News
Police Didn’t Seek Court Order to Stop #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest — FPRO
The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports claiming it sought a court injunction to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
Addressing the claims on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the police did not initiate any legal action to prevent the demonstration. He emphasized that Nigerians have a constitutionally protected right to peaceful protest.
“It is an inalienable right of Nigerians to protest, and we did not approach the court to stop these gatherings,” Hundeyin stated via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He also addressed inaccuracies in some media reports, noting, “The case was not adjourned to Tuesday as mentioned in some reports; it reflects a one-sided narration and lacks the depth of investigative journalism.”
The clarification came after media reports alleged that the police had asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the protest. The court reportedly declined the request, allowing the protest to proceed.
Reacting to the court’s decision, protest convener and activist Omoyele Sowore hailed the ruling as a victory for civil liberties. He claimed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had directed police lawyers to file a suit aimed at halting the protest, which is scheduled to take place near Aso Rock Villa.
The protest, aimed at demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, has drawn significant attention and continues to generate debate over freedom of expression, security, and civil rights in Nigeria.
The police statement appears intended to de-escalate tensions ahead of the protest and reaffirm the force’s commitment to upholding the rights of citizens while maintaining public order.
News
JAMB releases Thursday’s UTME results
In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a total of 632,788 results now available for viewing.
In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
JAMB clarified that at this stage, candidates can only view their results, as printing options are not yet available.
It also issued a strong warning against attempts to manipulate or alter result messages received from official channels, stressing that such actions constitute a criminal offence.
The Board added that it is already taking action against offenders, revealing that some suspects are currently in custody.
“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law,” it stated.
News
Arise TV Deputy Director News Win Editor of The Year Award
The award’s: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”
Deputy Director of News, Arise TV, Ohi OIdiai, has won Editor Of The Year 2026 Awards category, courtsey of The Industry Newspaper.
In a statement, the organiser said that the award was: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”
Details later…
News
JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget
……Extends 2025 Implementation to June 30
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a record aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year.
The President also signed legislation extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget specifically its capital component from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
According to details of the new budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while debt service is pegged at ₦15.8 trillion. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦15.4 trillion, with the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure receiving ₦32.2 trillion.
Capital spending thus accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, national security, economic stability, and inclusive growth.
A statement from the State House described the allocations as striking a strategic balance between mandatory obligations, debt servicing, day-to-day government operations, and productive capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
President Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which formally extends the 2025 capital projects window. Officials said the extension will allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete advanced-stage infrastructure and development projects, improve execution rates, and deliver better value for public funds.
The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, 2026, paving the way for full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President has directed all MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient use of resources, with strict emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.
President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, describing it as a demonstration of diligence, cooperation, and patriotism.
He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to advance national development goals.
The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, boosting revenue generation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening social protection programmes.
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on April 17, 2026.
-
Business2 days agoFCCPC says didn’t ban MTN, Glo, Airtel data loans
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget
-
News2 days agoUTME 2026: System Glitch Disrupts Exam at Abuja CBT Center
-
Business2 days agoCBN introduces money market instrument NOFR
-
Business2 days agoMAN Condemns World Bank’s Call for Nigeria PMS imports
-
Crime3 days agoGunmen Abduct 14 JAMB Candidates, Others in Benue Bus Attack
-
International2 days agoSouth Korea Successfully Navigates First Oil Tanker Through Red Sea Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade
-
Crime2 days agoNDLEA jails 11 drug kingpins to 254 years in prison
