"I Will Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial if Subpoenaed" — Nyesom Wike.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he is ready to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu—if officially summoned by the court.

Wike made this known during his monthly media chat on Friday in Abuja, following questions about his inclusion on Kanu’s list of witnesses.

Earlier in the week, Kanu had filed a motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, indicating plans to open his defence on October 24, 2025. The IPOB leader named 23 witnesses, including Wike, former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd).

Reacting to the development, Wike said he was unaware of his inclusion and had not received any formal notice.

New INEC Chairman Begins Official Duty, Tasks Staff to Break Down Silos During Handover in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that its new Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has officially assumed duty with a strong call for unity and collaboration within the Commission.

In a statement shared on INEC’s official Instagram page on Thursday, 22nd October 2025, the Commission revealed that Professor Amupitan made the remarks during his inaugural address at the handover ceremony held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

The new Chairman urged staff to “break down silos” and foster teamwork across all departments, emphasizing that effective collaboration is essential to achieving the Commission’s mandate. He also issued a dual charge strengthening internal unity and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly ahead of the upcoming Anambra State governorship election.

Professor Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing staff welfare, describing it as fundamental to achieving credible and transparent elections.

According to INEC, the ceremony was attended by the Commission’s directors and a delegation from the University of Jos. The new Chairman described his assumption of office as “the beginning of a crucial chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey” where unity, integrity, and teamwork will serve as the foundation for credible electoral processes.

Sowore Arrested Outside Federal High Court in Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly criticized the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the incident as “outrageous” and an assault on Nigeria’s justice system.

Effiong made his position known in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after reports and videos surfaced online showing Sowore being forcefully taken away by police officers.

The arrest occurred moments after Sowore reportedly met with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial at the same court.

Condemning the development, Effiong wrote: “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the activist had just concluded an interaction with journalists and supporters outside the courtroom when security operatives moved in and apprehended him.

Video clips shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, sparking public outrage and condemnation from rights groups, lawyers, and pro-democracy advocates who described the arrest as an attempt to silence critical voices.

Effiong, a vocal defender of civil liberties, argued that Sowore’s arrest was both unlawful and a troubling indicator of growing intolerance toward dissent under the current administration.

He stated that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common citizen, should never be turned into a stage for political intimidation.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will screen all members contesting the various offices at the forthcoming National Convention of the party on Tuesday, October 28 at the Legacy House in Abuja. Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced this in a statement on Thursday.

Court Approves Prosecution Of Tinubu’s Minister, Onyejeocha For Alleged Forgery.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, member representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, leave to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, over alleged forgery of election results.

Justice M.G. Umar, in a ruling delivered on September 23, 2025, on an ex parte motion filed by Ogah, held that the lawmaker had provided sufficient material evidence in his affidavit to justify the court’s decision.

Onyejeocha, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had dragged Ogah of the Labour Party (LP) to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, claiming victory at the 2023 general elections.

However, Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha tendered forged results at the tribunal to back her claims, a case she eventually lost.

In April, Onyejeocha, through a media aide, dismissed the allegations as false, insisting they had been settled. “All the allegations in the petition are false. They are not only false, but they have been trashed out long ago,” she said.

Ogah, however, proceeded to the Federal High Court, urging it to grant him leave to seek an Order of Mandamus compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute Onyejeocha for forgery.

He alleged that after he was declared the winner by INEC, “Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha forged the results in respect of the polling units listed, whose results were tendered during the trial of the petition at the Election Tribunal to prove the allegations contained in the petition.

“That Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha forged Exhibit 3 and passed them off as the official election results and documents of the respondent, and the respondent vehemently disputed the authenticity of Exhibit 3 during the trial of the Election Petition.

Sowore’s Arrest Inside Courtroom Is An Open Assault On Democracy – Atiku.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested in Abuja.

Sowore was taken into custody by security officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja after meeting with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

His arrest came just days after he organised a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow on October 20, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release.

The protest was disrupted by security agents who used teargas to scatter demonstrators.

Several participants, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were detained alongside others. Sowore, who initially escaped, was later arrested at the court on October 23.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku, in a tweet, condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a shameful attack on democracy and the rule of law.

He said the move shows the government’s growing intolerance toward opposing views.

He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other detained protesters, stressing that citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully.

"We arrested Sowore in the spirit of fair play"— Police PRO Hundeyin reveals.

The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, stating that he was detained for allegedly violating a court order banning the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Thursday that Sowore was apprehended at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had reportedly led the protest calling for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Hundeyin, 14 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the protest. He said Sowore’s name was mentioned by earlier detainees as the leader of the demonstration, prompting his arrest.

“He was arrested in contravention of a court order. If we charge some protesters to court and leave the person who led them, that would be unfair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” Hundeyin said.

The police spokesman added that the activist would not be held for long and would be arraigned in court immediately, possibly within the same day.

Sowore, who previously spearheaded the #RevolutionNow movement, was said to have fled the scene on Monday when other protesters were taken into custody.

Nigeria Seeks UN Partnership for $10bn Long-Term Fund to Address Internal Displacement.

The Federal Government has appealed to the United Nations for support in accessing a $10 billion long-term financing plan aimed at tackling the country’s growing internal displacement and humanitarian challenges.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made the appeal during a roundtable on “Humanitarian Development and Peacebuilding Approaches to Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons” held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Bagudu said the government could deploy such financing ideally at a four percent interest rate to create wealth among displaced populations while addressing the root causes of displacement. He noted that donor-based grants were shrinking and urged the UN to help Nigeria tap into the capital market for sustainable, long-term funds.

He added that the government’s fiscal policies were designed to reduce waste, empower subnational governments, and promote inclusive development through programmes like the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Plan and Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) initiative, which maps economic opportunities across 8,809 wards nationwide.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, stressed that Nigeria’s humanitarian response must transition “from relief to resilience,” focusing on prevention, national leadership, and coordinated accountability.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall, commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, pledging continued UN support to help displaced persons “regain their dignity and rebuild their lives.”

Nnamdi Kanu Dismisses Legal Team, Defends Himself in Terrorism Trial.

Lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing him, stating that Kanu had taken back control of his case.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the defence team also withdrew from the suit — a move Kanu confirmed in court. The IPOB leader told Justice James Omotosho that he would represent himself “for now,” declining the judge’s offer to assign him a lawyer.

Defending himself, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. Outside the courtroom, Agabi told reporters, “A number of voices have been defending Nnamdi, and he has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has the right to do so, we respect that decision and we wish him well going forward.”

Kanu appeared before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. When the case was called, Agabi announced that he and other SANs — Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and one unnamed — were withdrawing from the matter.

Following Kanu’s confirmation of his lawyers’ exit, Justice Omotosho ordered the remaining members of the defence team in court, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom. He then directed Kanu to proceed with his defence.

Kanu began by contesting the court’s jurisdiction but was overruled. Ikpeazu later informed the court that their withdrawal took effect Thursday morning and requested time for Kanu to “gather his thoughts.” The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the case to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to open his defence.

In a motion he personally filed, Kanu said he was ready to begin “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2025.” He told the court he planned to call 23 witnesses — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” ones to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

President Tinubu Swears In New INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The brief ceremony took place at 1:50 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. During the event, President Tinubu urged Amupitan to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC, and ensure transparency in the electoral process.

Amupitan’s inauguration follows his confirmation by the Senate on October 16, after undergoing a rigorous screening session.

The newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has arrived at the State House in Abuja for his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu.

Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by the police in Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the arrest was ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sowore, who was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite over what he described as a “bogus and farcical” charge of alleged forgery of a police wireless message, filed under the instruction of the “illegal Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun”, was informed at the court that the judge would not be sitting.

A source disclosed that a police officer approached Sowore, informing him that he was under arrest on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

Members of his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, immediately confronted the officers, demanding to know the reason for the sudden arrest. However, the police insisted they were acting on “direct instruction” from the Commissioner and proceeded to escort Sowore into a waiting vehicle.

Sowore, a long-time critic of government policies, is known for leading several pro-democracy and human rights movements across Nigeria.

Sowore movement, has faced multiple arrests and legal battles since 2019 over his criticism of government corruption and demand for good governance.

Unemployment on the Run as Shettima Announces $220m Plan to Empower Nigerian Youths.

The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to equip graduates with hands-on work experience, mentorship, and professional training.

Shettima said the new phase of the NJFP seeks to bridge the gap between learning and earning for thousands of qualified but unemployed graduates. According to him, the Tinubu administration aims to turn Nigeria’s youthful population into an engine of economic growth by integrating the programme into the national planning and budgeting system.

“Our goal is to raise $220 million not as charity, but as an investment in our most valuable asset: our young people,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President further emphasized that inclusivity would be central to the implementation of NJFP 2.0, ensuring participation across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds. Priority sectors include agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that since its inception in 2021, the NJFP has empowered over 13,000 youths with skills and placements, with the new phase targeting 100,000 job opportunities within five years.

UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, and EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, both reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its sustainability through government integration and long-term funding mechanisms.

BREAKING: Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja | Sahara Reporters

FG, Senate Leaders Head to Washington to Stop US Sanctions Over Christian Genocide.

Top officials of the Federal Government and the National Assembly are set to travel to Washington D.C. in a diplomatic move to stop possible United States sanctions over alleged persecution and genocide of Christians in Nigeria.

The high-powered delegation, which includes federal lawmakers, senior military officers, and heads of security agencies, will meet with members of the U.S. Congress to clarify Nigeria’s position and counter the growing narrative of “Christian genocide.”

The trip follows an urgent resolution by the 10th Senate, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, who urged the government to “put the record straight” and prevent sanctions against the country.

According to sources, the delegation will present evidence to prove that the security crisis in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but rather a result of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. The team is expected to depart Abuja early next week.

In recent months, U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups have increased pressure on Nigeria over rising attacks on Christian communities. Senator Ted Cruz recently accused Nigeria of “mass murder” of Christians and introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (S.2747).

The proposed bill seeks to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move that could trigger travel bans, arms restrictions, and other economic sanctions.

The Nigerian Senate had earlier dismissed the genocide allegations as “false and dangerous,” warning that such claims could damage the country’s image and inflame religious tensions.

Lawmakers maintained that the ongoing violence is complex and tied to criminality and resource struggles, not state-backed religious persecution.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that between January 2020 and September 2025, over 11,800 civilian attacks were recorded in Nigeria. Among them, 385 incidents involved Christian victims, while 196 targeted Muslims, reflecting the widespread nature of insecurity across regions.

Court To Deliver Judgment In FIRS Official’s Alleged N2bn Fraud Case 8th December.

The trial of Emmanuella Eteta Ita, Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS and her Surestart School Limited before Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, with the judge slating December 8, 2025, for judgment.

Ita and Surestart School Ltd are standing trial on 25-count charges, bordering on criminal misappropriation, diversion, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering to the tune of N2bn.

The counsel to Ita, Paul Erokoro, SAN, called the attention of the court to his final address, dated December 10, 2014 and urged the court to dismiss the prosecution`s application and resolve the matter in favour of the defendant based on alleged claim of failure of the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He stated again that “On the receipt of the prosecution`s final address, the first defendant filed a reply dated 13th June 2025 and I hereby adopt the reply on point of law as the first defendant’s answer to the issues raised by the first defendant’s final written address. Once again, we urge your lordship to discharge and acquit the first defendant and we want to add that the prosecution refunds the N19.5m paid to the EFCC so that she can pay the money back to the lenders,” he said

In response, prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN informed the court of his final written address of January 10, 2025, filed the same date, served and adopted on June 16, 2025 and urged the court to convict the defendant as the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He further drew the attention of the court to his written reply, stating, “If my lord finds the reply on the point of law to the prosecution’s final written address as an opportunity to re-argue issues canvassed in the main written address, consequently we urge your lordship to strike out their request”

Justice Ogunbanjo adjourned the matter till December 8,2025, for delivery of judgment.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer to remain in Prison as Police stall Bail Hearing.

The bail hearing for the lawyer to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel “Fineboy” Kanu, was on Wednesday stalled at the Kuje Magistrate Court following the failure of the Nigeria Police Force to appear or file a counter affidavit.

The matter, which came up before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, was expected to determine the bail request filed on behalf of the two men and another person arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja earlier this week.

However, proceedings could not go on as planned after the police failed to file their response to the bail motion or attend the session. It was gathered that Barrister Maxwell Opara, counsel to the defendants, approached the court registrar to inquire about the delay, only to be informed that the motion for bail was not listed for hearing.

Magistrate Sai’I’d, who had previously assured that the application would be given prompt attention once the police were properly served, stated that his hands were tied due to the procedural lapses caused by the police’s absence and failure to respond.

According to court sources, the police initially evaded service of the bail motion before eventually acknowledging receipt. The Magistrate had at the last sitting directed that the process be fast-tracked to ensure fairness to the accused persons, who have been in detention since their arrest.

Ejimakor, a well-known legal representative for Nnamdi Kanu, and Fineboy Kanu, were arrested alongside others during a peaceful protest in Abuja demanding the release of the IPOB leader, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.

The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was reportedly disrupted by security operatives, leading to several arrests.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs.

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act.

He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its ongoing two-week warning strike, 10 days after it began.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, announced the decision on Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja, directing members to resume work starting Thursday.

According to Piwuna, the suspension followed “fruitful engagements” with government representatives during negotiations held last week. The decision was reached after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union held in Abuja between October 21 and 22.

However, he warned that the union would resume the strike if the government failed to meet its commitments within a month.

“NEC resolved to grant the government a one-month window to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement and address all other outstanding issues,” Piwuna said.

He added that ASUU expects the government to use the opportunity to ensure lasting industrial harmony and stability in the university system.

ASUU Suspends Warning Strike, Give FG Ultimatum.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has suspended its two weeks warning strike, giving Nigeria’s Federal Government fours weeks ultimatum her demands.

The two-week total and comprehensive warning strike was suspended, in a post published on its official X (former Twitter) account on Wednesday October 22, 2025, granting the Federal Government a one-month window to meet all outstanding demands on staff welfare, unpaid entitlements, university revitalization, and full implementation of the 2009 ASUU–FGN agreement.

Meanwhile ASUU President Dr. Chris Piwuna, during a press conference in the nation’s capital of Abuja, said that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Union resolved to give the FG one month window to address all their demands as stated in the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement.

The President though stated that the gesture to suspend the strike was through the efforts of the Nigeria’s Senate who sued for a round table agreement.