Lere Olayinka Counters Sowore’s Court Claims, Says ‘Free Speech Isn’t a License for Defamation’

On Monday, October 6, 2025, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, reacted to a post by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding his ongoing legal battle with the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore had earlier taken to his X handle to share updates from a court hearing involving himself, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter). The activist revealed that the companies were dragged into the case over alleged defamatory posts — one of which labeled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) a criminal.

According to Sowore, Meta’s legal representative appeared to side with the DSS during the hearing, sparking online discussions about freedom of expression and digital censorship in Nigeria.

In response, Olayinka fired back on his own X page, emphasizing that freedom of speech does not include making unfounded criminal allegations against individuals.

The online exchange reignited public debate about free speech, accountability, and Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, particularly given Sowore’s history with the DSS following his 2019 #RevolutionNow movement.

As of now, neither side has escalated the matter further, but Nigerians are closely watching as the court proceedings unfold and the debate over digital rights continues.

Senate, Reps Resumption: Crisis Looms As Corruption Allegation Rocks National Assembly Management.

The National Assembly chapter of PASAN, had in a circular dated 3 October, 2025, accused the Clerk of laundering money belonging to the Association.

The circular was signed by the trio of Comrade Chris MC-Odo, Comrade Yusuf Mohammed Abiola and Comrade Chinenye Peace Ndu and addressed to the Clerk, with copies to the Director, Department of State Security (DSS), and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), both in the National Assembly.

It alleged that the Clerk, working together with the ousted executive, had laundered funds belonging to PASAN through the Chapter`s NASS bank accounts and was bent on covering his tracks by “protecting the Ousted Exco in order not to go down with the Sunday Sabiyi led exco who boasted that If I go down, you all go down…”

It further expressed sadness at Mr Ogunlana`s actions, stating that it amounted to “interference, meddlesome and infringement on our fundamental rights and are totally unacceptable to us as workers under a Trade Union.”

Other infractions it accused the Clerk of include, refusal to correct alleged fraudulent short payments of members salaries and allowances, refusal to remit statutory deductions from taxes, contributory pensions and National Housing Fund (NHF).

PASAN also stated that the Ogunlana led National Assembly management diverted funds for members training and retraining, refused the full implementation of consolidated legislative salary structure (CONLESS), payment of outstanding 50 % CONLESS, among several other infractions.

According to the workers body, the Clerk has since deployed “intimidation, harassment and victimization” tactics to silence members of staff ahead of Tuesday`s planned picketing of the National Assembly to draw the attention of the Senator Godswill Akpabio led tenth Assembly to the matter.

Lagos NURTW Chairman Threatens To Punish Voters Who Reject APC In 2027, Faces DSS Interrogation.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has interrogated the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly called Sego, after he was caught on video warning that those who refuse to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 would face consequences.

In the footage from a recent NURTW meeting, Adekunle declared, “Anyone who refuses to vote for APC or who says he has decided to vote against APC will be dealt with, the person will learn a lesson. If you say you will not listen to us, we too will not agree.”

The DSS summoned him over the remarks. However, in a video released afterwards, Adekunle denied threatening anyone and claimed his words were twisted. “I was invited by the DSS, and they asked me about my statements and said someone reported me. I didn’t threaten anyone; this is propaganda. I was only talking about our union, and it’s my rivals who misinterpreted me,” he said.

His denial contrasts with the initial video in which he clearly warned voters against rejecting APC.

Concerns over voter intimidation in Lagos are not new. During the 2023 elections, SaharaReporters documented how hoodlums disrupted voting at polling unit 005 in Sangotedo, Lagos, chasing away voters. 

Earlier, then-Chairman of the Lagos State Parks Management Committee, Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), was filmed threatening residents, “We have begged them. If they don’t want to vote for us, it doesn’t call for a fight. Iya Chukwudi, if you don’t want to vote for us, stay at home.” The viral video drew widespread condemnation.

In September, SaharaReporters also reported that thugs allegedly backed by police officers attacked the team of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate. 

His photographer was hacked with a machete and left unconscious. “The people that came are thugs and they were guarded by the police; they macheted me and left me for dead. This is the height of it,” the victim recounted.

Nigerian Govt, PENGASSAN, Dangote Refinery reach truce.

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, brokered a truce between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari-Dingyadi, made this known in a statement on Wednesday at the end of a two-day conciliation meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, which held on Monday and Tuesday, brought together the National Security Adviser, Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and State for Petroleum (Gas), alongside the DSS, NIA, NNPCL, NMDPRA, NUPRC and labour leaders.

Recall that the conciliation was convened after PENGASSAN directed its members to stop gas supply and withdraw services from the refinery.

PENGASSAN had alleged that the company terminated the employment of more than 800 of its members, which triggered the industrial action.

Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery explained that the disengagement of workers was due to an ongoing restructuring exercise in the company.

According to the communiqué, the meeting resolved that unionisation is a fundamental right of workers under Nigerian law and must be respected by the company.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has alleged that his health status has been compromised in custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

Aliko Dangote, Wale Edun, PENGASSAN currently meeting over labour dispute.

Aliko Dangote, the founder of Dangote refinery, Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, and representatives of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) are currently meeting over the ongoing labour dispute, TheCable understands.

The meeting, which was moved to the office of the national security adviser (NSA), follows the failure of earlier talks between the two parties to resolve the lingering industrial dispute.

Abubakar Bagudu, the minister of budget and economic planning. Mohammed Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment, and representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), are present at the meeting.

The ministry of labour first convened a reconciliation session on Monday, with Dingyadi and Nkiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, in attendance.

On September 29, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called on the management of Dangote refinery to reverse the employment termination of “over 800 Nigerian employees”.

The directive comes amid a dispute between the refinery and PENGASSAN over the mass dismissal of employees.

PENGASSAN, on September 26, instructed its members to embark on a nationwide strike over the dismissal.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Monday, Dangote refinery asked Nigerians to stand against the PENGASSAN and the TUC over the industrial action against the company.

The refinery described the TUC as “zombie-like” for declaring full solidarity with PENGASSAN and threatening a nationwide strike “without making any effort to verify the claims on which the action was based”.

DSS Director-General Ajayi Places ₦20million Bounty, Detains 16 Officers Over Promotion Exam Scandal Exposed.

According to insider sources, the scandal involved allegations of widespread malpractice and manipulation of the agency’s internal promotion exams.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has reportedly placed a ₦20million bounty and ordered the detention of 16 DSS officers following revelations surrounding a promotion examination scandal exposed by SaharaReporters.

According to insider sources, the scandal involved allegations of widespread malpractice and manipulation of the agency’s internal promotion exams.

The exposé detailed how senior officers colluded to inflate scores, favour preferred candidates, and undermine the integrity of the process, sparking outrage both within and outside the Service.

"His main focus is to find those officers in the DSS leaking the infractions to SaharaReporters. He even sent a senior DSS officer to reach out to people he felt were close to human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, last week," a top source informed this newspaper on Saturday.

On September 8 that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) expressed outrage over what they described as the "inhumane and chaotic conditions" that characterised the agency’s recent promotion examination exercise, which reportedly led to the death of eight officers.

The tragedy occurred as many personnel were forced to fund their own travel and accommodation for the exams, with no financial support from the agency.

The situation, sources had said, created extreme hardship and anxiety, ultimately costing the lives of officers who collapsed or fell ill while struggling to meet the demands of the process.

Retired police officers threaten to storm NASS over pension .

Court declines arrest of ex-senior cops accused of falsifying age

Union of Retired Police Officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has resolved to undertake a peaceful protest at the National Assembly over the payment of pension emoluments.

In a statement by the chairman of the Kaduna State chapter, CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria (rtd), the union lamented the unbearable conditions faced by members.

Zaria cited widespread poverty, lack of access to healthcare, inability to afford basic feeding, children being withdrawn from schools, and increasing deaths among retired personnel.

According to the union, representatives from the Kaduna chapter, alongside delegates from 35 other states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will converge next Monday on the National Assembly to drive home their grievances.

The resolution followed a virtual meeting held on Monday, September 22, 2025. The party revisited the long-standing demand for the exit of the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS.

Zaria observed that for more than 15 years, the union has consistently petitioned the government, staged protests, and submitted memoranda to lawmakers to push for the exit.

He recalled that the agitation had led to three public hearings, during which lawmakers were presented with evidence comparing the meagre pensions received by retired police officers under the CPS with the more robust benefits enjoyed by their counterparts in the military and the Department of State Services (DSS).

FENRAD Urges South-East Leaders to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Over Worsening Health

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called on South-East governors and federal lawmakers from the region to urgently intervene in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns over his deteriorating health in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group appealed to South-East leaders to make a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Kanu’s release, warning that any delay could come at a “huge cost.”

This call comes just ahead of Friday’s ruling on Kanu’s no-case submission in the terrorism trial filed against him by the Federal Government.

The Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, stressed that the life and well-being of every Nigerian citizen must be protected under the law, regardless of political or ideological differences.

“His right to life and health must be respected. Reports from DSS custody indicate that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health has significantly worsened, raising fears of a possible medical emergency if urgent action is not taken,” the statement read.


FENRAD warned that medical neglect could put Kanu’s life at risk, reminding the government of its moral and constitutional duty to ensure his safety while in custody.

The group urged the five South-East governors and federal lawmakers to set aside political differences and take bold steps toward securing Kanu’s release on health and humanitarian grounds. It further reminded the government of previous court orders granting Kanu bail, which are yet to be enforced.

Calling directly on President Tinubu, FENRAD appealed for statesmanship, urging him to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and relevant judicial authorities to review Kanu’s case.

“President Tinubu has a golden opportunity to demonstrate commitment to national healing, unity, and justice. Releasing Kanu under strict legal conditions would not only reduce tensions in the South-East but also pave the way for peace and dialogue,” it added.


The group also cautioned South-East legislators against silence, warning that inaction could be interpreted as complicity. It stressed that true representation requires defending the rights and welfare of constituents, even in politically sensitive matters.

Again, Trial of ex-NSA, Dasuki on firearms possession suffers adjournment.

The ten-year-old trial of former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, on charges of unlawful firearms possession suffered another adjournment on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The trial was put off again due to the absence of one of the witnesses of the federal government to testify in the trial.

The fresh adjournment came in spite of the subsisting order of Justice Peter Lifu that proceedings in the trial must be concluded this September by the federal government.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, the first prosecuting witness, Monsur Mohammed, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), was cross-examined by A. A. Usman, counsel to Dasuki.

However, after the brief cross-examination of the first witness, Justice Peter Lifu ordered the federal government lawyers led by Chief Oladipupo Okpeseyi, SAN, to call his next witness.

In response, the senior lawyer told the court that the proposed witness was not yet in court and applied for a stand-down of the trial to enable him to contact the witness.

Though the request was granted, Okpeseyi, SAN, however, after about an hour came and applied for an adjournment on the ground that the witness would not be able to make it to the court.

According to the senior lawyer, the mother of the witness was undergoing surgery in an Abuja hospital and that the witness elected to be with his mother.

Pastor vows to sponsor the individual who stole his iPhone 14 Pro Max to prison if they refuse to return his phone.

A pastor has stirred debate after threatening criminal action while promising a ₦100,000 reward to whoever returns his missing phone during a recent church programme.

Speaking from the pulpit, the pastor identified the device as “an iPhone 14 Pro Max” and said his photo was set as the lock screen. He offered a cash reward for its return but warned that if security services became involved the finder would face severe consequences.

“If you find my phone, it’s an iPhone 14 pro max, my picture is on the screen, I will give you ₦100k. They stole it after I finished ministering but let’s assume it wasn’t stolen, the person found it for me.

But if it becomes a case where DSS tracks it, I will use all my resources to send the person to prison. The person will visit prison and come back,” the pastor said.

The remarks — which mix a public reward with an explicit threat to pursue criminal punishment — have the potential to raise questions about proportionality and the involvement of national security agencies in what may be a routine theft or misplaced property case.

You are lucky Pres. Tinubu believes in the rule of law — Nyesom Wike  fires at Sowore Over his Tinubu ‘Criminal’ Remark.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, for describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

On August 25, Sowore wrote on X: “This criminal @officialpbat actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The DSS later filed charges against him for defamation, accusing him of making “false” statements that violate Nigeria’s Cybercrimes and Terrorism Prevention laws. The agency also asked X and Meta to delete the post, calling it a threat to national security. Sowore refused, describing the DSS action as “despicable.”

Supporters under the Simplified Movement thronged Government House, Port Harcourt, from 6 a.m., bringing drums, flutes, and dance troupes in a show of solidarity. 

They included sacked local government chairmen and former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. The crowd blocked Nnamdi Azikiwe Road, causing gridlock, but dispersed by midday when Fubara failed to show.

Fubara’s absence has fueled speculation. During the emergency period, he reportedly attended a peace meeting with Wike and Assembly members at Tinubu’s behest. 

According to TheCable, insiders said conditions included Fubara abandoning a second-term bid in 2027 and ceding power to Wike to nominate all 23 LGA chairmen. Although council polls were held last month, Fubara neither participated nor commented.

Ohanaeze President Calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Urges Igbos to Register to Vote

Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has appealed to the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to allow him access to proper medical care.

In a video message shared on Thursday, Azuta-Mbata also urged Igbos across Nigeria to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Azuta-Mbata emphasized that Kanu’s prolonged detention has been a major source of political and security tension in Nigeria. Kanu was initially arrested in 2015 on charges of treasonable felony, jumped bail in 2017, and fled the country. He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 during a controversial operation by Nigerian security operatives and has since been held by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Calling for a political resolution, Azuta-Mbata stated that the Federal Government gains no advantage from continuing Kanu’s detention. He stressed the importance of safeguarding Kanu’s welfare and providing him with medical attention.

He said,

“I’m calling upon Ndigbo—wherever you are in Nigeria—to take advantage of the voter registration exercise going on now. Go and get your PVCs as quickly as possible.

“Secondly, I urge the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu. There is no real advantage in keeping him detained. The government must ensure his safety and allow him to receive medical treatment promptly. A political solution should be pursued, as continued detention serves no meaningful purpose.”

Azuta-Mbata’s remarks underscore the ongoing calls for a resolution to one of Nigeria’s most contentious political issues while encouraging civic engagement among Igbos ahead of upcoming elections.

DSS disputes against Kanu's deteriorating sickness, opposes transfer to national hospital.

The Department of the State Service, DSS, has disputed the deteriorating health claims made by the Biafra nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to support and justify his new request for transfer from the custody of the Department of the State Service DSS to the National Hospital in Abuja.

The security agency while faulting the claims argued that the health issue of Kanu by his Medical Consultant was exaggerated and made in bad faith to send false health narrative challenges to the public.

In a 37-paragraph counter affidavit, opposing Kanu’s bid on movement to the Abuja hospital, DSS averred that it has one of the best medical facilities in the country with capable and qualified personnel that can handle the health issues of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB.

The counter affidavit deposed to by Dr Mohammed Nasir, a Medical Officer with DSS averred that Kanu is enjoying maximum comfort in its custody, safe, secured and enjoying meals of his choice upon demands.

The agency asserted that at Kanu’s request, several medical Specialists from the National Hospital and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital were brought for him to cater for his medical care.

DSS insisted that the Biafra nation agitator is in stable health condition and dismissed the claims of suffering deteriorating sickness.

UPDATED: DSS Sues Sowore, X, Meta Over Post About Tinubu
The DSS had on September 8, handed Sowore a one-week ultimatum to delete what it described as a ‘false, malicious, and inciting’ social media post about President Tinubu.

Federal High Court declines ruling on Kanu’s urgent health motion.

Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to rule on an application filed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking urgent medical transfer to the National Hospital.

Liman, on Monday, sent the case file back to the chief judge for reassignment after noting that the court’s annual vacation ends today.

Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, SAN, had applied for the matter to be heard during the vacation, citing the IPOB leader’s deteriorating health.

But the judge said the motion was filed late, leaving insufficient time for the vacation court to decide it.

Justice Liman said: “No less than 30 cases were listed for today’s proceedings and only six could be taken.

“In line with Section 46(8) of the federal high court rules, any case that cannot be completed within vacation must be sent back to the chief judge for reassignment.”

Njoku did not oppose the decision after conferring with DSS counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and requested an adjournment.

Njoku also noted that he had only just been served the DSS’s counter affidavit and needed time to review it.

Niger Governor Bago Insists Preachers Must Submit Sermons for Approval.

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has defended his administration’s regulation mandating preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them.

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, he said the move was to prevent messages that could incite unrest or undermine government authority.

“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal,” Bago said.

On whether the move was linked to indoctrination, he added:
“It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the DSS, the Police, NSCDC and the military.”

Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, confirmed preachers must obtain a licence within two months.
“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months,” he said.

Reactions have been divided. Chief Imam of FUT Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, said:
“My opinion is that preaching is a command… the government cannot dictate who to preach to and who not to preach. But… if there are people who are going out of their way to cause security threats, using abusive words and so on, then government can have control.”

Niger CAN secretary, Raphael Opawoye, said the body had not been officially informed:
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is not aware of the ban. We shall come up with a statement when we are officially informed.”

But Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja strongly opposed the policy.
“The ban on preaching is an infringement of freedom of worship and religion. The best thing for the government to do is to invite and penalise any preacher who incites the public in the cause of his preaching,” he said.

Niger Governor Bago Orders Clerics To Submit Sermons For Approval, Introduces Preaching Licences

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has announced a controversial policy requiring clerics to submit their sermons for government approval before public delivery.

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago said the move was designed to curb inciting or “anti-people” messages, stressing that sermons deemed harmful to society or government would not be permitted.

He revealed that security agencies, including the DSS, police, NSCDC, and the military, would help enforce the directive.

“I didn’t ban evangelism. For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done,” Bago said.

The governor further disclosed that the state would introduce a licensing system for preachers. Clerics would be required to obtain official clearance before engaging in religious preaching.

Earlier, Umar Farooq, head of Niger State Religious Affairs, confirmed that all clerics must secure licences within two months. He explained that applicants would fill out forms and face a screening panel before being permitted to preach.

Court Denies Bail to Owo Church Attack Suspects Linked to Al-Shabaab.

Abuja, Nigeria A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the bail applications of five men accused of carrying out the deadly June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left at least 41 worshippers dead and 69 others injured.

Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering the ruling on Wednesday, held that the terrorism charges against the defendants were capital in nature, given their alleged ties to Al-Shabaab, an international terror group said to have a sleeper cell in Kogi State.

The court upheld arguments from the Department of State Services (DSS) that releasing the suspects could jeopardize the trial, intimidate witnesses, and pose a serious judicial risk. Justice Nwite also noted procedural flaws in the bail motion, including the omission of the defendants’ names on the motion paper and the filing of a joint affidavit, which he ruled was contrary to legal requirements.

The judge further stressed that the accused failed to present credible sureties or convincing reasons to justify bail. “The evidence against them is weighty and cannot be glossed over,” he ruled, granting an accelerated trial and fixing October 19, 2025 for proceedings to commence.

The accused Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar face multiple counts under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including allegations that they conspired and held planning meetings before the Owo massacre.

The DSS had arrested the suspects following a nationwide manhunt ordered by then-President Muhammadu Buhari in the aftermath of the church attack, where gunmen detonated explosives and opened fire on congregants during mass.

While defense counsel Abdullahi Awwal Ibrahim argued that the men had assembled “reliable and responsible sureties,” the court sided with DSS lawyer Callistus Eze, who opposed the application on grounds of security risks and flight concerns.

The suspects remain in DSS custody as the high-profile trial draws closer, with victims’ families and the Catholic community awaiting justice more than three years after the horrific assault.

Court Rejects Bail Request For Alleged Al-Shabab Terrorists.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a bail request made by five alleged Al-Shabab terrorists who allegedly attacked a Catholic Church in Owo town, Ondo State.

Terrorists attacked reportedly lead to the death of over 40 church worshippers.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who dismissed their bail application, held that the terrorism charges against them were capital in nature.

The judge also held that they were accused of being members of a terrorist organization who may intimidate witnesses, influence and jeopardize the trial of the defendants before the court.

Delivering a ruling on the bail application, the judge upheld the arguments of the Department of the State Service (DSS), that the evidence against the alleged terrorists was weighty and cannot be glossed over.

The trial judge also upheld the submission of the security agency that the five accused persons did not establish having credible sureties that can stand for them pending their trial.

He maintained that the arguments of the DSS that admitting them to bail would amount to judicial risk was also not challenged by their lawyers.

Justice Nwite held that the defendants failed to give cogent reasons on why they should be granted bail pending their trial and subsequently dismissed the bail request.

Before going into the merit of the bail application, the judge had earlier declared the motion on notice incompetent on the ground that names of the five defendants were not listed on the motion paper as required by law.