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Judge Pleads With Nnamdi Kanu to Seek Legal Counsel in Terrorism Trial

Phinadon Mag

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Justice James Omotosho urges IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to seek legal counsel in his terrorism trial after he dismissed his lawyers and opted to represent himself.

KanuCourtDrama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday when Justice James Omotosho made an emotional appeal to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urging him to seek legal counsel before continuing his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who is facing seven counts of terrorism, had earlier dismissed his legal team and opted to represent himself in court. The judge, however, cautioned him against such a move, citing the complexity of criminal proceedings.

“Please, My Brother, Consult Properly” — Judge Appeals

Addressing the IPOB leader directly, Justice Omotosho said:

The judge explained that his appeal was intended to guide Kanu since he had chosen to appear in person, stressing that criminal trials require professional expertise.

Kanu Insists There Is No Case Against Him

When proceedings resumed, Kanu identified himself as the defendant, declaring that after reviewing the case files, he found no legal basis for the charges.

He maintained that no existing Nigerian law supported the charges brought against him, insisting that continuing the trial would be futile.

Judge Explains Legal Options

In response, Justice Omotosho outlined the procedural options available to the defendant after the prosecution closes its case.

Despite the clarification, Kanu maintained his stance, reiterating that the charges were baseless.

Court Adjourns to Allow Consultation

The court had earlier fixed Monday’s sitting for Kanu to open his defence, following his request for an adjournment after claiming that his former legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had not released his case file.

During the hearing, five seats in the courtroom were reserved and labelled “Summoned Witness”, in anticipation that Kanu would begin calling witnesses. However, his insistence on self-representation led to the latest twist in proceedings.

The Federal Government’s legal team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), expressed readiness to proceed, but the court eventually granted Kanu time to reconsider his decision and seek legal consultation.

The matter was adjourned to a later date for continuation of the trial.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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