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Explosive Courtroom Tension: Military Witness Rejects Torture Allegations In Coup Case.

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A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial-within-trial of suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the defendants gave their confessional statements voluntarily.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The witness, an officer of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, testified on Tuesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The separate trial began after defence lawyers challenged the Federal Government’s move to tender video recordings of the defendants’ extra-judicial statements, arguing that the statements were obtained under duress.

Counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the prosecution had three witnesses prepared to testify during the proceeding.

While giving evidence, the military officer stated that the defendants remained calm throughout interrogation and were fully informed of their constitutional rights before making any statements.

He also said investigators followed the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as well as standard investigative procedures.

The prosecution later presented statements allegedly obtained from the six defendants, along with an external hard drive and flash drive containing video recordings of the interrogations.

The court admitted the materials as exhibits after defence counsel did not object during the trial-within-trial.

According to the witness, none of the suspects was denied legal representation, and all were informed of their right to remain silent.

Speaking specifically on retired Major-General Mohammed Gana, the first defendant, the witness described him as calm throughout the interrogation and said he was clearly informed that any statement he made could be used against him in court.

He insisted that the video evidence showed no signs of intimidation, coercion, or inducement.

Responding to discrepancies between oral interviews and written statements, the witness argued that written records may not always perfectly match spoken words, stating that “human beings are not computers.”

He gave similar testimony regarding retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, the second defendant, maintaining that his statement was also voluntarily made.

The witness further disclosed that an interpreter was provided for the sixth defendant, an Islamic cleric who was not fluent in English, explaining that his statements were translated between Hausa and English before being read back to him for confirmation.

Under cross-examination, however, the witness admitted that he was not a full member of the special investigative panel and only participated occasionally in the investigation.

He also acknowledged that the video recordings shown in court only covered statements taken before the military police and not those obtained by the main investigative panel.

Additionally, he confirmed that none of the statements carried endorsements from lawyers and that no legal practitioners, civil society representatives, or justices of the peace were present during the recordings.

Despite this, he maintained that all defendants were informed of their right to legal counsel but did not request lawyers during interrogation.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until May 13 for continuation of the trial-within-trial.

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, is prosecuting six suspects over an alleged plot to topple the Tinubu administration.

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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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