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An Igbo group from the southeast region of Nigeria under the National Igbo union, has demanded that a fair trial be held for Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.

The demands, made in statement released on Thursday, stated that the government should put sentiments aside while dealing with the case.

The Admin Secretary of the Igbo union INU-W, Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu, also claimed that the Nigerian Government have been bias towards the trial. ‘It was a disheartening scenario on 26 September 2025 when the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Omotosho struck out the ‘no case submission’ brought by the legal team of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the consternation of people with good conscience all over the world. By striking out the application of no case submission, the Nigerian Government at the centre and her security agencies had showcased their bias and intent over the trial of MNK who was illegally renditioned from Kenya in June 2021,’ he stated.

The secretary also questioned the freedom of Sunday Igboho and Bello Turji,, while stating that they were also charged with terrorism as Nnamdi Kanu.

‘Igbo National Union Worldwide once again urges for a fair and just trial for Kanu since the Nigerian Government has decided he has a case to answer. It will be counterproductive and also another ploy to jeopardize the works of MNK’s legal team led by Kanu Agabi, SAN. It could also be another excuse to get at Igbo youths by the security agencies. This time calls for a sober reflection by Ndigbo on who we are, our existence, and survival in Nigeria,’ the release added,’ the statement reads.

Niger State is bracing for a major disaster as four hydro-electric dams, Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru have begun discharging excess water, sparking fears of catastrophic flooding across riverine communities.

The warning came from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), following a notification from the dam operators and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

NSEMA’s Director General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, in a statement on Thursday, urged communities along Rivers Niger and Kaduna to move to higher ground immediately. ‘The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, and this could cause massive overflow. People must limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season and relocate to safer grounds already identified,’ Arah warned. He added that NiMet’s latest forecast also predicts violent windstorms at the tail end of the rainy season, cautioning residents to avoid staying under trees during downpours and keep away from weak structures.

Already, parts of Niger State are reeling from the impact of the floods. Houses, farms, roads, and bridges have been washed away, with several local government areas – including Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Bida, and Bosso – badly affected.

NSEMA confirmed that lives have been lost in the disaster, though it did not disclose figures. Many families have also been displaced, while socio-economic activities in the affected communities have been paralysed.

‘This is beyond normal flooding. If people ignore the warnings, the consequences will be tragic,’ Arah said.

A major fire broke out at the popular Bariga Market in Lagos on Tuesday, leaving traders in shock and despair after goods worth millions of naira were lost.

The blaze, which started in the early hours of the day, quickly spread through several stalls before emergency officials could arrive.

According to preliminary findings, the fire is believed to have started from one shop and then spread rapidly to others, largely because many of the stalls were built with wooden partitions that fueled the flames. Responding swiftly, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), supported by other first responders, battled hard to contain the fire.

Their prompt intervention prevented the inferno from reaching adjoining sections of the market, which could have made the situation far worse. Officials also ensured that there were no secondary outbreaks after the main fire was extinguished. Although no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded, the damage was severe. At least 26 shops were completely destroyed, with goods and property valued at several millions of naira turned to ashes.

Many traders, who rely on the market for their daily livelihood, were seen weeping at the site, lamenting the loss of their hard-earned investments. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, but an investigation is underway. LASEMA has urged traders to observe basic fire safety measures and called on market leaders to put stronger preventive structures in place, including fire extinguishers and better stall designs, to reduce risks in the future.

For now, many affected traders are left counting their losses, while residents of the area have praised the quick response of emergency workers for preventing what could have become a much larger disaster.

The Police on Thursday arraigned a 40-year-old man, Abiodun Femi, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing property valued at N2.1 million.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a charge of stealing. The Prosecutor, Insp. Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant and others at large allegedly committed the offence on Sept. 22 about 12:30 a.m at Omolayo Standard Press on Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti. He alleged that the defendant and others burgled the company and stole a platform scale valued at N1.5 million, counter scale valued N160,000 and four scoop valued at N40,000. Other items allegedly stolen are four chairs valued at N400,000, four rugs valued at N180,000 and iron stool worth N40,000, all valued N2.1 million, belonging to Omolayo Standard Press.

Oriyomi said that the offence contravened Section 302 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to study the case file and assemble his witnesses.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. Counsel to the defendant, Mr. Gboyega Abiola, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail. The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case until Oct. 23 for hearing.

Akwa Ibom governor, Umo Eno, has dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state. This was announced by Mr Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government in a statement on Thursday in Uyo, the state capital.

Uwah said Eno commended members of the dissolved boards for their contributions to the governance of Akwa Ibom state.

The SSG said Eno acted in accordance with the powers conferred on him by Section 6 of the Statutory Boards (Special Provisions) Law, 2023. He further said that the dissolution was with immediate effect, adding,’the governor wishes members of the dissolved boards and commissions well in their future endeavours’

‘The governor commends them for the roles they have played towards achieving the promises contained in the ARISE Agenda,’ he said.

Uwah urged the chairmen of the defunct bodies to handover government property in their possession to the most senior officer in the establishment.(NAN)

The Lagos State chapter of the Omoluabi Progressives, a coalition of young politicians in the Southwest, has called for a more active and inclusive democratic system to ensure that the voices of people at the grassroots are better represented in governance.

Speaking at a meeting held in Lagos, the group, under the leadership of its state chairman, Rilwan Usman, stressed that true democracy can only thrive when ordinary citizens are carried along in decision-making processes.

Usman noted that the current political climate requires a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between leaders and the electorate, adding that the Omoluabi Progressives was committed to building a platform where young leaders can champion accountability, transparency, and grassroots development.

‘Our mission is to ensure that the people at the grassroots are not sidelined but remain the bedrock of democratic participation. As young progressives, we believe in a system where every voice counts and where governance reflects the aspirations of the people,’ he said. The group resolved to intensify grassroots mobilization across local communities in Lagos, while also advocating youth involvement in leadership and policy development.

According to Usman, the Omoluabi Progressives’ intends to set a new standard of political engagement in Lagos State, one that prioritizes community needs and sustainable development over personal interests.

The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by members to work together in strengthening democratic ideals and preparing young leaders for more active roles in the political process.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Anti-Corruption Committee has thrown its weight behind the move by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to probe the controversial property dispute in the United Kingdom involving prominent Nigerian lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, PM News has gathered.

The matter, which came before Judge Ewan Paton of the First-Tier Tribunal, Property Chamber, Land Registration, under Case Number REF/2023/0155, was between one Tali Shani (Applicant) and Chief Ozekhome (Respondent) over ownership of 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX. In a statement signed by its chairman, Prof. Babafemi A. Badejo, the NBA Anti-Corruption Committee said the case has raised several questions about the authenticity of documents, the role of Nigerian lawyers, and possible involvement of civil servants in fraudulent practices.

According to the Committee, issues such as the alleged procurement of fake National Identification Numbers (NIN), fraudulent use of MTN phone numbers, fake ECOWAS passports, and attempts to create fictitious identities to advance the case, must be fully investigated. The Committee also noted that Judge Paton had linked the controversial London property to the late Lt. General Jeremiah Useni, suggesting it was acquired under questionable circumstances similar to the £1.9 million case decided against him at the Royal Court of Jersey in 2022.

It urged the AGF to ensure Nigeria asserts its interest in the property with a view to possible restitution. Expressing concern over past cases that were abandoned once media attention faded, the Committee stressed the need for transparency and accountability this time.

Furthermore, it recommended that Dr. George Ekpungu, Esq., Alternate Chairman of the NBA Anti-Corruption Committee, and Mr. Bayo Akinlade, Esq., Chairman of the Ikorodu Branch Anti-Corruption Committee, be included in the investigative process.

The statement was copied to NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, as well as other national officers of the Association.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, fixed Nov. 6 to hear a suit filed against Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo and others by ABB Electrical Systems Limited and Amb. Yohana Margif over dispute on a landed property.

Other defendants alongside Obasanjo in the suit over the property located at Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04, measuring approximately 1.67Ha in Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja are the former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Aduda; Ismail Iron; John Mbata; Jamaila Sani Alhassan; Altine Jibrin, and unknown persons as 2nd to 7th defendants respectfully.

Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date on Thursday after counsel for the plaintiffs, Abniyilo Na’allah, sought an adjournment following inability to serve the defendants in the suit.

Upon resumed hearing, only Na’allah was in court and no lawyer appeared for the defence.

Na’allah then informed the court that they were yet to do the need in the matter and he sought an adjournment to put their house in order.

Justice Umar adjourned the matter until Nov. 6 for hearing.

Th case is formerly before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

Justice Ekwo had, on Jan. 28, refused to grant the the ex-parte motion filed by the plaintiffs after it was moved by Na’allah.

The applicants had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents from entering, trespassing, altering or modifying the property known as Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04, measuring approximately 1.67Ha, Asokoro, Asokoro District FCT-Abuja belonging to the plaintiffs pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

The judge, instead, directed the plaintiffs to put the defendants on notice in order to hear from them why the prayer should not be granted.

The plaintiffs had filed the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/67/2025 dated Jan. 13 but filed Jan. 17 by Na’allah.

In their six-ground argument, the applicants said they were agitated with the fear of the defendants trespassing, altering the property belonging to them.

They said they were the rightful owners of the land by virtue of the statutory Right of Occupancy granted to them.

‘That the plaintiffs/applicants have been in quiet and peaceful possession of the land without any challenge from the defendants/respondents or anyone at all.

‘It will occasion serious miscarriage of justice against the plaintiffs/applicants if the defendants/respondents are allowed to tamper with, enter, trespass, alter or modify the property belonging to the plaintiffs.

‘Allowing the defendants/respondents to tamper with, enter, trespass, alter or modify the property belonging to the plaintiffs will destroy the res and render the judgment of this court nugatory,’ they said.

The applicants said irreparable damage would be caused to them if the defendants were not restrained.

Margif, in the affidavit he deposed to, said the company (1st plaintiff) was allocated the parcel of land by the Federal Capital Development Adminstration (FCDA) covered by a Statutory Right of Occupancy with new issued date of May 23, 2006.

He said the company intended to start developing the said land in compliance with terms contained on the statutory Right of Occupancy and other guiding rules and laws within the FCT.

He alleged that the recent activities of the defendants, including Sen. Obasanjo, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, had become worrisome.

Margif prayed the court to grant their application in the interest of justice.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives have arrested 92 fraud suspects in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

The anti-graft agency said this in a social media post.

The post said, ‘Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 92 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo State.

‘They were arrested in a sting operation on Monday, September 29, 2025 at various locations within Benin City, Edo State.

‘Their arrest was based on credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in computer related crimes. All the lawful procedures of arrest were followed in the course of the arrest

‘Upon their arrest, 11 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from them.

‘Preliminary investigations by the Commission linked the suspects with various forms of internet-related fraud. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.’

Two councillors, representing Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun local government areas of Zamfara and an Imam have been abducted by yet to be identified gunmen, the police have confirmed.

The two Councillors and an Imam were abducted in Tsauni community, Gusau, the state capital on Wednesday night, spokesperson for Zamfara Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar confirmed to journalists through the telephone .

Abubakar said the victims were abducted in front of their houses in Tsauni area at about 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, shortly after prayers.

Tsauni community is located behind the Federal Road Safety, Zamfara Sector command headquarters in Gusau.

The community had hosted internally Displaced persons affected by armed banditry from different communities.

Abubakar, however, said the command had deployed its men to the area and efforts are ongoing to rescue the three victims. The PPRO urged the residents to assist the police with relevant information in good time to curtail such incidents.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Maradun local government, Sanusi Gamagiwa corroborated the PPRO’s information via telephone.

He said the suspected bandits had initially abducted six persons.

‘They later released three persons and left with the two councillors and the Imam of the area.

‘So far, they have yet to contact anyone of us to know their demands,’ the chairman said.