ALHAJI MUJAHID DOKUBO-ASARI V. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

I. T. MUHAMMAD, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): From the facts contained in the printed record of appeal placed before this court, the appellant Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, was a one time leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Front (NDSF) but now leader, Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF). He is also a member, Pro-National Conference Organisation. He, along with one Mr. Uche Okwukwu and others, now at large, were said to have signed one communique which castigated Governors, Local Government Chairmen and NDDC Directors in connivance with the Federal Government that they looted the oil revenue accruing to the people of Niger Delta while pursuing their personal projects and aggrandizement. This, they felt, had left the people in a state of neglect and abject poverty. They also cited the recent hike in fuel pump price as one of their grievances. They therefore threatened to take-up arms against the government after lodging their protest with Pro-National Conference…