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Lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing him, stating that Kanu had taken back control of his case.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

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.

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.

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.

#FreeNnamdiKanu: APC Came To Power Through Protests, Now Scared Of Protests – Wabara Fumes.

Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has called for the immediate release of all protesters arrested in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja.

Speaking via a statement on Tuesday, Wabara condemned the action of some security operatives who fired teargas canisters at peaceful protesters.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to call the security operatives to order, describing the intimidation and arrest of peaceful protesters as “a serious dent on Nigeria’s global image.”

The elder statesman also frowned at the alleged manhandling of a journalist covering the protest whose camera was reportedly broken by some overzealous security operatives.

According to the former Senate President, the arrest of Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor; among others, will only aggravate the already tensed situation in the South East.

Senator Wabara who argued that “it is the fundamental right of citizens to hold peaceful protest”, said the police are required to provide protection for protesters, and not to clamp down on them.

Citing the ongoing ‘No King Protest’ involving about 7 million people in the United States of America, “where there are no incidents of molestation or brutality”, Senator Wabara challenged the Nigeria security operatives to learn from their US counterparts.

The former Senate President accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC-led, federal government which he said, “is a product of protests”, of using intimidation and brute force against dissenting voices.

BREAKING: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State


The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

A seven-man panel of justices led by Justice Inyang Okoro reached the decision after hearing final arguments from all parties involved. The date for the judgment will be announced later by the apex court.

According to Naija News, the plaintiffs in the case include the Attorneys General of 10 states, while the Federal Government and the National Assembly are the defendants.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Delta State withdrew from the suit — a move that went uncontested by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), counsel for the Federal Government.

Representing the plaintiffs, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) clarified that the suit does not challenge the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, but rather questions its scope and implications, particularly on the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly in Rivers State.

The matter now awaits a final decision from the nation’s highest court.


Source: Naija News / Polance Media Inc.

Soludo Speaks Out: Anambra Govt Denies Plans to Arrest Catholic Bishops or Clerics After Re-Election

The Anambra State Government has refuted viral claims alleging that Governor Chukwuma Soludo intends to arrest and jail Catholic Bishops, religious leaders, or native doctors after securing a second term in office.

According to a report by Punch Newspaper, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the rumors as false, malicious, and politically motivated, urging the public to ignore such propaganda.

“Governor Soludo respects the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including religious leaders. These fake stories are being spread by desperate political opponents whose campaigns are collapsing,” Mefor said.


He clarified that the government’s current actions are only targeted at exposing fake spiritualists and fraudulent native doctors, not genuine clerics or religious figures.

Dr. Mefor reaffirmed that Governor Soludo remains committed to peace, religious tolerance, and integrity, emphasizing that his administration is working with the Federal Government to tackle certificate forgery and other electoral malpractices ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

The commissioner urged Anambra residents, particularly members of the Catholic community, to disregard false social media posts meant to incite fear and division in the state.

ASUU Meets Today to Review Ongoing University Strike.

The national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will convene today, Tuesday, to assess its stance on the ongoing strike by university lecturers across the country.

Sources within the union confirmed that the meeting, scheduled to hold in Abuja, will focus on reviewing developments from recent engagements with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Discussions are expected to center on unresolved issues, including funding for public universities, lecturers’ welfare, and the implementation of past agreements.

The outcome of the meeting will determine whether the union extends or suspends the industrial action that has disrupted academic activities in federal and state universities nationwide.

ASUU had embarked on the strike several weeks ago over what it described as the government’s failure to honour previous commitments on university revitalisation, earned academic allowances, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for salary payments.

Stakeholders have urged both parties to find a lasting resolution to prevent further damage to the already strained education sector. The union is expected to issue a formal statement after the meeting outlining its next steps.

ASUU Strike Deepens as NLC Issues 4 Week Ultimatum to FG Over Broken Promises.

According to report by Punch newspaper on Tuesday October 21, 2025, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have joined forces to demand a lasting solution to the persistent instability in Nigeria’s university system.

During a meeting held at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, labour leaders from ASUU, SSANU, COEASU, and ASUP deliberated on the ongoing strike affecting universities nationwide. The NLC issued a four week ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude negotiations with all unions in the education sector or face a nationwide industrial action.

ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, said the union declared the strike following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum. He cited unresolved issues such as unpaid salaries, unfulfilled agreements, and poor infrastructure.

NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that workers would no longer tolerate government’s neglect of agreements. He condemned the “no work no pay” policy, saying it would now be replaced with “no pay, no work,” stressing that most strikes occur due to government’s failure to honour deals.

Ajaero insisted that if the government fails to act within four weeks, all Nigerian workers will join in a nationwide protest. ASUU vowed to resist further insincerity in negotiations, urging government to prioritise education.

The ASUU strike has now entered its eighth day.

NANS Calls for Mandatory Drug Testing in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to introduce compulsory drug testing for all students in tertiary institutions as part of efforts to tackle rising substance abuse among youths.

In a statement signed by Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS President, the association proposed a drug-Free Campus Initiative (DFCI) to promote discipline, improve academic performance, and protect Nigeria’s future workforce.

Oladoja described drug abuse among students as a “public health crisis” threatening learning, moral integrity, and national productivity.

“Drug abuse among students is no longer an isolated concern; it has evolved into a public health crisis affecting learning, safety, and national productivity,” NANS stated.

The association identified marijuana, tramadol, codeine, and methamphetamine (mkpurummiri) as the most abused substances, linking them to cultism, assault, and campus unrest.

“Most cases of cultism, aault, and campus unrest are traceable to substance influence. Drug abuse fuels aggression and moral decay among students,”
the group added.

NANS recommended mandatory drug testing at both admission and graduation points, supervised by the NDLEA and school health units, to ensure students “enter and leave the system clean.” It also proposed establishing drug-Free Clubs on all campuses and integrating drug education into orientation and General Studies courses.

Students identified with substance use, the group said, should receive rehabilitation and counselling rather than stigma.

Oladoja warned that unchecked drug abuse endangers Nigeria’s development and leadership future.
“The dream of a prosperous Nigeria begins with a generation of mentally sound, morally upright, and drug-free students,”

he stated, urging collective action among the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, and student unions to secure the nation’s campuses.

Strike: ASUU to hold strategic NEC meeting as action enters week two.

The national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, will meet today, Tuesday, to evaluate its position on the ongoing strike by its members.

The development comes after ASUU disclosed that the Government’s Renegotiation Team, led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, came to the negotiation table with a documented response to the union’s demands and made some offers to it.

In a strike bulletin issued on Monday, the union acknowledged that progress was being recorded in certain areas such as the release of third-party deductions, arrears of promotions, mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowance, EAA, confiscation of University of Abuja land, and victimization of its members in KSU, LASU and FUTO.

ASUU members on Monday held congresses across its branches in the various universities to vote on whether the union should suspend or continue its labour action.

Recall that the union had given a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government for the conclusion and implementation of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, as well as addressing other demands of its members.

However, there’s indication that ASUU wasn’t ready to throw in the towel yet as feelers are that many of the branches have voted in support of the continuation of the strike.

Officials of ASUU at the University of Abuja, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. They confided in DAILY POST that the matter is far from being over.

According to them, their members in respective branches were in support of the continuation of the strike despite some offers being made to ASUU by the Nigerian government.

NLC Threatens Nationwide Action if FG Fails to End ASUU Strike, Gives Deadline.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to join forces with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if the Federal Government fails to conclude negotiations with unions in the tertiary education sector.

The decision was announced by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during an interactive session with labour correspondents in Abuja, following a meeting between the NLC and leaders of tertiary institutions’ unions held at the Congress headquarters.

His statement, “We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. They have started talks with ASUU, but the problems extend beyond ASUU,” Ajaero stated.

“If after four weeks these negotiations are not concluded, the organs of the NEC will meet to decide on a nationwide action involving all workers and unions in the country, to ensure that lasting solutions are found.”

The NLC also criticised the Federal Government’s no-work-no-pay policy imposed on members of ASUU for embarking on strike, describing it as unjust and provocative.

“The so-called policy of no work, no pay will henceforth be no pay, no work. You cannot benefit from an action you instigated. We have discovered that most strike actions in this country — up to 90% — are caused by the government’s failure to honour agreements,” Ajaero added.

Nigeria’s tertiary education system has been plagued by instability, with the ongoing ASUU strike leading to the closure of universities nationwide.

ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, had announced the strike during a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28. The union cited unresolved issues such as staff welfare, salary arrears, infrastructure decay, and the non-implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

FG Reaffirms Maths, English as Mandatory O’Level Subjects Despite Admission Policy Review.

The Federal Government has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, despite the recent adjustments to university and polytechnic admission requirements.

In a statement on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education explained that the revised admission policy does not exempt any student from taking or registering for the two core subjects.

According to the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the clarification became necessary following widespread misinterpretations of the newly introduced O’Level admission framework.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reform was designed to promote flexibility, fairness, and inclusiveness in tertiary education admissions, ensuring that qualified candidates are not disqualified over deficiencies in subjects irrelevant to their chosen courses.

“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects not directly related to their fields of study,” Alausa stated.

He emphasized that the reform aligns with global best practices, correcting previous imbalances by allowing institutions to consider candidates for certain programmes where a credit pass in Mathematics or English is not compulsory. However, all students must still register and sit for both subjects in their O’Level exams.

The ministry noted that the policy only affects admission criteria for specific programmes, not the requirement to study or take the subjects.

“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the statement read.

Earlier reports indicated that under the new policy, students in arts and humanities may be admitted into tertiary institutions without a credit in Mathematics, provided it is not a core requirement for their chosen field.

Mass Deportation: Nigeria deports over 50 foreigners for internet fraud, others.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes back to their home countries, marking the completion of a large-scale repatriation exercise that involved a total of 192 convicts.

According to official sources, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) coordinated the deportations in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in line with court directives and immigration protocols.

The deported convicts include citizens of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were expelled in coordinated phases between August and mid-October 2025, following their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

The crackdown originated from a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which led to the arrest of 759 suspects.

The first batch of 42 convicts primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025, while the final group of 51, including 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, was repatriated on October 16, 2025.

Investigations revealed that the convicts were part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi network operating under Genting International Co. Limited, where they allegedly trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both locally and abroad.

The deportation, authorities said, brings the multi-agency cybercrime crackdown to a decisive close and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational digital fraud and financial crimes.

Olukoyede sheds light on N360b recovered loot, 753 duplexes.

Applauds Media,CSOs’ efforts at tackling corruption

JOSEPH OKWUOFU, Ibadan

The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has stated that all the recoveries made so far under him by the Commission are deposited to the Federal Government in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to Olukoyede, since he took over the mantle of leadership two years ago, the Commission has recovered the sum of N360b, and a massive estate comprising 753 duplexes from corrupt individuals and the money was deposited in the Central Bank of Nigeria, out of this, the federal government directed that N50b was released for students loan under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND ).

He added that the recovered 753 duplexes were handed over to the Federal Ministry of Housing , following a directive from the federal government that the houses should be completed and allocated to Nigerians.

Olukoyede who is making two years of impactful fight against corruption with a record of 4,111 convictions, further revealed that it is only the federal government that has the power to give directives on how the recovered loot will be spent.

He made the clarifications on Friday, October 17, 2025 at a one-day workshop held in Ibadan Zonal Directorate for Journalists and Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs), organized by the Commission.

Olukoyede who spoke through the Acting Zonal Director, Ibadan Directorate of the EFCC, ACE 1 Hauwa Garba Ringim and the Spokesperson of the anti-graft body, Dele Oyewale also hinted that the EFCC under the current leadership of Ola Olukoyede, in 2024 alone arraigned five ex-governors and five ex-ministers with no let or hindrance.

This is a display of political will by the Bola Tinubu’s administration to prosecute corruption cases to curb economic sabotage and infractions”, he said.

Clemency: You’ve brought shame, scrap NDLEA, EFCC, ICPC – APC chieftain to Tinubu.

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called for the scrapping of some federal government agencies.

The agencies include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

According Eze, these agencies have Iost their flavours to political Interferences, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s presidential pardon of drug barons have further erodes public confidence in statutory Institutions.

The APC chieftain said as long as he remains a member of the ruling party it must be said categorically that Tinubu, by his action, has brought shame and reproach to the party.

Eze believes that no reasonable person would vote for the APC again as the President has made it unelectable in any election in this country.

Eze said that APC’s return to power in 2027 would mean that Nigerians approve of a regime that legitimizes illegality as a political strategy to sustain its odious reign beyond 2027.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Information and Strategy last week, said in a statement that out of the 175 beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon, 41 illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers and 22 murderers topped the list.

Notable among the 175 beneficiaries are Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former member of the house of representatives; Mamman Vatsa, a major general and poet executed in 1986 over alleged treason; and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband in 2017.

Court Stops Sowore, Others from Holding October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining activist Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and others from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest demanding the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The order, issued by Justice M.G. Umar, followed an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force, which argued that the planned demonstration could threaten public peace and national security within the Federal Capital Territory. The court specifically barred the respondents from staging or promoting any protest around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, and Unity Fountain in Abuja.

Sowore, however, alleged that the order was granted “in chambers” after the same request had earlier been declined in open court. “After initially rejecting the motion to stop our protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers,” he wrote on his social media page, calling the move an attempt to silence dissent.

The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, had gained traction online and received endorsement from several political figures, including a former Vice President and a former Senate President. Organisers had vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kanu, who has been detained since June 2021 on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, has continued to attract widespread calls for release amid a lengthy legal battle.

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens ahead of the planned demonstration, warning of potential v+olence and traffic disruptions in the Central Business District, Eagle Square, and surrounding areas. The embassy advised its nationals to avoid protest zones, limit movement, and maintain a low profile throughout Monday.

"Nigeria Needs $1.2 billion to Achieve Gender Equality Targets" — Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that the country requires $1.2 billion over the next five years to bridge its financing gap and meet national gender equality and social inclusion targets.

Speaking in Abuja during the annual general meeting and founder’s day celebration of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), the minister emphasised that closing the gap demands “bold partnerships and investment in women’s advancement.”

Represented by her special adviser, Ola Erinfolami, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the federal government is exploring blended finance models, public-private partnerships, and impact investments to fund programmes that support women, children, and families.

On the Reserved Seats Bill, she commended the National Assembly for backing efforts to increase women’s political participation, describing it as a “strategic investment in democracy and national progress.”

The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, also endorsed the bill, urging lawmakers across all levels to pass it for more inclusive governance.

Similarly, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum represented by Hauwa Halira called for mobilising broad support to ensure women’s full political inclusion before the 2027 general elections.

In their remarks, NILOWV founder Esther Udehi and President Irene Awunah-Ikyegh urged grassroots advocacy to boost understanding of the Reserved Seats Bill, while Aishatu Bura, President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), stressed the media’s vital role in amplifying women’s voices and driving inclusive discourse.

Court dismisses CBN, AGF objection in Osun local government funds suit.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the objection raised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF, against a suit challenging the Osun local government’s withheld funds.

The suit, filed by the Attorney-General, AG, of Osun State, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, seeks to stop the Federal Government from releasing withheld local government allocations to sacked officials elected during former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s tenure.

Justice Nwite, in a ruling, held that the Osun Attorney-General has locus standi (legal right) to institute the suit on behalf of the local government authorities.

In the ruling, the judge dismissed the request brought by the CBN and AGF praying for the dismissal of the case on the ground that the Osun Attorney-General lacked locus standi to sue on behalf of the local governments.

He held that the plaintiff, as the chief law officer of the state, had the duty and authority to act in the public interest, including protecting local government allocations.

The judge further held that the ongoing suit challenging local government allocations “does not constitute an abuse of court process.”

He observed that while parallel proceedings “may lead to unnecessary and duplicative objectives and judicial resources,” there was no evidence that the plaintiff had “misused, perverted, or abused the expression of justice.”

He emphasized that the plaintiff did not act in “a biased or deliberate manner in seeking the present action.”