By Adenike Lawal

American R and B star Chris Brown has been granted bail by a United Kingdom court after being charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with a nightclub attack in London.

The Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday approved Brown’s release on a six point seven million dollar bail, allowing the singer to continue his European tour which kicks off on June 8 in Amsterdam.

The thirty six year old was accused of violently assaulting music producer Abe Diaw at Tape, an upscale Mayfair club, during a February 2023 visit. Prosecutors allege Brown repeatedly struck Diaw with a bottle and followed with punches and kicks, with the incident captured on CCTV.

Brown’s associate and fellow artist Omololu Akinlolu, known as Hoody Baby, was also charged in the case. Both men are expected to appear in court again on June 20 and have not yet entered pleas.

With his tour hanging in the balance, the judge’s decision spares Brown from missing upcoming shows. However, the case adds to the artist’s long history of legal troubles and reignites debates about fame, accountability and justice.

Brown remains one of the most commercially successful R and B acts, despite repeated controversies throughout his career.

By Adenike Lawal

The Federal Government has firmly rejected calls for live television coverage of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, even as the presiding judge rebuked one of the IPOB leader’s lawyers for inappropriate social media conduct.

During Wednesday’s hearing at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, representing the government, argued that broadcasting the proceedings could undermine courtroom integrity.

He also submitted a letter urging a ban on mobile phone use in court.

Awomolo singled out Kanu’s counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, accusing him of publishing misleading content online, including a video inciting Biafrans to resist what he called Kanu’s persecution.

The post drew backlash not only from the prosecution but also from Kanu’s lead lawyer, Kanu Agabi, SAN, who apologized on behalf of the team and promised corrective action.

Justice James Omotosho strongly condemned Ejimakor’s behaviour, warning that legal professionals should not act like social media influencers.

He cautioned against turning the courtroom into a publicity arena and hinted at possible sanctions for misconduct.

“Some of you are more concerned with fame than justice,” the judge remarked, stressing the need for a swift, fair trial.

The hearing continued with cross-examination of a DSS operative, identified as “BBB,” who disclosed that the service functions independently of the Attorney General and monitors social media as part of intelligence gathering.

The trial resumes amid rising public interest and increasing scrutiny of courtroom ethics.

By Adenike Lawal

Drama unfolded at the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square yesterday as the much-anticipated arraignment of two lawyers and a property developer was abruptly postponed following a medical emergency involving one of the accused.

Adebayo Akeju of Adon Partners, Ademola Owolabi of Ademola Adetokunbo and Co., and real estate investor Alex Ochonogor are facing five criminal counts, including forgery and unlawful demolition.

The Lagos State Government alleges the trio forged key land documents to justify the illegal demolition of a property in the elite Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme I.

Prosecutors claim the accused conspired as far back as 2015 to falsify an affidavit of loss and a demolition notice, allegedly from the Lagos State Lands Bureau, to target a property belonging to Nigerian diaspora resident Dr. Obidigwe Eze.

The forgery reportedly involved claims that a Certificate of Occupancy tied to one Hamza Al-Mustapha had gone missing.

However, proceedings were halted after Ochonogor’s lawyer told the court his client had been hospitalized at Lagoon Hospital earlier that day.

Prosecuting counsel, Dr. Babajide Martins, did not oppose the delay, stating, “The defendant needs to be alive to stand trial.”

Justice Serifat Sonaike adjourned the hearing, ordering that all filings be concluded before the next court date and mandating Ochonogor’s presence for arraignment.

Meanwhile, tempers flared outside the courtroom as a Guardian photojournalist, Ayodele Adeniran, was reportedly assaulted by one of the defendants while attempting to take photographs.

The altercation ended only after it was confirmed that no images had been captured.

As the case unfolds, public interest continues to build, fueled by the high-profile names and the explosive allegations at its center.