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Strike Stalls Chidinma’s Trial Over Alleged Murder Of Ataga Super TV Boss

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The trial of an undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Chidinma Ojukwu, the alleged murder suspect of Super TV Chief Executive Officer Usifo Ataga, could not proceed on Tuesday due to the defendant’s absence.

Ojukwu, a 300-level student in the Department of Mass Communication, is facing nine counts of murder, theft, and forgery in a Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square.

She appeared in court with her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri.

Only the third defendant, Egbuchu, was present for the resumed trial on Tuesday. Ojukwu and Quadri were not transported from the detention prison to court.
Inmates were not brought to court due to the industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya said correctional facility officials had informed the court that the inmates would not be brought to court for security purposes until the strike was called off.

Counsel for the first defendant, Mr. Onwuka Egwu, said, “Due to the NLC strike, I suggest that tomorrow’s date be vacated and a fresh clear date is given.”

Also the second defendant’s counsel, Mr Babatunde Busari, however, said “Despite the effort given to this case by this court, the trial is still taking too long.

“There is no trial day that I come to this court without the trial going on. I also suggest that a clear date be given to ensure that substantive justice is done to this matter.”

He also asked the prosecution counsel, Mrs Adenike Oluwafemi, Director of Public Prosecutions to mention how many prosecution witnesses are yet to give evidence.

The DPP told the court that apart from the ninth prosecution witness, DSP Olusegun Bamidele, who was still giving evidence under cross-examination, “there are two more witnesses”.

Consequently, Justice Adesanya, vacated Wednesday’s date to ensure that the NLC strike would not disrupt proceedings.

She adjourned the case till December 5 and December 7, 2023, for the continuation of trial.

The ninth prosecution witness, DSP Bamidele, had at the last proceeding in June, narrated how he examined the body of late Ataga at the mortuary.

The witness was cross-examined by the first defendant’s counsel, Egwu.

The witness had told the court that he visited the mortuary two days after the deceased died to carry out his investigation.

Bamidele narrated that the body bag was opened in his presence for observation.

He told the court that he saw injury on the body and neck region of the deceased.

According to him, he instructed the mortuary attendant to turn the body over and he saw marks on the side of the left ribs.

The witness also told the court that there was an injury at the lower centre of the head, adding that It was an open injury that showed signs of stabbing.

Ojukwu and the two others were arraigned on October 12, 2021, by the Lagos State Government.

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Obasa Hails ‘Jandor’s’ Return To The APC

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Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has hailed the return of former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, to the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a positive development and a major boost for the ruling party in Lagos.

Speaker Obasa, who hosted Jandor on Tuesday at his official residence in Ikeja GRA, expressed excitement over his return to the APC, describing it as the only political platform that truly reflects the aspirations of Lagosians, and indeed, Nigerians.

“We are happy to have you back. This is a very good move,” Obasa said, assuring Jandor of full reintegration and collaboration in the party’s collective pursuit of good governance. The Speaker further praised Jandor for his courage and conviction, stressing that the APC’s inclusive structure provides the right platform for unity and development.

Responding, Jandor, who returned officially to the APC fold in March, thanked Obasa for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to working with the APC for the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria because, “It is only through unity of purpose, shared sacrifice, and responsible leadership that we can secure a brighter and more prosperous future for every Nigerian.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent tax reforms, saying, “Though demanding, the President’s reforms are courageous steps toward re-engineering our economy and laying a firm foundation for progress and prosperity.”

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Stop Giving Money To Miscreants, Lagos Tells Celebrities, Influencers — Says It Fuels Insecurity, Environmental Problems

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The Lagos State Government has cautioned celebrities, social media influencers, and residents against giving money to street miscreants, warning that such actions worsen insecurity and environmental issues.

Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for environment and water resources, issued the warning in a statement posted on X on Tuesday.

“Celebrities, influencers, and even well-meaning Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants. Each time you hand them cash, you are not solving their problem; you are encouraging them to stay on the streets, emboldening them to multiply, and reinforcing a cycle of lawlessness,” Wahab wrote.

He added that what many regard as an act of kindness complicates enforcement and creates broader security challenges.

His remarks followed a complaint by a resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja, who reported harassment along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Ajenifuja urged the state to deploy the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to curb extortion, assault, and intimidation by homeless boys and teenagers in the area.

The warning also came after a viral video showed touts and luxury car content creators chasing a convoy believed to be carrying Afrobeats star Burna Boy, attempting to solicit money while recording content. The singer’s security team prevented them from reaching his car.

Wahab said the state government is committed to tackling the menace but urged residents to support the efforts by refusing to encourage the miscreants.

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Leave Before Visa Expires Or We’ll Remove You — UK Warns Foreign Students

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The United Kingdom has warned international students whose visas have expired to leave the country or risk deportation.

The Home Office, in a new enforcement campaign, said it has begun sending direct text and email messages to students, marking the first time such a measure is being applied.

According to the BBC, about 10,000 students whose visas are due to expire have already received the messages, while tens of thousands more will be contacted in the coming months.

The message from the Home Office reads: “If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.”

The agency also warned that asylum claims considered “lacking merit” would be swiftly rejected.

Data released by the Home Office showed that between July 2024 and June 2025, a total of 41,100 asylum claims were lodged by people who had entered the UK legally on visas, with students making up the largest share.

Figures indicated that international students filed 16,000 asylum claims in 2024, almost six times the number recorded in 2020. Although the number has since dropped by about 10 percent, the British government said it expects a further reduction.

The department noted that asylum claims by skilled worker visa holders have decreased within the same period.

Earlier this year, the UK government reduced the period foreign graduates can remain in the country after completing their studies, cutting it from two years to 18 months.

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