Justice Will Be Served’ – EFCC Insists On Okowa’s Corruption Probe.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations that it is protecting former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, from prosecution following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, speaking through the agency’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), stressed that no suspect enjoys immunity from investigation because of political alignment.

Tahir said, “Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true.

“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta State. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served.”

Okowa, who served as Delta governor from 2015 to 2023, was arrested in November 2024 over allegations of diverting ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds.

In April 2025, he and his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC — a move that sparked criticism that the EFCC had gone soft on his case.

‘Tahir explained that the anti-graft agency prefers to conclude investigations thoroughly before filing charges, especially in high-profile cases.

“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he said.

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.”

Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao, who was convicted for money-laundering.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a presidential pardon to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, who previously pleaded guilty to money-laundering-related charges while leading the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

The White House, in a statement issued Thursday by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, said Trump’s decision was an exercise of his constitutional authority and described Zhao’s prosecution under the Biden administration as part of a “war on cryptocurrency.”

“In their desire to punish the crypto industry, the Biden Administration pursued Mr. Zhao despite no allegations of fraud or identifiable victims,” Leavitt stated.

The pardon comes just two months after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump family’s own crypto venture which has generated about $4.5 billion since the 2024 election was supported through a partnership with a trading platform linked to Binance.

Zhao had pleaded guilty in November 2023 to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and stepped down as Binance CEO as part of a $4.3 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. He was sentenced in April 2024 to four months in prison, though prosecutors had sought a three-year term.

Leavitt noted that the judge in Zhao’s case had described the government’s sentencing request as “unheard of in 30 years,” adding that the Biden administration’s actions “damaged America’s reputation as a leader in technology and innovation.”

“The Biden Administration’s war on crypto is over,” she declared.

Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by the police in Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the arrest was ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sowore, who was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite over what he described as a “bogus and farcical” charge of alleged forgery of a police wireless message, filed under the instruction of the “illegal Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun”, was informed at the court that the judge would not be sitting.

A source disclosed that a police officer approached Sowore, informing him that he was under arrest on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

Members of his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, immediately confronted the officers, demanding to know the reason for the sudden arrest. However, the police insisted they were acting on “direct instruction” from the Commissioner and proceeded to escort Sowore into a waiting vehicle.

Sowore, a long-time critic of government policies, is known for leading several pro-democracy and human rights movements across Nigeria.

Sowore movement, has faced multiple arrests and legal battles since 2019 over his criticism of government corruption and demand for good governance.

Mosquitoes Detected in Iceland for the First Time Following Unprecedented Heatwave.

For the first time ever, mosquitoes have been discovered in Iceland after the island nation recorded unusually high spring temperatures.

Local insect enthusiast Bjorn Hjaltason made the finding while observing moths in Kjós, a glacial valley southwest of Reykjavik. Over several nights, Hjaltason captured two female and one male mosquito using wine-soaked ropes. The insects were later identified by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History as Culiseta annulata a hardy mosquito species capable of surviving cold winters.

Iceland had long been one of only two mosquito-free regions on Earth, alongside Antarctica, thanks to its frigid climate and lack of stagnant breeding grounds. However, record-breaking heat this year appears to have changed that.

According to Iceland’s Meteorological Office, temperatures in May exceeded 20°C for ten consecutive days a rare event and reached an all-time high of 26.6°C at Egilsstaðir Airport. Experts warn that such warming trends could disrupt Iceland’s delicate ecosystems.

Entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson, who confirmed the mosquito identification, said more studies will be needed next spring to determine whether the insects have permanently established themselves in Iceland.

Hjaltason speculated the mosquitoes might have arrived via ships or containers from Grundartangi, a nearby industrial port. “If three of them showed up in my garden, there are probably more,” he remarked.

The discovery underscores how rising global temperatures with 2024 already the hottest year on record are altering even the coldest and most isolated habitats on the planet.

Pregnant Woman, Nine Others Killed as Cement-Laden Truck Crashes in Akungba, Ondo State.

Ten persons, including a pregnant woman, have been confirmed dead in a fatal auto crash at Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State.

Witnesses said the crash occurred when a truck carrying bags of cement lost control along the Owo–Akungba–Ikare Expressway and rammed into roadside shops, killing several people instantly.

A resident said, “The driver lost control and swerved into the shops. We can’t tell how many people are still trapped under the truck.”

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the accident, stating that the truck ran into a barricade near Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, before crashing. “No fewer than eight people died — five males, two females, and one male child,” he said.

Ibitoye advised motorists to always ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to obey traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.

Reacting to the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union Government (SUG), Akinibobola Ajidagba, said the truck, allegedly belonging to the Dangote Group, suffered brake failure while descending from Ikare. It reportedly destroyed a permanent barricade at the university’s main gate before the crash.

“As it stands, close to ten people have lost their lives,” Ajidagba said, lamenting that repeated appeals to restrict heavy-duty trucks from plying Akungba roads had been ignored. “We remain resolute in this struggle. Students are urged to stay calm, maintain peace, and keep off the highway for now,” he added.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the government hospital morgue in Akungba. 

Police authorities have yet to officially comment, but an officer described the accident as “pathetic.”

"As a Popular Figure, I Can’t Wear the Same Clothes Twice" — Bella Shmurda brags.

Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has opened up about the pressures of fame, revealing that as a public figure, he often can’t repeat outfits he has already worn in public.

Speaking during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, the “Cash App” hitmaker said, “As an artist, as a popular figure, you know say this cloth wey I don wear like this, I no fit wear am again.”

The singer’s remark highlighted the lifestyle expectations that come with celebrity status, where image and public perception play a major role.

During the same interview, Bella also addressed criticism about Nigerian artists charging high performance fees. He explained that the costs of producing and promoting music are extremely high.

“Making an album alone — just paying producers and everyone I worked with — is about $100,000. Then I still have to shoot music videos, promote songs on radio, TV, and online platforms. That’s a lot,” he said.

He added that many people misunderstand the financial realities of being a musician. “If I go for a show and I don’t charge something that’s beneficial to me in the long run or at least covers my cost of production, it’s not worth it. We’re not overcharging,” Bella explained.

He urged fans to view things from artists’ perspectives, emphasizing that music is both an art and a costly business.

"Regina Daniels has been unreachable for days"— Journalist Kemi Olulonyo says as she alleges the actress has refused going to rehab.

Journalist Dr Kemi Olunloyo has stirred reactions on social media following remarks she made during a recent live session about Nollywood actress Regina Daniels.

During the session, Olunloyo claimed she had spoken with the actress’s husband, Ned Nwoko, and alleged that what the public was seeing online represented “only 10 percent” of what was truly happening.

“I’ve spoken to Ned today and I’m reading his chat right here. What is going on with Regina on social media is even 10% of what’s going on. I just want to make sure you guys are educated because I’m only interested,” she said.

Olunloyo alleged that the actress had refused to go to rehabilitation despite concerns raised about her wellbeing. “She doesn’t think she has a drug problem and that’s where the problem starts. That was how it started with Whitney and many celebrities that are dead today. Once you don’t want to go to rehab…” she added.

Continuing, Olunloyo alleged that Daniels had been unreachable for days. “The children can’t find her. It’s three days now, they don’t know where she is. They are with the nannies. In America, Regina has already lost temporary custody of her children. Because she has a husband and nannies, they’re probably with them. But she won’t be able to have custody of those children,” she claimed, expressing concern that the actress “could harm herself” if not located soon.

Her statements have since sparked widespread debate online, with many urging restraint and verification before spreading unconfirmed reports.

As of press time, neither Regina Daniels nor her representatives have publicly responded to Olunloyo’s claims, and no official statement has been released by relevant authorities.

Dangote Truck Loses Control, Kills Eight, Including Pregnant Woman And Child, In Ondo

Lagos govt probes LASAA staff for allegedly diverting public funds.

The Lagos State Government has commenced a formal investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving a staff member of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, accused of diverting official payments into a personal bank account.

The probe followed a public outcry on X, where a user alleged that payments meant for LASAA were being made into an individual’s Opay account.

The whistleblower, identified as @Bhadmoz (TrueBlue), claimed that customers were being charged N45,000, but issued receipts reflecting only N7,100.

The user tagged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, calling for immediate action.

In a swift response, Commissioner Wahab confirmed that the individual linked to the allegations is an employee of LASAA.

He directed that the staff member report to the agency’s headquarters for immediate disciplinary action.

“My attention has been drawn to a post alleging improper transaction practices involving a staff member of an agency under our ministry. I have instructed that the officer appear at the agency’s head office tomorrow to face disciplinary proceedings,” Wahab said.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to accountability, integrity, and transparency in public service, warning that unethical behaviour would not be tolerated.

Tragedy as Dangote truck crushes pregnant woman, child, six others in Ondo.

A pregnant woman, mother and her child on Wednesday night lost their lives alongside six others in a fatal road crash that occurred in the university community of Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State involving a cement-laden truck.

The horrifying accident occurred around 8:00 pm, a few metres from the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and the popular Holy Trinity Church.

The articulated truck, which was in transit through the community from Obajana in Kogi State and allegedly belonging to Dangote Cement, had allegedly suffered brake failure before ramming into traders and other road users in the densely populated area of the community.

Infuriated by the incident, enraged sympathisers blamed that accident on the removal of the barricade earlier mounted to prevent articulated vehicles from accessing the community.

The sympathisers, who thronged the accident scene, lamented that the tragedy has brought back painful memories of previous accidents in the area, which have claimed many lives over the years.

According to one of the sources, “Some boys in the community had been using the barricade erected to extort N10,000 from the truck drivers before allowing them to pass through. The government turned blind eyes.”

While confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state, Ibitoye, stated eight people lost their lives in the accident.

He said, “The deceased persons include five males, two females and one child. The truck ran into a barricade in front of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, and lost control, resulting in the crash.”

"This New Life Is Expensive” — BBN’s Thelma Lawson Opens Up.

Former Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Thelma Lawson, has opened up about the challenges of maintaining her lifestyle since leaving the reality show, admitting that life after BBN has become “very expensive.”

Speaking in an interview with Yanga FM, Lagos, Thelma said the pressure to always appear stylish and meet fans’ expectations has significantly increased her expenses.

“This new life is expensive,” she confessed. “You’re constantly showing up for events. After the show, I found out that I’d been tagged the most fashionable, so now there’s an audience waiting to see what Thelma is wearing.”

She added that running her business also contributes to the financial strain.

“It’s not just the lifestyle — my business requires constant restocking, and it’s very, very overwhelming,” she said.

UK Charity Commission Freezes Assets of MFM Ministries.

The United Kingdom’s Charity Commission has frozen the assets of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International (MFM), a church founded by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, following findings of financial mismanagement and governance lapses within its UK operations.

In a detailed report released on Monday, POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the commission said the decision followed an official inquiry that uncovered “serious concerns” about how the church’s funds were being managed. The investigation revealed that MFM trustees failed to maintain proper oversight of over 100 bank accounts run independently by local branches across the country.

According to the Commission, the charity’s rapid expansion from a few branches to over 90 nationwide was not matched by the necessary governance systems to ensure financial accountability.

“Branches operated autonomously, opening and managing bank accounts without central authorisation or adequate monitoring,” the report said. “This created substantial risks to charitable funds and led to inaccurate and delayed financial reporting.”

The inquiry also found that some branches had engaged in major financial transactions, including the purchase and leasing of properties, without the knowledge or approval of the main trustees. These irregularities, the Commission said, resulted in “financial losses that could not be fully accounted for.”

As part of its enforcement action, the Commission ordered the immediate freezing of all MFM’s UK assets to prevent further mismanagement. “The Commission has acted decisively to protect the charity’s remaining assets while remedial steps are being implemented,” the statement added.

This is not the first time the Charity Commission has intervened in MFM’s affairs. In 2019, the regulator appointed an interim manager to oversee the church’s financial administration after repeated failures to file annual reports and maintain proper accounting records.

Senate Approves Life Imprisonment for Defilement of Minors.

The Nigerian Senate has approved life imprisonment with no option of fine for anyone found guilty of defiling a minor, marking a tougher stance against child sexual abuse.

During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio distinguished defilement from rape, insisting that offences involving minors deserve heavier punishment.

“Defilement of a minor should be different from that of rape; those involved in defilement should suffer greater punishment. I promise that it should be 20 years if you defile an underage,” Akpabio said, adding that he had witnessed many cases involving children aged five to ten years.

He then invited contributions from lawmakers. Senator Adamu Aliero proposed that the minimum sentence for defilement be fixed at 20 years, stressing that offenders should not be given any option of fine.

In a stronger recommendation, Senator Sunday Adeleke called for life imprisonment, citing countries like India and Pakistan that treat defilement as a capital offence. He argued that Nigeria must demonstrate zero tolerance for such crimes.

After deliberation, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion, resolving that any man or woman who engages in sexual intercourse with a minor will face life imprisonment without the possibility of a fine.

Lawmakers noted that the resolution reflects the National Assembly’s determination to protect children and curb the rising cases of sexual violence across the country. The Senate President described the decision as a step toward restoring dignity, justice, and moral responsibility within Nigerian society.

Convicted NNPC Senior Official Forfeits $2.5 Million Los Angeles Mansion to U.S. Government.

Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, a senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has forfeited a $2.5 million mansion in Los Angeles, California, to the U.S. government after being convicted of money laundering.

A preliminary forfeiture order issued on October 3, 2025, by Judge John Walter of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, directed that Okoronkwo’s luxury property at 25340 Twin Oaks Place, Valencia be seized and transferred to the government.

According to court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette, the property—identified as Tract No. 45433, Lot 12 (Assessor’s Parcel No. 2826-143-004)—was linked to proceeds from illegal financial transactions in violation of U.S. money-laundering laws.

The ruling followed Okoronkwo’s conviction on three counts of money laundering, as detailed in a superseding indictment by U.S. prosecutors. The court found a “requisite nexus” between the offences and the mansion, making it subject to forfeiture.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Su, who handled the forfeiture motion, confirmed that the government could immediately seize and liquidate the asset under federal forfeiture laws. The U.S. Attorney General was also authorised to notify any third parties with potential claims.

The court ruled that the forfeiture would become final at sentencing, forming part of Okoronkwo’s punishment and granting the U.S. government clear title once all third-party claims are resolved.

The case—United States v. Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo (Case No. 2:24-CR-20(A)-JFW)—is part of a wider U.S. federal probe into international financial crimes involving politically exposed persons from Nigeria and other countries.

Okoronkwo’s case adds to a growing list of Nigerian officials and business executives whose U.S. assets have been seized after being traced to illicit offshore transactions.

Court nullifies LGAs election, sacks 13 APC chairmen, 171 councillors.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has nullified the local government and councillorship elections conducted in July 2024, which produced the current council chairmen and councillors across the state.

Recall that, the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) declared that the.

All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 13 chairmanship seats and all 171 ward councillorship positions in the local government elections held in July 2024 in Ebonyi State.

Justice Hillary Oshomah, who presided over the case, ruled that the elections failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, thereby rendering the entire exercise invalid.

Elections Declared Void
In his judgement, Justice Oshomah declared the July 2024 local government and councillorship elections “null and void,” cancelling all outcomes and mandates arising from the poll.

The court stated that the process violated key constitutional requirements for free, fair, and credible elections.

EBSIEC and Government Restrained
The court also ordered the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the Ebonyi State Government—listed as the second and third respondents in the suit—not to conduct any future local government or councillorship elections unless they strictly adhere to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The judge emphasised that the sanctity of electoral laws must be upheld at all levels of governance to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.

Plaintiffs Applaud Ruling
The verdict followed a suit filed by the first plaintiff, Samuel Udeogu, represented by his counsel, Hamilton Ogbodo, and the second plaintiff, Mudi Erhenede.

Tinubu Nominates Dr Bernard Doro as Minister to Replace APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda.

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State as a new minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the president has transmitted Doro’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

According to Onanuga, Dr Doro’s nomination follows the election of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July.

Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Doro brings over two decades of multidisciplinary experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community development in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

He holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA specializing in IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice. He is also an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with frontline NHS experience in urgent care, GP practices, and hospital settings.

Beyond his medical career, Dr Doro is recognized for leading youth mentorship and social impact initiatives across diaspora and local communities.

4 Months After Tinubu’s ₦50bn Tractor Launch, Machines Remain Unused Amid Bureaucratic Delays.

Nearly four months after President Bola Tinubu launched ₦50 billion worth of tractors and farm machinery to boost food production, the equipment remains idle at the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) headquarters, exposing yet another case of stalled agricultural reform and bureaucratic inertia.

The President had unveiled 2,000 tractors, 2,000 disc ploughs and harrows, 1,000 ridgers, 1,200 trailers, 500 seed drills, and other implements under his Renewed Hope agricultural initiative, promising nationwide deployment to empower farmers and create jobs for youths.

“We are taking a monumental leap forward with the introduction of state-of-the-art agricultural equipment… This is a bold step towards achieving complete agricultural independence,” Tinubu had said during the launch attended by Belarusian officials.

However, months later, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security says it is still awaiting Presidential directives on distribution, delaying deployment ahead of the farming season. Ministry insiders told The Guardian that operations have slowed and that only the Presidency dictates the pace.

Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari had earlier outlined three deployment models — direct sales, leasing, and tractor service centres — aimed at giving farmers affordable access and boosting productivity. But the plan has stalled, leaving farmers burdened by high labour and input costs.

Vice President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Daniel Okafor, confirmed that farmers are still waiting for updates.

“We were very happy at the launch, but we are still waiting and monitoring the sharing formula,” he said.

Professor Simon Tuange of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University warned that if the tractors are not deployed soon, they may miss the current farming season.
“Agriculture without mechanisation is like a vehicle without wheels,” he said, urging the government to establish maintenance workshops alongside deployment to prevent waste.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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