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Ansaru Terrorists court trials adjourn until September 5 as Lawyers and Defendants absent today
The US government had placed a $5 million bounty on Mohammed Usman in 2012, designating him as one of three Nigerian “specially designated global terrorists.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has condemned the decision of a terrorism suspect to skip trial, describing the action as ‘unfortunate.’
This remark by the judge is in respect of Mohammed Usman also known as Khalid Al-barnawi, allegedly link to Ansaru the splinter group of Boko Haram.
Al-barnawi and four others-Mohammed Saleh, Umar Bello, Mohammed Salisu and Yakubu Nuhu- are alleged to have conspired to carry out terrorist activities between 2011 and 2013 in several northern Nigerian states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe.
During Tuesday’s court session, the prosecution, led by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), informed the court that proceedings were due to continue with a trial-within-a-trial phase.
However, he noted with concern the absence of the first defendant, Mohammed Usman, and his counsel.
Lawyers for two other defendants were also not present.
Dr. Izinyon revealed that Usman’s lawyer claimed to be away in Enugu and had promised to send a representative, who did not appear.
He described the no-show and lack of communication as disrespectful and contrary to the court’s efforts to expedite the long-running case which has been on since 2017.
In response, Justice Nwite expressed his dissatisfaction with the absence, emphasizing the importance of an expeditious hearing.
He warned that the court would not tolerate defendants absence from the proceedings.
The judge instructed the parties to collaborate and clarify the reasons behind the absence to prevent further delays.
He then adjourned the case until September 5 and 12 for the continuation of evidence from the third prosecution witness and the playback of relevant videos as part of the trial within a trial.
The US government had placed a $5 million bounty on Mohammed Usman in 2012, designating him as one of three Nigerian “specially designated global terrorists.
“Ansaru, ideologically linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, is accused of targeting Westerners and carried out a notable attack on a maximum-security prison in Abuja in 2012, freeing dozens of inmates.
News
BREAKING: Uche Nnaji Resigns as Tinubu’s Minister
In a letter thanking President Bola Tinubu for having allowed him to serve Nigeria, Nnaji said that he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents, citing some allegations against him.
Geoffrey Uche Nnaji resigned today as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
In a letter thanking President Bola Tinubu for having allowed him to serve Nigeria, Nnaji said that he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents, citing some allegations against him.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dated October 7, 2025 ,President Tinubu has accepted Nnaji ‘s resignation , thanks him for his service to the nation and wished him well in future endeavors.
President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.
News
President Tinubu Decorates INEC’s Mahmood Yakubu with “CON” National Honour
Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years. The appointment, which was renewed in 2020, has now expired due to the passage of time.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday conferred the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying that the award was in recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation.
Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years. The appointment, which was renewed in 2020, has now expired due to the passage of time.
President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.
Consequent upon this, President Tinubu also directed that Professor Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.
In the letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since 2015.
News
OpenAI’s Global Actors to Grace 2025 UNILAG International Week
Director of International Relations, Professor Ismail Ibraheem, emphasised the importance of the event in shaping Africa’s voice in the global tech space, stating that the week serves as a platform for practical collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
Prominent figures, including Emmanuel Lubanzadio from OpenAI, Yvonne Ike of Bank of America, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications Dr. Bosun Tijani, and entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, are set to participate in the 2025 University of Lagos (UNILAG) International Week.
The event, themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa,” will take place from October 13 to 17, 2025, at UNILAG’s Akoka campus.
The week-long program will bring together government officials, global partners, academics, and tech innovators to discuss artificial intelligence and collaboration.
Keynote speakers will include Dr. Tijani, Mr. Lubanzadio, and Ms. Ike, while sessions on digital governance will feature Nigeria’s BPP boss, Dr. Adedokun.
Young innovators like Adeleke Eniola, who developed an AI-powered malaria diagnostic tool, will also be highlighted.
Plenary sessions will cover topics such as ethical AI, data governance, and educational innovation, aiming for actionable outcomes like policy recommendations and investment linkages.
Director of International Relations, Professor Ismail Ibraheem, emphasised the importance of the event in shaping Africa’s voice in the global tech space, stating that the week serves as a platform for practical collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
UNILAG continues to strengthen its international partnerships for research and skills development, reinforcing its role in global engagement.
BREAKING: Uche Nnaji Resigns as Tinubu’s Minister
President Tinubu Decorates INEC’s Mahmood Yakubu with “CON” National Honour
OpenAI’s Global Actors to Grace 2025 UNILAG International Week
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