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Court Rejects No Case Submission’ Dy Varsity Don Accused Of Electoral Fraud

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An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo, the state capital on Thursday dismissed as a no-case submission filed by the defence counsel for Professor Ignatius Uduk, who is standing trial over alleged electoral fraud in the 2019 general elections.

The presiding judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang said Uduk a Professor of Physical and Health Education, University of Uyo, and Collation/Returning officer for Essien Udim state constituency elections has a case to answer.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after that ruling, lead counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Clement
Onwuenwunor described the ruling as “wonderful, well-researched and incisive”

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He said it would have been a miscarriage of justice for the court to have held that the accused who had issued contradictory documents had no case to answer.

“The ruling covers everything. As you all heard the primary objection of the accused was dismissed, and the no-case submission was also dismissed because in the course of the proceedings in court, we had witnesses and we tendered an avalanche of documents showing the connection of the accused to the crime charged before the court.

READ ALSO: Court Jails Two Ex-staff Of FIRS 5 Years Each Over Income Tax Certificate Forgery

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“Honestly speaking, it would have been a failure of justice for the court to have held that the accused who had issued contradictory documents had no case to answer. He has to explain the contradictions, the first official report he submitted to INEC shows that there was no collation and no returns made.

“He has to explain why within 24-hours or less, the results now appear. This is all that we urged the court to see, that he has a prima-facie case and we’re very grateful that the court did a wonderful job and we felt justice has been served”

He advised that as the nation prepares for 2023, elections, it must pay attention to human elements which according to him, play a key role in the conduct of an election.

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He said,”As we approach the 2023 general election, we want everyone to understand that human element is very key because the process of election is not self-executed, we need human elements to run the process, so everyone needs to pay attention to how the process is being managed by the INEC staff and other persons that will be involved in the election”.

Reacting to the ruling while fielding questions from newsmen, the lead counsel to the accused, Abasiodiong Ekpenyong said he was not satisfied with the ruling, adding that he would take a closer look at it to understand the next steps to take.

“Having followed this trial to this point, I am not satisfied with the ruling, but that is the court for you. When a litigant through his counsel makes a position, the court must decide in one way or the other. Today was not our day. The ruling has just been handed down, we will take a firm and a closer look at it and we will understand what next to do” he said.

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Justice Nkanang adjourned the case to the 23rd, 27th,28th and 30th of June for commencement of defence.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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