News
Kaduna train attack: Absence of witness stalls Tukur Mamu’s trial
By Francesca Hangeior
The trial of Tukur Mamu, the “terrorist negotiator”, was on Tuesday, stalled due to the absence of the witnesses in court.
The trial was scheduled to proceed before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, when the matter was called, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), David Kaswe, informed the court of their challenge.
Kaswe said though the prosecution still had three more witnesses to call to establish its case against Mamu, he said the next witness, who had already been prepared to testify, told them last night that he would not be able to come to Abuja.
The lawyer further said that another witness who would have given his evidence and tendered the exhibits in the case could not come because the exhibits keeper was not around.
“This is the challenge we have my lord,” he said, seeking an adjournment.
Responding, Johnson Usman, SAN, who appeared for Mamu, expressed sadness over the development.
The senior lawyer, who did not oppose Kaswe’s application for adjournment, however informed the court of their complaints.
Usman alleged that his client, a Muslim, had not been allowed to go for his prayer since he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He also alleged that Mamu’s relatives were being prevented from seeing him against the court order.
Besides, the lawyer said though the court ordered that his client should be allowed to have access to a doctor of his choice, he said after his doctor prescribed a BP Digital Kit for his client, the DSS officers refused to allow the family come with equipment.
He said even though the security agency insisted that the device would be provided for the defendant, they were yet to do that.
Justice Ekwo, therefore, directed the prosecution and the defence lawyers to work together and report back to the court within seven days on the step taken to resolve the issues.
The judge adjourned the matter until May 6, May 7 and May 8 for continuation of trial.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government had, on March 21, 2023, arraigned Mamu for allegedly aiding terrorist operations in the country.
He was arraigned on a 10-count terrorism charge but pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar was accused of collecting various sums of money in different currencies from families of victims of the train attack, on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists sect.
The federal government told the court that investigations revealed that the defendant collected an aggregate sum of $420, 000 from families of the victims, as well as N21 million from another set of families of the train attack.
It further alleged that Mamu concealed funds he earned from services he rendered to the terrorist organisation, in his residence in Kaduna State.
It told the court that the defendant had sometime in 2022, in Kaduna State, received ransom payments in the sum of N500, 000 on behalf of the Boko haram terrorist group, from families of the train attack that were held as hostages.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Honarable (Alhaji) Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa, the Chief Executive of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited has extended birthday greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on his 73rd birthday, wishing him good health and long life in order for the country to benefit from his “excellent leadership.”
In a message to mark the 73rd birthday of the President, the businessman commended Asiwaju Tinubu for making “sustained efforts to overcome the many problems of the country,” while wishing him many happy returns of the day and thanking him for creating an enabling environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs to succeed in their pursuits.”
Hon. Mosadoluwa who is also the founder of Royal Crystal Airways, New Horizon Aviation Agency, Ibile Auctioneer & Recovery and Ibile Food Security Farm City Limited in a statement issued on Saturday, was quoted as saying, “President Tinubu is a goal getter with keen interest of assembling technocrats in his team, courageous, audacious, passionate, patriotic nationalist and committed to the progress, growth, and development of Nigeria without looking back.”
The Oyo town-born businessman added, “President Tinubu’s financial wizardry and economic intellect is unparalleled and he is no doubt a grandmaster of progressive politics in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“When he came into power in 2023 his administration met Nigeria’s economic turmoil, widespread poverty, and rising unemployment, however President Tinubu impressively turned the tide by implementing bold reforms to stabilise the economy.
“The withdrawal of the unsustainable fuel subsidy and the unification of the FOREX market were pivotal steps, redirecting funds to critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These measures have reduced petrol importation to a considerable percentage and boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange the top-performing bourse globally.
“On this auspicious day Mr. President, all of us at Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited we say happy glorious birthday to you sir. May you celebrate more, in overflowing happiness and good health. Your Excellency, congratulations sir.”
News
Just in: 2025 Ramadan Fasting Ends As Sultan Of Sokoto Confirms Sighting Of Moon For Eid-el-Fitr
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad, has announced that the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan fasting has been sighted.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that the Sultan made this known in a broadcast on Saturday.
The Sultan said they received reports of sighting from Borno, Zazzau, Dutse, Maru, among other places within the country.
The Sultan, who is president of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSIA), said, “Today marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and Sunday, March 30, is the Eid-el-Fitri celebration”.
Details shortly….
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has paid glowing tributes to the President of Nigeria, National Leader of All Progressives Congress APC and former Governor of Lagos State, Senator (Asiwaju) Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as he celebrate his 73rd birthday.
Olokode-Ayelabola, a resident of the Republic of Ireland who mobilised and campaigned for President Bola Tinubu during the February 2023 presidential poll is a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional, in a congratulatory massage to the septuagenarian described him as a visionary and transformative president.
She said the Nigerian leader who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, has remained a Colossus and a phenomenon in the annals of the ruling party and the nation’s political history.
Kemi also noted that the exceptional political career and service of Tinubu, has inspired so many people and has produced many successful leaders in the country.
She continued to disclose further that the APC National Leader is an icon, bridge builder and a patriotic elder statesman who believes in the development, unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, I feel so elated and fulfilled to join other well meaning Nigerians across the globe to felicitate with you on your 73rd birthday. You are indeed an incredible leader with a large heart who has continued to be a major player in the Nigerian politics through your broad-minded and examplary leadership style.
“So many people owe their successes to your magnanimity and accommodating nature. You are truly a legend, an astute politician with uncommon intellect. It is my prayer that your tireless commitment to addressing governance challenges, fortifying national security, and mitigating economic hardships continue to inspire vista of hope and resilience among Nigerians”, she said.
Kemi prayed for more years in good health and wisdom for the president, to continue to serve Nigeria and humanity by extention.
-
News21 hours agoWATCH moment ex-Rivers HoS, Nweke reveals plans by Fubara to unleash mayhem before Emergency Rule (Video)
-
News12 hours agoWife ready to refund N6k dowry as husband insists I won’t accept anything less than N200k
-
News15 hours ago“Your theatrics are poorly rehearsed”- Prof Ogiri tells purveyors of video of Rivers ex-HoS wife
-
News16 hours agoYou’re truly our worthy ambassador – Body of Benchers honours Wike
-
News17 hours ago
Rivers people should thank Tinubu for declaring Emergency Rule -Ex-Rivers HoS
-
News14 hours agoBREAKING: Former Rivers HOS Nweke Calls for Independent Investigation
-
News15 hours ago
Just in: “Snub my wife’s distress call I’m very safe in Abuja ” -ExRivers HoS declares
-
News21 hours agoEFCC denies political victimisation in Achimugu probe