Edo Court Remands 52 Protesters Following Violent Anti-Kidnapping Rally In Ekpoma

A federal high court in Edo State on Monday, January 12, remanded 52 protesters over allegations of malicious damage and armed robbery following a demonstration against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area (LGA). The protesters, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were arrested after a protest on Saturday, January 10, escalated into violence, leading to the looting and vandalization of shops and other properties. Presiding Judge William Aziegbemi stated that the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter and instructed the defendants’ lawyers to file their bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court. The case was adjourned to February 26, with the suspects remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre. Residents of Ekpoma and nearby communities had taken to the streets to protest rising kidnappings in the area, marching with placards and demanding government action. The Edo State Police Command said the protest was hijacked, resulting in widespread property damage, looting, and an attack on the palace of Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma—a move condemned by Governor Monday Okpebholo. Security forces, including police and military personnel, were deployed to restore order. During the incident, a military officer reportedly fired a gun, injuring a 32-year-old protester, Osagie Abraham, who is receiving treatment at a local medical facility. Military authorities have been notified to take action against the personnel involved. The police stressed that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, demonstrations must remain peaceful and within legal bounds. They also assured the public that security operations would be intensified to curb kidnappings and other criminal activities in the state. The protest followed a spike in kidnappings across Edo State, including recent abductions and the killing of medical doctors, which have heightened public concern.

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Trump Vows US Action If Iran Harms Protesters

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran not to harm peaceful protesters, saying the United States “will come to their rescue” if they do. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump wrote: “If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.” He did not provide specifics on any potential action. The statement drew a quick response from Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani warned that any US interference would destabilise the Middle East and undermine American interests. The warning comes amid ongoing protests across Iran sparked by worsening economic conditions. At least six people were reported killed on Thursday, according to semi-official media and human rights groups. Hengaw, a Kurdish rights organisation, said two of those killed in Lordegan were protesters, identified as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh. Fars news agency reported additional deaths in Azna and Kouhdasht, though it did not clarify whether victims were protesters or security personnel. Video footage circulating on social media shows clashes between protesters and security forces, with cars set on fire in several cities including Lordegan, Tehran, and Marvdasht. BBC Persian has verified some of these clips. The protests began in Tehran on Sunday when shopkeepers demonstrated against a sharp drop in the value of the rial against the US dollar. By Tuesday, university students had joined in, and demonstrations spread to multiple cities, with many chanting against Iran’s clerical leadership. Some protesters have called for an end to Supreme Leader Khamenei’s rule, while others expressed support for a return to monarchy. Iranian officials reported a security personnel death on Wednesday in Kouhdasht, though protesters claim the individual was shot by authorities. The demonstrations are the largest since the 2022 nationwide uprising triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, though they have not reached the same scale. President Masoud Pezeshkian said he is willing to listen to the “legitimate demands” of the protesters, while Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that any attempt to create instability would be met with a “decisive response.” The situation has heightened tensions internationally, with Trump’s warning and Tehran’s response underscoring the risk of a wider conflict.

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Kano Protesters Take To Streets To Reject Trump’s Allegations Of Christian Genocide

Massive protests erupted in Kano State on Saturday as Islamic groups marched to denounce U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements on Nigeria’s security situation. Demonstrators flooded the streets with placards reading “We condemn Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria,” “There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” and “America wants to control our resources,” rejecting claims of a Christian genocide in the country. Trump had earlier labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians and warned that the U.S. military could step in if the killings continued. The Nigerian government has dismissed these allegations, describing them as false, misleading, and an attempt to misrepresent the country’s security challenges.

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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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Tension In Abuja As Security Operatives Fire Live Rounds To Disperse Pro-Kanu Protesters

Protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were dispersed in chaos on Monday after security operatives allegedly fired live bullets near the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The demonstration, which began around 6:50 a.m. at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters, was led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). According to Daily Trust, personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had tightened security around major government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, and Eagle Square. The protesters, who had earlier vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s freedom, were met with heavy resistance as they approached the Court of Appeal area. Witnesses said security operatives opened fire, sending protesters running in panic. At first, the demonstrators believed the officers intended to use tear gas, but shock spread when live rounds were discharged from multiple directions. Before the gunfire, Sowore and other protesters were heard pleading with the police, shouting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have the right to protest, we’re Nigerians.” The situation quickly descended into chaos as protesters fled in different directions to avoid the bullets. As of press time, armoured vehicles and personnel from the Guards Brigade, DSS, and police remained stationed at strategic locations near the Presidential Villa and surrounding government buildings.

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