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Darius Ishaku: Court Adjourns Till June 15 As Counsel Withdraws Services From Second Defendant

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Darius Ishaku: Court Adjourns Till June 15 As Counsel Withdraws Services From Second Defendant

Justice S. C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja on Thursday, April 30, 2026, adjourned the trial of the former Taraba State governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku alongside a former permanent secretary in the state’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero to June 15, 2026.

The adjournment followed the announcement in court by Yero’s counsel, Samuel Fagade, of the immediate withdrawal of his services from him.

Both defendants are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 15-count charge, bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds to the tune of N27 billion.

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At the Thursday sitting, trial was to continue with the prosecution’s examination-in-chief of its third witness, PW3, Taiwo Johns, but was truncated by the withdrawal announcement by counsel to the second defendant.

“I would like to bring your notice of my withdrawal of service, urging my lord to grant it. I am also aware that the second defendant has a substitute counsel,” he said.

Following the development, Justice Oriji demanded from the second defendant how he would want the court to intervene for him, to which he prayed for a long adjournment to enable him shop for a new counsel.

“I want to plead with his lordship to grant me adjournment of four to six weeks to enable me to get a legal representation. As it is now, I don’t have legal representation. I have not engaged any lawyer to represent me. Kindly grant me permission so that I can look for another lawyer to stand for me, four to six weeks so that I don’t come back and say my lord increase it for me,” he said.

While the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, did not object to the application, he, however, observed that the counsel to second defendant, who withdrew his services was present in court at the last adjourned date when the prosecution began to lead the PW3 in his examination-in-chief, noting that the counsel did not give the minimum three days’ resignation notice to the court as required by law.

“When we called our PW3, this counsel was there, representing the second defendant, he should have at least given the court three days’ notice according to the stipulation of the law,” he said.

Speaking further, he disclosed that the second defendant was not sincere in his claim of not having a legal replacement. “The second defendant came with a lawyer and the lawyer actually wrote his name on the Cause List and then cancelled it when the second defendant wanted to use the opportunity to get an adjournment.

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Court

They came together to this court and the lawyer is in court hearing me. So, your lordship should not grant the luxury of six weeks. Your lordship should not grant it particularly for the second defendant,” he said.

The new counsel, who then had to unveil himself, informed the court that he had actually begun a discussion with the second defendant but that no conclusion has been reached, yet.

Justice Oriji granted the request of the second defendant’s counsel to withdraw his services from his client and adjourned the matter till June 15, July 2, 7, 13,14 and 15, 2926 for continuation of trial.

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Obi: Nigerians Arrested While Transiting Through Ethiopia’s Airport In Search Of Greener Pastures

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Peter Obi

Obi: Nigerians Arrested While Transiting Through Ethiopia’s Airport In Search Of Greener Pastures

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, alleges that an overwhelming number of Nigerians were arrested while travelling through Addis Ababa’s international airport in search of greener pastures abroad.

Mr Obi stated this in a statement on Tuesday while hailing the successful completion of a prisoner exchange agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

“A significant number were arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport in search of green pastures,” Mr Obi stated.
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“While we commend this humanitarian intervention, it serves as a reminder of a larger systemic crisis. The overwhelming majority of these citizens are young Nigerians. A significant number were arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport in search of greener pastures,” the politician stated.

Nigeria and Ethiopia had signed an agreement to facilitate the transfer of prisoners between them, in line with their respective laws and international obligations.

Magnus Eze, special assistant on communication and new media in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement days ago.

Mr Obi described the agreement as a refreshing humanitarian intervention.

“The news of the conclusion of the prisoners exchange between Nigeria and Ethiopia is refreshing,” the NDC chieftain added. “Every life is precious, and ensuring the constitutional right to human dignity for all Nigerians – regardless of where they are or the circumstances they find themselves in – must remain a cornerstone of our national foreign policy.”

The politician, who commended the efforts of Nigeria’s foreign affairs and justice ministers, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, attorney general Lateef Fagbemi, also lauded their Ethiopian counterparts for finally concluding the protracted negotiations.

The politician, however, condemned the death of at least four Nigerians who lost their lives in custody while the diplomatic and administrative process dragged on over the past few years.

He further decried the harsh circumstances forcing young Nigerians out of the country.

Peter Obi

Peter Obi

“While we must continuously urge our citizens to remain law-abiding and respect the laws of host nations wherever they travel or reside, we must also ask ourselves a hard question: What drives our young and productive population into desperate circumstances across the globe?” Mr Obi stated.

The NDC chieftain advocated genuine rehabilitation and societal reintegration for prisoners, stressing the need for a country characterised by genuine economic opportunities, a functional education system, and an environment where hard work is rewarded.
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NPF Arrest Man For Sharing Fake Video Of Bandit Attack In Ekiti

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NPF Arrest Man For Sharing Fake Video Of Bandit Attack In Ekiti

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, over allegedly spreading fake news of bandits’ attack on Are Ekiti in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, had been unable to give a reason for the false information.
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Abutu stated, “The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State”.

The statement reads in part: “On 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order.

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Video

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while warning that the Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public, advises members of the public to always verify information they believe or share on social media,” the PPRO stated.
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Umahi Says “Tinubu Has Limited Us”, As Ebonyi Name Him Sole 2027 Presidential Candidate

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Ebonyi

Umahi Says “Tinubu Has Limited Us”, As Ebonyi Name Him Sole 2027 Presidential Candidate

In a massive show of solidarity, the people of Ebonyi State on Monday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as their sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election, with Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, declaring that the state would never turn its back on a leader he said has transformed the fortunes of Ebonyi and the South-East.

The endorsement took place at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, during a grand gathering attended by top political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and party faithful from across the state.
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Addressing the millions of Ebonyians, Umahi said the endorsement was in appreciation of Ebonyi people for the unprecedented federal presence the state has enjoyed under President Tinubu.

“We are not going to make another mistake. The past belongs to accident of history,” Umahi declared.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot, not just for Ebonyi State, but for the entire southeast. As he’s doing for other geopolitical zones, he’s doing for us.”

The Ministe highlighted several landmark federal infrastructure projects being executed under the Tinubu administration, describing them as evidence of the President’s commitment to the development of the region.

According to him, one of the signature projects in Ebonyi alone is valued at about N445 billion.

“One single project, one, which is 123km only in Ebonyi state, is 445 billion naira.

“One single project running from Ndibe Beach down to Nbeke Ishieke, the boundary with Benue State. That is the project, Trans-Sahara project, and it is the top legacy project of the president.”

Umahi also pointed to the dualisation of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road and the Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road as major interventions that will significantly boost economic activities and regional connectivity.

“Shall we talk about dualization of Enugu to Abakaliki, 118km, 183b. Shall we talk about dualization of Afikpo to Uturu to Okigwe, 193b, which is 64km.”

The Minister further referenced strategic bridge projects linking communities and states, stressing that the South-East now enjoys a level of federal attention that was previously absent.

“Is it to talk about the bridge at Ofeeke crossing to our brothers in Cross River? Is it to talk about the famous Itu Bridge? Tell me, I’m grateful.”

He reflected on his years as Deputy Governor and Governor, contrasting them with what he described as the current era of federal inclusion for Ebonyi people.

“This is just a demonstration. We will never, never, never abandon our own. We will never abandon the man who has lifted the state.

“I was deputy governor, I was governor. There was no single appointment at the federal level here. But now, you see all the appointments in Ebonyi State.

“You see all the projects of the governor. You see all the projects of President Tinubu. We are very grateful.”

The Governor Francis Nwifuru said the endorsement of President Tinubu was a unanimous decision reached by the people of Ebonyi State after assessing the President’s performance, particularly his commitment to infrastructure development, economic reforms and inclusive governance. He maintained that the South-East has benefited immensely from the Renewed Hope agenda and that the state was duty-bound to support a leader who has demonstrated goodwill towards the region.

The governor also received a resounding endorsement for a second term in office, with stakeholders citing ongoing infrastructure development, empowerment programmes, education initiatives and governance reforms across the state as reasons for their support.

Throwing his weight behind the decisions of the people, Umahi formally endorsed both President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru for another term in office.

Ebonyi

Ebonyi

“And so I support the governor and the entire Ebonyi State in endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our sole candidate 2027 and endorsing Right Honorable Francis Nwifuru as the sole governorship candidate in Ebonyi State. Thank you very much.”

The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, members of the National Assembly, Fmr Ministers, party leaders and other prominent figures from within and outside the South-East.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
Eereporter.com
June 16, 2026

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