Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has appointed his elder brother, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed, as the Emir of the newly created Duguri Emirate in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The appointment letter was presented at the Duguri palace on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Aminu Hammayo, on behalf of the governor. He urged the new emir to support government policies & programmes aimed at achieving sustainable growth & development.

In his remarks, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed thanked the governor for the honour & pledged loyalty to the State Government & the Bauchi Emirate Council, praying for Allah’s blessings on the state leadership.

At the same event, Alhaji Jibrin D. Hassan was presented with his appointment letter as the Emir of Bununu Emirate. The SSG advised him to uphold the rule of law, promote peace among all tribes & contribute to the state’s progress.

Emir of Bununu expressed gratitude to the governor, promising to serve both the government & the people with dedication & integrity.

In its ruling, the court wrote:

“Rape is, in many cases, considered an exceptionally serious offense that could lead to the deportation of a refugee, but an assessment must be made based on all circumstances in the individual case. Given the nature and duration of the offense in question, the Court of Appeal finds that while the crime is serious, it does not constitute an exceptionally serious offense that would warrant a deportation order for Yazied Mohamed. The request for deportation is therefore rejected.”

The decision has provoked widespread outrage, with critics describing it as another example of Sweden’s overly lenient approach toward offenders with refugee status.

Canadian Court Upholds Deportation of Nigerian Pastor Over Fake Documents and bribery.

A Canadian federal court has refused to review the asylum denial of Nigerian pastor Lucky Bidemi Olorunfemi, ruling that the documents he submitted were fraudulent and tainted by bribery infractions that cleared the way for his deportation.

In a judgment delivered on October 16 in Toronto, Justice McHaffie upheld an earlier decision by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), which found that Olorunfemi’s supporting evidence lacked credibility and appeared doctored.

The self-proclaimed pastor from Akure, Ondo State, had applied for refugee status in 2023, claiming his pro-LGBTQ stance and tolerance for gay members made him a target of “Muslim Jihadis” who allegedly burned down his church and hunted him in 2022.

To back his story, Olorunfemi tendered four documents a newspaper report, a police invitation letter, his wife’s medical report, and a wanted poster purportedly issued by the “Odoua Peoples Congress.” But the RPD described the materials as “riddled with spelling and grammatical errors,” and resembling “brown envelope journalism.”

Justice McHaffie noted that the supposed OPC poster contained several blunders including misspellings of “Oodua” as Odoua and “Yoruba” as youruba and even identified Olorunfemi under a different name.

The court also flagged contradictions in the Nigerian’s testimony, including his claim of poor English proficiency despite speaking fluently during the hearing.

“The only fact established in his case was that he is Nigerian,” the judge said, dismissing his appeal for review.

UK-based Nigerian Man, One Other Jailed for Life Over 2017 East London Murder.

A UK-based Nigerian, Lekan Akinsoji, and Sundjata Keita of St Margaret’s Court have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2017 murder of Ahmed Deen-Jah in East London.

The pair, both 27, were convicted of murder on October 9 and sentenced on Friday at the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court.

“Lekan Akinsoji, 27, of no fixed address, and Sundjata Keita, 27, of St Margaret’s Court, E12, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, 24 October. They both received life sentences,” the UK police said in a statement.

“Mr Akinsoji was jailed for a minimum term of 28 years, while Keita received a minimum term of 22 years.”

Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, said, “I hope the long sentences provide some measure of closure to Ahmed’s family, who have waited almost a decade for justice.”

She added, “Akinsoji and Keita launched a cold-blooded and unprovoked attack. Worse still, they then sought to evade the law—and were able to do so until 2023, when damning forensic evidence came to light.”

The case dates back to April 2, 2017, when Deen-Jah was stabbed in a convenience store near Custom House station in Newham. Both men were initially arrested but later released due to lack of evidence.

A 2023 review uncovered fresh forensic findings and detailed phone analysis that placed Keita’s device in the car used for the killing. The vehicle was later discovered burned in Epping Forest.

According to police, “the court heard how Ahmed’s murder was a result of ‘tit for tat’ violence between gangs and that both men had been driving around the area in a stolen car, looking for people they suspected of being in a rival gang.”

“CCTV played in court showed Akinsoji ambushing Ahmed and following him into the shop before stabbing him,” police added.

EFCC Arrests Akwa Ibom School Owner over ₦3 million Alleged Visa and Scholarship Scam.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arrested Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, owner of Michael Udonquak Schools, Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly running multiple visa and foreign scholarship scams.

According to the EFCC, Okpong’s arrest followed a petition by Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, who accused her of defrauded her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and processing Canadian visas for her and her husband.

Bassey said the suspect approached her in February 2024 with an offer to help secure a foreign scholarship. She stated that she only made payment after Okpong signed a notarized indemnity agreement, after which she transferred ₦3 million to the suspect’s First Bank account.

However, after receiving the money, Okpong allegedly became unreachable and began rejecting calls, failing to fulfill her promises despite the signed agreement.

Bassey further alleged that Okpong had defrauded several other victims. “I met one of her victims in China who got stranded when she discovered there was no scholarship. Some of her victims travelled abroad with fake documents and were either stranded or deported, losing huge sums of money,” she said.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Supreme Court Justice, Agim Reacts To Claims That Nigerian Judges Are Members Of Secret Cults.

However, in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Niniola debunked the speculation that she was keeping her marriage secret to avoid affecting her career or bookings.
Nigerian Judges
Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court has dismissed claims that Nigerian judges belong to secret cults, emphasizing that conscience, integrity, and godliness are the true pillars of judicial service.

Agim made the remarks on Friday, October 24, in Abuja during the Legacy Dialogue 2.0, organised by the Johnny Agim SAN (JASAN) Foundation, themed “Institutionalisation of Mentorship in the Legal Profession: A Strategic Blueprint for Professional Development.”

Speaking in a reflective tone about his faith and the misconceptions surrounding the judiciary, Justice Agim said it was absurd and offensive when people accused judges of belonging to cults.

“I have a conscience. Otherwise, I should not be going to Holy Trinity Parish or even praying if I don’t have a conscience. God is my protection, my fortress and my refuge. You cannot be evil and expect God to be all of that to you,” he said.

“But whenever I say this, a friend of mine would say, ‘I thought they said you (justices) all belong to cults.’ It is not so. We are ordinary human beings.”

The jurist stressed that the moral strength of judges comes from faith, honesty, and a clear conscience, not from membership of secret societies as often alleged by members of the public.

Justice Agim lamented the erosion of ethics and discipline in modern legal practice, saying many lawyers have abandoned the pursuit of justice for selfish ambition and fame.

“When I was a lawyer, we had cases already settled by law and you knew what your opposing counsel would say. But today, people go to court to win, not to get justice,” he declared.

EFCC to Arraign Woman for N446M Property Fraud in Benin.

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million. Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wi...

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The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million.

Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wife by claiming to sell them a property in Effurun, Warri.

The sisters allegedly presented themselves as the rightful owners of the property, claiming it was inherited from their late father.

The complainant, however, could not take possession of the property after payment due to an existing court judgment restraining the sisters from selling it.

Attempts to recover the funds failed, as Iyoha reportedly relocated to Ghana shortly after the transaction.

The EFCC, which had been tracking her movements, arrested Iyoha during a visit to Nigeria at a popular Lagos motor park.

She has reportedly made useful statements and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

The Global Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice James Omotosho of bias and denial of fair hearing following alleged irregularities during Friday’s court session.

According to a statement by Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, Kanu informed the court that his legal team was dismissed only a day earlier and that he could not access his legal files due to DSS restrictions. His request for more time to review the files, the defence argued, was a constitutional right under Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, not a delay tactic.

Kanu also sought to extend his legal and medical consultations from three to five days per week—a request the court granted, though the judge claimed Kanu had wasted earlier opportunities. The defence disputed this, saying it was unfair to force a defendant in a capital case to proceed after only “three hours” of consultation.

The statement further alleged that the DSS continues to bug Kanu’s conversations with his lawyers, violating constitutional provisions and international legal standards. It added that Justice Omotosho’s actions—such as vacating the courtroom during consultations and adjourning when Kanu requested court records—proved a breach of fair hearing and contempt for open justice.

The defence also noted that its applications to bring witnesses from the U.S., Kenya, the U.K., and Ethiopia remain unaddressed, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the defence.

“These are the facts from today’s proceedings. Don’t let them feed you lies,” the defence concluded.

U.S. court seizes California home tied to Ex-NNPC boss in $2.1m bribery case

Sowore Back in police Custody After Fresh Arrest at Federal High Court.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been rearrested by police operatives shortly after appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.

Sowore, who is the convener of the movement, had attended court proceedings relating to the protest held earlier in the week when officers reportedly moved in to detain him. According to eyewitnesses, the activist was accosted moments after stepping out of the courtroom, sparking mild tension within the court premises.

Police authorities later confirmed the arrest, alleging that Sowore violated a subsisting court order prohibiting the said protest. Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said Sowore was being held for leading the demonstration despite being aware of the restriction.

“He was arrested for violating a court order. Others arrested earlier in connection with the protest confirmed that he led them to the venue,” Hundeyin stated. The police said 14 other persons connected to the protest were also in custody and would soon be arraigned.

Sowore, who briefly attempted to resist arrest, was later taken away by armed operatives amid chants of solidarity from supporters present at the court. The development has drawn reactions from activists and civic groups who described the arrest as another attempt to silence dissenting voices.

Court Grants Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, and 11 Others Bail.

A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and ten others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

The thirteen defendants were arrested and arraigned before the court on charges of inciting public disturbance and breach of peace following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20 in Abuja.

While Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the ten others were arrested during the protest and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility, Sowore was later apprehended on October 23 at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had gone to show solidarity during Kanu’s terrorism trial.

The court, after hearing the bail applications, granted all thirteen defendants temporary freedom pending further proceedings.

Nigerians rejoice as UK Supreme Court Upholds Nigeria’s Right to Recover £44.2 Million Legal Costs in P&ID Case.

The United Kingdom Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by Process & Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID), affirming that Nigeria can recover its legal costs in pounds sterling (GBP) rather than naira (NGN) after successfully overturning a multi-billion-dollar arbitral award.

Delivering judgment on 22 October 2025, a panel led by Lord Reed, President of the Supreme Court, unanimously upheld previous rulings by the Commercial Court and Court of Appeal, which held that costs should be paid in the same currency in which they were incurred.

The case stemmed from Nigeria’s successful challenge to two arbitral awards worth over US$11 billion (including interest), which the Commercial Court ruled in 2023 had been “procured by fraud.” Nigeria had spent about £44.2 million in legal fees—billed and paid in sterling through 116 invoices between November 2019 and November 2024.

P&ID argued that the costs should be paid in naira, claiming that paying in pounds would give Nigeria a “windfall” due to the naira’s depreciation since 2023. But the Supreme Court rejected the argument, ruling that “as Nigeria had incurred liability and made payments in sterling, the court ought to make a costs order in sterling.”

In a joint judgment by Lord Hodge and Lady Simler, the Court clarified that costs are a statutory indemnity for litigation expenses, not compensation for loss, and warned that P&ID’s position would lead to “disproportionate and expensive satellite litigation.”

The Court reaffirmed that legal costs are to be awarded in the currency in which they were billed and paid unless there are exceptional circumstances. It dismissed P&ID’s appeal and ordered the company to pay Nigeria’s costs on a standard basis.

The decision marks another major victory for Nigeria in its long-running legal battle with P&ID, following the country’s 2023 success in overturning the fraudulent US$11 billion arbitration award.

Super Eagles Goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke Withdraws Divorce Case, Reconciles with Wife.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, has officially withdrawn the divorce case he filed against his wife, Tosin Olorunleke. The footballer, who had earlier admitted to infidelity, decided to end the legal process after both parties agreed to resolve their marital issues privately.

Tosin had told the court she wanted to preserve the marriage for the sake of their children and was not ready to let it end in divorce. The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, October 21, was struck out following Ojo’s motion to withdraw it.

In his request, he urged the court to treat the case as though it was never filed, emphasizing his commitment to reconciliation and family unity. The couple, who share two children, are reportedly working to mend their relationship peacefully outside the courtroom.

"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.

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.

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.

Justice Will Be Served’ – EFCC Insists On Okowa’s Corruption Probe.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations that it is protecting former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, from prosecution following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, speaking through the agency’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), stressed that no suspect enjoys immunity from investigation because of political alignment.

Tahir said, “Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true.

“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta State. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served.”

Okowa, who served as Delta governor from 2015 to 2023, was arrested in November 2024 over allegations of diverting ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds.

In April 2025, he and his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC — a move that sparked criticism that the EFCC had gone soft on his case.

‘Tahir explained that the anti-graft agency prefers to conclude investigations thoroughly before filing charges, especially in high-profile cases.

“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he said.

"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.

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.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Withdraw, IPOB Leader To Defend Himself.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has sacked his legal representatives.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, on Thursday applied to withdraw from representing the detained IPOB leader, stating that the defendant had taken the case back from them.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria on the defense team have also withdrawn from the suit, a development Nnamdi Kanu himself confirmed in court.

Kanu told the court that he would be representing himself for now, though that might change later. When the judge asked if he should be assigned a lawyer, he declined the offer.

Defending himself orally, Kanu argued that the court lacks the jurisdiction to try him.