ICC, HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS AGGRAVATING NIGERIA’S SECURITY CHALLENGES, SAYS GOVT – THISDAY PG.1&8, NATION PG.5, SUN PG.6, DAILY TRUST PG.6

The federal government yesterday squared up to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and some human rights groups, notably Amnesty International, accusing them of frustrating efforts to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

It accused them of constituting themselves into another ‘fighting force’ against Nigeria, harassing security forces and threatening them with investigation and possible prosecution over alleged war crimes and human rights abuses.

ALLEGED CERTIFICATE FORGERY: OBASEKI STARTS DEFENCE TODAY – NATION PG.8

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki will commence his defence today before a Federal High Court in Abuja in the alleged certificate forgery case brought against him by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of the party, Edobor Williams. It is the plaintiffs’ claim, Obaseki allegedly forged his first degree certificate he claimed to have obtained from the University of Ibadan, which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of his educational qualification.

NBA EXPRESSES SHOCK OVER SUSPECTS’ ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY IN EDO – THISDAY PG.30, NATION PG.4, PUNCH PG.24, DAILY TRUST PG. 23

The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday expressed shock and disappointment over reports of the escape of kidnap and armed robbery suspects from the custody of the police in Benin City. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Pius Oiwoh and Secretary, Andrew Lawani, respectively, the body of lawyers asked the authorities to immediately work towards apprehending the escapees and punish anyone found culpable in aiding their escape.

WHY I DIVESTED FROM INTELS, BY ATIKU – NATION PG.11, THISDAY PG.1&8, PUNCH PG.20, DAILY TRUST PG.4

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and co-founder of Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited (Intels) on Monday accused the Federal Government of destroying legitimate business because of politics. He said the development had forced him to accelerate the sale of his shares in the company over the last five years.In a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, the former vice president said the divestment has assumed greater urgency in the last five years.

COURT REMANDS SOWORE, FOUR OTHERS IN PRISON FOR ‘PUBLIC DISTURBANCE’ – NATION PG.9, PUNCH PG.7, SUN PG.7, DAILY TRUST PG.6

The publisher of online platform, Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore and four others were ordered to be remanded in Kuje correctional facility on Monday, pending the consideration of their bail applications. Magistrate Mabel Segun-Bello of the Magistrates’ Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, gave the order after Sowore, Juwon Sanyaolu, Peter Williams, Emmanuel Bulus and Damilare Adenola were arraigned on three-count charge filed against them by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

NBA URGES BUHARI TO DECLARE EMERGENCY ON INSECURITY – NATION PG.20

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Makurdi branch has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the security situation in the country. Branch Chairman, Justin Gbagir stated this at a valedictory court session in honour of a member of the branch, Mr.  Moses Ishimayam Udam, who was murdered by gunmen on the December 15, 2020 alongside his seven months pregnant wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Udam.