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2 brothers escape kidnappers after abductors fall asleep

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In a dramatic turn of events, Isaac and Victor Olayere, two brothers abducted along Adughe–Imoga Road in Edo State, have regained their freedom after their kidnappers reportedly fell asleep in the forest.

 

 

The siblings were kidnapped on November 8, sparking panic in the Uma/Imoga community. The abductors had demanded a ransom of ₦22 million, heightening fears for the brothers’ safety.

While family and community members scrambled to raise the ransom, the brothers managed to contact their father from an unknown phone number, informing him that they had successfully escaped captivity.

The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Monday in a telephone interview.

He called on security authorities to come to the aid of Imoga, a border town between Edo, Ondo, and Kogi states which, he said, has become a hotspot for kidnapping.

“The two brothers were kidnapped on November 8 along Adughe–Imoga Road and taken into the bush.

“The kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded ₦22 million ransom, throwing the ancient community into panic. I reported the incident to the Ibillo Police Station, hoping the rescue effort would lead to their release.

“It was said that the kidnappers suddenly went into a deep sleep in the forest, which gave their victims the chance to escape. They were later found by vigilantes from Adughe, a neighbouring Kogi community that shares the same Okpameri language with Uma/Imoga.

“The vigilantes alerted Imoga residents, and our youths mobilised to comb the forest. However, by the time they got there, the kidnappers had fled,” the monarch said.

The monarch lamented that incessant cases of kidnapping and attacks by armed herders have become a major security concern in the area, urging the government to establish a police post in Imoga.

He added, “We need a police presence here. If a police post is created, officers can patrol the area regularly and reassure residents of safety.

“Imoga is the largest village in Akoko Edo in terms of landmass, and many herders have entered the area in large numbers. It is also a key link between Edo State and the northern part of the country.”

The state governor, Monday Okpebholo, who was sworn in on November 12, 2024, has launched several initiatives, including road rehabilitation, reclaiming government properties, prioritising education, and promoting women’s inclusion in governance.

However, despite recent investments in security vehicles, motorcycles, and equipment for agencies across the state, kidnapping remains a persistent challenge.

The insecurity crisis reached a boiling point on March 28, 2025, when an angry mob in Uromi, Edo Central, lynched seven travellers over suspected involvement in kidnapping after guns were discovered in their truck.

 

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ANAMBRA GUBER ELECTION; PSC COMMENDS POLICE PERFORMANCE, says POLL LARGELY FREE AND FAIR

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Police Service Commission has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for its effective and efficient deployment of Officers and Men for the off cycle Anambra state Governorship election which held today, Saturday November 8th 2025. The Commission said the performance of the Police was above average and has largely given legitimacy to the election which it considered peaceful.

Commission Staff Monitors in Anambra State reported that Police Conduct during the election was professional and orderly.

Bar. Taiwo Lakanu, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police and leader of the PSC team commended the Police for an efficient and effective election operation in Anambra state. He commended the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun for ensuring that his Officers and Men deployed for the election were properly equipped to provide the required environment for a free and fair election.

DIG Lakanu who visited some Polling Units in the state, noted that he met an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, adding that Anambrarians voted without fear. ‘I didn’t see ballot snatching in the places I visited and I was impressed with the orderliness in the voting centres.

He said the Commission will continue to support efforts to sustain and improve Police performance at elections so as to help depeen democracy in Nigeria.

Ferdinand Ekpe, mni, Director, Department of Police Discipline in the Commission and who led the PSC team to monitor Police conduct in Anambra North zone said there was effective collaboration between the Police, the lead Agency in internal security and other security Agencies in the zone. His team visited three wards and five Polling Units in Onitsha North Local Government Area; seven wards, ten Polling Units in Onitsha South Local Government; two wards, three Polling Units in Ogbaru Local Government and four wards and six Polling Units in Oyi Local Government.

In Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, the PSC team leader, George Muruako, Deputy Director Department of Police Investigation also reported effective collaboration between the Police and other security Agencies. He noted that the Police were courteous and were able to ensure orderliness around the voting area.

The team covered Agu Awka ward
And visited Aroma junction Polling unit, 1 and 2, Esther Obiakor Estate, Ministry of Lands Polling Unit, Nwakpadolu Polling unit. They also covered Anaocha Local Government and visited Agulu Ezigbo Units 1 and 2, Azunano Units 1 and 2 and noted that there were an average of 3 to 5 Police men in the Polling Units supported by officers from sister Agencies such as NSCDC.

The Commission also monitored the conduct of Police men at Anambra South Senatorial zone and was led by Mrs Justina Okurubonye, a Deputy Director in the Department of Police Investigation.
The team visited five of the seven Local governments of the zone. They visited Orumba North (8units), Ihiala (8units), Ekwusigo (7units) and Nnewi North(10units).

The team reported that the Police were professional and had name tags on them.

5 drug kingpins bag 21 years imprisonment over Gabon, Australia-bond cocaine, opioids

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

 

Forfeit cash, luxury vehicles to Federal Government

 

Five members of some international organized criminal groups (IOCG) recently arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in connection with the seizure of 68.9 kilograms cocaine and tramadol at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos have been sentenced to combined 21 years imprisonment.

The trio of Olasupo Michael Oladimeji; Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi; and Sola Adegoke who are leaders of one of the cartels were arrested following the seizure of 17.9 kilograms of cocaine concealed in textile materials and local charms going to Sydney, Australia at the export shed of the MMIA Lagos on 26th August 2025. In the course of investigation, 20.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from Ogunbiyi’s home in Lekki and a black Range Rover SUV marked RBC 459 EJ found in Adegoke’s residence in Ikeja GRA.

 

 

They were subsequently arraigned on five counts in charge number FHC/L/925C/2025 before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos on 30th October 2025. The accused persons later pleaded guilty to the charges against each of them.

Delivering his judgement on 31st October, Justice Kakaki sentenced each of them to five years imprisonment without the option of fine, bringing the total number of years in jail for the three of them to 15 years. The court further ordered that the Range Rover SUV and a Toyota Venza Car seized from the convicts in the course of the investigation be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

 

Similarly, two kingpins of another syndicate: Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah were arrested by NDLEA operatives following the seizure of 2.60kg cocaine and 27.90kg tramadol concealed in motor spare parts being taken to Gabon through the Lagos airport on 19th July 2025. At the end of investigation, the duo were charged and arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court Lagos on six counts in charge number FHC/L/980C. Upon their arraignment on Tuesday 4th November, they both pleaded guilty and after a review of the facts of the case, the two defendants were convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment or payment of a fine of N2million each in lieu of jail while the N4m paid by Obunike to bribe NDLEA officers was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.

NDLEA alerts on fake medicinal cannabis, recovers large consignment, arrests kingpin

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

They contain illicit substances dangerous to health, Marwa warns

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted the Nigerian public about the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being falsely packaged and marketed to the public as medicinal cannabis.

 

The public alert comes on the heels of credible intelligence, which led to the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin Afeez Salisu (a.k.a Malu) on Saturday 1st November 2025 at his 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin-Lagos enclave from where he was packaging and distributing the fake medicinal cannabis in designer pouches and cups.

 

A total of 16.4 kilograms of dangerous and synthetic strains of cannabis including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud and Ghana Loud packaged in designer pouches and cups labelled as medicinal cannabis, were recovered from his store.

 

The Agency therefore wishes to warn Nigerians especially the youth that these so-called medicinal products are, in reality, adulterated and highly potent strains of dangerous psychoactive substances, and are not the regulated, safe pharmaceutical preparations they are purported to be.

 

Investigations by the Agency have confirmed that the seized and recovered products being peddled under the guise of therapeutic cannabis contain dangerously high concentrations of illicit and harmful strains of cannabis, including Loud, known for its extreme potency and severe psychological effects; Arizona, a highly concentrated and destructive variant of cannabis; and Colorado, a potent, often synthetic, strain with devastating consequences on the user’s mental and physical health.

 

Rather than the purported medicinal cannabis in the designer pouches and cups, the strains are highly addictive and pose a significant, immediate threat to public health and safety because they are associated with severe mental health issues, including psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and other long-term cognitive impairments, especially among young people.

 

Speaking on the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) stated that “the criminal elements behind this deceit are only exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push their illicit and life-destroying products into our communities. Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria and as such any product being sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’ is not only fake, and dangerous but also illegal.”

 

The NDLEA boss urged the public to be vigilant and not be deceived by misleading labels, fancy packaging, or false health claims. “Please do not consume it, report any person or group involved in the illicit trade of these dangerous substances to the nearest NDLEA office”, he added.

NDLEA busts clandestine Colos lab in Lagos, intercepts Loud consignments in bathtubs

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Arrests music artist; recovers tons of opioids, skunk in Kaduna, Edo, Kwara, Ogun, Taraba, Ondo, Bauchi raids

 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a clandestine laboratory where Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis is being produced in a residential building located at Ajao estate, Isolo Lagos with large quantities of freshly cooked Colos and various precursor chemicals for drug production recovered and the 30-year-old lab owner, Stephen Kelechi Imoh arrested.

The discovery followed months of intelligence gathering on possible Colos laboratories in Lagos after NDLEA officers intercepted consignments of freshly produced Colos in March and May 2025 in the state, a development that suggested that the dangerous psychoactive substance, which was hitherto imported into the country, was now locally produced.

The effort paid off on Thursday 30th October 2025 when NDLEA officers raided the residential apartment in Ajao estate, Isolo Lagos which Kelechi converted to a laboratory for cooking Colos, a strain of cannabis produced with the psychoactive plant and various chemicals. Recovered from the apartment include: freshly cooked Colos weighing 16.2 kilograms; ADB-CHMNACA Cannabinol -1.7kg; Potassium Carbonate -4.5kg and Dibromobutane – 91 litres.

 

 

In another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 1st November raided the enclave of a 28-year-old drug dealer Afeez Salisu (alias Malu) in Mushin where 16 compressed blocks of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis as well as designer sachets and bottles of Colorado weighing 16.4kg were recovered from him.

A music artist Godspower George Osahenrumwen whose stage name is Steady Boy was on Thursday 30th October arrested by NDLEA operatives while attempting to take delivery of a large consignment of Loud, a strain of cannabis concealed inside three cartons of bathtub imported along with other items such as cloths and gadgets from New York, United States. This followed the seizure of the shipment which arrived the import shed of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos from US aboard a DHL flight on Tuesday 28th October.

The 20-year-old music artist was nabbed at Bougain Villa, Primewater Gardens 2, Freedom way, Lekki Lagos when he showed up as the consignee to take delivery of the 140 bags of Loud with a gross weight of 77.20kg on behalf of a syndicate, which includes his manager, Zion Osazee Omigie (a.k.a Zee Money) who is currently at large.

In Kaduna, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abuja – Jos highway on Sunday 26th October

intercepted a consignment of 84,710 capsules of tramadol coming from Onitsha, Anambra state and heading to Bauchi. A follow up operation in Bauchi led to the arrest of the recipient Musa Abdulkarim, 27. Two days later, Tuesday 28th October, operatives at the tollgate along Abuja – Kaduna highway arrested Hamza Musa, 47, conveying 32, 946 bottles

of Akuskura, a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) from Lagos, while Saidu Nafiu, 30, was nabbed with 131.5kg skunk at Kamfanin Zangon Aya, Igabi LGA, Kaduna.

Three suspects: Seun Olaniyi, 24; Rauf Asogba, 28; and Ayinla Adeniyi, 50, were on Saturday 1st November arrested at Abeokuta, Ogun state after a team of NDLEA officers tracked their movement from Benin Republic and eventually intercepted their bus along Abiola way, Abeokuta, with a total 1,779kg skunk recovered from them.

While Jamilu Mustapha (a.k.a Last Card), 46, was arrested with 596.4kg skunk at Nasaru town, Ningi LGA, Bauchi State on Wednesday 29th October, no fewer than 532,600 pills of tramadol and exol-5 were recovered from the trio of Halilu Amiru; Rabiu Maikudi and Ibrahim Mati in a truck marked KTG- 791 ZZ at Oko-olowo, Ilorin, Kwara state same day.

In Edo state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Okhokho – Isi community in Uhunmwode LGA on Wednesday 29th October intercepted two Toyota Sienna buses marked EPE 545 EV and ABC 142 CD conveying a total of 1,455kg skunk following credible intelligence.

In like manner, operatives in Ondo state on Tuesday 28th October recovered a total of 2,829kg skunk linked to a 32-year-old female suspect Mrs. Ige Olarewaju from two locations at Ayede, Ogbese, while another suspect Samuel Adebayo was nabbed with 737kg of same psychoactive substance at Adegbola junction, Akure.

No less than 76.5 litres of skuchies, a mixture of black currant, skunk and opioids were seized from a suspect Ige Oluwale, 50, who was arrested by NDLEA officers at Ibereko, Bagadry, Lagos on Friday 31st October, while a total of 30,370 pills of tramadol and 177 grams of methamphetamine were recovered from the duo of Musbahu Abdullahi, 28; and Saleiman Ahmed, 25, following their arrest at Wukari, Taraba state by operatives on Thursday 30th October when they were conveying the drugs from Onitsha, Anambra state to Yola, Adamawa state.

Meanwhile, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Aroje/Abaa Community High School, Ogbomoso, Oyo state;

Amazing Flower Secondary School, Maya, Ikorodu, Lagos; Government Day Secondary School, Ilelah, Sokoto; Government Day Secondary School, Darina, Gwiwa LGA, Jigawa Royal Star Academy, Hayin Gwarmai, Bebeji LGA, Kano state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Lagos, Kaduna, Edo, Kwara, Ogun, Taraba, Ondo, Seme, and Bauchi Commands as well as their compatriots across the country for their resilience, professionalism and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the country, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) vowed that the Agency will continue to target and dismantle every identified drug syndicate in any part of Nigeria while denying them of the benefits of the proceeds of their criminal trade by ensuring that they forfeit all their traceable assets to the Federal Government.

Anambra CP Orutugu Concludes Election Security Advocacy With Awka Area Command

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

As part of the Command’s continuous statewide engagement ahead of the forthcoming Anambra Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD on 1st November, 2025, concluded his Election Security Advocacy Tour with the officers and men of the Awka Area Command.

 

The meeting, held at the Area Command Headquarters, Awka, marked the final phase of the Command’s strategic sensitization and capacity- strengthening engagements designed to prepare personnel for professional and effective election security operations.

 

 

In his address, CP Orutugu commended the officers for their dedication and discipline throughout the advocacy campaign, which has so far covered all Area Commands and Divisions in the State. He emphasized the importance of neutrality, professionalism, and respect for human rights during election duties.

 

 

The CP reiterated that the Anambra State Police Command remains fully prepared and fortified for the protection of lives and property before, during and after the election. He assured residents that all tactical units, intelligence teams, and patrol formations have been placed on heightened alert, with adequate logistics support and coordination among sister security agencies.

 

 

CP Orutugu further charged the officers to maintain vigilance, demonstrate courage, and uphold the core values of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring that peace and order prevails throughout the electoral process.

 

 

He also used the opportunity to encourage members of the public to remain law-abiding and security-conscious, assuring that the Police will continue to collaborate with communities and stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful and credible election.

Bandits kidnap deputy speaker

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The Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Samaila Bagudu, has been abducted by suspected in his hometown, Bagudu Local Government Area.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed Bagudu town on Friday evening, firing sporadically before whisking away the lawmaker. According to the sources, Bagudu was taken shortly after completing his prayers and leaving the mosque for his residence.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the incident to Channels Television.

Attempts to get more information from the Kebbi State Police Command on the abduction were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.

Pastor re-arraigned for allegedly fondling minor’s breasts

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A pastor who is also a legal practitioner, Aka-Bashorun Olawale Akanni, was on Wednesday re-arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for the alleged indecent treatment of a 14-year-old girl.

The Lagos State Government re-arraigned Akanni on a one-count charge bordering on the indecent treatment of a child.

The charge alleged that the defendant, who also serves as a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, indecently assaulted the minor at the Iwaya area of Lagos by fondling her breasts.

The prosecution counsel, Funmilola Aluko, told the court that the defendant had unlawfully fondled the breasts of the minor.

According to her, the offence committed contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his plea, defence counsel, Morenikeji Oyekunle, prayed the court to allow her client to continue on the bail earlier granted by a Magistrate’s Court, arguing that he had complied with all conditions and was not a flight risk, being a lawyer and clergyman.

But Aluko opposed the bail request, urging the court to review the terms of release.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi upheld the bail conditions previously granted by the Magistrate’s Court and directed the defence counsel to ensure the defendant’s presence at every adjourned date.

After the ruling, the prosecution informed the court that the complainant, now 27 years old, was present and ready to testify.

Led in evidence by the prosecution, the witness told the court that she met the defendant through her father, who was a member of the defendant’s church, the RCCG, on Lagos Island.

She said that in 2010, when she was about eight years old, she moved in with the defendant’s family to improve her academic performance and participate more actively in the church choir.

The witness alleged that during her stay, the defendant began to molest her sexually and physically.

She narrated how he would assault her and subject her to severe punishment whenever she performed poorly in school.

According to her, she eventually ran away from the defendant’s house and reported the matter to her parents.

She said she officially lodged a complaint in 2023 after learning of a similar incident involving another minor in the same church.

Under cross-examination, the witness told the court that she first confided in her class teacher, identified as Mrs Akingbeoyewa, about the alleged abuse while still living with the defendant.

At the close of her testimony, the defence requested an adjournment to enable it to obtain the Certified True Copy of the witness’s evidence.

The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that further delay could cause emotional distress to the witness.

Justice Oshodi granted the adjournment but invoked Section 193 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, awarding a cost of N50,000,in favour of the witness, to be paid by the defence before the next trial date.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case to December 9, 2025, for continuation of the trial.

Delta State Police Command Nab Cultists, Gun Peddlers, Recovers Cache Of Arms

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Delta State Command, the image maker, SP Edafe Bright, said has tightened the net on violent crime with two decisive operations that led to arrests and the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition. The actions, driven by credible intelligence, has sent a clear signal to cult groups and robbery syndicates that the State is not a safe harbour for notorious activities.

 

 

 

He disclosed that on 25th October 2025 at about 1800hrs, a resident of Aviara community, under Oleh Division, reported that on 22nd October 2025 at about 0812hrs, a video depicting suspected Eiye cult activity was posted on a WhatsApp group known as “Real Men”. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oleh Division, CSP Keme Osuluku, detailed his operatives to investigate discreetly. At 0800hrs on 26 October 2025, acting on preliminary findings, the operatives arrested the suspect linked to the post, Donatus Odovo (male, 29), of Aviara community. Follow-up investigation, Edafe revealed led to the arrest of Zachariah Okeh (male, 36), alleged to be an Eiye cult leader in Aviara. During a execution of a search warrant at his residence, officers recovered one locally made double-barrelled gun, one locally made single-barrelled gun, and six live cartridges. The exhibits were secured, and the suspects were taken into custody for further questioning, while efforts continue to apprehend additional collaborators.

In another development, on 27/10/2025 at about 1345hrs, Rapid Response Squad operatives, while on stop-and-search duty along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, intercepted a Toyota RAV4 with registration EPE 189 GN. The driver, Mordi Emmanuel (male, 45), of No. 74, Family Estate, Asaba, complied with routine checks. Inside an envelope found in the vehicle, officers recovered one fabricated Beretta pistol with breech No. 5182207, with four live rounds.

 

 

Acting under the operational direction of the Rapid Response Squad Commander, CSP Nosa Alex, who coordinated the deployment and approved immediate follow-up actions, a team executed a duly obtained search warrant at the suspect’s residence. The search yielded one pump-action shotgun with breech No. 20-R-3921, and four live cartridges from the house and premises. The exhibits and the suspect are in custody and investigation is ongoing.

 

The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commends the vigilance of residents and the professionalism displayed by the officers involved. He reaffirms the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and the unlawful possession of firearms, and restates the commitment to intelligence-led policing, community partnership, and strict respect for the law.

He urges members of the public to remain security-conscious and to share timely, credible information with the police.

Hidden assets: Court rules Abba Kyari has case to answer

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed the no-case submission filed by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and his two brothers in the criminal case instituted against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Kyari, alongside his brothers, Mohammed and Ali, is being prosecuted by the NDLEA on 23 counts, bordering on full disclosure of their assets.

The agency also accused them of disguising the ownership of properties and converting proceeds of crime — offences punishable under Section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and Section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

To prove the charges, the prosecution called 10 witnesses and tendered at least 20 exhibits.

In response, however, Kyari and his brothers filed no-case submissions, arguing that the NDLEA failed to establish a prima facie case that would warrant them to put in any defence.

However, in a ruling on Tuesday, , Justice James Omotosho dismissed the no-case submissions, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendants, warranting them to open their defence.

“In view of all the exhibits and the evidence of the prosecution, the defendants need to offer explanations in this regard,” the judge stated.

He clarified that the ruling did not amount to a finding of guilt but was to ensure that the defendants were given the opportunity to present their defence and enjoy their constitutional right to a fair hearing.

“The evidence of the prosecution has established sufficient grounds for this trial to proceed. A connection between the defendants and the alleged offences, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence.

“Holding that a prima facie case has been established does not imply guilt. It simply allows the defendants to exhaust their defence options before a final judgment,” Justice Omotosho explained.

He further emphasised that the defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty, while the burden of proof rests on the prosecution to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt, in line with Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Upon the close of the prosecution’s case, the defendants filed a no-case submission, arguing that the NDLEA failed to establish ownership of the alleged properties.

Kyari contended that under Section 128 of the Evidence Act, transactions involving state land could only be proved through certified true copies of title documents, insisting that no other form of evidence was admissible.

However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court would not evaluate the weight of the evidence at this stage, holding that the prosecution’s case justified a response from the defendants.

“I have carefully examined the evidence presented by the prosecution. It points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendants, requiring them to proffer explanations or a defence, especially considering the gravity of the allegations,” he said.

He added that the defendants’ right to defend themselves was a fundamental one guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which could not be waived except expressly or by conduct.

“In the final analysis, the no-case submissions filed by the defendants cannot be upheld in the face of the evidence led by the prosecution. Consequently, the applications are overruled, and the defendants are hereby ordered to open their defence,” the judge ruled.

Justice Omotosho gave Kyari and his brothers three days to enter their defence and adjourned the matter to November 4, 5, and 6 for continuation of trial.