Emmanuel Eze

The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Nigerians linked to terrorism and cybercrime to counteract global security threats.

This action by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) freezes the individuals' assets and prohibits transactions with them.

The targeted individuals are connected with organizations such as Boko Haram and ISIL, reflecting ongoing security concerns in Nigeria.

The sanctions emphasize the United States' commitment to combating terrorism and stabilizing regions affected by violence.

The full list of sanctioned individuals includes Salih Yusuf Adamu, Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, Khaled Al-Barnawi, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad Al-Mainuki, and Nnamdi Orson Benson.

Breaking 🚨‼️

DR Congo 🇨🇩 have been disqualified from progressing to the World Cup after being found guilty of using ineligible players.

After reviewing the case, FIFA has confirmed that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will advance to the World Cup playoffs.

Congratulations to Nigeria 🇳🇬!

Do not stop for them nor allow them search your vehicle for any reason anywhere in Nigeria if they do ensure you video them which will serve as contempt of court.

🚦 Federal High Court Ruling (and Affirmation by the Court of Appeal)

🧑‍⚖️ Core Finding:

The Federal High Court in Abuja — in a fundamental rights enforcement suit brought by Mr. Marshal Abubakar — held that:

The Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and its officers do not have any legal authority under Nigerian law to:

stop vehicles on public roads;

impound or confiscate motorists’ vehicles;

impose fines or penalties on motorists.

This judgment was delivered in 2024 by Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha and was later affirmed by the Court of Appeal in late 2025.

📜 Why the Court Held This.

The Federal High Court found that:

1. No statute or law empowers the VIO (or its officers) to engage in these enforcement actions on public roads.

2. Acting in such a manner — stopping vehicles, seizing them, or imposing fines — is therefore unlawful, oppressive, and unconstitutional.

3. Such actions violate fundamental rights, including:

Freedom of movement

Right to own property

Presumption of innocence
All of which are protected under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

🧾 Permanent Injunction.

The High Court issued a perpetual injunction — meaning VIO and its agents are permanently restrained from:

stopping motorists on public highways,

impounding or confiscating vehicles,

imposing fines on drivers.

This isn’t a temporary pause — the injunction is meant to be permanent unless overturned by the Supreme Court.

⚖️ Court of Appeal Confirmation

The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld (agreed with) that Federal High Court decision:

Dismissed VIO’s appeal as lacking merit,

Reinforced that VIO officials lack statutory authority to stop, seize, or fine motorists,

Reaffirmed that only a court of competent jurisdiction can impose sanctions or fines.

This makes the Federal High Court ruling even stronger in practice — because the Court of Appeal’s affirmation binds all Federal High Court divisions across the country.