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Demolition: Residents Lament Flouted Court Order

October 27, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Hundreds of residents were rendered homeless following the midnight demolition of homes despite a subsisting court injunction halting the exercise.

It was gathered that, at least, two bulldozers were deployed to the community for the demolition exercise, accompanied by a large number of police officers.

According to residents, over 50 armed policemen fired teargas through the night to disperse those attempting to resist the demolition. They claimed the operation had continued till the early hours of Sunday morning.

It was gathered that over 70 houses across Ajileru, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Streets were pulled down in what authorities described as part of a regeneration plan.

It was gathered that Justice A.G. Balogun of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja had, on October 23, issued an interim injunction restraining the demolition of properties belonging to members of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Association, CDA.

Despite this ruling, human rights group Amnesty International condemned what it called “violent forced evictions,” stating that some houses were demolished while families were still inside. The group urged authorities to stop “punishing the poor for urban planning failures.”

Leaders of the affected community have branded the act a “gross violation of judicial authority” and vowed to initiate contempt proceedings.

Some residents have accused the Oba of Oworonshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, of supporting the demolition to reclaim waterfront lands allegedly meant for private development.

However, the monarch has denied any involvement, stating that he too had previously suffered losses from a similar government-led exercise.

“I was also a victim when I unknowingly built on land that had been acquired by the government. I have no hand in any demolition,” he said.

The Baale of Oworonshoki, Chief Olorunwa Luwa, also condemned the ongoing exercise, insisting it was not sanctioned by any government authority.

Luwa said, “If this were a government-approved operation, it wouldn’t happen at midnight or 3 a.m. People with genuine property documents are losing their homes in this lawless exercise,” he said.

A resident, Olanrewaju Segun, stated that the demolition exercise took place without the marking of any building.

“We quickly mobilised and stopped them, and that was how they left in the morning. But we didn’t know they would return at midnight,” he said.

Another resident, a pregnant woman named Adenike, described a terrifying escape. “We thought the court had stopped the demolition, but around 1 a.m., bulldozers came again. I ran barefoot with my children. We lost everything,” she said tearfully.

Adewale Thomas, a displaced Lanlord wept uncontrollably saying, “Our homes were demolished while we were asleep, despite the injunction.

“Families, including children, slept outside in the cold”, he stated.

15 Rescued With Varying Degree Of Injuries As Building Collapses In Lagos

Akinwale Kasali

October 27, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium in the early hours of Monday as a-two storey building on 54, Cole Street, near Cemetery Bus Stop in the Oyingbo area of the State collapsed.

According to a situation report issued by Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the building caved in around 12:20 a.m. while residents were asleep.

Adeseye said firefighters from the Sari-Iganmu Fire Station were immediately dispatched to the scene following a distress call.

As the officials embarked on a rescue mission, 15 people were rescued.

They include; seven men, four Women, and four children — with varying degrees of injuries.

They were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, and the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island.

The search and rescue operations are still ongoing as more victims are feared trapped under the rubble.

Building collapses continue to be a recurring tragedy in Lagos, which often time attributed to the weak enforcement of building regulations, the use of substandard materials, and inadequate structural supervision.

72 hours ago, tragedy Tragedy struck late Friday night when a three-storey building under construction collapsed at No. 333 Borno Street, Alagomeji, in the Yaba area of Lagos State, leaving two people dead and several others injured.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Acting Head of the Lagos Command of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibitayo Adenike, said that emergency responders recovered two male bodies while four men were rescued alive and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to Adenike, the structure collapsed around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, trapping several workers beneath the debris. She added that the exact number of people still trapped could not be determined until the site was fully cleared.

Emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Nigeria Police Force, were on the ground to coordinate rescue efforts.

It would be recalled that in November 2021, a 21-storey building under construction in Ikoyi collapsed, killing at least 42 people, while another four-storey building in Yaba came down in September 2025, claiming multiple lives.

Terrorism Trial: Kanu Dumps Self-defence, Insists He Has No Case To Answer, Judge Adjourns

Ayodele Oni

October 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, again on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, refused to open his defence as earlier ordered by the court.

He also has abandoned earlier plan to call witnesses in his defence in the ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences.

The court had, on October 24, adjourned till October 27 for Kanu to open his defence. Kanu had written the court, indicating his intention to call witnesses and applied for witness summons.

When the case was called on Monday, Kanu said he has gone through the case-file and realised that there is no valid charge against him.

He argued that since he is convinced that there is no valid charge against him and that he was subjected to unlawful trial , there would no be need for him to conduct any defence.

Justice James Omotosho asked him to file a written address to that effect and serve the prosecution.

Justice Omotosho advised him to consult experts in criminal law on the consequences of the option he has chosen.

The Judge adjourned till 4th ,5th & 6th November for the adoption of the final written addresses based on the defendant’s position that evidence led so far and the charge have not established any case against him or for the defendant to enter his defence.

Ondo Set To Confront Any Security Threat – Gov Aiyedatiwa

Ayodele Oni

October 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has again assured residents of the State not to exercise any fear over security alarm as government is ready to confront swiftly any threat.

The Governor had last week convened an emergency high-level State Security Council meeting in a decisive move to address public concerns and reinforce government’s readiness to confront any threat head-on.

This followed a leaked intelligence report from the State Security Services, (SSS) to the effect that some armed bandits have concluded arrangement to launch attacks on some states including Ondo.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa made it clear that the security and stability of Ondo State are non-negotiable, emphasizing that his administration will respond swiftly, firmly, and effectively to any attempt to undermine the peace of the State.

Receiving the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Abubakar Ahmed, in Akure, the governor said since its establishment, the NSCDC has continued to live up to task on internal security, especially in preventing oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who said Ondo State has had its share of security challenges in recent past, added that no State is completely immune from threats, but security agencies in the State have been up to the task.

He stressed that the recently leaked intelligence report from one security agency to another “shows that our security agencies are working together and collaborating effectively to secure our communities and our people.”

The Governor promised to continue to give the needed support to the security agencies in the State as encouragement for the wonderful jobs they are doing.

He commended the security chiefs for their comprehensive briefings and assured them that the state government will provide the necessary logistics, intelligence support, and operational backing required to stay ahead of any potential threat.

Earlier, the NSCDC Commandant commended Governor Aiyedatiwa, for his support for the operations of security agencies in the State.

The NSCDC boss disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa is one of the very few governors offering operational support to the Corps, which has strengthened the partnership between the government and security agencies in the State.

He said: “Your Excellency, I am in Ondo State for operational activities and it is important for me to pay you a visit to appreciate all your efforts towards enhancing the security of this State.

“I can say that just like your predecessor, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu did, you are one of the few governors in Nigeria that we have identified as giving tremendous support for our operations.

“In doing this, you have demonstrated exceptional leadership and all we can do is to continue to support the government in providing adequate security for the people of Ondo State.

“We are here on the ground to access the situation and to further motivate our men who are working very hard. We are satisfied with what we have seen so far and we will continue to collaborate with the government and other security agencies to enhance the security and safety of the people and national assets domiciled in Ondo State”

OPINION: Atiku And His 1001 Marabouts

The Source

October 27, 2025

By Steve Osuji

The way of marabouts: Let’s put this in perspective. Taking some insightful liberties is a part of the tools of this writing trade, so we say upfront that ATIKU actually may not have 1001 marabouts serenading him right now. At least EXPRESSO hasn’t counted them, but the story over the years has always been that this is the season of the wizened clerics and quasi-soothsayers in the camp of the Khalifa.

It’s a well known tale that Abubakar Atiku, also known as the Khalifa by his acolytes, loves the counsel of hooded imams and otherworldly men at a time like this when crucial political decisions are to be taken.

With the race for the 2027 presidential election heating up, it is said that this time, it’s not just marabouts from Nigeria who are at work but an expanded shroud of crouching denizens from some West African countries, the sahel and as far away as the Arabia.

It’s like a coven of guiding spirits meeting minds and helping the Khalifa think through what’s probably the most important decision of his life so far. Of course, Atiku has been under immense pressure not to run this time.

More perspectives: most ordinary minds would suffer rapid palpitations on hearing the word: Marabouts. But these are basically Islamic clerics, usually advanced in age, who have mastered not just the Qur’an, but the art of life and living. They are leaders and influencers in their communities and spheres of authority where official bureaucracy is often absent or in retreat.

They are also mediators, magicians and even mandators at a time a metal fist may be necessary last resort for a desired result.

In other words, marabouts are not merely guileful soothsayers, but much more.

LIKE MARABOUTS, LIKE MOMODU: Marabouts are basically advisers to power. But the snag is that many of them make-believe that they’re possessed of extra terrestrial powers or that they know much more than they let on.

But EXPRESSO wagers that most of them are con artists, confidence tricksters and people beholden to power and powerful men.

Nigeria’s entertainer, PRman and media impresario, Dele Momodu may be likened to a marabout of sorts.

The difference is that while the one is provincial and scruffy in his shawls, the other is often decked in designer dresses.

While the rustic marabout probably still rides in donkeys and camels in his dusty domain, Momodu would fly first class or private jet. He would live in five-star accommodations, do five-star dinners and leisure all on the bill of his client.

But let it be known that the bush marabout is true and beautiful in his monasterial living, in his relentless search through the Word and for wisdom. He fasts, he prays, he speaks softly. In fact, some of them could dig up some spiritual substance if they are not overawed by little god’s like the Khalifa whom they have elevated to the status of deity.

It’s said that Atiku regards a marabout more than a Harvard professor of Economics.

And they know exactly what to tell him:

“O Khalifa, the crown is on your head!

Unlike the other time, this time, it’s pure gold of Arabian hue. And, bless your soul, it sits magnificently on your head as if you were born with it!

” O Khalifa, the crown on your head is your destiny, not even you can help it…”

On and on, they would croon unsolicitedly, each time they set their eyes on him!

No human can survive such an evisceration of the mind. Not in the least ambitious Atiku.

But metro marabouts, not unlike Momodu (Reno Omokri, Daniel Bwalya, Ken Okonkwo and their ilk) sometimes turn out quite stressful to their clients. More loathsome, however, is that they come with unduly heavy emotional and financial invoices.

They don’t come cheap; they also get into trouble as they all too often, trip on political landmines.

For instance, Momodu raised the hackles of opponents and supporters of his principal recently when he suggested that Peter Obi and Goodluck Jonathan had already lost the cause as President Bola Tinubu had hijacked the entire South of Nigeria. Haba!

This singular statement rankled the APC strategists, unsettled OBiDIENTS and angered the GEJ group. Why would anyone turpedo the coalition before it has formed?

Such zealotry comes with being the unreflective urban marabout with eyes more on his bank balance.

The urban marabouts are rogue advisors who are duodenal and think through their tummies. For why in the world would a Momodu with all his supposed learnings be rooting for an ailing 80-year-old to preside over Nigeria in 2027?!

We witnessed Buhari preside from London hospitals; today Tinubu virtually operates from French health facilities yet Momodu is angling for Atiku to rule Nigeria from luxurious Dubai hospice! He doesn’t give a hoot about Nigeria, about you and I or even posterity, like his grandchildren. All Momodu cares about is himself and his personal gains.

He and the likes of Reno, Bwalya, Okonkwo are quintessentially rogue marabouts and fortune hunters!

ATIKU’S VAULTING AMBITION: It’s actually the battle of his life. This is Atiku’s last stand on earth and in heaven … When he shall stand before his maker at the pearly gate, and Baba would jocularly chide him: “Olboy you try o!”

Khalifa wearing his famous scowl, now set like a granite sculpture, would answer: “Yeah, bloody hell I did!”

Baba: “Well, you know what it’s going to be now.”

Khalifa: “Whatever; wherever,” he would retort, haughty and defiant like a promontory rock.

Verdict : the die is cast and even the heavens can’t make Atiku backtrack, it seems.

ADC: ATIKU DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS: Political watchers have followed the formation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Atiku. The coalition is born out of the need to have a bulwark against the rampaging ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC). But too soon, ADC has become an Atiku franchise.

Already, it has been structured to have him as the presidential candidate. This has left many founding members disillusioned.

Many founders were under the illusion that ADC would adopt Peter Obi straightaway as the arrowhead to defeat the bumbling behemoth, APC.

Obi is to ADC today, what Buhari was to APC in 2014. And even more. Unlike, Buhari, Obi is young, full of health and enjoys massive national traction not known in Nigeria’s political history.

The watching world expected Atiku and the emerging formidable coalition to rally behind Obi and usher in a new Nigeria. Straight forward!

Atiku was to be the supremo and ultimate statesman who berthed this new age and new day for a glorious new Nigeria, standing tall in the sun among the comity of nations. Atiku was to emerge as the superhero of Nigeria’s modern political history.

He was at the periphery of a glorious final chapter of a not-too- illustrious biography.

Almost everyone genuflected, cajoled, and even prostated to make Atiku see this beautiful picture. No way. You don’t listen to mortal men when you’re in the midst of marauding marabouts.

Recently, to the shock of the coalition, he told the BBC he would run in 2027. He would contest in the primary and respect the result therefrom.

Only a neophyte would engage Atiku in a primary in a party he has formed in his image and imagination. Of course , Peter Obi isn’t stupid, no matter what you think of him.

It would serve Obi best to withdraw, not just from the race, but from politics rather than to go to a primary contest with Atiku.

It would amount to an inglorious political suicide for Obi to do that.

ATIKU WILL NEVER BE PRESIDENT: Of course Atiku will never be president of Nigeria. Well, tell that to the horde of marabouts around him. But that’s the reality shorn of chanting marabouts.

For instance, his baggage will fill up a dozen rickety LAWMA trucks. Aged and ailing, Nigeria needs a new beginning.

The youths need a new beginning which they have identified in Peter Obi. They passed the message in 2023 when Obi with a ragtag Labour Party, won the presidential election landslide in the east, west, north and south.

It’s only in four states out of 36 (and Abuja) that Obi didn’t win 25 % of total votes.

It was an Obi revolution that was stymied by INEC’s infamous ‘glitch’. Some of the chief riggers in the APC have openly confessed to this.

FEAR OF OBI: The APC and incumbent president, Tinubu are so scared of Obi that the only way they know to stop him is to make sure he’s not on the ballot.

Tinubu and his gang have ensured to infiltrate every single mushroom political party in the land apart from the ADC, now occupied by Atiku. Some observers would even wager that Tinubu may have ‘reached’ Atiku ostensibly to keep Obi out of the ballot at any cost.

Well, one can’t vouch for any Nigerian politician, especially of the old order, but ADC not adopting Obi as an automatic candidate leaves room for vile speculations.

If Atiku COULD NOT beat Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and lastly, Tinubu in 2023, then not Tinubu as incumbent.

The reasons are too numerous. He’s seen as same of the same with Tinubu. Atiku is seen as a soulless usurper of the turn of Southerners and the destroyer of the PDP because of his wanton crave for power.

Atiku cannot be president of Nigeria but it’s okay if he resolves to keep trying till the end!

ENDGAME: Well, it is po-ssible that ADC and the coalition have been applying distractive strategy all this while to keep the ‘enemy’ guessing. If that is so, let them resolve to do the needful (adopt Obi today!). Even one more day may be too late. There’s a lot of work to be done. APC had to do a sham primary in 2014 after they had adopted Buhari as candidate!

On the other hand, if what’s happening is sheer political folly (of Atiku grabbing the ADC space as he did PDP), then let Obi take a stand today:

QUIT ADC AND QUIT POLITICS IF NO OTHER PARTY WILL ADOPT HIM.

Finally, if Nigeria doesn’t love Obi, let him leave Nigeria to bear her cross. History will vindicate him; enough of his unrequited love.

> Osuji was editor at The Guardian and THISDAY among others.
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Lamido: I Will Sue PDP If I Can’t Obtain National Chairmanship Form

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 27, 2025

Ahead the November 15 National Convention of the peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Jigawa state former governor, Sule Lamido has threatened to sue his party. His reason is that he’s unable to purchase the form to contest for the position of the National Chairman.

If the former governor went ahead to sue the party, as he has threatened, PDP problem may be further complicated, analysts insist as it’s trying to wriggle out of the court case instituted by some angry members of the party who are threatening to stop the Convention from holding.

The former governor is one of the founding fathers of the party, and has been resolute in his call for unity and reconciliation among the leaders of the party, despite the protracted leadership crisis that’s threatened to destabilize the party ahead the next month National Delegates Convention.

Lamido lamented the problem he faced in purchasing the form on Monday when he went to the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to him, he met the party’s National Secretary and National Organizing Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu and Umar Bature who told him they could not help him, as the forms were not available with them.

The former governor had therefore warned that he would sue the party to court if he’s prevented from obtaining the form to contest the party’s highest position at the National Convention slated for next month in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

“If I don’t get the form, I will go to court”, he said while speaking to journalists over his frustration.

His warning is coming barely a week after the major PDP stakeholders from the 19 northern states disclosed that they have agreed to present a former Minister, Taminu Turaki, a senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN as a consensus candidate for the position.

Governor Umar Fintiri of Adamwa state, who is also the Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee made the position of the stakeholders known in Abuja, last week saying the party will however not prevent other candidates from contesting, saying it’s their democratic right to do so, noting that the party’s Constitution supports the stakeholders position on the matter.

“That is what our constitution says. Anybody is still free to contest but our candidate is Turaki”, the governor stated.

Fintiri’s position on the issue however appears not to have gone down well with other major stakeholders such as Lamido who believes that they were not carried along in the decision to make Turaki the Consensus candidate.

The former governor was among PDP leaders from the North west zone, who rejected Turaki last week as a consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday night, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, who spoke on behalf of the Zone said the purported endorsement did not reflect the collective decision of stakeholders from the North-West, saying the choice of Turaki was unilateral and bereft of consultation with other key stakeholders from the region.

“The North-West has not met to agree on that position. What we want to make clear is that this zone has not adopted anybody as a candidate for the position of PDP National Chairman,” he said.

Bature explained that the North-West stakeholders were yet to hold any formal meeting to decide on a consensus candidate, stressing that the process should involve wide consultation among leaders of the zone.

“Consensus is achieved through consultation. We were not consulted before the announcement was made. The meeting that was supposed to hold yesterday at the instance of the Zamfara governor was postponed, and yet a candidate was adopted without the zone’s input.

“We are the strongest zone in the PDP, and we disagree with the decision announced by the governors. We will have our own candidate whom we will nominate for the position,” Bature stated.

Apart from Bature, other key PDP leaders and stakeholders present at the Abuja briefing included former National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri, the PDP’s 2023 Kaduna governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, and Mustapha Lamido, the former governors’ son.

PSC Mourns CSP Matilda, DPO FESTAC Lagos

The Source

October 27, 2025

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, has expressed shock at the sudden death of CSP Matilda Ngbaronye, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Festac town Division, Lagos. CSP Ngbaronye reportedly succumbed to the cold hands of death on Friday after an unsuccessful surgery at a private hospital in Lagos.

The PSC Chairman said the tributes of the late Officer, which he read confirmed that she was a committed and hardworking Police Officer who was devoted to the service of the Nigeria Police Force.

He expressed his sincere condolences to the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command, the aged mother, and relations.

He prayed that God should receive her soul and give her an eternal peaceful rest.

DIG Argungu said the Commission would continue to work to ensure a good working condition for Police Officers including provision of necessary tools and benefits commensurate with their challenging work load.

She, allegedly died after a non- life threatening surgery.

FCMB Launches Mutual Funds Access On Mobile App

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 26, 2025

First City Monument Bank, FCMB, a subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc, has launched a new feature on its Mobile App that allows customers to open investment accounts and invest directly in mutual funds managed by FCMB Asset Management, the Group’s wealth creation arm.

This development marks another significant step in FCMB Group’s ongoing digital transformation, a strategy focused on integrating all its business verticals into a single, full-service financial ecosystem that empowers customers to bank, invest, and grow wealth seamlessly.

With the new in-app investment feature, customers can now access FCMB Asset Management’s range of mutual funds — including the low-risk Legacy Money Market Fund, the growth-oriented Legacy Equity Fund, the predominantly local-currency bond-holding Legacy Debt Fund, and the Legacy USD Bond Fund for dollar-denominated investments. These options cater to different risk appetites and financial goals, from short-term liquidity to long-term capital appreciation or steady income generation.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director, First City Monument Bank, said:
“What we are building goes beyond digital convenience. It is about creating a connected ecosystem where banking, payments, and investments work together to serve customers’ broader financial needs. By integrating mutual funds into the FCMB Mobile App, we extend that ecosystem, enabling customers to move seamlessly from saving to investing within one trusted platform.”

Commenting, James Ilori, Chief Executive Officer, FCMB Asset Management Limited, said:
“Our mission is to democratize access to investment opportunities and make wealth creation simple and inclusive. By bringing mutual funds to the FCMB Mobile App, we enable anyone, anywhere, to start investing confidently and build sustainable financial futures.”

The integration of mutual fund services into the FCMB Mobile App aligns with FCMB Group’s broader goal of creating a digitally inclusive financial ecosystem that connects banking, investment, and asset management under one trusted platform to drive long-term value for individuals and communities.

Customers can download or update the FCMB Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store today to begin investing.

Sen. Nwoko To Tinubu: Release Nnamdi Kanu For Peace To Reign In S/East

James Orji

October 26, 2025

Senator Ned Nwoko has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra who has been held since he was arrested in Kenya in June 2021.

Kanu who has been detained by the DSS for four years is currently facing trial for treasonable felony and terrorism related charges.

Last week some Nigerians under the #FreeNnamdiKanu staged demonstrations in some major cities across the country, including the nation’s capital, Abuja, demanding freedom for the embattled IPOB strongman. The protest was led by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.

Not a few Nigerians have been demanding that Kanu be released from detention in the spirit of peace and national reconciliation. They point to the fact that Kanu’s case should not be different, after other notable secessionist leaders in the country have been freed.

Among those who have demanded his release are former vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party, LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi who said it’s an injustice on the part f the federal government to continue to hold the leader of proscribed IPOB.

Speaking on Channels Television Politics Today on Sunday, representing Delta North in the National Assembly said peace will return to the south east if Kanu is released from detention, saying he has been held “unjustly”.

He bemoaned the unnecessary delay in Kanu’s trial by the federal government, saying the government has a choice to free him or put him on trial.

“Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody for some time now. I believe that he has been held unjustly,” he stated.

“If you want to get him tried and convicted, get on with it, you know. But this is a guy who has been held unjustly..

He added, “By the time you do these two things, I am almost certain that peace will return to the South-East.”

The magazine reported that Kanu’s trial began in Abuja , the nation’s capital, but the trial was adjourned by the presiding judge of the federal high court, Justice James Omotosho who had adjourned the case to Monday October 27 to enable the IPOB leader have access to his case from his counsels.

Kanu had last week sacked his lawyers led by Kanu Agabi, a senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN saying he would defend the case on his own.

Tompolo: I have Nothing To Do With Nnamdi Kanu, Didn’t Call For His Release

James Orji

October 26, 2025

Repentans Niger Delta Militant, Government Ekpumupolo also known as Tompolo has denied a report of the social media, in which he allegedly issued the federal government a 21-day ultimatum to release IPOB strongman, Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

According to Tompolo, who’s also the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, he did not authored such ultimatum trending on the social media.

The denial was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday by Dr Paul Bebenimibo, his Media Consultant..

Tompolo spoke few days after the trial of Kanu began in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The judge presiding over his case, James Omotosho of the federal high court, has adjourned the trial to Monday October 27, to enable Kanu have access to his case file.

Recall that the proscribed IPOB leaderhad last week sacked his legal counsel led by Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, saying he will personally defend his case.

Reacting, Tompolo said he had nothing to do with Kanu, and did not author the publication now treding on the social media.

“High Chief Ekpemupolo has nothing to do with the issue of Nnamdi Kanu. It is clearly the handwork of Tompolo’s enemies, who are out there to discredit and pull him down because of his stand against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta region,” the statement said.

Adding, “We wish to state unequivocally and unambiguously that Tompolo did not author the said publication. High Chief Ekpemupolo has nothing to do with the issue of Nnamdi Kanu.

“It is clearly the handiwork of Tompolo’s enemies, who are out there to discredit and pull him down because of his stand against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta region.

“This set of people has failed and will continue to fail because he will not relent in carrying out his duty to totally eradicate illegal oil activities in the region.

“We wish to reassure the Federal Government, led by our dynamic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that Tompolo is with him and will continue to support the renewed agenda of his government.

“We wish to add that Tompolo remains firm and reaffirms his endorsement of Mr President for a second term and continues to work for its realisation. Once again, the Federal Government and the general public should ignore the said publication,” Tompolo said.

Following his arrest in Kenya in June 2021 the IPOB leader has been held by the DSS, and is currenlty standing trial on treasonable felony and terrorism related charges

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