society

AANI CONGRATULATES HONOURABLE JUSTICE ODUNAYO OLUTOMI BAMODU mni, ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS ONE OF THE 12 JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY

Published

11 months ago

July 9, 2024

AANI CONGRATULATES HONOURABLE JUSTICE ODUNAYO OLUTOMI BAMODU mni, ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS ONE OF THE 12 JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY

The National President, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador EO Okafor mni, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire AANI family, heartily congratulate Honourable Justice Odunayo Olutomi Bamodu mni, SEC 42, 2020, on his well-deserved appointment as one of the 12 new Judges of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, set to be sworn in on Wednesday, 10th July 2024.

Honourable Justice Odunayo Olutomi Bamodu mni’s extensive and illustrious legal career exemplifies his commitment to impartiality, honesty, and dedication. His academic journey, marked by a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Law from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, and the University of Lagos, Akoka, respectively, laid a strong foundation for his exemplary service in the judiciary.

Since he entered into the public service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on February 25, 2002, as Senior Registrar I in the National Industrial Court, Honourable Justice Bamodu mni has demonstrated unwavering dedication. His rapid promotions, including to Principal Registrar II in 2005 and Deputy Chief Registrar in 2006, highlight his exceptional capabilities and commitment to judicial excellence.

Before his tenure at the National Industrial Court, Honourable Justice Bamodu mni garnered extensive experience in legal practice in Lagos, Nigeria, from 1994 to 2002, following his call to the Nigerian Bar in 1993. His roles as Head of Chambers, Litigation/Company Secretary services at Beatrice Fisher and Company, and later as Managing Partner at Ayo Bamodu and Company, underscore his profound expertise and leadership in the legal field.

In his distinguished service at the National Industrial Court, Honourable Justice Bamodu mni has gained substantial experience and training, particularly in his roles as Special Assistant to the President of the National Industrial Court and Deputy Registrar. His participation in numerous local and international courses, seminars, workshops, and study tours further attests to his dedication to continuous learning and professional development.

AANI rejoices with His Lordship on this well-deserved appointment and hopes that God will continue to grant him the wisdom and courage to discharge his responsibilities with the highest standards of integrity and excellence. We assure him of AANI’s continuous support in his judicial endeavours.

AANI also extends heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, through the Chief Justice of the Federation, for recognizing and appointing one of our esteemed members to this exalted position. This appointment reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging the expertise and dedication of AANI members for national development.

Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIOARM fspsp
Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina
AANI National Publicity Secretary
Monday, 8 July 2024

society

Blood in the Bush: Man Butchers 14-Year-Old Girl in Abia Over Rejected Rape Attempt, Police Accused of Extortion

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Blood in the Bush: Man Butchers 14-Year-Old Girl in Abia Over Rejected Rape Attempt, Police Accused of Extortion

A 14-year-old girl, Felicia Anaba, is in a coma at an undisclosed hospital in Abia State after she was macheted by a 33-year-old man, Chinazum Nwaubani, who allegedly attacked her in the bush for resisting his attempt to rape her.

The horrifying attack occurred in Obete Nchina village, Ntighauzo community, Obingwa Local Government Area, where Felicia and her twin brother had gone to fetch firewood. According to witnesses, the suspect approached the girl, demanded sex, and upon rejection, inflicted deep machete wounds on her head, leg, and arm before fleeing the scene. Her twin brother escaped and raised the alarm, leading villagers to find Felicia unconscious and soaked in blood.

Her father, Mr. Chijioke Anaba, has raised serious allegations against the Eastern Ngwa Police Division, claiming officers there demanded ₦30,000 before registering the case. “My daughter was unconscious and bleeding to death, and the police still wanted money before doing their job,” he said. “They told me the attacker might be mentally unstable — that’s false. He lives among us and is fully aware of his actions.”

The suspect, who is from the same village as the victim, has since been arrested. However, the family fears he may be released under claims of mental illness.

The Abia State Police Command has acknowledged the arrest but strongly denied any bribe demand. Police spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the Command has not received a formal complaint about the extortion and urged anyone with proof to come forward.

She confirmed the suspect attacked the twins, stating: “He ordered the girl to undress, and when she refused, he attacked her with a machete.” Police say investigations are ongoing, and the victim is receiving medical attention.

Mr. Anaba has appealed to the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to intervene and ensure justice is served, warning that his daughter may suffer permanent disability. “This is not just an assault. It was a murder attempt. If nothing is done, this man could strike again.”

The incident has reignited concerns over police corruption and the safety of young girls in rural communities, with residents demanding accountability and swift justice. The public is watching closely to see whether the system will punish a would-be rapist — or protect him.

society

ZAMFARA WOMAN FACES DEATH PENALTY FRIDAY FOR CONVERTING TO CHRISTIANITY

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Sahara Weekly

ZAMFARA WOMAN FACES DEATH PENALTY FRIDAY FOR CONVERTING TO CHRISTIANITY

A wave of national outrage is building as 22-year-old Zainab Muhamadu prepares to face trial this Friday in a Zamfara Sharia Court for one reason: she left Islam and embraced Christianity.

Zainab’s alleged crime, apostasy, has stirred fierce debate across the country and beyond, with legal experts, human rights defenders, and religious communities warning that Nigeria is teetering on the edge of a full-blown constitutional crisis. Family sources say her ordeal began after she encountered Pastor Samuel, an NYSC member deployed to her community, whose kindness and open sharing of his Christian faith deeply impacted her. The two formed a spiritual bond that would ultimately change—and now threaten—her life.

Her decision to convert sparked immediate backlash. She was arrested by local authorities and is now facing trial under Sharia law, where apostasy is treated as a capital offence. Yet Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to change one’s faith. Rights advocates argue that her prosecution violates that very principle.

“This is not just a case about Zainab,” said a human rights lawyer in Yola. “It’s a brutal referendum on Nigeria’s commitment to protect freedom of belief. If she dies for this, it won’t just be her blood on the ground—it will stain the conscience of the nation.”

Calls are mounting for urgent intervention, as fears grow that Zainab’s right to a fair and impartial trial may be compromised in a judicial system heavily influenced by religious authorities. Legal teams are urgently working to have her case moved to a secular court, asserting that she should not be tried under Islamic law for a faith she no longer professes.

At the heart of the storm, Pastor Samuel is said to be under immense emotional and spiritual distress. Supporters are demanding protection for him amid rising tensions and threats.

Zainab’s case is not isolated—it is the chilling face of a wider clash between constitutional democracy and theocratic enforcement. As the clock ticks toward Friday, her life—and Nigeria’s moral standing—hang in the balance.

society

RAINFALL BREAKS PRISON WALL IN ILESA, SEVEN INMATES ESCAPE

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Sahara Weekly

RAINFALL BREAKS PRISON WALL IN ILESA, SEVEN INMATES ESCAPE

An overnight downpour on Tuesday triggered the collapse of the perimeter wall at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, allowing seven inmates to escape under the cover of darkness.

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the breach occurred around 2:00 a.m. as a result of structural failure caused by the heavy rain. The incident adds to a growing list of jailbreaks in Nigeria linked to poor infrastructure and extreme weather.

In a statement released by the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, authorities have launched a manhunt for the escapees and are working with other security agencies and local community leaders to bring them back into custody. The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and assured the public that all efforts are being made to recapture the fugitives.

The service is also appealing to the public for information that could help in locating the escapees. Citizens are urged to contact the nearest security agency or use the hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.

This is the third major prison break in less than a year caused by adverse weather and failing infrastructure. In September 2024, a flood-induced wall collapse in Maiduguri led to the escape of 281 inmates, while in April 2024, rains in Suleja caused a similar breach that allowed 119 inmates to flee.

As security agencies intensify their search, Tuesday’s escape further underscores the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s aging and vulnerable correctional facilities.