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PDP, Atiku Present 26th Witness As Tribunal Hears Petition Against Tinubu

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, have called their 26th witness before the Election Petition Tribunal, in its case against the victory of President Bola Tinubu.

The witness, Mr Hitler Nwanna, is a digital forensic analyst who is appearing with a forensic report and a certificate of compliance, all arising from the conduct of the February 25 Presidential Election.

Nwanna told the court that he did not inspect all the BVAS machines, and worked on only 110.

In response, lawyer to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abubakar Mahmood stated that going by the 110 BVAS devices inspected by the witness, only 0.069% of the machines deployed nationwide were inspected.

Mahmood further stated that INEC deployed 3,163 polling devices to 2,822 polling units in the FCT. According to him, the witness inspected just 3.5% of the number of devices deployed.

Abubakar Mahmoud therefore stated that the result of Mr Nwala’s forensic inspection isn’t an accurate representation of the outcome of the election.

To verify the witness’ claims on deleting of results, INEC’s lawyer brought four BVAS devices for the witness to inspect. The witness however declined to this gesture, insisting it’s a move that amounts to tampering with evidence in a matter already before the Court.

The witness had referenced in his report that the forensic inspection of the BVAS machine and IReV report was pursuant to a court order urging INEC to allow inspection.

However, during cross examination, the witness noted that the said Court order wasn’t attached to his witness statement.

Following arguments and listening to all sides in the matter, the court decided that the PDP’s case be adjourned to tomorrow Friday for conclusion.

Expected to come up later today is the hearing of the case put forward by the Labour Party.

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‎‎Wike begs court to jail striking FCTA Workers

The substantive matter has been adjourned to March 25, 2026.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has asked the National Industrial Court to commit striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to prison for alleged disobedience of a subsisting court order.‎‎

The workers resumed their strike despite a January 27 order by Justice

Subilim directing them to suspend industrial action pending determination of a suit filed by the Minister.‎‎

To enforce compliance, Wike’s legal team, led by Ogwu Onoja SAN, obtained Form 48 — a “Notice of Consequence of Disobedience of Court Order” — warning the workers they could face contempt proceedings and imprisonment.

The notice, dated January 29, was signed by the Registrar of the Industrial Court, Olajide Balogun.‎‎

Justice Subilim had earlier ruled that strikes must halt once disputes are referred to the Industrial Court, citing Section 18(1)(E) of the Trade Disputes Act.

He emphasized that public interest in maintaining industrial peace outweighs any inconvenience caused by suspending strikes.‎‎

Despite this, the workers continued their action, arguing they had filed an appeal against the ruling.

Wike’s counsel countered that only an express stay of execution could justify resuming the strike, insisting court orders must be obeyed.‎‎

The substantive matter has been adjourned to March 25, 2026.

The strike, which began January 19, has disrupted operations across FCTA Secretariat, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.‎‎

The standoff now sets the stage for possible contempt proceedings, as the Industrial Court weighs enforcement of its authority against the workers’ defiance.

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Sharia: Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences

Under Aceh’s Islamic criminal code, sex outside marriage is punishable by 100 strokes of the cane, while consuming alcohol carries 40 strokes.

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•Getty Images : A woman was crying during the public caning in Aceh

A couple in Indonesia has been caned 140 times for having sex outside marriage and drinking alcohol because it violates Sharia, or Islamic religious law.

The 21-year-old woman fainted after three female officers took turns striking her with a rattan cane, while she cried. After she collapsed, she was carried off the stage by female officers to an ambulance.

The couple were caned on Thursday along with four others, including an officer from the Islamic police force, who were all found guilty of violating Sharia.

Caning is a common punishment for breaking Islamic law in religiously conservative Aceh, although the practice has long drawn criticism from rights groups who say it’s cruel.

Under Aceh’s Islamic criminal code, sex outside marriage is punishable by 100 strokes of the cane, while consuming alcohol carries 40 strokes.

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Edo Gov Okpebholo Reshuffles Cabinet

The Governor said that he is confident the adjustments will enhance coordination, policy implementation, and governance in the State.

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The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the reshuffling of his cabinet aimed at strengthening governance and efficiency in the state administration.

The changes were confirmed on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor.

The statement reads:

” Vincent Osas Uwadiae has been redeployed from the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources to the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development as Commissioner.

Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, previously Commissioner for Lands and Housing, is now Chief of Staff to the Governor.

Also, Gani Audu, former Chief of Staff, has been nominated as Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, pending confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.”

The changes take effect from January 30, 2026.

According to the statement, the Governor said he is confident that the adjustments will enhance coordination, policy implementation, and governance in the State.

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