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Federal Government Begins Cybercrime Trial Of Justice Crack
Justice Crack cybercrime trial begins as Federal Government opens amended charges and court reviews forensic evidence in Abuja case
The Federal Government opened its case at the Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended three-count charge of alleged cybercrime and felony against social media influencer Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, in a proceeding that marked a key step in the ongoing trial.
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Justice Chidiebere was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him by the prosecution.
During the hearing, prosecution witness Oronto Douglas continued his evidence-in-chief, telling the court that audio and video recordings of the defendant’s interview had been downloaded onto a flash drive as part of the investigative process.
He also confirmed that a certificate of compliance was duly signed in relation to the digital evidence presented.
The case took a procedural turn when defence counsel applied for the continuation of previously granted bail conditions, a request which the prosecution did not oppose.
The court subsequently granted the application, allowing the defendant to remain on existing bail terms.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until 28 September to enable further procedural steps, including an application to the court’s IT department for the review of forensic evidence already submitted by the prosecution.
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The adjournment will allow both parties to prepare for the electronic examination of the evidence, which is expected to play a central role in the next phase of the trial.
Reps seek federal relief for Edo tanker explosion victims, urging NEMA aid, market rehabilitation and urgent repairs to the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide relief materials, financial assistance and rehabilitation support to victims of the deadly petrol tanker explosion at Oluku in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
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The lawmakers also urged the government to repair dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku to reduce the risk of similar disasters.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Omosede Igbinedion, a lawmaker representing a constituency in Edo State, during plenary on Wednesday, October 21.
The Edo tanker explosion occurred on Thursday, October 15, when a petrol tanker reportedly lost control and overturned near Oluku Market, spilling fuel that later ignited and spread to nearby businesses.
According to the motion, the fire caused fatalities and serious injuries while destroying shops, stalls, vehicles, goods and other property.
The damage also left traders and their families facing substantial financial losses and the loss of their livelihoods.
Presenting the motion, Igbinedion said the incident had caused widespread hardship, with some victims losing their savings and facing mounting financial difficulties.
She also raised concerns about reports of severe burns among survivors, some of whom reportedly required emergency treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and other medical facilities.
The lawmaker said the scale of the destruction required federal intervention to complement the Edo State Government’s response.
She commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for visiting the scene and affected victims, as well as pledging to rebuild the damaged market and support traders.
However, she argued that additional assistance was necessary to provide immediate relief, restore livelihoods and help affected families recover from the disaster.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and provide relief materials, financial support and rehabilitation assistance to victims.
It also called on the Federal Government to work with the Edo State Government to rebuild the affected market and support the recovery of businesses disrupted by the fire.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to inspect and urgently rehabilitate dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku.
In another resolution, the House directed the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other relevant agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, fuel spillage, evacuation efforts and subsequent fire.
The agencies were also asked to recommend preventive measures, particularly along major highways where fuel tankers operate close to markets, shops and residential communities.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers of attempting to collect fuel from overturned tankers. Spilled petrol can ignite rapidly, exposing people nearby to potentially fatal fires and explosions.
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The House’s resolutions seek to address both the immediate needs of affected residents and the wider safety concerns raised by the disaster. Federal assistance, road repairs and a thorough investigation are expected to support recovery efforts and help reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.
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