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JUST IN: Drama As Nnamdi Kanu Disowns Counsel In Court

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There was a mild drama in court on Tuesday when detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, disowned a lawyer, one Charles Ude, who claimed to be representing him.

Kanu is facing terrorism-related charge before the court.

During the trial, the presiding judge drew attention of parties to a letter from one Charles Ude, claiming to be counsel on record for the defendant.

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However, the defence legal team denied knowledge of Ude, a stance Kanu himself affirmed, insisting Agabi remained his counsel.

The court also addressed the issue of the overcrowded defence team.

READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial: Court Okays FG’s Bid To Shield Witness Identities

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According to the judge, only 16 of the 26 lawyers listed would be allowed, citing a previous agreement and threatening to move the proceedings online, if decorum was not maintained.

“I don’t want to be pushed to take the case virtually; we have the facility,” the judge warned.

A separate incident involved a woman named Favour Kanu, who was accused of recording court proceedings during a previous sitting and allegedly publishing restricted content online.

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The judge recounted how he had previously warned her and refrained from charging her for contempt.

Kanu, in an emotional plea, appealed to the judge for forgiveness on her behalf, quoting the Bible and admitting, “I owe them an apology.”

Favour, when called upon, claimed ignorance of the court still being in session and stated that she had stopped recording immediately after the warning.

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READ ALSO: Ex-AGF, Kanu Agabi To Lead Nnamdi Kanu’s Defence In Terrorism Charges

“I didn’t know the court was still sitting. The moment you cautioned me, I stopped because it was a livestream,” she said.

The judge, while listening to both explanations, temporarily excused Favour from attending the next three sittings, reiterating the need for order and respect for the court’s process. “We must do things properly. Justice will be done,” he said.

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Earlier, lead prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, raised concerns about a motion served on them for the release of certain exhibits tendered in court.

He noted the prosecution objected only to the release of non-perishable items.

During cross-examination of the first prosecution witness (identified as AAA), the defence counsel, Agabi, grilled the witness on his awareness of the charges and previous rulings.

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The witness admitted knowing little about the details of the 15-count charge, including several that had reportedly been struck out by the court.

READ ALSO: Alleged Treason: Nnamdi Kanu Back In Court As New Judge Presides Over Case

The witness acknowledged awareness of IPOB’s role in enforcing Monday sit-at-home orders, which the defence suggested was among charges that had been dismissed.

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Agabi repeatedly highlighted that several serious terrorism-related allegations — including disruption of elections and attacks on federal property — were part of the struck-out charges, a point the witness said he was largely unaware of.

In re-examination, Awomolo asked the witness what he understood by “agitation” in the context of Kanu’s actions.

The witness responded that the defendant was pushing for the secession of parts of Nigeria.

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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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