Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, has confirmed he remains in detention at the Kuje Prison, 24 hours after his arrest during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Ejimakor assured supporters of his safety on his status in a post on X (formerly Twitter) while expressing concerns about how his case was handled by the police.

The human rights lawyer wrote: ‘I am safe and sound but still under custody at Kuje prison. The Magistrate refused to listen to our submissions. He insisted on remanding us till Friday and got his way’.

Ejimakor also alleged that the authorities deliberately took his case to a particular court in Kuje instead of any of the other available Magistrate courts in the city.

‘For context: Keep in mind that they bypassed several Magistrate courts in town and headed to this one in Kuje,’ he stated.

Ejimakor was among those arrested on Monday during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, called on legal regulatory bodies in Nigeria to sanction Ejimakor for participating in the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

According to Onanuga, Ejimakor’s participation in the protest undermines legal ethics, given that Kanu’s case is still before a competent court.

‘I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore,’ Onanuga wrote.

‘I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest. As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to the ongoing treason case before the court.’

Onanuga noted the prosecution had already concluded its case and that it was now the duty of Kanu’s legal team to focus on presenting a strong defence rather than engaging in public demonstrations.

Her comment comes in the wake of the ongoing controversy surrounding actress Regina Daniels’ marriage to businessman and politician Ned Nwoko, which has sparked widespread online debate about women’s choices and societal expectations.

In a post shared on Instagram story, the actress expressed strong dissatisfaction with the way women are perceived and treated.

She wrote: ‘Nobody can convince me otherwise, so keep your comments to yourself. The Nigerian society genuinely hates women.’

Her statement has drawn mixed reactions from social media users, with some supporting her position while others dismissed it as an overstatement.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration’s anti-corruption drive has recorded a huge success in the last two years.

He said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets worth more than N500 billion in the first two years of his administration.

President said the recovered funds were being channelled into social investment programmes, such as the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme.

He urged the Judiciary to uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality in the fight against corruption.

The President warned that the collapse of justice institutions marks the beginning of a nation’s moral decay.

President Tinubu spoke yesterday in Abuja at the opening of a joint workshop of the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence and improving the welfare of judicial officers.

‘The moral foundation of the Nigerian nation rests squarely on the integrity of its judicial system. We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience’, the President declared.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu described his administration’s recent review of judicial remuneration as part of a broader reform to enhance judicial independence and efficiency.

The President underscored that while Nigerians express frustration over the slow pace of adjudication in high-profile corruption cases, his government has refrained from interfering in the process.

‘There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors on account of their affiliation to this government or the political party. We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-graft agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers,’ he said.

Addressing the evolving landscape of financial crimes, President Tinubu stressed the need for continuous judicial training in emerging technologies, particularly in handling cybercrime and cryptocurrency-related cases.

‘Learning and relearning is no longer a buzz phrase but an essential undertaking for continued relevance in this digital age. How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case except one is grounded in such matters?’ he noted.

The President reminded judicial officers that corruption spares no one, regardless of social standing.

He said: ‘Your vantage position on the Bench does not insulate you from the consequences of corruption. There are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges.’

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairperson of the NJI Board of Governors, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, noted that the decisions of judicial officers have far-reaching effects on Nigeria’s growth and stability.

The CJN urged judges to remain firm, fair, and deliberate in their adjudications, ensuring that justice is never delayed or denied.

‘The strength of the judiciary lies in the trust reposed in judges by the Nigerian people. We must preserve that trust by ensuring justice is neither partial nor delayed,’ Justice Kekere-Ekun said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, affirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption agencies through enabling laws and funding.

‘Corruption is an enemy of the state, and combating it requires action from all fronts-the legislature, the judiciary, and the citizenry,’ Akpabio said.

He assured all of continued legislative backing for security and law enforcement reforms.

The NJI Administrator, Justice B. A. Adejumo, lauded the collaborative efforts of the EFCC and the judiciary, describing the annual workshop as ‘a vital platform for strengthening institutional synergy in the fight against corruption’.

He reiterated that ‘no nation can develop without tackling corruption head-on’.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede applauded the judiciary’s partnership in advancing the anti-graft crusade.

The EFCC chairman noted that the Supreme Court’s recent decision reaffirming the commission’s constitutional mandate had further strengthened institutional confidence.

‘The record of 4,111 convictions and humongous asset recoveries could not have been achieved by a lazy or ineffective judiciary,’ he said.

Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to sustain its drive against financial crimes.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was pleased with his players’ commitment, but warned that they cannot get ahead of themselves as they fight for silverware on multiple fronts.

Arsenal, unbeaten since August, are three points clear at the top of the Premier League and have won both their Champions League matches so far, but Arteta was not keen to accept the ‘favourites’ tag in the English top-flight.

‘The only thing I embrace is when I see the team, the energy, the temperature, the commitment and quality that they can deliver. That gives me the conviction that we can go all the way,’ Arteta told reporters a day before hosting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

‘But that’s just a feeling, then the next day you have to prove it and you can’t be busy thinking about those topics.

‘Every game in (the Premier League) is must-win. We are very appreciative of that, so we don’t get carried away with anything.’

Asked about a video shared on social media that showed Arsenal defender William Saliba watching Atletico Madrid on the coach after Saturday’s 1-0 win at Fulham, Arteta praised the France international’s eagerness to prepare for future opponents.

‘Very pleased because I didn’t encourage it, that came from them. We know this will be a tough one, so the earlier we think about it the better. I love that initiative from the players,’ Arteta said.

Arteta said he looked up to Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who has led the Spanish club to two Europa League and two LaLiga titles since taking charge in 2011.

‘What he has done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding, not only what has achieved but the way he has done it. The identity he has created, they are simple and clear to identify because the manager is very much them,’ Arteta said. ‘He is someone I look up to. His passion, how long he has been in the game, how he still has that capacity to transmit a willingness to win. To keep convincing players in this environment, you have to be extraordinarily good.’

Defender Piero Hincapie will be available for today’s clash after recovering from a groin injury, Arteta added.

TODAY’S FIXTURES

Barcelona vs. Olympiakos

Kairat Almaty vs. Pafos

Arsenal vs. Atletico

Leverkusen vs. PSG

Copenhagen vs. Dortmund

Newcastle vs. Benfica

PSV vs. Napoli

Saint-Gilloise vs. Inter

Villarreal vs. Man City

Despite the propaganda of the emergent African Democratic Party (ADC), and the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), remains the main opposition party in the country with a potential to put up a fight against the dominant All Progressive Congress (APC), in the 2027 general election if they can put their house in order. But with all the crisis bedevilling the PDP, it appears the party would remain in disarray, unless the warriors sheathe their swords.

Looking back, former president, Goodluck Jonathan and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, principally bear the blame for the precipitate decline of the PDP. What Atiku started in the run up to the 2011 general election by decamping from the party, Jonathan consolidated by running for the 2015 general election which he eventually lost. While PDP members, especially from the north accepted as fait accompli that Vice President Jonathan should run for election in 2011, after completing the term granted late President Umaru Yar’Adua, they rejected outright his attempt to run again in 2015.

From hindsight, the division caused by the decision of Jonathan to run led to a fissure, and the emergence of what became known as new PDP, which some governors and legislators championed. The eventual loss of power by the party saw the exodus of many members of the party, especially the fair weather ones, to the APC which won the presidential poll with President Muhammadu Buhari, as flag bearer. And ever since, it has been a free fall for the PDP.

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, after abandoning the party during their crisis period, returned for the second time, to hijack the presidential ticket of PDP for the 2023 general election. That action appears to have set the party down to its current free fall to destruction. The former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, having been deceived by the former Speaker, House of Representatives and former governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal (an Atiku accomplice), appears to have forsworn never to be taken for a ride again, by the party men.

Wike has ensured that he has the PDP is in his vice grip, and so unless on terms, that he considers as fair and just, he has vowed that the party will not hold the National Convention to elect new party leaders. Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, of Oyo and Bauchi states, respectively, and other party leaders who dared Wike to do his worst, are realizing that life is being squeezed out of their party, as the day unfolds.

The chairmen of PDP, in Imo and Abia states, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Abraham Nnana, with the party secretary in south-south zone, remains in court, claiming that the PDP has not conducted the required congresses in some states to elect delegates to the planned convention amongst other grievances. While that case is still pending, the PDP got enmeshed in another crisis, between the acting national party chairman, Umar Damagun and the national legal adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, over the right to appoint a counsel to defend the party in the suit filed by those opposed to the convention.

The legal adviser contends that by Article 40 of the party’s constitution, no other party officer or organ has the right to appoint a legal counsel to defend the party, without his concurrence. The National Working Committee, without waiting for the court presided over by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to determine the conflicting claims between the chairman and the legal adviser, relieved the legal adviser of any right to represent the PDP in the suit.

There is the chance that the legal adviser may seek to open another battle front with the party, over what he may consider as attempt to whittle down his power. While all that is playing out, the secretary of the party has raised a bombshell capable of truncating the entire plans for the convention. He claimed that his signature was forged on the document, notifying INEC of the planned convention, and has petitioned the Department of State Security (DSS), the Nigeria Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over the claim.

While PDP has dismissed the impact, and vowed to forge ahead with the convention, we wait to see whether the claim if proved to be true, would affect the veracity of the notice required to be sent to INEC before a convention can be validly held by a political party. While Anyanwu is seeking the prosecution of the party leaders, over the alleged forgery, it is instructive that no party official has come forward to renounce the alleged forgery of the signature of the party secretary.

Less than four weeks to the date slated for the convention, the court has asked the parties to maintain status quo, pending the determination of the suit. Of note, Justice Omotosho, has promised to determine the substantive suit by the end of October, so the parties would know their fate. If he gives the party the go ahead, to hold the convention, the challenges over party delegates, the alleged forged signature and other issues, would continue to becloud the convention.

Interestingly, there are diehards in the party who have maintained that the party would survive all the challenges and come out stronger. Apart from the governors of Bauchi and Oyo states, there is the elder statesman Chief Olabode George of Lagos State. There is also the latest alliance between Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, to work together. On the reverse side, recently the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa states have left the party, and their colleague in Taraba, Agbu Kefas, is touted to be on his way out of the party.

The ADC which the promoters had said would provide the opposition to the APC, when juxtaposed against the indices of potential greatness, so far, is akin to the despondency of Macbeth in the Shakespearean play, of the same title: ‘a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’ In that play, Macbeth had made the exclamation on the hopelessness of his life, when he heard that his wife, Lady Macbeth had committed suicide. This column believes that those who believed the hype by the promoters of ADC, may now exhibit such despondency.

The other party which got some elixir, in the 2023 general election, the Labour Party, has been left high and dry, with an ‘enemy chairman’ in charge of the party. At the last INEC meeting with party chairmen, Barrister Julius Abure, who has fallen out with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the former presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, and the only party governor, Alex Otti, was ensconced in the chair reserved for Labour Party.

Heartland FC will trade tackles with Solution FC of Awka at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri tomorrow in a replay of the friendly game played in the Anambra capital last month.

The Naze Millionaires battled Solution FC to a goalless draw in Awka and as the Emmanuel Amuneke-tutored lads continue their preparation for the start of the Nigeria National League season both teams will lock horns again in the return leg of the tie.

It will be recalled that Heartland FC endured a painful late-minute implosion when former player Francis Erikan struck deep into stoppage time to earn Akwa United a 1-1 draw in a tense friendly encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Saturday afternoon.

The encounter offered valuable lessons and fitness for both teams as they continue preparations to return to topflight football and the tie with Solution FC will provide more insight into the level of Heartland FC build up to the lower league season will starts on November 8th .

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Agunwa Anaekwe, former Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic, describing him as a courageous and disciplined democrat who stood firmly for civil governance during the nation’s turbulent political era.

In a condolence message on Tuesday, the President said the late Anaekwe, who died at 69, will be remembered for his unwavering opposition to military dictatorship and his outstanding role in defending democratic values.

‘With profound sadness, I mourn the passing of one of our nation’s eminent legislators, Right Honourable Agunwa Anaekwe, who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic (1992-1993).

‘Chief Anaekwe was a bold, courageous, and disciplined leader. He provided the needed leadership in parliament during utter chaos and rudderlessness. He was a true democrat and well-versed parliamentarian,’ Tinubu said.

The President recalled his time as a member of the National Assembly during the Third Republic, noting that Anaekwe’s tenure symbolised resistance against the excesses of military rule. ‘I vividly recall the sacrifices of those who dared the military authorities,’ he added.

Tinubu further commiserated with the Anaekwe family, the government, and the people of Anambra State, noting that the late Speaker’s contributions extended beyond his time in parliament.

‘With the return of democratic governance in 1999, the former Speaker continued to play an important part in nation-building. In 2006, he helped found the Action Congress (AC) in Anambra State and was the first interim state chairman. He was also a member of our party’s National Caucus, the All Progressives Congress (APC),’ the President stated.

He described Chief Anaekwe’s life as one of service and inspiration to future generations of lawmakers and administrators.

‘I believe his diligent service to Nigeria will continue to inspire other legislators and administrators throughout the decades,’ Tinubu said, praying that God grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort his family.

Nigerian comedian, Loudvoice, has etched his name in the nation’s entertainment history as the first comedian to sell out the prestigious Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, in a theater-style seating arrangement for two consecutive shows.

The record-breaking event, held over the weekend, attracted massive crowds of comedy lovers, celebrities, and entertainment enthusiasts who filled the iconic venue to capacity on both days.

Loudvoice’s feat marks a significant milestone in his career and in the Nigerian comedy industry, underscoring the rising influence and appeal of homegrown talents on major stages.

Reflecting on his achievement, Loudvoice shared how faith and determination propelled him to take the bold step.

‘I was initially scared to try it because no one had ever done it,’ he said. ‘But I believe in one principle called faith. I told myself that the same faith I needed to get 100 people to attend my show is the same level of faith I needed to get the 3,000 people who gathered for both shows – and it came to pass.’

The success of the shows has been hailed as a groundbreaking moment for the Nigerian comedy scene, inspiring a new wave of performers to dream bigger and redefine industry standards.

On his next plan, Loudvoice revealed that he has plans to take the show to other cities in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Audience members described the shows as ‘electrifying’ and ‘unforgettable,’ praising Loudvoice’s originality, stage energy, and ability to blend humor with social commentary.

Industry observers say the achievement sets a new standard for Nigerian comedians and positions Loudvoice among the leading voices redefining stand-up comedy in the country.

The event also featured performances from top entertainers and was hailed as a celebration of creativity and excellence in Nigerian entertainment.

It was an evening of glamour, celebration, and inspiration as young visionaries gathered for the Under 40 Entrepreneurs Awards 2025 After Party and Awards Presentation Ceremony held on Thursday, October 16 in Lagos.

The event capped a week-long celebration of creativity and enterprise that began with a summit at Golden Tulip: Stone White Boutique Hotel, Zanzibar, on Friday, October 10, 2025.

The summit brought together Africa’s brightest young minds to explore how creative innovation can drive the continent’s economic growth while honoring exceptional achievements across various sectors.

Among the standout honorees was Crown Prince Temiloluwa Oladapo Bayode, who received yet another prestigious recognition for his remarkable impact in Public Relations, Media, Humanitarian Service, Entertainment, and Brand Consulting.

Bayode, the founder of Distrigency Brand and Business Solutions Ltd, Unicorn Entertainment Company, Reflectors’ Foundation, and DistriTUNES, was celebrated for his multi-sectoral influence and his commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs through creative collaboration, brand development, and philanthropy.

‘Temiloluwa Bayode is a symbol of visionary leadership among today’s young African entrepreneurs,’ said Amb. Dr. Joy Osusu, CEO of GloMAY Alliance Company Ltd, organizers of the event. ‘He embodies the spirit of dedication and impact we seek to highlight through the Under 40 Entrepreneurs Awards.’

The evening also witnessed the official launch of Achievers Chronicles Magazine International, a publication dedicated to spotlighting emerging business leaders and changemakers across Africa.

The maiden edition, unveiled at the event, features exclusive interviews, success stories, and thought-leadership articles from award recipients and industry icons – including Prince Temiloluwa Bayode.

Speaking after receiving his award, Bayode expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to building sustainable brands that serve both people and purpose.

‘This recognition is for all hustlers, and it reminds me that every idea, no matter how small, can change lives when driven by passion and purpose,’ he said. ‘I also dedicate this award to my teams, partners, clients, and every young creative working hard to make Africa proud.’

Prominent Nollywood actor Chukwuemeka Stanley Okoye, popularly known as Papa Pepe in Jenifa’s Diary, who also received an award, praised Bayode’s accomplishment and the impact of the event.

‘My experience in Canada made me realize that Nigerians and Africans must learn to appreciate their own, especially in the diaspora,’ he said. ‘Temiloluwa Bayode is a resilient person who wants to see as many people as possible succeed. This event is more than an award show – it’s a movement of young minds rewriting Africa’s business narrative.’

The Under 40 Entrepreneurs Awards, held in conjunction with the Achievers Awards International, celebrated individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional innovation and contributions within their fields.

Organized by GloMAY Alliance Company Limited, the event reaffirmed the importance of recognizing young achievers as vital catalysts in Africa’s economic transformation.

As the night drew to a close, attendees left inspired – reminded that the continent’s next generation of leaders is already shaping a brighter future for Africa.

Northbrix, the parent company of CyBrixTeam.ai, the world’s first Agentic Integrated Marketing Environment (IME), has launched CybrixTeam.ai which is set to transform the future of marketing.

The launch took place at opening day of Moonshot conference held between October 15 and 16 at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

CyBrixTeam.ai delivers an autonomous, AI-managed platform that empowers businesses to unify every facet of their marketing from strategy and market intelligence to content creation, SEO, performance marketing, social and influencer engagement, creative execution, and analytics.

Speaking on the launch of CyBrixTeam.ai and sponsorship of the event, Branka Mracajac, Founder and CEO of Northbrix, the parent company of CyBrixTeam.ai, said: ‘Launching CyBrix at Moonshot is a deliberate move because this event represents the future of African innovation. As we unveil the world’s first agentic marketing environment, there is no better stage to demonstrate how AI can shape the future of marketing, power a new era of speed, intelligence, and creativity for African brands. Our sponsorship reflects a deep commitment to supporting the ecosystem’s next chapter of growth and impact’.

On Northbrix’s sponsorship of Moonshot 2025, she said it underscores its mission to transform the business landscape in Africa by empowering organizations to move beyond fragmented systems toward a more robust platform that drives growth and profitability.