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Court Finally Delivers Judgement In Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Case

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has delivered his ruling in the case between the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and the Federal Government.

Naija News reports that the judgement was given in Nnamdi Kanu’s absence after the judge had ordered security operatives to kick him out of the court over his unruly behaviour.

Nnamdi Kanu had earlier stated that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja does not have the jurisdiction to try him.

The separatist, who has been in custody since 2021, faced seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security.

The IPOB leader contended that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he is being prosecuted, has been repealed.

He urged the court to strike out the charges, describing them as “disclosing no offence known to law” and therefore invalid.

Kanu also requested that the court nullify the “purported plea of not guilty” entered on his behalf, claiming it was obtained through deception and contrary to a Supreme Court ruling.

He further asked the court to set aside all subsequent proceedings and order his immediate release.

“My contention is very simple: this court lacks jurisdiction to try me,” he said.

Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court has the authority to preside over the Nnamdi Kanu case.

The judge also stated that the matter of extradition has been settled by the Supreme Court, and he ruled against Kanu in this regard.

On the issue of fairness in the hearing for Nnmadi Kanu, Omotosho ruled against the IPOB leader, stating that the court ensured he received a fair hearing.

On the defendant not entering his defence, Justice Omotosho said: “I begged the defendant passionately to enter his defence, but he remained obsolete. That shows that he chose to rest his case on the prosecution. Which is a gamble and a risky action.”

The court found Nnamdi Kanu guilty and convicted him of count 1 in the charges filed against him by the federal government.

The Judge said: “The court will rely on the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution. This court, therefore, finds that the prosecution has discharged Count 1 beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant (Kanu) is hereby convicted in respect of Count 1.”

More judgement is being read and this report will be updated as it comes in…….

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Shettima Steps Aside from Office After Three Years

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.

According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch

He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

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Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason

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Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.

Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.

The ministry said in its official statement:

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.” 

What is Umuganura Day?

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.

The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.

Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.

History of Umuganura festival

Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.

Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.

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BREAKING: Nigerian Gov Announces 19 New Appointments

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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of 19 new permanent secretaries and the redeployment of 14 others across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state civil service.

The state Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu-Maimota, made this known through a statement released on Tuesday, August 4, in Kano, signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment in her office, Rukayya Uba-Sulaiman.

Uba-Sulaiman said the new appointments followed the recent promotion of qualified directors to the rank of permanent secretary, with the aim of strengthening government operations and improving service delivery across state agencies.

“The posting follows the recent upliftment of some deserving Directors to the position of Permanent Secretaries, which was aimed at re-strengthening the machinery of Government for an effective and efficient service delivery,” the statement read.

The statement conveyed the governor’s approval directly, noting that the exercise was designed to reposition the civil service for greater efficiency under the current administration.

Newly appointed permanent secretaries were urged to carry out their duties with diligence and competence in support of the government’s broader objectives, Punch reported.

According to the statement, the postings take immediate effect. All handover processes between outgoing and incoming officers are expected to be concluded no later than Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Uba-Sulaiman described the appointments as a call to greater responsibility and selfless service to the people of Kano State, Vanguard reported.

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