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Court Shifts Trial of Ansaru Terrorist Suspects to January 2026‎‎

‎‎The trial, initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, was adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite following pleas by defense counsel for additional time to be served with the charges and to study the proof of evidence.‎‎

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• Federal High Court Abuja

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that the trial of two leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, captured by the Department of State Services (DSS), will commence on January 15, 2026.

‎‎The trial, initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, was adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite following pleas by defense counsel for additional time to be served with the charges and to study the proof of evidence.‎‎

During today’s proceedings, defense lawyer Bala Bakum informed the court that the charge and proof of evidence remained with the DSS, where the suspects are being detained on court orders.

He requested that the defendants be moved to a correctional facility to enable easier access and ensure a smooth trial.‎‎

However, DSS counsel David Kaswe, an Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, opposed the application, insisting that the trial proceed as scheduled since witnesses were already present in court.

Kaswe argued that DSS protocol requires defense counsel to formally request permission to visit clients and copy the prosecutor, a procedure he said had not been followed.‎‎In his ruling, Justice Nwite emphasized the need for fair hearing and adjourned the trial to January 15, 2026.

He directed the defense lawyer to comply with DSS protocol by formally writing for permission to visit the defendants and copying the prosecution.‎‎

Usman and Abba are being prosecuted on terrorism charges.

Usman has pleaded guilty to Count 10 of a 32‑count charge relating to economic crimes, while denying the remaining 31 counts. Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges.‎‎

On September 11, Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting to have engagied in illegal mining and using the proceeds to acquire arms for terrorism and kidnapping activities.

‎‎The defendants are accused of bombing the Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State, receiving weapons training, fabricating improvised explosive devices, and engaging in terrorism financing.‎‎

The DSS further alleged that the suspects kidnapped a Customs officer and an Immigration officer—who was later killed in custody—collected millions of naira in ransom payments, and engaged in unlawful mineral mining without a valid license.

Proceeds from these activities were allegedly used to procure arms and ammunition, including IEDs.‎‎

Investigators also claim the defendants received training in Sudan and Mali, facilitated similar training for followers, and concealed information on planned terror attacks in Niger State.

‎‎Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has been linked to several high‑profile attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria.

Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his alleged deputy Abubakar Abba, popularly called Mahmud Al‑Nigeri or Isah Adam/Mallam Mamuda, were captured between May and July 2025 in intelligence‑led operations.‎

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IGP Disu Wears New DIGs Insignia

Disu, during the ceremony today urged the new Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

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• IGP Tunji Disu

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu has decorated the newly promoted senior officers at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja .

Disu, during the ceremony today urged the new Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He said the elevation to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police was not merely the wearing of new insignia but a recognition of years of dedicated service and a call to greater responsibility in the leadership of the force.

Disu emphasised that the rank represents one of the highest levels of professional trust within the police and demands wisdom, courage and a strong commitment to justice and service.

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BREAKING: Court of Appeal Upholds Federal High Court Ruling Halting PDP’s Ibadan National Convention

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In a major ruling that deepens the ongoing leadership crisis in Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its controversial National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15-16, 2025.

A three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, delivered a unanimous judgment on Monday dismissing the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP.

The court upheld the October 31, 2025, ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing, validating, or accepting the outcome of the Ibadan convention.

The Appeal Court held that the PDP’s decision to proceed with the convention violated key provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC’s guidelines on party primaries and conventions, and the PDP’s own Constitution.

It emphasized that the Federal High Court’s intervention was justified to prevent illegality and to protect the rights of excluded delegates from over 14 states where congresses had not yet been conducted.

The panel further criticized INEC for failing to adequately monitor the party’s processes as required by law. In a related aspect of the judgment, a fine of ₦2 million was imposed on the Turaki-led faction.

Rejecting arguments from the appellants that the matter was purely an intra-party affair outside judicial jurisdiction, the Court of Appeal ruled that violations of constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, or a political party’s constitution confer jurisdiction on the courts.

This decision marks the first in a series of nine consolidated appeals stemming from the PDP’s protracted internal crisis, which pits the Turaki faction against a rival caretaker leadership aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The appeals challenge multiple Federal High Court rulings that halted the Ibadan convention and recognized the caretaker committee.

The ruling represents a significant victory for the Wike-aligned faction and could have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s leadership structure, upcoming elections, and INEC’s recognition of the party’s national officers.

Further judgments in the remaining appeals are expected later today or in the coming days as the Court of Appeal continues its sittings on the consolidated cases.

The PDP has yet to issue an official reaction, though sources indicate the Turaki faction may pursue further appeals to the Supreme Court.

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IWD: My greatest investments are my three daughters – Otedola

Tolani is a singer, Florence a renowned disc jockey and Temi is an actress and fashion blogger.

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“My greatest investments are my three daughters who make me proud every day. Happy International Women’s Day my angels,” wrote the billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.

His three daughters are Tolani, Florence (DJ Cuppy) and Temi.

The Chairman of First Holdco Plc stated this in an X post on Sunday to commemorate International Women’s Day.

The billionaire’s daughters are high flyers in various areas of personal endeavour. Tolani is a singer, Florence a renowned disc jockey and Temi is an actress and fashion blogger.

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