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Court Discharges HEDA Chairman, Suraju From Cyberstalking Charges

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The Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday, discharged the Chairman of Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Mr Olanrewaju Suraju in a case bordering on cyberstalking.

This followed a request from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami to withdraw the charge against the HEDA boss.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecuting counsel Mrs Yewande Cole told the court that she had been directed by the attorney-general to withdraw the case.

“I have the instruction of the attorney-general to withdraw the amended charge of two counts for further review.

“This means that the court will strike out the case and when we are ready to go on, we will come back and refile it,” Cole said.

She also argued that according to relevant provisions of the law, the defendant could only be discharged and not acquitted at this point.

Counsel to Suraju, Mr Muiz Banire, (SAN), however, asked to court to acquit his client saying that was the natural cause of action following such an application for withdrawal.

“It is law as contained in Section 355 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) that where such an application is made, the court will acquit the defendant.”

Banire also asked the court to order the release of the N7 million bond he posted to secure the bail of his client.

The senior lawyer further asked the court to award N1 million cost to him.

In a short ruling, Justice Binta Nyako discharged Suraju and also discharged the N7 million bail bond.

Justice Nyako, however, ordered the prosecution to pay N250,000 to the defendant, whenever the case was going to be refiled.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Suraju was docked before Justice Nyako on a 2-count amended charge bordering on allegedly cyberstalking former Attorney -General of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Adoke.

The case was filed against the HEDA boss by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

In count one of the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/370/2021, Suraju was accused of intentionally circulating an audio telephone interview between one Ms Carlamaria Rumur, a reporter with RIAReporter in Italy and Adoke via his twitter handle @HEDAagenda.

This, the charge alleged he knew to be false, for the purpose of causing insult to Adoke and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition,Prevention ETC) Act 2015 and punishable under the same section of the act.

In count two, the defendant was accused of committing the same offense in count one via his Facebook handle @HEDAResourcecentre.

(NAN)

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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