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Court Accepts Disputed Confessions In Jonathan Aides’ Jewellery Theft Case.

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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.

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WHO Speaks On Ebola Fears, Reveals Number Of People Under Close Monitoring In Nigeria.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, has announced that Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the evacuation of the index patient and her husband to Switzerland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the patient was airlifted out of Nigeria aboard a medical air ambulance through the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Janabi said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take responsibility for the patient’s ongoing medical care and monitor her husband.

He disclosed that the evacuation took place earlier in the morning, adding that both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens.

According to Janabi, the patient was clinically stable following successful treatment by Nigerian medical teams, who managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition before the evacuation.

The WHO regional director commended the Federal Government, healthcare workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners for their contributions to Nigeria’s Ebola response.

He said the successful management of the patient demonstrated Africa’s expertise, resilience and leadership in public health, particularly when countries collaborate to tackle health emergencies.

However, Janabi emphasised that the evacuation did not mean vigilance could be relaxed, stressing the importance of continued contact monitoring and other public health response measures.

He reiterated that Nigeria would maintain close surveillance of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would oversee the patient’s continued treatment and monitor the 53rd contact, her husband.

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Man United Crisis: Carrick Speaks Out After Shock Bournemouth Defeat.

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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said he does not expect to be sacked within the next 24 hours following his side’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The loss at Old Trafford has intensified scrutiny of Carrick as Manchester United continue to struggle with inconsistent performances and results this season.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the manager’s comments on X on Sunday, Carrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future but maintained that he would continue carrying out his duties as usual.

“I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place,” he said.

The former Manchester United midfielder also reaffirmed his commitment to the club, insisting that he would continue to act in what he considers the team’s best interests despite the mounting pressure.

Bournemouth’s victory further compounded United’s recent difficulties, marking their third defeat in four home matches and extending their winless run across all competitions to eight games.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other senior club officials are considering possible replacements as they assess Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe have reportedly emerged as leading candidates for the position.

However, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are expected to make the final recommendation before presenting their preferred candidate to Ratcliffe.

The club has yet to announce any decision regarding Carrick’s future, leaving uncertainty over who will lead the team into their next Premier League fixture against Chelsea.

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“If You Insult Tinubu, I’ll Insult You” – Sunday Igboho Fires Warning At Makinde.

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Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his alleged mockery of President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Igboho condemned Makinde’s conduct during a public event, describing it as childish and disrespectful to the President.

Makinde had challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical stamina after jumping off a stage during a campaign meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on October 22.

The governor made the demonstration at the APM South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome.

While addressing supporters, Makinde said he would focus on candidates’ energy levels and ability to withstand the demands of leadership rather than making age a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the incident, Igboho accused the Oyo governor of making fun of Tinubu and warned that he would respond to anyone who insulted the President.

In a statement on Sunday, the Yoruba Nation activist said Makinde’s actions amounted to disrespect towards the President.

“He was jumping around like a frog and a mad man, insulting Tinubu, saying Tinubu can’t jump like him as if he doesn’t have a father.

“If you insult Tinubu, I will insult you back. Anyone who wants to live long should not mock an elderly person for any reason,” Igboho said.

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