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
NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.
The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.
Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.
Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
News
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
Zambia’s Hichilema leads presidential vote count
Tinubu Hails Adeleke’s Re-Election as Proof Democracy Is Thriving
BREAKING: INEC declares Adeleke winner of Osun gov poll
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Politics3 days agoOsun Election: President Tinubu mobilises Voters “Go Out to Vote Candidate of Your Choice on Saturday Without Fear
-
Politics3 days agoAccord says Imumolen has no electoral value
-
Business3 days agoNaira Exchange Rates Friday, August 14
-
Politics3 days agoOsun governorship election will be transparent, says INEC
-
News3 days agoNMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
-
Sports3 days agoCommittees hit the ground running for 8th Kwara State Sports Festival
-
Health3 days agoGov Mbah Invest in world-class Enugu International Hospital
-
Politics1 day ago#OsunDecides2026: First Results Emerge as Voting Ends, Collation Begins at Polling Units