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Mike Ozekhome Leads Nnamdi Kanu’s Defence Team As IPOB Leader Arrives In Court

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Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has unveiled Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) as the leader of the defence counsel for the IPOB leader.

Kanu is expected to appear in court before Justice Binta Nyako today to resume the 15-count charge levelled against him by the Nigerian government

The IPOB leader arrived at the court by 7am amidst heightened security. It was gathered that security agents were asking for clearance before they allowed journalists and other lawyers to move closer to the court premises.

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As of the time of filing this report, the court had yet to commence sitting.

“Yes, I’m now in the legal team and that’s why you’re seeing me in court,” Ozekhome said.

Meanwhile, Ejiofor had in an earlier statement announced an addition to Kanu’s legal team but didn’t reveal the identity.

He had said, “I want to assure you, Umuchineke, that our legal team, is, presently, more fortified than ever to do battle in Court, and God being on our side, victory is assured. We paid our routine visit to our untiring, unwavering, unrelenting, rock-solid and noble client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the DSS detention facility at Abuja. The visit, this time, was spectacular and was greeted by an infectious air of camaraderie. Onyendu was particularly enthused by the visit and preferred to describe it as ‘A surprise Christmas Present’. You may not understand the peculiarity of this visit and the how significant it is.

“But in due course, I am certain you will be in the best position to fully appreciate the wisdom that informed it. Suffice it to say that as the lead attorney of Onyendu, I took advantage of the visit to unveil a legal giant, a distinguished and an accomplished member of the Inner Bar, whom I have chosen to fortify our defence team. The learned Senior counsel is an excellent and a consummate learned gentleman, distinguished in academics and in the practice of law in our law courts.

“The reason that informed this arrangement is my unflinching desire to throw in every weapon in our arsenal to ensure that Onyendu gets the best at all times. This latest master stroke, evident in the legal giant that has intervened, came to Onyendu as a big surprise. Although he was not oblivious of my arrangement to enlist the assistance and co-operation of a Senior Attorney, he did not know that I could get a Senior Attorney of the rarest breed.

“He was particularly delighted to welcome this legal giant, a consummate member of the Inner Bar, a legal Iroko, who has distinguished himself in the practice of law, when we visited him yesterday. I must state here and now that the Senior attorney involved has been my mentor over the years. He has worked from the sidelines with our legal team since 2016. He is a man imbued with profound intellect, legal sophistry, an infectious sense of history, much like Onyendu, and of impeccable character.

“His brilliance radiates effortlessly. He is indeed an excellent advocate. The stage which we have attained in the Court gymnastics involving Onyendu signposts an auspicious time at which to introduce the leading and erudite member of the Inner Bar to our defence team. Henceforth, he will lead our defence team in proceedings in Court.

“Further, in the course of our interaction with Onyendu, the legal giant singled me out for commendation. He paid me effusive compliments for my steadfastness, devotion, commitment and fidelity to Onyendu.

“He also variously referred to instances to buttress his conclusion. Onyendu, with a smile on his face, nodded repeatedly in approval. I was particularly touched by these references and it further fortified my firm resolution to the cause of Onyendu.”

Kanu is expected to appear in court before Justice Binta Nyako today to resume the 15-count charge levelled against him by the Nigerian government.

The IPOB leader arrived at the court by 7am amidst heightened security. It was gathered that security agents were asking for clearance before they allowed journalists and other lawyers to move closer to the court premises.
As of the time of filing this report, the court had yet to commence sitting.
“Yes, I’m now in the legal team and that’s why you’re seeing me in court,” Ozekhome said.SEE ALSOBREAKING: Nigerian Government Files Fresh Terrorism Charges Against Nnamdi Kanu53 Comments13 Hours Ago
Meanwhile, Ejiofor had in an earlier statement announced an addition to Kanu’s legal team but didn’t reveal the identity.
He had said, “I want to assure you, Umuchineke, that our legal team, is, presently, more fortified than ever to do battle in Court, and God being on our side, victory is assured. We paid our routine visit to our untiring, unwavering, unrelenting, rock-solid and noble client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the DSS detention facility at Abuja. The visit, this time, was spectacular and was greeted by an infectious air of camaraderie. Onyendu was particularly enthused by the visit and preferred to describe it as ‘A surprise Christmas Present’. You may not understand the peculiarity of this visit and the how significant it is.
“But in due course, I am certain you will be in the best position to fully appreciate the wisdom that informed it. Suffice it to say that as the lead attorney of Onyendu, I took advantage of the visit to unveil a legal giant, a distinguished and an accomplished member of the Inner Bar, whom I have chosen to fortify our defence team. The learned Senior counsel is an excellent and a consummate learned gentleman, distinguished in academics and in the practice of law in our law courts.
“The reason that informed this arrangement is my unflinching desire to throw in every weapon in our arsenal to ensure that Onyendu gets the best at all times. This latest master stroke, evident in the legal giant that has intervened, came to Onyendu as a big surprise. Although he was not oblivious of my arrangement to enlist the assistance and co-operation of a Senior Attorney, he did not know that I could get a Senior Attorney of the rarest breed.
“He was particularly delighted to welcome this legal giant, a consummate member of the Inner Bar, a legal Iroko, who has distinguished himself in the practice of law, when we visited him yesterday. I must state here and now that the Senior attorney involved has been my mentor over the years. He has worked from the sidelines with our legal team since 2016. He is a man imbued with profound intellect, legal sophistry, an infectious sense of history, much like Onyendu, and of impeccable character.
“His brilliance radiates effortlessly. He is indeed an excellent advocate. The stage which we have attained in the Court gymnastics involving Onyendu signposts an auspicious time at which to introduce the leading and erudite member of the Inner Bar to our defence team. Henceforth, he will lead our defence team in proceedings in Court.
“Further, in the course of our interaction with Onyendu, the legal giant singled me out for commendation. He paid me effusive compliments for my steadfastness, devotion, commitment and fidelity to Onyendu.
“He also variously referred to instances to buttress his conclusion. Onyendu, with a smile on his face, nodded repeatedly in approval. I was particularly touched by these references and it further fortified my firm resolution to the cause of Onyendu.”
 


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BREAKING: UK Rejects FG’s Request for Ekweremadu to Complete Prison Term in Nigeria

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UK Rejects Nigeria’s Request to Transfer Ike Ekweremadu to Serve Prison Term at Home
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The United Kingdom government has turned down the Federal Government of Nigeria’s request to transfer former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu back home to serve the remainder of his prison sentence.

Ekweremadu has been serving time in the UK following his conviction for organ trafficking. In May 2023, a British court sentenced him to nine years and eight months after finding him guilty of conspiring to exploit a young man for his kidney.

The Nigerian government had reportedly made a diplomatic request seeking his transfer under international prisoner exchange arrangements, but British authorities declined the appeal.

Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, and a medical doctor had been found guilty under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act, marking the first conviction of its kind involving a high-profile Nigerian politician.

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With the UK rejecting the transfer request, the former lawmaker is expected to continue serving his sentence within the British correctional system.

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Paystack Fires Co-Founder Ezra Olubi Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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Paystack Suspends Co-Founder Ezra Olubi Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Resurfaced Tweets
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Paystack has terminated the appointment of its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following public allegations that he engaged in sexual activity with a junior employee.

Olubi disclosed his dismissal on Saturday, stating that the company took the decision before concluding its internal investigation into sexual harassment claims made against him.

The controversy erupted in mid-November after a social media post accused Olubi of abusive behaviour. The online conversation quickly escalated as users resurfaced several explicit tweets from his early career, prompting widespread criticism.

In response, Paystack suspended Olubi and announced a formal investigation, noting that it had set up a review process and planned to appoint an independent investigator to handle the matter.

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However, Olubi said he was not allowed to defend himself before his contract was terminated.

He also alleged that the termination violated the terms of his suspension as well as the company’s internal procedures.

My legal team is now reviewing the process that led to my purported termination, including its consistency with internal policies. They will take the steps they consider appropriate, and I will not be commenting further on this matter at this time,” he said.

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Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Officers From VIP Security, NSCDC to Take Over

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President Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP security duties, directing that NSCDC personnel take over as part of efforts to boost police presence nationwide and recruit 30,000 new officers.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to provide security for Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, in a move aimed at strengthening police presence in underserved communities.

The directive was disclosed in a statement on Sunday, November 23, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, following a high-level security meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the statement, police personnel previously attached to VIPs will now be redeployed to frontline policing duties. VIPs requiring protection are henceforth to be assigned well-armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Onanuga explained that the decision was driven by the need to address severe manpower shortages in police stations, especially in remote parts of the country, where limited personnel have hindered effective protection of residents.

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“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” he said.

The presidential aide added that Tinubu has already approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel as part of broader reforms to enhance national security. The Federal Government is also partnering with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

Sunday’s security meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

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All 38 Kidnapped Church Members Rescued in Kwara After Joint Security Operation – Tinubu

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Tinubu Independence Day speech 2025
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All 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued by Nigerian security forces, days after gunmen attacked the church premises, killing at least two people.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the successful rescue on Sunday, commending the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and intelligence agencies for what he described as a coordinated and effective operation. He also disclosed that he cancelled his planned visit to the G20 Compact with Africa Summit to personally monitor the rescue efforts.

The President added that the operation coincided with the escape of 51 abducted students in Niger State, praising security operatives for what he called “renewed synergy and determination” in tackling nationwide kidnapping cases.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also lauded the President’s intervention, noting that Tinubu maintained direct oversight throughout the rescue mission. He said the development signalled a new resolve to respond swiftly to security threats affecting rural and urban communities.

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Meanwhile, congregants returned to the Christ Apostolic Church on Sunday morning for worship, drawing strength from one another despite lingering concerns over rising abductions across the country. Members described the reunion as a quiet but powerful moment of resilience.

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Yobe Govt Orders Closure of Boarding Secondary Schools Over Security Concerns

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Yobe State Closes Boarding Secondary Schools Amid Rising Security Concerns
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The Yobe State Government has directed the closure of all boarding secondary schools in the state in response to escalating security challenges.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Mamman Mohammed, Director General of Press and Media Affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni. The statement did not provide a specific timeline for reopening, emphasizing that the decision aims to safeguard students and staff amid ongoing threats.

Details on affected schools and additional measures are expected to be released by the state government in the coming days.

Also the Niger State Government directed the immediate closure of all schools across the state following the abduction of more than 300 students by gunmen in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

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