News
Nigerian Army Declares Officer AWOL For Marrying Foreigner, She Sues The Army
Major N.U. Ukachukwu, a female Nigerian Army officer, found herself entangled in a legal dispute with the military leadership following her marriage to a foreigner and her subsequent voluntary resignation.
Background of the Case
In 2021, while on a doctoral research programme, Major Ukachukwu met and married K. Lawton in Scotland, UK. Upon deciding to resign, she communicated her intention to the Nigerian Army, anticipating the end of her military service.
However, the Army’s response was far from what she expected. Instead of accepting her resignation, the Nigerian Army declared her Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and proceeded with an order for her arrest, propelling the case into the legal realm.
Legal Proceedings and Arguments
Major Ukachukwu, feeling aggrieved by the Nigerian Army’s actions, took the matter to the Federal High Court, Abuja, under Suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/282/2023. She sought judicial intervention to ascertain her rights under Section 151 of the Traditions, Customs, and Ethics of the Nigerian Army, asserting that she had lawfully resigned and should not be deemed as having deserted her post.
Her lawyer, Godwin Idem, laid out the timeline and circumstances of her resignation, highlighting the bureaucratic inaction and eventual punitive measures taken against her. According to Idem, despite Major Ukachukwu’s formal communication of her resignation, the Nigerian Army took seven months to respond, only to declare her AWOL and later reject her resignation outright. The legal battle intensified with the Army’s insistence on her unauthorized absence and the initiation of an arrest warrant under the Armed Forces Act.
In contrast, the defense, represented by Deborah Bassey, Esq., argued that Major Ukachukwu had exceeded the approved duration of her study leave and failed to return to her duties in Nigeria as obligated. The defense stressed that the Army had not extended her study leave beyond October 2021 and contested the legitimacy of her resignation, citing regulations against marrying foreigners and the procedural requirements for commission relinquishment.
Judicial Ruling
The case took a significant turn when Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court adjudicated on the matter. In a ruling dated March 15, 2024, Justice Ekwo determined that the crux of the dispute fell within the realm of employment issues, particularly those related to military service and discipline.
He pointed out that the National Industrial Court, as per Section 254 C of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), holds exclusive jurisdiction over employment-related matters.
Justice Ekwo’s judgment emphasized the disciplinary framework within the Nigerian Army, noting that such matters are integral to the employment context and hence fall under the purview of the National Industrial Court. Acknowledging the procedural norms, he declined jurisdiction over the case, opting instead to transfer it to the National Industrial Court for a more appropriate adjudication.
In his reasoned decision, Justice Ekwo highlighted the importance of maintaining order and discipline within the military service, suggesting that the alleged AWOL declaration against Major Ukachukwu was part of broader employment and disciplinary considerations that the National Industrial Court should evaluate.
This transfer not only underlined the legal complexities surrounding military employment issues but also marked a pivotal step in determining the legitimacy of Major Ukachukwu’s actions and the Nigerian Army’s response thereto.
News
Man Stabs Girlfriend To Death In Lagos
The Lagos State police have arrested a 47-year-old man, identified as Emmanuel Chukwuma, for stabbing his 45-year-old girlfriend, Bosede Adefehinti, to death on 7th Avenue, Festac.
Naija Latest Gist learnt that the suspect, popularly known as Oliver on the street, and the deceased have been living together as boyfriend and girlfriend.
An eyewitness who spoke to Vanguard said it was not the first time the lovers had issues, adding that an inferiority complex on the part of the man had caused the fight.
He said, “Yesterday around 2:30 pm, Oliver stabbed his girlfriend, and after stabbing her, he tried to kill himself by jumping into the well, but we stopped him and called the police.
“They are not married, and this is not the first time they have had issues, but yesterday’s was beyond anything before.
“What I believe caused the fight was an inferiority complex on the man’s part because he has no job and helps his girlfriend sell herbal medicines, popularly known as Agbo—a concoction prepared from a variety of herbs.
“So most times, when he’s selling, the girlfriend leaves the shop while he remains there, sometimes receiving banter from the customers.”
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspect has been arrested, and the case file will be transferred to the Homicide section, Panti.
He said, “At about 3:10 pm, a distress call was received that one Emmanuel Chukwuma, aged 47 years, stabbed his girlfriend, Bosede Adefehinti, aged 45 years, to death.
“Immediately, detectives and a patrol team visited the scene of the crime. The suspect was arrested from the well where he hid.
“Photographs were taken while waiting for Lagos State health staff for the possible evacuation of the corpse to the mortuary.
“Meanwhile, the case file will be transferred to the Homicide section, Panti.”
News
JUST-IN: 100 Terrorists Dead As NAF Strikes, Police Rescue Kidnap Victims In Katsina
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a nighttime operation in the Kuka Shidda camp, Faskari local government area of Katsina State, killing over 100 terrorists.
Naija Latest Gist reports that the operation, conducted by Operation Hadarin Daji troops, targeted a criminal group affiliated with notorious terrorist kingpin Yusuf Yellow and his close associate Rabe Imani.
In a statement from Katsina State governor’s spokesman, Ibrahim Kaula, it was revealed that more than 45 motorcycles were destroyed in the airstrikes.
He emphasized that the recent air raid by the Nigerian Air Force in the Faskari-Kankara axis had significantly disrupted the bandits’ activities there, marking the third successful development in the state.
Kaula also mentioned that a prompt response by security forces foiled a kidnapping attempt in the early hours of Sunday morning in Jibia local government area of the state, resulting in the rescue of three victims.
The statement partly read, “A credible police source disclosed that the distress call regarding abduction of some residents in Kwata area, Jibia local government area was received around 4:15 am.
“Without hesitation, a Supol led an APC patrol team to the scene. They arrived to find armed bandits holding three women captive. Acting swiftly, the team blocked the kidnappers’ escape route, leading to a confrontation. A gunfight ensued, pressuring the criminals to flee.
“Thankfully, all three kidnap victims – Ummulkhari Abubakar (23) Shafa’atu Abubakar (35), and Maryam Lawal (15) – were rescued unharmed. The team also ensured the safety of a six-month-old baby boy named Ismail Usman, who was among those abducted.
“The source indicates that the security forces exercised commendable restraint during the operation, expending only 14 rounds of ammunition and 20 smoke canisters.”
The statement emphasized that the swift response saved lives and sent a clear message to criminals that such acts will not be tolerated.
It further highlighted the NAF and local law enforcement’s firm commitment to protecting Katsina State’s citizens from criminal activities.
News
Video trends as President Tinubu falls while climbing a parade car for Democracy Day celebration today (Watch)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of the trending conversations online as he falls while climbing a parade car for Democracy Day celebration.
This is coming after the 72-year-old president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria delivered the Democrazy Day speech.
Today, June 12th 2024 is the 25th Democrazy Day celebration of Nigeria, meaning the country is celebrating the silver anniversary of our journey in democracy.
While delivering his Democracy Day speech, Prsident Tinubu said that he was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of democracy in the country.
He added that he understands the economic difficulties we face as a nation and by extension tells Nigerians to be more positive while promising to move Nigeria forward.
After delivering the Democrazy Day speech, Bola Ahmed Tinubu raises eyebrows online as he falls while climbing a parade car for Democracy Day celebration today.
The security details had to quickly rushed to him after he fell down and tried to raise him up.
Watch the video below;
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See reactions below;
tufab: Please sir don’t fall. You must finish your 12 years tenure oo. 🙏.
sonita_the_virtuous_girl: If this falling sweet you gather here>>>>😂😂😂.
veevyann: Naso prices of Foodstuffs go take fall this week in Jesus name🤲🏾.
lyric_onyems: Nice one! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.
nkemakonamu’: We are still standing on your mandate and you are already falling 😞.
castroevans1:He will be flown abroad and billions will be spent for his check-up… meanwhile, the common won’t be able access Healthcare, meanwhile doctors here would be paid a meagre stipend called salary…
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