News
Atiku Abubakar calls for the immediate release of detained lawyer Human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi
The Vice President of Nigeria from (1999-2007) and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in (2023), Atiku Abubakar, has called for the mediate release of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi.
He said Farotimi’s arrest and detention is unequivocally condemned.
According to him, his call serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent.
He said: I am made aware that Dele is being accused of defamation — an offense that, under normal circumstances, should not warrant the involvement of law enforcement.
The Police’s intervention in such matters is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, an overreach of unimaginable proportions.
This alarming trend, particularly the recent abduction — or rather, the arrest — of Dele Farotimi, is emblematic of this administration’s insidious agenda to suffocate the fundamental right to free expression.
The aim is clear: to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, thus paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state.
It is imperative to remind the Tinubu administration that these repeated acts of arrest stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy.
Freedom of speech and association are not privileges but constitutionally enshrined rights.
If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they are free to seek redress in the courts, not at the hands of the state’s enforcers.
It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police as a tool for personal vendettas.
In 2019, I was defamed. I did not involve the Police to flex muscles and intimidate the defaming citizen, but I took the case to court where I am currently seeking reliefs for the injuries to my name and integrity.
Therefore, I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi.
Former Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is dead. He passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, after a period of illness.
A family statement announced his death, describing it as a devastating loss. Uduaghan, a medical doctor, served as Delta State Commissioner for Health (1999–2003) and Secretary to the State Government (2003–2007) before becoming governor from 2007 to 2015. He was known for contributions to infrastructure and human capital development in the state.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed deep sadness over the passing. In a condolence message, he described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader whose service left a lasting mark on Delta State.
Oborevwori extended heartfelt condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation, and the people of Delta State, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
An angry mob has set a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on fire after it reportedly crushed a commercial motorcyclist to death at Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate that the motorcyclist was riding alone along the restricted BRT lane when the collision happened. He died at the scene.
Enraged residents and youths then attacked the bus driver and set the vehicle ablaze. Police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who were nearby, intervened promptly and rescued the driver unharmed.
The identity of the deceased motorcyclist and the exact circumstances of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the burning of the bus.
News
ARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
• ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female)
ARISE News has emerged as one of the major winners at the just ended Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
ARISE News won seven honours across television broadcasting, news reporting, presentation and production during the ceremony.
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
The network’s flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, also won the Best TV Talk Show award, further strengthening its recognition in television broadcasting.
ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female).
Rufai Oseni was named Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Male), while Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong received the Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Female) award.
The recognition extended to the network’s newsroom, with Ovieteme George winning Best TV News Reporter (Male) for his contributions to television news reporting.
Behind the camera, Sam Adeyemi received the Best Camera Operator/Cinematographer award, recognising his work in television production and visual storytelling.
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