“Justice Must Prevail” — Sowore Visits Sheikh Abduljabbar in Kuje Prison, Condemns Politically Motivated Conviction


Nigerian activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has paid a solidarity visit to imprisoned Islamic cleric Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara at Kuje Prison, Abuja.

Sowore revealed the visit in a Facebook post where he shared photos, noting that he was accompanied by Barrister Hamza Nuhu Dantani.

He recounted that Sheikh Abduljabbar was sentenced to death in Kano during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, following allegations of blasphemy — a case Sowore insists was politically engineered.

The activist expressed shock after discovering how individuals close to the cleric “worked together to ensure he ended up in prison.”

Despite his situation, Sowore said the sheikh remained hopeful and spiritually strong.

“He told us that God is protecting him and that he will continue to uphold his teachings until the end of his life.”

Sowore emphasized that no human being deserves injustice, insisting that Sheikh Abduljabbar's case must be revisited and justice served.

He further called for an end to what he described as the political manipulation of religion by corrupt leaders, stating that such practices continue to endanger innocent lives across the country.

"Justice must never be sold"— President Tinubu warns Nigerian Judges.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday called on the judiciary to uphold integrity, warning that justice must never be for sale. He highlighted public concerns over delays in case resolutions and limited access to justice, stressing that courts must become efficient and trustworthy institutions.

Addressing judges at the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference in Abuja, themed “Building a Confident Judiciary,” Tinubu emphasized that public confidence is essential for the judiciary’s legitimacy. He affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting judicial dignity, eliminating misconduct, and enhancing institutional capacity, saying this responsibility extends beyond the National Judicial Council to all judicial officers.

The President stressed that a judgment, however legally sound, loses authority if perceived as unfair. He called for reforms to restore public trust, noting that the judiciary exists to serve the people, not the Bench or Bar.

Tinubu underlined the need for synergy among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, and described a strong, efficient, and principled judiciary as vital for democracy and national prosperity.

He pledged tangible support, including modern infrastructure, digital case management, and well-equipped courtrooms to ensure transparency and speed in justice delivery. Highlighting judicial welfare, training, and independence, he affirmed continued backing for the National Judicial Institute to promote professional development.

Tinubu warned against corruption within the judiciary, stressing that compromise erodes governance and democracy. He urged judges to be bold and practical in addressing challenges like case backlogs, discipline, affordability, and accessibility of justice for all, particularly the vulnerable.

Concluding, he called judges “guardians of Nigeria’s moral conscience,” urging them to deliver fair, courageous rulings that strengthen democracy and ensure that every citizen is heard, promising continued governmental support in their sacred duty.

Group Petitions Tinubu, Demands Removal of INEC Chair Over Alleged Ethnic, Religious Bias.

Group Petitions Tinubu, Demands Removal of INEC Chair Over Alleged Ethnic, Religious Bias
The recent appointment of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked a major controversy, as a coalition of citizens has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove him, citing what they describe as “grave threats to national unity, democracy, and electoral integrity.”

In a petition submitted through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the group—operating under the banner Concerned Citizens for Peace, Justice, and Democratic Integrity—warned that Prof. Amupitan’s past writings and alleged biases make him unfit to oversee Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to the petition, Prof. Amupitan authored a controversial legal brief in 2020 titled “Genocide in Nigeria: The Implications for the International Community.” The document, the petitioners allege, contained “inflammatory and divisive claims” accusing certain ethnic and religious groups of orchestrating genocide and pursuing domination.

The petitioners argue that such views reveal a “deep-seated bias” incompatible with the neutrality required of an INEC Chairman. “These writings expose a worldview that cannot guarantee fairness to over 200 million Nigerians of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds,” the petition stated.

The coalition warned that Prof. Amupitan’s appointment has already created fear and suspicion among communities referenced in his writings. They noted that the perception of bias in the leadership of INEC could reignite ethnic tension, heighten religious polarization, and sow distrust ahead of future elections. The petition further stressed, “When citizens doubt the neutrality of the umpire, the entire democratic process collapses. When elections are tainted by fear and bias, democracy dies in spirit.” The group insisted that allowing Prof. Amupitan to remain in office would pose “a clear and present danger to national peace, cohesion, and stability.”

Describing their advocacy as patriotic rather than partisan, the petitioners urged President Tinubu to swiftly replace Prof. Amupitan with a more neutral and credible figure to safeguard the electoral system.

“INEC must be led by someone whose words and conduct embody impartiality, inclusiveness, and national cohesion—not division and distrust,” the statement read. The petitioners argued that Nigeria’s unity is “too precious to be endangered” by leadership weighed down by alleged religious or ethnic prejudice.

Leaders and Citizens – Nigeria’s Future is in Your Hands!

The progress of our nation doesn’t belong to one person or one group—it belongs to all of us. Every decision, every action, every choice matters.

Leaders: Lead with justice, integrity, and accountability.
Citizens: Participate actively, speak truth, and demand fairness.

Together, we hold the key to a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
Join the National Rebirth Alliance (NRA) and be part of the movement that empowers everyone to build the Nigeria we deserve.

#RebuildNigeria, #NigeriaRising, #NigeriansUnite, #ThinkBoldly, #StandForNigeria

Join the National Rebirth Alliance (NRA)!

Are you ready to rebuild Nigeria?
NRA is a citizen-driven movement dedicated to unity, justice, and accountability. We believe every Nigerian—regardless of tribe, religion, or background—deserves a peaceful, fair, and prosperous nation.

Think boldly. Question fearlessly. Stand firmly.
Become part of a movement that inspires truth, patriotism, and active citizenship.

Join us today and be a voice for change!

#RebuildNigeria, #NigeriaRising, #NigeriansUnite, #ThinkBoldly, #StandForNigeria

Ex-Anambra Governor Willie Obiano Dies At 70.

The immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has passed away in London at the age of 70 after a prolonged battle with illness.

Family sources revealed that he had been struggling with “severe heart failure and complications related to urinary cancer.” A senior member of the family, who requested anonymity, explained that Obiano’s health had been deteriorating for months but took a sudden turn for the worse. “His health had been declining in the past months, but the final collapse came suddenly. We are devastated,” the relative said.

Hospital officials in London confirmed that Obiano spent his final days in intensive care. One medical insider disclosed that “He fought till the very last moment.”

Obiano’s death comes just months before he was expected to return to Nigeria to stand trial. In July, the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed November 25 for the commencement of his case, following charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former governor was facing a nine-count allegation of laundering N4 billion, a matter reassigned to Justice Mohammed Umar.

Thirty-one years after the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others, the people of Ogoniland have renewed their call for justice and the recovery of the remains of the Ogoni Four — Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, Samuel Orage, and Albert Badey. The Gokana Unity Forum and families of the victims urged the government to retrieve the corpses for a dignified burial, saying it is key to true reconciliation. Former Minister Kenneth Kobani, son of one of the victims, emphasized forgiveness but insisted that peace must be built on truth and justice. The youth also called for full implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights and an end to political marginalisation in Rivers State.

Senator Ned Nwoko Defends Marriage to Regina Daniels Amid Controversy, Denies Political Smear Allegations.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has addressed the controversies surrounding his six-year marriage to Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, asserting that recent stories are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

Speaking through his Communication and Technical Action Team, Mr. Nwoko clarified the ongoing age debate, emphasizing that Regina Daniels, born on October 10, 2000, married him at 19 not 17 as widely claimed. “Her mother personally brought her to me during the traditional marriage ceremony. I never pursued her,” he stated.

He also acknowledged Regina’s past struggles with substance use and bipolar medication, highlighting that her medical history is verifiable. “Enemies of progress are manipulating her for their own agendas. If there were any secrets to disclose, she would have done so.

All circulating stories are fabricated and amount to criminal defamation,” he added.

On his marriage, Nwoko emphasized that it followed customary traditions. “Polygamy is accepted under our customs. I married her honourably, gave her a name, and treated her with dignity. My affection for Regina has always been genuine, and anyone who has worked with me can attest to the care and attention I gave her,” he said.

The senator described the controversies as politically driven attacks meant to halt his developmental initiatives. He cited claims of land grabbing in his hometown as false, noting that the land he acquired was legally purchased for the establishment of the University of Sports, a project benefiting the community.

He also accused critics, including Omoyele Sowore and Jebose, of exploiting Regina’s vulnerability to settle old scores. “Those using her current condition to launch attacks against me, knowing they have no case, will eventually face justice. That she has made no credible allegations against me confirms there is nothing illegal in my actions,” Nwoko concluded.

Lagos Police Defy Court Order, Insist on Arresting Sowore Over Alleged Plan to Incite Protest

The Lagos State Police Command has maintained its stance on arresting political activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, over an alleged plan to incite violent protests in Lagos — despite a court order restraining the police from doing so.

Last Wednesday, Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had issued an interim injunction barring the police and other security agencies from arresting, harassing, or declaring Sowore wanted, following an application filed by the activist.

However, during a strategic meeting at the police headquarters in Ikeja, Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh stated that Sowore’s arrest “still stands,” accusing the activist of ignoring official invitations.

“He never showed up. If you are declared wanted, you are to report to the nearest police station, not call me over the phone,” the CP said.
“Any officer who sights him — whether on the road, in a restaurant, or elsewhere — should arrest him and bring him to the State CID for proper investigation.”

Jimoh said security operatives recently intercepted over 300 individuals allegedly mobilising for a violent protest on the Third Mainland Bridge, arresting 13 suspects and recovering a vehicle loaded with loudspeakers and a generator.

The Commissioner dismissed social media criticism, calling it “ignorance of the law,” and emphasized that maintaining order was his constitutional duty.

“Anybody who is not pleased can go to court. As CP, I will continue to act within the powers of the law to protect Lagosians. We won’t allow enemies of progress to drag Lagos into chaos,” he declared.


Jimoh further insisted he had not been formally served any court order restraining the arrest.

“Once I am served, I’ll comply immediately,” he assured, while directing all Area Commanders and DPOs to arrest Sowore anywhere he is found — except inside a courtroom.


The police boss concluded that no individual or group would be allowed to “destabilise the peace of Lagos under the guise of protest.”

Police insist on arrest of Sowore over alleged plan to incite violent protest in Lagos.

The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its intention to arrest political activist and former presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged plans to incite violent protests in Lagos.

This is coming despite the clear orders of Justice Musa Kakaki of a Federal High Court, Lagos, last Wednesday, which restrained the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and other security agencies from arresting, intimidating or declaring Sowore wanted.

The order followed an application by Sowore after reports that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted in connection with unspecified allegations.

Delivering the ruling, the court granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the Commissioner of Police, from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

But Lagos Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, who spoke during a strategic security meeting at the command headquarters in Ikeja, yesterday, said despite Sowore’s invitation, he had failed to show up at the command headquarters.

He stated that the declaration was made in accordance with Section 215 (1, 4 and 5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowered the Commissioner of Police to maintain law and order, protect lives and property.

He added that despite an earlier letter from Sowore’s lawyer expressing his intention to bring Sowore to the command, none of them had shown up.

He said: “He never showed up, if you are declared wanted, you are to report to the nearest police station, not call me over the phone.

Again, EFCC witness says no law breached in fund withdrawals by Kogi State.

The fourth prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC in the alleged money laundering trial of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has re-affirmed that fund withdrawals by the state government did not breach any banking law.

During cross-examination before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, also reiterated that the name of the former governor did not appear as beneficiary in the account presented as evidence.

The Defence Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had drawn the witness’ attention to certain withdrawals by one Umar Comfort Olufunke, which the prosecution did not mention.

The prosecution had concentrated on withdrawals by Abdulsalam Hudu, the Cashier of Kogi State Government House.

The withdrawals, in multiples of N10 million, were between December 2017 and April 2018, with beneficiaries being various hotels in Kogi State, according to the witness.

On cross-examination, the witness also confirmed withdrawals by one Alhassan Omakoji between November 2021 and December 2022, which did not exceed N10 million per withdrawal.

He said the withdrawals were in line with the limits set by the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN.

He admitted that he was not aware of any law that regulates how Kogi State Government spends its money or allocation.

Senator Sheriff Debunks Report Claiming He Accused Shettima of Creating Boko Haram.

Former Governor of Borno State and ex-APC National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has denied claims circulating online that he accused his colleague, Senator Kashim Shettima, of creating Boko Haram.

In a statement issued by his media office, Sheriff described the publication, titled “It’s Not Me, It’s Shettima Who Created Boko Haram—Sheriff Reveals,” as entirely fabricated and intended to mislead the public and tarnish his reputation.

Sheriff clarified that he never granted any interview or made comments relating to the claims circulating online.

“The story is a total falsehood, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the nation’s political landscape. At no time did Senator Sheriff engage with any journalist on this matter,” the statement read.

The former governor called the publication a “dangerous piece of fake news,” aimed at undermining his contributions to peace, unity, and development in Borno State and across Nigeria.

He reaffirmed his commitment to national stability and condemned those spreading misinformation for political gain.

Sheriff also said he has instructed his legal team to identify and prosecute the individuals behind the false report.

“Should the publication not be retracted, the Senator will seek full legal redress,” the statement warned.

He further urged the public and media to disregard the viral story, emphasizing his dedication to truth, justice, and accountability.

EFCC returns N42.5m to 70-year-old widow defrauded by banker.

Justice still works in Nigeria, says elated septuagenarian
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned the sum of N42.5 million to a 70-year-old widow and retiree, Mrs. Margret Taye Odofin, who was defrauded by her account and investment officer in a new generation bank.

The money recovered from the suspect, Mrs. Kehinde Olawale Yusuf, was presented to the victim in Kaduna by the Acting Director of the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Command, Bawa Kaltungo, on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

According to the EFCC, Mrs. Odofin had petitioned the Commission in December 2024 after discovering that her banker had diverted her savings.

She alleged that Yusuf lured her into a fake investment scheme in 2020 with promise of a quarterly return of N1.7 million, only for her to later discover that N47 million had been siphoned from her account and transferred to multiple destinations without authorization.

The suspect, who allegedly fled to the United Kingdom after the fraud was uncovered, was tracked through EFCC investigation, leading to the recovery of part of the stolen funds.

An emotional Mrs. Odofin, while receiving the recovered money, broke down in tears, praising the EFCC and its leadership for restoring her hope.

“I cannot believe this is happening. When we reported the case in the UK, we were told the offence was committed in Nigeria and that only the EFCC could help,” she said.

“Today, God has used the Commission to wipe away my tears.

Prison Break: Nigerian Kidnap Convict Escapes UK Prison, Sparks Major Police Manhunt.

A Nigerian man, Ola Abimbola, convicted of kidnapping and serving a 21-year sentence, has escaped from an open prison in Sussex, United Kingdom, sparking a widespread police search.

The 36-year-old, jailed for conspiracy to kidnap, grievous bodily harm, blackmail, and false imprisonment, reportedly walked out of HMP Ford around 8 a.m. on October 10 — barely a month after being transferred there. He has been missing ever since.

Abimbola’s transfer to the open prison, also known as a Category D facility, was made under new Labour government rules aimed at easing overcrowding in higher-security prisons. The relaxed policy allows inmates to move to open conditions earlier in their sentences, even if they are not yet close to release.

Under the old system, Abimbola would not have qualified for transfer for another six years. Open prisons have minimal security and are meant to help low-risk prisoners reintegrate into society a move that has now come under scrutiny following his disappearance.

Sussex Police have launched a manhunt, urging the public not to approach the fugitive and to report any information by calling 999. Authorities admit that efforts to track him down have so far been unsuccessful.

The escape has intensified political pressure on Justice Secretary David Lammy, already facing criticism after the mistaken release of two foreign sex offenders and a British fraudster. Opposition figures say the justice system is “in chaos,” blaming government policy changes for endangering the public.

Mark Drury of the Prison Governors’ Association said the rise in absconders from open prisons shows a troubling trend, noting that many prisoners now housed in such facilities “would not have been considered suitable two or three years ago.”

In response, the Ministry of Justice defended the system, insisting that all transfers follow “strict risk assessments” and that any offender breaching the rules can be “immediately returned to closed conditions.”

"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.

US Supreme Court blocks order requiring Trump to fund food assistance.

The US Supreme Court announced Friday that the Trump administration will not be compelled to immediately restore SNAP food benefits that were halted during the government shutdown.

The temporary ruling leaves millions of Americans uncertain about future assistance.

Earlier in the week, a lower court had determined that President Donald Trump’s administration must fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November by Friday’s end.

That ruling required the administration to draw on contingency reserves to send billions of dollars to states, ensuring roughly 42 million Americans dependent on SNAP could continue receiving food aid.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued what is known as an administrative stay, a temporary pause that allows the courts more time to review the administration’s appeal.

On Friday morning, the Department of Justice (DOJ) asked the Supreme Court to intervene, arguing that only Congress holds the authority to decide how to allocate federal funds.

“The core power of Congress is that of the purse, while the Executive is tasked with allocating limited resources across competing priorities,” the DOJ wrote.

According to the DOJ, the lower court “took the current shutdown as effective license to declare a federal bankruptcy and appoint itself the trustee, charged with picking winners and losers among those seeking some part of the limited pool of remaining federal funds

Alleged Genocide: Christian Council says Trump’s intervention is an answered prayer, not an invasion.

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has urged Nigerians to view the recent US designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) not as an invasion, but as a call to tackle the nation’s decades-long insecurity challenges.

In a statement signed by Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha, President, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara, General Secretary, CCN said: “This is not the time to debate the existence of Christian persecution in Nigeria. Political, ethnic, and religious divisions must be set aside so that all Nigerians can work together to confront this crisis decisively. Instead of spinning conspiracy theories around the US warning, leaders should focus on collaborating with international partners to confront these enemies of humanity, whether local or foreign.”

CCN emphasized that the continued lack of political will to stop the widespkkread violence including killings, kidnappings, banditry, and religious intolerance is a grave reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating mooral and governance standards. “Every life lost diminishes our humanity and offends the image of God. While insecurity is not new, protecting citizens remains the sacred duty of any government,” the council said.

The faith-based organization called on all Nigerians of goodwill to pray fervently for the nation, stressing that peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice. CCN reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, civil society, and international partners to build a just, peaceful, and united Nigeria where every individual’s dignity is protected.

“History will be kind to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he seizes this opportunity to end the long-standing killings in the country. Every right-thinking Nigerian should pray for him to have the wisdom and courage to act decisively,” the statement concluded.

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.

Supreme Court backs Trump’s move to block passport gender marker changes for transgender and non-binary applicants.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday granted the Donald Trump administration’s request to enforce a policy requiring U.S. passport applicants to be identified by their biological sex at birth (either “M” or “F”), rather than allowing them to use gender identity or an “X” marker.

Under the policy, instituted via executive order and implemented by the U.S. Department of State, all new passport applications must reflect the sex assigned at birth, reversing an earlier system that allowed transgender and nonbinary individuals to self-select their marker.

A federal district court had previously blocked enforcement of this policy nationwide, finding it likely violated equal-protection and due-process principles by discriminating against transgender and nonbinary Americans.

However, in a brief unsigned order, the Supreme Court granted a stay of that injunction allowing the policy to remain in force while litigation continues in lower courts.

In its order, the Court stated that “displaying passport holders’ sex at birth no more offends equal-protection principles than displaying their country of birth in both cases, the Government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment.”
Three liberal justices dissented, warning that forcing transgender and non-binary individuals to carry passports that contradict their lived gender identity heightens their risks of violence, harassment and discrimination.

The policy remains subject to ongoing legal challenges led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of transgender and nonbinary applicants. They argue the policy exacerbates harm by denying individuals identification documents that align with their gender identity and undermines their safety and dignity.

This decision represents a significant setback for advocates of transgender rights in the U.S., and it signals how the Court is handling emergency appeals on gender-identity matters under the Trump administration’s agenda.