Human rights Lawyer, Femi Falana has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to order the release of 40 Nigerians in the detention of the Nigerian Navy. He said they are being held incommunicado in dehumanising conditions for periods ranging from six to eight months without trial and that he has received complaints from their families over their continued detention. The request was contained in a letter addressed to the President and titled: “Request for Release of 40 Nigerian Citizens from Illegal Custody of Nigerian Navy”. Falana urged President Buhari to direct the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to either release the detainees from unlawful custody or arraign them in court without any further delay.

The presidential election petition panel has commenced its inaugural session in Abuja. Lawyers to the petitioners Alhaji ATIKU ABUBAKAR and his party the Peoples Democratic Party, lawyers to the President and the All Progressive Congress and lawyers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are all present. Also present in court is PETER OBI, who was the Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP in the general elections. Chairing the opening session is the President of the Appeal Court, Justice ZAINAB BULKACHUWA.