UPDATED: Judge Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Indefinitely

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2025

thecloudngr

UPDATED: Judge Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Indefinitely—-Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), indefinitely.

Justice Nyako gave the order after Kanu and his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, insisted that the trial judge no longer had jurisdiction to preside over the case following her earlier recusal (withdrawal) from the matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nyako had, on Sept. 24, 2024, recused (withdrew) herself from the trial of Kanu, after an oral application from the defence and the case file was transferred to the chief judge.

However, the Chief Judge (CJ) of FHC, Justice John Tsoho sent the Kanu’s case file back to Justice Nyako for adjudication, insisting that a formal application must be made by the defence before the recusal could be accepted.

When the matter was called on Monday, counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that the case was for resumption of Kanu’s trial.

“Your lordship will recall that on the last date of hearing, there was an oral application that your lordship should recuse yourself and the file be remitted back to the CJ.”

“The CJ, who has the power, has sent back the file. We are ready to proceed with the trial and our witnesses are ready too.

“In obedience to your lordship order, the proof of evidence and relevant documents have been served on the defence and we are ready to go on,” he said.

Hardly had Awomolo ended his statement when Ejimakor interjected.

“My lord, this honourable court has recused itself from the case and my lord has to tell us, first, why we are here before the learner silk could talk.

“We don’t know why we are here because this court stands recused by the extant order,” Ejimakor said.

Justice Nyako then explained that on Sept. 24, 2024, she sent the case file back to the CJ.

“On Oct. 7, 2024, I got a memo from the CJ and it instructs as follows that if the defendant still wants a recusal, he should filed a formal application by way of motion on notice .

“It was.minuted to me by the CJ. The CJ has not accepted by recusal and has minuted the file back to me.

“So if you still want a recusal, you will file a motion on notice and the prosecution will join issues with you and it will be adjourned for ruling.

“I have so many cases before me so it is not as if I am begging for a case,” the judge said.

Responding, Ejimakor disagreed with Justice Nyako.

“With due respect, even though we do not have the privy of the memo from the chief judge, the chief judge does not have the judicial power above this court.

“The CJ is just the first among equals and his memo cannot override the subsisting order of this court that has been enrolled.

“An ordinary administrative memo should not be allowed to override the order of this court. The order stands and we are guided by it,” Ejimakor insisted.

“My advice is that you should go and file a formal application irrespective of your position.

“The power vested in the CJ are not vested in me. He has the power to assign cases in line with the law.

“You are just stalling your client’s case. File everything you want to and the prosecution will join issues with you,” the judge told Ejimakor.

Ejimakor argued that there was no rule of the court that mandated a party to file an application when a recusal had already been done.

While Ejimakor was addressing the court, Kanu cut in and asked his lawyer to keep quiet and sit down.

“Mr Kanu, are you taking over from your lawyer?” Justice Nyako asked and the IPOB leader responded in affirmative.

Awomolo, who expressed surprise at the development, said:he was embarrassed by the proceedings.

The FG’s lawyer said after the explanation by the judge, the proper thing to do by Ejimakor was to either indicate if he would be filing a formal application or not.

Ejimakor stood up to respond to Awomolo’s submission but the judge told him: “Mr Aloy, you have been disengaged. Don’t say anything.”

Kanu then stood up from the dock to address the court.

The IPOB leader insisted that his trial can no longer be before the judge.

Turning to Chief Awomolo, Kanu said: “The Chairman of Body of Benchers is here distorting the laws.

“This man is a grown up man and should be upholding the law.

“Why is he turning the law upside down. I came here because of the respect I have for you (the court). God is my witness.”

“I have not said anything that is contrary to anything.. I sent the case file to CJ and he sent it back to me,” Justice Nyako restated.

“But he (the CJ) is wrong. The CJ supposed to go on appeal because you cannot preside over my case again; not today and not tomorrow.

“Why must he insists that you must be on my case. You are bias. So I don’t want you on my case again. You stand recused,” Kanu said angrily.

Against the development, Awomolo therefore applied for a trial date.

“In view of the fact that the defendant has said that he will not make a formal application, I apply that my lord give a date for hearing,” the senior lawyer said.

Responding, Kanu said a memo from the CJ cannot override the order of the court.

He recalled that Justice Tsoho, who is presently the CJ, had once presided over his case and he applied that he recused himself from his case.

Kanu said during the time, he took Justice Tsoho to National Judicial Council (NJC) and he won, leading to Justice Tsoho’s withdrawal from his case.

“Why is he insisting that his lordship should continue even after recusing herself?

“Can a memo from the CJ overrides court order? The answer is no.

“Justice Binta stands recused,” he said.

The IPOB leader, who brought out some documents, said: “This is a National Judicial Policy of Nigeria. Please give it to Chief Awomolo, it seems he doesn’t know the law.

“The rule of law is once an order of court is made, it can only be set aside on appeal. Please give him a copy.

“It seems he doesn’t know. If you don’t like what Justice Nyako has done, go on appeal. She is functus officio. Stop wasting your time.”

When the judge said she would adjourned the case sine die (indefinitely) pending when the parties agree, Kanu said: “You cannot adjourn this case sine die because you have no jurisdiction to adjourn sine die.”

Justice Nyako consequently adjourned the matter sine die (indefinitely).

“The case is now in limbo. I have to adjourn sine die,” she said.

However, Kanu kept shouting in the court: “Why must you insist you must take it. You have an agenda.”

NAN reports that Kanu is facing a seven-count terrorism charge.

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BREAKING: After 23 Years Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football

Published

5 days ago

November 5, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: After 23 Years Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football—-The Portugal captain brings an extraordinary international career to an end after announcing he will hand over the iconic No. 7 shirt following the November international break, leaving behind 234 appearances and a record 146 goals.

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.

The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms, revealing that he will hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt after the November international break.

Ronaldo’s announcement marks the end of one of the most remarkable international careers in football history, having represented his country since making his senior debut in August 2003.

In his farewell message, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the privilege of representing Portugal for more than two decades.

“The day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said, acknowledging the responsibility and pride that came with wearing the famous jersey for 23 years.

Ronaldo Retires as International Football’s Greatest Goalscorer

Ronaldo leaves international football holding the records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international history.

The Al-Nassr forward made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring an extraordinary 146 goals during his 23-year international journey.

His remarkable numbers place him at the summit of international football, having consistently delivered goals and memorable performances across multiple generations of the Portuguese national team.

He also represented Portugal at six FIFA World Cups and became the first player to score at five different editions of the competition.

Euro 2016 Triumph Remains His Greatest International Achievement

One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title.

Despite being forced off through injury during the final against France, Ronaldo remained involved from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1–0 victory after extra time through Éder’s memorable goal.

He subsequently guided Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory in 2019 and again in 2025, adding two more major international honours to his collection.

Those achievements cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history.

A Difficult Final Chapter for the Portugal Captain

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after a turbulent period surrounding his relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.

The forward’s final chapter with the national team had attracted considerable attention following reports of disagreements during the previous international window.

However, his decision to retire brings an end to a career that has been defined by extraordinary achievements, individual records and an enduring commitment to representing his country.

Ronaldo’s Club Career Continues at Al-Nassr

Although his international journey is coming to an end, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from professional football.

The Portuguese superstar remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he continues to pursue further goals and trophies at club level.

His international retirement will allow Portugal to begin preparing for life without their long-serving captain, while the responsibility of wearing the iconic No. 7 shirt will eventually pass to another generation.

End of an Extraordinary Era

For more than two decades, Ronaldo carried the hopes of an entire nation, delivering unforgettable goals, historic victories and moments that helped transform Portugal into a major force in international football.

From his emotional debut in 2003 to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2016, his journey with the national team has been filled with remarkable milestones.

Now, at 41, one of football’s greatest careers at international level is reaching its conclusion.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal legacy:

International appearances: 234
International goals: 146
Major trophies: Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019 and 2025
International career: 2003–2026
World Cups: Six appearances

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The Modern Agent’s Guide to Real Estate Leads (Without Losing Your Mind or Budget)

Published

5 days ago

November 5, 2026

francisgraves

If you ask ten different agents how they find new clients, you’ll probably get ten different answers, and half of them will sound exhausting. One person swears by cold calling strangers at dinner time, another spends thousands a month on digital ads that yield window shoppers, and a third insists you need to dance on social media five times a day.

It is no wonder so many agents feel burned out before lunch.

If you are tired of throwing money at platforms that do not deliver, or if you simply want a saner way to grow your business, you are in the right place. Effective lead generation for real estate does not require a massive marketing budget or a 24-hour hustle mentality. It requires a clear strategy, a bit of consistency, and a shift in focus from collecting random names to building actual human connections.

Here is how you can build a modern lead generation machine without losing your sanity—or your hard-earned savings.

Step 1: Fix Your Foundation (Your Current Sphere)

Before you spend a single dollar on outside advertising, look at the people who already know your name. Too many agents chase cold leads while completely ignoring past clients, friends, family, and local acquaintances.

Your past clients and personal network are your highest-converting assets. They already trust you, which means you do not have to spend weeks convincing them you know what you are doing.

Instead of sending generic holiday postcards or automated newsletters that end up in the spam folder, try reaching out with genuine value. Send a quick text to ask how they like their backyard during the summer, or email a hyper-local market update focusing only on their specific neighborhood. Consistency matters here. When you stay top-of-mind in a helpful, non-pushy way, you become the obvious choice when someone asks them for a recommendation.

Step 2: Choose Your Channel (And Ignore the Rest)

The biggest trap in modern real estate marketing is shiny object syndrome. Every week, a new software, a new social platform, or a new guru promises that this is the secret to instant pipelines.

Stop trying to do everything. You cannot be everywhere at once, and trying to master Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, direct mail, and geo-farming all at the same time is a recipe for burnout.

Pick one or two channels that genuinely fit your personality and strengths:

If you love writing and explaining things: Start a local blog or a weekly email newsletter highlighting hidden gems in your town, local restaurant openings, and realistic market trends.
If you are comfortable on camera: Lean into short-form or long-form video to show neighborhood tours and answer common buyer questions.
If you prefer face-to-face interaction: Focus on local networking, volunteering, or community events.

When you focus on just a couple of avenues, you can put your actual energy into making them good instead of spreading yourself too thin.

Step 3: Shift from “Selling” to “Solving”

Nobody wakes up in the morning thinking, “I really want to talk to a salesperson today.” People care about their own problems—moving closer to family, finding a better school district, downsizing after retirement, or figuring out how to buy a home when interest rates feel intimidating.

Effective lead generation for real estate isn’t about pitching your services. It’s about positioning yourself as a problem solver.

When you create content or talk to prospective clients, address their actual friction points. Put together a simple, honest guide on what it takes to buy a fixer-upper in your market. Record a short video explaining what happens to property taxes after a purchase. Answer the questions people are too embarrassed to ask their lenders or agents.

When you make your marketing genuinely educational and useful, you attract informed, motivated people who already respect your expertise before you even hop on a call.

Step 4: Master the Art of the Follow-Up

You can have the best marketing funnel in the world, but if your follow-up process is messy, your efforts will fall flat. Many leads do not buy or sell immediately. They might be six months—or two years—away from making a move.

Most agents give up after two or three attempts. They make a call, send an email, get no response, and write the lead off as dead.

A sustainable follow-up system doesn’t mean harassing people until they block your number. It means setting up gentle, long-term touchpoints. Use a CRM to remind yourself to check in when something relevant happens—like a drop in interest rates, a change in local inventory, or even just a birthday. Treat your pipeline like a garden: you plant the seeds, water them consistently, and give them time to grow.

Step 5: Protect Your Budget

It is remarkably easy to hemorrhage money on digital ads that generate low-quality inquiries. If you decide to use paid advertising, treat it like an experiment rather than a magic wand.

Start with a very small budget. Track your return on investment ruthlessly. If you spend $500 on ads and get a dozen leads who only want to waste your time or cannot qualify for a mortgage, stop spending that money.

Organic methods—like community involvement, strategic partnerships with local businesses (like home inspectors, mortgage brokers, or contractors), and nurturing your database—often cost nothing except your time, yet they yield much higher quality clients in the long run.

Finding Balance in a Fast-Moving Industry

Real estate is a demanding career, and it is entirely too easy to let your work consume your entire life under the guise of “hustling for leads.”

True long-term success comes from building predictable, sustainable habits rather than running yourself ragged chasing every new trend. Focus on helping people, keep your expenses reasonable, and remember that building a real estate business is a marathon, not a sprint.

Take a deep breath, pick a strategy that feels authentic to who you are, and start there. Your sanity—and your bank account—will thank you.