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#FreeNnamdiKanu: Protesters defy security warning, vow to storm Villa
There may be a showdown between the security forces and the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters today (Monday) following plans by the organisers to march on the Presidential Villa to pressure the government to release from custody Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
This is even as a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the organisers from protesting near the Villa, the National Assembly, and other key government institutions.
Despite the judicial hurdle, the organisers remain defiant, vowing to stick to their original plan of a peaceful convergence in the Federal Capital Territory and a march to Aso Rock Villa.
The Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, affirmed that the protest would go on as scheduled, both in Abuja and simultaneously in the South-Eastern states of the country.
The nationwide demonstration for the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader was endorsed by the opposition parties.
Kanu is being detained on charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement, among others.
The Federal Government alleges he advocated for Biafra’s independence through controversial means, including inflammatory rhetoric on social media and Radio Biafra.
IPOB was declared a terrorist organisation in 2017. Kanu fled Nigeria in 2017 while on bail, leading to his re-arrest in Kenya in 2021. His extradition from Kenya sparked controversy and legal debates.
Many argue Kanu’s detention is political persecution, while others see it as lawful prosecution.
Kanu’s health condition has been a point of contention, but a recent medical evaluation declared him fit for trial.
The Federal Government is apprehensive over the rally, particularly with its scheduled date coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest that culminated in the alleged Lekki massacre.
Asked if the protesters would take their grievance to the seat of power as planned, Adenola said, “Nothing shall discourage us! Marching peacefully anywhere in the country is our constitutionally guaranteed right. Nothing can derogate it,” Adenola stated. “There is no going back on our resolve to fight this inhumane, illegal and strongman act scripted to promote the erosion of our rights, and the capture of whatever remains of our criminal justice system.”
The plan of the organisers to march on the Presidential Villa directly contravenes an interim injunction granted by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The order, issued on Friday, followed an ex parte application filed by the Nigeria Police Force on behalf of the Federal Government.
The ruling explicitly restrained the organisers, led by a human rights activist and former Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, from protesting in or around sensitive government locations. These areas include the Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, the Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
The order is to remain in effect pending the hearing of the substantive motion scheduled for today.
Counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, acknowledged reports of the suit, but stated on Sunday that no such order had been served on them.
He maintained that the march to the seat of government was necessary to enable citizens to communicate directly with their leaders, insisting that even the Presidential Villa should be a symbolic place for the free expression of grievances.
He added that the organisers had notified the police of the protest, stressing that his clients had yet to be served the court order.
“We have notified them, and they will come and provide security — that’s what they are expected to do. We don’t want miscreants to take advantage of the protest. I learnt that they went to court, but we have not seen the order. They are asking the court to stop the protesters from going to the Villa or the National Assembly.”
Addressing allegations of an unconfirmed plot by the police to clamp down on protesters made by Sowore, Adenola placed the responsibility for maintaining peace squarely on the security forces.
“The truth is that protesters are always coordinated in this country; it is the police who usually disrupt this peace,” he argued.
“The police are the ones who should ensure that they don’t provoke protesters. They should abide by the laws and rather protect protesters.”
He further confirmed that the organisers had deployed a “large number of lawyers on standby” to assist protesters who might be arrested or detained.
Sowore disclosed on Sunday that more than 115 lawyers, medical personnel and journalists have been mobilised to support the nationwide protests.
He said the mobilisation for the rally had gained strong national traction, with activities extending to marketplaces, religious centres, and high-profile engagements, including meetings with former President Goodluck Jonathan and diaspora groups.
“Mobilisation is very strong, national mobilisation that took us to marketplaces, religious centres, and high-profile meetings, including with former President Goodluck Jonathan and diaspora interests, multiple state teams activated, people flying in, and many local convergences already organised.
“The legal team (115 lawyers), medics, and media teams are in place. Expect a large, disciplined turnout in Abuja and coordinated actions in multiple states and Nigerian embassies, “ he said.
Meanwhile, the protest has received significant public backing, as well as the support of major opposition figures, turning the demonstration into one of the most politically symbolic since the inception of the current administration.
The nationwide march had been publicly endorsed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, both of whom have urged the Federal Government to embrace dialogue over the continued detention of Kanu.
Obi reiterated that there was “no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place,” emphasising that negotiation remains the only sustainable path to resolving separatist agitations.
“I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly and I remain there,” he asserted, commending the efforts of Sowore and other advocates.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, reaffirmed Obi’s dedication to fairness and equity for all, regardless of tribe.
The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, stressed that peaceful protest is a legitimate democratic right that must be protected, while the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Tony Akeni, accused the Federal Government of a glaring double standard.
Akeni charged that the government has lost sympathy by prosecuting Kanu while engaging with bandits who have “committed far worse atrocities” in parts of the North.
He warned that this inconsistency has drawn international condemnation, citing the alleged interest of a traditional ruler from Ghana in joining the protests as evidence of Nigeria “living in a savage, stone-age system of injustice.”
While the political support swells, Kanu’s legal team is divided over the planned demonstration.
Senior Counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) maintained that he would not oppose the right of citizens to protest for his client’s release; his professional focus remains solely on the judicial process.
“As a lawyer in the matter, we are focused on the court proceedings and cannot take the case outside the courtroom,” Ikpeazu explained. “My inclination at this stage is to concentrate on the court proceedings.”
He also dismissed calls for a presidential pardon, noting that such a relief applies only to convicted persons, which Kanu is not.
Conversely, Aloy Ejimakor, another member of Kanu’s legal team, expressed his full support for the demonstration and confirmed his intention to participate.
“I endorsed the protest fully because it is the civic and constitutional right of Nigerians to protest. I am Nigerian; I will be joining the protest,” Ejimakor stated.
However, he clarified that he could not speak on whether Kanu himself had approved or commented on the protest, as he had not discussed the matter with the IPOB leader.
As the nation braces for the protests, security agencies are deploying personnel and issuing stern warnings, placing an emphasis on preventing violence and the destruction of infrastructure.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, issued a firm caution to protesters against vandalising public or private property.
FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, warned that the corps would not tolerate any form of destruction or theft “in the name of protest.”
“The corps will not condone any form of destruction, vandalism or theft of public and private facilities in the name of protest.
“We are prepared, as always, to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to infrastructure and the peace in the territory,” he stated.
Odumosu confirmed the deployment of personnel from specialised units and area commands in strategic locations and flashpoints across Abuja to ensure the safety of residents and protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
He stressed that while the corps respects the right to peaceful protest, any attempt to hijack the demonstration for criminal activities would be met with full legal consequences.
Nonetheless, he instructed officers to exercise restraint and maintain a non-kinetic approach to crowd management.
Adding to the tension, the Nigerian Correctional Service declared all correctional centres across the country as “Red Zones” ahead of the march.
NCoS Spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, warned the public that correctional facilities remain restricted areas and that anyone without official business should stay off “to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches.”
“In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the public is hereby informed that all correctional centres are declared as red zones.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service reiterates that correctional centres are restricted areas and anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches,” a statement by the Spokesman read on Sunday
Abubakar stressed that any attempt to encroach upon these zones would be treated as a serious threat.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, Mbam was directed to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.
He was also ordered to transfer the responsibilities of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.
The statement read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.
“He is to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.”
The governor, according to the statement, assured residents that his administration remained committed to effective governance and improving public infrastructure across the state.
No reason was given for Mbam’s removal.
The development comes months after Nwifuru suspended Mbam and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara, in February 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty.
The earlier suspension was also announced by Uzor, who directed the affected commissioners to surrender government property and official vehicles to the SSG.
Mbam’s latest removal has reportedly generated concern within the State Executive Council, particularly amid calls for improved performance by government officials.
Former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, had recently called on Nwifuru to overhaul his State Executive Council and ensure that officials who were underperforming lived up to expectations.
The government has not indicated whether Mbam’s removal is connected to the earlier suspension or any specific issue concerning the Ministry of Works.
News
SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.
The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.
This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.
Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.
He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.
According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.
Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.
“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.
“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.
“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.
“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.
Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.
“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.
He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.
He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.
A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.
Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.
Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.
They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.
“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.
“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.
“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.
Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
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