“We object to the jurisdiction as Ejembi is arraigned” – Lawyer
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna-based activist and Chief Executive Officer of Eagles Brain Human Rights Organization (EBHRO), Comrade Daniel Ejembi, on Monday revealed that three court cases have been instituted against him for raising alarms over the alleged illegal relocation, acquisition, and development of Kaduna Polytechnic campus land located along the Television Bypass.
Comrade Ejembi, in a letter referenced “EBHRO/KDS/2025/004” and dated September 9, 2025, had called for a formal inquiry into the alleged involvement of the Kaduna State Development Property Company (KSDPC) Ltd. in the relocation, acquisition, and development of the said Kaduna Polytechnic land.
The activist, who was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, Daura Road, on Monday, told our correspondent from the court cell that three separate cases had been brought against him by individuals heading various state agencies in Kaduna.
“Three court cases have been instituted against me by the Speaker of the State Assembly and the head of the state-owned security outfit as well as the Director-General of KADGIS. All the cases are at the Ibrahim Taiwo Court, Kaduna.
“The magistrate court in which the Speaker sued me even issued a bench warrant for my arrest despite the fact that I had not been served with the summons,” he stated.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Barrister Enejor Friday, counsel to Comrade Ejembi, said they objected to the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter, arguing that the alleged offences fall outside the court’s jurisdiction.
“The defendant was in court, and I objected to the jurisdiction of this honourable court to entertain the matter because the offences, as contained in the criminal summons, fall outside the jurisdiction of this particular court.
“However, the court overruled us and insisted that the plea must be taken before any preliminary objection could be raised.
“Although we believe that a preliminary objection should be taken before the plea of an accused person is recorded, the court overruled us. The summons was read out to the defendant, his plea was taken, and we subsequently applied for bail. The court magnanimously admitted him to bail.”
Our correspondent, who witnessed the proceedings, described the situation as tense, noting that Comrade Ejembi narrowly avoided being remanded in prison custody due to delays in meeting the bail conditions, which were fulfilled in what could be described as the “last quarter-hour.”
Barrister Friday, however, described the bail terms as reasonable, saying, “The bail condition is actually fair. The defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million, with two sureties in like sum, each providing evidence of a legitimate source of livelihood. That’s all. It was straightforward, and we’re satisfied.”
The court adjourned the case to October 20, 2025, for hearing.
“Before that date, we intend to file a written preliminary objection since the court insisted that the plea be taken first,” Barrister Friday added.
He further explained that the matter has taken on a criminal dimension because the charges include inciting public disturbance, which is an offence under the Criminal Code Law of Kaduna State (2017).
“Defamation is also a criminal offence under the same law. Therefore, it is not out of place for a criminal matter to be instituted, considering the facts presented in the affidavit supporting the summons,” he said.
Some structures and ongoing building activities allegedly found on the disputed Kaduna Polytechnic land were observed by our correspondent on Monday, as obtained from Activist Ejembi.
