Category: PM News

The Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, has thrown his weight behind the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

The endorsement, made during a stakeholders’ forum held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, on Tuesday, October 21, brought together party stalwarts from across the state, including former Lagos governors, council chairmen, and thousands of APC members.

The gathering praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, infrastructural strides, and policies aimed at stabilising the economy as justification for his re-election.

Speaking after the meeting, Odunmbaku described Tinubu’s performance under the Renewed Hope Agenda as transformative, noting that the President’s policies have revitalised key sectors such as education, transportation, and the economy.

He cited the clearing of over $10 billion in foreign exchange liabilities, which helped stabilise the naira, the attraction of more than $50 billion in new Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), and the execution of over 440 road projects nationwide, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

He also mentioned initiatives such as the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme and the Students’ Loan Scheme, which has already benefitted over 300,000 Nigerian students.

‘President Bola Tinubu truly deserves a second term in office,’ Odunmbaku said.

‘The endorsement by our party in Lagos reflects the confidence we have in his leadership. He has stabilised the economy and made significant progress across sectors. As the chairman of Ojodu LCDA, I, along with my people, fully support this endorsement and will ensure victory for our party in 2027.’

Odunmbaku further linked Tinubu’s national achievements to the progress recorded in Ojodu LCDA under his administration’s HEYES five-point agenda, which focuses on health, education, youth empowerment, and social welfare.

He urged APC members across Lagos to remain united and committed to ensuring the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, saying the administration’s ongoing reforms must be sustained for Nigeria’s continued growth and stability.

A man accused of attempted murder has admitted in court to dousing his wife with petrol and setting her on fire in a tram in the central German city of Gera.

He feels deep remorse and pain for having caused his wife severe suffering, his defence lawyer, Andreas Boine, on Thursday explained on behalf of his client at the start of the trial at Gera Regional Court in the state of Thuringia.

The defendant could not comprehend the breakdown of his 30-year marriage and was in a deep life crisis that he could not overcome, Boine said.

His family, including their three children, was the main focus of the 46-year-old’s life, the defence lawyer further explained.

Prosecutor Marc Prehler said the defendant had been violent in the marriage, his wife had moved in with their adult daughter at the beginning of the year after a fit of jealousy from the man, Prehler said.

As he did not want to live without her and did not want her to lead an independent life, the defendant intended to kill both himself and his wife, Prehler said.

On March 16, the accused Georgian reportedly boarded the tram with a bottle of petrol, the same tram his wife always took to work, knowing she could not get away, according to Prehler.

Within seconds, he poured the petrol on the unsuspecting woman’s face and set her on fire, Prehler said.

The woman then ran through the tram screaming for help and groaning in pain while the defendant watched, said the prosecutor.

The 46-year-old then fled and attempted to cut his wrists. After the failed attempt, he turned himself in to the police a day after the attack.(dpa/NAN)

Tomike Layi-Babatunde, the founder of Acacia Studio is a woman with a mission. She is also a woman with a strong aesthetic sense. Though a lawyer who was trained at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, she has decided to bring art, beauty, design and of course comfort and joy to the homes of Nigeria through her locally-produced, state of the art homeware collection which draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of African heritage and blends traditional aesthetics with modern design sensibilities.

Still, Tomike has taken her passion and creativity notches higher as Acacia Studio, a leading name in innovative Afro-contemporary design specialized in producing homeware collection using traditional methods, from furniture to ceramics, launched the Tara Collection in grand style at JK Randle Hall, Onikan, Lagos on October 19 2025. The event was tagged ‘The Assembly: Dinner and Dialogue Night.’

However, the remarkable thing about that event is that it wasn’t just a launch it was a gathering, a hangout. It was also an evening of togetherness, camaraderie, community, love and fun as guests were treated to a string of refreshments while a live band played scintillating music in the background.

It was also a celebration of art, culture, community, beauty, design and heritage through Nigerian craftsmanship as everything on display that evening – plates, plate mats, furniture, ceramics etc – were sourced and curated locally.

Guests in attendance included Barrister Bimbola Salu Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government; Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor, Trinity House; Mr Yemi Adeola, Chairman Stirling Financial Holdings and former Managing Director, Stirling Bank Plc; Funke Aboyade, SAN; Mr and Mrs Ade Oyebanji, SAN; Prof. M.T Abdulrazak, SAN; Barrister Adedumade Onibogun and Mr Akin Oladeji.

Tomike’s parents, Mr and Mrs Layi Babatunde, were also at the event to give her all the support that she needed. And Tolani Layi Babatunde, the Chief Operating Officer, Acacia Studio, also made her presence felt.

Asked what inspired her to create the Tara Collection, Tomike said: ‘One of the major values that we hold here at Acacia Studio is community and the art of gathering. If you look at any average Nigerian, no matter what their level is in society, they always have that family unit and that spirit of community and kinship. And that’s something that we really hold dear here. We wanted just a small gathering for people to just sit down, have a nice meal, discuss, engage, and have a beautiful evening.

‘We are a brand that focuses on Afro-contemporary furniture and homeware made in Lagos, Nigeria, and we want to showcase Nigerian culture and heritage to the world.’

What has been her experience so far ever since Acacia Studio was founded? ‘It’s been challenging, it’s been exciting, it’s been fun, it’s been interesting, it’s been a lot of different things, and it’s been a journey that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Manufacturing in Nigeria is not an easy thing. It’s not an easy feat. But somehow we’re doing it and we’re growing and progressing,’ Tomike noted.

The event was indeed a huge success. And distinguished guests, thrilled at the growth and success of Acacia Studio as well as Tomike’s entrepreneurial spirit expressed how delighted they were. Barrister Bimbola Salu Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government in an interview with journalists for instance, said Acacia Studio has what it takes to compete globally.

‘You’ve seen some of her works.They’re extremely beautiful. They are creative. I really believe that she will go places. I want to believe when you came in, you saw a few of them. You saw what she did -the table mat, the Adire etc. She will compete globally. I can assure you she will do well. We’re very proud of her. We’re with her all the way,’ Hundeyin enthused

She also said the Lagos State government is doing all it can to encourage creatives like Tomike. ‘We’re big on the creative industry. You know that Lagos itself is a state of culture. That’s why we call it the state of aquatic splendour. The government is very keen, especially, on encouraging young people in the creative industry to build their potential. We have a lot of entrepreneurship programs for them,’ she said.

Mr Layi Babatunde, SAN, also showed his excitement at the progress her daughters, Tomike and Tolani, have made with their entrepreneurial skills and Acacia Studio.

‘I commend their energy. I commend their creativity. And I pray that they will be able to sustain it and not get diverted. But quite honestly, one is encouraged by their efforts and their determination and commitment. For you to build a business up to this level, it takes a lot of dedication and effort and commitment. By the grace of God, we are able to achieve that. And we cannot but be grateful to God and to commend her and her team for the fantastic work that they are doing.

‘This gives us the opportunity to come and see for ourselves what they are able to achieve. The sky certainly is not their limit from what we can see. And we are very proud of them. And I believe Nigeria is proud of them. Nigeria certainly has a very great future. Yes, and these young people are going to be a very important factor for us to achieve that.’

Asked how it felt to be at the event, Mr Layi Babatunde, SAN, enthused: ‘It’s nice to be here. It’s fantastic. The household items, the furniture pieces, the table mats, the beautiful designs that are on them are really quite encouraging. And they are things that create memories, actually. I’m sure even if you have people visiting from outside of the country, you’ll be amazed at the value that we bring to the table in terms of our culture and lifestyle.

‘So, it’s good to be here. Thank God that the two of them are working out things together. And they are making a lot of progress. It’s time to sit back, watch them, support them where we can, advise them, encourage them, and let them be. Let them go out there and prove themselves. And I believe they are doing so.’

Barrister Adedumade Onibogun also expressed how delighted he was at the event and, also, his appreciation for what Tomike has done with Acacia Studio.

‘I must say that I am not surprised because when you look at the quality of everything that has been put together here, it shows the depth at which the founders of the studio go to curate their pieces, to curate their furniture, and to tell the African story through the work that they do.

‘I think it’s very brilliant what they have done this evening. And I look forward to a lot more amazing things that they are set up to do I think the world needs to look out for them because what they are doing is phenomenal. And the world needs to pay attention.

‘And I’m sure with the way they are going, they are going to catch the attention of the world because there is so much authenticity to what they bring to the table. And I feel it’s something we should all pay attention to, especially because the world today is focused a lot on cultural heritage. What makes us different? What makes us unique as a people? How do we tell our stories?

‘I’m sure you’ve heard sometimes when they say Africans don’t tell their stories enough and they allow other people to tell their stories for them. But Acacia Studio is telling our stories and I think that’s a wonderful thing. I support what they are doing. I’m totally with them. And I wish them all the very best,’ Onibogun maintained.

Onibogun believes that government is doing something to encourage the creative industry. However he urged it to do more, given the contributions of the creative industry to the economy.

‘Sometimes people say government is not doing enough. But I don’t think so because I am familiar with one or two things that government is doing, especially in the creative industry. Government is doing a lot in that space. I believe that government can only continue to support creatives, continue to support the creative economy because you’d be surprised how much the creative economy can boost for Nigeria.

‘I think people also need to understand that government cannot do everything. We all need to put our hands on deck. While the government is doing what they can in the way they can, even individuals, businesses, organizations, you also join us to collaborate with the government and other critical stakeholders to support the creative economy. And I’m sure we will all gain from it at the end of the day.

‘And we should be pushing our local industries on the global platform. We have done a lot of importing. We should start exporting. And some people are doing it already, right? But we need more people to do it, because that’s even going to help us fight the dollar at the end of the day. So we should look at placing local content on the global platforms. I think that’s where our focus should be,’ Onibogun said.

The evening wore on, spiced up with the spirit of camaraderie in the air. And as the live band played refreshing music guests could not but be amazed at the beautiful artistic designs that Tomike and her team at Acacia Studio were able to put together, thus creating unforgettable memories. And as one of the guests earlier said, those designs indeed tell stories about our rich cultural heritage.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), to defend the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, saying credible elections remain the foundation of a stable democracy.

Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office to the new INEC boss at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment, confirmed by the Senate a week ago, reflects the confidence reposed in his competence and character by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

‘I urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this national assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections, strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC, and ensure credible outcomes that reflect the will of the people,’ the President said.

He reminded the new INEC chief that his first major test would come in November with the Anambra governorship election, which he described as an opportunity to prove his leadership and commitment to fair play.

‘As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you. This marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism,’ Tinubu added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, the President said the nation had made significant progress through reforms, innovation, and lessons learned from past electoral experiences.

‘Our democracy has come a long way. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral system. To ensure that democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must remain beyond reproach,’ he said.

Tinubu noted that while no electoral system is flawless, transparency and credibility at every stage, from voter registration to collation are essential for sustaining public confidence.

‘Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. We must continuously improve our electoral process by learning from past challenges and innovating for tomorrow,’ he stated.

The President urged Amupitan to uphold transparency, inclusivity, and non-violence in all future polls, stressing that Nigerians are counting on INEC to deepen trust in the ballot and strengthen democracy.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has announced Oct. 31 as the deadline for all candidates offered provisional admission to accept their offers for the 2025/2026 academic session.

This announcement is contained in a statement by the management, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire.

The statement said the notice followed the decision reached at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting with vice chancellors and other stakeholders on the national admissions calendar.

It said candidates, who fail to accept their admission before the deadline, risk forfeiting the offer.

‘The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba B. Omoregie, SAN, congratulated all newly admitted students and expressed the university’s readiness to receive them when academic activities commence on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.

‘The management of the University of Benin looks forward to welcoming the newly admitted students as bonafide undergraduates of the University from Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, when the new academic year shall begin,’ the statement read.

It added that the management also advised all admitted candidates to promptly log into the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) to accept their offers and complete all necessary registration procedures ahead of resumption.

Founded in 2023 by Uthman Bello, also known as Tekunbi, City Plug Entertainment is quickly establishing itself as a leading force in Africa’s entertainment ecosystem.

The company is built around a simple idea: identify creative talent, nurture it, and create pathways for it to thrive globally. Its services cover music, digital content, streaming, live events, and strategic brand collaborations, making City Plug a complete entertainment platform for the modern African creative.

City Plug functions as an all-in-one entertainment company. It discovers emerging talent and guides them through a structured growth process that combines skill development, exposure, and mentorship. ‘Our goal is to give young creatives the tools, connections, and confidence they need to succeed on their own terms,’ Tekunbi says. By creating a supportive and professional environment, City Plug ensures that artists can focus on their craft while building sustainable careers.

Strategic partnerships are a core part of the City Plug model. Collaborating with brands such as Kick, Stake, iTel, Oraimo, Colgate, and JB Autos allows the company to create opportunities that benefit both its talents and partner organizations. These partnerships provide funding, marketing, and visibility, allowing City Plug to launch projects with wider impact. ‘We want our talents to not just shine individually, but also set a standard for the industry as a whole,’ Tekunbi explains.

City Plug also prioritizes mentorship and professional development. The company teaches young creators the skills they need to succeed, including brand building, audience engagement, and creative strategy.

Tekunbi emphasized that nurturing talent is a team effort, saying, ‘Every success is a result of collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision across the entire City Plug team.’

The company continually invests in innovative projects that showcase African talent. From digital content series to live performances, City Plug ensures that each initiative not only promotes its artists but also sets new creative standards. This focus on innovation strengthens the company’s reputation as a leader in the entertainment industry and provides its talents with unique opportunities to grow.

City Plug is also committed to expanding its influence internationally. By establishing connections with global brands and creating platforms for cross-border collaborations, the company helps African talents reach audiences beyond the continent. This global vision underscores City Plug’s dedication to putting African entertainment on the world stage.

The company is actively working on multiple large-scale projects, including upcoming music releases, film productions, and live events in Lagos. These initiatives not only spotlight City Plug talents but also create industry standards for professionalism, innovation, and creativity. By providing consistent opportunities for exposure and development, City Plug continues to expand its influence in Africa’s entertainment scene.

City Plug Entertainment is more than just a talent company; it is a platform for transformation. Its vision is to connect African talent to global audiences while building an industry that values skill, dedication, and collaboration.

By fostering creativity, supporting growth, and creating opportunities, City Plug is shaping the future of entertainment in Africa and ensuring that talented artists are recognized and celebrated around the world.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Northern Stakeholders have endorsed former Minister Tanimu Turaki as their consensus candidate for the Nov. 15 National Convention in Ibadan.

The PDP Northern Stakeholders, comprising PDP governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and other party leaders from the northern region, disclosed this after a closed-door meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Turaki served as the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa said the decision followed extensive consultations and deliberations among the party’s northern leaders.

‘We have met this evening to deliberate and take decision on the office of the chairman of our great party, the PDP, which was zoned to the north.

‘In our meeting, we have reflected deeply and widely through consultation and going to Ibadan for our national convention.

‘We have adopted a consensus candidate to represent the North, and by extension, Nigeria, as the chairman of the PDP.

‘That gentleman is KT Turaki, SAN. This is our decision this evening; and he is the person we are presenting at that convention as our chairman to represent our party, on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 in Ibadan,’ he said

Fintiri said the stakeholders represented all 19 northern states, including Abuja, the FCT.

However, he noted that anyone still interested in contesting the position was free to do so.

He added that all other positions zoned to the northern states would be decided at the regional level, and the region would present its candidates alongside others at the convention.

‘Altogether, we have ten positions in the north, as far as the convention is concerned.

‘Nevertheless, anybody who still feels he will want to contest in any position is free, and this is what our position has allowed.

‘We are not excluding anybody. But then, we have just announced to you our consensus candidate, as far as these leaders are concerned.

‘But if anybody still feels he wants to contest, I have said it, time without number. That the door is opened,’ he said.

When asked about plans to engage other northern PDP leaders interested in the chairmanship race, including former Jigawa State governor Ibrahim Shakarau, he said everyone would be contacted.

‘Of course, PDP is an institution, and we have mechanism to handle all these issues. And we’ll reach out and we’ll talk to each other.

‘We’ve been talking to ourselves, not today, not yesterday. This is a build-up of consensus in the last two weeks, and we have just a consultation, and this is just the result.

‘I’m assuring you that the convention will be a rancour-free convention,’ he said.

Also speaking on the gale of defections from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fintiri said that PDP remained united.

‘We are still united and focused, and our primary responsibility at the moment is the convention.

‘And this is what we’re discussing,’ he said.

At the meeting were Govs. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and Dauda Lawal, of Zamfara.

Others included former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, Turaki and members of the PDP National Working Committee from the North under the leadership Umar Damagum.

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has thrown its weight behind the upcoming Eko Fiesta, describing it as a well-structured initiative that captures the essence of Lagos’ creative and cultural vibrancy.

The event, scheduled to hold from December 22 to 24, 2025, is being organised by Dosh and Wales Company, promoted by Damilare Osho and Dr. Wale Oyebanji, in partnership with the Ministry.

Speaking during a meeting with the organisers, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, commended the project for its originality, depth, and alignment with the State Government’s mission to promote tourism, culture, and creativity in ways that truly reflect the Lagos spirit.

According to Aregbe, the Ministry was particularly impressed by the event’s ‘creative synergy, how music, art, culture, and commerce blend seamlessly to tell a powerful Lagos story.’

He added that such initiatives embody the State’s vision of empowering creatives, boosting local enterprises, and strengthening the creative economy.

‘Our role as a Ministry is to identify and support projects that make real impact,’ he said.

‘An event shouldn’t just entertain; it should also empower. Eko Fiesta achieves this by providing entrepreneurs a platform to connect with diverse audiences, increase their visibility, and grow their businesses.’

He noted that by giving entrepreneurs access to wider markets, the event directly contributes to sustainable economic growth and inclusion.

‘Every time we support commerce, we support livelihoods. Initiatives like this create jobs, foster creativity, and strengthen Lagos’ economy. When creativity thrives, the economy follows,’ Aregbe stated.

He further highlighted the importance of Lagos’ popular ‘Detty December’ season, describing it as a defining part of the city’s story, one that captures its energy, creativity, and spirit.

The Ministry, he said, remains committed to ensuring that festive events go beyond entertainment to celebrate the depth of Lagos’ cultural identity.

The Special Adviser praised the name ‘Eko Fiesta,’ noting that it embodies the Lagos atmosphere, lively, colourful, and inclusive, while providing opportunities for local creatives, vendors, and cultural ambassadors to play visible roles in the celebrations.

In their remarks, the organisers, Dosh and Wales Company, said the idea behind Eko Fiesta was to create a space that goes beyond concerts and parties by blending celebration with purpose.

‘While Lagos in December is filled with entertainment, there’s been a need for an event that connects people with culture and enterprise,’ the organisers said.

‘Eko Fiesta bridges that gap by showcasing music, art, and local craftsmanship, giving small businesses visibility and attendees a meaningful connection to Lagos’ creative identity.’

The organisers added that their vision is to establish Eko Fiesta as a vibrant and inclusive hub where celebration meets commerce, a platform that reinforces Lagos’ reputation as Africa’s leading destination for cultural tourism and entertainment.

Partners Mainland BlockParty for ‘Last Daze of Summer’

Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, is set to revolutionise travel between Nigeria and the UK with the launch of direct flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, starting October 26, 2025.

This milestone makes Air Peace the first Nigerian airline to operate direct flights from the nation’s capital to both of London’s major airports.

The direct flights will offer greater flexibility, convenience, and value for Nigerians and the diaspora, with round-trip fares starting from ?1 million.

Passengers will enjoy generous baggage allowances and seamless domestic connections from major Nigerian cities through Abuja. Travellers from London can also now connect to key Nigerian destinations, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Warri, Owerri, Kano, Yola, Gombe, and Asaba, using a single ticket.

Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, commented on the milestone, saying, ‘From our first flight, we made a promise to tell a different story about Africa; one of pride, excellence, and connection. Our new Abuja-London services represent opportunities for trade, for tourism, and for every Nigerian who dreams of easier, more affordable travel. Air Peace remains committed to democratising the skies, making international routes accessible without compromising safety or service.’

To celebrate the launch, Air Peace is partnering with Mainland BlockParty (MBP), Africa’s biggest youth festival, for its London edition, ‘Last Daze of Summer’, holding this Sunday, October 26, 2025 at LDN East.

Event attendees will have a chance to win a return ticket from London to Abuja this December.

To qualify for the draw, attendees are encouraged to visit the social pages of the Air Peace and MBP and follow the prompts.

Tobi Mohammed, Founder and Convener of the Mainland BlockParty, added that, ‘The Mainland BlockParty has always been about connection across music, culture, and people. Partnering with Air Peace for our London edition celebrates that same spirit on a global scale. We’re taking the energy of the Nigerian youth scene to London, where many in our community live, study, and create. This collaboration shows that home is never too far away and that African creativity can now travel as freely as the people who shape it.’

Headlining the ‘Last Daze of Summer’ BlockParty is DJames, the Red Bull 3Style UK Champion and one of the most dynamic names in the global music scene. Known for his seamless fusion of Afrobeats, Dancehall, and Soca, DJames has shared stages with artists like Drake and The Weeknd, electrifying audiences from London to Lagos. Also confirmed to grace the stage is Zlatan, one of Nigeria’s most consistent and relentless rappers since his breakout in 2019.

For Africans in the diaspora, the yearning for the familiar – the sounds of Afrobeats, the warmth of shared culture, and the unifying power of dance – is ever-present. Mainland BlockParty delivers that experience, creating festivals and events that serve as cultural touchpoints for diasporans longing for home. Whether it’s in London, Atlanta, New York, or Toronto, the brand recreates the unmistakable vibe of a Lagos event, igniting a sense of belonging across borders.

The Nigeria Police Force has explained why human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was arrested.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Sowore was taken into custody for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in Abuja, violating a court order.

Hundeyin made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He said,

‘Sowore was arrested because 13 people earlier detained during the Free Nnamdi Kanu protest mentioned in their statements that he led them into the restricted area, despite the court ban on protests there.’

He added that it would be unfair to charge the 13 protesters without also arresting the person who allegedly led them.

‘In the spirit of fairness and justice, we arrested Sowore today. He won’t stay long in custody. We plan to charge him to court as soon as possible, maybe even today,’ Hundeyin said.

The police spokesman also confirmed that 13 protesters were earlier arrested for disobeying the court order that banned demonstrations in certain parts of Abuja.

Eight of them were caught near Transcorp area, while five others were picked up around the Ministry of Finance.

He noted that all of them were arraigned in court within 24 hours of their arrest.