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Defendants Reject Confessions As Court Reopens Hearing In Coup Trial
Defendants Reject Confessions As Court Reopens Hearing In Coup Trial
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a fresh hearing to determine whether statements obtained from suspects standing trial over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration were made voluntarily.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the ruling on Monday after defence lawyers challenged the admissibility of extra-judicial statements and video recordings presented by the Federal Government in the ongoing alleged coup plot trial.
The Federal Government is prosecuting six defendants accused of plotting to overthrow the Tinubu administration in a case involving allegations of treason, terrorism, money laundering, and concealment of information linked to the alleged conspiracy.
During proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), attempted to tender statements allegedly made by the defendants during interrogation sessions, alongside video evidence recorded by investigators.
However, the defence team objected, arguing that the statements were not voluntarily made and should therefore not be admitted as evidence.
According to the defence lawyers, the interrogation process violated provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
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They alleged that the suspects were subjected to intimidation, coercion, and oppressive treatment during questioning. The lawyers also argued that the video recordings shown in court failed to fully capture the conditions under which the statements were obtained.
Counsel to the fifth defendant, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged the court to conduct separate trial-within-trial proceedings for each defendant, insisting that all the accused persons independently challenged the authenticity and voluntariness of their statements.
He argued that separate hearings would ensure fairness and protect the constitutional rights of the defendants.
Responding, prosecution counsel Oyedepo said the Federal Government had no objection to a trial-within-trial but requested that the court adopt a joint proceeding rather than conducting separate hearings for each accused person.
After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Abdulmalik ruled in favour of a joint trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were voluntarily made before they can be admitted as evidence in the substantive case.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until May 12 for continuation of proceedings.
The six defendants were arraigned by the Federal Government on April 22, 2026, over allegations connected to an alleged failed coup plot said to have surfaced in September 2025.
Those standing trial include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and Zekeri Umoru, an electrician attached to the Presidential Villa.
Others are Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric based in Zaria.
The defendants are facing a 13-count charge bordering on coup plotting, treason charges in Nigeria, terrorism financing, and money laundering.
Investigators had earlier arrested several serving and retired military officers alongside civilians allegedly linked to the conspiracy, while some military personnel are currently being tried separately before a General Court Martial.
Since the commencement of the trial, the prosecution has presented multiple witnesses, including security operatives and financial investigators, while several video recordings have also been played in open court.
In one of the videos earlier tendered, two defendants allegedly admitted having knowledge of discussions relating to the alleged coup plot, although they denied direct involvement in any attempt to overthrow the government.
The Federal Government has continued to push for accelerated proceedings, citing national security concerns and the seriousness of the allegations.
Defendants Reject Confessions As Court Reopens Hearing In Coup Trial
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metro
“My Pastor Is Having Sex With My Friend’s Wife” – Man Cries Out
“My Pastor Is Having Sex With My Friend’s Wife” – Man Cries Out
A Nigerian man has sparked online conversations after allegedly discovering that his pastor was involved in a sexual relationship with the wife of someone he considers a friend.
The disturbing claim was contained in a social media post shared by **SilentBeads on its official Facebook account on Monday, November 9, 2026**.
In the post, the man expressed concern over what he described as an alleged sexual relationship between his spiritual leader, a popular television preacher, and his friend’s wife.
According to the account, the woman had been married to the man’s friend for five years, making the allegation particularly troubling to the whistleblower.
Although details of how the alleged relationship was discovered were not provided, the man’s disclosure has drawn attention to questions of trust, marital commitment and the responsibilities of religious leaders.
### Allegation Raises Questions About Pastoral Conduct
The allegation has also renewed discussions about the expectations placed on religious leaders, particularly prominent preachers who command large followings and enjoy the confidence of their congregations.
For many worshippers, pastors are not merely religious teachers but also trusted spiritual advisers whose conduct is expected to reflect the values they preach.
However, the identities of the preacher, the woman, her husband and the man who raised the alarm have not been disclosed in the account available.
There has also been no independently verified evidence establishing the alleged relationship or any public response from the people reportedly involved.
The allegation therefore remains unverified, and the identities of those concerned should not be speculated upon.
“My Pastor Is Having Sex With My Friend’s Wife” – Man Cries Out
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metro
‘What More Do Men Want?’ Nigerian Lady Questions Why She Is Still Single Despite Having Everything
‘What More Do Men Want?’ Nigerian Lady Questions Why She Is Still Single Despite Having Everything
A Nigerian woman has triggered an online debate after publicly questioning why she remains unmarried despite believing she possesses the qualities many men desire in a potential wife.
The woman, whose identity has not been established, reportedly raised the question in a social media post accompanied by her photograph.
“I have everything a man could want, but I’m still single. What am I doing wrong?” she reportedly wrote.
Her post, which has gained attention across social media platforms, has attracted mixed reactions, with some users offering relationship advice while others questioned her understanding of what men look for in a life partner.
The discussion, reportedly amplified by social media news aggregators, has since opened up conversations about relationships, marriage expectations and the challenges of finding compatible partners in today’s society.
While some commentators suggested that successful and financially independent women sometimes struggle to find partners who are comfortable with their achievements, others argued that financial stability and physical appearance alone do not guarantee a successful relationship.
Some users also pointed to character, communication, humility and compatibility as important factors that should not be overlooked when seeking a life partner.
Others, however, questioned whether unrealistic expectations and unwillingness to compromise could be contributing to the difficulties some singles encounter in their search for love.
The debate has also highlighted differing opinions about modern relationships, particularly the expectations men and women bring into marriage.
Although the woman’s post did not explain what she meant by having everything a man could want, her question has resonated with many singles who are still searching for suitable partners despite their personal achievements.
Ultimately, finding a life partner goes beyond material possessions or physical attraction, as mutual understanding, shared values, emotional maturity and compatibility also play significant roles.
What do you think could be the reason behind her relationship status? Is it possible to have everything a potential partner desires and still struggle to find love?
‘What More Do Men Want?’ Nigerian Lady Questions Why She Is Still Single Despite Having Everything
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metro
‘Don’t Push My Mum to the Brink’ – Son of Second Wife Fires Back Amid Mama Ukehe Backlash
‘Don’t Push My Mum to the Brink’ – Son of Second Wife Fires Back Amid Mama Ukehe Backlash
A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing Mama Ukehe family controversy in Enugu State as the son of the embattled second wife has appealed to Nigerians to stop attacking his mother, warning that they would face his anger if anything happened to her.
The young man, whose identity has not been established, made the appeal in a social media statement as public criticism of his mother continues to intensify following allegations of maltreatment levelled against her by her husband’s first wife, Mrs Gertrude Anulika Ngwu, popularly known as Mama Ukehe.
In the statement, he expressed displeasure over the volume of negative comments and attacks directed at his mother, insisting that she did not deserve the hostility.
“Nigerians, please stop attacking my mum. Is it not enough already? That woman does not deserve all this hate. Do you want her to die? If anything happens to my mum, you people won’t like it. Please, this is enough,” he said.
His intervention has added another dimension to the controversy, which has continued to attract widespread attention and emotional reactions across social media platforms.
The dispute became a major public talking point after a video showing Mama Ukehe’s emotional experience at her husband’s Ozo title-taking ceremony went viral, prompting many Nigerians to express sympathy for her.
Mama Ukehe reportedly has no biological children and had been married to her husband for several decades before he took a second wife, who has five children.
During an interview with BBC Igbo, the first wife narrated her alleged experiences within the marriage, claiming that she suffered insults and hostility after her husband married another woman.
She alleged that her co-wife rejected gifts she bought for her and described her as bad luck in the presence of the children.
The allegations generated widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians questioning the treatment allegedly meted out to the first wife despite the years she had spent in the marriage.
However, the second wife reportedly denied insulting Mama Ukehe over her childlessness, while her husband also challenged some of the claims made against the family.
Since the controversy erupted, Nigerians have reportedly organised visits, donations and celebrations in honour of Mama Ukehe, with many expressing solidarity with her.
But the latest statement from the second wife’s son has attracted further criticism, with some social media users accusing him and his family of failing to address the allegations that triggered the public outrage.
Others have condemned the intensity of the online attacks, arguing that criticism of the family’s alleged conduct should not translate into threats, harassment or wishing harm on anyone.
The unfolding controversy has continued to generate heated debate, with the latest intervention suggesting that tensions surrounding the family dispute are far from over.
‘Don’t Push My Mum to the Brink’ – Son of Second Wife Fires Back Amid Mama Ukehe Backlash
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