Federal High Court bars journalists from covering alleged coup plotters' bail proceedings
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal High Court on Monday prevented journalists from covering the bail proceedings of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against the government of President Bola Tinubu. Court officials, supported by Department of State Services operatives, directed reporters to leave the courtroom before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik took her seat. An unnamed court official stated the directive came from the judge. Journalists from various media houses, who arrived early, complied and exited the courtroom. This development occurs amidst significant public interest in the trial of the six defendants, who were arraigned last Wednesday by the FG over an alleged failed coup. Those on trial include retired major-general Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired navy captain Erasmus Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Zaria-based Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani. They face a 13-count charge encompassing treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering, to which they all pleaded not guilty. Justice Abdulmalik granted an accelerated hearing and set April 27 for their bail applications, ordering their remand in DSS custody. Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was mentioned in seven counts but is not a defendant as he is still at large. Previous reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including military personnel and civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, with 36 serving officers a
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The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, has launched a sensitisation campaign to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. The initiative, announced by Saad Hamdalat, Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, emphasizes antenatal care, hospital deliveries, and birth preparedness. Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, urged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and attend all scheduled appointments, highlighting that early detection and management of complications are crucial for reducing deaths. Delivery kits were distributed to encourage clinic attendance and skilled birth assistance. Gloria Enueze, UNFPA Focal Person, underscored the vital role of midwives in maternal and child health and noted the benefits of family planning for birth spacing. Hajia Sulyman Ajibola, Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, advised participants to use the provided delivery kits and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets. This campaign is part of activities commemorating the International Day of the Midwife, observed annually on May 5 to recognize midwives' contributions and advocate for investment in midwifery services.
The Presidency has disassociated itself from claims regarding the appointment of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi by an organization named the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. A State House statement issued on Thursday by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, clarified that this alleged organization is not recognized by the Federal Government and does not exist under President Bola Tinubu's administration. The statement noted that Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, operating under the guise of this organization, has been presenting himself to the public as having received an appointment from the Chief of Staff's office. The public is advised that no such office or appointment exists within the current administration. The Chief of Staff urged foreign and diplomatic missions, financial and multilateral institutions, development organizations, security agencies, and the general public to be aware of this disclaimer.
New York City has temporarily renamed streets in honor of football legends Thierry Henry and Pele in anticipation of the World Cup. The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, begins on Thursday, with the final scheduled for next month at the MetLife Stadium, rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium. City officials unveiled "Thierry Henry Way" at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan. Henry, a former Arsenal and Barcelona player and 1998 World Cup winner with France, appeared via video call. He also played five seasons with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer until 2014. Additionally, the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens was renamed after Brazilian legend Pele. These temporary street names will remain in place until November 1.