Headlines
Court adjourns till December 16 for Ekweremadu and daughter charged
Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, will remain under lock and key at His Majesty’s Prison, where he’s being kept, till at least over a month more, before any chances of becoming a free man again.
This is because the ‘conspiracy’ case of allegations to procure organ against him was moved to December 16, after Monday’s plea and trial preparation hearing at the Central Criminal Court – Old Bailey.
Ekweremadu, who is being charged alongside his wife, Beatrice, their daughter, Sonia, and Dr. Obinna Obeta, didn’t get to appear via video link before the brief hearing that started at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 6 ended.
Though arrangements were in progress for him to appear virtually and the prison security guards were already setting up, this was subsequently put on hold before the judge adjourned and rose, having heard from both the Crown prosecutor and the defence.
However, Sonia and her mother were in the dock. Ekweremadu’s son (alongside two of his friends) was in the public gallery to watch the case against his parents and sister.
A representative of the Nigerian High Commission also came to court, and so also was the senator’s long-term friend, who identified himself as Obum.
“I flew in from Nigerian for this case and will be going back in a few days,” Obum told The Guardian after the hearing. How soon or how much longer the senator will stay behind bars should become clear by the time of the December 16 hearing, as that is when the legal wrangling will begin.
But before then, the defence would have submitted their ‘skeleton’ arguments to both the court and the prosecution, latest on November 25, as mandated during the hearing.
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The prosecution too must respond in like manner by December 12. The case will proceed to trial based on the outcome of the hearing on December 16.
When The Guardian asked a lawyer, Chinedu A. Okoye, about the significance of the next hearing and if it was going to be equally brief. He said: “The outcome will depend on whether the case goes to trial on January 31.
“The defence may have strong arguments to support their case, and if the Judge feels the prosecution can’t get a conviction, the case will be thrown out.”
Shedding more light on the case, he said: “This is a case of conspiracy” to facilitate “organ procurement. Harvesting has not been committed. They have not actually committed the crime.”
When asked if bail application could be on the cards on December 16, Okoye disclosed: “The pre-trial detention will expire on December 22. So, if the prosecution wants to keep him longer, they need to reapply for permission to extend the pre-trial detention to keep him in prison.”
After the hearing, Mrs. Ekweremadu and Sonia hurriedly made their way outside the Old Bailey and stood at the side entrance before well wishers came to greet them.
A source revealed that Mrs. Ekweremadu reports to a “nearby police station where she stays thrice a week as part of her bail condition.”
Sonia, it was gathered, was dragged into the case as co-defendant “the upper Thursday,” October 27. Speaking further, Okoye noted: “If the case proceeds to trial, it’s going to be a jury trial and the court will need to find a judge who will take the case.”
Headlines
FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Headlines
Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
Headlines
Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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