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Gyado, Family Need Justice – AfAW

Published

2 months ago

January 27, 2023

NewTimes

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has urged the government to institute legal action against those who lynched Pa Justin Gyado in Gwer East Local Government Area in Benue state.

According to the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) Director Dr Leo Igwe, the call has become necessary following the growing pressure on Pa Gyado and family for the release of the suspects from police custody.

“It must be recalled that over ten youths abducted and set ablaze Gyado after accusing him of killing a young man through witchcraft this month. It took the combined efforts of the police, civil defense, and the army, to rescue Pa Justin. But he was severely burnt. Justin was taken to the Federal Medical Center in Makurdi, where he is currently battling for his life. While at the hospital, family sources told the AfAW that one of the perpetrators invaded the hospital and tried to attack and kill Justin.”, AfAW said.

AfAW continues : “Fortunately, in the past few days, the police have arrested five persons linked to this horrific act. And the investigation is ongoing. However, information reaching the Advocacy for Alleged Witches is that relatives of the suspects are pressuring Pa Gyado’s family members to get the police to release the suspects. They are holding meetings and plotting several ways to frustrate the case. The police should not yield to this pressure and scheme. Justin is at the hospital nursing his wounds at his own expense without any support from the community. The community leaders are only interested in securing the release of those who attempted to murder him. The AfAW is asking the police in Benue not to release these suspects and to ensure that justice is done in this case. The police should use Pa Gyado’s case to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rule of law and enforcing the criminal provisions against witchcraft accusations and jungle justice. The government of Benue should expedite efforts to ensure the prosecution of all implicated in this savage act. The case of Pa Gyado is the second to be reported in the Gwer East in recent months.

READ ALSO: AfAW Urges Victims, Survivors Of Witch Persecution In Benue To Speak Out

“In October last year, two men were reportedly murdered after they were accused of witchcraft. The police have not arrested anyone linked to that murder to date. If the police yielded to pressure and allowed these suspects to go scot free, they would be encouraging impunity and injustice. If the government of Benue state did not prosecute these suspects, it would be sending a message that perpetrators of witch persecution and jungle justice would get away with their crimes. And it would not reflect positively on the police, and the government of Benue state.

“Pa Justin Gyado and his family need justice. The world is watching.”

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BREAKING: Abacha’s Ex-chief Of Staff Oladipo Diya Dies

Published

2 hours ago

March 26, 2023

NewTimes

Diya

Retired Lt.General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, the former Chief of Staff in General Sani Abacha’s military government, is dead.

His death was confirmed by Prince Oyesinmilola Diya. He said the former military administrator of Ogun State passed on to glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023.

Born on the 3rd of April, 1944, Diya was military Governor of Ogun State after the Buhari-Idiagbon coup of December 31st, 1983.

Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War.

He later attended the US Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1980–1981) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

While serving in the military, Diya studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LLB degree, and then at the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He held other top military posts like GOC, 82 Division and finally the Chief of General Staff (military Vice President) to Gen Sani Abacha

The statement read: “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband,Father, Grandfather,brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.

“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.

“Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on behalf of the family.”

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Breaking: Appeal Court Retains Adeleke As Osun Governor

Published

2 days ago

March 24, 2023

NewTimes

BREAKING: Adeleke Freezes Osun Accounts , Reverses Appointments After Swearing In As Governor

Governor Adeleke

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has vacated the tribunal judgement that nullified the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices, on Friday held that the appeal Adeleke lodged to challenge his sack by the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, was meritorious.

Aside from setting aside the judgement of the tribunal, the court, in its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Mohammed Lawal, awarded N500, 000 cost against the All Progressive Congress, APC, and its candidate, Gboyega Oyetola

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BREAKING: PDP Suspends Anyim, Fayose

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2023

NewTimes

Anyim and Fayose

Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; former president of the Senate, Pius Anyim; Prof Dennis Ityavyar and Aslam Aliyu were on Thursday suspended from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP made the suspension on Thursday after an extensive review of the affairs of the party, pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The PDP also referred the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party across the country to remain united and focused at this critical time,” the statement added.