Southeast Leaders Split Over Ekweremadu’s Proposed Transfer to Nigeria

Regional leaders in Nigeria’s Southeast are sharply divided over the Federal Government’s plan to transfer former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu from a UK prison to a Nigerian correctional facility, Punch reported on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

While some see the move as a positive humanitarian gesture, others believe it is politically motivated and unnecessary.

° “Let Him Finish His Sentence in the UK” — INC President

Chilos Godsent, President of the Igbo National Council (INC), strongly criticized the transfer proposal.
He questioned the timing and suggested the initiative may be linked to political strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the Federal Government showed little interest during Ekweremadu’s trial but is suddenly eager to intervene, raising suspicions.

According to Godsent:

“It is better to allow him to serve his term in the UK, where he was found guilty.”


He also feared that Ekweremadu might face harsher conditions or renewed legal battles if brought back to Nigeria.

Some Southeast voices compared the government’s urgency in Ekweremadu’s case to its refusal to release IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, despite repeated demands.

This contrast, they argue, shows inconsistency and bias in handling issues affecting the Igbo people.


Meanwhile, influential leaders have applauded the move.
The Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo praised the initiative as sincere and welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention.

Similarly, the Abia State PDP Chairman urged Nigerians to judge the move based on national interest, not speculation.

Nnamdi Kanu Seeks Total Nullification of Terr+rism Trial, Citing Repealed Laws, Extraordinary Rendition, and Rights Violation.

Detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the terrorism charges against him and permanently halt his ongoing prosecution.

In a written address supporting a preliminary objection, Kanu argued that his trial is unconstitutional because it is based on a repealed law and an allegedly invalid proscription order. He maintained that the case violates the Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and binding appellate court decisions.

Through his legal team, Kanu is seeking seven major declarations, including a ruling that his prosecution under the defunct Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013 and an ex parte order proscribing IPOB in 2017 is unlawful, null, and void.

The IPOB leader also accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of violating his right to a fair hearing by allegedly monitoring his meetings with lawyers, seizing legal documents, and denying him confidential communication with counsel.

Kanu stressed that with the enactment of the Terr+rism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which repealed the 2011 and 2013 laws, all terrorism charges brought under the old statutes became legally unenforceable. He referenced Section 98(3) of the 2022 Act and Section 122(2)(a) of the Evidence Act, which compel courts to take judicial notice of repealed laws.

He added that another count brought under the Customs and Excise Management Act is invalid, as the Act was replaced by the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023.

Describing the ongoing prosecution as a violation of the rule of law, Kanu urged the court to strike out or permanently stay all charges against him. Permitting the trial under repealed legislation, he warned, would render legislative repeal meaningless and undermine constitutional supremacy.

"Bandits Are On a Revenge Mission But They’re Ready for Peace Talks Unlike IPOB That Wants To Leave Nigeria" – Sheikh Gumi.

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has once again stirred controversy by defending armed bandit groups operating across northern Nigeria, insisting that their attacks are driven by “revenge missions” rather than unprovoked violence.

Speaking in an interview on Trust TV on Friday, monitored by SaharaReporters, Gumi argued that Fulani herdsmen and bandit groups “do not attack people without cause.”

He referenced a past visit by former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda to meet thousands of bandits in the forest, claiming the armed groups complained of losing family members and suffering various forms of hostility.

“Yes, I know they have killed, and it’s wrong to kill anybody innocent. This is absolutely an obnoxious thing to do. We don’t support that. But if you know their psychology, they are on a revenge mission,”
Gumi stated.

While acknowledging the violence perpetrated by the groups, the cleric insisted they were motivated by grievances rooted in perceived injustices, stressing that Fulani herdsmen had lived peacefully with other communities for centuries.

He urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration, rather than relying heavily on military offensives.

“What the government needs to do is bring them together in a holistic form so that there is peace. They are ready for that. If you call them for peace, they come,”
Gumi added.

The cleric also sparked further debate by contrasting the bandits with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whom he accused of rejecting dialogue and pursuing secession.

“It’s unlike IPOB. The government has been trying to dialogue with them; they refuse. They are secessionists. Besides being terrorists, they are secessionists. Well, these people (bandits) are not secessionists. They want peace,”
he said.

Gumi has repeatedly advocated for amnesty and negotiation with bandits, a position that has drawn widespread criticism amid escalating insecurity in the North.

Court Fixes 20 November for Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 20 November for judgment in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over allegations of terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho scheduled the judgment date on Friday after foreclosing Kanu’s defence, following the IPOB leader’s continued refusal to open his defence on the grounds that the charges against him were filed under a repealed law.

“This court has given the defendant the opportunity required under Section 36 of the Constitution, and I will not allow this to continue,” the judge said, ruling that Kanu had effectively waived his right to defence.

Earlier on Friday, the court gave Kanu about one hour to file the documents he claimed he required, but the situation remained unchanged.

The development comes after several adjournments in the past month, during which Kanu who disengaged his legal team and opted to represent himself maintained that there was “no valid charge” against him.

The Nigerian government has been prosecuting Kanu on seven terrorism-related charges since 2015, linked to his alleged secessionist campaign for an independent Biafran state. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing.

The prosecution closed its case in June after calling five witnesses. Kanu’s subsequent no-case submission was dismissed in September, with the court ruling that he had a case to answer.

Despite being urged by the judge to prepare for his defence, Kanu insisted that the charges were invalid because they were based on a repealed version of the terrorism law.

He told the court he needed to consult with his legal consultants Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara and Mandela Umegborogu before proceeding, but the court ultimately foreclosed the defence after repeated delays.

The judgment is now scheduled for 20 November.

Court Sets November 20 for Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 for judgment in the terrorism trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The judge announced the date on Friday after Kanu failed to open his defence, despite being granted six days to do so. Justice Omotosho ruled that since the defendant did not utilise the opportunity to defend himself, he could not claim denial of his constitutional right to a fair hearing.

Earlier, the court had given Kanu until November 5 to begin his defence or forfeit the right. The judge had warned that failure to proceed would be deemed a waiver.

During the proceedings, Kanu—who is representing himself—told the court that he would not enter any defence, insisting there were no valid charges against him. He demanded his immediate release, arguing that his continued trial was unlawful.

Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) objected to Kanu’s fresh filings, saying they were not properly submitted and accused him of attempting to delay the case. He urged the court to treat the documents as Kanu’s final written address and proceed to judgment.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s documents would be considered at judgment, noting that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be allowed to seek legal assistance if necessary.

You’ve Last Chance To defend Yourself, Court Tells Kanu; Sowore Still Wanted CP.

ABUJA–The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, said it would give the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, one last opportunity to defend the seven-count terrorism charge the Federal Government entered against him.

Consequently, trial Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case till November 7 for the defendant to open his defence as he was previously ordered to do by the court.

The trial judge warned that he would foreclose Kanu’s right should he fail to enter his defence on the next adjourned date.

He said the decision was anchored on tenets of justice that required that the defendant should be granted sufficient opportunity to exonerate himself.

“We had adjourned till today for the defendant to put in his defence or be deemed closed.

But, I am bound to give him another opportunity to put in his defence.

“If he does not, I will deem him closed. I know that he is an Economist and not a lawyer.

“I will give the last opportunity to the defendant to put in his defence, failure of which he would be deemed closed,” Justice Omotosho held.

Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu 24 Hours to Finalise Defence in Terrorism Trial

Judge James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, to decide within 24 hours whether he will open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.

The judge, who adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, insisted that Mr. Kanu must either present his defence or formally waive his right to do so. He again advised the IPOB leader to engage lawyers experienced in criminal law or appoint counsel willing to take up the case on his behalf.

Mr. Kanu, however, maintained his position that the terrorism charges were unlawful, arguing that no valid case had been instituted against him.

Tuesday’s session marks yet another development in the prolonged legal back-and-forth over Mr. Kanu’s defence strategy. The judge has repeatedly shifted hearing dates in recent weeks to allow him the opportunity to clarify his stance and proceed with his defence.

China Backs Nigeria, Cautions U.S. Against Military Interference.

China has expressed strong support for Nigeria amid threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to launch military action over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, made this known at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, saying China “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, or threaten them with sanctions and force.”

Ning added that Beijing stands firmly with Nigeria as it “leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions,” describing the country as a “comprehensive strategic partner.”

Trump had recently accused Nigeria’s government of religious persecution and hinted at deploying American troops to protect Christians a claim that has drawn sharp reactions from Abuja.

Responding on Monday, Daniel Bwala, a senior aide to President Bola Tinubu, said Nigeria welcomes security cooperation but will not accept foreign troops on its soil. He described Trump’s threat as a product of misinformation spread by separatist elements, particularly members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Bwala added that the genocide narrative was being amplified by groups seeking to influence U.S. policymakers, insisting that independent reports show no evidence of state-backed persecution. He called on Washington to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and instead support the country with intelligence and military equipment to combat insecurity.

IPOB vows support for trump to end ethno-religious violence in Nigeria.

The indigenous people of biafra (ipob) has declared its support for u.s. president donald trump’s efforts to end what it described as ethno-religious violence and persecution in nigeria.

In a statement released by its u.s. chapter and signed by spokesperson emma powerful, the group urged nigerians in america to resist any attempt by the nigerian government to “deceive the world” following trump’s recent classification of nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”

IPOB said it would organize peaceful protests against the federal government’s planned meeting with president trump, accusing the nigerian authorities of attempting to “hide evidence of killings, church burnings, and persecution.”

The group noted that its detained leader, mazi nnamdi kanu, had for years warned about attacks on christians and indigenous people but was “persecuted and imprisoned” for exposing the truth.

It alleged that several communities in the middle belt, southern kaduna, kwara, and biafraland remain under siege, adding that silence in the face of such violence amounts to complicity.

IPOB said its planned protest in washington, d.c., would be non-violent, describing it as “a peaceful but powerful demonstration for justice.”

The group called on all nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, as well as human rights defenders, to join the march, saying, “unity is our shield, and the world must hear the cry of the oppressed. america must stand with the victims, not their oppressors.”

KANU DECLINES TO ENTER DEFENCE, INSISTS NO CASE AGAINST HIM.

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has refused to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences, insisting that there is no valid case against him.

Kanu had earlier indicated plans to call witnesses and even applied for a witness summons, requesting additional time to review his case file. However, at the resumed hearing, he informed the court that after studying the file, he found no legitimate charge warranting a defence.

He told the court that he believes the entire trial process is unlawful, hence there is no need to proceed with any defence.

Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, directed Kanu to file a written response detailing his stance and serve it on the prosecution. The judge also advised him to consult criminal law experts on the possible legal consequences of his decision.

The case was subsequently adjourned until November 4th, 5th, and 6th for the adoption of final written addresses, depending on whether the court agrees that the evidence and charges so far have failed to establish a case against the defendant — or for Kanu to reconsider and enter his defence.

Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison.

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been released after spending four days in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:
“Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days by @officialABAT illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”

The activist was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during one of his court appearances.

His arrest followed a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest outside the court, which was dispersed by police officers using tear gas and warning sh+ts. The demonstration was organized to demand the unconditional release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.

On October 24, the Kuje Magistrate Court granted Sowore and others arrested alongside him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. The court, presided over by Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, also ordered each defendant to submit their National Identification Number (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificate, and passport as part of the bail conditions.

Sowore was arraigned alongside Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The police accused them of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, alleging they trespassed into restricted areas during the protest.

His release marks the end of a four-day detention that began with his arrest on October 23.

Kenya Takes Nigeria to the ICC - President Ruto Challenges Nigeria Before International Court, Freezes Billions in Assets and Declares: "You Kidnapped Nnamdi Kanu Return Him to Kenya or Face the World Court!".

President William Ruto has reportedly taken a firm stance against Nigeria over the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). According to emerging reports, President Ruto has brought Nigeria before the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the West African country of violating international law by abducting Kanu from Kenya in 2021. The Kenyan leader is also said to have imposed a travel ban on Nigerians entering Kenya and frozen assets worth billions of dollars owned by Nigerians in the country, a move aimed at pressuring Abuja to release Kanu immediately.

We are not afraid of Nigeria. If justice requires war, we are ready. You cannot invade our land, kidnap a man, and call it justice," President William Ruto was quoted as saying.

Ned Nwoko: Creation of a New State and Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Key to Lasting Peace in the South-East

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has stated that the persistent unrest in Nigeria’s South-East region stems from long-standing feelings of marginalisation by successive governments. He believes that the creation of an additional state in the region, along with the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, would help restore peace and stability.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor Collapses In Kuje Prison.

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has collapsed while in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

This development is happening barely 24 hours after the presiding magistrate, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, allegedly refused to sign his bail bond for release.

Ejimakor was said to have slumped after complaining of weakness and difficulty standing.

Prison medical staff rushed to attend to him. His condition is believed to be getting worse, and authorities are considering transferring him to a hospital for urgent care.

Ejimakor is among 13 individuals arrested earlier in the week during the “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” protest. Those arrested also include Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu.

They were reportedly tear-gassed, beaten, and taken into custody before being moved to the notorious SARS detention facility known as “Abattoir”.

On Tuesday, they were taken to the Kuje Magistrate Court without their legal team present. The magistrate ordered their remand, and despite granting bail the following day, he allegedly disappeared without endorsing the bail documents.

Human rights activists have since raised concerns over the treatment of the lawyer and others arrested, accusing security agencies of intimidation and abuse of power.

However, lawyers and supporters are demanding immediate medical attention and full respect for their legal rights.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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.