latest
Court Accepts Disputed Confessions In Jonathan Aides’ Jewellery Theft Case.
A Bayelsa State High Court has admitted the confessional statements of eight former domestic staff of ex‑First Lady Patience Jonathan as evidence in the ongoing trial over the alleged theft of jewellery worth hundreds of millions of naira, despite claims that the confessions were extracted under duress.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Naija News reports that the court conducted a “trial within a trial” to determine whether the statements were given voluntarily.
Sources present at Friday’s proceedings told SaharaReporters that the prosecution, after six years of repeated delays, has finally closed its case.
“After six years, they’ve finally concluded their prosecution. We are now moving to the defence,” a family member said.
The source expressed surprise that the court admitted the confessions, which defendants claim were obtained through police beatings and torture while in custody.
“Shockingly, the court accepted statements that were allegedly forced. Some were even drafted by police officers in 2019, and the accused were compelled to sign them,” the source added.
The defendants will now present their case at the next scheduled hearing.
The eight defendants are part of a larger group of 15 domestic staff accused of stealing jewellery from Mrs Jonathan’s residence in 2019. The number of accused was reduced following the death of Sahabi Liman in 2025. Current defendants include Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Salomi Wareboka, Sunday Reginald, Boma Oba, Vivian Golden, and Emeka Benson.
The trial has faced repeated adjournments and frequent delays, with long stretches where no hearings occurred.
Torture Allegations, No Accountability
During prior court sessions, several defendants testified that they were abducted, tortured, and denied legal counsel while detained. Vivian Golden testified she was flogged after refusing to sign a confession.
Other defendants named police officer “O.C. Chris” and Chief Security Officer Colin Otutu as responsible for the alleged torture.
Despite these claims, no police officer has been investigated or charged in connection with the alleged abuse. Mrs Jonathan has not been summoned or questioned.
Defence lawyers, led by Ige Asemudara and Samuel Chinedu Maduba, have been accused of delaying proceedings through procedural tactics.
The drawn-out trial has already had serious consequences. In September 2025, Sahabi Liman, one of the original 15 accused, died after a prolonged illness. Liman had been granted bail three years earlier due to deteriorating health while in custody at Okaka Correctional Centre, Yenagoa, but his condition worsened, and he passed away in a Port Harcourt hospital.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp