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Edo Tribunal: PDP, APC Lawyers Bicker Over Alleged Threats To Witnesses
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Thursday, had a spat at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal over alleged threats to witnesses.
Shortly after Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel commenced sitting, Ken Mozia, SAN, lead counsel for the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, alleged that some witnesses billed to testify in the matter, have been threatened.
Mozia, SAN, noted that though the names of the proposed witnesses were coded through the use of acronyms, he said identities of the witnesses were known through the roles they played during the governorship election that was held on September 21, 2024.
“My lord, we gave them (Respondents) the list of witnesses. But what they did to some of those witnesses was beyond imagination, to the extent that some of them are afraid to come and testify,” the petitioners’ counsel added.
READ ALSO: Edo Govt Faces Legal Battle As Sacked Officials Challenge Termination
He told the tribunal that he earlier drew the attention of APC’s counsel, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, to what the witnesses were being subjected to.
However, his allegation did not go down well with senior lawyers who appeared for respondents in the petition that is seeking to nullify Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election.
Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, described the allegation as baseless.
“My lord, this is unfortunate that my learned friend is involving us in this phantom allegation,” Ikpeazu, SAN, responded, complaining that the petitioners failed to furnish him with a list of particular witnesses they planned to call for the day.
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Likewise, counsel for the APC, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, dismissed the allegation, insisting that the petitioners knew what to do if their witnesses were threatened.
“My lords, if there are criminal activities going on, they know what to do and who to meet.
“It is not for them to come here to make blanket statements,” Ukala, SAN, stated.
Still maintaining his position, counsel for the petitioners, said: “My lord, I had earlier approached him (Ukala) and I even sent him videos of the alleged threats to our witness.
“To say that it is not real or phantom, my lord that is not fair.”
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“My lord the video he shared with me had nothing to do with list of witnesses. By then, the schedule of witnesses was not even filed.
“I gave him the assurances that I gave him when he showed the videos to me, and since then, he has not brought any issue to my attention,” APC’s lawyer, Ukala, SAN, insisted.
Not ready to be drawn into the brawl, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Kpochi, urged the petitioners to furnish the respondent with the list of witnesses, ahead of time.
“My appeal is that you give them list of witnesses that are prepared for the next day,” Justice Kpochi added.
Meanwhile, the Ward Agent of the PDP in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Eseigbe Victor, has mounted the witness box to testify for the petitioners.
READ ALSO: Edo Tribunal: Ighodalo, PDP Field More Witnesses
It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat his closet rivalry, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got a total of 247, 655 votes.
However, aggrieved by the outcome of the poll, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.
The petitioners, among other things, contended that the governorship election was invalid because of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
They equally argued in the petition marked: EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, that Governor Okpebholo of the APC did not secure the highest number of lawful votes that were cast at the election.
News
Eating Takeout Food Often May Increase Heart Disease Risk — Study
Research suggests that higher takeout food consumption may increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, like heart disease.
In a new study, published in Food Science & Nutrition, researchers said eating takeout food too often can influence systemic inflammation that underlies much cardiovascular disease.
The study of over eight thousand people in the 2009 to 2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that those who eat greater amounts of takeout food are likely to have various elevated risk factors for heart disease.
They were interviewed in their homes and also visited a mobile examination centre, where they recalled their food intake, received cardiometabolic health assessments, and had blood collected.
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Mammograms may predict heart disease risk in women — Study
The researchers found a correlation between the amount of takeout food a person consumes and their likelihood of developing chronic low-level inflammation, a key driver of cardiovascular pathology.
Deaths from cardiovascular disease and the consumption of takeout foods are both on the rise, and while that does not prove a causal relationship, the study explores whether there is a connection between the two.
The study tracked degrees of systemic inflammation according to the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), a scale that quantifies the risk of inflammation related to the intake of specific dietary substances.
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The three major takeaways from the analysis included that a higher level of takeout food consumption corresponded to an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile consisting of lower HDL, as well as higher triglycerides, fasting glucose, serum insulin, and insulin resistance.
Jayne Morgan, MD, cardiologist and Vice President of Medical Affairs in a reaction, who was not involved in the study, explained that “Takeout food raises the cardiovascular risk not because of one ingredient, but because of a predictable combination of nutrients, additives, and preparation methods that adversely affect blood pressure, lipids, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and endothelial function.”
“This includes excess sodium that increases blood volume and blood vessel stiffness, and unhealthy fats, usually saturated fats or trans fats, that increase cholesterol level and atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attack and stroke.”
Michelle Routhenstein, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at Entirely Nourished, also not involved in this study, declared, “It is also important to recognise that frequent takeout use often reflects broader lifestyle pressures such as demanding schedules, limited access to cooking resources, irregular meals, and disrupted sleep, all of which can quietly compound cardiovascular risk.”
News
How To Identify Fake Kiss Condoms In Circulation
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently warned Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Kiss brand condoms in major markets across the country.
Contents
Original DKT Kiss condoms
Fake Kiss condoms
In a public alert published on its website recently and referenced as Public Alert No. 042/2025, the agency said the warning followed information received from DKT International Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation involved in contraceptive social marketing and HIV/AIDS prevention.
NAFDAC stated, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is notifying the public about the sale and distribution of fake Kiss condoms in various Nigerian markets.
“The information was received from the MAH-DKT International Nigeria, a leading non-governmental organisation focused on contraceptive social marketing. Its mission is to provide Nigerians with affordable and safe options for family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.
“The fake Kiss condoms have been reported to be found in Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and various markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and others.”
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Kiss condom is a brand of male latex condoms designed to offer sexual protection, including the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
To help consumers avoid counterfeit products, NAFDAC outlined key differences between original and fake Kiss condoms.
Original DKT Kiss condoms
The original product comes in a light red box pack with clear instructions printed on the lower part of the pack, including single-use warnings and storage and caution information. The box contains detailed medical device information, including MDSS GmbH, Germany, and a complete Nigerian address at Isolo Industrial Layout, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
The condom pack is light red, with the word “Kiss” closely written on six lines. The wallet outer pack is lighter red, carries the Oshodi-Apapa address, manufacturer details, and a clear product description beside the condom image. The hidden flap includes revision dates, medical device details, and caution information, while the wallet inner contains detailed instructions and eight bullet points under important notes.
READ ALSO:Lagos Names Mandy Kiss Anti-drug Abuse Ambassador
The original condom is large, oval-shaped, well-lubricated, and has a large teat end for semen collection.
Fake Kiss condoms
In contrast, fake Kiss condoms come in darker-coloured box packs with little or no additional information. Some boxes are plain white inside and lack condom images. The address is wrongly listed as 42, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, while the manufacturer’s address is incomplete or missing. Storage and caution information is absent.
The condom pack is darker, with “Kiss” loosely written on five lines and wide spacing. The condom strip is longer than the original. The wallet outer pack is also darker red, carries incorrect or missing addresses, lacks colour wave designs, and shows inconsistencies in barcode lines. Medical device and caution information are missing, and the hidden flap contains no details.
Inside the wallet, information is summarised with only six bullet points. The fake condom is thinner, round-shaped, less lubricated, and has a smaller teat end.
(TRIBUNE)
News
Lagos: Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers On Lekki-Epe Expressway
Fourteen persons suspected to be involved in traffic-related robbery have been arrested at various points along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos over the past two weeks.
The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, via a post on her official X handle, @AbimbolaShotayo.
According to her, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Squad based in Elemoro carried out the operations that led to the suspects’ apprehension.
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She explained that the arrests followed sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing criminal activities associated with traffic congestion and improving the safety of motorists and other road users along the busy corridor.
Adebisi noted that the development reflects the Command’s determination to strengthen security and uphold law and order on the Lekki-Epe axis, adding that the Tactical Squad has continued to proactively identify crime-prone areas and respond swiftly to threats posed by criminal elements.
She called on residents and commuters to support police efforts by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing and detecting crime.
READ ALSO:VIDEO: Chaos As Last-minute Shoppers Overwhelm Lagos Balogun Market
“Security is a shared responsibility. Members of the public are encouraged to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station,” she said.
The police spokesperson further reassured residents and road users of the Command’s commitment to maintaining aggressive patrols and security operations to protect lives and property in the area.
She reiterated the Command’s community policing message, “See Something, Say Something,” stressing the importance of cooperation between the police and the public in sustaining peace and security.
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