Ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves faces trial for alleged sexual assault

Ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves faces trial for alleged sexual assault

Former Barcelona and Brazilian star Dani Alves is set to face trial for alleged sexual assault, after a ruling by a court judge. The 40-year-old footballer was accused of rape in January for an incident that allegedly happened on December 30, 2022, in Barcelona, Spain. Alves has been in police custody since January, with the Barcelona court denying him bail. The presiding judge has given Alves’ lawyers five days to present their arguments for the trial, which must convince the judge of his innocence or face the appropriate penalty.

Ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves faces trial for alleged sexual assault

Dani Alves – Getty image The trial date will be set at the expiration of the five-day ultimatum. If convicted, Alves could face imprisonment for up to 12 years, depending on the weight of the court proceedings. Additionally, the jury might impose a fine of €150,000 based on the trial’s outcome. Meanwhile, reports reveal that throughout the proceedings that led up to the court’s statement, Alves has maintained his innocence, providing four different versions of events related to the accusation. The Brazilian had quite a remarkable career in football, and was once the most decorated footballer with 43 titles until Lionel Messi surpassed the record. He played for several top clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Sevilla, Sao Paulo, and Bahia.

73-year-old man arrested by EFCC regains freedom after awaiting trial for 13 years

73-year-old man arrested by EFCC regains freedom after awaiting trial for 13 years

A 73-year-old man, identified as Nyeche, who was arrested by the EFCC, has been released from prison after enduring 13 years and eight months of detention without trial. The old man’s ordeal began when he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the age of 60, sparking concerns over the protracted and seemingly unjust nature of his detention. The Headfort Foundation, a human rights group, played a pivotal role in securing Nyeche’s release. The organization revealed that they became aware of his situation through a church member who participated in a prison outreach in March 2022.

73-year-old man arrested by EFCC regains freedom after awaiting trial for 13 years

Disturbed by the circumstances surrounding Nyeche’s case, the foundation decided to intervene and champion his cause. According to a statement released on the Headfort Foundation’s Twitter page, they discovered that Nyeche’s case file had gone missing and that he had not been presented before any court between 2019 and 2023. The foundation tracked down the missing file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and on October 20, 2023, brought Nyeche before the court, where he was re-arraigned for the crime of stealing. Arguing on behalf of Nyeche, the Headfort Foundation contended that he should be released, highlighting that he had already spent more time in prison than the stipulated sentence for the crime of stealing if found guilty. However, the EFCC requested an adjournment to prepare for trial, a request that the court granted. Undeterred, the foundation’s legal team promptly applied for Nyeche’s bail, assuring the court that they would ensure his presence on the next adjourned date. The court, considering the merits of the application, granted bail to Nyeche on the condition that the foundation ensures his appearance in court for the upcoming proceedings. Finally, on October 20, 2023, after enduring over a decade of incarceration, Pa. Nyeche experienced the sweet taste of freedom. “Nyeche, a 73-year-old man, was arrested by EFCC at the age of 70 sic (60), he spent 13years and 8months in prison awaiting trial. We took on his case after being referred by a church that went for prison outreach in March 2022. His case file went missing and he was not before any court between 2019 and 2023. We traced his file to the DPP office and brought him before a court on 20th October 2023 when he was re-arraigned for the crime of stealing. We argued that Nyeche should be released because he has already served more than the provided sentence for the crime of stealing if found guilty. On the other hand, the EFCC requested an adjournment to prepare for trial and the court granted same. Then our lawyer applied for his bail and undertook to ensure his presence in court on the next adjourned date. The court granted our application on the ground that we ensure his presence on the next date. “Finally, on the 20th October, 2023, Pa. Nyeche experienced freedom after 13years and 8months in prison. Support Headfort Foundation to help others stuck in the Nigerian Justice System,” the statement read. See below;

“Please pray for me” — Diezani pleads amidst £100K bribe trial in UK

"Please pray for me" — Diezani pleads amidst £100K bribe trial in UK

The embattled former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, appeals to Nigerians for their prayers as she faces charges of corruption, involving multi-million pounds, in the UK. The United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) had accused her of accepting bribes in the form of cash, luxury items, private jet flights, and the use of upscale properties in the UK in exchange for the awarding of oil contracts. These alleged acts occurred during her tenure in former President Goodluck Jonathan‘s administration between 2010 and 2015. Following a hearing in the fifth-floor courtroom, Diezani was reported to have expressed, “I need prayers. Please pray for me,” while engaging with members of the Nigerian community in the UK. It is worth noting that On October 2, Michael Snow, the district judge at the Westminster Magistrates Court in the United Kingdom, granted Alison-Madueke bail in the amount of £70,000 after judging her “a flight risk.”

“Some politicians in Aso Rock standing trial for looting country’s treasury” ― Falana

"Some politicians in Aso Rock standing trial for looting country's treasury" ― Falana

Famous Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), on Monday urged President Bola Tinubu to strengthen his fight against corruption, especially in the Aso Rock. Falana who was a guest speaker at the 60th anniversary of the call to bar of Aare Afe Babalola in Ekiti State, stated that some politicians and people that can be found in the Aso Presidential Villa are standing trial for looting the country’s treasury.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) He said, “I’m urging the president to lead an anti-corruption crusade so that the country – the largest concentration of black people on earth, can take its rightful place in the committee of nations. “Highly-placed public officers steal money meant for building hospitals, and people are dying on our roads. “Some of those who are going in and out of the villa are standing trial for looting the treasury of this country. So, wrong signals must not be sent to our people and the international community,” Falana said. Speaking further on why corrupt public office holders should be barred from holding positions in government, he referenced the administration of Nigeria’s former president and Chairman of the anniversary lecture, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), noting that the administration fought against corruption. Falana said, “There’s somebody here who was our president. If you were accused of corruption and your case was before the EFCC or the ICPC, you’ll not be appointed to a position of authority. We must go back to that era.”

How my father helped me achieve my dreams of studying in America after 3 failed JAMB trial

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In a heartwarming testimony shared on Twitter, a Nigerian woman recounted how her father’s unwavering faith and sacrifice helped her achieve her dreams of studying in America. According to the woman, exactly twenty years ago, she was hopeless and had just failed JAMB after her third trial.

How my father helped me achieve my dreams of studying in America after 3 failed jamb try - Nigerian woman shares inspiring story

She was sitting on a tattered chair in the small bedroom she shared with her five younger siblings when she decided to go after her dreams of studying in America.

How my father helped me achieve my dreams of studying in America after 3 failed jamb try - Nigerian woman shares inspiring story

She said; “In the second picture, exactly 14 years ago today, my father who started this journey to ensure his child studied in one of the most renowned universities in the world saw it to the end. I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida, a top 5 public university, after four years of studying and interning four times at Fortune 100 companies.” The woman went on to express her belief in God, stating that her testimony is proof that God exists.

How my father helped me achieve my dreams of studying in America after 3 failed jamb try - Nigerian woman shares inspiring story

“What God cannot do does not exist, and we are walking examples of answered prayers of our parents,” she said. She also called for more recognition of the sacrifices and hard work of Nigerian parents, especially fathers, in ensuring their children’s success. “We don’t talk enough about our Fathers, their dreams for us, their relentless prayers, and undoubted sacrifices,” she said. The woman revealed that her father encouraged her to pick up the SAT forms after he overheard his very rich friend talking to his daughter lovingly on the phone in Maryland, USA. Despite his lack of financial resources, her father paid for her transportation to an SAT preparatory school called MET, where she studied for the SAT and passed with flying colors. “Many of our parents sold everything they had for us, many borrowed money, traveled with the last kobo they had to far places to pull on favors for us. I want us to talk about them, they are worth celebrating. Our parents are legends,” she said. Many social media users have taken to Twitter to express their admiration for the woman’s inspiring story and to share their own experiences of parental sacrifice. One user tweeted, “This is such an inspiring story! It’s a reminder of the lengths our parents will go to ensure our success. We owe them everything”. See below; Exactly twenty years ago, I was hopeless. I had just failed JAMB after my third try. I was sitting on this tattered chair in the small bedroom I shared with my five younger siblings. Here, I decided I was going to go after my dreams of studying in America. #nigeria #usa pic.twitter.com/cJx7NicipZ — Blessing Adesiyan (@blessingdesiyan) May 9, 2023

Update on Ike Ekweremadu’s organ harvesting trial

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Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife appeared in court on Tuesday, 31st January, 2023 in London ahead of their trial for organ harvesting. According to AFP, the duo appeared without their daughter who is currently in the hospital receiving treatment.

The senator, together with his wife Beatrice, daughter Sonia, and a doctor were accused of bringing a 21-year-old boy from Nigeria to have his kidney removed so it could be given to Sonia, his daughter. However, in absence of his daughter, a defence team submitted a psychological report, claiming she is not fit to stand trial. The court adjourned soon after convening in order for prosecutors to read the report. The 21-year-old accuser is said to have alerted authorities after refusing to consent to the medical procedure, following preliminary tests at a north London hospital causing the arrest of the Ekweremadus in June, 2022 at London’s Heathrow airport after flying into the UK. One Obinna Obeta, a 50-year-old doctor from south London, was also arrested later. The offence is alleged to have taken place between August 2021 and May 2022. Supporters and protesters gathered around the London court ahead of the hearing.

“Reality show gigolo” — Reactions trial #BBTitans’ Marvin after being recognized from multiple shows

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One of the newly unveiled housemates of the BBTitans show, Marvin, catches the attention of many after being recognised from three famous shows. Marvin (29) who hails from Port Harcourt was introduced during the premiere of the BBTitans show alongside other housemates and has since been the talk of the day. He is said to have participated in popular shows that include Big Brother US, America’s Got Talent and Netflix’s Circle. A Twitter user who placed his face wrote, “This Marvin boy is a reality show gigolo. From big brother US to America’s got talent to the circle on netflix now big brother titans.”

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT — “Auditions” Episode 1702 — Pictured: Marvin Achi — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC) Another user added, “I said it, it was him on big brother. But even at that it doesn’t matter, he has every right to keep pushing until he gets what he wants.” See more reactions that followed …

NBA demands N5 billion for slain lawyer’s family, to monitor trial

NBA demands N5 billion for slain lawyer's family, to monitor trial

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded a whopping N5 billion as compensation to murdered lawyer  Mrs. Bolanle Raheem’s family.

The Association has also said that it will be monitoring the trial of Assistant Superintendent, Drambi Vandi, who allegedly shot and killed Mrs. Raheem in Lagos on Christmas Day.
In a statement signed by the branch member and rights activist of NBA Lagos, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), he disclosed that he was appointed to lead the monitoring team.
The statement read: “The NBA Lagos in conjunction with the NBA President, Mr. Y.C. Mikyau, SAN, has decided to be part of the prosecution of the policeman as part of its efforts towards securing quick and effective justice for the family of the deceased.
“In this regard, the NBA will be partnering with the Ministry of Justice during the trial.
“Mr. Adegboruwa has in turn obtained relevant briefing from the Hon. Attorney-General of Lagos State and has secured the assurances of an accelerated prosecution once the case file is received from the police.
“The NBA is also seeking monetary compensation for the family of Mrs. Raheem from the government of Lagos State, the Federal Government, and indeed the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission, through its Human Rights Committee.
 

#DTT: American Music Makers Sign ‘Art On Trial: Protect Black Art’ Petition

#DTT: American Music Makers Sign ‘Art On Trial: Protect Black Art’ Petition

Ike Ekweremadu And Wife Remanded In Jail After First Trial

Ike Ekweremmadu Wife Uk jail

 

Ike Ekweremmadu Wife Uk jail

Latest reports from the UK now has it that the Westminister Magistrate Court in London has remanded Sen Ike Ekweremadu in Jail after today’s court session.
According to reports from Arise News, the victim who was previously claimed to be 15 years old admitted to actually being 21 years old.

Ike Ekweremmadu Wife

Legal Counsel for the Ekweremmadu couple denied that there was exploitation or an intent to exploit the alleged victim.
The Case has now been adjourned till August 4th, and The Ekweremadus are to remain remanded in custody until the next hearing.
Recall that Ekweremadu and his wife were arrested by the London Metropolitan Police on the 23rd of June over an alleged human trafficking and organ harvesting which violates the UK’s Modern Slavery Act.
The police authorities accused the Ekweremadu Couple of conspiring to bring a child from Nigeria to the United Kingdom for organ harvesting, the police has reported the child to be a 15-year-old boy.
The Nigerian High Commission in the UK has sent a delegation to attend today’s court session.
Some of Ekweremadu’s colleagues in the Nigerian Senate are also in attendance for the court session including former Senate President David Mark, current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Adamu Bulkachuwa and former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Also in attendance is former Minister of State for Education and one time APC Presidential aspirant Hon Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.