News
Sowore Defies Court Amid Police Warning on #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has vowed to go ahead with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on Monday, October 20, 2025, despite a Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations near key government sites in Abuja.
Sowore, the 2023 African Action Congress presidential candidate, said his legal team of 115 lawyers will challenge any court order once served but emphasized the protest will proceed peacefully and lawfully.
“Our legal team will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday. But let it be known that nothing can stop this mass movement. October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully,” he stated on X.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier warned protest groups to comply with a court order by Justice M. Umar of the Federal High Court, which prohibits protests within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin reaffirmed the police respect for peaceful assembly but stressed that protests must remain lawful and responsible. He warned that those violating the order or inciting violence would face prosecution.
Sowore accused the police of double standards, pointing out that groups protesting against Nnamdi Kanu’s release have been allowed to demonstrate freely for days without similar restrictions.
“If a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa, why hasn’t the police obtained a similar order against those opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release who have protested freely for three days?” he questioned.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed strict enforcement of the court order, with increased police presence in vulnerable areas to maintain public peace and security during the protest period.
Authorities have cautioned against attempts by any protesters or counter-protesters to provoke violence or disrupt public order, assuring residents that security measures will protect lives and property.
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.
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