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Clarification On Bench Warrant Issued Against Aig Mbu Joseph Mbu (rtd.) Charge No. Hc/40c/2021
Clarification On Bench Warrant Issued Against Aig Mbu Joseph Mbu (rtd.) Charge No. Hc/40c/2021
The facts behind the bench warrant issued against AIG Mbu have been clarified by his legal representative. Below are facts bordering on the controversial ‘bench warrant’
The alleged charge was not served on AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu.
That the prosecuting Counsel claimed to have served him through order of substituted service.
That AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu through his Lawyers filed a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the Court on two grounds –
That the Court lacks the territorial jurisdiction as the alleged offence occurred outside the territorial jurisdiction of High Court 6 Calabar.
The charge was not served on him and the said charge was inchoate.
That the trial court in its Ruling set aside the order of substituted service thereafter varied the order and directed that the charge be served on him through his Lawyer A. A. ANNAH Esq.
That AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu was dissatisfied with the court decision and immediately appealed to the Court of Appeal Calabar.
That his lawyers later filed a motion for stay of execution on such service on him pending the decision of the Court.
That the trial court ruled against him when the Prosecuting Counsel as well as the imaginary Complainant were absent from the court while the Counsel for AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu was in Court; The Court went ahead to order for a Bench warrant against him suo motu without any application from the prosecution counsel.
That through his counsel on the same date filed a motion and to be precise on 2nd November, 2022 seeking the order of the same court be set aside its orders issuing Bench Warrant against him without first hearing him.
That he directed his Lawyers to apply for the Ruling and same was applied but the Ruling is yet to be issued to Lawyers to enable his Lawyers take further steps at the Court of Appeal.
That the said Appeal before the Court of Appeal has been entered with Appeal No. CA/C/3389/2022.
That the motion seeking the High Court of Cross River State to set aside the bench warrant has already been served on the Attorney General of Cross River State and the prosecuting Counsel accepted service on behalf of the state by named C. ADAMA Esq.
That the day the Bench Warrant was issued against AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu his interlocutary motion was already before the court to stay its orders of substituted service on him.
That by virtue of Section 263 (b) of Cross River State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2016. A defendant shall be subject to the provisions of section 134 of this Law be present in court during the whole trial of his interlocutary application.
That Section 94 of Cross River State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2016 permit a defendant raise Territorial Jurisdiction when attempt are made to try him outside the Territorial Jurisdiction where the said offence occurred as to this instant case.
That AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu is ever ready to comply with all the orders of the Court but wanted the Court to allow him exercise all the legal arsenals available to him to protect his right to fair hearing.
That he is only demanding that the alleged charge be served on him together with his cautionary statement as required by Law to enable him prepare for defence.
That he has already demanded same through his Lawyer but none have been served on him and that is why he has appealed against the decision of the Trial Court which is pending before Court of Appeal Calabar.
That AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu was never arraigned before the High Court of Cross River State; there is a different between arraignment and filing a charge before a court.
The issue before the Court of Appeal is also for the Court of Appeal to interpret the powers of Attorney General to investigate and prosecute.
That since the charge was filed against AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu the purported complainant has never appeared before the court up till the date the Court issued Bench Warrant against AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu.
That even the date the Bench Warrant was issued both the acclaimed Complainant and the Prosecuting Counsel were absent from court and no sanction were meted on either of them but AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu was represented by his Counsel.
That section 301 of Cross River Administration of Justice Law 2016 provides that when an issue of interpretation of the Constitution is referred to Court of Appeal for interpretation the lower Court is required to adjourn the trial of the case pending the interpretation of the provision of that constitution.
That the issue at the Court of Appeal Calabar borders on the jurisdiction of the Court to assume jurisdiction on the charge against AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu having lacks the jurisdiction to do so; as well, whether by sections 214 and 211 Constitution of federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the powers of the Attorney General of Cross River State to prosecute criminal cases does not include investigation of criminal cases except the Nigeria police.
It’s also of importance to alert the public on the politics in the whole of this unveiling drama.
The first question is: who reported a case of murder against AIG Mbu and at which police Division? A case of murder is supposed to be transferred from the Division to the State CID. Where was his cautionary statement made or volunteered by me?
The second question is: why should a case of murder on 24th December, 2018 be charged to court in July, 2021
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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