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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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Imo ADC Reaffirms Loyalty To David Mark-Led National Leadership.

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The Imo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it remains structurally strong, ideologically focused, and firmly under capable leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This was contained in a communiqué issued on Tuesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi, following the State Executive Committee meeting held in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

According to the statement, the meeting was convened to evaluate the state of the party, strengthen internal unity, and develop strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It noted that the session was held against the backdrop of recent political realignments, with the leadership using the opportunity to reaffirm the party’s stability, direction, and commitment to issue-based and disciplined politics.

The committee dismissed suggestions of internal division, stating that such claims do not reflect the reality within the party.

To strengthen its structure, the committee resolved to intensify grassroots mobilisation across all 27 local government areas of the state. It said the move would expand membership, deepen civic participation, and position the party strongly for the upcoming primaries and general elections.

The statement also expressed confidence in the leadership of former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and former Deputy Governor, Hon. Engr. Gerald Irona, describing their experience and influence as key to maintaining unity and stability within the party.

It further reaffirmed loyalty to the national leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark, stating that the Imo chapter aligns with the vision of the National Working Committee and will work collectively toward success in 2027.

The party added that it remains committed to promoting a united Nigeria anchored on justice, competence, and inclusive development, describing the ADC as a credible platform for national renewal.

Reiterating its position, the Imo ADC declared itself united, focused, and determined, urging members to remain committed, avoid distractions, and continue working toward strengthening the party and delivering good governance to Nigerians.

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“I Believe In Action, Not Too Much Talk” — Gov. Alia Declares Bold Leadership Approach.

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Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has stated that he prefers action over excessive talking, saying his leadership style is focused on delivering results rather than making lengthy public speeches.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Alia made the remarks on Tuesday during a political address in his hometown, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

He emphasized that he is not known for speaking too much, but rather for taking practical steps to achieve results.

In a video lasting about 20 minutes and 25 seconds, the governor said he “does not talk much” and prefers to “act using his shoulders,” a phrase he used to stress his action-oriented approach to governance.

During the event, he also cautioned individuals who, according to him, are benefiting from certain privileges but working against the interests of the Vandeikya people ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The comments come amid increasing political activity and grassroots mobilisation across Benue State as attention gradually shifts toward the next election cycle.

Although the governor did not mention any specific individuals, his remarks have since generated reactions online, with supporters and critics offering different interpretations of his message.

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NUT Rejects FG Plan To Exempt NCE Candidates From Writing UTME.

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The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to exempt candidates seeking admission into the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), warning that the policy could further weaken standards in teacher education.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The union’s National President, Audu Amba, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a sensitisation workshop for teachers organised by 21st Century in partnership with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Amba expressed concern over what he described as a consistent decline in the quality of candidates gaining admission into colleges of education, noting that many high-performing students now prefer universities, leaving colleges of education as last-resort institutions.

He warned that the trend could have long-term consequences for the teaching profession, insisting that teacher education should attract some of the country’s strongest academic candidates.

According to him, colleges of education should not be treated as fallback institutions for students who fail to secure university admission.

“Why can’t we now say that anyone going to College of Education to become a teacher tomorrow must be among the highest-scoring candidates in UTME?” he asked.

“Colleges of Education are supposed to have the best candidates, but unfortunately, when people fail to secure university admission, they are told to go and manage NCE,” he added.

In her keynote address, the Registrar of the TRCN, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, called for urgent reforms to reposition teachers for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

She stressed that the future of education in Nigeria depends on educators who are technologically skilled, innovative, and professionally competent.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by Dr. Iyabo Ali, urged continuous training and capacity development for teachers, noting that they must constantly upgrade their digital and innovative skills to meet global standards.

Other stakeholders, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Dr. Mary Aba, and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, also called for stronger collaboration and commitment within the education sector.

However, Senator Moro expressed concern over the declining state of education in Nigeria, warning that more than 70 percent of schools lack adequate teaching and learning facilities.

He cautioned that the widening gap between teachers and their working environment poses a serious threat to the country’s educational foundation and long-term development.

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