Family Cries Out as Ogun Police Arrest Man for Hoisting Yoruba Nation Flag, Delay Court Trial

A family in distress has accused the Ogun State Police Command of unlawfully detaining Owolaju Adekunle John after his arrest for allegedly attempting to replace the Nigerian flag with a Yoruba Nation flag in Odeda. Arrested on January 9 alongside two others, Owolaju has remained in custody at Eleweran Police Station without being charged to court, despite repeated promises by police. The uncertainty has reportedly worsened his widowed mother’s health. While police confirmed the arrest, they gave no clear timeline for arraignment, deepening concerns over his continued detention.


#YorubaNation #PoliceDetention #OgunNews

Bandits Kill Two, Loot Homes in Katsina Community Despite Peace Deal

Bandits attacked Kwatangiri community in Funtua LGA, Katsina State, on Thursday night, killing at least two residents and looting multiple homes, SaharaReporters has learned. The incident has left the community in fear, highlighting the vulnerability of rural areas even amid ongoing peace initiatives.

The attack raises questions about the effectiveness of a recent peace deal reportedly brokered between local officials and some bandit groups. Security expert Malam Bakatsine confirmed the attack, noting the sparse security presence in the region.

Earlier reports revealed controversy surrounding the Katsina State government’s attempt to secure the release of detained bandits as a condition for sustaining peace. A “SECRET” letter dated January 2, 2026, from the Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge disclosed that 48 suspects facing various banditry-related charges had been proposed for release under the peace accord. Another list of 22 inmates awaiting High Court trials was also included.

The Ministry of Justice argued that these actions fall under the powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee as outlined in the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021. As of the report, no official statement had been issued by the Katsina State government or security agencies regarding the attack.

#KatsinaInsecurity #NigeriaNews #Banditry”

Nigerian Federal Workers Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze Faces Court Trial In Ibadan For Leading Peaceful Protest.

They recalled that it was a collective decision of members of the forum to protest on July 1, 2025, if their demands were not met, stressing that such civic action should not be criminalised.

The National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum, Andrew Emelieze, is set to be charged at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday (today).

In a statement sent to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, it was noted that the charge is to defend himself "against the four count charges brought against him by the Nigerian state through the DSS revolving around organising April 23, 2025 protest demanding for the payment of outstanding five months wage award, calling for protest in Aso rock gate on July 1st, 2025, formation of the Federal Workers Forum/ incitement and cyber bullying."

"Nigeria is not a banana republic. Protest cannot be a crime and the right to freedom of association is part of our fundamental human rights," the statement read in part.

He also appreciated "Comrade Femi Aborisade and the ABOPE Chambers for the free legal services."

"Comrade Femi Falana (SAN) has been of immense help in this battle. His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria spoke out loud against my detention by the DSS."

"Many more lawyers and the citizenry have also shown immense solidarity. The mass media, the civil society groups and many activist have not relented in calling for justice. I appreciate all the federal workers, friends and my family. I thank God for He has given us Victory," he further wrote.

"We shall overcome. We will not be silenced."

In September, the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) had called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the withdrawal of court charges filed against its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, describing his arrest and detention as “a deliberate set up to silence the federal workers.”