Chief of Army staff is with you in the trenches clutching an AK47 rifle just like you and eating from the same pot. It’s not imaginary. It is what Lt Gen TY Buratai represents.

Make no mistakes; I know the consequences of my actions. I am grounded with extant military rules on the implication of contributing to a discourse in the public space. But the need to give an insider account on how well the Nigerian Army has fared under Lt Gen TY Buratai is undebatable.

I say this because as a Captain in the Nigerian Army, I command a company, and I interact closely with the soldiers. If this article is then considered as praise singing, I wonder what would be said if the soldiers in the battlefront are allowed to air their appreciation and excitement. It would indeed be a medley of praises.

I can go on non-stop to my chief. But I guess with the little I have been able to scribble, Nigerians indeed now have an idea on my Chief, the Lt Gen TY Buratai and also come to the realization that we sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us. Need I say more? We still need Lt Gen TY Buratai and more of his leadership to keep leading the Nigerian Army. And this is with love from the trenches.

AO Ude wrote this piece from Monguno, North-East Nigeria

SENATE WANTS FG TO BAN IMPORTATION OF SNIPER

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SENATE WANTS FG TO BAN IMPORTATION OF SNIPER

The Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to ban the production, importation or circulation of snipers insecticide, a product currently used to commit suicide.

This followed a motion sponsored by senator Theodore Orji (PDP-Abia) and 15 others on the rising incidence of suicides among Nigerians.

Orji, while making his presentation noted with grave concern, the rising cases of suicide, particularly among young Nigerians.

He said suicide could be prevented particularly when family, friends and close relatives of the person contemplating suicide provided support, either by way of encouragement, listening to them or removing means of committing suicide such as dangerous drugs and chemicals, especially sniper.

He also said that it is worrisome that the number of Nigerians taking their lives had assumed a frightening dimension, saying that government, religious institutions and other relevant corporate bodies have not addressed the ugly situation in the country.

He said the situation may continue, if not properly addressed.

Orji said that there is need to create awareness on how to control stress and depression by government, religious institutions and other relevant corporate bodies and the establishment of trauma centres across the federation.

This, he said would also reduce the rate of suicide in the country.

Contributing, Senator Bamidela Opeyemi(Ekiti) said the issue of suicide was more of a sociological issue that has to do with depression, mental issues and ultimately poverty.

He said the Senate must interface with the executive to address the challenges in the economy by creating opportunities for employment via industrialisation and agriculture.

Contributing, Senator Rochas Okorocha (APC-Imo) said many Nigerians were committing suicide because they were not happy.

He said the government should find out why people were not happy and why they were taking their lives.

Okorocha, therefore advocated for the creation of a government Department or Ministry of Happiness to address the problem.

Remi Tinubu, Senators Have No Right To Question Elisha Abbo – Femi Falana

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Remi Tinubu, Senators Have No Right To Question Elisha Abbo – Femi Falana

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana has said that the Senate ad hoc committee was wrong to have questioned embattled lawmaker, Senator Elisha Abbo, on Tuesday.

Falana said that although the Senate had a right to discipline its members, Abbo could not be questioned because the matter was already in court and questioning him now would amount to subjudice.

He noted that Abbo had already been arraigned before a magistrate court, pleaded not guilty and granted bail.

The senior advocate noted that the Senate rules clearly state that when a matter is before a court of law, the Senate cannot discuss such a matter.

The activist said, “We all watched the video showing the senator allegedly assaulting a lady but we all demanded justice and the police have already arraigned him. The matter is now before a court and Senator Abbo is a defendant.

“It is, therefore, wrong for the Senate to sit and investigate a matter publicly while the matter is ongoing in court. That is subjudice. The Senate rules are clear that when a matter is in court, the Senate does not dabble into it.”

Abbo, who represents Adamawa-North senatorial district, was caught on video assaulting a shop attendant in a sex toy shop.

Don’t Bring Cows On Foot To South-East again, Govs tell Herdsmen

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Don’t Bring Cows On Foot To South-East again, Govs tell Herdsmen

The South-East Governors Forum has said movement of cattle into the geopolitical zone through the bush paths by foot will no longer be allowed.

A statement by the Director General, South-East Governors Forum, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, said that was an agreement reached with herdsmen living in the zone, adding that movement of cows into the zone should be strictly by road, using trucks to their specific cow markets and not through the bush.

“We will no longer allow foreign herdsmen to bring their cattle into our geopolitical zone through the bush paths by foot because this is what always cause conflict between our people and the herders,” the governors stated.

The forum dispelled the rumours that the governors had secretly donated land for Ruga settlements for herders.

“The fact remains that no South-East governor has donated any land or intends to donate any land for any of the two programmes for lack of enough land in the entire South-East.

“Governors of South-East appreciate the fact that we have good and law-abiding herdsmen who have been living with us; some of them were even born here. We have been living in peace with them until recently when we started witnessing invasion of our land, kidnapping of our people, killing of defenceless natives and destruction of their farmlands.

“These herdsmen that have been living peacefully with us together with the natives have insisted that this evil as now experienced in our land are the handiwork of herdsmen moving from other states into South-East and most of the time, these herdsmen are not even Nigerians.

“We will not chase away herdsmen who are peaceful and have been living peacefully with us in the South-East.”

Adeosun has not been appointed Chief of Army Staff – Army Headquarters

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Adeosun has not been appointed Chief of Army Staff – Army Headquarters
Gen Adeosun shortly after receiving the COAS commendation award at the 2019 Army Day Celebration in Lagos.(Photo credit: Lawrence Audu #TelevisionNgerian)
Gen Adeosun shortly after receiving the COAS commendation award at the 2019 Army Day Celebration in Lagos.(Photo credit: Lawrence Audu #TelevisionNgerian)

Contrary to fake news going round insinuating or suggesting appointment of Lieutenant General LO Adeosun as Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, members of the public are hereby once again informed that Lieutenant General LO Adeosun has just been given special/accelerated promotion from Major General to Lieutenant General and formally communicated to him by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai.

Lt Gen LO Adeosun is only granted special promotion by the President, Commander -in – Chief, of the Armed Forced of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for his extra ordinary feats, exemplary leadership, loyalty and uncommon commitment in the counter insurgency operation in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.

Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Saghir Musa in a statement said Adeossun still retains his appointment/position as Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army.

Any contrary information is baseless, fake news and should be disregarded.

COURT REFUSES TO DIVORCE UBI FRANKLIN AND LILIAN ESORO

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COURT REFUSES TO DIVORCE UBI FRANKLIN AND LILIAN ESORO

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikeja has refused application for divorce filed before it by Nigerian celebrity couple, Ubi Franklin and his actress wife, Lilian Esoro.

The court ruled on Tuesday that their prayer for divorce lacks strong grounds as to be taken seriously and advised them to go and work on their marriage.

The judge said the explanation given by the couple for seeking a divorce is invalid.

The judge said since Lilian Esoro testified that Ubi Franklin provides for their child and that they are still good friends, the basis for seeking divorce does not exist.

The judge told them to go and work on their marriage and amicably settle their differences, saying they are seeking divorce out of childishness.

“Make the most of your marriage,” the judge told them as he struck out their suit.

The duo married on November 2015 in an elaborate wedding separated a year after the marriage.

They have a son, Jayden.

Breaking: Lamidi Adeosun becomes Lieutenant General as Buhari approves accelerated promotion of two senior officers.

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Breaking: Lamidi Adeosun becomes Lieutenant General as Buhari approves accelerated promotion of two senior officers.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the promotion of Major General Lamidi Adeosun the Chief of Training and Operations to the rank of Lieutenant General of the Nigerian Army.

Consequently, Brigadier General AB Biu, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri has been promoted to the rank of Major General.

Here is the full text of the press statement as released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Sagir Musa.

MR PRESIDENT, COMMANDER – IN – CHIEF, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI HAS APPROVED ACCELERATED PROMOTION OF TWO SENIOR OFFICERS & A SUBALTERN OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY

The present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to demonstrate total and unflinching support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the bid to effectively contain the security situation in the country especially activities of terrorists in the North East.

In particular, the government has shown commitment to recognizing excellence, dedication and commitment on the part of personnel of the Nigerian Army. It is in this wise that the President, Commander – in – Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the accelerated promotion of two senior officers and a subaltern of the Nigerian Army. The officers are granted promotion for their extra-ordinary feats, courage, examplary leadership, loyalty, uncommon commitment and valour in the counter insurgency operation in the North Eastern part of the country.

The two senior officers are Major General LO Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations at Army Headquarters who has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and Brigadier General AB Biu, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, promoted to the rank of Major General. Also, promoted to the rank of Captain is Lieutenant AJ Danjibrin of 211 Demonstration Battalion Bauchi.

The President, Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has conveyed his personal congratulations to the promoted officers and charged them to continue to be shining examples to their colleagues.

Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army felicitate with the newly promoted officers and extends his best wishes to them in all their future endeavours.

Court orders Diezani’s land forfeited to FG

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Court orders Diezani’s land forfeited to FG

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered that a plot of land in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, belonging to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Justice Chuka Obiozor made the forfeiture order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The anti-graft agency told the judge that the land, “measuring 7,903.71 – 8,029.585 square metres” and designated as Plot 9, Azikiwe Road, Old GRA (UAC Property on Forces Avenue), Port Harcourt, was reasonably suspected to part of proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission prayed the court for an order to allow it “to appoint a competent person or firm to manage the asset/property.”

It urged the court to prohibit “any disposal, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienation or otherwise of the asset/property.”

Counsel for the EFCC, Ebuka Okongwu, argued that the judge had the power, pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, to make the forfeiture order.

After listening to the lawyer, Justice Obiozor granted the forfeiture order as prayed by the lawyer.

Only last Friday, the same Federal High Court ordered the forfeiture of 2,149 pieces of jewellery and a customised gold iPhone, valued at $40m, belonging to Diezani.

BREAKING: Buhari promotes Adeosun to Lieutenant General

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BREAKING: Buhari promotes Adeosun to Lieutenant General

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the promotion of the Nigerian Army Chief of Training and Operations, Maj Gen Lamidi Adeosun, to the rank of a Lieutenant General, the same rank as the Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai.

The Nigerian Army confirmed this promotion in a release on Tuesday.

The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sagir Musa, said apart from Adeosun, the President also approved the promotion of “Brig Gen AB Biu, General Officer Commanding 7 Division to the rank of a Major General.”

Musa said, “The President and Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the accelerated promotion of two senior officers and a subaltern of the Nigerian Army.  The officers are granted promotion for their extraordinary feats, courage, exemplary leadership, loyalty, uncommon commitment and valour in the counter-insurgency operation in the North Eastern part of the country.

“The two senior officers are Maj Gen Lamidi Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations at Army Headquarters, who has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and Brig Gen AB Biu, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, Maiduguri, promoted to the rank of a Major General. Also, promoted to the rank of Captain is Lieutenant AJ Danjibrin of 211 Demonstration Battalion Bauchi.

“Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army felicitated with the newly promoted officers and extends his best wishes to them in all their future endeavours.”

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