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JUST IN: Nnamdi Kanu Apologises Over Misconduct In Court, Pleads Not Guilty In Fresh Charges

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The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has apologised to Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court and Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN over his misconduct at the last proceedings of his trial on the terrorism charges.

Kanu pleaded for forgiveness and promised to be of good conduct throughout the duration of his trial.

The apology was contained in a lengthy prepared speech delivered by his lead counsel and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Kanu Agabi.

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Kanu, specifically, begged Justice Nyako and Awomolo to forgive and forget his outburst and attacks against them in the open court.

Agabi said that Kanu had cause to be angry but ought not to have spoken when anger overwhelmed him.

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

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“In expressing his anger, he attacked the Federal High Court, he attacked Justice Binta Nyako, he attacked the prosecutor and his own lawyers.

“I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. He deserves highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.

“I appeal for forgiveness. Kanu is a good man but all of us cannot be of one mind. He is not perfect but defending the cause of Igbo people who are resilient, fearless and using their God-given talents to give good account of themselves.

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“We may have misgivings but we must seek forgiveness. In resolving our differences, let us employ peace and not violence to resolve our differences”, he pleaded.

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

Also, during his arraignment in court on Friday, the IPOB leader pleaded not guilty to the terrorism charges brought against him by the federal government.

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He was arraigned before Justice James Kolawole Omotosho amid water-tight security provided by operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS).

Upon the reading of the 7-count charges one by one, Kanu, who dressed in his usual white sports wears denied the accusations of threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence and operating illegal radio station to broadcast the Biafra messages.

After the plea, the federal government’s counsel, Awomolo, SAN announced to the court his readiness to conduct prosecution in line with the spirit and letters of the Supreme Court that ordered fresh trial.

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He asked for an adjournment to enable him assemble his witnesses and also applied for accelerated hearing which was granted by the court.

READ ALSO: [JUST IN] Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Finally Reassigned To Another Judge

Based on the request and having not objected by the defence counsel led by Agabi, Justice James Omotosho fixed April 29 and May 2 and 6, 2025 for full-blown trial.

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Kanu, who was brought back to the country in June 2021 from Kenya had since been in the custody of the DSS on the order of court, also conceded to speedy trial of the charges against him.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had, in a letter dated March 4, 2025 and addressed to Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, communicated the re-assignment of the case from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice Omotosho.

The re-assignment followed the demand by Kanu and his team of lawyers for the transfer of the seven-count terrorism charge to another judge after alleging bias.

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Justice Nyako, on September 24, 2024, recused herself from the case and sent the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for re-assignment.

The judge said she could not proceed with a trial where a defendant lacked confidence in the court.

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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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