American reality TV star Kim Kardashian has celebrated her former husband, Kanye West on Father’s Day.
The mother of four took to her Instagram page on Sunday, June 19, 2022, where she celebrated the billionaire rapper
“Thank you for being the best dad to our babies and loving them the way you do! Happy Father’s Day Ye ✨,” she wrote.
She also celebrated her late father and popular lawyer, Robert Kardashian.
“The kids asked me how I would celebrate with you today if you’re all the way up in heaven,” Kim captioned one of her pics with Robert.
This came weeks after speculations about their marriage collapse.
It would be recalled that West called out his wife on Twitter back in July 2020, for meeting with rapper Meek Mill at the Waldorf hotel.
He later deleted the tweets.
Their separation has been marred by drama on social media.
From Kanye calling out Kim for kidnapping one of their daughters and exposing the other to social media to Kim claiming to be solely responsible for the care of their children, it’s been tough keeping up with the West.
Kim and Kanye have four children: North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3.
A man claiming to have witnessed what transpired at Cubana Club between Burna Boy and another group, before two men from the group were shot, shared his account of the incident.
The Twitter user, who is a Burna Boy stan, claims it was the victim’s “so called wife” that approached Burna Boy at his VVIP area and her partner went there to violently drag her out.
Burna’s team resisited the man’s “confrontational approach” and that led to the fight, the Twitter user claimed.
This is contrary to what Briella, the woman involved, said.
Briella said she was with her partner, a friend, and the friend’s husband when Burna’s friend came to her with a message from Burna. When she rejected Burna’s advances, she said Burna sent back the friend two more times and this escalated, with Burna’s team shooting at them.
Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command killed one bandit during a gun battle in Saran Gamawa and Unguwar Mata villages in Gummi Local Government Area of the state.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Muhammad Shehu, in a statement on Monday, June 20, said an AK 47 rifle were recovered at the scene while other bandits fled to the forest.
“On 19th June, 2022 at about 0300Hrs, Police Tactical Operatives deployed along Gummi/Bukkuyum axis received a distress call that armed bandit terrorists on motorcycles invaded Saran Gamawa and neighboring Unguwar Mata villages with intent to kill and abduct innocent members of the communities,” the statement read.
“The Police in collaboration with the vigilante of the affected villages mobilised forces and engaged the bandit terrorists in an extensive gun battle that lasted for hours. As a result, one of the bandit terrorists was fatally injured, an Ak 47 rifle belonging to the bandits was recovered at the scene, while many others retreated back to the forest with possible various degree of gun shot wounds,”
The Commissioner of Police CP Ayuba N. Elkanah commended the resilience of the joint operatives and charges them not to relent in the command’s effort to safeguard the lives and property of innocent people in the state.
In the vein, the Commissioner of Police has directed Area Commander Anka and the neighbouring DPOs to deploy reinforcement teams to complement the ongoing confidence building patrol aimed to avert further attack on nearby communities and also to rescue the two kidnapped victims already abducted by the assailants before Police arrival.
The Command while reassuring of its commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state, calls on members of the public to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies in the ongoing effort to rid the state of bandit terrorists and other criminal elements in the state.
American model and stripper, Symba,is of the opinion that the lady whose husband and friend had a face off with singer BurnaBoy’s security details at a club in Lagos, might have given the singer repeated looks that made him make passes at her.
Symba opined that the lady might have repeatedly looked at BurnaBoy while being starstruck when she saw him at the club and might have even looked at him seductively while doing that. She shared this thought on IG.
Nigerian Facebook evangelist, Patience Otene has apologised to her followers for having a child out of wedlock.
Taking to Facebook on Sunday, June 19, Otene revealed that she welcomed a baby one month ago.
Read her post below…
I HAVE A BABY. Yes you read it right and my baby is a month old today. Am I now married? NO.
Does GOD approve of what I have done? Definitely NO, (God’s word on this is very clear and can not be changed)
Does the Bible approve of this? Definitely NO. Would I advise another person to do as I have done? Definitely NO. Did I plan it to happen this way, Definitely NO
I have gone through the toughest of times in the past months and I’ll tell you for sure that staying in GOD’S will is the best
To those who will feel discouraged considering the fact that I am someone who put up godly contents of what one should do and not do, I am truly sorry,
Please do not lose your faith in GOD because of me or what has happened instead let your faith in GOD be strengthened as GOD’S way is the only and best way to do it,
While I am struggling with my spiritual life at the moment, I ask you pray for me in this season as it’s all I really need in this season. Thank you.
A protester demanded the transfer of the Catholic bishop of the Enugu Diocese.
Several followers of the outspoken Catholic priest, Ejike Mbaka, on Sunday, protested the recent ban of the church members from attending services at the Adoration Ministry.
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Callistus Onaga, Friday, bannedCatholic members from attending activities at the ministry, following scathing remarks against Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by Mr Mbaka, who is the spiritual director of the ministry.
He also said unless Mr Obi returned to his ministry to apologise for refusing to make a donation to the ministry when he was asked to do so, his ambition to become president of Nigeria would be fruitless.
Many Nigerians, including the diocese, criticised him over his comment on Mr Obi.
The cleric later apologised to the former governor and his supporters saying that his intent was not to malign the LP presidential candidate.
The ban came hours after the cleric’s apology for the outburst.
Mr Onaga, while announcing the ban, explained that the decision was taken because of Mr Mbaka’s refusal to heed several “fraternal corrections and admonitions” extended to him by the diocesan leadership.
He said Catholic members remained banned from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the ministry until the “due process initiated by the diocese is concluded.”
Hours after the ban went public, the cleric announced the suspension of all religious programmes in the ministry beginning from Sunday (today) until further notice.
Although no reason was given for the sudden suspension, it is believed to be in obedience to the ban on Catholic members by Mr Onaga.
But on Sunday, barely two days after, many of the cleric’s followers marched around some streets close to the ministry’s ground at Emene, chanting solidarity songs.
They also demanded the removal of Mr Onaga as the bishop of the diocese.
A video clip of the protest has gone viral on social media.
In the clip, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the protesters were seen carrying green leaves and sticks and chanting “Onaga must go,” “No more Onaga,” “No more Catholic Church”.
The protesters said they were not happy with the Bishop’s decision to ban Catholic members from attending the ministry.
“Onaga should leave. Other bishops are not talking except him. He should be posted elsewhere,” said one of the protesters.
A Kaduna official said that 2,192 primary school teachers including the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, had been dismissed for refusing to sit for the competency test.
Its spokesperson, Hauwa Mohammed, in a statement on Sunday in Kaduna, said the board conducted a competency test for over 30,000 teachers in December 2021.
She said that 2,192 primary school teachers including the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, had been dismissed for refusing to sit for the competency test.
She said that some 165 of the 27,662 teachers that sat for the competency test were also sacked for poor performances.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Kaduna government in 2018 sacked 21,780 teachers who failed a competency test, and replaced them with 25,000 others recruited through vigorous processes.
In December 2021, the board also sacked 233 teachers over alleged possession of fake certificates.
“Following the state government’s resolution for continued assessment of teachers to ensure better delivery of learning outcomes for pupils, KADSUBEB conducted another competency test for the teachers in December 2021.
“The services of teachers who scored below 40 per cent are no longer required and their appointments have been terminated from the Public Service for their poor performances.
“Teachers who scored 75 per cent and above were recognised as those who passed the test and qualified for attending courses in leadership and school management,” she said.
According to her, qualified teachers will be included in Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programmes to enhance their capacities to deliver quality teaching to pupils.
Ms Mohammed said teachers who scored between 40 and 74 per cent did not meet up with the minimum pass mark, adding that they would be given second chance to improve their capacities.
The board, she said, has initiated viable training programmes for teachers under its statutory TPD with support from the state government and development partners.
“The training programmes will be conducted during end of term vacation and in their respective schools, to minimise disruptions of teaching and learning.
“They are also encouraged to complement the government’s efforts and seek personal development for their own good.
“The board is assuring teachers and the public that it remains committed to ensuring their continuous professional development and the improvement of the learning outcomes of pupils and students,” she said.
Reacting, Ibrahim Dalhatu, State Chairman, NUT, dismissed the competency test and the sacking of the affected teachers as “illegal”.
Mr Dalhatu said the union had secured a court order restraining the board from conducting the competency test, adding, however, that it conducted the test without recourse to the rule of law.
He recalled that the union had asked the teachers not to write the examination after learning that the intent was to sack them.
“We warned that any teacher who participates in the illegal examination would not be protected by the union if victimised but some of the teachers went ahead to write the examination out of fear.
“We are not against the conduct of the competency test if due process is followed, but it should not be used as a basis for sacking teachers.
“The competency test should be used to determine teachers’ capacity gap and tailored specific training programmes to improve their capacities,” he said.
When contacted, the NUT National President said he was aware of the development, adding that the National Executive Council of the union would sit on Wednesday, June 22, to come up with a position.
Claims that Meghan Markle bullied her staff as a Royal have been investigated and did, indeed, spur HR changes — but we’ll never know exactly why … so say Palace insiders.
The Sunday Times of London published a major story this weekend … claiming they’d been told by sources with direct knowledge that the investigation launched last March into allegations that MM was a terror with her Kensington Palace workers has wrapped.
Not only is done — with Queen Elizabeth II privately funding it herself via an outside law firm, per the Times — but it seems something came out of it … namely, institutional improvements to the monarchy’s policies and procedures over this stuff going forward.
So, what’s the tea??? Apparently, nobody is ever going to know … because the findings are said to be getting “buried” by Buckingham Palace, which doesn’t plan to release ’em.
According to the Times, citing sources, the reason for keeping this in-house is to avoid further tensions between Meghan and Harry and the rest of the Royal family … which has left some who participated in the probe frustrated, as they seem to have wanted this out.
Now, some Meghan fans believe something more sinister is afoot here. They say the Royals were so quick to leak news of the investigation at the time (right before the Oprah interview, no less), but now that they supposedly have the goods … they get camera shy?
Meghan is trending right now, as is the hashtag #RoyalFamilyLied. Fact is, some just don’t buy what’s being peddled — because if there was a smoking gun against Meghan … they believe the Royals/BP would leak it with haste to cover their asses/vindicate themselves.
Of course, another way to look at this — perhaps there is damning evidence against Meghan, but Nana is stepping in and putting it all to bed … for everyone’s sake. FWIW, Meghan denied she ever bullied anyone — insisting it was she who was put through the wringer.
The son of ex-“Real Housewives of Orange County” star Lauri Peterson is allegedly dealing drugs … at least according to prosecutors who claim he was angling to sell fentanyl.
According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Josh Waring is facing criminal charges from an arrest back in January, including felony possession and the sale of fentanyl, plus a misdemeanor charge of methamphetamine possession.
Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. sources tell TMZ … a deputy saw Josh in the passenger seat of a car, recognizing him from a prior drug arrest. The deputy was aware Josh was on parole for an assault, which meant the cop could conduct a random search, which he did, and allegedly found drugs right on Josh’s lap.
Our sources say the deputy saw Josh brush the drugs onto the car’s floorboard … drugs later identified as fentanyl and meth. We’re told Josh was arrested on the spot and taken to jail. As for why he was charged with the sale of fentanyl … it’s because of the amount found.
As you know, Josh has a history of legal troubles … he was arrested back in 2016 when he was accused of shooting a man outside a sober living home. Josh spent 4 years in jail, where he was once ambushed and assaulted by another inmate who was wielding razors wrapped in towels — the attack was caught on video. He was later released on parole. Now, Josh could face more time behind bars.
A woman only found out that her husband was a woman in disguise 10 months after their wedding day.
The 22-year-old woman, who has been identified by her initials NA, shared her story on social media after the case made headlines.
It comes after the accused, who is referred to by their initials AA, appeared before the Jambi District Court in Indonesia on Tuesday, June 14.
The victim claimed that she matched with the scammer on a dating app in May 2021.
The accused pretended to be a male US-trained surgeon and a coal businessman that recently converted to Islam and was looking for a wife.
The victim believed him and married him three months later in a nikah siri arrangement, which is recognized by religion but not by the state.
They were unable to have a state-sanctioned wedding as the groom was unable to present the civil documents required.
The newlyweds lived in the victim’s parents’ house for several months. During this time, her parents became suspicious because AA kept asking for money and couldn’t provide any proof of his impressive credentials.
However, the swindler’s family members and friends always backed his career claims, according to Coconuts.
To avoid further questioning, the con artist took the bride away from her family to Lahat, South Sumatra, Indonesia.
While there, she was then confined to the house for several months and prohibited from interacting with anyone else. Her “husband” also controlled their finances
In April NA’s concerned mother contacted Jambi Police who tracked down the pair in Lahat.
During police interrogation, AA was revealed to be a woman whose real name bears the initials EY.
During the 10 months of their marriage, the family claimed that they were scammed out of IDR 300 million, the equivalent of £16,537.
After being quizzed on social media about their sex life, the victim said her “husband” would always turn off the lights and blindfold her before sex.
The con artist told the police that she used her hands to pleasure her wife, but the victim said she was certain that EY used penetrative sexual devices during their lovemaking.
NA also claimed that EY attempted to murder her by telling her to jump into a river despite knowing that she can’t swim.
The victim’s parents reported EY to the authorities for educational record fraud, which may be the first of many charges against her and for which she may face up to 10 years in prison.
Ejiro Otarigho, the driver who drove a burning fuel tanker away from a community in Delta state has disclosed that he needs a new vehicle.
Speaking after the senate asked President Buhari to confer him with a “befitting national honour as he may deem fit for his extraordinary act of bravery, courage and skill that prevented the loss of human lives and property on a massive scale”, Ejiro said it’s not been easy since losing the tanker as it was the only way he fed.
He also told Punch that the thought of hundreds of lives and property engulfing in flames as a result of the tanker fire, gave him the spunk to drive the truck to a location where there will be no disaster.
Ejiro said;
“I have received calls from them (Delta state government) but I am not interested in any national honour of any sort right now.
“I know God has brought me to a good place where my story is now being told. All I want is a replacement for my burnt tanker so I can go back to my job. “I have just been at home and truck driving was the only way I fed. It has not been easy for me since I lost my tanker.”
When asked if he would like to get a new job and abandon the dangerous business of tanker driving, he said;
“of course, I will. It is a risky job. “Imagine if I had died that day, nothing would have been said of me. If the government has something better for me, I will do it without looking back. All I want is to be able to take care of myself and my family legitimately.”
A debate ensued under the comment section of a mum’s tweet after she shared photos of herself and her 5-year-old on a spa date.
The mum with the handle @Cecez_daughter said she felt like the best mom in the world after she took her son to the spa.
”Guys please gather here, I took my 5 year old to a mini spa day today, we did a foot therapy and hot stone massage, my nigga is over the moon and can’t wait for us to do it again. I feel like the best mom to ever mom pls.”
While some Twitter users praised her for pampering her son and showing him the ”soft life”, others, especially men, kicked against it. According to them, he should be playing football and not going to the spa which they see as a ”women’s thing”
The Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN has suspended actor Moses Armstrong after he was accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in Akwa Ibom.
Moses was arrested by men of the state police command after a complaint was filed against him. Confirming his arrest, the president of the guild, Emeka Rollas said the matter was being handled by the First Lady of the state, Martha Udom Emmanuel through her Family Empowerment and Youth Re-Orientation Path Initiative.
In a statement released today Saturday, June 15 and signed by its publicity secretary, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, Moses has been suspended forthwith and is prohibited from acting until the investigation into the allegation is concluded.
See the statement announcing his suspension below;
The United States of America’s Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland, has said that the US government is strategically interested in Nigeria because the country practices democracy and is the sole decider in the growth of the African continent.
Ambassador Nuland said this during a press briefing with selected media correspondents on Thursday at the US Ambassador to Nigeria’s residence, Maitama, Abuja.
She said, “The way Nigeria goes is the way the continent goes. Concerning our strategic interest in the country, there’s always a war between authoritarianism and democracy, and considering the fact that Nigeria is the largest democracy in Africa, if Nigeria can become increasingly stable and secure, empower its population, diversify its economy and empower the next generation, it will be a powerful engine not only for itself but for the African continent and all democracies across the world.”
The Under Secretary, who also met with the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, at the State House, said the focus of her visit was concerning the issues of security, free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
Nuland said, “We have been focusing on the issues of security, free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections. We also talked more broadly about our security relationship, but at the high end in terms of the holistic approach to security, earlier we delivered some Tucano jets, and we are about to have a new delivery of helicopters as well.
“Concerning our cooperation, we talked about the fact that security needs to be about countering terrorism at the high end, however, it also needs to be about what comes behind it – such as better governance, employment, and better opportunity, which would drive out the ability of terrorists and terrorism to return to communities.”
She noted that it was one thing to root out terrorists from communities, but the government must also provide sustainable policing, community security, better services, and good governance, otherwise, the terrorists would always be back.
“The way terrorists get into communities and destroy the fabric of the nation is ‘an evil thing.’ We think that Nigeria, with our support, needs to address this in a holistic way. However, what we are trying to do now in our collaboration with the government is to integrate the air and ground approach to security.”
Commending Nigeria for its leadership in the Economic Community of West African States, she said, “We need a regional approach to this problem because these terrorists are running across borders, and we all need to work together. Nigeria plays a huge role not only for its own security but also for the security of the region, through the ECOWAS.”
Nuland, who also met with some members of civil society organisations to discuss the forthcoming 2023 general election among other issues, noted that the U.S. was very pleased with the new Electoral Act and also the longer period for campaigns towards the elections.
She said, “We’re very pleased with the new Electoral Act and also the longer period for campaigns towards the elections. The United States will support the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the police, to provide security because we know there is quite a bit of anxiety about that.”
The Under Secretary also stated that the United States was interested in having investors in Nigeria, but there was a need to have an enabling environment considering the issue of corruption.
“The United States government would love to see more investors in Nigeria but there is a need for an enabling environment as corruption remains an obstacle.” She said.
The PUNCH had, on Wednesday, June 15, reported Ambassador Nuland’s visits to Djibouti, Mozambique, and her expected visit to Nigeria.
Her visit to the African continent began on Saturday, June 11, and ended on Friday, June 17, 2022.
In Djibouti, Nuland and an interagency met with government counterparts to advance US-Djibouti relations and the two countries’ close security cooperation.
While in Mozambique, she met with government officials and civil society members to discuss ‘the full range of bilateral and regional issues, including opportunities to advance stability and economic recovery in conflict-affected areas in support of her government’s new partnership’ under the US ‘Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.
Ambassador Nuland was sworn in as Under Secretary for Political Affairs in April 2021. Before that, she was a Senior Counselor at the Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategic advisory and commercial diplomacy firm based in Washington DC. She was also a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, a Distinguished Practitioner in Grand Strategy at Yale University, and a Member of the Board of the National Endowment for Democracy.
After 33 years as a U.S. diplomat, she served as Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs from September 2013 until January 2017 under President Barack Obama.
She served as Special Envoy and chief negotiator on the Treaty on Conventional Arms Control in Europe from 2010 – 2011, and as Deputy National Security Advisor to Vice President Cheney from 2003-2005. In addition to two tours at NATO in Brussels, she had served overseas in Russia, China, and Mongolia, and various assignments at the State Department in Washington.
She was also State Department’s spokesperson during Secretary Hillary Clinton’s tenure, and U.S. Ambassador to NATO during President George Washington Bush’s second term, between 2005 and 2008
The Spiritual Director, Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy, Enugu, Rev Fr. Ejike Camillus Mbaka, yesterday, blessed and tendered an apology to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi and his supporters over his utterances against his person.
In a statement signed by him and made available, Mbaka said, “I am a servant of God and my intention is not to malign Peter Obi’s image, but to pray for him.”
“May God’s will be done in his life. I pray to God whom I serve to give our beloved people good and excellent leaders who will take care of them and lead them to the Promised Land.
“Anyone who God wishes to make our Leader is my choice. In this vein, I give my blessings to the supporters of His Excellency Peter Obi.
“In any way, they feel offended by my utterances or however I was misunderstood by them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness. As a servant of the Most High God, I pray that it shall be well with my people. I am an ardent supporter of Good Governance, Justice, Equity, Love and Godliness,” he said.
Recall that before his apology, yesterday, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu had dissociated itself from Mbaka’s utterances and described his actions as unbecoming and divisive.
The Diocese under the leadership of Most Rev. Callistus V. C. Onaga, in a statement, signed by the Chancellor/Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie; Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Aguigwo and Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, explained that Mbaka’s utterances are contrary to canon 220 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which prohibits anyone from illegitimately harming the good name of a person.
According to the statement, it is also a violation of the provisions of Canon 287 and 2, which forbids priests from engaging in partisan politics.
The Diocese said Mbaka’s views on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, of being ‘a stingy man’ and ‘a joker’ was entirely personal and do not represent the position of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.
While calling on Mbaka to refrain from making further provocative prophecies or utterances capable of heating up the polity, the Diocese assured God’s people and the public that the Catholic Diocese of Enugu is taking the due canonical process.
The statement reads in part: “The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has been drawn to the inflammatory political utterances by Rev. Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Director of Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy, Enugu, on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 during his Wednesday Adoration programme.
“Fr. Mbaka during his preaching attacked the good reputation of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, describing him as ‘a stingy man’ and as ‘a joker,’ contrary to canon 220 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which prohibits anyone from illegitimately harming the good name of a person.
“He also made fun of the Labour Party and vowed that Mr. Obi could not be the president of Nigeria. This is a clear violation of the provisions of canon 287 & 2, which forbids priests from engaging in partisan politics.
“The Catholic Diocese of Enugu hereby condemns and dissociates herself from such unbecoming and divisive utterances from Fr. Mbaka. We notify the general public that Fr. Mbaka’s views on the matter are entirely personal to him and do not represent the position of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.
“In an effort to keep him united to the body of Christ, we enjoin him to refrain from making further provocative prophecies or utterances capable of heating up the polity. We assure the people of God and the general public that the Catholic Diocese of Enugu is taking the due canonical process,” the statement added.”
The Diocese appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for peaceful elections as well as discharge their civic responsibilities by getting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which will enable them to vote and elect the right candidates.
Like his colleague, James Olanrewaju, also known as Baba Ijesha, Armstrong is the second Nigerian actor to be entangled in an alleged rape case with a minor.
A Magistrate Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Friday struck out a remand application filed by the Akwa Ibom State Government against a Nollywood actor, Moses Armstrong, for not being meritorious.
Like his colleague, James Olanrewaju, also known as Baba Ijesha, Mr Armstrong is the second Nigerian actor to be entangled in an alleged rape case with a minor.
The prosecutor, A. Nyongessien, an assistant state counsel, urged the judge to remand the Nollywood actor to the correctional facility as the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case.
Mr Nyongessien did not provide details of the case but told the court that the punishment for the charge was life imprisonment and that Mr Armstrong would be arraigned at the High Court.
Counter argument
The defence counsel, Emmanuel Pantaleon, in his submission, opposed the application of the prosecution counsel and instead told the court to grant bail to Mr Armstrong.
Citing relevant legal authorities, Mr Panteleon told the judge that the prosecution knew the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the case but deliberately brought it, an action he said was “illegal.”
He further told the judge that Mr Armstrong being a renowned Nollywood actor, would not jump bail.
The prosecutor, Mr Nyongessien, in his argument, urged the court to discountenance the prayer of the defence counsel that the prosecution is illegal.
He also added that the proceeding was provided for by Section 294 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
He, therefore, asked the court to grant his remand application in the interest of justice.
Ruling
The judge, Samuel Ukoima, after citing different sections of the State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022, said the new law had made the filing of a charge where the court lacks jurisdiction obsolete.
Mr Ukoima said that the new law provides that an applicant should come by way of an ex parte motion.
“The appropriate procedure for remand proceedings is the filing of a motion ex parte setting out the grounds for the remand of the suspect as clearly stated in the law.
“I do not think that the filing of a charge before a magistrate court where the court lacks jurisdiction is required any longer. All that is necessary for an applicant seeking the remand of a suspect is stated in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Akwa Ibom State.
“Therefore, the application of bail as canvassed by the defence counsel is nullified when the remand proceedings are defective.
“The application of the prosecution counsel is not meritorious and is at this moment struck out,” the judge ruled.
The implication of the ruling, the judge said, is that the defendant has to be rearrested and taken back to the cell. Then he can be brought back by motion ex parte, or the suspect is taken to the High Court and information filed.
Mr Armstrong was re-arrested and taken back to police custody.
The defence counsel, Mr Panteleon, declined to comment on the case after the court session.
Profile
The Akwa Ibom State-born actor, who started his career 23 years ago, lost his wife, Rita, in 2018.
The mother-of-two was returning to her husband’s residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, from Lagos when the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus conveying her was involved in a crash at the Ugbogui axis of Benin Ore Lagos Expressway.
The deceased, a Nollywood actress, died from spinal cord injuries sustained during the accident.
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, wept at the funeral mass for the victims of the June 5th, terror attack at the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo.
The funeral mass was held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, Owo on Friday, June 17.
Governor Akeredolu, who wept during his speech, said the government failed to protect the victims of the terror attack.
The Governor stressed that the forces on the other side are evil, assuring that they will not triumph forever.
“We have failed to defend these people. Not because we have not tried. But because these forces on the other side are evil and they have supports. They will not triumph over us forever.” he said.
The Governor noted that something must be done in the country, adding that the Security architecture of the nation needs rejigging.
“When I see the sea of heads that are here it speaks volumes. What has happened to us in Owo in Ondo state is indescribable. A lot of words are used to qualify it. Dastardly, horrendous. But I still believe there are words to use to describe it but I still short of those words.
“We have just 22 (deceased) in this hall. A few of them have been buried. Because the relatives couldn’t wait till today. But as at the last count, these animals came to the church and murdered 40 people.” Governor Akeredolu said.
The Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade, however, declared that Akeredolu has not failed in protecting his people.
“You didn’t fail. You are a strong soldier. Your determination to protect those who voted you into power is unquestionable. This was done by cowards. You have tried your best.”Bishop Arogundade said.
Bishop Arogundade wondered why the people of the country need to beg for state police, despite the endless attack and killings.
He thanked the Governor for accepting to designate a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that those who created the situation that made the incident happened has bloods on their hands.
Members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. David Bamidele Oleyelogun also attended the service.
Also, Members of the state executive council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, were present at the funeral mass.
Other dignitaries at the funeral mass included: Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Engr. Ade Adetimehin; and Chieftain of the APC , Chief Olusola Oke.
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The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
