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Ansaru Terror Case Stuck After DSS Refuses Lawyer Access.
Proceedings in the trial of two alleged senior members of the Ansaru terrorist group were on Thursday halted at the Federal High Court in Abuja after defence counsel complained of being denied access to his clients in custody.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The matter came up for hearing before Justice Emeka Nwite, but counsel to the defendants, Bala Dakum, informed the court that he was unable to proceed because operatives of the Department of State Security had refused him access to the accused persons, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba.
Dakum told the court that he assumed responsibility for the defence in October 2025 but had not been allowed to meet the defendants since then, noting that he was unfamiliar with them and had only reviewed the charges filed against them.
He urged the court to order that the defendants be transferred to a correctional facility where he could consult with them properly, stressing that meaningful legal representation was impossible without access.
The defendants were arrested by security agencies in August 2025 and arraigned the following month on a 32-count charge bordering on terrorism, illegal mining and violent attacks allegedly committed between 2013 and 2015. At their arraignment, Usman pleaded guilty to one count and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
In response, prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, said he was prepared to open the prosecution’s case and call the first witness. However, he explained that access to detainees at the DSS facility had been restricted due to ongoing renovation works aimed at upgrading the detention centre to meet international standards.
Kaswe apologised for the delay and applied for an adjournment, stating that access would remain limited until the renovation was completed.
Justice Nwite expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, noting that the case had been scheduled specifically for trial and that he had adjusted his schedule to preside over the matter.
When asked about the duration of the renovation, a DSS officer informed the court that the work might be completed by March or April, though no definite timeline could be provided.
Kaswe later indicated that the prosecution would not oppose transferring the defendants to a correctional facility if their lawyers were still unable to gain access to them before the next hearing.
Dakum, however, maintained that the defendants should be granted access not only to their legal representatives but also to their family members, pointing out that Usman has 19 children.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the case until March 16 for the commencement of trial, as concerns continue to mount over delays in terrorism-related prosecutions, particularly issues surrounding detainee access and fair trial guarantees.
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NO ROOM FOR ERROR: Super Eagles Midfielder Frank Onyeka Demands Total Victory Ahead Of Clash!
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has emphasized the importance of securing maximum points in every fixture as Nigeria kicks off its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Madagascar. The opening group-stage match is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Moving Past World Cup Disappointment: Following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Onyeka acknowledged the team’s disappointment but stressed that their full focus is now locked onto securing a place at the next AFCON tournament.
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Winning Mentality: During a media chat in Uyo, the Brentford midfielder asserted, “Just like every other match that we’ll be playing, we have to win every game.”
Respecting the Opposition:
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No Underestimation: Playing on home soil in Uyo, Onyeka warned his teammates against taking Madagascar for granted, stressing that they must give their opponents full respect.
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Internal Focus: He added that the squad’s primary energy is directed inward rather than dwelling on the opponent, stating, “We focus only on ourselves. We don’t focus on the opponent. We have to play well to win. That’s what we’re focusing on: to play well and win.”
Popular Nigerian content creator Adebayo Ridwan, widely known as Isbae U, has opened up about the heavy emotional toll and intense public backlash he faced during the controversy surrounding him in 2022.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Career Doubts: In an interview with Morayo Afolabi Brown, Isbae U admitted that the backlash was so overwhelming he genuinely wondered if his career had come to an end.
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Turning Backs: He noted how painful it was to watch individuals who previously praised and supported his work suddenly flip to leaving negative comments without empathy.
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Seeking Counsel: During the peak of the uncertainty, he turned to fellow skit maker Mr Macaroni, asking him directly if the scandal signaled the final chapter of his career.
Moving Forward:
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Shifting Focus: Rather than letting the controversy defeat him, Isbae U chose to channel his energy into improving his craft, becoming a better person, and focusing strictly on delivering entertainment.
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Private Life: He adopted a more reserved approach by stepping back from sharing personal details about his life publicly, noting that managing public opinion is out of his control.
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POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE: Afenifere Secretary-General Sola Ebiseni Resigns And Defects To APC In Massive Shake-Up!
Sola Ebiseni has officially resigned from his position as Secretary-General of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, following his defection from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Public Declaration: Ebiseni—who previously served as a Labour Party chieftain and the South-West Coordinator for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign—announced his move during a meeting with Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Government House in Akure.
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2027 Endorsement: He explicitly declared his backing for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid for the 2027 presidential election.
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Justification for Support: Ebiseni stated that maintaining the presidency in southern Nigeria is crucial for the political stability of the federation.
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Local Interests: Hailing from the Ilaje coastal area of Ondo State, he emphasized that supporting President Tinubu is essential to ensure the full implementation and proper coastal alignment of the landmark coastal road project for his people.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Response:
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Warm Welcome: Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed Ebiseni and his supporters, assuring them of complete integration into the APC campaign structure.
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Valued Experience: The governor praised Ebiseni’s extensive political background—including his past service as a local government chairman, state commissioner, and Afenifere Secretary-General—noting that his wealth of experience will significantly boost the party’s upcoming election efforts.
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