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US Appeals Court Strips Trump Of Immunity

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A US Appeals Court, sitting in Washington, on Friday ruled that former President Donald Trump must face civil lawsuits over his role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by his supporters.

Biztellers reports that it was the unanimous opinion of the three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that the cases against Trump could move forward

The ruling comes nearly a year after the judges had considered Trump’s claims of being entitled to sweeping immunity from the suits brought by a group of congressional Democrats and veteran Capitol Police officers, who seek civil damages for the harms they allegedly suffered as a result of the Capitol attack.

Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan wrote, “The sole issue before us is whether President Trump has demonstrated an entitlement to official-act immunity for his actions leading up to and on January 6 as alleged in the complaints.

“We answer no, at least at this stage of the proceedings.”

It is the considered opinion of the Appeal Court judges that when a first-term president chooses to run for a second term, his campaign for reelection cannot be an official presidential act.

By implication, actions undertaken while campaigning to hold onto the presidency are done in the individual capacity of the office-seeker, rather than an office-holder.

“In his view, a president’s speech on matters of public concern is invariably an official function, and he was engaged in that function when he spoke at the January 6 rally and in the leadup to that day,” the judges pointed out.

“We cannot accept that rationale. While presidents are often exercising official responsibilities when they speak on matters of public concern, that is not always the case,” the panel added.

The president, Srinivasan explained that an office-holder, “does not spend every minute of every day exercising official responsibilities. And when he acts outside the functions of his office, he does not continue to enjoy immunity from damages liability just because he happens to be the president.”

The appeals court panel noted that while it is rejecting Trump’s argument for immunity at this stage in the proceedings, the former president has not yet had the chance to counter the allegations raised by the police officers and House Democrats, which he must be afforded the opportunity to do.

Judge Gregory Katsas, appointed by Trump, concurred with the decision, while Judge Judith Rogers concurred in part.

As things stand, Trump still has a chance to appeal the decision, either to the full D.C. Circuit or the Supreme Court.

He is in the midst of a third bid for the White House and is currently the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination.

The court’s ruling stems from cases brought against Trump by two Capitol Police officers, 11 House Democrats and another by Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, in 2021 over comments the former president made in the run-up to and during a rally held outside the White House on Jan. 6, 2021.

The officers, James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby, as well as the Democratic lawmakers, argued that Trump incited the mob of his supporters who breached the U.S. Capitol in violation of federal and local laws.

Trump, however, argued that he is shielded from the lawsuits because he was acting within the official duties of the presidency and asked a federal district court to toss out the cases.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta allowed the cases to move forward, and Trump asked the D.C. Circuit to review the decision.

The decision by the appeals court comes as the former president faces ongoing legal woes in several civil and criminal cases filed against him. The Justice Department has charged Trump with four counts related to the 2020 election, which the former president is seeking to dismiss in part on grounds that he is entitled to presidential immunity from prosecution for actions performed within the “outer perimeter” of his official responsibility.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts in the case related to alleged efforts to thwart the transfer of presidential power after the November 2020 election.

 

With Agency reports

Crime

Ondo Shock: 23-Year-Old Son Allegedly Hacks 60-Year-Old Mother to Death

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A 23-year-old man, identified as Samuel Akoade, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly hacking his 60-year-old mother, Olufunke Amoo, to death in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the deceased’s residence in the Powerline area along the Ore–Okitipupa Road.

The incident reportedly caused panic in the community after the woman was discovered dead with deep machete wounds.

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According to a police source, preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased had been attacked with a cutlass, allegedly by her son. The motive for the alleged killing remains unknown.

Following a report of the incident, operatives of the Ore Division were deployed to the scene, where they secured the area and recovered a machete suspected to have been used in the attack.

The suspect reportedly fled the scene before the arrival of the police but was later arrested after a manhunt was launched.

The remains of the deceased were subsequently deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital, Ore.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Akure, for further investigation.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered a thorough and professional investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.

The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information about suspicious activities in their communities.

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Crime

Kogi Man Allegedly Sets Wife Ablaze After She Burnt His Clothes

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A man identified as Jacob Irewa has been arrested by the Kogi State Police Command for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze following a domestic disagreement in Lokoja.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.

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According to the state police spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, received a report of the incident at about 8:30pm and immediately mobilised to the scene, where the suspect was arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the dispute started after the victim allegedly burnt some of her husband’s clothes which she believed he was no longer using, without his permission.

The police said the suspect subsequently threatened his wife, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and allegedly set her ablaze.

The victim survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.

Afusat said the suspect, during interrogation, admitted to setting his wife ablaze, adding that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the alleged attack and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for violence, particularly domestic violence.

He urged members of the public to resolve domestic disputes through lawful means and avoid actions capable of endangering lives.

The police said Irewa would be charged to court for prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.

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Enugu Church Attack: Three Suspected Kidnappers Arrested, Four AK-47s Recovered

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Sit-At-Home: Two Killed As Police Take Over Enugu Streets

Three suspected members of a notorious kidnapping gang allegedly linked to the August 2 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been arrested by security operatives.

The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation involving the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel.

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One suspected kidnapper was reportedly killed during a gun battle with the security forces, while four AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the gang.

The development was disclosed on Monday night when Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, visited the state DSS headquarters to inspect the arrested suspects.

Representing the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said two of the three victims abducted during the August 2 attack had regained their freedom.

The victims, identified as Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, reportedly identified the arrested suspects as the individuals who abducted them.

“There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them,” Onyia said.

He added that the arrested suspects would face the full weight of the law.

The SSG said the state government would continue to strengthen its security architecture and collaborate with security agencies to prevent criminal activities across Enugu State.

He warned criminal elements that the state would not provide a safe haven for their activities.

Onyia also cautioned residents against assisting or providing information to criminal groups, stressing that anyone found collaborating with such groups would be investigated and prosecuted.

“We will find you also, just as we have found these people, and we will prosecute you as part of this evil operation and this evil syndicate,” he warned.

The SSG commended the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies for their efforts in apprehending the suspects and recovering the weapons.

He further assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that the government would continue to pursue those involved in criminal activities in the state.

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