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Nnamdi Kanu: Family Indicts DSS, Says Why He May Not Obey Trial Judge

November 7, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

Nnamdi Kanu, detained Leader of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, may likely not appear in Court today (Friday November 7) says his family.

If that happens, he would have lost his final chance to open his defence, and his fate could be decided based on the presentation of the prosecution only.

Trial Judge, the Honourable Justice James Omotosho, had given him till Friday to open his defence, an order Kanu has continued to reject, insisting that he knew no law in Nigeria he had broken and so, has no case to answer.

Omotosho had asked him to open his defence after ruling that Kanu has a case to answer.

In response, Kanu disengaged his legal team and opted to defend himself. But he has failed to open up defence after he initially listed a high profile number of witnesses who included Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, and more.

Days later, he made an about-turn and said he was no longer opening any defence as he had no case to answer.

At the last sitting, Omotosho gave him till Friday to open his defence or he would lose the opportunity of doing so.

But on Thursday night, Kanu’s family issued a statement wherein members said their embattled son may likely not appear in Court and so, would open no defence.

The family put the blame on the Department of State Services (DSS), which it alleged “is deliberately stopping him from preparing his defence in court.”

In the statement signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu on behalf of others, Kanu’s family drew the attention of the international community to the situation and asked it to urge Nigeria to stop the alleged violation of Kanu’s right to fair hearing.

The statement reads: “The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), wishes to inform the public and the international community that the Department of State Services (DSS) is deliberately stopping him from preparing his defence in court.

“In the last few days, the DSS has made it almost impossible for Mazi Kanu to have proper access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses. The DSS has also refused to allow him to file the court documents he needs for his case, which is scheduled for Friday, 7 November 2025.

“Due to these actions, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may not be able to appear in court on Friday, not because he does not want to, but because he has been denied the opportunity to prepare and defend himself.

“How DSS is blocking his fair hearing:

“The DSS has been doing the following:

“Stopping his visitors, including family members, lawyers, and recording his meetings with lawyers & family, instead of allowing private and free discussion as required by law.

“Refusing to give him access to a computer and printer necessary for the preparation of his processes and blocking him from filing his own court papers.

“Declining to take him to the court registry to submit the documents he intends to use for his defence.

“These actions are in violation of the Nigerian Constitution and basic human rights. Every accused person has the right to facilities to help him prepare adequately and to interact freely with their lawyers, family, witnesses, prepare for court, and defend themselves — but the DSS is stopping Mazi Kanu from doing so.

“This Is Not Justice. What the DSS is doing is unfair, unlawful, and intentional. They are making it difficult for him to defend himself so that the case can be decided against him.

“If Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot appear in court or defend himself, the DSS and the Nigerian Government should be held responsible. They are frustrating him by ignoring court orders and violating his rights.

“We are issuing this warning now before they start peddling their propaganda that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is disrespectful to the court by declining to appear.

“We Call on the World to Take Note!

“We urge the following organisations:

The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Commonwealth,

Human rights groups and all people who believe in justice to pay close attention to what is happening.

“The Nigerian Government cannot claim to follow the rule of law while silencing a defendant and blocking his right to a fair hearing.”

The DSS has not responded to the allegation.

FRSC Says 3,915 Fatalities, 24,674 Injuries Recorded In Road Accidents In Eight Months

Akinwale Kasali

November 7, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Over 3,915 lives were lost in 7,715 road crashes across the country between January and September 2025, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, disclosed.

The FRSC added that 24,674 people sustained varying degrees of injuries within the same period.

Shehu Mohammed, the FRSC Corp Marshal, disclosed this Thursday at the National Town Hall Meeting and Ember Months Road Safety Campaign flag-off with the theme “Take Responsibility for Your Safety; Stop Distracted Driving,” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Giving the statistics, the Corp Marshal stated an increase in both road crashes and fatalities compared to figures recorded in 2024.

He revealed that within the same period, Rivers State recorded 15 deaths and 51 injuries in 47 road crashes, noting that this represent a reduction compared to the 2024 record.

He said, “Crash statistics recorded between January and September 2025 nationwide showed that a total of 7,715 road traffic crashes occurred, representing a 10.04 per cent rise compared to 7,011 crashes recorded within the same period in 2024. Again, 24,674 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, compared to 22,373 injured in 2024.

“This also reflects a 10.28 per cent increase. Also, 3,915 persons were killed in 2025 as against 3,811 in 2024, indicating an increase of 11.55 per cent.

“However, in Rivers State, within the same period, 15 persons were killed and 51 were injured in 47 reported road crashes. When compared to the 2024 record, these figures represent a 35.7 per cent decrease in fatalities and a 37.5 per cent decrease in road crash-related injuries.”

He further stated that the improved figures in Rivers State reflected better emergency response and increased road safety awareness.

“In comparison, the national road crash records during the period under review are an alarming reminder that road crashes can destroy families, weaken communities, and impose severe socio-economic burdens on our nation.

“I, therefore, call on every road user to demonstrate caution, discipline, and vigilance while on the highways,” he added.

Mohammed stressed that the FRSC had strengthened its proactive interventions, advanced its operations, expanded public enlightenment campaigns, and deployed technology in road safety management.

He added that in preparation for the expected traffic surge during the season, the FRSC had commenced implementing its programme outline for safe and secure road transportation during the Ember Months.

Southern Nigeria Monarchs Appoint Uzodimma Their Coordinator

The Source

November 6, 2025

Southern Nigeria Monarchs and Hope Uzodimma

Traditional Rulers from the Southern part of Nigeria under the aegis of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council have appointed Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as their Coordinator, noting that the Governor has done so much to advance their course as leaders of communities in Nigeria and in fostering unity among them.

The letter appointing Governor Uzodimma as their Coordinator was presented to him on Thursday in his office in Owerri by the Chairman of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, the Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, his Co- Chairman, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya and the Secretary, the Dein of Agbor, HRM Obi Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagboruzi 1.

The trio were accompanied by their brother monarchs from the South all of who are members of Technical Committee of the body.

The Ooni who said in his remarks that members of the Technical Committee were Owerri to consider issues around the association’s forthcoming general meeting further appreciated the role Governor Uzodimma has played in ensuring that the monarchs in Nigeria are given their pride of place in the running of the affairs of the country, both politically, culturally and traditionally.

He said after careful evaluation of such roles the monarchs collectively agreed that Governor Uzodimma is the most suitable to Coordinate their affairs in the interest of not just the people of the Southern Nigeria, but the Country as a whole.

He used the opportunity to remind the Governor that their next general meeting will be held in Ogun State, and that the Chairman of Southern Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun has agreed to be the host.

Governor Uzodimma hosted the maiden edition of the assembly in Owerri.

The Ooni said the courtesy call was not just to communicate to the Governor about the appointment but to brief him on the forthcoming meeting.

Recognising the pivotal the Governor plays in the current political dispensation in the country as well as the listening ear he enjoys with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the monarchs handed a letter seeking for audience with Mr. President to Governor Uzodimma, now proudly referred to as their Coordinator.

In his response, the Governor said he was humbled by the accolades from the traditional rulers and promised not to disappoint their reasonable expectations.

The Governor reiterated the important role the traditional institution plays in the society and urged the monarchs as custodians of the traditional institution to brace up to do the same in Nigeria.

Governor Uzodimma assured them that he will not only reach out to his brother Governor Abiodun over their forthcoming meeting in Ogun State, but assured them that their message for Mr. President will be delivered.

Court Strikes Out Alleged N400mn Fraud Charge Against Senator Uba

Akinwale Kasali

November 6, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, struck out a N400million fraud charge against Andy Uba, a former Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial Zone.

Justice Mohammed Umar terminated further proceeding on the matter after the charge was withdrawn by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun.

The Nigerian Police Force had, in the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, alleged that Senator Uba and the 2nd defendant, Mr. Benjamin Etu, acting alongside one Hajiya Fatima, said to be at large, sometime in 2022, conspired and defrauded one George Uboh.

The defendants were accused of obtaining the money through false pretence, by making a presentation to Uboh that they had perfected a way to secure the position of the Managing Directorship of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for any person that could afford the sum of N400 million.

The prosecutor had informed the Court that the defendants knew that the claim they made in the presentation was not true.

They were said to have committed an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006.

The Police had alleged that the defendants and Fatima (at large), in 2022, conspired amongst themselves with intention to defraud, induced Uboh with a presentation that they had perfected a way to give an appointment of the post of MD of the NDDC to who could afford the N400m.

The defendants were said to have obtained the money and converted it into their own personal use, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006.

Processes before the court indicated that Uboh had in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the IGP, detailed how he was allegedly defrauded.

The petition was said to have been supported by both documentary evidence and voice recordings.

Senator Uba’s daughter, Chidimma, who was initially joined as his co-defendant, was later delisted from the charge.

Though the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on July 7, gave the IGP the nod to prosecute Uba and Etu, however, repeated attempts to arraign them failed.

At the resumed sitting on Thursday, Police Lawyer, Aminu Abdullahi, informed the Court that he filed a notice of discontinuance following an amicable settlement of the issue by the parties.

He further informed the Court that the defendants had since paid back the N400m to the complainant.

His application to withdraw the charge was not opposed by the defence counsel, C.F. Odiniru, prompting Justice Umar to strike out the case.

Ogunwole Succeeds Abayomi As FUOYE VC

Ayodele Oni

November 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has announced the appointment of a professor of soil ecosystem, Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole as the new vice chancellor of the institution.

Ogunwole, who is the current deputy vice Chancellor Strategic Partnership Research, Innovation and Linkages will succeed Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Abayomi’s tenure will terminate in February, 2026, having been appointed in 2021.

According to a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Foluso Ogunmodede, the decision was taken at a meeting presided over by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria on Thursday.

It reads: ”Today Thursday, November 6, 2025, brings to an end a very long and difficult process of getting a new VC for FUOYE.”

It said the process began in August when advertisement for the position of the New Vice-Chancellor was placed in the newspapers.

“The Pro-Chancellor said that the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor has brought with it rancour and acrimony to the campus and outside it advising that by this appointment, all these should stop.

“The Chairman then advised all applicants to sheathe their swords and join the new Vice-Chancellor to build the University.

“Senator Ndoma-Egba thanked the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina for finishing well, noting that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor towers above his predecessors in terms of infrastructure development of the university.

“You are going out with confidence and your head high up, I congratulate you.”

Senator Ndoma-Egba appreciated members of the Governing Council for their commitment, doggedness, and thoroughness, saying “I want to put on record my appreciation for your support and understanding.”

The pro-chancellor later presented the letter of appointment to Ogunwole during the meeting.

Cross River Assembly Summons Commissioner Over Non Promotion Of Teachers

Ayodele Oni

November 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Worried by the stagnation of teachers for years, the Cross River State House of Assembly has summoned the Commissioner for Education, the Accountant General, the Auditor General, and Heads of several agencies in the education sector to appear before it.

The summon follows the persistent non-implementation of teachers’ promotions across the state, sparking concerns over welfare and productivity in public schools.

During Thursday’s plenary session, lawmakers expressed frustration at the delays, which they say have led to low morale among educators and hindered the quality of teaching and learning.

Members highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, arguing that timely promotions are essential to motivate teachers – described as the “cornerstone of societal progress.”

The Assembly commended Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for efforts to address irregularities inherited from previous governments.

However, lawmakers blamed ongoing issues on alleged fraudulent activities by corrupt officials within the system and called for the identification and sanctioning of those responsible.

The Speaker, Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to prioritizing teachers’ welfare and education sector matters, emphasizing that the summons aims to resolve the backlog promptly.

This development comes amid broader complaints in Cross River about delays in civil service promotions, with historical arrears reportedly requiring billions to clear.

Similar issues, including alleged extortion for promotion processing, have surfaced in recent years, though officials have denied authorizing such payments.

The invited officials are expected to provide explanations and timelines for implementation.

Teachers and unions have long decried the stagnation, warning it contributes to brain drain in the state’s education system.

No date for the appearance has been specified yet, but the Assembly’s move signals heightened oversight on education funding and administration in the South-South state.

Imo Govt Unfolds Plan For Massive Rural Development In The State

The Source

November 6, 2025

The Imo State government is poised to embark on massive rural development, making significant approvals for programmes that will facilitate improvement on government services to the people.

The hint came Wednesday, November 5 2025, during the weekly State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba disclosed the key highlights from the meeting while briefing newsmen.

He said Council made significant decisions aimed at enhancing development in rural areas, alongside various initiatives to improve government services.

Major approvals according to the Information Commissioner include

approval for an immediate resuscitation plan for Inyishi Aluminium Company, where ₦500 million was allocated for its revival as well as approval for the purchase of official vehicles to enhance government operations.

Flanked by his colleagues from Power and Electricity (Eng. Nwabueze Ogushienti), Digital Economy ( Chimezie Amadi), Lands and Survey ( Enyinnaya Onuegbu), Finance

( Chuck Chuckmeka), and the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor( Oguwike Nwachuku), Emelumba further disclosed that a 15% consultancy fee was approved for payment to Trace Wide Consult for successfully reviewing and recovering unmerited liquefied natural gas dividends and oil revenue from January 1999 to date.

He equally noted that recruitment for Cohort 4 of the Skill-Up Imo Project has begun, with applications encouraged to apply through the MyImoApp. The application is free.

According to him, a contract was awarded to Imo Digital City to manage Land Information Services and digitalization of all land transactions over the next 25 years, pointing out that all land transactions in the State shall henceforth be cashless and online too.

On roads, he said Council approved 40 new road contracts across the three zones in Imo State – Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe – with an inter-ministerial committee formed to create a blueprint for massive development in the rural areas for the purpose of creating a balanced growth after urban renewal effort.

The establishment of a committee for the Imo Investment Summit was also approved, just as Council hinted of the participation of over 13 banks as co-sponsors/ participants.

The Information Commissioner also disclosed that Imo Concord Hilton Hotel is set to be opened by Christmas for public use, assuring that the place will be a delight to visitors and those returning home for the holidays from the Diaspora.

On Imo State electricity Improvement Projects, the Commissioner for Power and Electrification, Engr. Nwabueze Ogushienti added that ongoing upgrades to electricity transmission across the State are underway, with a pilot scheme in Owerri featuring newly installed 15 MVA transformers.

The Council regrettably expressed condolences over the sudden passing of Dr. Daniel Ogacheke, a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investment, relating that government delegation will attend the burial in Kogi State and provide financial assistance.

President Tinubu Swears In Doro, Ude As New Ministers

Ayodele Oni

November 6, 2025

Bernard Mohammed Doro and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday administered the oath of office to two newly appointed Ministers that were earlier cleared by the senate.

They are Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro and Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, formally inducting them as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during a brief ceremony at the Council Chamber of the State House.

The swearing-in ceremony, performed before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council, (FEC) meeting, marks the latest addition to Tinubu’s cabinet.

The two new ministers will fill slots vacated by recent departures and ensuring continued representation for Plateau and Enugu States as required by the Nigerian Constitution.

Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, a pharmacist and lawyer from Plateau State, steps in to replace Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, who resigned to become the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Doro, born in 1969 in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area, brings over two decades of experience in clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community development from both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

His nomination was forwarded to the Senate in October 2025 and confirmed shortly after.

Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, assumes the role previously held by Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down amid allegations of certificate forgery.

Udeh, currently the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, nominated by President Tinubu on November 4, underwent a brief Senate screening, and was confirmed earlier on Thursday.

A legal expert with a Ph.D. in Public Law from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, Udeh has been noted for driving justice sector reforms in Enugu and is expected to take over the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio.

PDP Risks Not Presenting Candidate For 2026 Ekiti Gov. Election, Postpones Saturday Primary

Ayodele Oni

November 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Coming few hours after it announced the postponement of its National Convention, a faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rescheduling the November 8,2025, date for the governorship primaries in Ekiti State.

The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed had announced on Wednesday the suspension of the forthcoming National Convention, which was earlier scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

The NWC led by Umar Damagun had fixed Saturday, November 8,

for the primaries to pick its candidate for the June 20, 2026 election in the state.

No fewer than four aspirants, a former Commissioner for Works, Mrs Funmilayo Ogun; a medical practitioner, Dr Wole Oluyede; an aviation expert, Peter Obafemi; and Dr Funso Ayeni had obtained nomination and expression of interest forms for the party’s ticket.

The National Working Committee of the PDP has been engulfed in crisis leading to emergence of two groups now claiming leadership of the party, with Umar Damagum and Mohammed Abdulrahman claiming National Chairman of the party.

In a letter obtained by our Correspondent on Thursday, which was signed by Abdulrahman and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and dated November 6, 2025, the party informed INEC that the postponement was due to some logistics reasons.

The letter reads, “We wish to inform you that the PDP Ekiti State Congress and Governorship primary slated for November 8th, 2025, has been postponed due to logistics reasons constraining this exercise.

“A new date will be formally communicated when decided. Kindly refer to our earlier letter to the commission on this subject matter.

Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

According to the timetable and guidelines released by INEC, political parties have the window between October 20 and November 10, 2025 to conduct their governorship primaries ahead of the June 20, 2026 election.

With this development, PDP risks not conducting valid primaries for the election, which might stop the party from presenting the candidate for the next year’s Ekiti poll.

Anambra Guber: Ogene Cautions Soludo Against Voters’ Intimidation, Coercion

James Orji

November 6, 2025

Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

… Urges Ogbaru to vote their conscience

Afam Victor Ogene, leader of the Anambra State caucus in the House of Representatives, has expressed concerns about the ruling party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, allegedly coercing voters to support the incumbent in the upcoming governorship election. Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, described this posture as undemocratic and urges constituents to vote according to their conscience, emphasizing that there should be no repercussions for not supporting a particular party.

The lawmaker stated that democracy is built on the principle of free choice, and so denying citizens this basic right undermines the democratic process. He made this remark in a statement issued in Awka, Anambra State capital, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Hon. Ogene, who is also leader of the Labour Party caucus in the Green Chambers, further stated: “It’s a misconception that those who don’t support a particular government will be denied development benefits. When infrastructure such as roads, boreholes, or schools are built, it’s illogical to think that only supporters of the administration will use them.

“In the case of Ogbaru, we have not been considered worthy of enjoying these acclaimed dividends of democracy, yet we are being blackmailed to think that, this time around, except we vote in a particular way, we would be further denied government patronage, an inalienable right of every citizen.

“I, therefore, urge every resident of Ogbaru, nay Anambra State, to go out on Saturday, November 8, 2025 to fulfill a sacred obligation imposed on them by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: vote for a candidate of their choice, without any fear of intimidation, coercion and or inducement.”

“The Ogbaru Federal Constituency, has long been neglected by the state government, with the sole connecting road in a deplorable state. Despite the area generating significant oil revenue, the lack of infrastructure has led to severe economic and social challenges, affecting farmers and businesses who struggle to transport goods to the market,” Hon. Ogene said.

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