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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
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
News
NLC disrupts Air Peace flight
The affected Air Peace flight, scheduled to depart Lagos at 6:30am, could not take off as passengers waited amid the disruption.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday disrupted flight operations in Lagos, leaving passengers scheduled to travel on an Air Peace flight stranded at the airport.
Our Reporter learned that the “protest was intended to enforce Air Peace employees right to join the union.”
Zulu terminal gate was under lock and key. The protest started at about 5am.
The affected Air Peace flight, scheduled to depart Lagos at 6:30am, could not take off as passengers waited amid the disruption.
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