Police Explains Why Omoyele Sowore Was Arrested Over Abuja Protest

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that activist Omoyele Sowore was arrested to ensure fairness in prosecuting those involved in Monday’s protest in Abuja. Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin told journalists on Thursday in Abuja that Sowore allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. His arrest, Hundeyin said, was necessary to hold all participants, including their leader, accountable. “If we charge some people and leave out the person who led them into committing that act, that would not be fair. In the spirit of fair play and to ensure justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today,” he explained. The police emphasized that Sowore’s detention would not exceed the legal limit and that he would be arraigned in court the same day. “Like the others, he won’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we finalise the charges, he’ll be prosecuted immediately. If all goes as planned, he’ll be taken to court today,” Hundeyin added. Sowore was reportedly apprehended at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday shortly after meeting with Kanu during the latter’s ongoing terrorism trial.

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Dangote Group Denies Involvement In Fatal Akungba-Akoko Truck Crash

Dangote Group Denies Involvement In Fatal Akungba-Akoko Truck Crash

The Dangote Group has denied claims that one of its trucks was involved in the fatal accident in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, which claimed eight lives. The crash, confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), involved a truck and a commercial bus in Akoko South-West Local Government Area. FRSC’s Public Education Officer in Ondo, Abiola Fadumo, stated that the collision led to multiple fatalities. In a statement on Thursday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, Dangote Group clarified that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is not owned by the company or any of its subsidiaries. The company said registration records show the vehicle belongs to an independent logistics firm unconnected to Dangote Group. The truck was reportedly carrying crushed stones packed in reused sacks with various brand names, and not any Dangote products. “For the avoidance of doubt, the truck was not conveying any Dangote products but was transporting crushed stones in reused sacks bearing various brand names,” the statement read. Dangote Group emphasized that its trucks are easily identifiable with distinct company markings and fleet numbers and are operated only by trained personnel under strict safety and regulatory compliance protocols. While expressing condolences to the victims and their families, the company urged the public and media to verify information before linking any accident or vehicle to Dangote. It also warned against using images of Dangote-branded trucks in unrelated news reports. “Dangote Industries remains steadfast in its commitment to road safety, regulatory compliance, and responsible corporate citizenship across all its operations in Nigeria and beyond,” the statement concluded.

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Tinubu Swears In Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman

JUST IN: Tinubu Swears In Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony took place on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, with top government officials in attendance. Professor Amupitan’s appointment comes after his confirmation by the Senate last week, and he succeeds Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure has ended. During the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and enhancing the commission’s capacity to conduct free, fair, and credible elections nationwide.

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Federal High Court Reschedules Hearing Against Sowore Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest To October 29

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 29 for the hearing of a suit filed by the police against Omoyele Sowore and other organizers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20. The case, initially set for October 20 for the respondents in an ex parte motion to show cause why the interim order should be vacated, could not proceed due to the protest, which disrupted court activities that day. Justice Mohammed Umar had earlier issued an interim order restraining Sowore and others from staging protests for the release of Nnamdi Kanu in sensitive areas of Abuja, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice. The judge also granted an abridgment of time for the respondents to respond to the application on notice, originally set for 9:00 a.m. on October 20, before adjourning to the new hearing date. The ex parte motion was filed by police lawyer Wisdom Madaki on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Police Force, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, listed Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, and Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation as the first to third respondents. The Take It Back Movement (TIB) for the Transformation of Nigeria, any organization or person acting with express or implied instruction, and unknown persons were included as the fourth and fifth respondents. In an affidavit supporting the motion, police officer Bassey Ibithan, attached to the Directorate of Legal Services at Force Headquarters, Abuja, warned that the protest could pose a threat to national security if not restrained. Sowore, a former 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (ACC), had mobilized for what he described as a peaceful protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Several individuals were reportedly arrested during the protest, including Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who is scheduled for arraignment on October 24 at a Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja.

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Nnamdi Kanu Fires Entire Legal Team, Will Represent Himself In Court

Nnamdi Kanu Fires Entire Legal Team, Will Represent Himself In Court

Detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has terminated his entire legal team and announced his intention to represent himself in his ongoing trial. During the resumed hearing on Thursday, Kanu informed the court that he was ready to conduct his own defence. Following this, all senior advocates in his team, led by Kanu Agabi SAN, formally withdrew from the case. Agabi stated that the team, which included Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Joseph Akubo, and Emeka Etiaba, respected Kanu’s decision, explaining, “The defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.” Kanu then addressed the court from the dock, questioning the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial. Justice James Omotosho sought confirmation from Kanu that he would represent himself, which he affirmed. The judge ordered the remaining members of his legal team, excluding the SANs, to leave the courtroom. As Kanu began challenging the court’s authority, Ikpeazu requested that he be given time to gather his thoughts, noting that the withdrawal of the senior advocates took effect that morning. The prosecution raised no objection. Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the trial to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to officially open his defence.

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Oshiomhole Tells Politicians To Stop Arming Youths, Says It Fuels Post-Election Violence

Oshiomhole Tells Politicians To Stop Arming Youths, Says It Fuels Post-Election Violence

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has warned Nigerian politicians to stop arming unemployed youths during elections, saying the practice is one of the main causes of post-election violence and rising insecurity. Speaking during a recent plenary session of the Senate, Oshiomhole said the problem of electoral violence could be largely solved if politicians reformed their attitudes and embraced integrity. “As elected persons, we as senators shall not, directly or indirectly, secretly or openly, aid and abet unemployed or semi-employed people and arm them to disrupt elections. If we reform our character, this problem is 90% solved,” he stated. He recalled how his “one man, one vote; one woman, one vote” campaign in Edo State helped reduce election-related killings and restored confidence in the democratic process. “It is now possible to hold an election without counting dead bodies,” Oshiomhole said. “The real beauty of democracy is not in holding a powerful office but in knowing that people freely chose you to represent them and manage their collective trust for the common good.” He condemned politicians who win through manipulation or rigging, insisting that such individuals can never truly be at peace with themselves. Oshiomhole also drew a connection between post-election violence and criminality, explaining that many of the weapons distributed to thugs during campaigns are never retrieved afterward. “After every election, there’s always an increase in violent crimes because those politicians who armed hungry youths abandon them, and the weapons end up being used for robbery and other crimes,” he said. He urged political leaders to lead by example through honesty, accountability, and respect for the people’s will, saying character reform is the foundation of peaceful and credible elections.

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Police Arrest Omoyele Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja

Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters founder, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been arrested by the Nigeria Police at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The arrest was made public by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who condemned the incident in a post on X, describing it as a disgrace to the rule of law. “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans,” Effiong wrote. Before the incident, Sowore had shared on Facebook that he was at the Federal High Court with Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, who disclosed that his legal team was withdrawing from Kanu’s case, leaving the IPOB leader to face trial without legal representation. As of the time of this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest has not been made known by the police.

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Eight Confirmed Dead As Dangote Truck Loses Control in Ondo State

A tragic accident on Wednesday night claimed the lives of eight people, including five men, two women, and a young boy, in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. The crash occurred near Adekunle Ajasin University in the Akoko South West area of the state. The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, stating that it happened around 7:30 p.m. and involved a truck loaded with stone dust and a motorcycle. The truck reportedly lost control and rammed into a barricade situated in front of the university. He urged motorists to always exercise caution, especially during the “ember months,” and to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before any trip. The bodies of the victims have been taken to a nearby hospital morgue. According to Mosadoluwa Ajidagba, the Public Relations Officer of the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union Government, the truck belonged to Dangote Cement. Ajidagba explained that the vehicle was coming from Ikare towards Akungba when its brakes failed, causing it to crash into the barricade at the university gate. He said about ten people died in the crash and noted that the Students’ Union had long appealed for a ban on heavy-duty trucks passing through the area. He urged students to remain calm, avoid the accident scene, and stay away from the main highway for safety reasons. In his reaction, the Executive Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, described the incident as heartbreaking and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the entire community. Ajana promised to work with relevant agencies and authorities to implement lasting safety measures at the accident-prone location and other high-risk areas across the council.

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