Connect with us

News

ECOWAS Okays Formal Exits of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso from Regional Bloc

The authority acknowledges that in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January, 2025.

Published

on

107 Views

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government  has formally approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc from January 29, 2025.

The Authority, however gave the three countries up till July next year to reconsider their planned withdrawal from the regional bloc.

In a communiqué after their meeting at the Presidential Villa on Sunday, the commission noted the decision of the three countries to withdraw from ECOWAS, adding that they would cease to be members officially from January 2025.

The communiqué read by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said “the authority takes note of the notification by Bukina Faso, Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.

“The authority acknowledges that in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January, 2025.

BACKGROUND

In January 2024,  Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. 

They accused the regional bloc of deviating from its foundational ideals and succumbing to external influences, particularly criticising the imposition of sanctions aimed at reversing their respective coups. 

The decision followed a series of military takeovers – Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023 – each leading to suspensions from ECOWAS and strained relations with the organisation.

Business

Dangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident

Published

on

21 Views

Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.

The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.

Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.

It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.

“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.

“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.

Continue Reading

News

VIDEO: Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Premises, Abuja, After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.

“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.

Published

on

By

9 Views

Police operatives have arrested former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Sowore was forcibly taken away by armed police officers from the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after attending the court session of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, who has been leading campaigns for Kanu’s release, was confronted by security operatives who insisted he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers surrounded him moments after he exited the courtroom, refusing to disclose specific details about his alleged offence.

When questioned by onlookers, one of the policemen stated that they were acting on the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.

As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest and his current whereabouts remain unclear.

Continue Reading

Crime

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Sacks All Lawyers, To Represent Himself

Published

on

18 Views

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he will personally conduct his defense in the ongoing terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government.

This declaration came during Thursday’s proceedings, following the withdrawal of his legal team, led by senior advocate Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside other Senior Advocates of Nigeria who had been representing him.

The courtroom was thrown into mild surprise when Mr. Kanu told Justice James Omotosho that he intended to take charge of his own defense, stating his decision to act as his own counsel moving forward.

Justice Omotosho, in response, offered to assign a court-appointed lawyer to assist him, but Mr. Kanu declined the offer, insisting that he would proceed without any legal representation.

The court subsequently adjourned to allow Mr. Kanu to prepare for his defense under the new arrangement.

Mr. Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021, faces multiple charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.

The self-proclaimed IPOB leader has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that his movement’s agitation for the independence of Biafra is rooted in self-determination and not in violence or terrorism.

The case, which has drawn both national and international attention, is expected to resume in the coming weeks as Mr. Kanu opens his defense without a legal team.

Continue Reading

Trending