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“Alleged Coup Plotter Drags Court Martial, Questions Jurisdiction”.

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The second accused in the alleged mutiny and coup plot case, Col. Mohammed Ma’aji, has challenged the jurisdiction of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison General Court Martial sitting in Asokoro, Abuja, to hear the charges against him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ma’aji is standing trial alongside 35 other officers over allegations bordering on mutiny and an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.

In a preliminary objection filed before the court martial in charge number DHQ/GAR/ABJ/49/ADM, he asked the tribunal to strike out all charges against him, arguing that it lacks the legal authority to entertain the case.

The application was filed under Rules 36(1) and 37(1) of the Rules of Procedure Army 1972.

He described the charges as defective and incompetent, insisting that the court-martial has no jurisdiction over the matter.

In his filing, Ma’aji prayed the court to dismiss the case, stating:

“Take notice that the 2nd accused hereby objects to the jurisdiction of the General Court Martial to entertain Counts One to Nine of the charges preferred against the 2nd Accused… and hereby prays the General Court Martial for the following reliefs:

“An order striking out and/or dismissing the charges for lack of jurisdiction…”

He also argued that the complainant listed in the case, the “Armed Forces of Nigeria,” is not a legal entity recognised by law and therefore cannot institute criminal proceedings.

According to him, only natural persons or legally recognised bodies have the capacity to sue or be sued, citing several legal authorities including Green v. Green, Fawehinmi v. NBA, and Mothercat Nig Ltd v. Registered Trustees of the Full Gospel Assembly.

Ma’aji maintained that since the complainant lacks legal personality, the court-martial itself cannot validly assume jurisdiction.

He further challenged counts one to nine of the charges, arguing that they do not properly fall under the offence of mutiny as defined in Section 52(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, 2004.

According to him, the allegations relate more to a supposed plot against the Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than offences connected to military discipline or command structure.

He also argued that the phrase “lawful authority in the Federation” cannot be interpreted to include the Federal Government in the context used by the prosecution.

Relying on constitutional provisions and judicial precedents, he insisted that a court-martial is a tribunal of limited jurisdiction and cannot operate beyond what the law permits.

He further cited the Supreme Court decision in Nigerian Navy v. Lambert, arguing that any ambiguity in criminal law must be interpreted in favour of the accused.

Ma’aji also contended that the prosecution failed to establish key elements of mutiny, such as insubordination, refusal of lawful command, or organized rebellion within the military structure.

He therefore urged the court-martial to uphold his objection and dismiss all charges against him.

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“Breaking: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Emerges PDP Candidate For Kogi Central Senatorial Race”.

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the Kogi Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement was contained in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mike Idoko.

Idoko explained that party members and supporters took part in an affirmation exercise conducted across all 57 wards in the senatorial district.

He noted that the process was held simultaneously in the wards, after which results were collated at Kahal Cinema in Okene, where party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters gathered to conclude the exercise.

According to the statement, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the process alongside journalists to ensure transparency and compliance with electoral guidelines.

Reacting after the collation of results, Natasha expressed appreciation to party members and supporters for what she described as a strong demonstration of unity and confidence.

She said the exercise reflected the trust the people of Kogi Central continue to place in her vision for progress, inclusion, and development.

“I am deeply humbled by the massive turnout across all 57 wards. This is not just about one individual; it is about our people coming together in unity to deepen democracy and build a stronger and more prosperous Kogi Central,” she said.

The senator added that the large turnout showed the commitment of party members to strengthening democratic participation across the district.

She also pledged to remain focused on delivering development, justice, and opportunities to constituents, while maintaining close engagement with communities across the senatorial zone.

Natasha said she accepted the nomination with gratitude and renewed commitment, promising to serve with dedication and accountability if elected.

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“Egypt Name Mohamed Salah In 2026 World Cup Squad As Star Leads National Team Charge”.

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Egypt have included captain Mohamed Salah in their provisional 27-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, with the experienced forward expected to once again lead the national team on football’s biggest stage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 33-year-old Liverpool star remains the central figure in coach Hossam Hassan’s selection, despite reports linking him with a possible exit from Anfield after nine successful years at the club.

Salah, who has scored 67 goals in 115 appearances for Egypt, will carry the nation’s hopes as they aim for a strong run in the tournament.

Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush also made the squad following an impressive season, while 18-year-old Barcelona U19 striker Hamza Abdelkarim earned a surprise call-up despite not yet making a senior international appearance. Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed was among the notable omissions.

Egypt will reduce the squad to the FIFA-required 26 players after their friendly against Russia in Cairo on May 28, before facing Brazil in another warm-up match on June 6 in Cleveland.

The Pharaohs have been drawn in Group G, where they will begin their campaign against Belgium on June 15, followed by matches against New Zealand and Iran.

The squad also includes goalkeepers Mohamed El Shenawy and Mostafa Shobeir, along with experienced midfielders Mahmoud Trezeguet and Emam Ashour, as Egypt prepare for the expanded 48-team World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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“Wike: Fubara Joined APC Too Quickly But Failed To Consolidate Power – Rufai Oseni”.

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Anchor of Arise Television’s Morning Show, Rufai Oseni, has criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it failed to achieve the expected political consolidation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oseni made the remarks on Thursday during the programme while reacting to Fubara’s withdrawal from the APC governorship primary.

He described the political situation in Rivers State as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that it further highlights the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the state’s political structure since the 2023 elections.

According to him, Wike has become a dominant force in Rivers politics, with influence that appears to cut across party lines.

However, Oseni questioned how sustainable such political dominance could be, warning that excessive concentration of power in one individual could undermine democratic growth.

He said, “As regards Rivers, what do I say? It’s a shame on our democracy. Rivers has become two-factor authentication.”

He added that political alignments in the state appear heavily influenced by Wike, suggesting that recent developments reflect his continued control over key decisions.

“You quickly went to join the APC, you couldn’t get consolidation there,” he said, referring to Fubara’s political move.

Oseni further speculated on future political dynamics in the state, questioning whether Wike’s influence would extend to other political figures and structures.

He argued that Wike’s level of dominance raises concerns about political plurality, noting that democracy suffers when power becomes overly centralized.

According to him, while Wike’s influence is evident, the bigger question is whether such a system is sustainable in the long term.

Oseni also warned that similar political patterns could emerge in other states if not checked, stressing the need for stronger democratic institutions and balance of power.

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