“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.

"Our Goal Is To Use Education To End Poverty", President Tinubu Tells Duke of Edinburgh.

President Bola Tinubu emphasized that his administration’s economic and institutional reforms aim to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills to secure their future. Speaking during a meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, Tinubu stated, “Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty.”

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that discussions also covered plans for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award events in Lagos.

Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation in the G-20 this week will focus on youth empowerment and economic growth, stressing that reforms prioritize demography, skills development, and opportunities for young people.

He noted the introduction of a special education loan fund to ensure university students receive support to complete their studies, alongside broader reforms to enhance infrastructure, including fibre optics, security, and crime reduction initiatives. Tinubu also acknowledged humanitarian agencies for their role in supporting terrorism victims.

Finance Minister Wale Edun briefed attendees on the country’s median age of 17 and explained that policies are designed to expand youth participation, skill acquisition, and growth prospects. Prince Edward praised Nigeria’s reforms and highlighted the Lagos events, where 320 youths will be recognized for pursuing their passions, developing skills, and contributing to national development.

Also present were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Award’s Secretary-General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee Muhoho Kenyatta.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global program promoting non-formal education through schools, youth organizations, and community groups to develop skills, resilience, and service among young people.

“Every Child Deserves Safety” — First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Calls for United Action Against Sexual Abuse


The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on all Nigerians to take decisive action to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
She made this appeal in Abuja on Tuesday during the commemoration of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse 2025.

This year’s global theme is:
“Strengthening the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making.”

Mrs Tinubu stressed that child protection must be a shared responsibility, urging parents, leaders, institutions, and young people to unite in building a society where children feel safe, valued, and protected.

“As a nation, we must ensure that every child grows up free from fear and harm,” she said.
She further emphasized that true protection requires more than speeches — it demands evidence-driven policies, accurate data, effective research, and actionable collaboration.

She called on government agencies, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and communities to work collectively in creating safe spaces where children can thrive without the threat of abuse.

The World Day, observed every November 18, was created in 2015 by the Council of Europe and later recognized by the United Nations in 2022 to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support survivors, and strengthen global response to child sexual abuse.

Mrs Tinubu concluded with a prayer:
“May God protect all our children.”

“Your Comments Were Irresponsible” — Fayose Fires Back at Obasanjo After Birthday Remarks

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has openly criticized ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo over comments made during Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration.

During the event, Obasanjo remarked that Fayose was “not his best political student,” recalling past clashes in which Fayose allegedly called him “inconsequential” and blamed him for his political setbacks. Despite this, Obasanjo noted that he had forgiven Fayose following a personal request for reconciliation.

However, Fayose did not take Obasanjo’s remarks lightly.
According to AIT’s report on Monday, November 17, 2025, Fayose sent a strongly worded message to Obasanjo shortly after the event, condemning the former president’s comments as “inappropriate and uncalled for.”

Fayose explained that he chose not to confront Obasanjo publicly at the venue to avoid creating a scene but maintained that the statements were unacceptable.

In his message, Fayose wrote:

“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age.”

The exchange has further stirred political conversations, with many Nigerians reacting to the renewed tension between the two influential figures.

Nigerians to stop paying five common bank charges from January 2026 — Oyedele

From January 2026, millions of Nigerians will enjoy major financial relief as the Federal Government removes five common bank charges under its new tax reform laws.

Signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2025, the reform aims to ease business costs, support households, and grow the economy. These changes are contained in four new laws: the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and Joint Revenue Board Act.

According to Taiwo Oyedele, head of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, the new system will simplify taxes and remove unnecessary financial pressure on citizens.

Bank charges to be scrapped in 2026 include:
1. ₦50 Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) on transfers above ₦10,000.
2. Stamp duty on salary payments for both employees and employers.
3. Stamp duties on investments such as treasury bills, bonds, and shares.
4. Stamp fees on documents for stock and share transfers.
5. ₦50 intra-bank transfer charges for moving money within the same bank.

These reforms, introduced through the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, overturn earlier stamp duty rules and make financial transactions cheaper and easier for Nigerians.

VDM, Mr Jollof in hot water as NCAA demands details of aircraft fight.

Social media sensation, Martins Otse aka Verydarkman, and comedian, Freedom Atsepoyi aka Mr Jollof, could be in hot water with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

This comes after a video of the two men exchanging blows during a flight went viral on Monday morning.

VDM and Jollof have been involved in a heated exchange on social media in the past after the critic dragged the comedian’s wife into their drama, alleging that she sleeps with Yahoo boys.

But following the physical altercation on the flight, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, has now taken to X to demand details of the incident.

Achimugu quoted one of the clips and wrote: “If you are kind enough to provide the name of the airline in whose aircraft this incident occurred, and the date, it would help investigations.”

VDM and Jollof could be hit with sanctions like fines and flight bans if found guilty.

Sowore Slams Tinubu Police IG Over Silence as 25 Schoolgirls Are Abducted and Brigadier General kill.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies following the abduction of twenty-five schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the execution of a Brigadier General by Boko Haram/ISWAP. In a strongly worded message shared on his verified Facebook page, Sowore condemned what he described as the government’s disturbing silence in the face of national tragedy.

Sowore noted that despite the kidnapping of the schoolgirls, President Tinubu’s public statement of the day focused instead on offering a casual greeting to a “seasoned banker.” He also accused the Inspector General of Police of failing to make any comment, calling the IGP incompetent, illegally appointed, and long overdue for dismissal, especially after what he described as a disastrous handling of the Yelwata massacre in Benue.

The activist further expressed outrage that even after a senior military officer was executed, the President has still not addressed the nation. He argued that the absence of reassurance, outrage, or leadership reflects a government disconnected from its citizens.

According to Sowore, a country where schoolgirls are abducted and officers are murdered while leaders remain silent is a failed state.

OBJ: I Kept Quiet So The World'll Know The Difference Between A Sane And Mad Man That You Are–Fayose.

According to a report by Leadership News on Monday, November 17, 2025, Ayo Fayose, former Ekiti State Governor, has become the centre of a new political controversy after a leaked message reportedly showed him directing a harsh personal remark at Olusegun Obasanjo, who once served as Nigeria’s President.

The message became public on Monday and it has stirred renewed attention around both political figures as it followed Fayose’s recent birthday celebration where Obasanjo was present.

The leaked message was said to be a short message sent by Fayose after the event, expressing displeasure concerning comments allegedly made by Obasanjo during the gathering.

Fayose reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction and described Obasanjo in a manner that suggested he viewed him as unfit for dignified public reference, the language used in the message was viewed as extremely strong and personal.

The content of the message became public after it was released to journalists in Abeokuta.

The disclosure added more interest to the incident as it involved two well-known political names who have a long history of disagreements.

The release of the message also changed what may have been considered a private exchange into a matter of national interest.

Fayose reportedly stated that he had chosen silence during the celebration to avoid a public argument.

"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.

Kaduna community shares images of 12 residents Kidnapped by Bandits, including Ecwa Pastor.

The Gidan Waya community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has released photos of 12 residents abducted by bandits last week. Reports indicate the attack left four people dead and several others injured.

Among the kidnapped are six women, a minor, three young men, and an ECWA Church Reverend. The victims remain in the hands of the kidnappers, with the community urgently appealing for their safe and immediate release.

Amnesty International has condemned the attack, describing it as a stark example of the Nigerian authorities’ ongoing failure to protect citizens and hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable.

JUST IN: Nicki Minaj to speak tomorrow at the United Nations on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria

The tragic incident occurred shortly after the Brigade Commander had participated in a successful joint air–ground offensive against insurgents in the area.
A Nigerian Army top officer and commander, Brigadier General M Uba, has been killed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters after the terrorists reportedly intercepted and tracked his location along the Damboa–Biu axis in Borno State, multiple security sources have confirmed.

The tragic incident occurred shortly after the Brigade Commander had participated in a successful joint air–ground offensive against insurgents in the area.

United Nigeria Airlines confirmed that VeryDarkMan, and Mr Jollof were deboarded and handed over to airport security.
A Delta State government official has confirmed the arrest of two social media personalities, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi, known as Mr Jollof, after an altercation broke out between them during boarding at the Asaba International Airport.

DR Congo denies Nigeria the chance to ‘oblee’ at the 2026 World Cup after beating the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties.

DR Congo Leopards defeated the Nigerian Super Eagles in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1‑1 draw in regulation and extra time at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, securing their place in the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter‑confederation playoffs.

Nigeria took an early lead in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo equalized in the 32nd minute via Meschack Elia. Both teams created several scoring chances during a tense match, with Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali making key saves to keep the Eagles alive.

After 120 minutes, the score remained tied, sending the game into penalties. DR Congo held their nerve in sudden death, while Nigeria missed crucial kicks, handing the Leopards a historic victory.

This result marks Nigeria’s first competitive defeat to DR Congo since a friendly draw in 2018, and DR Congo now advances to the next stage of World Cup qualification.

Navy Officer Who had heated exchange with Wike ‘Escapes Assassination Attempt’ — Investigation Underway

A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima the same officer who recently clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reportedly survived an assassination attempt on Sunday evening.

Military sources told Vanguard that unidentified men dressed in black, driving two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, trailed the officer from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. Their coordinated movement reportedly raised immediate suspicion.

Upon sensing the threat, Yarima executed a “strategic maneuver,” successfully shaking off the suspected assailants around 6:30 p.m. The matter is currently under investigation, with officials describing it as “sensitive” and insisting that certain details are being withheld to avoid compromising ongoing findings.

This incident comes barely days after Yarima’s viral confrontation with Wike at a disputed land site in Gaduwa an exchange that sparked public outrage and forced the Presidency to halt the demolition exercise.

Following the clash, military veterans nationwide condemned Wike’s conduct, labelling his verbal attack on the officer as disrespectful and unacceptable. Coalition spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members were prepared to “occupy” the minister’s office and residence if any disciplinary action was taken against Yarima, stressing that military personnel owe allegiance to the nation, not to individual officials.

Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, later reassured the public that no officer acting lawfully would be punished, emphasising that the government remains committed to protecting personnel performing their duties professionally.

Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise across the country should Lt. Yarima face any form of penalty a threat many say reflects the depth of support the young officer currently enjoys.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has revealed the reason behind the heated confrontation between him and the DR Congo technical staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final.

Speaking after the match, Chelle explained that tensions escalated due to what he described as suspicious actions by a member of the DR Congo camp during the penalty decisions.

According to him, the individual repeatedly performed actions he considered unusual.

“During all the penalty decisions, the guy from Congo was doing some voodoo… every time,” Chelle said. “That is why I reacted the way I did.”

When asked to clarify what he observed, the coach said the man appeared to be throwing some kind of liquid while making gestures.

“I don’t know what to call it. He was throwing something like water or something,” Chelle added, raising his hand in demonstration.

The incident contributed to the brief confrontation on the touchline before officials intervened to restore calm.

The nation’s electricity supply may face a major crisis as the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has threatened a nationwide shutdown, following an alleged attack on the staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, by armed police officers at Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, “to promptly account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing or diverted N3 trillion of public funds, as documented in the recently published 2022 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.” SERAP said the grave allegations are documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor-General on 9 September 2025.

US House of Representatives launches Probe into Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

The session, slated for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live online, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-time advocate on global religious liberty issues.

According to an invitation issued to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the hearing will convene two panels. The first panel will feature senior officials from the US Department of State, including Jonathan Pratt, the Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

A second panel will include prominent voices from religious and policy organisations, among them the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The review will assess the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible US responses, ranging from targeted sanctions to humanitarian assistance and increased cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Trump’s Hardline Position
President Trump reignited debate on October 31, 2025, when he returned Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that paves the way for sweeping punitive measures against foreign officials implicated in religious repression. In a strongly worded statement the following day, he alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an “existential threat,” claiming thousands had been killed by Islamist extremists.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump warned. “We may very well go into that country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities.”

He also directed the US “Department of War” to prepare for possible intervention, saying any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

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.