Coup rumours: Agbakoba backs Tinubu on replacement of service chiefs.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to replace the nation’s service chiefs, describing it as a wise and timely move, especially amid rumours of an alleged coup plot.

President Tinubu had on Friday announced major changes in the leadership of the armed forces as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure. The reshuffle included the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff and other top military officers.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Agbakoba said the president’s action showed firmness and decisiveness that were lacking in the previous administration.

“You have a president who is prepared to take tough decisions, and we know that he likes to take tough decisions,” Agbakoba said.

“I think he has done the right thing because his predecessor, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, did not like to make such decisions and allowed his military team to stay far longer than they should have.”

Reports had linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary events on October 1 to an alleged coup attempt. But the Defence Headquarters dismissed the claims, saying the cancellation had no connection to any plot.

The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said the timing of the president’s decision was appropriate and showed leadership at a critical moment.

“So, if it is indeed true that there was a rumoured coup, I think he (Tinubu) acted sensibly by doing exactly what he has done,” he said.

Presidency Explains Sack of Defence Chief, Others, Says Move Is Routine.

The Presidency has clarified that the removal of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other service chiefs is a routine exercise aimed at strengthening national security.

Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare stated this in an interview with DAILY POST on Friday, following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of the new security appointments earlier in the day.

General Musa has been replaced by Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Other appointments include Major General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Dare explained that such changes are within the President’s constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief.

“This is routine, meant to boost security across the nation. The Commander-in-Chief can at any time make these changes to both ministerial and service chiefs. In the same way, commanding officers of mechanized divisions can be moved or removed,” he said.

The reshuffle in the military hierarchy comes amid unverified rumours of a possible coup, which both the Presidency and the Nigerian Army have dismissed as false.

Over 50 Generals To Go As Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday sacked the service chiefs and appointed their replacements.

The statement announcing their removal, signed by the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, Sunday Dare, said the action was taken in furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the other service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.
The President urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.
Those sacked with General Musa are the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that yesterday’s changes mark the second major reshuffle of the military high command since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Yesterday’s change comes amid growing public outcry as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across several regions.

General Musa and those asked to leave with him had been in office since June 2023 and oversaw several major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West.
Security analysts are unanimous that their tenure recorded significant gains.

Despite that, continued attacks and killings in different parts of the country had fuelled calls for a change in strategy and leadership.

The changes also came a few days after widespread rumours of an attempted coup to unseat President Tinubu surfaced in the media.

Though the Defence Headquarters denied it, saying there was no such attempt, yesterday’s sacking of the

service chiefs may lend credence to the alleged coup plot.

“Their sacking is as a result of losing the loyalty of those working with them. When a commander loses the loyalty of his men, then there is no need for him to remain the commander,” a security officer told one of our correspondents.

The Igala nation stands tall and proud, celebrating her illustrious sons who have attained the highest leadership positions within the Nigerian Armed Forces. Their remarkable achievements reflect courage, discipline, and commitment to national service.

Late Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi – Former Chief of Defence Staff (1999–2003), from Dekina Local Government Area.

Air Marshal Isaac Alfa (Rtd.) – Former Chief of Air Staff (1999–2001), from Ankpa Local Government Area.

Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin (Rtd.) – Former Chief of Naval Staff (2014–2015), from Dekina Local Government Area.

Major General Waidi Shaibu – Appointed Chief of Army Staff (October 24), from Olamaboro Local Government Area.

God bless Nigeria.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless Igala Land.

: igala4real

#kogiglobalmedia
#OneKogi
#KogiState

The Global Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice James Omotosho of bias and denial of fair hearing following alleged irregularities during Friday’s court session.

According to a statement by Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, Kanu informed the court that his legal team was dismissed only a day earlier and that he could not access his legal files due to DSS restrictions. His request for more time to review the files, the defence argued, was a constitutional right under Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, not a delay tactic.

Kanu also sought to extend his legal and medical consultations from three to five days per week—a request the court granted, though the judge claimed Kanu had wasted earlier opportunities. The defence disputed this, saying it was unfair to force a defendant in a capital case to proceed after only “three hours” of consultation.

The statement further alleged that the DSS continues to bug Kanu’s conversations with his lawyers, violating constitutional provisions and international legal standards. It added that Justice Omotosho’s actions—such as vacating the courtroom during consultations and adjourning when Kanu requested court records—proved a breach of fair hearing and contempt for open justice.

The defence also noted that its applications to bring witnesses from the U.S., Kenya, the U.K., and Ethiopia remain unaddressed, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the defence.

“These are the facts from today’s proceedings. Don’t let them feed you lies,” the defence concluded.

PROFILE OF NEW CDS, SERVICE CHIEFS AND CDI

In a decisive move to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up in the nation’s military leadership, replacing all the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The sweeping changes, which also include new appointments for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, signal the President’s resolve to inject fresh strategy and renewed vigour into the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats confronting the country.
https://x.com/i/status/1981827991299575867

STRENGTHENING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture. General Olufemi Oluyede is appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

I thank General Christopher Musa and the outgoing Service Chiefs for their selfless service and dedicated leadership, and I charge the new Service Chiefs to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Just in: President Tinubu fires service chiefs, retains Chief of Defence Intelligence in new shake-up.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, making key appointments across the armed forces while retaining the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, despite widespread calls for his removal.

The restructuring, described as part of efforts to reinforce the nation’s security framework, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will continue in his current role, and the police leadership remains unchanged.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other departing Service Chiefs for their contributions to national security. He urged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement concluded.

"I Will Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial if Subpoenaed" — Nyesom Wike.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he is ready to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu—if officially summoned by the court.

Wike made this known during his monthly media chat on Friday in Abuja, following questions about his inclusion on Kanu’s list of witnesses.

Earlier in the week, Kanu had filed a motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, indicating plans to open his defence on October 24, 2025. The IPOB leader named 23 witnesses, including Wike, former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd).

Reacting to the development, Wike said he was unaware of his inclusion and had not received any formal notice.

Nnamdi Kanu Dismisses Legal Team, Defends Himself in Terrorism Trial.

Lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing him, stating that Kanu had taken back control of his case.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the defence team also withdrew from the suit — a move Kanu confirmed in court. The IPOB leader told Justice James Omotosho that he would represent himself “for now,” declining the judge’s offer to assign him a lawyer.

Defending himself, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. Outside the courtroom, Agabi told reporters, “A number of voices have been defending Nnamdi, and he has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has the right to do so, we respect that decision and we wish him well going forward.”

Kanu appeared before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. When the case was called, Agabi announced that he and other SANs — Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and one unnamed — were withdrawing from the matter.

Following Kanu’s confirmation of his lawyers’ exit, Justice Omotosho ordered the remaining members of the defence team in court, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom. He then directed Kanu to proceed with his defence.

Kanu began by contesting the court’s jurisdiction but was overruled. Ikpeazu later informed the court that their withdrawal took effect Thursday morning and requested time for Kanu to “gather his thoughts.” The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the case to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to open his defence.

In a motion he personally filed, Kanu said he was ready to begin “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2025.” He told the court he planned to call 23 witnesses — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” ones to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

“We Won’t Pay Ransom or Negotiate with Bandits” — Niger Governor Bago Declares, Orders Statewide Mining Ban.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has vowed that his administration will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that such actions only empower criminals and fuel insecurity across the state.

Bago made the declaration during a condolence visit to residents of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, where several communities were recently attacked by bandits in the Kontagora axis.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor said Niger State had reached a critical point that demands collective resistance from its people. He warned that ransom payments would only commercialise kidn+pping and make the cr+me more lucrative.

“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” Bago said. “This is a war situation, and we must all rise to defend ourselves. The constitution empowers us to protect lives and property, and we will not back down.”

In addition, Governor Bago declared a total ban on mining activities across Niger State’s Zone C, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara LGAs. He linked illegal mining to the rising wave of insecurity, alleging that many miners operate freely in forest zones that are unsafe for residents.

“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,” he stated, directing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs.

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act.

He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

Judgment creditor petitions CJN, accuses SAN of misconduct.

A judgment creditor, Mr Kunle Rotimi, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, accusing a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) of alleged professional misconduct and deliberately obstructing justice in his long-running case against the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, addressed to the CJN and copied to the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Rotimi alleged that the SAN who represents the NUC had filed “frivolous motions” and “false affidavits” to delay enforcement of final court judgments delivered in his favour.

According to Rotimi, his legal battle with the NUC dates to 1996, culminating in victories at both the National Industrial Court (July 6, 2020) and the Court of Appeal (June 28, 2024).

He accused the Commission of failing to comply with the appellate court’s orders more than 16 months after the final judgment.

Rotimi claimed that, despite serving Form 48 and Form 49 (the statutory notices for contempt proceedings) on five principal officers of the NUC, the Commission, through the SAN, he has been

“wilfully obstructing” justice by filing motions aimed at frustrating contempt proceedings.

“He has filed motions in defence of criminal contempt and impunity against the Constitution, which mandates obedience to court orders,” Rotimi wrote.

He further alleged that two affidavits filed by the SAN in April 2025 contained “perjury and forgery” by claiming that some NUC officials were no longer in the Commission’s employment and that the judgment had been fully complied with—claims Rotimi described as “false and misleading.”

Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Gunshots, Tear Gas at #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening fire and releasing tear gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack.

“There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest,” he said.

“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us.

Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore added.

He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was hit by live rounds.

The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas.

Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces firing tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd.

Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on terrorism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”

Israel Halts Gaza Aid, Launches New Strikes After Accusing Hamas Of Violating Ceasefire.

Israel has launched a new wave of air strikes in southern Gaza and suspended humanitarian aid deliveries into the territory, accusing Hamas of carrying out attacks in “blatant violation” of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed late Sunday that the strikes targeted what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Rafah and other parts of southern Gaza.

“Hamas carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces beyond the yellow line, the area our troops have withdrawn to in accordance with phase one of the US-brokered deal,” the spokesperson said.

“This is a bold violation of the ceasefire, and we will respond firmly.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered defence and security officials to “act forcefully against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip.”

In a swift response, Hamas denied any involvement in the alleged attacks and accused Israel of breaking the agreement.

“We affirm our full commitment to implementing everything that was agreed upon, foremost among which is the ceasefire in all areas of the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a statement.

“We are unaware of any events or clashes taking place in the Rafah area… Contact with our remaining groups there has been cut off since the resumption of war in March of this year.”

16 Nigerian Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot to Oust President Tinubu.

At least sixteen senior military officers have been detained by the Nigerian Armed Forces over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, top security sources confirmed.

Though the military publicly described the arrests as disciplinary actions linked to “failure in promotion examinations” and “career stagnation,” insiders revealed the officers were actually accused of plotting a coup d’état.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had said the arrests followed a “routine military exercise,” citing “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, intelligence gathered by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) reportedly uncovered plans led by a Brigadier General to seize power from “selfish politicians.” The officers, ranging from Captains to senior commanders, were picked up at various locations across the country.

Sources added that the October 1 Independence Day parade was cancelled after authorities discovered the conspirators planned to strike during the ceremony — allegedly targeting the President and other top officials.

The officers are currently being held at the DIA facility in Abuja.

Nigeria has recorded five successful coups since 1960, and rising reports of corruption and mismanagement within the armed forces have recently fuelled frustration and low morale among some ranks.

16 Military Officers arrested over alleged Coup Plot against President Tinubu.

At least sixteen senior military officers are currently in custody following allegations of a coup plot to topple President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, SaharaReporters has revealed.

Arrests and Official Denial
According to the online publication, the officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General were picked up from various locations across the country in a coordinated operation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and other security bodies.

While the Defence Headquarters initially described the arrests as part of a “routine military exercise” involving “issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” sources within the military said the official explanation was a smokescreen to avoid panic.

“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson,” a senior DIA official was quoted as saying. “They had begun holding secret meetings to overthrow the President and announce a military government.”

Official Statement
In its earlier release, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the officers’ detention followed internal investigations into misconduct and disobedience.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues,” Gusau stated. “Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”

Foiled Plot and Security Concerns
However, insiders insisted that the arrests were linked to an attempted coup that was foiled after intelligence agencies intercepted communications and meeting plans.

A top source disclosed that the conspirators planned to execute the coup during the October 1 Independence Day parade, targeting President Tinubu and other senior officials in attendance.

“Yes, they were arrested for planning to stage a coup and take over government,” the source confirmed. “That was why the Independence Day parade marking the country’s 65th anniversary was abruptly cancelled. Intelligence indicated they intended to strike during the event.”

Court okays DSS medical facility for Nnamdi Kanu.

The Federal High Court Abuja has okayed the Department of State Services, DSS, medical facility for Nnamdi Kanu’s medical care.

This is even as the court told the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, he has until 30th October to close his defense.

One of the Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed on X, that the judge held that the Department of State Services, DSS, medical facility is adequate for his medical care.

The court adjourned the ongoing Kanu’s trial to 23rd October 2025 for commencement of his defence.

“MAZI NNAMDI KANU’s case has just been adjourned to 23rd October 2025 for “commencement of his defence”. The Judge further held that the DSS medical facility is adequate for his medical care and that MNK has until 30th October to close his defense,” Ejimakor said.

Kanu is currently undergoing trial at the country for an alleged terrorism offence brought against him by the federal government.

Nnamdi Kanu’s ailment not life-threatening, he’s fit to stand trial – NMA Panel.

The team empanelled by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has said that the ailment complained about by detained self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.

The medical team was ordered by Justice James Omotosho, midway into Kanu’s terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, to ascertain Kanu’s actual health status following conflicting claims on the issue by medical experts engaged by the prosecution and the defence.

In the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), part of which was read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, it was stated that Kanu’s ailment is not life-threatening.

The team concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.

Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to the parties, Justice Omotosho said the court was convinced that Kanu could proceed with the trial.

Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence.

The judge granted an oral application by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), that Kanu’s legal team be granted a private consultation opportunity with the defendant outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be tapped or recorded by the DSS.

UK Court Jails Transgender Woman for Deceiving Man About Gender.

A British court has sentenced a transgender woman, Ciara Watkin, to 21 months in prison for deceiving a man into sexual activity by falsely presenting herself as a biological female.

According to the reports, the victim told Durham Crown Court he would never have consented to the encounter had he known Watkin was biologically male.

Watkin, 21, from Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, was convicted of sexual assault after a jury dismissed her claim that the man “would have realised” her true gender identity.

Recorder Peter Makepeace KC said he was “certain” the victim believed Watkin was a woman “from start to finish,” describing her actions as deliberate “lies and deception.”

The court heard that Watkin, who had identified as female since childhood but had not undergone medical transition or surgery, met the victim on Snapchat when both were 18.

She reportedly used a female cartoon avatar as her profile picture and later claimed to be menstruating to stop the man from touching her below the waist.

When Watkin later revealed she was biologically male, the victim said he felt “physically sick” and reported the incident to the police. He told the court he was “shocked, embarrassed, and humiliated,” adding that he faced ridicule online and felt part of his masculinity was “taken away.”

Defence lawyer Victoria Lamballe argued that Watkin’s actions were not malicious but rooted in “shame and deep discomfort” with her body. Watkin, diagnosed with gender dysphoria, had reportedly faced years of bullying and used deception as a way to cope.

“It is hardly surprising that Watkin built a façade to mask her turmoil,” Lamballe said. “She simply wanted to be loved.”

However, the judge ruled that Watkin’s deception was intentional and self-serving, adding that she showed “no remorse” and appeared “flippant and disinterested” throughout the trial.

Watkin will serve her sentence in a male prison, where officials have promised protective measures for her safety. She will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a lifetime restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.