Former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara Jailed Over Social Media Post Supporting Political Prisoners

Former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara Jailed Over Social Media Post Supporting Political Prisoners

A court in Bamako has sentenced former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison over a social media post expressing support for political prisoners. The verdict, delivered on Monday by the National Cybercrime Centre court, also includes a one-year suspended sentence for “undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority.” Mara, who served as Mali’s prime minister from 2014 to 2015, was arrested on August 1 after sharing a post in July stating that he had met with detained political figures and promised to seek justice for them. Witnesses from AFP reported that Mara remained calm as the judgment was read. Prosecutors had pushed for a 24-month sentence. In addition to the jail term, the court ordered him to pay a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (about $887). “It’s not over,” Mara’s lawyer, Mountaga Tall, said after the verdict. “We will consult with our client and decide on the next steps.” A close friend of Mara, who spoke anonymously, said the outcome came as no surprise. “We expected it… Tell me, what crime did he commit?” the source asked. Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021. The junta has been accused of silencing dissent, curbing press freedom, and dissolving political parties as it tightens its grip on power.

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Biodun Oyebanji Confirmed As APC Governorship Candidate For Ekiti 2026 Election

Biodun Oyebanji Confirmed As APC Governorship Candidate For Ekiti 2026 Election

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been officially confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ekiti State ahead of the June 20, 2026 election. Oyebanji, who ran unopposed, received unanimous endorsement from 885 delegates—five from each of the 177 wards across the state—in line with the party’s internal guidelines and the Electoral Act of 2020. His confirmation followed the withdrawal of Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo and the disqualification of Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke, who failed to meet the party’s requirements, clearing the way for Oyebanji to emerge as the APC consensus candidate. Omolayo, who officially stepped down during the governorship primary at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, cited Oyebanji’s strong performance and her desire to sustain the developmental progress of his administration as reasons for her withdrawal. She also dissolved her political structure across all 16 local government areas to support his re-election campaign, describing her move as an act of loyalty to the party and commitment to the state’s growth. “Governor Oyebanji has performed excellently well. His achievements in infrastructure, governance, and inclusiveness speak volumes. He deserves a second term, and that is why I am stepping down to support him fully,” she said. Following her withdrawal, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to ratify Oyebanji’s nomination, which was seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, in accordance with Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act, 2022. The motion was put to a voice vote, and the delegates unanimously affirmed Oyebanji as the APC governorship candidate for the 2026 election.

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JAMB Clears 85 Underage Candidates For Exceptional Admission Into Tertiary Institutions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that 85 underage candidates have successfully completed its rigorous screening process for exceptional admission into tertiary institutions. In a statement on Monday, JAMB’s Head of Media, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said all 85 candidates were younger than 16 years as of September 2025 and were deemed qualified after a multi-stage evaluation. “After meticulous evaluation, 85 candidates who are adjudged to be qualified have been duly notified to proceed to their respective institutions to complete the admission process and print their individual JAMB admission letters. This policy of exceptional admission is consistent with global best practices, where such cases are treated as rare exceptions rather than the norm,” the statement read. JAMB noted that out of 2,031,133 applicants in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), 41,027 requested consideration under the special category. Of these, 599 scored the 80% UTME threshold and were subjected to further scrutiny of school certificates and PUTME screening, leading to the selection of 182 candidates. Following interviews, verification, and final screening, 85 candidates met all criteria and were cleared for admission. The board also advised any of the successful candidates who missed the final interview to submit a formal request through JAMB’s support system.

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Over 32,000 APGA Members Defect to APC as Prince Ukachukwu Gains Momentum Ahead of 2025 Anambra Polls

Massive Endorsements, ₦150 Million Fundraising Mark Turning Point in Guber Race In what analysts are calling a major shift in Anambra’s political dynamics, over 32,000 members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in support of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the party’s governorship candidate for the November 8, 2025, election. The unprecedented mass defection occurred during a mega rally and thanksgiving event hosted by the Sustenance of Faith in Governance (SOFIG) Family—popularly known as the Ikwukuoma SOFIG Family—marking its sixth anniversary on Saturday. The event drew thousands of party supporters, political stakeholders, and grassroots mobilizers from across the state. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Prince Ukachukwu, fondly called Ikwukuoma, expressed deep gratitude to the SOFIG movement for its unreserved endorsement and support. “This is the first time I’ve received such overwhelming support without anyone asking for a single kobo,” Ukachukwu said. “SOFIG has invested in this journey with faith, love, and commitment. This isn’t politics as usual—it’s a divine movement rooted in family, community, and vision.” He pledged to usher in a new era of people-focused, integrity-driven governance, promising to build political leadership from the grassroots to the statehouse. “Within this crowd are tomorrow’s councillors, local government chairmen, and Assembly members,” he added. “We are laying the foundation for a new political future.” Senator Ekwunife Declares Ukachukwu “Anambra’s Needed Leader” Deputy governorship candidate, Senator (Iyom) Uche Ekwunife, described Ukachukwu as a visionary leader capable of transforming Anambra. “The time is ripe. Prince Nicholas is trustworthy, God-fearing, and ready,” she stated. “Our victory must start at the ward level and spread across all 901 wards of Anambra Central and beyond.” She praised SOFIG founders Dr. (Bar) Kingsley Ezekwelu and Dr. Kenneth Ezekwelu for creating what she called “one of Nigeria’s most impactful political platforms.” ₦150 Million Boost for Campaign SOFIG National President, Dr. Kingsley K. Ezekwelu, Esq., formally endorsed Ukachukwu and Ekwunife, announcing a ₦150 million donation to the campaign. “We are more than 35,000 members strong, including 32,000 defectors from APGA today,” Dr. Ezekwelu said. “This is more than an endorsement—it’s a mission. We are ready to win this battle with our PVCs.” APC Welcomes New Members APC State Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, welcomed the new members, describing the day as a “historic milestone.” “With Prince Ukachukwu, APC is poised to deliver the long-awaited transformation in Anambra. The tides are turning—and SOFIG has shown us the way,” he said, while donating ₦2 million to SOFIG on behalf of the party. Financial Powerhouses Fuel Campaign Momentum The rally also featured a significant financial show of force: As the 2025 polls draw closer, Saturday’s event signals a strong and coordinated push by the APC and its supporters to challenge APGA’s longstanding dominance in Anambra politics.

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Cameroon’s President Paul Biya Wins Eighth Term in Presidential Election

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya Wins Eighth Term in Presidential Election

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, has been re-elected for an eighth term, receiving 53.7 percent of the vote, the Constitutional Council confirmed on Monday. Former government minister and opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary came second with 35.2 percent. Two days after the October 12 election, Tchiroma had claimed victory and called for demonstrations. Violence erupted on Sunday in Douala, the country’s economic capital, where clashes between security forces and opposition supporters left four people dead, according to the regional governor. Protesters reported that security personnel initially used tear gas before resorting to live ammunition. Since the election, Tchiroma’s supporters, who claim he actually won 54.8 percent of the vote to Biya’s 31.3 percent, have taken to the streets to assert his alleged victory. Most analysts had expected Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, to win another seven-year term, amid a political system critics say has been increasingly manipulated. Biya, only the second president since Cameroon gained independence from France in 1960, has retained power through strict control over politics, suppression of opposition, economic inequality, and ongoing separatist violence.

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Nnamdi Kanu Skips Defence In Terrorism Trial, Case Adjourned To November

Nnamdi Kanu Skips Defence In Terrorism Trial, Case Adjourned To November

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn his plan to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences. At the last court sitting on October 24, the case had been adjourned to October 27 to allow Kanu to present his defence. He had initially indicated his intention to call witnesses to testify on his behalf. When proceedings resumed on Monday, Kanu informed the court that after reviewing the case file, he was convinced that no valid charges had been brought against him. He described the trial as “unlawful” and said there was no need to proceed with a defence. Presiding judge Justice James Omotosho directed Kanu to submit a written statement formalizing his decision and to serve it on the prosecution. The judge also advised him to consult legal experts on the implications of foregoing witnesses. The trial has now been adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses, reflecting Kanu’s stance that the evidence and charges presented to date do not establish a case against him.

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Kano Hisbah Arrests 25 Over Alleged Same-Sex Marriage In Hotoro

Kano Hisbah Arrests 25 Over Alleged Same-Sex Marriage In Hotoro

The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested at least 25 people for allegedly organising a same-sex marriage in the Hotoro area of Kano metropolis. Deputy Commander Mujahedeen Aminudeen confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying the suspects — 18 men and seven women — were apprehended at the Fatima Event Centre along Hotoro Bypass on Saturday. “Today, Saturday, 25th October 2025, we received a report that some people were allegedly organising a same-sex marriage. Our personnel immediately raided the Fatima Event Centre, the venue of the illegal event, and arrested 25 persons, including 18 males and seven females,” Aminudeen said. He added that the suspects, including the groom, who came from Sheka, Yar Gaya, Kofar Nasarawa, and other areas, were taken into custody at the event centre. The Deputy Commander warned that the board would continue to take action against activities that could tarnish the image and reputation of Kano State.

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Two-Storey Building Collapses In Oyingbo, Lagos, 15 Rescued As Search Continues

A two-storey building in Lagos collapsed in the early hours of Monday, leaving an unknown number of people trapped inside. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, through its Director Margaret Adeseye, confirmed the incident. The building, located at 54 Cole Street near Cemetery Bus Stop in Oyingbo, had reportedly shown signs of structural weakness before it gave way. Adeseye said the Sari-Iganmu Fire Station team responded immediately after receiving a distress call around 12:20 a.m. “It is an ongoing rescue involving a two-storey building that had been previously marked as distressed before collapsing on the occupants,” the agency said. Rescue efforts have so far brought 15 people to safety — seven men, four women, and four children — all with varying degrees of injuries. They were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta and General Hospital, Odan, on Lagos Island. Rescue operations are ongoing. Building collapses have become a recurring problem in Lagos, often linked to poor enforcement of regulations, substandard construction materials, and inadequate inspections. Notable recent incidents include a luxury high-rise under construction in Ikoyi that collapsed in November 2021, killing at least 42 people, and a four-storey building in Yaba that fell in September 2025, leaving several people dead and trapped.

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