The Federal Government, on Thursday, closed its case in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the allegations bordering on terrorism and treason.

The FG’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced this after the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5), identified as EEE for security reasons, was led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Awomolo told the court that after calling five witnesses in the trial, the prosecution was satisfied that from the avalanche of evidence tendered, including the broadcast of activities of the leader of the IPOB, the government had sufficiently satisfied the need to close its case.

“I therefore close the case,” the senior lawyer said.

After the announcement, the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, informed the court that they would be opting for a no-case submission, which would be filed in due course. (NAN)

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has summoned 18 judges from the Imo State judiciary to answer allegations of age falsification and misconduct. According to reports, these judges allegedly manipulated their ages to extend their tenure or secure appointments.

The Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP) exposed this scandal, petitioning the NJC and providing evidence of the judges’ inconsistent birth dates. Some of the affected judges include:
– *Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua*: With conflicting birth dates of May 10, 1959, and May 10, 1960
– *Hon. Justice C. A. Ononeze-Madu*: Listed birth dates as July 7, 1963, and July 7, 1965
– *Hon. Justice L. C. Azuama*: Showing birth dates of November 11, 1957, and November 11, 1960

If found guilty, these judges may face compulsory retirement, as seen in past cases where the NJC took similar actions. In 2020, a judge in Imo State was sacked for falsifying his age, while judges in Niger, Yobe, and Osun states faced similar consequences

The NJC has confirmed the investigation and is expected to take appropriate action based on its findings

The Village Head of Njegbeje Village in the Igodor Community, Nkum Iborr Ward of Ogoja Local Government Area, Ogoja LGA of Cross River State, Chief Matthew Igrami Egbor, has lamented that the severe impact of last weekend’s windstorms completely destroyed several buildings, farm crops, and economic trees, as well as displaced hundreds of his natives and non-natives.

He spoke to Daily POST, describing the windstorm as a peculiar disaster, adding that it is the worst natural incident in the community’s history.

He said the windstorm is likened to a mini-tsunami, stating that it has done heavy devastation to his community.

He lamented that the windstorm has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of his subjects, calling on the authorities to help.

The village head said, “This disaster took us completely by surprise.

“Homes, farms, and our economic trees were all swept away. Many of us are now sleeping on bare ground under makeshift shelters.

“Starvation and homelessness are setting in. This is the worst natural incident.”

He appealed to all relevant government bodies and humanitarian organizations to come to their aid swiftly, stressing that the community is in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical assistance.

Undertaking an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected communities, the Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Christopher Agbeh, appealed to the state and federal authorities and relevant emergency agencies to urgently come to the aid of victims affected by the windstorm.

The Chairman disclosed that the windstorm has left hundreds homeless, and the losses in property and economic crops are worth over a billion Naira.

Agbeh described the event as a “monumental and unnatural disaster,” emphasizing the urgent need for immediate intervention to restore normalcy to the affected community.

“This is a tragic situation that requires swift action from both the State and Federal Governments.”

He assured that relief materials and support for the rebuilding of homes will be provided.