Court To Deliver Judgment In FIRS Official’s Alleged N2bn Fraud Case 8th December.

The trial of Emmanuella Eteta Ita, Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS and her Surestart School Limited before Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, with the judge slating December 8, 2025, for judgment.

Ita and Surestart School Ltd are standing trial on 25-count charges, bordering on criminal misappropriation, diversion, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering to the tune of N2bn.

The counsel to Ita, Paul Erokoro, SAN, called the attention of the court to his final address, dated December 10, 2014 and urged the court to dismiss the prosecution`s application and resolve the matter in favour of the defendant based on alleged claim of failure of the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He stated again that “On the receipt of the prosecution`s final address, the first defendant filed a reply dated 13th June 2025 and I hereby adopt the reply on point of law as the first defendant’s answer to the issues raised by the first defendant’s final written address. Once again, we urge your lordship to discharge and acquit the first defendant and we want to add that the prosecution refunds the N19.5m paid to the EFCC so that she can pay the money back to the lenders,” he said

In response, prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN informed the court of his final written address of January 10, 2025, filed the same date, served and adopted on June 16, 2025 and urged the court to convict the defendant as the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He further drew the attention of the court to his written reply, stating, “If my lord finds the reply on the point of law to the prosecution’s final written address as an opportunity to re-argue issues canvassed in the main written address, consequently we urge your lordship to strike out their request”

Justice Ogunbanjo adjourned the matter till December 8,2025, for delivery of judgment.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its ongoing two-week warning strike, 10 days after it began.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, announced the decision on Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja, directing members to resume work starting Thursday.

According to Piwuna, the suspension followed “fruitful engagements” with government representatives during negotiations held last week. The decision was reached after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union held in Abuja between October 21 and 22.

However, he warned that the union would resume the strike if the government failed to meet its commitments within a month.

“NEC resolved to grant the government a one-month window to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement and address all other outstanding issues,” Piwuna said.

He added that ASUU expects the government to use the opportunity to ensure lasting industrial harmony and stability in the university system.

Tinubu picks UK-based Doctor Bernard Doro as new Minister.

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a letter to the Senate seeking the confirmation of Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The nomination follows the elevation of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July.

Dr Doro, born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, brings more than two decades of diverse experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community engagement across the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

A highly qualified professional, he holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA with a focus on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice.

He currently serves as an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, with frontline experience in urgent care, walk-in centres, general practice, and hospital services.

Beyond his medical career, Dr Doro has championed youth mentorship and social impact initiatives both in the Nigerian diaspora and local communities.

DSS Warns of Imminent ISWAP Attack in Ondo, Kogi States.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.

In a confidential memo to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, and signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” and urged the Nigerian Army to intensify surveillance and security patrols across vulnerable areas.

Titled “Imminent attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP,” the letter identified Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, as possible targets.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the DSS stated, adding that the terrorists had begun monitoring potential soft targets. 

The agency called for proactive measures and community vigilance to forestall any attacks.

Confirming the development, Ondo State Police spokesperson, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police were already acting on the intelligence. “That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” he said.

This alert comes three years after the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which left 41 worshippers dead and dozens injured. 

The suspects, believed to be ISWAP members, were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Teenager Takes Over as ‘Vice President for a Day,’ Champions Girl-Child Education.

A Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, on Monday, symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima, using the moment to advocate for girls’ education and empowerment across the country.

According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, the handover occurred during a meeting with a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria — over 10.5 million, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent — urging government and stakeholders to invest in inclusive and safe learning environments.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.
“Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day.”

Ogah further called on authorities to provide free sanitary products in schools, guarantee access to clean water, sanitation, and good nutrition, and implement policies that uphold the dignity of every girl.

Responding, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing girl-child education nationwide, pledging continued collaboration with PLAN International.

“We will continue engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your advice regarding girl-child education. In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust,” he stated.

Ogah’s “Vice President for a Day” experience, observers say, underscores the growing movement for inclusive education and equal opportunity, giving voice to the aspirations of millions of Nigerian girls still fighting for access to learning.

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.

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Anambra Govt Orders Iron Dealers to Relocate to Nteje After Election — “No Going Back,” Soludo’s Aide Warns


The Anambra State Government has issued a firm directive to all iron dealers in Onitsha and Ogbaru, ordering them to relocate to the new permanent Iron Dealers Market at Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, immediately after the November 8 gubernatorial election.

Speaking during the dedication of the new market, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trade and Markets, Hon. Evaristus Ubah (represented by Hon. Ezennia Chukwuemelie Ibekwe), vowed that traders who refuse to move will be forcefully ejected.

“If there are those still remaining in Onitsha or Ogbaru, we will ensure they are relocated here to Nteje. There is no going back after the election,” he declared.


Union Chairman Mr. Evaristus Ejezie expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his unwavering support in the market’s construction, describing the project as a divine success story despite numerous challenges. He also appealed to the government to enforce relocation of remaining members, emphasizing that the market will significantly boost state revenue once fully occupied.

Ejezie urged traders who have made payments to submit their evidence for shop allocation, assuring them that transparency and fairness remain the priority.

The market dedication was conducted by Lt. Col. Godspower Anozie of the Salvation Army, Anambra West Division, who prayed for prosperity, unity, and divine protection for the traders.

In his remarks, Chief Humphrey Anuna, President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), commended the union executives for their vision, describing the Nteje Market as a future international hub that could surpass major building materials markets in Nigeria.

Other union leaders, including Hon. Ejike Ignatius of Allied Building Materials International Market and former chairman Mr. Nnaemeka Onuzulike, pledged total cooperation with the relocation plan, urging members to embrace peace and unity as business activities commence.

The event ended with prayers and blessings for the market executives and their committees, symbolizing a new beginning for Anambra’s booming building materials sector.

Borno Girl Reportedly Ends It All After Being Forced Into Marriage by Her Father.

Tragedy struck in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday evening as a young woman allegedly took her own life after being compelled by her father to marry one of his friends.

The heartbreaking incident was made public by prominent counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the details on Monday through his verified social media handle.

According to Makama, the woman whose identity has not yet been revealed ended her life shortly after the forced marriage arrangement was finalized. “Tragedy struck in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday evening, when a young woman reportedly took her own life after being forced by her father to marry one of his friends,” he stated.

Citing local sources, Makama revealed that the incident occurred around 6:20 p.m. after the victim, said to be in deep emotional distress, succumbed to the overwhelming pressure from her family to go through with the arranged marriage.

A child protection advocate, Bukar Fantami Gubio, who also confirmed the incident, described it as “heart-wrenching” and called for urgent intervention from relevant authorities.

“The emotional pain and pressure she went through as a result of this forced marriage pushed her into taking her own life. It is truly a sad situation that calls for urgent action,” Gubio said.

He appealed to human rights organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice is served.

According to him, the case highlights the urgent need to protect the rights and dignity of young women in Nigeria, particularly in communities where forced marriages persist.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the importance of respecting women’s freedom of choice in marriage decisions,” he added.

Efforts by journalists to obtain an official comment from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, did not respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report.

University Workers SSANU Demands Removal Of Suspended FUOYE Vice-Chancellor, Prof Fasina Over Alleged Victimisation, Threats.

According to SSANU, the university community, which had experienced relative peace during the Vice-Chancellor’s absence, has now descended into crisis.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Branch, has called for the immediate removal of the suspended Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, accusing him of actions that threaten industrial harmony within the institution.

In a statement signed by its Branch Chairperson, Comrade Fajoye Hamzat Oyelere (popularly known as Obama), the union expressed deep concerns over what it described as the deteriorating situation at FUOYE following Prof. Fasina’s return from a six-month leave.

According to SSANU, the university community, which had experienced relative peace during the Vice-Chancellor’s absence, has now descended into crisis.

The association alleged that since his resumption, there have been incidents of victimisation of union leaders, unjust arrests, and illegal detentions reportedly carried out through state security agencies acting on the Vice-Chancellor’s orders.

The union described these alleged actions as a “gross abuse of administrative authority” and a “threat to peaceful coexistence and academic progress” at the institution.

SSANU LAUTECH urged the Nigerian government, through the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, to intervene immediately by removing Prof. Fasina from office to restore peace and confidence in FUOYE’s leadership.

The association also called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Ministry of Labour and Employment to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged victimisation of union leaders and ensure justice is served.

Judgment creditor petitions CJN, accuses SAN of misconduct.

A judgment creditor, Mr Kunle Rotimi, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, accusing a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) of alleged professional misconduct and deliberately obstructing justice in his long-running case against the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, addressed to the CJN and copied to the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Rotimi alleged that the SAN who represents the NUC had filed “frivolous motions” and “false affidavits” to delay enforcement of final court judgments delivered in his favour.

According to Rotimi, his legal battle with the NUC dates to 1996, culminating in victories at both the National Industrial Court (July 6, 2020) and the Court of Appeal (June 28, 2024).

He accused the Commission of failing to comply with the appellate court’s orders more than 16 months after the final judgment.

Rotimi claimed that, despite serving Form 48 and Form 49 (the statutory notices for contempt proceedings) on five principal officers of the NUC, the Commission, through the SAN, he has been

“wilfully obstructing” justice by filing motions aimed at frustrating contempt proceedings.

“He has filed motions in defence of criminal contempt and impunity against the Constitution, which mandates obedience to court orders,” Rotimi wrote.

He further alleged that two affidavits filed by the SAN in April 2025 contained “perjury and forgery” by claiming that some NUC officials were no longer in the Commission’s employment and that the judgment had been fully complied with—claims Rotimi described as “false and misleading.”

Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Gunshots, Tear Gas at #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening fire and releasing tear gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack.

“There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest,” he said.

“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us.

Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore added.

He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was hit by live rounds.

The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas.

Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces firing tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd.

Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on terrorism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”

Truck Driver Kills 19-Year-Old Nigerian Student After Running Red Light in Canada.

A 19-year-old Nigerian student, identified as Marvelous Ugochukwu, has tragically d+ed in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, after a truck driver ran a red light and crashed into multiple structures, including a bus shelter where she was waiting.

The fatal incident occurred at the intersection of Dewdney Avenue and Elphinstone Street last Sunday. Witnesses told Peoples Gazette that the truck driver was attempting to beat a red light when he lost control, slamming into a car, a bus stop shelter, a fence, and a light pole.

“She was just sitting at the bus stop when the truck hit her. It was a horrific scene,” a witness recounted.

According to reports, emergency responders pronounced Ms. Ugochukwu dead at the scene, while the car’s driver was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Regina Police officers quickly shut down the busy intersection and took the truck driver into custody for questioning.

A local waste management firm, Just Bins, which first broke the story on Facebook, confirmed the sequence of events, adding that police were investigating the crash.

The tragic death has sent shockwaves through the Regina community, particularly among Nigerian students in the area. A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to assist the Ugochukwu family with funeral and legal expenses, while a candlelight procession in her honor is scheduled for today.

Skilled Truckers Canada also mourned the young student on its Facebook page, with many commenters expressing condolences and calling for justice.

Inside 150-year old Ogun community where students use tiles as white board, practice open defecation.

Forty pieces of ceramic white tiles arranged systematically serve as a maker board for students of the St Johns Anglican Primary School, Ebute-Igbooro, an agrarian community in the Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun State.

The tiles board, divided in three sections with a green marker, reads mathematics, english studies and basic technology.

While the date written on it bears 30/09/2025, the appearance is decades behind.

The school, with about 242 learners from different surrounding villages, presently has seven classrooms, a yellow and green painted three-block on the right and an unpainted crumbling and cracked four-block classroom on the left.

The St Johns Anglican Primary School, founded in 1955 also had an uncompleted classroom and other dilapidated structures with palm roof ceilings.

Ebute-Igbooro is a 150-year-old community that sits at the border between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

Founded in 1875, the community with its residents speaking the Yoruba Ketu dialect has its major occupation as farming, while the women supplement the household income by producing fufu, garri, and engaging in other petty trades.

Despite existing for 150 years, the community’s severe neglect and the harsh effects of economic hardship are starkly evident in some of its barefoot school children, who lacked uniforms, textbooks, and even school bags.

Abducted Kwara Businessman Freed After N110 Million Ransom Payment.

A businessman identified as Suleiman Ndana, popularly known as “Manager,” who was abducted last month from Tsaragi community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom following the payment of a ₦110 million ransom just hours before a military rescue operation.

Sources close to the victim confirmed that Ndana was among those recovered by Nigerian Army troops during a raid on the kidnappers’ hideout on Friday. A friend of the businessman disclosed that the abductors had issued grave threats as military pressure mounted in the forest where they were hiding, vowing to kill Ndana if the ransom was not paid immediately.

Under the intense ultimatum, his family and associates reportedly delivered the ₦110 million ransom at an undisclosed location. Shortly after the payment, soldiers stormed the area, leading to Ndana’s release.

His freedom marks a breakthrough for the ongoing military operation tagged Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Kwara North, even as it underscores the moral dilemma faced by families forced to negotiate with kidnappers under life-threatening circumstances.

Meanwhile, residents of Patigi Local Government Area recently staged mass protests over the worsening insecurity in Kwara North. Youths, elders, and community leaders took to the streets demanding urgent government intervention, alleging that persistent killings and abductions had crippled economic life and driven medical personnel out of local hospitals.

Protesters accused the state government and federal representatives of neglect, citing the exodus of doctors from Patigi General Hospital and the growing presence of suspected armed herders in rural settlements. They called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to deploy more security forces and relocate Kara Market, which they claim has become a hotspot for criminal activity.

The protesters warned that without swift action, insecurity could lead to total economic collapse in parts of Kwara North, lamenting that millions are lost daily to ransom payments, farm attacks, and the loss of livelihoods.

Port Harcourt Teen, Agbo Adoga, Scores Perfect 1600 on SAT — Sets New Academic Record for Nigeria.

A 17-year-old student, Agbo Adoga, from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, has reportedly achieved a perfect score of 1600 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), marking an extraordinary academic milestone that has sparked widespread admiration across Nigeria’s education community.

The SAT, administered by the U.S.-based College Board, is a globally recognized university admissions test used by top institutions in the United States and beyond. Achieving a perfect 1600 places Adoga among a very small percentage of students worldwide who reach the highest possible score.

Social media erupted with praise after news of his result surfaced online, with many Nigerians celebrating his achievement as a testament to the potential and brilliance of the country’s young scholars.

His school, Graceland International, known for producing high-performing students in national and international examinations, has yet to release an official statement but has been receiving a flood of congratulatory messages from alumni and parents.

Before this latest feat, Agbo Adoga had already gained recognition for his excellence in mathematics and science competitions, including national Olympiads and international contests, where he consistently ranked among the top performers.

Education stakeholders have described his performance as “a source of pride for Nigeria,” urging the government and private sector to provide more support and mentorship opportunities for exceptional young talents like him.

If confirmed by the College Board, Adoga’s score would place him among an elite group of global students who have achieved perfection in the SAT’s nearly century-long history.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tears and Tributes as Arise TV Anchor Sommie Maduagwu Laid to Rest in Anambra

The remains of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, a beloved Arise TV news anchor, were laid to rest amid deep sorrow in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Sommie tragically lost her life in September 2025 following a violent armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence — a heartbreaking incident that shook the media community. Her burial took place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, following a solemn funeral Mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.

The ceremony drew family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who paid his last respects to the late journalist.

During the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie urged the bereaved family to take comfort in faith, describing Sommie as “a woman of purpose and virtue” whose life, though short, left a meaningful impact.

In his emotional tribute, Peter Obi lamented her passing as “a painful reminder of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.” He said,

“Before leaving Birmingham yesterday, I told my companions I was returning home for the burial of one of my daughters.”
He urged Nigerians to remember her family in their prayers and honor her memory with love and hope.


Sommie’s death has left an unfillable void in journalism and among all who admired her professionalism, warmth, and grace.

Source: PUNCH

Trump should move against Tinubu govt; Nigerian military stands by as Fulani herdsmen murder Christians: New York Post.

President Donald Trump has again been called upon to move against the Nigerian government as its military forces “simply stand by as militant Fulani Muslim herdsmen assault their Christian neighbors in the nation’s Middle Belt. The latest call was made by the New York Post.

The newspaper, in its editorial, charged the U.S. president to “act” and “call out the deadly persecution of Nigerian Christians”.

“Government forces do battle Boko Haram and other Islamist terror groups that brutally terrorise Christians and non-Christians in northern Nigeria, but they simply stand by as militant Fulani Muslim herdsmen assault their Christian neighbors in the nation’s Middle Belt,” the publication stated.

The editorial said “Team Trump should act on its own”, albeit Senator Ted Cruz’s push for a law that sanctions Nigerian officials who facilitate or permit jihadist attacks against Christians and other religious minorities. The publication noted that since 2009, the “persecution” of Christians has resulted in 18,000 churches destroyed, 50,000 Christians murdered, and five million more displaced.

“It’s not Washington’s job to right all the world’s wrongs, but Uncle Sam can at least condemn these ongoing atrocities,” said the newspaper.

Some U.S. lawmakers have condemned the killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing them as “genocide”. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the killings as such.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu’s government has continued to deny the claim.

“Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded,” stated the Nigerian president. “Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side—not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

Mr Tinubu added, “We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.”

Court Bans #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Around Aso Rock, National Assembly.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining Omoyele Sowore and other activists from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Naija News reports that the order follows an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government, represented by the Nigeria Police Force, seeking to prevent the demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar, the court prohibited Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and “persons unknown” from participating in, organising, or promoting the protest.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/2202/2025, resulted in a significant setback for activists planning the demonstration.

Confirming the court’s decision, Sowore, a former presidential candidate, expressed his dismay on social media, alleging that the order was granted in chambers after the judge had previously declined to approve the same request in open court.

“After initially declining to grant an ex parte motion to stop our planned protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers, imposing a ban on protests at Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and the Unity Fountain in Abuja,” Sowore said in his post on .

Meanwhile, the United States has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to avoid the protest locations in the FCT. The warning comes as tensions rise surrounding the planned demonstration.

The protest, which gained significant momentum online, was originally organised to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).