Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Friday took delivery of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft for Ibom Air.

Eno assured that his administration will expedite actions towards optimum returns on investment of public funds and assets within and outside the State.

The governor who led the residents to the reception of the two aircraft, 5N-CED and 5N-CEE, affirmed that the acquisition was funded by the state government, without any loan or facility from any financial institution.

This, according to him was a step in line with his administration’s determination to break the vicious cycle of state government investments existing only to settle debts in favour of financial institutions, adding that his administration would rather explore ventures that will ensure returns on investment to the state.

The governor lauded IbomAir in the Nigerian Aviation Industry and tasked the management to ensure the airline declares profit in 2025 to justify the investment of the state funds.

He urged the management of Ibom Air to prioritise the flight needs of Akwa Ibom travellers by ensuring Uyo inbound and outbound flights are not truncated.

Eno stated that besides the 18-storey complex underway in Nigeria’s economic capital, Lagos, his administration will soon flag off a 4-star hotel on the state-owned property in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, an international market in Ikot Ekpene while the International terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport will soon commence partial operation by December, ahead of its full activation in 2025.

“Between now and the first quarter of next year, we will be flagging off a four-star Hotel in Abuja because we are determined to turn all our moribund property to commercial use. By next year, the MRO behind us will have been completed. We are putting in so much money already, and we are at 95 per cent completion. In December, we are going to partially open the brand new international terminal and then it will be fully opened by the first quarter of next year.”

“As long as I remain Governor, we will continue to use the state’s money for the generality of our people. We will not put the money in a few pockets. We will rather put the money into things that will benefit all of us. So we will continue to put money together to fund our critical infrastructure.

“For the Ibom towers in Lagos, we will make sure that we don’t borrow a dime, and we will finish in 24 months by the grace of God. To Ibom Air, while we thank you for your wonderful management team, we urge you that from 2025, we must begin to receive profits from the operations of Ibom Air. We must begin to receive profits so that our investment will be worth the while.” Eno said.

In a related development, the governor made a stopover at the site for Ibom Aviation Village and assured that the project would be flagged off in two weeks.

In a goodwill message, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, commended the prudence and business orientation of Eno in running the affairs of the State, affirming that the Governor has initiated lofty programmes over the eighteen months of his administration without approaching the State House of Assembly for any loan approval.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ibom Air Limited, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, thanked Akwa Ibom people and air travellers across Nigeria for their patronage and support for the airline.

Jacob particularly commended the governor for the investment in the brand which, he said, has increased its fleet to nine in a very short time and has increased its capability for more frequent flights along the Uyo-Lagos-Abuja routes.

Also speaking, the CEO of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom commended the Governor for his commitment to the growth of the State-owned airline, adding that the two new aircraft have come in to increase the capacity of the Airline in readiness for Christmas. He assured of increased frequency and efficiency.

The Paramount Ruler of Okobo Local Government Area, HRM, Edidem Ita Edet Okokon III also appreciated the Governor for his leadership approach and assured of continuous support by the traditional institution.

Also fielding questions with newsmen, the Group Manager, Marketing and Communications, Ibom Air, Anie Essienette, said the demand for services of Ibom Air across the nation has become quite huge, describing Governor Umo Eno’s intervention of bringing in the two CRJ900, while the company awaits the supply of the 9 pending Airbuses, as a great boost to the company’s capacity to meet the demands of its teeming passenger base.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stated that the fainting of six suspects in court before their arraignment was a deliberate act, scripted to attract negative attention.

Egbetokun stressed, however, that medical assistance was promptly provided, underscoring the police’s commitment to the welfare of individuals in their custody.

On Friday, 76 suspects, mostly minors who appeared malnourished, were arraigned in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest. Six of them collapsed and were rushed out of the courtroom.

Following their arraignment, the court granted each minor bail set at N10 million. The incident has sparked criticism both domestically and internationally.

In a statement dated November 1 but obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, signed by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi on behalf of the IGP, Egbetokun affirmed that, under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are accountable for their actions, regardless of their age.

He said, “Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to attract negative attention.

“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.

“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons. Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.

“This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offences. As seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences. However, each case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights standards.”

Egbetokun stated that the charges against the suspects included destruction of public property and threats to national security, among others.

He said, “The NPF has recently arraigned 76 individuals in court on charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. These serious allegations encompass offences such as the destruction of public property and threats to national security. In managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the NPF has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law.

“The suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, and a remand order was issued by the court. Throughout this process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.”

He urged citizens not to show any form of bias in the case, assuring that the police would remain transparent throughout the legal process.

Egbetokun said, “The NPF acknowledges public interest in this case and assures the public that our officers will maintain professionalism throughout the legal process. The public is encouraged to view this case without undue bias, as the Force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to aligning with best practices, upholding both the rule of law and respect for human dignity.”

The police command in Benue has detained five suspects over alleged identity theft and cyber fraud.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s public relations officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, in Makurdi on Friday.

The statement said the four suspects, aged between 18 and 21, were apprehended by the cybercrime and narcotics department of the police command.

It said the operatives, following intelligence gathered on the activities of the suspects, raided their hideout in Makurdi and subsequently apprehended them.

“Exhibits recovered from them include three iPhones, one small tecno phone and two other smartphones.

“Further investigations revealed that the suspects had previously been engaged in impersonating people and using their identities to defraud unsuspecting persons of their belongings,” Ms Anene said.

She quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP), Steve Yabanet, as warning residents to be wary of the activities of cybercriminals.

Mr Yabanet also assured residents in the state of the command’s commitment to fighting crime.

He warned individuals and groups involved in cybercrime in Benue State to desist from such acts or face the consequences of their actions.

The CP said the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of police investigations.

Sen. Sani Musa (APC Niger East) has condemned “the unjust treatment of minors” over their alleged involvement in the recent EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria.

Some underaged #EndBadGovernance protesters detained by the police since August collapsed inside the courtroom of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday.

The incident occurred when the minors were brought to the court from various police detention cells, including those from the Intelligence Response Team unit.

Mr Musa, in a statement issued to journalists, described the detention as “inhumane and unjust.”

“I strongly condemn the unjust detention of minors following the #EndBadGovernance protests.

“I am deeply troubled that, in spite of the hardships and challenges these young children have endured, there is a push to have them imprisoned rather than afforded compassion and understanding.

”Such actions are not only inhumane but also unjust,” he said.

The senator also condemned the judicial stance advocating for the continued detention of the minors, saying it is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of justice and fairness.

He, therefore, urged the inspector general of police to launch an immediate investigation into the matter to ensure accountability “and protect the rights of these young citizens.”

“This issue must be addressed urgently, and I will continue to stand with my constituents and all Nigerians in the pursuit of justice and good governance,” he added.

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has granted N10 million bail to each emaciated minor arrested during the #EndHunger demonstrations in August.

Of the 76 protesters, at least 32 were children ranging from 14 years old to 17 years old. Four of them collapsed in court on Friday and were rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu asked the defendants to provide two sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant on at least grade level 15.

The second surety, Mr Egwuatu insisted, must be a parent. Both sureties were required to submit verifiable addresses to the court before bail could be processed.

Prosecutors temporarily withdrew the charges against the ailing minors according to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which allows for temporary exemption on health grounds.

Video footage reviewed by Peoples Gazette showed children laying on the courtroom floor, writhing in pain and reportedly too weak to stand while lawyers ran helter-skelter to get them medical help.

The defendants, primarily minors, stood in the dock looking emaciated, having spent more than two months in detention.

Protesters arraigned were picked up from different states, including Abuja, Kano, Plateau, Kaduna, Gombe and Katsina, during the #EndHunger protests between August 1 and 10.

Among those facing trial for treason were Umar Musa, 15; Muhammadu Mustapha, 16; Awolu Abdulahi, 21; and Nura Ibrahim, 24.

Nigerians have lashed out at President Bola Tinubu, whose administration has thrown citizens into extreme poverty with petrol prices selling at N1065 per litre, up from N170 in 2023 when he took office.

Inflation has skyrocketed, and the currency soared to a historic high of N1,700 to a dollar, intensifying the economic strain on Nigerians who rely heavily on imported goods.

The federal government is set to arraign 76 individuals, including minors, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for participating in the dayslong #EndHunger protests in August.

Many of the defendants appeared emaciated after over two months in detention. Security officers assisted four individuals out of the courtroom as they were too weak to stand.

Protesters arraigned were picked up from different states, including Abuja, Kano, Plateau, Kaduna, Gombe and Katsina.

Among those facing trial were Umar Musa, 15; Muhammadu Mustapha, 16; Awolu Abdulahi, 21; Nura Ibrahim, 24; and Abdulbasi Abdusalami, 34.

The protests arose in response to Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as citizens criticised his policies for failing to alleviate hunger and hardship.

Fuel prices have surged from under N150 per litre when Mr Tinubu took office to N1,065 per litre, contributing to rising costs of other goods and services.

Although the minimum wage was recently raised to N70,000 ($42) after strikes by labour unions, it has yet to be implemented across all states.

Desperately opposing the protest, security agencies under Mr Tinubu’s government fired live ammunition at journalists and protesters at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where two reporters for Peoples Gazette escaped getting shot by a whisker.

About four schoolchildren and two other people were killed when a roadside bomb targeting a police patrol vehicle in the volatile south-west Pakistani province exploded.

The attack, in the town of Mastung near the provincial headquarters of Quetta city, occurred early in the morning on Friday when school vans were carrying children to classrooms, local police official Ali Ahmed said.

At least 16 people, the majority of them children, were wounded by the bomb that was planted on a motorbike parked near a girls’ school, Mr Ahmed said.

The primary target was the police patrol vehicle, but a school van was hit by the bomb, said Shahid Rind, spokesman for the provincial government.

Mr Ahmed said that a police officer and a civilian were among the dead.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, ordering the arrest of the terrorists behind it, his office said in a statement.

Mastung, a sleepy mountainous town near the city of Quetta, has been the hub of Islamist militants from various Sunni groups, including the Islamic State and the Pakistani Taliban.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but most volatile province, borders Afghanistan and Iran.

The province has seen a surge in violence in recent months by Islamist insurgents and sub-national rebels.

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has named the top three sports that he loves playing besides football.

Messi is widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of football.

The Argentina forward is the most decorated player in football, having won 46 trophies.

Messi, who has won eight Ballon d’Ors, has played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the past.

However, when asked about his favourite games besides football, Messi said in a recent interview with acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X): “The other than football, I love padel, tennis and basketball, but I play padel the most.”

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi said on Friday that he would “step aside” after his party suffered a resounding defeat in the general elections, according to preliminary tallies.

“I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election,” Masisi told reporters at a press conference.

A photo has emerged of Kaduna doctor, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola and her nephew who regained freedom after 10 months in bandits’ captivity.

Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna State, was abducted alongside her husband, Nurudeen Popoola, who is a Squadron leader, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy, on December 27, 2023.

After several negotiations with the kidnappers, the husband was released on March 8, 2024, but the doctor and Abdul-Mugniy were not released.

The President, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Tope Osundara, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, confirmed the release of Popoola and her nephew to Daily Trust in a telephone interview.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has declared the flooding ravaging about 34 states in the country a national emergency and major disaster.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra said this while briefing State House correspondents after the NEC meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

“To date, about 34 states, 217 local governments, 1,374,557 persons have been affected, and 740,743 people were displaced nationwide.

“About 321 persons died, 2,854 persons were injured and 281,000 houses were affected; 258,000 cultivated farmland was also destroyed or affected by the ravaging flood,” said Mr Soludo.

He said the Council directed State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) to up their game and increase collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

He said the council resolved that the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation should conduct an integrity review of all the waterways and dams across the country.

“There was serious emphasis on the need for a massive programme of dredging or desilting of the waterways and to have a firm programme of continuous desilting of the waterways on an annual basis.

“The council also urged state governments that have not submitted their flood reports on the status of the flood and the management in their states to do so immediately.

“The council noted that the Green Climate Fund should have an infrastructure resilience fund as a component fund,” said the Anambra governor.

The House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a motion that sought to restore the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

The motion, which was sponsored by Oboku Oforji (PDP-Bayelsa), was dropped following Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’ announcement that the President was willing to sign the South-South Development Commission Bill.

Mr Abbas told the House that he got the President’s assurances over the bill in a meeting, saying that the motion had been overtaken by events.

The Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) said that the issues contained in the motion were germane.

He, however, said that the conversion of the Niger Delta Development Ministry to that of the Ministry of Regional Development would not deny the Niger Delta region of its due development.

According to him, it will reduce its impact in the region, but it has only broadened its scope to develop other regions.

Recall that President Tinubu on October 24 scrapped the ministry and replaced it with the Ministry of Regional Development.

The change expanded the mandate of the new ministry to encompass developmental activities in all the six geo-political zones in the country.

Earlier, Mr Oforji recalled that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was created on September 10, 2008 by late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who appointed Ufot Ekaette as the first minister.

He explained that the ministry was created to promote and coordinate policies for the development, peace, unity and security in the Niger Delta region.

The rep said that the ministry was to ameliorate the suffering, agitations and neglect of the oil rich region for decades by successive governments.

He said that the years of oil spillage, lack of arable land and social amenities in the region had necessitated the emergence of militancy in the region.

He stated, “It was in the short term of late President Yar’Adua ‘s leadership from Katsina State that dialogue was initiated with major stakeholders in the region and militants culminating in the Amnesty Programme that has brought relative peace to the region.

“These were prelude to the creation of the ministry, which was aimed at infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of the youths in the region.

“The people of Niger Delta believe that the lofty dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the region will be actualised someday, hence their embrace of the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.”

Mr Oforji said that the oil rich region witnessed palpable tension following the announcement of the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

The House, however, resolved to step down the bill and to expedite actions on the bill on South-South Development Commission, which currently exists in other geo-political zones and controlled by the new Ministry of Regional Development.

Former Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election.

The former action star and politician, known for his works across both parties during his time in office, declared his support for Ms Harris in a statement on X on Wednesday, calling Mr Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election “disqualifying.”

Mr Schwarzenegger, who served as governor of California between 2003 and 2011, has long expressed frustration with the current state of American politics, particularly with the Republican Party’s handling of issues such as deficits and election integrity.

In his statement, Mr Schwarzenegger addressed his disillusionment with both political parties, noting that he doesn’t “really do endorsements” and has grown to “hate politics” more than ever.

The actor-turned-politician acknowledged that many Americans share his frustration with a country that feels increasingly unrecognizable.

“You don’t recognize our country. And you are right to be furious,” he wrote.

Mr Schwarzenegger’s critique extended to politicians who, in his view, have done little to address long-standing issues such as national debt and immigration reform, instead using the problems to fuel division and win elections.

However, his sharpest words were reserved for Mr Trump, whose refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election, Mr Schwarzenegger said, is “as un-American as it gets.”

He condemned Mr Trump’s leadership, describing his presidency as full of “bullshit with no results,” and warned that re-electing him would only lead to further division and anger in the country.

He acknowledged his disagreements with the Democratic platform but said that electing Ms Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was the only way to move the country forward.

“We need to close the door on this chapter of American history,” Mr Schwarzenegger said, calling on voters to help turn the page on the divisiveness that has marked recent years.

His message was a plea for unity and an end to the political rancour that he believes Mr Trump continues to perpetuate.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services will give security clearance to commercial bus and taxi drivers in the FCT from January 2025.

Speaking at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, Wike stated that the move is to end kidnapping and cases of ‘one-chance’ robbery in Abuja.

Wike disclosed that any commercial bus or taxi driver who is not cleared by the security agencies will not be allowed to operate with the FCT.

He said, “Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here who is a beneficiary is being profiled by security.

“And so what we are coming up with is that from January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with Abuja colour. Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. We won’t allow that starting in January.

“We will take the vehicle number, the names of the drivers, and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens.”

Wike also handed over some new cars to beneficiaries to use as taxis saying that many Nigerians who reject taxi driving jobs at home gladly embrace such when they travel abroad.

“They are not paying a dime. No, the government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city… Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” he said.

Men of the Delta state police command have arrested a 17-year-old boy identified as Thankgod for killing an old man identified as Ogbonna Nwodo.

In a video shared online by the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Bright Edafe, Thankgod said the deceased had attacked his mum and had beaten her to the point she fainted. He said he got angry about this development and decided to carry out a reprisal attack.

Thankgod said that four days after the assault on his mum he accosted Ogbonna and engaged him in a fight. He said Nwodo injured him and that some persons in the area separated them and asked him to forgive the old man.

Dissatisfied that he had not taken his own pound of flesh, ThankGod said that four days after, he spotted Ogbonna in the bush and used a machete on him. The machete injury sadly led to Ogbonna’s de@th. He said he never knew the fight would lead to the man’s de@th.

“I go fight am (the man) as I see my mama for floor. The man use small knife cut me for hand. So them tell me to forgive the man I should leave him because he is an old man. I saw the man four days later. After I cut the man’s hand, he just jumped down from his bike and ran inside the cassava bush.”

In another development, another suspect identified as Peter, admitted to k!lling his friend, Ifeayin Ezekiel, over unpaid wages. According to him,

“He gave me a job. He did not pay me money. So I invited him to another job. When he finished, he asked for his payment and I refused to pay him, stating that he owed me. So this thing caused quarrel. So we started fighting and the guy died. I use knife to stab am.”he said

The police spokesperson said the suspects would face charges in court.

The Ikeja Golf Club has been sealed off by the Lagos State Building Control Agency for negligence and disregard for public safety.

In a statement on Wednesday, LASBCA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, said the enforcement followed numerous complaints about safety lapses at the club.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Building Control Agency has taken decisive action by sealing off the Ikeja Golf Club at Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, after several incidents of negligence raised concerns about the public, safety of lives and property damage.

“The closure was prompted by repeated complaints and a recent incident in which a golf ball struck a LASBCA staff member in its Ikeja Headquarters premises.

“In addition to this unfortunate incident, there have been multiple cases of errant golf balls causing damage to vehicles in the vicinity.”

The agency further noted that stray golf balls had been reported causing damage to vehicles in the area, with the club’s management allegedly ignoring repeated instructions to implement necessary safety measures such as protective netting or modified play areas.

Expressing his disappointment, LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, criticized the club’s management and players for their apparent disregard for public safety.

“It is concerning to witness such negligence from a reputable establishment. Persistent disregard for safety regulations is unacceptable, particularly when it puts lives and property at risk,” Oki said.

Oki stressed that the club’s lack of preventive measures violates safety regulations and underscored LASBCA’s commitment to protecting residents and visitors from preventable hazards.

He added that the club would remain sealed until it implemented adequate safety measures to address the risks.

10 persons were killed while seven others were injured in a building collapse in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday morning.

A statement from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency disclosed that the incident happened at 2 am at Jegeda Oluloyo area in Ibadan in Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state.

The statement added that while 10 persons were recovered from the debris, seven persons were rescued alive, adding that rescue efforts are reported to be ongoing as of the time of filing this report.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Fire Services Agency received a distressed call at around 2 am this morning at Jegede Olunloyo area, Ibadan, of which 10 persons have been recovered from the debris of the collapsed building, while seven persons were rescued alive. Rescue operation is still going on.”

The General Manager of the state Fire Services, Yemi Akinyinka said, “We received a distress call from the people in the neighbourhood at 2 am.

“When we got there, ten people died outrightly. Three people had been recovered before we got to the place, and our men recovered four. They are still working.”

Access to social media in Mozambique was restricted for the second time in a week on Thursday, a global internet watchdog said, as the opposition called for strikes over a disputed presidential election.

“We can confirm social media restrictions have been imposed in Mozambique,” London-based NetBlocks said, adding it affected Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Opposition figurehead Venancio Mondlane, 50, leader of the small Podemos party, called a nationwide strike from Thursday to November 7 after the ruling Frelimo party’s Daniel Chapo was declared winner of the election.

It was unclear if Mondlane’s call to “paralyse” the country would be followed but the capital Maputo was a ghost city on Thursday.

Police sent out text messages on Wednesday and Thursday, including to an AFP reporter, instructing residents not to participate in acts of “sabotage”.

The public prosecutor also issued a statement saying that while it was a “fundamental right” to protest, “anyone who … causes material or personal damage shall be punished.”

Last week, the electoral commission declared Chapo, 47, winner of the election with 70 percent of votes while Mondlane came in second with 20 percent. Frelimo has been in power for 49 years.

After the results were announced, opposition supporters took to the streets in protests that resulted in clashes with police.

Human Rights Watch said at least 11 people were killed by security forces on October 24 and 25 and more than 50 others were injured.

Election observers, including from the European Union, noted serious flaws before, during and after the vote.

Mondlane and his Podemos party on Sunday seized the country’s Constitutional Court asking for a ballot recount.

The judicial body has since requested results sheets and minutes of polling stations in six provinces and Maputo from the electoral commission, giving them eight days to produce the documents.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has recovered the fifth body from the October 24 helicopter crash that occurred in the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

This is contained in a statement signed by NSIB’s spokesperson Bimbo, Olawumi Oladeji, on Wednesday night.

It said the bureau continued its coordinated recovery operation and investigation following the ditching of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.

According to the statement, five bodies have been recovered so far, and the fifth required specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.

The director-general of NSIB, Alex Badeh, said the bureau would continue to collaborate with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process.

Mr Badeh said the investigation process would align with its mandate to promote transportation safety across Nigeria.

“The recovery operation presents unique challenges due to the environmental conditions, but our team and partners are dedicated to bringing this mission to completion with utmost professionalism and care.

“We are grateful for the coordinated support from everyone involved in this recovery effort, including the Nigerian Navy, in ensuring a respectful recovery process,” he said.