General News
NCOS calls for virtual court sitting for speedy trials
The Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT command, Mr Abdul-rahman Maiyaki, has called for virtual court sitting for inmates to aid speedy decongestion of custodial centres.
Maiyaki made the call during a courtesy visit to Justice Peters Kekemeke, Federal High Court, Nyanya on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the purpose of the visit was to address the issues the inmates were facing in the custodial centres, noting that remand inmates were of major concern.
The controller noted that although virtual court sitting had been on during the recent strike by court workers, he said it was necessary to continue virtual court sittings to help inmates get justice immediately.
“By so doing, this will not only address the issue of overcrowding but also ease the unnecessary panic and tension that lead to jailbreaks in the custodial centres.
“The issue of Awaiting Trials Persons (ATPs) as well would be addressed and this would decongest our custodial centres as most of them were the reasons the custodial centres were overcrowded,” he said.
Maiyaki assured Kekemeke of the security of any Judge sent to the custodial centres for any sitting as NCoS had put in place necessary measures to ensure their safety.
“We have decided that no inmates will be seen around the centres until the trials are done. We have also prepared a place for the justice to sit,” he said.
Responding, Justice Kekemeke said majority of inmates on remand had not been convicted of a criminal offence and were awaiting trial following a not guilty plea.
Kekemeke said several inmates had been illegally kept behind bars without any reason, adding that virtual sitting would help in decongesting the centres.
The judge who doubles as the Liaison Officer of the high court and NCoS assured the team of quick response to help fight overcrowding.
“We will be proactive in sending the magistrates to visit the custodial centres to ensure the Correctional Service is decongested.
“The court will ensure people are posted once or twice to the centres for inmates’ trials,” he said.
Kekemeke urged the controller and his team to make provisions to construct courts inside the custodial centres, adding that it would solve the issue of overcrowding speedily.
He noted that cases were slow due to lack of witnesses, and that magistrates and judges were always ready to work but witnesses were not always on ground.
The judge also urged them to carry the police and other necessary sister agencies along in their arrangements to have an effective outcome. (NAN)
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria.
Enenche stated that the nation is under an evil spell due to the economic hardship affecting the country. He described Nigeria as being covered by a “blanket of sorcery and darkness,” leading many citizens to endure poverty and hardship in silence.
“There’s a blanket of sorcery and darkness over this nation—an evil spell making people tolerate what should provoke outrage,” he wrote.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the cleric highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, noting that an increasing number of church members now line up after services not for spiritual counselling or prayer, but to help with basic needs such as rent, school fees, food, and medical bills.
“People are suffering. Pastors are exhausted. Members now queue after service not for prayer, but for assistance,” he lamented.
He also criticised political leaders for their insensitivity and failure to address the dire situation across the country.
“Yet, the leaders act as though nothing is wrong. This is not normal—it is witchcraft. It is a spell of patience in captivity, leading to a demonic tolerance of suffering.”
Calling for divine intervention, Enenche declared, “Let every evil spell over this land be broken! Let those misruling with arrogance and mocking the people’s pain face divine judgment. They shall not see the celebration of their wickedness.”
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