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Without Skepta, my career wouldn’t exist – Odumodublvck

Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has paid a tribute to British-Nigerian music icon Skepta, saying the global superstar was instrumental in shaping his career, style, and mindset.

Speaking during an episode of the Culli Podcast, Odumodublvck said Skepta’s influence went beyond music, impacting his fashion sense and giving him the confidence to pursue his dreams even during his lowest moments.

‘If not for Skepta, I would not be here. I’m telling you, brother, if not for Skepta I would not be here,’ he said passionately.

Recounting his early struggles, Odumodublvck shared how Skepta inspired him to embrace simplicity at a time when he didn’t have money to buy expensive clothes or jewelry.

‘When we were coming up, we didn’t have money to buy clothes. But because I was a follower of Skepta, I realised that if you can get a tracksuit pant, a white T-shirt, and nice sneakers, you can still look cool and mash up the show-even without chains,’ he said.

Odumodublvck also revealed that Skepta’s philosophy of openness and collaboration transformed his approach to making music.

‘Skepta say, ‘If you know the hack, you tell your friend. Don’t hide it. The sky is big enough for everybody.’ Na Skepta teach us say you can make music that fits the radio, the stage, and still resonate with the streets at the same time,’ he added.

He described Skepta as a pioneer who proved that rap music can be powerful without glorifying violence.

‘Skepta is the OG, bro. It’s more than the music too.’

Be An INQUIRER: Empowering communities through citizen storytelling

‘Every citizen is a reporter.’

This simple concept ignited a movement to expand traditional news storytelling-one that gave birth to Be An INQUIRER (BAI), the official citizen journalism arm of INQUIRER.net. The initiative is built on the goal of empowering voices and recognizing stories generated by diverse communities.

Since 2019, BAI has been dedicated to seeking and sharing stories from netizens that evoke human interest. From heartfelt moments with loved ones and funny snapshots of pets to calls from the masses, BAI amplifies these stories to inspire, connect and resonate with audiences.

To celebrate another fruitful year with INQUIRER.net and Be An INQUIRER, take a trip down memory lane to revisit the milestones successful chapters that the BAI community has made possible-not just through the stories it shared, but through the impact it has made in the digital space.

Supporter of communities

Being a community engagement arm goes beyond informing the public-it also strives to actively support communities. Whether celebrating the achievements of minority groups or acknowledging the talents of locals, BAI has always been there to capture those moments.

Even During times of crisis, the team listens to the outcries of affected communities. BAI features people’s situations and their well-being challenges and struggles, as well as the aftermath that follows. because those people are not ‘stories’ to share, but lives the public needs to see – and help.

Moreover, BAI sheds light on the glimmers of hope that emerge during trying times-stories that might be simple yet grounding. The team has always intended to bring something light online, to give people a breather when serious news becomes overwhelming.

To foster an online, citizen-centric community that is inclusive, diverse and respectful while standing up for fairness and truth is what BAI aims for. Over the years, it has reached that goal and continues to advocate for and stand with the people.

Opportunities for media aspirants

BAI has become not only an interactive platform where netizens can share their stories for a chance to get featured but also a space where students can experience a digital newsroom firsthand.

INQUIRER.net welcomes media aspirants to see what it’s like to work in the industry as interns or volunteers. They are given opportunities to develop and enhance their talents by conducting interviews, writing news in multiple formats and working directly with the team.

At BAI, the team trains them to sharpen various skills-such as writing, fact-checking and interviewing-while instilling a strong sense of journalistic ethics and principles. These experiences help hone the key attributes needed to become effective journalists. Another valuable aspect is the exposure chance to covering significant national events. Inquirer volunteers, for instance, covered the midterm elections last May, engaging with voters and monitoring voting precincts for the senatorial race.

Although their tenure as interns and volunteers was relatively short, it was enough to teach them valuable skills. Many have since been hired by INQUIRER.net, while others have secured jobs at their preferred companies.

In essence, INQUIRER.net serves as a training ground that tests and transforms media aspirants into competent and ethical professionals. The lessons they learn here are lasting, preparing them well for their journey into the media industry.

Onto the next chapter

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Through the efforts of the team, volunteers, contributors and supporters, BAI has grown and continues to expand its reach and impact in sharing stories that leave a mark online.

As BAI gears up for another chapter of engaging and meaningful stories, we dedicate this success to you the audience and hope you they will continue to stand by the Inquirer. Be part of BAI’s next chapter by visiting BAI’s official social media pages to share your stories and engage with the community.

Here’s to Be An INQUIRER-where every voice has power, and every story begins with you.

Abure, Usman confront Amupitan with Labour Party’s crisis

Less than 24 hours after assuming office, challenges in need of urgent solutions are already piling up for the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan. One of such challenges, unarguably is the intractable problem of leadership of Labour Party.

This emerged on Friday morning with a letter by Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman of Labour Party to Amupitan affirming his claims as the legally recognized leader of the party.

Abure, in a letter of congratulation to Amupitan published on the social media platforms of Labour Party told the new INEC Chairman that there is a pending order of the Court binding on INEC to recognize him as the leader of the party.

He added that while the former chairman of the Commission, Yakubu Mahmood failed to abide by the court order, May Agbamuche-Mbu who took over from him as acting chairman took steps to abide by the order.

He therefore urged Amupitan to abide by the court order recognising him as the Labour Party chairman.

Abure at INEC meeting

Recall that the Abure was one of the chairpersons of political parties invited by INEC to a consultative meeting of the commission presided over by Agbamuche-Mbu on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.

INEC had claimed that Abure was invited to the meeting following court order from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Gwagwalada directing it to recognize him as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

However, the Abure the faction of the party led by Nenadi had protested against the invitation of Abure to the meeting by INEC.

Indeed, the Nenadi Usman faction had called for the arrest of Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu over the invitation while accusing her of aiding Abure in foregery of court document in a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman.

The Nenadi Usman faction claimed that its ‘independent and painstaking investigation has revealed that no such court order exists. While it is true that Mr. Abure filed a suit against INEC in Suit No: CV/1914/2025, before Hon. Justice Kayode Agunloye of Court 40, FCT High Court, Gwagwalada, our formal request for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of any order purportedly recognising him as Chairman was met with a categorical confirmation from the court that no such order was ever granted.

Although it would have still been null and void even if such order existed, especially in the face of the Supreme Court’s unambiguous judgment of 4th April 2025 which conclusively upheld Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership of the Labour Party, it smacks of fraud, scant regard for our laws, meddlesomeness, and partisanship for Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu to have dragged INEC into this web of political criminal conspiracy to commit this judicial heist.’

Consequently, the Nenadi Usman faction of Labout party said it has directed its ‘supporters nationwide to begin immediate mobilisation for a peaceful occupation of INEC Headquarters until Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu is arrested and prosecuted, and until INEC fully complies with the binding Supreme Court judgment affirming the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman.’

The party also urged the new INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan to urgently address ‘this grave injustice and purge the Commission of the elements of destabilisation led by Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu and her co-conspirators.’

Restore me as chairman of Labour Party

But Abure, in the letter to Amupitan on Friday insisted that his faction of the party has been recognized by court. Consequently, he also demanded that his faction of the party should be allowed to nominate candidates for the upcoming FCT local government elections

‘We are however appealing to you to fully comply with several orders and judgements of the courts by directing the inclusion of the Labour Party in the up coming FCT council election by uploading the names of the party candidates.

‘As a worker in the temple of justice and one known to have always respected the rule of law, we urge you to revisit this abnormally and restore recognition to the current leadership of the Labour Party as led by my humble self. This is because, the judiciary, which you are a prominent member has spoken loudly and clearly on both the position of the law on the political party leadership and the party supremacy.

Read Abure’s letter below to Amupitan below

STATEMENT FROM THE LABOUR PARTY

To: Prof. Joash Amupitan

Chairman

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Abuja

Sir,

LETTER OF CONGRATULATION

May I personally and on behalf of the leadership and members of the Labour Party congratulate you on your well deserved appointment as the Chairman of INEC. Your appointment and elevation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one that most Nigerians looked forward to, having followed your trajectory as a profound scholar, a legal luminary, a cerebral teacher and impactor of knowledge, an administrator of repute and a deeply religious person.

I joined millions of Nigerians a few days ago, glued to our television on the day of your screening, while you exhibited your mastery of the task ahead while also holding the entire Senate spellbound with your intellectual prowess on how to navigate the bedeviling and intractable challenges of election management in Nigeria, albeit with ease.

I must say that you came prepared to face the challenges and to help secure our fragile democracy. Nigeria craves for an umpire who is apolitical and whose past has testimonies of love for the nation. Nigerians need a strong willed umpire who will place the nation first and who will not succumb to cheap blackmail and little tricks by the politicians who will stop at nothing in pursuit of both their ordinate and inordinate cravings. I want to say that you earned your current status and that President Tinubu’s choice and fate in you is not in anyway misplaced.

Let me at this juncture appreciate the immediate past acting Chairman of the commission for chosing to right the very many wrongs of the past leadership of INEC and for swiftly remedying the glaring infractions perpetuated against the Labour Party.

I do not want to burden you with our challenges as this letter is purely congratulatory. However, I want to use this opportunity to remind you of a pending order of the Court binding on INEC to recognize the present leadership of the Labour Party as led by my humble self, Barrister Julius Abure but which for reasons known to the immediate past INEC leadership was disregarded but for which we are grateful that the Acting Chairman has remediated substantially.

We are however appealing to you to fully comply with several orders and judgements of the courts by directing the inclusion of the Labour Party in the up coming FCT council election by uploading the names of the party candidates. As a worker in the temple of justice and one known to have always respected the rule of law, we urge you to revisit this abnormally and restore recognition to the current leadership of the Labour Party as led by my humble self. This is because, the judiciary, which you are a prominent member has spoken loudly and clearly on both the position of the law on the political party leadership and the party supremacy.

I want to sincerely congratulate you for this wonderful elevation. May God crown your efforts and make your tenure in the commission truly glorious.

Once more, Congratulations.

Truly Yours,

Barrister Julius Abure

National Chairman

Labour Party

October 24, 2025

How Dave dissed Nigerian strikers in new album

Nigerian British rapper David Orobosa Michael Omoregie, popularly known as Dave, has dissed Nigerian strikers in his new album.

The rapper who released his third studio album on Friday, claimed that Nigerian strikers tend to lie about their age.

The rapper stated this in one of his songs ‘Chapter 16’, off the new album.

‘H*es lying about their age like Nigerian strikers,’ he stated.

This diss to Nigerian strikers quickly stirred controversy online with some fans calling him out for making untrue claims and generalising it.

ICI readies rules for live hearings

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Thursday said it would have to come up with rules and parameters before it airs its fact-finding hearings on anomalous government projects via public livestream.

ICI chair Andres Reyes Jr. said that the body would have to ‘study’ how to livestream its sessions, taking into account the ‘sensitive information and the constitutional rights of invited resource persons.’

Despite heeding the public clamor for more transparency, the ICI head reiterated that the commission does not want the hearings to lead to ‘trial by publicity’ or a venue for ‘political grandstanding, sensationalism, and disinformation.’

‘These concerns remain valid, and protecting the integrity of the investigation is still paramount,’ Andres said in a statement read by Executive Director Brian Hosaka to reporters.

While the ICI said it is looking to make its hearings public ‘as soon as possible,’ Hosaka said that is unlikely to begin next week. He also could not provide a timeline at present.

Transcripts available

According to Hosaka, the ICI would also consider giving the public access to video recordings of past hearings, saying, ‘That would depend on the guidelines and procedures that would be approved by the commission. But definitely, everything was recorded.’

This would cover previous closed-door hearings where key figures in the alleged flood control project anomaly, such as contractor couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya, as well as former engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), gave testimonies and evidence to the ICI.

The ICI started its closed-door sessions with resource persons it deemed important in its probe into the corruption scandal on Sept. 23, with past and present lawmakers submitting evidence and explaining to the commission the budget oversight process in the legislature.

Other government officials tagged in the flood control anomaly, such as former Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Francis Escudero, have also appeared before the ICI.

Andres, a retired associate justice of the Supreme Court, issued the statement a day after he attended an organizational meeting by the Senate committee on justice and human rights, where he first revealed the ICI’s plan to livestream the hearings.

For Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, he wants to maintain closed public hearings because people tend to act differently when on camera. He did not specify whether livestreamed hearings would be any more credible or any less deceptive.

But Gatchalian said it would be better for the ICI to keep its hearings private and just release updated transcripts ‘so the public can still follow what’s happening.’

Created through Executive Order No. 94 issued last September, the independent body was tasked to investigate all infrastructure projects of the government within the last 10 years, including the recent corruption allegations surrounding the flood control works.

PNP ready to help

But once authorities have determined probable cause to pursue charges, the Philippine National Police said it has four specialized units to assist the ICI in verifying alleged irregularities.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said that the Engineering Service, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Forensic Group, and Information Technology and Management Service have already met about the ICI’s investigative needs.

The Engineering Service will lead engineering verification of reported project sites, while the CIDG will handle investigations and cross-referencing of field inspection data.

The Forensic Group is tasked with forensic validation and will assist the ICI in technical documentation, measurement, and examination of documents related to flood control and public works projects nationwide. Tuaño clarified that the PNP’s participation is limited to technical verification and forensic validation, not policy or procurement matters.

NBTE warns professional bodies against illegal award of ND, HND certificates

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has cautioned all professional and examination bodies in Nigeria to desist from the illegal award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna by the Executive Secretary (ES) of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, through the board’s Head, Media and Publicity, Mrs Fatima Abubakar.

She said Bugaje had issued a circular, expressing concern over the activities of certain professional and examination bodies purporting to design and award ND and HND certificates in various disciplines.

He described such actions as illegal and a violation of the NBTE’s establishing Act.

According to her, the NBTE remains the only body legally empowered under the Federal Government Decree No. 9 of 1977, as amended by Act 16 of 1985, to approve, accredit, and regulate all programmes leading to the award of ND and HND certificates in Nigeria.

The board further clarified that only accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, including Polytechnics, Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Colleges of Health, Colleges of Agriculture, and other specialised institutions that meet prescribed standards were authorised to run ND and HND programmes.

The NBTE, therefore, warned that it would not hesitate to take regulatory and legal action against any professional or examination body found engaging in such illegal practices.

The board urged all the stakeholders and the public to take note and ensure strict compliance with established regulations governing technical education in the country.

Nigerian troops kill dozens of terrorists, rescue 26 from kidnappers

Nigerian military has listed killing of dozens of terrorists, arrest of 86 suspects and rescue of 26 kidnapped victims among the achievements of its troops in operations across the country in the past one week

The operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies to enhance national security, promote stability and safeguard the country’s strategic interests, Director, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed while providing updates on military operations in Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the troops also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, destroyed terrorists’ camps and illegal refining sites to deny criminals freedom of action nationwide.

According to him, the operations were conducted simultaneously across all theatres, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East regions.

Kangye said that in the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained their offensive against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

He said several terrorists were eliminated, while 13 logistics suppliers, informants and collaborators were arrested, and three kidnapped victims rescued.

According to him, arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, petroleum products and other items were recovered during the operations.

In the North-West, Kangye said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained pressure on terrorists in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna States.

According to him, several terrorists were neutralised, 11 suspects arrested and 14 kidnapped victims rescued during the operations.

In the North-Central, he said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE conducted raids and responded to distress calls in Plateau, Kaduna and Bauchi States, neutralising several extremists, arresting 24 suspects and rescuing three victims.

Kangye added that in a separate raid on Oct. 19, troops recovered weapons from the residence of a wanted extremist leader, Alhaji Muhammed Sule (aka MP), in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.

He said the recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a revolver pistol, six magazines and 1,202 rounds of live ammunition.

In Operation WHIRL STROKE theatre, Kangye said troops neutralised several criminals, arrested 16 suspects and rescued three kidnapped victims in Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi States, and the Federal Capital Territory.

In the South-South, Kangye said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft valued at about ?13.4 million within the week.

He said troops recovered 12,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 840 litres of Automotive Gas Oil and 1,350 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene.

According to him, troops also destroyed six crude oil cooking ovens, four dugout pits, 12 boats, five storage tanks and two illegal refining sites, while 10 suspects were arrested.

He added that in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA maintained offensive operations across Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, arresting 12 IPOB/ESN members and rescuing three kidnapped victims.

The DHQ spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits and other criminals freedom of action across the country.

He commended the troops for their bravery, resilience and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that the military would continue to ensure peace and security nationwide.

‘The successes recorded across all theatres reflect the courage and dedication of our gallant troops who continue to defend our nation with honour,’ he said.

Kangye urged the public to continue supporting the military by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

ICI to protesters: We are with you against corruption

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) said on Friday that it hears the public’s call for accountability and justice amid its investigation into infrastructure anomalies, emphasizing that the commission is one with them against corruption.

The ICI released the statement in response to the disaster survivors and progressive groups who conducted Black Friday protest in front of the commission’s gate on Friday morning to condemn the alleged whitewashing and cover-ups in the commission’s investigation process.

‘The ICI hears and understands the public’s call for accountability and justice. The Commission is one with them against corruption,’ the ICI said in the statement.

‘The Commission remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of gathering evidence and testimonies related to anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects in the country,’ it pointed out.

According to the ICI, they meticulously assess and verify all information received amid their fact-finding investigation, saying that they are doing it ‘while respecting the Constitutional rights of all resource persons invited.’

‘Before referring cases to the Office of the Ombudsman, we ensure that all findings are substantiated and capable of withstanding scrutiny in the court of law to prevent dismissal,’ said the ICI.

The ICI also mentioned its continuous invitation of persons involved in the investigation, both public and private individuals, to cooperate in its probe hearings.

’40 days old’

The ICI noted that it is only about ’40 days old’ and is a newly established entity.

‘Our budget approval with DBM (Department of Budget and Management) is still pending, and resources remain limited. Despite multiple constraints, we continue to move quickly while maintaining thoroughness and accuracy in vetting the reports and data submitted to us,’ the ICI noted.

As for livestreaming its hearings, the commission said it is ‘actively studying and drafting the rules of procedure and parameters to allow livestreaming, while respecting the law and the rights of all concerned.’

‘The ICI remains steadfast in its duty to uncover the truth and to ensure that all those accountable are brought to justice under the rule of law,’ the commission said. Earlier this Friday, ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. said in a press conference that it ‘will take some time’ for the commission to have rules and procedures for live-streaming its hearings because they are ‘undermanned’ with lawyers to process it.

Nigerian writer Ogunrinde earns global recognition in 2025 Live Canon Poetry Prize

Nigerian journalist and writer Oyelola Ogunrinde has been longlisted for the 2025 Live Canon International Poetry Competition, a prestigious UK-based literary award that has celebrated poetic excellence for over a decade.

The competition, known for its rigorous judging process and emphasis on technical mastery, emotional resonance, and originality, received thousands of entries from poets across the world this year.

Being longlisted, organisers noted, is a mark of exceptional literary quality and creative distinction.

The overall winner, Lauren Thomas, clinched the top spot with her poem ‘The Beekeeper of Heligan.’

The announcement was made during an online ceremony on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, by guest judge Nina Murray, an acclaimed poet and translator known for her evocative and thought-provoking works.

Murray commended the high calibre of submissions and the thematic diversity reflected in the finalists’ poems, noting that the entries captured a wide spectrum of human emotion, nature, and modern experience.

Ogunrinde’s longlisted poem, titled ‘Laughter,’ stands among an impressive selection of works featured in the 2025 Live Canon Anthology, available via Live Canon’s official website.

Past winners of the competition include Inua Ellams, the Nigerian-British poet who took home the prize in 2014.

This year’s shortlist featured works such as ‘The Beekeeper of Heligan’ by Lauren Thomas, ‘Rewilding at the End of the World’ by Jen Feroze, ‘Pheasant Eggs’ by Miles Gibson, and ‘The Gleaners’ by Vasiliki Albedo, among others.

Ogunrinde’s recognition adds to the growing list of Nigerian writers making waves on the global literary stage, reinforcing the country’s vibrant contribution to contemporary poetry.

Shortlist

Blow – Nicky Kippax

Bycatch – Caroline Smith

E = mc² – Kate Fenwick

How Fungi Unmake and Remake the World and It’s Holy – Anne Cooper

Pheasant Eggs – Miles Gibson

Rewilding at the End of the World – Jen Feroze

The Beekeeper of Heligan – Lauren Thomas

The Cows on Testing Day – Ilse Pedler

The Final Foley Session: Climate Emergency – Jane Thomas

The Gleaners – Vasiliki Albedo

The Old People’s Home at the End of the World – Anna Bowles

To Mr Edwards (Physics) – Oenone Thomas

We Never Found the River – Laura Theis

Longlist

A Boy Scout Memory – Matthew McDermott

Angels Have Blue Feet – Lesley Saunders

Ascension Day – Martin Yates

Asclepius – Bex Hainsworth

Colourless Green Ideas Sleep Furiously – Brett van Toen

Dinger, Short for Schrödinger – Sharon Black

Dogwhelk – Claire Barnes

Don’t Love Me – Mehmet Izbudak

Even in Pristina We Get Ready for Winter – Lesley Sharpe

Family Matters – Julia Webb

Gaia Returns to Work After Maternity Leave – Karan Chambers

How to Ferment Your Past – Denise O’Hagan

I Am a Nothing-Doer – Katie Griffiths

If I’m Only a Handbag, You Might Be One Too – Aileen La Tourette

Laughter – Oyelola Ogunrinde

Leicester Car Parks – Julie Runacres

Love Map – A Zuihitsu – Vanessa Lampert

Mount Famine – Mark Totterdell

My Dad Wins the Charles Lindbergh Award for Driving to East Midlands Airport So Early the Terminal Has Yet to Be Built – Jeanette Burton

Oscar’s Boat – Mary Mulholland

Pitching God – Deborah Finding

Playing Among Ruins – David Clark

Self Portrait as All the Saints – Sue Burge

Slow – Ruth Sharman

Special Clinic – Lydia Kennaway

The Bowling Action of Muttiah Muralitharan – Sarah Gibbons

The Disaster Planner Enjoys Dessert – Suzanna Fitzpatrick

The Resurrection of the Tasmanian Tiger – David Underdown

The Shark God – Paul Terence Carney

The Story Is Rain – Jeff Bien

The Underside of Pigeons – Amelia Dowler

This Cuckoo from Harappa – Rishika Williams

Threads – Karis Williamson

To a Magnolia – Oliver Dixon

Towards the End – Penny Sharman

When a Sindhi Woman Dies, So Does a Book – Sapna Bhavnani

Wild Carrot Wild Mustard – Ger Duffy

Wrecked – Lesley Curwen

Just in: Nnamdi Kanu stalls trial again

The trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, suffered yet another setback on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja after he claimed he had been denied access to his case file by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kanu, who recently dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), told Justice Omotosho that he could not proceed with his defence because he had not been allowed to familiarise himself with the documents in the case file.

He explained that those assigned to deliver the file to him at the DSS facility could not reach him. The IPOB leader therefore requested a short adjournment until Monday, October 27, to enable him prepare adequately.

Kanu, who is now representing himself, also informed the court that he was expecting witnesses from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia and asked for an order allowing him to meet with them even on Saturday and Sunday.

Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request. Consequently, Justice Omotosho ordered the DSS to grant Kanu weekend access to his visitors to facilitate his defence.

The judge, however, maintained that the six days earlier granted to Kanu to present his defence which began on October 23 would not be extended beyond the stipulated time.

The matter was adjourned till Monday, October 27, for the defendant to open his defence.