Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Adjourns ₦577m Land Fraud Trial as EFCC Witness Suffers Bereavement
Proceedings halted after prosecution requests new date; defendants face 17-count charge over Katampe District properties
Proceedings halted after prosecution requests new date; defendants face 17-count charge over Katampe District properties
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday stalled the trial of two real estate executives accused of a ₦577 million land fraud, following a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an adjournment after its key witness lost his mother. The case, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, involves Dr. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, Chief Executive Officer of Homadil Realty Ltd, and Idakwogi Richard John, Chief Executive Officer of Rychado Homes Limited, who are standing trial alongside their companies.
EFCC counsel Chiamaka Njoku informed the court that the scheduled prosecution witness was prepared to testify but could not appear due to bereavement. “We prepared the witness for today but he lost his mother; we are asking for another date,” Njoku told the court during Wednesday’s proceedings. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to a yet-to-be-announced date to allow the EFCC present its witness.
Godwin-Isaac and John were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering linked to disputed properties in Cadastral Zone B07, Katampe District of Abuja. The EFCC alleges that the defendants fraudulently obtained large sums under false claims related to land transactions in one of Abuja’s high-value districts.
Land fraud remains a significant concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb illegal dealings and protect property buyers. The high-profile nature of this case has drawn attention from industry stakeholders and legal observers, given the scale of funds involved and the prominence of the accused executives.
With proceedings now adjourned, both prosecution and defence await a new hearing date as at press time. The outcome of this trial is expected to set important precedents for future land-related fraud cases in the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate President Akpabio Swears In Four New Senators After Bye-Elections in Abuja
Newly inaugurated lawmakers from Rivers, Ondo, Enugu, and Nasarawa urged to uphold Constitution and Senate rules
Newly inaugurated lawmakers from Rivers, Ondo, Enugu, and Nasarawa urged to uphold Constitution and Senate rules
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday administered the oath of office to four senators elected during last Saturday’s National Assembly bye-elections at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The newly sworn-in lawmakers—Olaka Nwogu Johnson (PDP, Rivers South-East), Francis Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South), Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC, Enugu North), and Halilu Danladi Envulu-Aza (APC, Nasarawa North)—officially joined the upper legislative chamber following their recent electoral victories.
The ceremony took place during plenary at the Red Chamber, where Akpabio formally welcomed the new senators and presented them with copies of the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders 2026. He emphasised that these documents are essential for guiding legislative conduct and ensuring due process in all Senate proceedings.
The swearing-in follows a series of bye-elections held across several constituencies to fill vacant seats caused by previous court rulings or resignations. The addition of these four senators restores representation for their respective zones—Rivers South-East (South-South), Ondo South (South-West), Enugu North (South-East), and Nasarawa North (North-Central)—in the National Assembly.
Addressing his colleagues after administering the oath, Akpabio stressed the importance of adhering strictly to established rules. “I remind them that we have just presented to them the Nigerian Constitution, which is the ground norm of the governance of this nation, and the Senate Standing Orders 2026, which guides our proceedings in the chambers,” he said during plenary. “The two documents presented to you are not for the shelves in your library. They are for your daily use as lawmakers.”
The Senate President charged all new members to maintain decorum and participate fully in legislative business. With their inauguration, all affected constituencies now have full representation in federal lawmaking activities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Governor Oborevwori Hails Favour Ashe’s 9.93s Triumph at Lagos Commonwealth Trials
Governor credits Delta State sports investment as Ashe becomes fastest Nigerian man on home soil, praises Team Delta athletes
Governor credits Delta State sports investment as Ashe becomes fastest Nigerian man on home soil, praises Team Delta athletes
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has applauded Favour Ashe after the sprinter clocked a personal best of 9.93 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres final at the Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos on Monday. The event, which concluded yesterday, saw Ashe emerge as Nigeria’s fastest man, setting a new milestone for athletics in the country.
Ashe, who hails from Delta State and is among the foreign-based athletes sponsored by the state government, delivered a stellar performance at the trials. He first posted a time of 9.98 seconds in the semifinals before lowering it to 9.93 seconds to clinch the gold in the final round. The achievement marks a significant feat for Nigerian athletics and reinforces Delta State’s status as a powerhouse in local sports development.
The governor’s commendation was conveyed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ekpen Ahon. According to Oborevwori, Ashe’s success is proof of what can be achieved when government invests consistently in sports and provides robust support for young athletes. “Favour Ashe has brought pride not just to Delta State but to Nigeria as a whole,” Oborevwori said, describing the win as evidence that sustained investment produces results.
Oborevwori also congratulated other members of Team Delta for their impressive showing at the national trials, which served as selection for this year’s Commonwealth Games contingent. He urged all athletes representing Nigeria to uphold discipline and aim for podium finishes at international competitions.
With Ashe’s record-setting run putting him among Africa’s elite sprinters, expectations are high for his performance at upcoming global events. Stakeholders say continued investment from state governments like Delta will be crucial if Nigeria is to reclaim its dominance in track and field on the world stage.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/oborewvori-commends-favour-ashe-for-emerging-nigerias-fastest-man/
Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Minister Wike Blasts Super Eagles Over 2026 World Cup Miss, Calls for Urgent Overhaul
Minister expresses disappointment as Nigeria fails to qualify for FIFA tournament; calls mount for NFF and team management reforms
Minister expresses disappointment as Nigeria fails to qualify for FIFA tournament; calls mount for NFF and team management reforms
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has openly criticised the Super Eagles following Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said Nigerians are disappointed that the country will not be represented at football’s biggest stage.
The Super Eagles failed to secure a spot at the 2026 tournament after a series of underwhelming results in their qualifying group. The outcome has triggered widespread reactions among football stakeholders and fans nationwide, who expected Nigeria to maintain its long tradition of World Cup appearances.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify is seen as a major setback for local football and national pride. The Super Eagles have historically been Africa’s most consistent World Cup representatives since their debut in 1994, missing only one tournament in the past three decades. This year’s elimination has led to renewed calls for reforms within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and a review of technical management.
Wike, while addressing journalists, lamented the missed opportunity for Nigeria’s youth and sports sector. “We are not happy at all with this development. Nigerians expect better from our national team,” he stated. The minister urged the NFF to urgently review its strategies to restore confidence and competitiveness in Nigerian football.
With mounting pressure from both fans and government officials, attention is now on the NFF to implement changes ahead of upcoming continental competitions. Many expect an overhaul of coaching staff and renewed investment in grassroots football development to prevent future disappointments.
Senate President Akpabio Swears In Four New Senators After Bye-Elections in Abuja
Delta Governor Oborevwori Hails Favour Ashe’s 9.93s Triumph at Lagos Commonwealth Trials
FCT Minister Wike Blasts Super Eagles Over 2026 World Cup Miss, Calls for Urgent Overhaul
Senate Opens Final Debate on State Police Bill in Abuja
‘We Are Not Happy’ — Wike Laments Super Eagles’ Absence From 2026 World Cup
Delta Pastor Urges Men in Warri to Embrace Romance in Marriages
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