society
Maduro on Trial: Defiant, Unbowed and Still Claiming the Presidency
Maduro on Trial: Defiant, Unbowed and Still Claiming the Presidency.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Inside the U.S. Courtroom Drama That Shook Global Politics. A Legal Maelstrom, a Sovereignty Crisis and the Battle for Venezuela’s Soul.”
In a legal and diplomatic showdown without recent parallel, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stood before a U.S. federal judge in Manhattan on January 5, 2026, to enter a formal not guilty plea to a sweeping indictment that accuses him of narcotics trafficking, narco-terrorism and related violent crimes. Yet in a defiant and extraordinary twist, Maduro did not merely traverse the routine procedures of an arraignment, he seized the moment to declare, in unequivocal terms, that he remains the legitimate President of Venezuela, lambasting his removal and detention as unlawful and a violation of international law.
This courtroom appearance (held in the Southern District of New York) was the culmination of a dramatic military operation in Caracas just days earlier, when U.S. forces seized Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, from their residence and transported them to the United States to face federal prosecution. The proceedings have shattered norms of modern geopolitics and sparked fierce debate among legal scholars, international relations experts and world leaders.
A Defiant Stand in the Courtroom.
Appearing before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, Maduro, 63, spoke through an interpreter and delivered a message that was as political as it was legal. In clear Spanish he declared:
“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.”
Maduro’s defence team, led by prominent attorney Barry J. Pollack, signalled that they intend to challenge not only the substance of the charges but also the legality of Maduro’s capture and also including asserting his entitlement to sovereign immunity as a head of state. Such claims are seldom entertained in U.S. courts and invite complex questions about international law and diplomatic norms.
His wife, Cilia Flores, also formally entered a not guilty plea, asserting through her counsel that she is innocent of all charges and deserves fair legal treatment.
The Charges: A Legal Storm.
The indictment, spanning multiple counts, accuses Maduro and key aides of orchestrating a decades-long criminal enterprise:
Narco-terrorism conspiracy
Cocaine importation conspiracy into the United States
Possession of machine guns and destructive devices in connection with drug trafficking
These charges carry potential life sentences, making it one of the most consequential criminal cases ever brought against a foreign head of state in the U.S. judicial system.
Military.com
Prosecutors allege that Maduro’s regime facilitated the transportation of large quantities of cocaine into the United States and collaborated with violent cartels and rebel groups across Latin America. While Maduro has vehemently denied all accusations, U.S. officials maintain that the evidence justifies the charges.
“I Was Captured”: A President or a Prisoner of War?
In one of the most striking moments of his brief court appearance, Maduro claimed he had been “captured” at his home in Caracas and likened his situation to that of a prisoner of war or a rhetorical choice intended to frame the U.S. action as not merely law enforcement but as political and militaristic aggression.
This characterisation was echoed by his supporters outside the courthouse and by several international governments. Russia, for instance, angrily condemned the U.S. operation and demanded Maduro’s immediate release, calling the action a breach of Venezuelan sovereignty.
Legal scholars, too, have weighed in. Harold Koh, former legal adviser to the U.S. State Department, warned that the case places the U.S. judiciary at the crossroads of criminal law and foreign policy, asserting:
“This prosecution will test the boundaries of sovereign immunity and set precedents about how far a domestic court can reach into international affairs.”
Whether Maduro’s dramatic narratives will hold any legal water remains to be seen, but they unquestionably shape the political context of the proceedings.
Global Reverberations and International Law.
The Maduro case has triggered heated debates in the United Nations Security Council, where some member states voiced grave concern that the U.S. violated international norms by apprehending a sitting head of state on foreign soil. Critics argue that such unilateral action undermines the principle of sovereignty and a cornerstone of international law enshrined in the U.N. Charter.
In response, U.S. representatives emphasised that the mission was a lawful law enforcement effort, not a war or occupation. They insist Maduro’s indictment relates to longstanding criminal allegations and not any desire to occupy or govern Venezuela.
Nevertheless, the clash between legal justifications and geopolitical pushback highlights the fragile balance between transnational justice and sovereign autonomy, an issue that will continue to resonate in global diplomatic circles.
The Human Toll and Venezuelan Context.
The Maduro saga cannot be disentangled from Venezuela’s decade-long political and economic crisis. Citizens have endured hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, mass migration and widespread reports of political repression. Many Venezuelans outside the courthouse voiced intense emotions and some calling Maduro a tyrant who must answer for his actions, others denouncing the U.S. role as imperialistic interference.
As Professor Francisco Toro, a respected Venezuelan political analyst, observed:
“Maduro’s government was marred by corruption and repression, but the manner in which he was seized raises dangerous questions about external intervention and the future of self-determination for the Venezuelan people.”
The domestic fallout was immediate. Hours after the court appearance, Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s Vice President, was sworn in by the National Assembly as interim president, pledging to safeguard national sovereignty and support Maduro’s legal battle.
ThisDayLive
What Lies Ahead: A March Showdown and Beyond.
Both Maduro and Flores are set to return to court on March 17, 2026, marking the next stage in what is expected to be a long, complex and politically charged legal process. Defence attorneys are anticipated to file robust motions challenging jurisdiction, sovereign immunity claims, and the legality of the U.S. capture operation.
Meanwhile, global attention remains riveted. Some observers argue that if Maduro were to be convicted, the consequences could reshape international criminal law, especially where heads of state are concerned. Others fear the case could exacerbate tensions between great powers and undermine diplomatic resolution.
Final Words: A Trial at the Crossroads of Law and Geopolitics.
Nicolás Maduro’s not guilty plea in a U.S. court transcends ordinary criminal litigation. It is a geopolitical earthquake, blending legal drama with questions of sovereignty, justice, and power. Whether history will remember this moment as a triumph of accountability or a perilous overreach remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that no stone has been left unturned in this unprecedented clash between a head of state and a foreign nation’s legal system.
As respected international law expert Dr. Mary Ellen O’Connell put it:
“When law and power collide on the global stage, the jurisprudence of tomorrow is written in the actions taken today.”
Maduro’s words (“I am still President”) may echo far beyond the courtroom walls, shaping international relations and legal norms for years to come.
society
HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) proudly announces the successful completion of the first edition of Hope Beyond the Walls 2026, a humanitarian initiative dedicated to restoring hope and freedom to deserving inmates.
Despite enormous challenges, financial pressure, emotional strain, and operational stress, the organization remained committed to its mission. Through perseverance, faith, and collective support, one inmate has successfully regained freedom a powerful reminder that hope is stronger than circumstance.
This milestone did not come easily.
Behind the scenes were weeks of coordination, advocacy, fundraising, documentation, and intense engagement. There were moments of uncertainty, but the determination to give someone a second chance kept the vision alive.
Today, the Association of Models gives heartfelt appreciation to all partners and sponsors, both locally and internationally, who stood with us mentally, financially, morally, and physically.
Special Recognition and Appreciation To:
Correctional Service Zonal Headquarters Zone A Ikoyi
Esan Dele
Ololade Bakare
Ify
Kweme
Taiwo & Kehinde Solagbade
Segun
Mr David Olayiwola
Mr David Alabi
PPF Zion International
OlasGlam International
Razor
Mr Obinna
Mr Dele Bakare (VOB International)
Tawio Bakare
Kehinde Bakare
Hannah Bakare
Mrs Doyin Adeyemi
Shade Daniel
Mr Seyi United States
Toxan Global Enterprises Prison
Adeleke Otejo
Favour
Yetty Mama
Loko Tobi Jeannette
MOSES OLUWATOSIN OKIKIADE
Moses Okikiade
(Provenience Enterprise)
We also acknowledge the numerous businesses and private supporters whose names may not be individually mentioned but whose contributions were instrumental in achieving this success.
Your generosity made freedom possible.
A CALL TO ACTION
Hope Beyond the Walls is not a one-time event. It is a movement.
There are still many deserving inmates waiting for a second chance individuals who simply need financial assistance, legal support, and advocacy to reunite with their families and rebuild their lives.
The Association of Models is therefore calling on:
Corporate organizations
Local and international sponsors
Philanthropists
Faith-based organizations
Community leaders
Individuals with a heart for impact
to partner with us.
Our vision is clear:
To secure the release of inmates regularly monthly, quarterly, or during special intervention periods through structured support and transparent collaboration.
HOW TO SUPPORT
Interested partners and supporters can reach out via
Social Media: Official Handles Hope In Motion
Donations and sponsorship inquiries are welcome.
Together, we can turn difficult stories into testimonies of restoration.
ABOUT AOMNGO
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) is a humanitarian driven organization committed to advocacy, empowerment, and social impact. Through projects like Hope Beyond the Walls, the organization works tirelessly to restore dignity and create opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance.
“When we come together, walls fall and hope rises.”
For media interviews, partnerships, and sponsorship discussions, please contact the Association of Models directly.
SENATOR ADEOLA YAYI REGISTERS 4000 JAMB CANDIDATES
In continuation of his educational support initiatives and following established tradition, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC,Ogun West) has successfully paid for and enrolled 4000 indigent students for the 2026 Joint Admission Matriculation Board(JAMB) examination.
According to a release e-signed and made available to members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) by High Chief Kayode Odunaro, Media Adviser to Senator Adeola and shared with (your mediu), the programme financed by the senator under the “SEN YAYI FREE JAMB 2026” ended on Saturday , February 21, 2026, with a total of 4000 candidates successfully enrolled with their PINs provided.
Commenting on the success of the programme, Senator Adeola said the programme is another leg of his personal educational empowerment for indigent but brilliant citizens preparatory to his scholarship and bursary facilitation for tertiary education institutions’ students.
“As far as I can help it, none of our children will miss educational opportunities arising out of adverse economic predicament of their parents or guardians”, he stated.
Successful candidates cut across all the three senatorial districts of Ogun State with 2183 coming from Ogun West, 1358 coming from Ogun Central and 418 from Ogun East.
Some of the candidates that applied and are yet to get their PINs due wrong information supplied in their profiles and being underage as discovered by JAMB and other reasons are being further assisted to see the possibility of getting their PINs.
The Free JAMB programme of the Senator that has been running for years is well received by appreciative beneficiaries and their parents.
Alhaji Suara Adeyemi from Ipokia Local Government whose daughter successfully got her PIN in the programme said the Senator’s gesture was a welcome financial relief for his family at this period after payment of numerous school fees of other siblings of the beneficiary seeking admission to higher institution.
Also posting on the social media handle of the Senator, a beneficiary Mr. Henry Olaitan, from Odeda LGA said that he would have missed doing the entry examination as his guardian cannot afford the fees for himself and two of his children.
House Committee Seeks Stronger Financial Backing for Federal Character Commission
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has reassured the commitment of her new leadership to reposition the Commission and strengthen enforcement of the federal character principle, despite prevailing funding challenges.
Hon. Omidiran made this known during the Commission’s budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character at the National Assembly on Friday, February 19, 2026.
The Executive Chairman opened up on inadequate funding has continued to constrain the Commission’s statutory activities, including nationwide monitoring, compliance audits and enforcement measures across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“We are focused and determined to do the work that the Constitution and the President have entrusted us with,” Omidiran stated.
The FCC Boss, however, assured lawmakers that the Commission remains resolute in ensuring equity, fairness and balanced representation in line with its constitutional mandate.
“As a Commission, it is our responsibility to engage with relevant government parastatals and ministries to secure the necessary funding we require. We believe that with consultation and collaboration, it will be a successful venture for the Commission.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, RT. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, expressed deep concern over what he described as near-zero budgetary allocation to the Commission, stressing that such financial inadequacies severely undermine its operational effectiveness.
The Plateau State lawmaker assured the Commission of the Committee’s firm legislative backing in advocating for improved funding and strengthening the Commission’s capacity to fully exercise its constitutional mandate.
“We cannot reasonably expect the Federal Character Commission to enforce compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies while grappling with insufficient funding,” Hon. Wase remarked.
“If we are genuinely committed to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, then we must be deliberate in adequately funding the institution established to safeguard these principles.
“As a Committee, we shall work closely with the leadership of the Commission to ensure that its budgetary provisions reflect the magnitude of its mandate. The era of skeletal or token funding must give way to realistic and sustainable financial support,” he concluded.
The budget defence session concluded on a note of renewed collaboration between the House of Representatives and the Commission, reflecting a shared determination to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance accountability, and promote equitable representation within Nigeria’s public service.
SIGNED:
Ademola Lawrence
Spokesperson,
Federal Character Commission
February 20, 2026
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