Nigerian Senate Passes Bill Mandating Life Imprisonment For Child Defilers

The Nigerian Senate has passed a landmark bill mandating life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually abusing minors. The legislation stipulates that any individual, male or female, who engages in sexual intercourse with a child will face life imprisonment without the option of a fine. Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North initially proposed a 20-year jail term for perpetrators, emphasizing that defiling a minor should not be treated the same as rape. “A minor cannot give consent, and such acts can cause lifelong trauma. Those involved deserve severe punishment, especially in cases involving children as young as five or ten,” he said. Oshiomhole’s proposal was rejected by the majority of senators. Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central then introduced a tougher amendment, recommending life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, regardless of gender. “The punishment for the defilement of minors must be life imprisonment,” Aliero declared. The Senate adopted Aliero’s amendment, officially passing the bill that imposes life imprisonment on pedophiles and child defilers.

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Teenager Joy Ogah Steps In As Vice President For A Day To Advocate For Girls’ Education

Teenager Joy Ogah symbolically stepped into the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the opportunity to advocate for girls’ education and rights across Nigeria. The handover took place on Monday during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, according to a statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday. From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah spoke on the challenges facing girls in the country, highlighting that over 10.5 million children are out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 per cent. “We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise initiatives that protect and empower young girls. Ogah also called on the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. “Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence,” she added. She stressed that protecting girls is key to fostering peace, saying, “I may be Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, classrooms, conversations, and budgets.” Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning. “We will continue to work with PLAN International and use the strength of government to support your recommendations on girl-child education. In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust,” he said. The symbolic event aligns with growing national momentum for gender-inclusive education. Advocacy groups recently urged all tiers of government to increase investment in girl-child education, mentorship programs, and sensitisation campaigns to eliminate gender bias in schools. In September, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774), aimed at supporting over 10 million women across all 774 local government areas with livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives. Efforts by the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly, including workshops on inclusive education, the Student Loans Act, and increased education funding, demonstrate continued commitment to equity—an agenda Joy Ogah highlighted during her symbolic “Vice President for a Day” role.

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Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Adjourned To November 24

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on cybercrime charges to November 24. The hearing, originally set for October 20, was disrupted on Monday by protests demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The demonstration caused major disruptions in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, preventing many workers and commuters from reaching their destinations. Justice Mohammed Umar, who is presiding over the case, confirmed the rescheduled date. Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025. She is accused of transmitting false and harmful information electronically to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disturb public order. The allegations include claims that on April 4, 2025, during a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of instructing former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She is also alleged to have repeated similar claims in a television interview. At the last hearing on September 22, the prosecution’s attempt to call witnesses was delayed by a preliminary objection from the defence. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction due to alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and complained that the defence had not been served with statements of prosecution witnesses. Justice Umar emphasized that the prosecution must first respond to the preliminary objection before the court could proceed with the trial. The objection hearing, initially scheduled for October 20, was postponed due to Monday’s protests.

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President Tinubu Sends Dr. Bernard Doro’s Name To Senate For Ministerial Confirmation

President Tinubu Nominates Dr. Bernard Doro For Senate Confirmation As Minister From Plateau State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State for confirmation by the Senate as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. In a letter to the National Assembly, President Tinubu requested that Dr. Doro be screened and confirmed to occupy Plateau State’s ministerial slot. This follows Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda’s election as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July. Yilwatda previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr. Doro has over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community engagement in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Dr. Doro holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA focused on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice. He is also an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner, with extensive frontline experience in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), including urgent care, walk-in centres, general practice, and hospital settings. Beyond his professional work, Dr. Doro has been actively involved in youth mentorship and social impact initiatives, contributing to communities both in the Nigerian diaspora and at home.

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Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother And Lawyer Remanded Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest In Abuja

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, have been remanded in custody by a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja. The two were arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on Monday, October 20, and arraigned on Tuesday alongside 11 other individuals. They are facing charges of breach of public peace brought by the police. The protest caused major disruptions in Abuja, affecting workers and commuters across the city. Authorities stated that the demonstration violated an existing court order restricting protests in certain areas. Last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja had prohibited Omoyele Sowore and other protesters from demonstrating near sensitive locations, including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, until the hearing of a pending motion. The injunction was granted by Justice Mohammed Umar after an ex-parte application by the police, represented by lawyer Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of the federal government.

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TikTok Star Geh Geh Reacts After 3 Million-Follower Account Gets Banned

TikTok Star Geh Geh Reacts After 3 Million-Follower Account Gets Banned

Nigerian TikTok star Geh Geh has publicly expressed his frustration after his account, which had over 3 million followers, was banned by the platform. In a detailed video message, Geh Geh criticized TikTok for what he described as unfair treatment, saying the ban made him feel like a “useless Nigerian.” He claimed that many accounts were being taken down without clear reasons and lamented the lack of direct communication from the platform. He also called out friends and acquaintances who celebrated his misfortune online. “You are rejoicing over another person’s pain and suffering,” he said, pointing out that instead of offering support, they posted about his account ban on social media. Despite the setback, Geh Geh stressed his resilience, acknowledging that life has its highs and lows. “Life is up and down; 365 days in a year, there’s no way I can be happy every day. Some days are good, some days are bad, but whatever happens, I am equal to the task,” he said. He further encouraged people to take responsibility for their own problems rather than relying on others to fix them. Geh Geh’s experience highlights ongoing concerns over TikTok’s content moderation practices in Nigeria, where millions of videos have been removed for alleged violations of community guidelines. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, more than 3.6 million videos were deleted from Nigerian accounts, marking a significant rise from previous periods. Geh Geh’s TikTok account with over 3 million followers, has been suspended. pic.twitter.com/qNRukirsnw — Just Eniola 💜 (@JustEniola01) October 21, 2025

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Portable Slams Blord For Stinginess, Boasts Of Gifts From Jay Plug And Burna Boy

Nigerian singer Portable has fired shots at fellow entertainer Blord, accusing him of being stingy over a recent music stunt. Blord had played a diss track targeting VeryDarkMan in his new car, offering ₦1 million to anyone who could perform the song. Portable rejected the offer, insisting that his talent deserved more. When Blord did not respond, Portable reportedly slid into his DMs to taunt him about his frugality. He pointed to other generous gestures from celebrities, claiming that Jay Plug had gifted him 100 iPhones and that Burna Boy had given him ₦20 million while also promising a future collaboration. This latest exchange adds fuel to the ongoing rivalry between Portable and VeryDarkMan, which has played out through diss tracks and social media back-and-forths, capturing the attention of fans and the media alike. The full video of Portable calling out Blord in his DM after Blord refused to give him ₦20 million to shoot the video of VeryDarkMan's d!$$ song, even called him a liar 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/orADhqpg61 — 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) October 21, 2025

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Benue Lawmaker Ojema Ojotu Defects To APC, Giving Ruling Party Complete Control Of State’s Federal Seats

Benue Lawmaker Ojema Ojotu Defects To APC from PDP

Ojema Ojotu, the House of Representatives member for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary session, reading Ojotu’s letter to the House of Representatives. With Ojotu’s defection, the APC now controls all 11 federal constituencies in Benue State, marking complete dominance of the state’s representation in the House. In his letter, Ojotu cited the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP as the reason for his departure. “After consulting my constituents, family, and political associates, I have decided to leave the PDP for the APC,” he stated. The move immediately sparked controversy. Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki of the New Nigeria Peoples Party invoked Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, urging that Ojotu’s seat be declared vacant for leaving the party that sponsored his election. House Majority Leader Ibrahim Halims countered the argument, maintaining that a member may leave a party if it is embroiled in unresolved crises that threaten their political future. Deputy Speaker Kalu welcomed Ojotu to the APC and assured him of the party’s full support. Ojotu’s defection is part of a broader wave of lawmakers moving to the APC in 2025, a trend that opposition parties have attributed to pressure from the ruling government — claims President Bola Tinubu has denied, urging other parties to address their internal issues.

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