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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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BREAKING: Tragic One-Way Crash Claims Tricycle Driver’s Life in Meiran Lagos

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A commercial tricycle driver has been killed in a fatal one-way crash in the Meiran area of Lagos State.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when a vehicle travelling against the designated flow of traffic on a one-way road collided head-on with the tricycle.

The impact left the tricycle driver with severe injuries, and he was confirmed dead at the scene by emergency responders.

Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigeria Police Force were quickly mobilised to the location. The crash site was secured, and traffic was temporarily disrupted as recovery operations got underway. The body of the deceased has been evacuated to a nearby mortuary pending formal identification and further investigations.

Authorities say the exact circumstances surrounding the crash, including the identity of the tricycle driver and details of the other vehicle involved, are still being established. Police have launched a probe into the incident, with particular focus on the alleged one-way driving that led to the collision.

Road safety officials have once again cautioned motorists against driving against traffic, describing the practice as a major contributor to fatal accidents on Lagos roads. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

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JUST IN: Zamfara LG Chairman Freed After 61 Days in Captivity

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The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the release of Nura Abdullahi, Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, after spending 61 days in the captivity of kidnappers.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the development to Arise News in a telephone interview on Thursday. He said the chairman is presently receiving medical attention in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, following his release.

According to the police, Abdullahi regained his freedom alongside other persons who were abducted with him on the same day and taken to an unknown location. The exact circumstances surrounding the release were not immediately disclosed.

Police authorities have remained silent on whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom. However, unconfirmed reports circulating in the state claim that the sum of ₦200 million was earlier paid to the kidnappers. The reports further allege that the abductors refused to free the chairman at the time and continued to hold him, demanding additional payment.

The abduction occurred when heavily armed attackers invaded Abdullahi’s residence in Bungudu town. During the assault, two security agents attached to the local government chairman were killed. His elder brother was also shot and later died in hospital from the injuries sustained.

The release of the Bungudu LG chairman marks the end of a prolonged ordeal that had drawn concern across Zamfara State. Further details on the condition of the other freed victims and any ongoing investigations are still being awaited from the police.

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Crime

Boko Haram Attacks Adamawa Community, Kills Residents

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Boko Haram militants have launched a deadly invasion of a community in Adamawa State, killing several residents and setting multiple houses ablaze.

The attack, described by local sources as sudden and coordinated, saw the fighters storm the area, opening fire on civilians and torching homes. Survivors reported scenes of chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the assault. A number of people were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

The burning of houses has left many families displaced, with properties and livelihoods destroyed in the violence. The community remains tense, and residents are calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.

Security forces are yet to issue a comprehensive official update on the incident, though reports indicate that troops have been mobilised to the area.

The assault is the latest in a series of raids attributed to the group in the northeast, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents in Adamawa and neighbouring states.

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