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Cyberstalking: Court decides Sowore’s bail today
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned to Thursday for its ruling on the bail application filed by a former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, who is facing 17 counts of cybercrime charges.
Until the court rules on the bail application, Sowore will remain in police custody.
Justice Musa Liman decided after hearing arguments from Sowore’s counsel, Marshal Abubakar, and the prosecution counsel for the Nigerian Police Force, Udey Jonathan.
Sowore had pleaded not guilty to all 17 counts when it was read to him earlier in the day.
In the charge, the activist was accused of using his verified X handle account, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ to post a tweet against the Inspector General of Police, calling him “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.”
The police alleged that the statement was false and intended to incite a breakdown of law and order.
Justice Liman, who had initially stood down the matter in the morning, scheduled the bail application ruling for 3 pm.
At the resumed hearing, Sowore’s counsel, Abubakar, prayed to the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal terms.
“We have a motion on notice filed today, January 29, 2025,” Abubakar stated.
“I ask you, my noble lord, to release the applicant on bail in the most liberal terms possible, pending the hearing and determination of the trial.
“The applicant has also filed a 16-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Sunday Agabi, and we rely on the arguments within. We urge your lordship to grant our application,” he added.
Abubakar further argued that the court had a duty to grant bail at its discretion, regardless of the strength of the opposing arguments of the complainant.
The prosecution counsel, Udey Jonathan, opposed the application, urging the court to deny Sowore bail.
“My lord, a counter-affidavit deposed by one Friday Ameh, a police intelligence officer, has been filed against the bail application,” Udey said.
“We seek reliance on all paragraphs of our counter-affidavit and have filed a written address in support, dated January 29, 2025.
“We adopt the written address as our oral submission against the bail application and urge the honourable court to dismiss it,” he added.
The prosecution counsel further stated that “Bail cannot be handed out like candies; it should not be granted in vacuo. While bail is at the court’s discretion, it is not a state of grace.
“If the court decides to grant bail, it should impose stringent terms to ensure the defendant’s appearance for trial, including the submission of his international passport.”
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Liman adjourned the matter to 1 pm on Thursday for the ruling.
News
READ latest updates on DC crash: Rescue team still searching for bodies after air disaster
28 bodies pulled out, crash maybe US deadliest in 24yrs
At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C., officials said Thursday.
Crews were still searching for other casualties but did not believe there were any survivors, which would make it the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.
Here’s the latest:
What caused the collision? There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision. Officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.
Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter during a training flight, an Army official said.
What’s known about the victims?
Passengers on the flight included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S.
Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
What’s the latest on the recovery efforts? The body of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water.
The wreckage of the helicopter was also found. Some 300 first responders were on scene as of early Thursday morning.
News
Indian Couples In US Rush C-Sections Ahead of Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Deadline
Indian couples in the United States are scheduling early C-section deliveries to ensure their children are born before February 20, 2025.
This rush follows an executive order by President Donald Trump that ends automatic citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents after February 19.
According to the Times of India, Trump issued the directive shortly after taking office. Under the new rule, babies born in the U.S. to non-citizens will no longer qualify for citizenship by birth.
Many Indian parents, especially those on temporary visas like H-1B and L1 or waiting for Green Cards, are trying to beat the deadline. Babies born before February 19 will still be granted U.S. citizenship, making early delivery a priority for many expectant parents.
Despite due dates being weeks away, reports indicate that several couples are contacting doctors to schedule early C-sections.
Dr. S.D. Rama, a gynecologist in New Jersey, said his clinic has seen a surge in C-section requests, including from women as early as seven months pregnant. One couple even requested delivery in February, though the baby was due in March.
A major reason for this rush is the long-term immigration benefits. Previously, U.S.-born children could sponsor their parents for Green Cards once they turned 21. For Indian nationals facing decades-long backlogs in visa processing, this was a crucial pathway to legal residency.
However, medical professionals are warning against premature deliveries. Texas-based obstetrician Dr. S.G. Mukkala highlighted the risks, including respiratory issues and neurological complications. Despite this, he has received about 20 requests for early deliveries in recent days.
For undocumented immigrants, the situation is even more critical. Without birthright citizenship, their children will have no claim to legal status, leaving many families uncertain about their future in the U.S.
As the February deadline approaches, Indian families across the country are making difficult decisions to secure a future for their children in America.
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Watch out for upcoming episode of ‘Your Family Lawyer ‘ this Saturday
Again, seasoned lawyer, Chinye Chuma this Saturday will unearth inherent dangers in familyhood.
Chinye known for his incisive and clear cut analysis will this Saturday highlight how one can swim through legal challenges in marriages and family matters.
WATCH out!
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