News
Defense Lawyer Puts Prosecution in a Bind as Investigator Admits No Link Between Defendants
In a dramatic turn of events at the Special Offenders Court in Ikeja, in the case of one Mark Obisesan vs. the EFCC, the defense led by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), appeared to have cornered the prosecution by placing the lead investigator of the case, one mr. Olufemi Olukinni, on the stand.
The defense attorney skilfully posed a series of questions that ultimately revealed that Mark Obisesan had no link to the other defendants accused of owning and trading fake traveller’s cheques.
Although Mr. Olukinni argued that while their investigation did not establish any link between the defendants, there exists a conspiracy to commit the alleged offense. However, the presiding judge, Justice I.O Ijelu, over-ruled the EFCC investigator and the prosecutor, stating that “it is only the court that can determine whether a conspiracy exists or not.”
Furthermore, after subjecting them to forensic analysis, Mr. Olukinni admitted under oath that some of the traveller’s cheques (specifically exhibit 9) was genuine.
Mr. Obisesan was arrested and charged to court by the EFCC in 2019 for being in possession of a fake traveller’s cheque. Mr. Obisesan maintains that he legally purchased the cheques from a reliable agent and later realized some were fake. Upon this realization, he made several efforts to recover his money until his unfortunate arrest by the EFCC. Mr. Obisesan claims he is innocent and has vowed to clear his name and image in court.
The trial will continue June 21, 22 and July 5, 6, 10 following an adjournment by the presiding judge.
The Arewa Joint Action Movement (AJAM) has thrown its weight behind the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, to dissociate from what it described as “opportunistic office seekers” including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
AJAM stressed that Nigeria’s political terrain must be guided by integrity and purpose, not by a desire for power at all costs.
In a statement by the Coordinator of AJAM, Barnabas Musa, noted that Nigeria’s political terrain must be guided by integrity and purpose, not by a desire for power at all costs.
Musa, described the PDP governors’ position as a “bold and commendable step” toward safeguarding Nigeria’s political integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He criticized the political maneuverings of those he called “transient political actors” within the opposition coalition, accusing them of chasing personal gain rather than national progress.
He said: “The members of the opposition alliance, characterized by their transient political ambitions, have consistently shown themselves to be more concerned with personal gain than with the needs and aspirations of the common man.
“The Arewa Joint Action Movement firmly believes that the political landscape should be navigated with integrity and purpose. Unfortunately, the individuals in this opposition coalition have proven to be nothing more than political opportunists and job seekers, feeding off the goodwill of the populace while offering little more than empty promises and deceptive rhetoric.
“Their dubious political agendas are not rooted in the genuine desire to uplift our communities or address the pressing issues facing our nation, but rather in a quest for power and influence at any cost.
“As we look ahead to the 2027 presidential elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant against those who seek to destabilize our country for their own gain. The electorate has grown increasingly discerning, and we are confident that they will reject any attempts by these opportunists to manipulate their hopes and aspirations.
“The Nigerian people deserve leaders who prioritize their welfare and work tirelessly to create a brighter future for all citizens, rather than those who exploit their struggles for political leverage.
“We commend Governor Bala Mohammed and the PDP Governors Forum for their principled stance and urge them to continue advocating for policies that enhance the lives of our people.
“The Arewa Joint Action Movement stands ready to support initiatives that promote unity, progress, and genuine democratic values. Together, we can build a Nigeria that reflects the hopes and dreams of its citizens, free from the shackles of political opportunism.”
The group also called on citizens to reject “the politics of deception and self-interest” and unite for a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
Former CPC leaders, once part of Nigeria’s defunct Congress for Progressive Change, reaffirmed their genuine commitment and unwavering loyalty to the APC.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, whose declare their support to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, Hon. Aliyu Adamu Farouk, Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Yusuf Salihu, Capt. Bala Jubrin, Uche Oferoh, Hon. Ayuba Bulama.
Both Al-Makura and Masari were instrumental in the CPC’s legacy and its subsequent merger into the APC. Their continued presence at the meeting and political involvement are seen as critical to maintaining the ideological balance and structural stability within the party.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A former Federal Commissioner with the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Dr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Durunguwa, has declared that he would transform Southern Kaduna to surpass America in development if given the opportunity.
Durunguwa, who was also a former governorship aspirant in Kaduna State, made the statement on Wednesday when members of the Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Malali, Kaduna.
He reiterated his commitment to the progress and unity of Southern Kaduna, calling on the people to set aside religious, political, and ethnic differences to work for the region’s development.
“Let us come together as one. No matter the political party, religion, or tribe, let’s make Southern Kaduna great,” he said.
He also stressed the need for grassroots engagement in tackling insecurity, noting that a lack of coordination among residents often leads to security breakdowns.
“If you leave people in a community without coordination and direction, there will always be security challenges,” he stated.
He cited his personal peace-building efforts in his hometown of Laduga as a model, saying regular engagements with traditional rulers, youths, and local vigilantes had yielded positive results.
“Whenever I visit Laduga, I meet with village heads, local security teams, and youths to discuss strategies. Today, I can proudly say that Laduga stands out as one of the most peaceful communities in Southern Kaduna,” he said.
Durunguwa urged other influential personalities from the region to join hands in finding lasting solutions to insecurity and underdevelopment.