BREAKING: Sowore arrested at Abuja Federal High Court
Former AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore has just been arrested by the Nigerian police at the federal high court in Abuja.
Sowore was in court to show solidarity with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu. It will be recalled that Kanu’s trial begins today after four years of being on the run.
It was earlier reported that several IPOB members were also arrested today at the court premises.
More to come…
Commotion in Abuja High Court As Lawyers Struggle To Witness Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
Security operatives are presently having a hectic battle to control a retinue of lawyers who stormed the Federal High Court in Abuja to witness the trial of the self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in the terrorism and treasonable felony charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
The lawyers, who claimed to have come from various parts of the country in solidarity with Kanu, are insisting to be allowed into the courtroom where security operatives are insisting on the list supplied by Kanu lead lawyer.
At the time of this report the situation is tense with two parties flexing their muscles.
The lawyers are claiming that courts are their markets and that no one can deny them the right to enter into any court
However, security agents who are calm are persuading the lawyers to stay back outside the courtroom since they have no role to play.
Meanwhile, former Anambra State governor, Chief Chukwuemeka has been heralded onto the courtroom to represent the pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze, and to witness the trial of Nnamdi Kanu.
At the time of this report, Nnamdi Kanu has not been brought into the court room but sources said he is within the court premises.
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Buhari Travels To UK Today For Summit, Medical Check Up
President Muhammadu Buhari will today, Monday 26th July depart Abuja Nigeria for London, United Kingdom to participate in the Global Education Summit on Financing Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2021-2025.
President Buhari will also use the opportunity to see his doctors for an earlier scheduled medical check-up.
The details of the President’s trip were made available to Naija News in a statement on Monday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina.
The President is expected back in Nigeria in the second week of August 2021.
According to Adesina, “The Summit, which will be co-hosted by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, and the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, will bring together Heads of State and Government as well as stakeholders and youth leaders, and provide a platform for partners to chart a way forward towards transforming education systems in partner countries, through exchange of best practices.
It will also offer the opportunity for leaders to make 5-year pledges to support GPE’s work to help transform education systems in up to 90 countries and territories.
Deliberations at the Summit will focus on: The Power of Education –A Conversation between Global Champions; Transforming Education for Girls; Financing for Impact and Recovery and; What Now? Priorities for Transforming Education in the Coming Five Years, among others.
President Buhari will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.”
Adesina added that “the President will spend a few days for an earlier scheduled medical check-up. He is due back by second week of August, 2021.”
President Buhari will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
The Department of State Security Services (DSS) has approved a few media houses o cover the trial of the arrested leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Society gazette reports that the trial of the IPOB leader continues today, June 26, at the Abuja High Court. Kanu is facing an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, among others.
Recall that the Biafra leader was reportedly rearrested in Kenya and extradited back to Nigeria on the 27th of June, 2021.
The secessionist was then arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako who ordered his remand in the custody of the DSS until his next trial date which is July 26 and 27.
In a move to control the crowd at the Abuja High court, the secret police on Sunday barred unapproved individuals from coming to the court.
The DSS also barred The Guardian, Vanguard, The PUNCH, Daily Trust, Tribune, Daily Sun, The Cable, Naija News and Daily Times, among others from covering th trial.
A document shows that the 10 journalists accredited for the coverage of the trial, was signed by Catherine Oby Christopher, Chief Information Officer, Federal High Court of Nigeria, and dated July 23, 2021.
Those accredited include Daily Independent (Paschal Njoku), Premium Times (Ameh Ejekwonyilo), Thisday (Alex Enumah), The Nation (Eric Ikhilae), The Herald (Kayode Lawal), and the News Agency of Nigeria (Taiye Agbaje).
For broadcast media, listed are the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA-Vera Chiwuba), Channels Television (Ella Daniels), Africa Independent Television (Wunmi Obabori), and TVC (Tina Iria).
The memo titled ‘Media Accreditation For Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial’ says “Find below the journalists that will be allowed entrance to the court’s premises for the above-mentioned trial.”
The broadcasting stations are allowed to come alongside one cameraman.
Sunday Igboho/Nnamdi Kanu: Tunde Bakare Boils, Blasts Buhari Government
The Serving Overseer, Citadel Global Community Church, Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has berated President Muhammadu Buhari over the arrest and trial of IPOB’s Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho.
Recall that Bakare was the running mate to Buhari when the President contested the presidential election on the platform of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011 and lost.
Speaking during his sermon at the CGCC, the popular cleric dared an official of the regime of the present administration to come after him if the government was offended by his recent pronouncements.
Come after me…
According to him, the Federal Government had jettisoned the search for justice and replaced same with intimidation and brutality against perceived opponents.
“I dare you to come after me since that is the usual style now. You might have done it to others; you are about to learn a lesson if you touch me,” said Bakare.
“If you know what I have done in secret, bring it to the open. I dare you to come after me if you can. I worked with you; I worked for you; I supported you to get there (where you are). When I talk now, I now have a smelly mouth.
“I’m not interested in meeting you any longer; no more visits. Now, it is war, because Nigeria must be set free.”
Bakare did not mention the official he was referring to but Naija News reports that the cleric had backed President Buhari in 2015 and 2019. He had on numerous occasions met with Buhari at the presidential villa to discuss national issues.
Failed three times
Speaking further, the former VP candidate wondered if the official had forgotten what transpired between them when only himself and the official were alone in a room after the official had vowed never to contest the post he had contested and lost out on three occasions (Buhari had contested and lost the presidency on three occasions before winning in 2015).
Bakare added, “Have you forgotten that you vowed never to contest again. I said ‘not so’. I showed you how you can win the next election and you agreed to run and you won. I was not considering myself but concerned about how Nigeria can become great.
“Winning an election is a different thing; doing the right thing is another. No one must behave as if Nigeria is a personal property. Nigeria must be set free and any obstruction along the way must be removed; it must get out of the way.
“I declare to you ‘Nigeria-for-Nigeria Movement’. I’m prepared to lead this movement. Nigeria is not a one man property. This movement will liberate Nigeria.”
Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu
He slammed the Buhari government for clamping down on sectional agitators in the country, explaining, however, that he did not support any one or groups taking up arms against the state.
“I don’t support any act of violence, taking up arms against the country and killing people. Those are in the realm of criminality and anybody doing that must be brought to book,” Bakare said amid prayers and declarations,” Bakare said.
“However, we must realise that what has given rise to the agitation is lack of justice and equity. When there is justice, when there is equity, agitation will die down.
“How can you be expending so much energy on Igboho and Kanu? Igboho and Kanu are not Nigeria’s problems.
“Nigeria must restructure and no one can stop that.”
DSS Bars Vanguard, PUNCH, Others From Kanu’s trial
The Department of State Services has reportedly barred some sections of the media from covering the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Society gazette reports that the trial of the IPOB leader continues today, June 26, at the Abuja High Court. Kanu is facing an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, among others.
Recall that the Biafra leader was reportedly rearrested in Kenya and extradited back to Nigeria on the 27th of June, 2021.
The secessionist was then arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako who ordered his remand in the custody of the DSS until his next trial date which is July 26 and 27.
However, it was learned the DSS barred The Guardian, Vanguard, The PUNCH, Daily Trust, Tribune, Daily Sun, The Cable, and Daily Times, among others.
The media organisations the DSS accredited are Daily Post, ThisDay, Premium Times, The Nation, Daily Independent, The Herald, National Television Authority, Television Continental, African Independent Television and Channels Television.
However, the secret police refused to give reasons for picking 10 media houses while barring others from covering the trial.
145-Man Committee Set Up For Yusuf Buhari Wedding, Emir Coronation
The planned wedding between President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuf Buhari, and Emir of Bichi’s daughter, Zahra Ado-Bayero will be coordinated by a 145-member committee.
It was gathered that the same committee will also be in charge of organizing the coronation event and the presentation of staff of office to the Emir by Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
The emirate in a statement issued and signed by spokesperson Lurwan Malikawa according to Daily Trust, said a timetable for the events was already out.
According to the timetable, the wedding between the princess and the President’s son will hold on August 20, while the coronation of Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero follows a day after on August 21 at the Emir’s palace.
The committee inaugurated will be headed by the District Head of Bagwai who is also the Madakin Bichi, Alhaji Nura Ahmad and Falakin Bichi Alhaji Abba Waziri will serve as the committee’s secretary according to the statement.
It further revealed that, during the inauguration ceremony of the committee, the Emir of Bichi, represented by the Madakin Bichi, urged members of the committee to use their wealth of experience to ensure the success of the coronation as well as that of the royal wedding.
It will be recalled as previously reported by Naija News that preparations are already in top gear ahead of the wedding ceremony of President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuf, and a daughter of the Emir of Bichi, Zahra.
A delegation of Nigerian Governors and ministers had stormed the palace of the Emir of Kano to formalize plans for the wedding.
The Emir of Bichi is the younger brother of the Emir of Kano, who hosted the delegation from the president.
Some members of the first family were also at the palace to finalize plans for the wedding.
In other news, Yusuf Buhari has bagged the chieftaincy title of Talban Daura.
The conferment of the title was announced by the Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Faruk Umar during a meeting at his palace which was also attended by President Buhari, Naija News reports.
He said a date would be announced for the turbaning ceremony of the President’s son
Sunday Igboho’s Trial: Olubadan Sends Delegation To Cotonou
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, has sent a delegation to the Benin Republic to observe the trials of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho.
The monarch in a statement released through his spokesman, Adeola Oloko, however, did not disclose the identity of the delegation.
Oba Adetunji further stated that the delegates sent to observe the court proceedings would be in court unfailingly on Monday.
Oloko disclosed that the monarch state this at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace on Sunday while exchanging views with some leaders of thought comprising the leadership of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes led by President General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga, first vice President General, Dr Tirimisiyu Oladimeji; Ekefa Olubadan, Senior Chief Lekan Alabi; Ajia Olubadan, Chief Wasiu Aderoju Alaadorin; Mogaji Makusota, Prof. Oluwasegun Adekunle and Personal Assistant to Olubadan, Mr Adeola Oloko
The monarch disclosed that he is deciding against the belief that he is silent on the development.
He said, “Sunday Igboho lives in Ibadan, got married in Ibadan, reared children in Ibadan, built houses in Ibadan and as such he has the rights to be protected by Ibadan Traditional Institution within the ambit of the law just like any human being in Ibadan.”
Oba Adetunji who said he is in touch with Yoruba prominent royal fathers, including Igboho royal crowns allayed public fears of a repeat performance of the Yoruba-Fulani coalition of 1814.
According to Oba Adetunji, students of Nigerian history may wish to be reminded that when some people during the period under reference chose to engage in territorial expansion to the sea, it took the Ibadan army under Balogun Oderinlo to repel the attack and stop the incursion near Osogbo.
Oba Adetunji however urged the people to remain calm and law-abiding as truth will prevail.
‘Sunday Igboho/Nnamdi Kanu Are Not Alone’ – Fani-Kayode Issues Warning To FG
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has warned the federal government over the trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho.
Society gazette reports that both Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho will tomorrow, Monday, appear in court to continue their various trials.
In a post on his Twitter handle on Sunday, Fani-Kayode warned the Nigerian government to tread with caution.
According to the former minister, Kanu and Igboho control millions of hearts as well as represent a major cause.
“Tomorrow the two most powerful separatist leaders in Nigeria, namely @MaziNnamdiKanu & @_IgbohoSunday, will appear before two separate courts in two separate nations,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
“They both control millions of hearts & minds & they represent a mighty cause. They are not alone: Nigeria beware!”
It was earlier reported that Sunday Igboho was arrested last Monday night at the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport while attempting to flee to Germany.
Igboho was arrested by the security forces in Benin Republic about three weeks after the Department of State Services declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms, an allegation he has since denied.
He is set to face an extradition trial at a court in the West African country on July 26th, 2021.
While Nnamdi Kanu was reportedly rearrested in Kenya and extradited back to Nigeria on the 27th of June, 2021.
He was then arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako who ordered his remand in the custody of the DSS until his next trial date which is July 26 and 27.
Kanu, who is facing an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, among others, jumped bail in 2017 and left the country, only to re-emerge in Israel and then in the United Kingdom.
Lagos LG Poll: Lagos State LGA Election 2021 Results
Residents of Lagos yesterday voted for candidates that would pilot their affairs at the Local Government Level.
Society gazette reports residents cast their ballots in polling units across local councils in the state to elect their local government chairmen and councilors for a fresh four-year term
The polls was open across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Development Areas of the state.
See results from the election:
APC wins Ikorodu LG chairmanship election
Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission(LASIEC) has declared All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of chairmanship election in Ikorodu Local Government (LG).
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Hassan Rafiu, had a total of 1497 votes, while Wasiu Adesina of APC had 4729 votes.
Somolu local government Chairmanship
APC – 9456 – (Abdulhamed Salawu)
PDP- 806 (Rasak Fatai)
Accord – 651 (Ekundayo Abayomi)
Winner: Abdulhamed Salawu (APC)
Coker Aguda LCDA Chairmanship
Lekan Razaq declared winner of Coker Aguda LCDA
APC 13,905
PDP 1,184 Alfred Olayemi Thomas
YPP 060
Councillorship
Ward B, Sanya, Coker Aguda, Surulere
Oguntoyinbo Ismael – winner
APC 1,954
PDP 151
YPP 0
Ward G, Savage/ Orile,
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Kareem Oyebanji – Winner
APC 1,417
PDP 146
YPP 4
Ward F
Ogidan Afeez Owolabi – Winner
APC 267
PDP
YPP 8
Ward E Baale, coker-Aguda LCDA
Olaiya Adekunle – Winner
APC 1,352
PDP 183
YPP 6
Ward C in Coker-Aguda, LCDA in Surulere.
Bolade Ogendengbe declared winner – Councillorship
APC 1191
PDP 146
YPP15
Councillorship Ward G, Savage/ Orile,
Kareem Oyebanji – winner
APC 1,417
PDP 146
YPP 4
Councillor shop for ward A Coker
Aminu Akeem declared winner and returned.
Apc 2,703
Pdp 151
Ypp 07
Ward C, PU 012, Nosamu, Ajegunle, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA,
Councilorship
PDP – 15,
APC – 148
YPP – 0
Void – 2
Chairmanship
12 PDP
147 APC
YPP 0
Police Barracks, Railway 1, PU 004, Apapa ward 02, LGA code 05A, Apapa LGA
Chairmanship
APC 81
PDP 36
YP 0
Councillorship
APC 79
PDP 3
YP 0
Unit 040,
Ward C2,
Ifako-Ijaiye
Chairmanship
APC – 36
PDP – 0
YPP – 0
Councillorship
APC – 35
PDP – 0
YPP – 1
