SUV Crashes Into Electrified Barricade During #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja

Panic erupted in the Nigerian capital on Monday after an SUV accidentally drove into a barbed electric wire barricade set up by security forces during a protest calling for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The incident occurred amid heightened tension as demonstrators gathered in Abuja to demand Kanu’s freedom. According to eyewitness reports, the electrified barrier had been installed by security personnel to prevent protesters from advancing toward restricted government areas. Video footage circulating online shows the SUV colliding with the live wire, sparking chaos as onlookers screamed in fear. Security officers at the scene quickly warned the occupants to remain inside the vehicle while they disconnected the power source to avert possible electrocution. The crash happened as police moved to disperse the crowd, firing teargas and making multiple arrests, including that of Kanu’s lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor. Authorities had earlier issued warnings against holding protests near sensitive zones, citing an existing court order. The protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, has drawn increased security presence around Abuja’s major routes and government buildings.

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Trump Confirms Planned Visit to China Early Next Year

United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit China early next year after receiving an official invitation from Beijing, marking what could be a pivotal moment in US-China relations amid ongoing trade and security tensions. “I’ve been invited to go to China, and I’ll be doing that sometime fairly early next year. We have it sort of set,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. The announcement follows a period of cautious diplomacy between Washington and Beijing, as both sides seek to stabilize ties after years of tariff disputes and mutual suspicion over regional security issues. Trump also expressed optimism about finalizing a trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, despite recent friction over new tariffs. “I think we’ll be just fine with China. China doesn’t want to do that,” he said, in apparent reference to U.S. intelligence claims that Beijing was preparing to seize Taiwan by 2027. The planned visit would be Trump’s first official trip to China since returning to the White House and comes as Washington pushes for renewed dialogue on trade, technology, and global security. This is a developing story. More updates to follow.

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Tension in Abuja as Security Forces Seal Off Presidential Villa Over Nnamdi Kanu Protest

Heavy security presence enveloped parts of Abuja on Monday amid planned demonstrations demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The protest, convened by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore under the #RevolutionNow movement, triggered widespread gridlock across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security forces mounted tight surveillance around key government institutions. Soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed in large numbers, sealing off the Three Arms Zone and intensifying stop-and-search operations around the Presidential Villa and adjoining routes. Even staff of the Villa with valid parking permits were turned back and redirected to alternative routes after all access points to the State House were closed. One frustrated staff member posted online: “Please, can someone find out what is going on in the Villa? All access roads are blocked. Nobody is allowed in, even with tags.” The lockdown caused heavy traffic along major routes including the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, where soldiers reportedly mounted checkpoints near the Sani Abacha Barracks as early as 4 a.m. Civil servants and traders commuting from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka faced long delays. Security blockades were also observed along the Dutse–Bwari axis and Airport Road, forcing travelers heading toward the Central Business District to take detours. One internal memo to workers read: “Good morning, dear colleagues. Please, if you are coming from Airport Road to Central Area, follow Area 1. Security blocked from National Mosque.” Security patrols were also visible around Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly, with officials on high alert to prevent disruptions. Nnamdi Kanu, arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, remains in custody despite multiple court orders for his release. His supporters continue to demand his freedom, citing concerns about his deteriorating health and prolonged detention.

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Trump Warns Hamas Will Be Eradicated if Gaza Truce Is Violated

US President Donald Trump has warned that Hamas will be “eradicated” if it breaches the Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel, while expressing cautious optimism that the truce will hold. Speaking during a joint news conference at the White House with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump said Hamas would be given “a little chance” to honour the peace deal. “Hamas are going to be very good, they’re going to behave, they’re going to be nice – and if they’re not, we’re going to go in and eradicate them if we have to. They will be eradicated, and they know that,” Trump said. The president clarified that any future military response would not directly involve US troops, but emphasized that Israel would act swiftly if provoked. “Israel would go back in in two minutes if I asked them to … but we’re going to give it a little chance,” he added. Analysis: Netanyahu’s Political Balancing Act Tel Aviv-based analyst and former Associated Press regional editor Dan Perry told Al Jazeera that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is caught between a public weary of war and political allies demanding Hamas’s total destruction. “Netanyahu does not want to go back to war because the Israeli public is sick of the war and he has elections coming up,” Perry said. “But Israelis are also struggling to accept the idea of Hamas remaining across the border, alive to fight another day.” Perry noted that disarming Hamas remains crucial to maintaining regional support for the US-backed peace plan and preventing renewed conflict in Gaza.

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FRSC Rolls Out Contactless Biometric System for Instant Driver’s Licence Issuance

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched a contactless biometric system for driver’s licence issuance, marking a major leap toward digitalisation in Nigeria’s vehicle administration. The announcement coincides with the Corps’ 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” aimed at curbing accidents during the festive period between December 15 and January 15. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the new system will eliminate delays and remove the need for temporary licences. “Our upgraded printing facility now produces an average of 15,000 driver’s licences daily, and we plan to increase this to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025,” he stated. The contactless system allows on-the-spot licence printing immediately after biometric capture. “Once you are captured, you receive your licence instantly. There are no temporary licences, no weeks-long waits,” Mohammed explained. Developed in collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders, the system integrates driving schools, Vehicle Inspection Offices, and certification processes into a streamlined workflow. Using advanced technology, fingerprints are captured without physical contact, ensuring speed and accuracy. The FRSC has also linked the new system with the National Identification Number (NIN) database to enable seamless identity verification. Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama confirmed the system is operational and will be rolled out nationwide, including Lagos. Datsama added that the backlog of 800,000 unprocessed licences has been reduced to 400,000, with a daily production capacity of 40,000 licences. He encouraged Nigerians who have completed the capture process to collect their licences, noting that over 206,000 remain unclaimed. The new initiative reflects the FRSC’s commitment to modernising driver’s licence services while improving road safety across the country.

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“Obi of Lagos” Chibuike Azubuike Apologizes to Lagos Government and Oba Over Controversial New Yam Festival

Chibuike Azubuike, popularly known as the self-styled “Obi of Lagos,” has issued a public apology to the Lagos State Government and the Oba of Lagos following backlash over his planned New Yam Festival in Amuwo Odofin. The festival, which Azubuike had proposed for September 13, 2025, drew criticism from residents who viewed it as an attempt to impose Igbo cultural practices in a state largely rooted in Yoruba traditions. In a statement published in a national newspaper, Azubuike expressed regret for his actions and promised to act responsibly going forward. “I, Mr Chibuike Azubuike, hereby tender this unreserved apology to the Oba of Lagos, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Government, and the good people of Lagos State over my unguided proposal to hold the New Yam Festival scheduled for Saturday, 13th of September 2025, in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State,” he said. He also clarified that the title “Obi of Lagos” was never self-assumed but was instead a printing error. “The caption therein as ‘OBI OF LAGOS’ was a typographical error from the print man,” he explained. Azubuike emphasized that the festival’s cancellation was voluntary and dismissed claims that it was politically motivated. “Contrary to insinuations that it was politically driven, I am not a politician. However, if I ever decide to join politics in the future, I would align with the ruling All Progressives Congress to contribute to the progress of Lagos State,” he added.

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Tinubu’s Aide Urges NBA, LPDC to Sanction Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Aloy Ejimakor for Joining Protest

Tinubu’s Aide Urges NBA, LPDC to Sanction Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Aloy Ejimakor for Joining Protest

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called on Nigeria’s legal regulatory bodies to sanction Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, for participating in the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja. Onanuga made the statement in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, criticising Ejimakor for joining the demonstration organised by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. “I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore,” Onanuga wrote. He argued that Ejimakor’s involvement in the protest undermines legal ethics, noting that Kanu’s case is still before a competent court. “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 said. The presidential aide emphasised that the prosecution had concluded its case, and it was now the responsibility of Kanu’s legal team to focus on preparing a strong defence rather than participating in public demonstrations. “Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist to influence the process. Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics,” he added. Onanuga urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to review Ejimakor’s conduct and consider appropriate sanctions for what he described as “unethical behaviour.”

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Sowore Demands Release Of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters, Warns Of Street Action

Omoyele Sowore has called for the immediate release of Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, activist Fineboy Kanu, and others detained over the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests, describing their arrest as “illegal” and alleging they were tortured while in custody. In a post on X early Monday, Sowore addressed the Federal Capital Territory Police Command (@FCT_PoliceNG), warning that if the detainees are not freed, his supporters would take action. “@FCT_PoliceNG is instructed to release Barrister @AloyEjimakor, Fineboy Kanu, and others illegally arrested, tortured, and currently being forced into detention over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest immediately, or we will mobilize the entire crew now on the street to the FCT command and occupy their office!” he wrote. The statement comes amid ongoing demonstrations across Nigeria demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who faces treason-related charges. Security agencies have recently detained several protesters in Abuja and other cities, citing concerns over public order. Sowore’s post signals a potential escalation, as he threatens to lead protesters to the FCT Police headquarters if the detainees are not released. The situation highlights rising tensions between protest organizers and security forces, both on the streets and online.

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