There was confusion at a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, as no fewer than four children, among the 76 defendants, billed for arraignment over their involvement in the August #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country, slumped during their trial.

Recall the protest, which began on Aug. 1 to demand for good governance, ended on Aug. 10.

The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police had, earlier charged 11 of the protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court on alleged treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria, conspiracy to commit felony and inciting mutiny, among others, which are punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

The protesters were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Gombe over the 10-day protest which resulted in violence and killings in parts of the country.

However, when the matter was called on Friday, I-G’s lawyer, Audu Garba, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment of the 76 defendants, who had been in detention.

Shortly after they were called into the dock to take their plea, four of the children slumped in the open court.

The four of them were Usman Fatihu (21 years), Muhammed Yahaya (14 years), Muktar Ishak Alhassan (16 years) and Mustapha Ibrahim (18 years).

They are 68th, 74th, 75th, and76th defendants respectively in the 10-count charge bordering on treason, among other offences.

The trial judge, Obiora Egwuatu, abruptly stood down the trial and rose.

Justice Egwuatu came back after some minutes later to continue with the trial

By Francesca Hangeior.

A popular social media activist, Martins Otse, otherwise known as VeryDarkMan, was on Friday, arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Wuse Zone 6, over an allegation that he falsely presented himself as a police officer.

The defendant, who was in the charge marked: CR/510/2024, accused of impersonation and making unauthorized use of the police uniform, pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

He was subsequently granted bail by the court to the tune of N2million with the two sureties in the like sum.

The court maintained that the sureties must not only be resident within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, but must also submit their passports to its registry.

⁠According to the court, the sureties must also provide a means of identification and depose to an affidavit to provide the defendant for his trial, at all times.

It mandated the police which is prosecuting the matter to verify the address of the sureties who were equally directed to provide an evidence of payment of their utility bills.

The defendant was also directed to deposed to an affidavit that he would always make himself available for the trial.

It will be recalled that the VeryDarkMan was detained on Thursday after he honoured an invitation that was extended to him by the police.

The defendant was seen in a video that went viral on various social media platforms, wearing an uniform that was similar to that of the Nigeria Police Force.

He described himself as a CSP of an online division and jokingly urged his fans and followers to always acknowledge him with his new rank instead of referring him as an activist.

By Francesca Hangeior.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning regarding the recall of a specific batch of Nivea Black & White Invisible Roll-on Deodorant (50ml).

This deodorant, which claims to provide 48-hour protection in African climates, is being recalled due to safety concerns.

The affected batch (number 93529610) contains a chemical known as 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), which is prohibited in cosmetics because it may harm the reproductive system, pose risks to unborn babies, and cause skin irritation or burns.

NAFDAC released this notice following a warning from the European Union Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products in Brussels. The agency urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the affected Nivea Roll-on with the specified batch number.

The notice stated: “The recalled Nivea product is reported to contain 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, a chemical prohibited in cosmetic products due to its potential to cause harm to the reproductive system, impair the health of an unborn child, and cause skin irritation and burns to users.”

The product is manufactured in Germany and has the Bar Code Number 42299882. NAFDAC advised the public to cease the sale and use of the affected batch and to submit any stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Additionally, healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events related to the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via email at [email protected], through the E-reporting platform available at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-Safety application, which can be downloaded on Android.