Abdulganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi (1938 - 2009)

Lawyer & Civil Rights Activitist

A legend in Nigerian activism, he kept the light of civil liberties burning till the his final hour.

BREAKING: Parents of Arrested Protesters Stage Protest in Ekpoma

Parents of protesters who were recently arrested have taken to the streets in Ekpoma, Edo State, demanding justice for their children.

#EdoState #Ekpoma #Protest #BreakingNews #NigeriaNews #JusticeForProtesters #HumanRights #Activism

Is Nigeria Criminalising Dissent? Police Arraign Activist Salim Abubakar Over Anti-Government Posts, Court Remands Him Till January 13

The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned activist Salim Abubakar following a petition filed against him at the Central Police Station in Abuja, raising fresh questions about freedom of expression, digital rights, and the growing tension between civic activism and law enforcement in Nigeria.

According to police authorities, the petition was received on December 19, 2025, after which Abubakar was repeatedly invited for questioning. Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the activist allegedly ignored several invitations and was subsequently arrested, investigated, and arraigned in court on January 8, 2026. The court, he added, adjourned the matter and ordered that Abubakar be remanded in custody until January 13.

However, the arrest has drawn sharp criticism from Amnesty International, which insists that the case is connected to Abubakar’s social media posts criticising government officials. The human rights organisation has described the detention as an abuse of power, arguing that no citizen should be punished for expressing opinions about public office holders. Amnesty said Abubakar committed no crime and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

The organisation further warned that detaining individuals for online criticism undermines the rule of law and violates constitutional guarantees of free expression. It noted that young Nigerians increasingly face threats, harassment, arrests, and detention simply for speaking out on digital platforms—an alarming trend, it said, in a democratic society.

While police maintain that the arrest followed due process based on a formal petition and non-compliance with invitations, rights groups argue that the broader issue is whether dissent is being criminalised under the guise of investigation. The case has therefore reignited national debate over the limits of state authority, the protection of civil liberties, and the shrinking civic space for activists and critics in Nigeria.

As the court prepares to reconvene on January 13, observers are closely watching whether the judiciary will reinforce constitutional rights or endorse what many fear is a dangerous precedent—one in which social media criticism can lead to detention. The outcome of Salim Abubakar’s case could become a defining moment for digital freedom, youth activism, and the future of dissent in Nigeria’s democracy.

VDM Calls Out President Tinubu Over Failed Scholarship Promises to Nigerian Students in Morocco

Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, over the deteriorating conditions some Nigerian students are reportedly facing in Morocco. The students, granted scholarships by the Nigerian government, were promised full support including a $500 monthly allowance, and were allegedly instructed not to work while studying.

In a video shared online, VDM revealed that some students have suffered serious consequences due to the government’s alleged failure to deliver on these promises. He claimed that one student died while another sustained a broken leg after attempting to work secretly to survive. He also highlighted the poor state of their accommodation, where up to five students were crammed into rooms meant for one, lacking electricity and proper study facilities.

VDM warned that if students continue to be neglected, they may resort to cybercrime, which could negatively impact Nigeria’s international image. He also alleged that attempts by students to reach out to influencers and media houses were met with demands for money before their stories could be shared.

The activist called on the government to intervene urgently and suggested that funds meant for students may have been embezzled. VDM’s video has received praise from fans who expressed outrage at the government’s inaction and applauded his advocacy for the students’ rights.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about government accountability in managing scholarship programs and protecting Nigerian students abroad, and it adds to VDM’s history of activism, which includes previous solo protests addressing national insecurity issues.

Brigitte Bardot Dies at 91: Legendary French Actress, Global Sex Symbol and Lifelong Animal Rights Champion Passes Away

Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress who transformed global pop culture in the 1950s and 1960s before devoting her life to animal rights activism, has died at the age of 91. Her foundation confirmed her death, describing her as an exceptional woman who sacrificed fame and personal comfort to fight for a more compassionate world for animals. Bardot rose to international stardom through boundary-breaking films such as …And God Created Woman and Contempt, becoming a symbol of freedom, sexuality, and modern celebrity. Beyond cinema, her effortless style influenced fashion and beauty trends for generations, inspiring figures like Jane Fonda and Kate Moss. She retired from acting in 1973 to focus on animal welfare, funding her advocacy through auctions of her personal possessions. While widely celebrated, her later years were also marked by controversy over her political views and outspoken criticism of certain religious practices. Despite this, tributes poured in, including from French President Emmanuel Macron, who hailed her as a national emblem of freedom. Bardot’s enduring legacy spans film, fashion, activism, and feminist discourse, cementing her place as one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century.

Sowore Kept Screaming About Malami’s Corruption Since 2021’ — Deji Adeyanju Says EFCC Charges Validate Long-Standing Allegations Against Ex-AGF

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has reacted strongly to the ongoing prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), saying the charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirm long-standing corruption allegations raised years earlier by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Speaking on Wednesday, Adeyanju said Sowore had consistently warned Nigerians since 2021 about what he described as Malami’s “brazen corruption” while he was still in office, but those warnings were largely ignored at the time. According to Adeyanju, the emergence of what he termed “receipts” from the EFCC now validates those earlier accusations and underscores the importance of sustained civic activism and accountability.
Adeyanju accused Malami of abusing public trust by allegedly amassing enormous wealth and acquiring multiple high-value properties across Nigeria during his tenure as the country’s chief law officer. He described the alleged actions as not merely isolated incidents but part of a deliberate and systematic effort to build a vast illicit empire, stressing that no public official should be allowed to operate above the law.
The activist called on anti-graft agencies to pursue the case thoroughly and without political interference, insisting that Nigeria cannot progress if powerful officials are allowed to allegedly loot public resources with impunity. He said the Malami case should serve as a strong warning to current and future office holders.
Malami is currently facing 16 criminal counts bordering on money laundering, conspiracy, and unlawful acquisition of assets. Prosecutors allege that he, alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, used corporate fronts and proxies to conceal and launder funds totaling several billion naira between 2015 and 2025. The EFCC claims that at least 30 high-value properties worth an estimated ₦212.8 billion were acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.
Court documents further allege that the defendants used companies such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, and Meethaq Hotels Limited to disguise the source of funds deposited in various bank accounts and used to purchase luxury properties in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi. The alleged offences are said to violate Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and related laws.
The case has reignited public debate about corruption, free speech, and the risks faced by whistleblowers and investigative journalists, especially in light of previous defamation suits filed against Sowore and SaharaReporters over reports exposing Malami’s alleged lifestyle and asset accumulation.

GRETA THUNBERG ARRESTED IN LONDON - CLIMATE ICON WALKS INTO UK TERROR LAW

Greta Thunberg was arrested Tuesday in central London, not for blocking traffic or yelling at oil executives - but for holding a sign.

City of London Police say the 22-year-old was detained for displaying a placard supporting Palestine Action, now a proscribed organization under Section 13 of the UK Terrorism Act 2000.

That’s the statute usually reserved for ISIS merch and neo-Nazi logos. Not cardboard and markers.

The protest backed Palestine Action hunger strikers. The charge isn’t about violence at the scene.

It’s about symbolism. Under UK law, expressing support for a banned group - even rhetorically - is enough.

This is the escalation everyone saw coming.

Britain has spent the last year widening the legal blast radius around protest, extremism, and national security.

Thunberg, long since migrated from climate to anti-war politics, just crossed into a zone where celebrity doesn’t cushion the landing.

What happens next? Likely release without charge or a low-level court appearance - but the signal matters more than the sentence.

Activism is being reclassified. Loud causes are becoming legal liabilities.

Greta didn’t change. The rules did.

Source: Sky News

Harrison Gwamnishu Scandal Exposes the Dangers of Celebrity Activism in Nigeria

The controversy surrounding Harrison Gwamnishu and a disputed ₦20 million ransom payment has sparked a deeper debate about Nigeria’s growing culture of celebrity activism. In this opinion piece, Damian Ugwu argues that the scandal highlights the risks of substituting visibility and social media fame for professional competence, especially in life-and-death situations like kidnapping negotiations. The article calls for greater accountability, oversight, and a shift away from personality-driven activism toward transparent, professional, and community-based advocacy.


#CelebrityActivism

#KidnappingCrisis

#NigeriaOpinion

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S TRIBUTE TO CENTENARIAN ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI

Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing. Born a hundred years ago in Kano City, Alhaji Yakasai exemplifies a purposeful life, carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.

Disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation. As a young man, Baba Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.

His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.

In the aftermath of Nigeria's Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development. He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.

In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.

In celebrating Baba Yakasai today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements, but also a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy and many years of supporting me and the progressive cause.

I am pleased to join family, friends and associates to celebrate the life and commitment of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as he turns 100 on December 5.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 4, 2025

Federal Workers Forum to Protest at Ibadan Court, Demand Withdrawal of Charges Against Coordinator Andrew Emelieze

The Federal Workers Forum has announced a nationwide solidarity protest scheduled for December 4, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling for the immediate withdrawal of charges against its Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze. The group condemned what it described as a growing clampdown on free speech and activism in Nigeria. Emelieze, a prominent workers’ rights advocate, was previously detained and later rearrested in July 2025 for leading a peaceful protest. Supporters claim the prosecution is an attempt to silence lawful agitation. The Forum urged activists, labour groups, and human rights defenders to mobilize in solidarity and demanded that the Federal Government and DSS drop all charges while respecting constitutional freedoms.

“We Didn’t Go There for Money!” — Sowore Recounts How He Rejected ₦800,000 from Late MKO Abiola in 1993

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has shared an inspiring story about his encounter with the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) — a moment that, according to him, defined his lifelong commitment to principle over personal gain.

In a recent podcast interview, Sowore recalled visiting Abiola’s home as a student leader from the University of Lagos during the tense period following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He described the billionaire’s mansion as “a living room as big as a stadium.”

During the visit, Abiola, known for his generosity, offered the students ₦800,000 — a massive sum at the time. However, to Abiola’s surprise, Sowore and his team refused the money.

“He was shocked,” Sowore said. “Abiola told us no one had ever rejected money from him. I told him we didn’t come for money — we came to stand for justice.”


When Abiola jokingly suggested that the money could at least cover transportation, Sowore humorously replied that “even if we took a helicopter from UNILAG, that amount was still too much.”

The activist explained that their decision was driven by integrity and the genuine desire to support Abiola’s democratic struggle — not for personal enrichment.

The story has since gone viral, resonating deeply with Nigerians who see it as a reminder of Sowore’s long-standing dedication to activism, truth, and integrity, values often missing in the nation’s political landscape.

Presidency Issues Warning Over Planned Protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release.

The Presidency has issued a stern warning to rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, over his plan to lead a protest in Abuja demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, had announced that the march tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow would hold on October 20 at 7 a.m.

He described it as a “historic” rally aimed at compelling the government to free Kanu.

Reacting to the development, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga accused Sowore of trying to create chaos under the disguise of activism.

Writing on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga said, “You are nothing more than an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist. You very well know that Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial for treason, and yet you want to cause a breakdown of law and order by mobilising for a protest. Is this the kind of revolution you envisage for Nigeria, where the rule of law will be violated and your idea of justice would be the law of the jungle?”

The presidential spokesman also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for supporting the planned protest, describing his position as reckless and unbecoming of a statesman. According to him, issues before the court cannot be settled through street actions.

He further stated that although the legal process may seem slow, the administration is committed to ensuring justice through the right channels.

“While the wheel of justice can sometimes be grindingly slow, partly caused by Kanu’s lawyers, Nnamdi Kanu will eventually get the justice he deserves for his alleged transgressions,” Onanuga added.

Sowore, known for his bold activism, has since maintained that the demonstration would proceed as planned.
He urged Nigerians to join him in demanding fairness for the detained IPOB leader.

Tinubu Approves 959 National Honours.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the conferment of 959 national honours and endorsed far-reaching reforms to strengthen the funding framework of the Nigeria Police Force.

Understands that the President made the approvals while presiding over marathon meetings of the National Council of State and the Nigeria Police Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the sessions, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Emanso Umobong, said Tinubu endorsed the report of the National Honours Award Committee covering 2024 and 2025, alongside special awards already bestowed since January 2025.

“The award of titles of honour and decorations of dignitaries is a yearly event at which the President honours deserving nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity,” Umobong said.

She explained that the committee, chaired by Justice Sidi Bage, screened over 5,000 applications before recommending 824 recipients for national honours and 135 special awardees, bringing the total to 959 honourees.

According to Umobong, Tinubu had in the past year honoured individuals and groups such as Bill Gates for contributions to public health, Uncle Sam Pemu for journalism, and the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for sporting excellence.

Others include the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, recognised posthumously for environmental activism, and outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, celebrated for his decade of service to Nigeria’s democratic process.

She confirmed that the updated list of awardees would soon be published.

ADC’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ugochimereze Asuzu, Passes on After Slumping.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its Deputy Publicity Secretary in Imo State, Hon. Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu.

Asuzu, who also convened Ikoro Ndigbo and was regarded as a strong voice in Igbo sociocultural discourse, reportedly slumped and died in the early hours of Wednesday.

In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chief MacDonald Amadi, the ADC described his passing as a devastating loss, extolling him as a “man of uncommon intellect, conviction, and service.”

A native of Umuma Isiaku in Ideato South Local Government Area, Asuzu combined academic brilliance with grassroots activism. He earned degrees in Theology and Political Science and was pursuing a doctorate at the time of his death.

Beyond partisan politics, he was a theologian, entrepreneur, cultural advocate, and founder of the Igbo Intelligentsia Renaissance, a platform dedicated to cultural renewal and intellectual engagement. 

He also established and led I Stand With ADC, a coalition support group that mobilised citizens for democratic participation.

Before joining the ADC, Asuzu was a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was widely respected as a prolific writer, public affairs analyst, and visiting lecturer.

The party’s statement further described him as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor who inspired many in both religious and secular spheres.

“The passing of Chief Asuzu is an irreplaceable loss to his family, the ADC family, and the larger Nigerian society,” the statement read.

Details of his burial arrangements will be announced later.

Femi Kuti Reveals Happiest Day of His Life Was Moving in With Fela

Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti has shared a deeply personal moment from his childhood, describing the happiest day of his life as the day he left his mother to live with his father, the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Speaking in a recent YouTube interview, the Grammy-nominated musician revealed:

“I ran away from my mother to stay with my father. It was probably the happiest day of my life.”

Femi also reflected on the pressure he faced growing up as the son of Fela, with many people expecting him to adopt his father’s personality, style, and rebellious lifestyle. At some point, admirers even encouraged him to dress like his father.

However, Femi stressed that he was never interested in becoming a replica of the late music icon, saying that his life’s path was divinely guided:

“If God wanted me to become Fela, I would have been Fela.”


Fela Kuti, who passed away in 1997, was not only a revolutionary Afrobeat musician but also a fearless critic of Nigeria’s political establishment. His activism led to multiple arrests, but his music cemented his global legacy.

In recognition of his influence, Fela’s 1976 classic album Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025 — decades after its release.

Morocco sentences activist over post.

A Moroccan court on Wednesday sentenced feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar to 30 months behind bars for “offending Islam”, her lawyer told AFP, adding that the defence plans to appeal.

Lachgar, a 50-year-old clinical psychologist known for her rights activism, was arrested last month after posting online a picture of herself wearing a T-shirt with the word “Allah” in Arabic followed by “is lesbian”.

The court in Rabat sentenced her to 30 months in prison and imposed a fine of 50,000 dirhams ($5,500), said defence lawyer Mohamed Khattab.

Khattab said the defence team planned to appeal the decision.

Outside the courtroom, friends and family of Lachgar began weeping as the verdict was announced, an AFP correspondent said.

Hakim Sikouk, president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, called the sentence “shocking” and an “attack” on freedom of expression.

During an earlier hearing, Lachgar told a judge that the message on her T-shirt was a “feminist slogan which has existed for years, against sexist ideologies and violence against women… and has no connection to the Islamic faith”.

Deji Adeyanju Recounts 2019 Kano Arrest, Links Experience to Ongoing Political Intolerance

Human rights activist and political commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has revisited his 2019 ordeal in Kano State, alleging that he was unjustly arrested and detained during the general elections.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Adeyanju described the experience as a turning point in his activism, emphasizing that his outspoken criticism of those in power has often made him a target of harassment and intimidation.

In 2019, I was prevented from voting. Instead, I was arrested and kept in prison in Kano, he revealed, while declining to name those responsible.


According to him, the arrest was a calculated attempt to silence his voice and diminish his role in the political process. He stressed that the incident reflected Nigeria’s broader democratic challenges, where dissenting voices are suppressed rather than respected.

Despite these setbacks, Adeyanju maintained that the experience only strengthened his resolve to demand accountability from leaders.

“They may arrest me, insult me, or try to silence me, but they cannot take away my right to speak the truth,” he declared.

Drawing parallels between past and present, Adeyanju criticized what he described as intolerance within the Obidient movement, the support base of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. He alleged that many of Obi’s supporters resort to insults and threats against critics, a practice he likened to the same undemocratic culture he faced in 2019.

Adeyanju clarified that his criticism of Obi and his supporters is based on principle, not personal animosity, insisting that democracy should thrive on tolerance and constructive engagement rather than silencing opposition.

Oshiomhole Reflects: How Babangida Surprised Him With a Remark About His Late Wife

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has opened up about a memorable encounter during his days as a labour activist — one that left a lasting impression on him.

In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Oshiomhole recalled a visit to the Presidential Villa during General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. A seven-man labour delegation, led by then-NLC president Pascal Bafyau, had gone to meet with the military ruler.

According to Oshiomhole, Babangida stunned him by not only commenting on his posture — saying, “Oh Adam, you walk like a military officer” — but also asking after his late wife, Clara.

The senator admitted he was shocked by the military leader’s awareness of such personal details, noting that it revealed how much those in power knew about their challengers.

Reflecting on his time in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oshiomhole emphasized that his activism went beyond agitation. It was about courage, conviction, and the sacrifices of labour leaders who risked everything to secure the democratic space Nigerians enjoy today.

Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and ex-NLC president, said the encounter reinforced his belief in leadership that prioritizes service and responsibility to the people.

#AdamsOshiomhole #Babangida #LabourMovement #NigeriaDemocracy #Leadership

JUST IN: Peter Obi Condemns Sowore’s Arrest, Labels It Abuse of Power

Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force.

Obi described the move as “a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power,” stressing that the right to free speech and peaceful activism must be upheld in any democratic society.

He urged authorities to respect the rule of law, ensure Sowore’s immediate release, and guarantee that dissenting voices are not silenced through intimidation or unlawful detention.

#PeterObi #OmoyeleSowore #JusticeForSowore #RuleOfLaw #HumanRights

VeryDarkMan Renovates Dilapidated School, Shares Before After Pictures, Mocks Nyesom Wike.

Verydarkman (VDM), is a social media activist and philanthropist.
He has undertaken a new project that goes beyond his typical online activism.
VDM shared a video showcasing the renovation of a school in an undisclosed location.

Social media activist and philanthropist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has showcased one of his latest impactful projects beyond his usual call-outs and online exposés.

The content creator shared a video of a school he renovated in an undisclosed location, highlighting the dramatic transformation.

In the first part of the clip, the school appeared to be in a deplorable condition its toilets, drainage system, staff room, and classrooms were almost unusable. Desks and chairs were worn out, and students had no access to water, making the environment unfit for learning.

Following the renovation, the entire school was repainted, with new furniture provided for the students. The staff room, toilets, and drainage system were fully refurbished, and in some cases, rebuilt from scratch.

VDM, who is currently in a public spat with singer Habeeb Olalomi Badmus (Portable), encouraged people to contact him if they know of similar schools that require urgent attention.

In his caption, the TikToker subtly criticized government spending, pointing out that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike rides in a Rolls-Royce and spent ₦30 billion renovating a conference centre, while his small team nicknamed the “ratel” handled the school project efficiently. He referred to his team as the “fourth arm of the government” and thanked supporters who contributed to the initiative, promising that this is only the beginning.

The video drew massive praise from fans, who thanked him for his generosity and mocked the government for failing to handle such basic responsibilities without overspending.