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The first witness in the sexual assault trial of Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso, is wrapping up her evidence in South Africa.

Cheryl Zondi, who was 14 years old when the alleged assault started. has been on the witness stand in the High Court in Port Elizabeth, for several days, detailing the alleged sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Omotoso.

The defence for Omotoso has received some flak over his line of questioning of Zondi. “Why didn’t you scream during the alleged sexual attack?” This was one question put to her.

Zondi said that even if she screamed for help nobody would have intervened. She said that at the time, she thought God would be on Omotoso’s side in committing a sexual assault.

Zondi explained again that she was too scared to oppose Omotoso because anyone who opposed him would die, so she allowed him to continue. She said she was young and impressionable. .
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At night, Zondi said she was again summoned to his room where she thought she would definitely get raped. “I thought he would rape me and I should allow him to do what he wanted to do. I did not want to face the wrath of God,” said Zondi.

This time she was instructed to remove her clothe, and she said Omotoso penetrated her vagina slightly but was careful not to go all the way. She further described him rubbing himself against her genital area until he climaxed.

Daubermann then asked how many centimetres of Omotoso’s penis had penetrated her, at which point Judge Mandela Makaula said he would not allow the question.

Daubermann accused Makaula of hampering his cross-examination. Omotoso faces a string of charges including rape, and the alleged trafficking of more than 30 girls and women to a house where he allegedly sexually exploited them.

Alleged accomplices Lusanda Solani, 36, and Zukiswa Sitho, 28, allegedly recruited girls all over the country and monitored their movements in the houses where they were being kept. Cross-examination continues.

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FG Vows to End Frequent Power Grid Collapses

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to put a stop to the recurring national grid collapses and improve overall stability in the country’s power sector.

Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday during the maiden retreat of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) themed “NISO on the Move,” Adelabu—represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Muhammadu Mamman—said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been implementing fresh strategies from day one to stabilise the grid and curb nationwide power outages.

According to him, the establishment of NISO is one of the key reforms introduced by the Federal Government to transform operations within the power sector and drive reliable electricity supply.

Nigeria has long grappled with repeated grid collapses, largely attributed to ageing infrastructure, inadequate funding, poor maintenance, and vandalism. These disruptions have resulted in widespread blackouts, affecting businesses, slowing economic activity, and forcing households to depend heavily on generators and other costly alternatives.

Adelabu noted that the current administration is committed to reversing these trends. “Since the commencement of this administration, things have been done differently. The creation of the Nigerian Independent System Operator is a clear indication of government’s renewed approach to achieving grid stability, reducing power outages, and ensuring every Nigerian has access to electricity,” he said.

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China Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

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China has restated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain national stability.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the assurance after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday.

In a statement shared via X, the ambassador said China “firmly supports” the Nigerian government’s development strategies that align with the country’s realities and long-term goals.

Dunhai also emphasized that China remains opposed to any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs “under the pretext of religion and human rights.”

The meeting further strengthened diplomatic ties between both nations, with discussions centered on security collaboration and sustainable development.

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Tanzania Erupts in Protests Over Controversial Election as President Samia Faces Mounting Pressure

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Tanzania has been plunged into chaos as citizens flood the streets to protest alleged irregularities in the country’s presidential election.

The unrest, which erupted shortly after the announcement of preliminary results, has spread rapidly across major cities. In Dar es Salaam — the nation’s commercial hub with a population exceeding seven million — the situation escalated as angry demonstrators set government offices and several public buildings on fire.

The tension comes amid heightened political scrutiny of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female president following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021. Many opposition supporters allege that the current election was manipulated to keep her in power, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the democratic process.

In response to the violence, the police have imposed an overnight curfew in Dar es Salaam to restore order and prevent further destruction. Security forces have also been deployed across key areas of the city to contain the growing tension.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm while investigations into the alleged electoral misconduct continue. However, opposition figures and civil society groups are demanding accountability, insisting that the people’s mandate must be respected.

As the crisis deepens, many fear the situation could spiral into nationwide unrest if dialogue and swift action are not taken.

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