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Tinubu Cyberbullying Trial: Court Rejects Sowore’s Application for Long Adjournment

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.……Maintains Order for Accelerated Hearing

Maintains Order for Accelerated HearingA Federal High Court has rejected activist Omoyele Sowore’s request for a lengthy adjournment in his ongoing trial for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a “criminal.”

Justice Mohammed Umar, on Monday, turned down the defense’s plea for an adjournment until September to enable additional subpoenaed witnesses to appear. The judge insisted that the subsisting order for accelerated hearing remains in force and that the trial must proceed day-to-day in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Lead prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) had earlier urged the court to foreclose the defense case, noting that the court had already granted the defense ten adjournments, resulting in unnecessary delays.

Sowore’s counsel, Raphael Adakole, had sought the long adjournment because the defense had a list of subpoenaed witnesses whose subpoenas were yet to be signed by the judge. Adakole argued that signing the documents was necessary to effect service and secure the witnesses’ attendance.

In his short ruling, Justice Umar faulted the request for another long adjournment, particularly one convenient for the lead defense counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), who was absent. The judge clarified that the senior lawyer’s absence was not sufficient reason to stall proceedings. He, however, assured the defense that he would sign the necessary subpoena paperwork to facilitate the appearance of the additional witnesses.

Despite protests from Adakole, who cited other criminal cases scheduled outside Abuja, the court adjourned the matter to Wednesday, July 16, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Proceedings on Monday

Earlier in the session, the prosecution concluded the cross-examination of the first defense witness, Deji Adeyanju. The court played three video exhibits previously tendered, including clips of President Tinubu stating that he no longer accesses social media to avoid constant verbal attacks from critics, and another in which he said no one should “bear the brunt of injustice” for merely writing against him.

Bail Condition Update

Adakole also informed the court that the defense had perfected all terms of Sowore’s bail, with only the final endorsement from the bail department remaining. He noted a delay, as the bail unit insisted on a formal letter from the lead prosecutor verifying the sureties, despite prior verification during the bail ruling.

Following the court’s intervention, a bail unit staff member explained that the letter was standard procedure. Lead prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) agreed to provide the required letter.

Parties are expected to return on July 16 for the continuation of the trial.

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More Than 23 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram-ISWAP Clash in Sambisa (Video)

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More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.

The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.

A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.

Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.

The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.

Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.

Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.

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10 Out of 15 Abducted NYSC Members Rescued in Kogi (Video)

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The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.

He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.

The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

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JUST IN: Terrorists kill 4, abduct others in Gorau after boat tragedy

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Suspected terrorists killed four people, abducted four others and injured several more in an attack on Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday night.

The attackers invaded the community around 9pm and shot 11 residents, according to the village head, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami. Seven of those shot survived and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while four died instantly.

The assault came barely six days after a boat accident claimed 65 lives in the same community. Na-Batsami said the terrorists specifically targeted families of the boat mishap victims over the N1 million relief money donated by the Sokoto State Government to each bereaved family. He said the bandits went from house to house searching for the cash.

Bashir Usman Gorau, the member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, confirmed the incident and offered condolences to the affected families.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls were not returned at the time of filing this report.

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