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.

Nigerian Senate passes bill imposing life imprisonment for child defilement no option if fine.

In a landmark move to curb rising cases of sexual violence, lawmakers push for harsher penalties — as a Lagos court simultaneously hands life sentence to a man for raping a 7-year-old girl.

Senate President
The Nigerian Senate is currently trending after passing a tougher bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, with no option of fine, in a bid to combat the alarming rise in child sexual abuse across the country.

The new amendment, which replaces the existing provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Penal Code, was strongly championed by Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), who insisted that offenders deserve nothing less than life imprisonment — and even hinted that capital punishment would have been more fitting.

Initially, the bill proposed a 20-year jail term for paedophiles. However, Senator Aliero called for a stiffer sentence, arguing that lenient laws have failed to deter offenders.

Under the new proposal Defilement of a minor now carries life imprisonment — without an option of fine. Rape now carries a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment. The law updates the Criminal Code Act (Section 218), which previously prescribed 13 years to life imprisonment, and Section 221, which allowed 2 years for unlawful carnal knowledge of minors. The Penal Code (Section 283), applicable in Northern Nigeria, which carried 14 years to life imprisonment or fine, will also be updated.

In Sharia-compliant states, penalties remain even more severe — extending to death or life imprisonment, depending on interpretation and local enforcement.

Coincidentally, on the same day as the Senate’s deliberation, a Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) Court in Oshodi, Lagos, sentenced a 25-year-old graphic designer to life imprisonment for raping a 7-year-old girl in 2020.

According to court records, the convict — a neighbour of the victim’s family in a “face-me-I-face-you” compound — repeatedly assaulted the minor when her parents were away, forcing himself on her in the kitchen and bathroom.
The judgement has been widely commended, though some Nigerians believe that life imprisonment is still not harsh enough, with growing calls for chemical castration or death penalty for child rapists.
Others are also urging lawmakers to criminalise false rape accusations, warning that misuse of the law could undermine justice for real victims.

This moves by the Nigerian Senate marks one of the strongest legislative actions yet in the fight against sexual violence and child exploitation.
If fully enacted and enforced, it could reshape how rape and child defilement cases are prosecuted nationwide — potentially closing loopholes that have long allowed offenders to escape justice.

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.

56-year-old lawyer reportedly loses her life following a domestic violence incident with her husband, weeks after being called to the bar; police allegedly grants husband bail.

Barrister Felicia Temitope Odu, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2025 at the age of 56, has reportedly died following an alleged case of domestic abuse involving her husband.

According to reports shared by @toniabruisedbutnotbroken, the mother of three was allegedly beaten to death by her husband in the presence of one of their sons.
Relatives & neighbours claimed the violence had been ongoing for over 20 years, dating back to their courtship.

The late lawyer was said to be the breadwinner of the family, having built their home and sponsored her children’s education.

The husband was reportedly arrested two days ago but was later released on bail, sparking outrage among members of the public and the legal community.

She is expected to be laid to rest tomorrow, according to family sources.

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

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.