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“Breaking: Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Orders Release Of 37 Inmates”.

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Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has ordered the release of 37 inmates from the state’s custodial centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, and Ikot-Ekpene.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The directive was issued during her routine inspection of all custodial facilities across the state. Of the 37 inmates released, eight were freed on health grounds, while 29 were released on compassionate grounds or for lack of prosecution. Specifically, two inmates were released from Ikot Abasi, eight from Eket, and 27 from Ikot-Ekpene.

Addressing court sessions virtually at the three facilities on Monday and Wednesday, the Chief Judge emphasized that it is unconstitutional to detain suspects for extended periods without trial. The inmates’ offences ranged from theft and fighting to arrests linked to the EndSARS protests.

Among those released was 18-year-old Charity Augustine, who had spent over a year in custody on a four-count theft charge involving garri. She was released on compassionate grounds and placed on six months’ probation under the supervision of a designated officer.

Two other convicts in Ikot-Abasi Custodial Centre, Aniekan John and Ndifreke Koffi, who were released before completing their sentences, were instructed to report to the facility every three months to confirm good conduct.

The Chief Judge also freed several suspects who had awaited trial for more than three years on minor offences such as fighting, assault, and theft of farm produce due to lack of prosecution. She called on lawyers and the police to uphold diligence and professionalism to prevent unnecessary court delays and relieve overcrowding in correctional centres.

“Most of the charges are trumped up, and some lack prosecution. Therefore, go home, be of good behaviour, and avoid actions that could bring you back. I release you unconditionally because it is unconstitutional to detain you for too long without trial,” Justice Fabian-Obot said after reviewing the case files.

She further advocated for the provision of stipends to assist released inmates with transportation to their homes, warning against leaving them stranded.

Earlier, DCC Boniface Momoh, Officer in charge of Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre, highlighted that the facility, designed for 400 inmates, currently accommodates over 700. He noted challenges including overcrowding, water shortages, lack of operational vehicles, and high fuel costs, appealing to the Chief Judge to seek support from Governor Pastor Umo Eno.

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Police Arrest NSCDC Officer With Pistol, 17 Bullets At Abuja Kubwa Market.

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An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested for allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The officer, identified as Onoja Samuel, reportedly arrived at the market armed with a pistol following allegations that some traders had assaulted his wife.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, Naija News reports.

Sanusi said the police received a distress call from Kubwa Market, located in the Bwari Area Council, reporting that a man was shooting into the air.

Following the report, officers attached to the Kubwa Police Division were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) in the NSCDC.

He explained that the officer allegedly fired several shots during an argument with the traders.

“During the ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,” Sanusi said.

The police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect.

Sanusi added that Samuel remained in police custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The commissioner also urged personnel of other security agencies operating in the FCT to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.

He stressed that effective coordination among security agencies was essential to preventing confrontations and maintaining peace across the territory.

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‘We Don’t Want Another Mohbad Case’ – Laolu Gbenjo Speaks On Toluwanisings.

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Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.

The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.

Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.

He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.

Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.

Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.

In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.

The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.

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El-Rufai’s ₦1bn Legal Battle Takes New Turn As Court Fixes Judgment Date.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.

However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.

Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.

During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.

When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.

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