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Star witness exposes alleged rigging spots by APC as PDP closes case at Nasarawa governorship tribunal

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From Daniel Abel, Lafia

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has closed it’s case at the Nasarawa governorship tribunal with the last star witness that exposed the alleged massive irregularities and inflation of votes by the All Progressive Congress, (APC) and governor Abdullahi Sule.

The star witness, barrister Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu who was the PDP state collation officer in his witness exposed so many documents that were said to be directly generated from the INEC BVAS IREV which were not collated according to the INEC guidelines for the 2023 General Elections, during the collations.

Some of the documents according to Ayiwulu includes Form EC8As, EC8BS and other related documents for both Governorship and State Assembly results of the
Azara Electoral wards of Awe LGA, Kanje/Aburi Electoral ward of Awe LGA.

Others are Gaiyam Electoral ward of Lafia LGA, Ciroma Electoral ward of Lafia LGA, Ashige Electoral ward of Lafia LGA, Aliwaza mada of Doma LGA, Ningo/Boha Electoral ward of Akwanga LGA, Shege and Gadabuke ward of Toto LGA.

The star witness also tendered the Lafia North state Assembly constituency results, Lafia Central State Assembly Constituency results screenshots printout of the BVAS of the Nasarawa state Governorship elections.

Also tendered was the total number of registered voters in Nasarawa state and the affected areas in questions. And BVAS Printed form EC8As and the manual results of all the Polling units in Nasarawa state.

Ayiwulu attested to the court that the total score in form EC8As were manipulated and collated in form EC8Bs in Ciroma, Gaiyam, Azara and Kanje/Abuni ward. While the results of form EC8A of Ashige ward were unlawfully cancelled.

Ayiwulu ended with the submission of results of state Assembly elections of Lafia central which were thoroughly scrutinized. He begged the tribunal to take a look at the differences in the accreditation in comparison with the governorship election that held same day and hour.

The witness was crossed examined by both the first, second and third Respondents (INEC APC and A Sule) respectively.

The star witness appealed to the tribunal to kindly use the original and certified copies with them and do the correct compilation of the entire results using the available forms EC8AS which were the original pyramids of every elections results so that the right results and candidate can be declared.

The PDP Lead counsel Dr. J S Okutepa SAN, in his address told the Tribunal that his case is closed as he awaits the defence from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents.

The first respondent(INEC)Lead Counsel Isiaka Dikko(SAN) said that he’s ready for the defence.

The chairman of the four man committee, justice Ezekiel Ajayi said that INEC will begin their defence by tomorrow the 18th August 2023.

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Alleged Fraud, Land Grabbing by Rebecca Omokamo: Falana Chambers Petitions EFCC, ICPC

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Legal powerhouse, Falana and Falana Chambers, has filed petitions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac, also known as Hajia Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu, and her firm, Homadil Realty Limited.
The allegations include financial fraud, forgery of documents, and illegal land grabbing involving Plot 4022 in Guzape, Abuja.
The petitions, made on behalf of the Yesufu family, accuse Mrs. Omokamo and her associates of conspiracy, forgery, and fraudulent acquisition of funds.
The legal battle dates back to 2014 when Mrs. Omokamo allegedly purchased the disputed land but subsequently lost its title documents.
The Yesufu family claims ownership and has been in protracted legal and investigative disputes over the land.
In a related incident in May 2024, a PREMIUM TIMES reporter, Emmanuel Agbo, investigating the case, was summoned by the police after communications with Mrs. Omokamo.
She denied the allegations in conversations but later accused the EFCC of harassment in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu. Mrs. Omokamo claimed EFCC interference in what she called a civil matter, further alleging the unjust detention of her husband and staff.
However, subsequent investigations by the EFCC and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) reportedly uncovered extensive fraudulent dealings tied to Mrs. Omokamo.
The findings led to separate petitions to the ICPC, prompting further investigations into alleged forgery of land titles and fraudulent sales involving multiple properties, including a 2.3-hectare plot in Katampe District, Abuja.
Efforts to resolve the matter amicably, including appeals by Mrs. Omokamo’s husband and traditional rulers to the Yesufu family, reportedly failed. Allegations emerged that Mrs. Omokamo had sold the Katampe property to over 60 victims using forged documents.

Her purported resistance to settlement and her legal maneuvers to block investigations drew criticism.
In October 2024, Mrs. Omokamo filed a motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent further investigations by the EFCC and ICPC. Simultaneously, her husband reportedly sought forgiveness from the Yesufu family, a move seen as contradictory given Mrs. Omokamo’s legal actions.
The Yesufu family, represented by Falana and Falana Chambers, has called for the prosecution of Mrs. Omokamo, her husband, and their accomplices.
They also requested investigation reports to aid civil proceedings. Meanwhile, the company’s secretary, Mr. Kolawole James Olowokere, recently withdrew his

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Osun Governor grants Christmas Clemency to chicken, egg thieves on death row

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In a bid to mark the 2024 Christmas season with acts of compassion, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has granted clemency to Segun Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo.
They were sentenced to death in 2014 for robbery-related offenses committed in 2010.
The duo, aged 17 at the time, had been convicted of stealing two fowls, eggs, and mobile phones from individuals in Okuku, Osun State.
Despite the minor theft, the court had sentenced them to death by hanging in 2014, sparking nationwide outrage over the severity of the punishment.

Ademola Adeleke


They were granted a prerogative of mercy alongside 51 other convicts who had varying levels of sentences in correctional centres in Osun, by the governor.
The governor’s decision, made on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, highlighted a broader push for prison reforms and justice review in the state.

Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stated that the clemency alignsled with constitutional powers and the spirit of the season.

“This exercise of mercy follows the recommendations made by the State Advisory Council and underscores the administration’s commitment to fairness and humanity,” Rasheed said in a statement.

The letter of commutation, dated December 24, 2024, has been officially acknowledged by prison authorities.

The governor’s move has sparked debates over Nigeria’s judicial process, with human rights advocates praising the decision as a step toward addressing sentencing disparities and prison decongestion.

The case of Olowookere and Morakinyo, sentenced as teenagers, drew public attention due to the severity of their punishment relative to the crime.
Their release is expected to reignite discussions on justice reforms and youth rehabilitation programs.

In his address, Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of second chances and pledged to continue reviewing cases deserving of mercy while balancing justice with compassion.

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Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi regains Freedom, says he is innocent of defamation claims

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Dele Farotimi

After meeting his bail conditions, prominent human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has regained his freedom from the correctional center in Ekiti State.
Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning, following last week’s ruling by a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, which granted him bail on the condition of a ₦30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must own property), submission of his passport, and a ban on granting media interviews.
Addressing journalists shortly after his release, Farotimi reaffirmed his commitment to truth and denied ever spreading falsehoods against anyone.

“It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil,” Farotimi said. “But before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria. I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will say I don’t know.”
Farotimi’s legal troubles began following the release of his book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, on July 2, 2024.
In the 116-page publication, Farotimi alleged that some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Aare Afe Babalola, had engaged in judicial corruption by influencing Supreme Court Justices.

Babalola subsequently accused Farotimi of defamation, leading to his arrest at his Lagos office on December 3 by operatives attached to the Ekiti State Police Command. Farotimi was transported to Ekiti State, where he faced defamation and cyberbullying charges.
In addition to the defamation claims brought by Babalola’s legal team, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, filed 12 more charges against Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ekiti on December 6, 2024.
Farotimi maintained that his book reflected facts and insights into Nigeria’s justice system, adding that his work was aimed at reforming rather than attacking the legal profession.
“It is the truth that will set this country free,” Farotimi said, vowing to continue his advocacy for justice and fairness despite the legal battles.

The case is expected to proceed in January 2025, with prosecutors set to present additional evidence. Meanwhile, Farotimi’s legal team is reportedly considering a motion to quash the charges.
Farotimi’s arrest and detention have drawn public outrage, with many civil society organizations condemning what they describe as an attempt to silence dissent.

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