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Abuja Court Gives Final Say In Kanu’s Terrorism Trial After Defence Standoff
According to Nivo News, a Federal High Court in Abuja has foreclosed the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and scheduled judgment in his terrorism trial for November 20. The decision came after Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days granted by the court.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Justice James Omotosho stated that while he would have granted an extension had Kanu begun his defence, the defendant could not claim a denial of his constitutionally guaranteed right to fair hearing after choosing not to utilize the opportunity. The judge emphasized that Kanu had consistently been represented by lawyers since the case commenced on March 29, when he took his plea.
The court noted that Kanu’s former lawyers sought multiple adjournments during the prosecution’s case. After dismissing his legal team, Kanu retained four consultants—P. A. N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Opara, and Mandela Umegburu—who were present in court throughout the proceedings.
Justice Omotosho drew an analogy to the Bible, explaining that just as Adam was given the chance to explain his actions, Kanu was afforded ample opportunity to enter his defence. He added that while the right to a fair hearing is constitutional, Kanu voluntarily waived it.
At Friday’s hearing, Kanu initially said he could not proceed as he had not filed a fresh motion. He was briefly given time to file the motion, after which he challenged the court’s jurisdiction, citing that the charges were based on repealed laws, including the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, and the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap C45 LFN 2004. Kanu claimed the trial was a conspiracy influenced by foreign authorities and requested the court strike the charges and order his release.
The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), opposed Kanu’s motion, arguing that he had always been represented by counsel who participated in cross-examinations and other proceedings. Awomolo urged the court to consider the totality of the trial record and take Kanu’s motion as his defence.
Kanu’s motion sought five key reliefs, including expunging his plea of not guilty, setting aside proceedings based on a defective plea, declaring the charge invalid due to reliance on repealed statutes, striking out the charge for lack of jurisdiction, and directing his immediate release. The judge reserved judgment for November 20.
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Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has advised the Federal Government to halt new road projects in favor of repairing and maintaining current infrastructure.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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In a statement issued on Monday, June 29, titled “My Stance on Road Development,” Obi argued that Nigeria’s limited funds should be directed toward fixing failing highways that provide essential connectivity rather than starting new ventures with minimal immediate utility.
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Obi highlighted the Asaba-Benin Road as a critical example, noting that it serves as a vital corridor for travelers from several states across the South-East, South-South, and North-Central moving toward Lagos.
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He expressed concern that the deteriorated state of this and other major highways causes significant traffic, business disruptions, and suffering for commuters.
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The former governor emphasized that the government should focus on creating safe, functional roads that citizens actually need, rather than pursuing projects aimed at attracting public attention or political gain.
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Obi concluded that this strategic approach to infrastructure would facilitate the movement of goods and people, ultimately fostering economic growth and contributing to what he refers to as a “new Nigeria”.
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Yasser al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, has resigned following the national team’s exit in the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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The team, known as the Green Falcons, finished at the bottom of Group H with two points after drawing with Uruguay (1-1) and Cape Verde (0-0), and losing to Spain (4-0).
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In a post on , al-Misehal expressed that the team’s early exit did not meet expectations and accepted full responsibility for the performance.
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He stated that he chose to step down before his term ended to allow for a “new chapter” in Saudi football.
Background and Context
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Al-Misehal served as head of the federation for seven years and was instrumental in the kingdom’s successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup, an initiative tied to Saudi Arabia’s goals for economic diversification.
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Despite appearing in their third consecutive World Cup, the campaign was a disappointment following a period of poor form that included the departure of coach Hervé Renard after a series of underwhelming friendlies in March.
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Renard had previously returned to lead the team after replacing Roberto Mancini.
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This resignation comes amid massive financial investment in the sport, with nearly $2 billion spent over the past three years to elevate the Saudi Pro League, which has recruited international stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema.
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The Inside Story Exposed: Murray-Bruce Reveals How Jonathan’s ‘Silly’ Inner Circle Cost PDP Their Most Powerful Asset.
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Former Bayelsa Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has attributed the 2015 departure of Rotimi Amaechi and five other governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) directly to former President Goodluck Jonathan.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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In a widely circulated video, Murray-Bruce contended that these high-profile defections were fueled by the poor decision-making and questionable counsel provided to the former President by his inner circle.
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He argued that Jonathan’s aides ignored clear warning signs regarding the mounting frustration among key party leaders and failed to address their concerns with the necessary urgency.
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Expressing his ongoing frustration with the situation, Murray-Bruce remarked on the incompetence of those advisers, stating that he remains amazed at how such ill-advised guidance was given to the Commander-in-Chief.
Impact of the 1983 Coup on Murray-Bruce’s Business
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During the Infrastructure Dialogue 2026 held in Abuja, Murray-Bruce shared how the 1983 military coup that removed President Shehu Shagari caused his burgeoning concert promotion business to collapse.
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He noted that he had launched the venture between 1980 and 1983 using a ₦20,000 loan from his siblings, operating in a challenging environment with minimal infrastructure, few media outlets, and a lack of institutional support for entertainment.
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The military takeover served as a major turning point, as it disrupted business activities across the country and forced the shutdown of his entertainment operations.
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