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BREAKING: Court Sets November 20 for Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial

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BREAKING: Court Sets November 20 for Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial

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

The judge set the date on Friday after Kanu failed to open his defence, having exhausted the six days allocated to him by the court to do so.

Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu, having failed to utilise the opportunity granted to conduct his defence, could not claim to have been denied his constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair hearing.

The trial, which has spanned several years with multiple adjournments, centres on charges bordering on terrorism and incitement against the Nigerian state.

The matter has been adjourned to November 20, 2025, for judgment.

FRSC Reports 10% Rise In Road Crashes, 11.5% Increase In Fatalities Nationwide

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FRSC Reports 10% Rise In Road Crashes, 11.5% Increase In Fatalities Nationwide

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported a 10.04 percent rise in road traffic crashes across Nigeria between January and September 2025, resulting in an 11.55 percent increase in fatalities compared to the same period last year.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed disclosed this in Port Harcourt during the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

He revealed that 7,715 crashes were recorded nationwide, up from 7,011 in 2024, with 3,915 deaths compared to 3,811 last year.

The Corps Marshal attributed the increase to distracted driving and reckless behavior by motorists, urging road users to “take personal responsibility for protecting lives and property.”

In Rivers State, however, the FRSC recorded 47 crashes, resulting in 15 deaths and 51 injuries, representing a 35.7 percent drop in fatalities compared to 2024.

Mohammed said Rivers State was chosen for the national campaign flag-off because it serves as one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Secretary to the State Government Dr. Benibo Anabraba, commended the FRSC for its proactive safety measures, stressing that road safety should be a daily commitment, not just a seasonal concern.

“It is worrisome that the Ember Months — a period meant for joyous celebrations — have become synonymous with preventable tragedies,” he said, urging citizens to obey traffic laws and avoid risky behaviors such as overspeeding and drunk driving.

He added that his administration would continue investing in infrastructure and collaborate with security agencies and transport unions to promote safer road and maritime transport across the state.

Pope Leo Condemns Trump’s Deportation Policy, Warns U.S. Bombings Could Heighten Regional Tension

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Pope Leo Condemns Trump’s Deportation Policy, Warns U.S. Bombings Could Heighten Regional Tension

Pope Leo XIV has issued his strongest criticism yet of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, condemning the government’s mass deportation policy and warning that recent U.S. military actions could fuel instability across Latin America.

Speaking outside his papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, the first U.S.-born pontiff urged Americans to reflect deeply on their treatment of migrants. “There are people who have lived in the U.S. for years and years, never causing problems, who have been deeply affected,” he said, adding that every Christian would ultimately be judged on how they welcomed “the foreigner.”

Observers have described the remarks as Pope Leo’s most direct rebuke of Washington’s immigration stance since his election six months ago. Catholic historian Austen Ivereigh noted, “It’s very strong — he’s obviously talking about the ICE round-ups. It’s his most explicit reference yet.”

The Pope’s comments mark a clear escalation from his earlier caution on U.S. domestic and foreign policy. Last month, he described Trump’s migrant crackdown as “inhuman,” sparking unease among conservative Catholics who had initially embraced him as an “American Pope.”

Born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, Pope Leo previously served as a missionary in Peru, a background scholars say has profoundly influenced his pastoral and geopolitical outlook. According to Professor Anna Rowlands of Durham University, “He has lived in countries affected by these very policies and has been welcomed himself as a migrant. His stance is deeply rooted in Catholic social teaching.”

Turning to foreign policy, Pope Leo criticised the U.S. bombing of vessels suspected of carrying drugs near Venezuelan waters, warning that the actions risked worsening regional tensions. “I think that with violence we won’t win,” he said in Italian, urging Washington to seek dialogue and peace instead.

He also cautioned that the deployment of U.S. Navy ships near Venezuela appeared to be “increasing tension rather than defending peace.”

Analysts say the Pope’s remarks may mark a turning point in his relationship with the Trump administration. “When the Pope speaks this decisively, it puts pressure on U.S. officials, especially Catholics within the administration,” Ivereigh observed. “Until now, Leo’s avoided direct confrontation with Trump — but it seems he’s ready to take that risk.”

Pretty Mike, Proxy Lagos Supervisor Granted ₦50m Bail Over Drug Allegations

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Pretty Mike, Proxy Lagos Supervisor Granted ₦50m Bail Over Drug Allegations

Popular Lagos socialite and nightlife promoter, Mike Nwalie, better known as Pretty Mike, has been granted ₦50 million bail by a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, following his arraignment on drug-related charges.

Pretty Mike, the owner of Proxy Lagos Night Club, was arraigned alongside the club’s supervisor, Joachim Hillary (32), by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of narcotics, and permitting the use of premises for drug-related activities.

According to the charge sheet dated October 30, 2025, the alleged offences took place on October 26, 2025, at Proxy Night Club, located at No. 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The NDLEA accused both defendants of conspiring to organise a drug-themed party, during which operatives reportedly recovered 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa and 177 cylinders of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) weighing 364.662 kilograms.

While Hillary faced an additional charge of unlawful possession of cannabis, Pretty Mike was specifically accused of knowingly permitting the club premises to be used for drug-related activities, an offence punishable under Section 12 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following their plea, NDLEA counsel Buhari Abdullahi requested a trial date, but defence counsel Dr. B.S. Awosika (SAN) urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, citing the defendants’ clean records and constitutional presumption of innocence.

In his ruling, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦50 million, with two sureties in like sum, who must swear to an affidavit of means. The court ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of their counsel pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned to January 14, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

COAS Orders Troops To Sustain Offensive Against Terrorists In North-East

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COAS Orders Troops To Sustain Offensive Against Terrorists In North-East

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to sustain their offensive against insurgents until terrorism is completely eradicated from the North-East.

Shaibu gave the directive during his maiden operational tour of the Theatre Command in Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief urged troops to intensify operations to crush the remnants of insurgents and restore lasting peace in the region.

“The Nigerian Army under my command will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all,” Shaibu stated.

He reiterated the Army’s commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements until total victory is achieved, emphasizing that no effort would be spared in ending insurgency.

The visit, according to the statement, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate gains in the ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns.

During the tour, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, seeking continued prayers, intelligence support, and cooperation from traditional institutions and residents to complement military efforts.

In response, the Shehu commended the Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, especially during recent flood emergencies, and praised its success in reclaiming all local government areas from terrorist control.

Highlights of the visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, a groundbreaking ceremony for new residential quarters, and visits to wounded personnel and frontline troops in Bama and adjoining sectors.

NIS To Launch Single-Travel Emergency Passport For Nigerians Abroad

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NIS To Launch Single-Travel Emergency Passport For Nigerians Abroad

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced plans to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) to replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) for Nigerians abroad.

Comptroller-General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap said the initiative is part of the agency’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening identity management and border governance in line with global best practices.

Speaking at the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes co-hosted by Nigeria and France, Nandap explained that the STEP document will serve as a secure and verifiable temporary travel passport for Nigerians abroad whose passports are expired, lost, or stolen.

She said the passport will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates and will be valid for a single entry into Nigeria.

“The forthcoming Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) will enable Nigerians abroad to return home safely in a secure and verifiable manner,” Nandap stated, adding that the initiative underscores the Service’s commitment to efficient service delivery and robust identity protection.

The Immigration Chief also outlined broader reforms targeting migrant smuggling and human trafficking, emphasizing improved border governance, capacity building, and stronger international collaboration.

Nandap reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global migration dialogues, pledging that the Service will continue aligning its operations with international standards to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.

PDP Acting Chairman Damagum Welcomes Ibadan Court’s ‘Courageous’ Ruling Affirming Party’s Right To Hold Convention

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PDP Acting Chairman Damagum Welcomes Ibadan Court’s ‘Courageous’ Ruling Affirming Party’s Right To Hold Convention

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has hailed the recent ruling by Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, describing it as a “courageous affirmation” of the party’s constitutional right to conduct its 2025 Elective National Convention.

Speaking at the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Damagum said the judgment had resolved earlier legal challenges and confirmed that the party met all legal requirements to proceed with the exercise.

“This judgment is not just a victory for our party, but for democracy itself,” Damagum said, commending the court for its courage “in an era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise.”

He stressed that his leadership had chosen reconciliation over division, noting that every decision taken was aimed at preserving the unity and integrity of the PDP.

“I chose the Party, not individuals or factions, but the enduring institution of the PDP that shall outlive us all,” he said, urging the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to demonstrate courage, integrity, and unity ahead of the convention.

Also speaking, BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara appealed to aggrieved members to sheathe their swords, pledging that the board would remain neutral and focused on reconciliation.

The meeting was attended by BoT Secretary Ahmed Makarafi, Jerry Gana, Senator Ben Obi, Josephine Anenih, Zainab Maina, and members of the Damagum-led NWC.

The Oyo State High Court had on Tuesday cleared the PDP to proceed with its scheduled National Convention on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend and monitor the exercise pending the determination of a substantive motion on notice.

Federal Government Considers Selling Refineries To Attract Investment, Boost Competition In Oil Sector

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Federal Government Considers Selling Refineries To Attract Investment, Boost Competition In Oil Sector

The Federal Government has indicated plans to sell Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries as part of ongoing economic reforms aimed at attracting investors, boosting competition, and enhancing efficiency in the downstream oil sector.

The refineries — located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna — have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day (bpd) but have remained largely dormant for decades despite repeated turnaround maintenance projects that have cost the government billions of dollars.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, said selling the plants is one of several options under consideration.

“It’s one of the options that you have to consider if you find the right technical partner with the right capital,” Verheijen said.

She noted that the removal of fuel subsidies has eliminated major market distortions, paving the way for a commercially driven petroleum industry.

According to her, President Tinubu’s reform agenda seeks to restore market efficiency and transparency, ensuring the petroleum sector operates on purely commercial terms.

The refineries, owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), were recently shut down for maintenance, with no significant progress reported since.

The NNPCL had earlier announced plans to seek technical equity partners to manage and operate the refineries in line with international standards.

“We are looking ahead with optimism to ensure our refineries operate effectively,” NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari stated in a post on X.

Verheijen also disclosed that the government envisions a future public listing of NNPC, describing it as “an end destination” for the company’s transformation.

“What’s really important to the shareholders is that we have an NNPC that’s a lot more transparent, a lot more efficient, and delivers,” she added.

Senate Passes Bill To Curb Sexual Harassment In Educational Institutions

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Senate Passes Bill To Curb Sexual Harassment In Educational Institutions

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment of students in educational institutions across the country.

The legislation, which passed through third reading on Wednesday, is a concurrent bill from the House of Representatives aimed at protecting students from all forms of sexual misconduct and abuse within academic environments. It also provides a clear legal framework for enforcement and punishment of offenders.

During deliberations, several lawmakers commended the bill’s intent but called for broader application beyond the education sector.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that the legislation should not be limited to schools alone but should also address sexual harassment in workplaces and other institutions.

“There is no need to restrict sexual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law in a way that gives it universal application,” Oshiomhole said.

Similarly, Senator Anthony Ani noted that sexual harassment remains a widespread social problem, adding that restricting the bill to educational institutions would leave significant gaps.

“Sexual harassment is everywhere. Limiting this bill to tertiary institutions is a misnomer,” Ani stated.

However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, clarified that the bill — being a concurrent legislation — was not open to extensive debate, though minor amendments could be made.

He further noted that existing laws already address harassment in workplaces and public institutions.

After brief deliberations, the Senate passed the bill for third reading, paving the way for harmonization with the House of Representatives before it is transmitted for presidential assent.

PDP BoT Chair Wabara Urges Peace, Calls On Warring Members To Unite Ahead Of Convention

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PDP BoT Chair Wabara Urges Peace, Calls On Warring Members To Unite Ahead Of Convention

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, has appealed to aggrieved members of the party to sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the interest of unity ahead of the party’s forthcoming national convention.

Speaking while presiding over a BoT meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Wednesday, Wabara emphasized that the board would remain neutral and serve strictly as a mediator among disputing factions.

Present at the meeting were BoT Secretary Ahmed Makarafi, Jerry Gana, Senator Ben Obi, Josephine Anenih, Zainab Maina, and members of the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).

The meeting marked the first public appearance of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum since the suspension of the Senator Anyanwu-led NWC last week.

In his remarks, Damagum welcomed the recent Oyo State High Court ruling clearing the PDP to hold its National Elective Convention in Ibadan, reiterating that the event would proceed as planned in line with due process.

The BoT also resolved to constitute a reconciliation committee to address internal disputes and restore cohesion within the party. Members present reaffirmed their support for the Damagum-led NWC and insisted that the convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, must go ahead as approved.

JUST IN: Reps Go Into Closed Session As Local Contractors Storm National Assembly

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JUST IN: Reps Go Into Closed Session As Local Contractors Storm National Assembly

The House of Representatives on Wednesday entered a closed-door session following a protest by local contractors who stormed the National Assembly complex over unpaid debts reportedly owed by several ministries and agencies.

The contractors, who arrived in large numbers, demanded immediate action from lawmakers to compel relevant government bodies to settle outstanding payments for completed projects.

Security was briefly tightened around the assembly as the demonstrators attempted to gain access to the chamber area, prompting lawmakers to suspend plenary and move into an executive session.

Details of the meeting and resolutions are expected to be made public after the session.

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