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Akpabio and Natasha
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“My passport has been withheld again” Senator Natasha cries out

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) has cried out that Nigerian immigration officers seized her passport at an airport, preventing her from travelling abroad.

Over the weekend, Akpoti-Uduaghan celebrated her second anniversary in the Senate by commissioning projects in Kogi Central.

The lawmaker went live on Instagram at the airport as she questioned immigration officials over the alleged confiscation of her passport.

In the video obtained on Tuesday, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of giving the order for her passport to be seized.

She described the action as an unlawful restriction of her movement and a gross violation of her fundamental rights.

“Hello, fellow Nigerians. I’m Senator Natasha. Having completed my second year in office, I decided to take a week off. I’m at the airport here, and my passport has been withheld again,” she said in the video.

“This same thing happened before when I was stopped from travelling even though I had committed no offence, and there was no court order restricting me. The officer in charge told me that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, instructed them to withhold my passport and prevent me from travelling because he claimed that each time I go abroad, I ‘spoil the image of the country’ by granting interviews to international media.”

 

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Headlines

Catholic Priest Cries Out: ‘We’re Being Slaughtered Like Cows, Tinubu Turns Deaf Ear, Trump Please Intervene

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A Catholic Priest, Fada Angelo Chidi Unegbu, has backed President Donald Trump’s decision to tackle the alleged massacre of Christians in Nigeria.

Trump had after designating Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern, vowed military intervention to end what he called the persecution of Christians in the country.

The US decision had triggered mixed reactions across the country.

While some citizens, particularly Christians, are celebrating the move, others believe the security crisis in Nigeria has nothing to do with religion.

However, Fada Angelo in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday claimed that himself and others “have been appealing to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu all this while to stop the killings”.

The Catholic priest said they have been reminding Tinubu that he has “all it takes to stop insecurity and injustice in Nigeria, but he paid deaf ears to our pleas”, stressing that “humans are slaughtered daily like cows”.

He argued that terrorists in Nigeria are “walking freely”, while “harmless agitators and protesters have either been killed by the same government or are in jail”.

In another post, the clergy said “if the US comes to our aid, the chances are 50/50, but if not, our doom is sealed”.

“And if the US doesn’t come, who will help us? What are the plans to stop the killings? Donald J. Trump, please come quickly”, he added.

 

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HeadlinesPolitics

PDP NWC suspends Wike’s ally Sam Anyanwu over ‘anti-party activities’

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended Samuel Anyanwu, the national secretary; and Kamaldeen Ajibade; the national legal adviser.

The party also suspended Okechukwu Osuoha, deputy legal adviser; and Umaru Bature, national organising secretary.

Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, announced the suspension during a press conference on Saturday, adding that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the NWC in Abuja.

He said the suspension will last for an initial period of one month, and that the officials have been referred to a disciplinary committee.

“During this period of the suspension, they cease to function in their respective capacities,” Ologunagba said.

He said Setonji Koshoedo, the deputy national secretary, would serve as acting national secretary, while the deputy legal adviser would act in Ajibade’s stead.

As the PDP prepares for its national convention slated for November 15 and 16, its internal wrangling has taken a new turn.

On Friday, a federal high court in Abuja stopped the opposition party’s planned national convention.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, said evidence before the court showed that the party failed to hold valid state congresses before the planned national convention as stipulated in the 1999 constitution, the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its own constitution.

The judge declared that the PDP’s non-compliance with the legal provisions had jeopardised its planned convention, advising the party to rectify the infractions before proceeding with the event.

Consequently, the court barred INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention until the PDP meets all statutory requirements.

During the court case on October 14, Ajibade clashed with Umar Damagum, PDP national chairman, over who holds the authority to appoint lawyers for the party.

The drama unfolded when Chris Uche, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), announced his appearance for the PDP, citing a letter signed by Damagum authorising him to represent the party.

However, moments later, Ajibade also announced his appearance for the PDP, arguing that only his office has the constitutional power to engage legal representation on behalf of the party.

The conflicting claims created confusion in the courtroom, with both senior lawyers standing their ground before James.

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Enugu Reps
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All Enugu House of Reps Members Defect to APC

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The entire Enugu State caucus in the House of Representatives has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection was announced on Thursday during plenary by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who read the lawmakers’ letters of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, was present in the chamber to witness the development.

The lawmakers attributed their decision to what they described as persistent internal crises within their former parties, which they said had threatened the stability and effectiveness of the opposition.

Following the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party had secured seven out of the eight House of Representatives seats in Enugu State, while the PDP won one. The latest defection means the APC now controls the entire Enugu caucus in the Green Chamber.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, who represents Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, said their move was driven by the desire to align with the “project-oriented administration” of Governor Mbah and to ensure greater collaboration for the state’s development.

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Nnamdi Kanu
Headlines

Nnamdi Kanu Files Fresh Motion to Dismiss Charges, Seeks Immediate Release

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the dismissal of all charges against him and his immediate release.

In the motion dated October 30, 2025, and titled “Motion on Notice and Written Address in Support,” Kanu argued that there is no valid or subsisting charge against him under any existing Nigerian law.

He described the charges currently pending before the court as “a nullity ab initio for want of any extant legal foundation.”

Acting as his own counsel, the IPOB leader filed the motion pursuant to Sections 1(3), 6(6)(b), and 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Evidence Act 2011, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Kanu contended that the Federal Government’s case relied on repealed and non-existent laws, including the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), which was replaced by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, which was repealed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

According to him, prosecuting him under repealed laws contravenes Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which forbids trying any person for an offence not defined under an existing law.

Kanu therefore urged the court to strike out the charges in their entirety, insisting that they disclose no known offence in law.

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Headlines

Presidency Finally Breaks Silence on Alleged Coup Plot – Full Details Emerge

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency has dismissed reports of an alleged coup attempt in Nigeria, reaffirming its confidence in the military’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on air on TVC News on Tuesday, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, Sunday Dare, said there was “no coup attempt” anywhere in the country.

He maintained that the government fully aligns with the position of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which had earlier denied any such plot.

Dare stressed that the military remains the constitutionally recognized institution responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity. He added that President Tinubu has full trust in their professionalism and allegiance.

He said, “We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power.

“So when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there. Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative. On some military being retained, there is a need to have institutional memory and maintain a balance and this decision was not taken on a flip for the person that was retained.”

However, the Presidency’s response comes amid public anxiety over claims of a coup plot and the ongoing detention of several military officers by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

In recent days, reports surfaced alleging that operatives of the Nigerian Army raided the Abuja home of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, in connection with the alleged plot.

Security sources said a “special military team” conducted the raid after intelligence linked a “former South-South governor” to secret meetings with some of the detained officers.

Sources revealed that Sylva’s brother, identified as Paga, was arrested during the operation, while the former minister was said to have fled the country days earlier. The search reportedly extended to his residence in Bayelsa State.

Although there has been no official statement from the military regarding the raid, insiders described the operation as a “targeted response” to intelligence pointing to possible political involvement in the alleged coup discussions.

The Defence Intelligence Agency has reportedly detained at least 16 senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force over the matter. Family members of the officers claim they have been held for weeks without communication or formal charges.

Security experts have raised concerns over the DIA’s direct handling of the case instead of allowing the respective military services to manage their personnel internally; a move some analysts describe as “politically motivated.”

 

 

 

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Akpabio
Headlines

BREAKING: “I will expose your Rape Case in France” – Akpabio’s In-law opens up, backs Natasha

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A heavy crisis is brewing in the Family of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio following heavy accusations levelled on him by an in-law, Patiences ‘Pat’ Akpabio.

For some weeks now, Mrs. Patience Akpabio has released several videos accusing the Former Governor of Murder, Fraud and most recently, Rape.

In the video seen by LEADING REPORTERS, Mrs. Pat disclosed that there was a time Senator Akpabio was almost arrested in France for ‘Rape’. She added that everything Senator Natasha Akpoti accused the Senate President of doing was true.

In her words; “You have not finished dealing Senator Natasha’s issue, from Sexual Harrassment, and this is the first time you’ll hear this from me. Whatever Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan about the Senate President of Nigeria is 100% True.”

“France Government almost arrested you. You see Akpabio we go reopen your file, you see that Rape matter for France, the Rape Case in France, now we go open your Paper.”

 

 

 

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Police Nigeria
Headlines

IGP Deploys 42,000 Officers for Anambra Governorship Election

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of 42,000 police personnel for the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Egbetokun made this known on Tuesday during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, the IGP said the deployment was aimed at ensuring adequate security before, during, and after the polls.

He explained that pre-election deployments would commence on November 1, with tactical units conducting clearance operations to identify and neutralize threats, as well as apprehend potential troublemakers.

Egbetokun also clarified that only security agencies officially represented in the ICCES—such as the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military—would participate in election duties.

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Wole Soyinka
Headlines

Prof. Soyinka Laments As USA Permanently Revokes His Visa Permanently

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The United States government under President Donald Trump has reportedly revoked the visa of Nobel Laureate and renowned playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Soyinka made the revelation on Tuesday during a press briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, where he addressed journalists on the matter.

Expressing surprise over the development, the literary icon said he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have prompted the U.S. authorities to take such action.

“It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time,” Soyinka stated.

He further disclosed that he had received a formal notification of the visa withdrawal from the U.S. Consulate, effectively preventing him from travelling to the country.

“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” he said.

According to Soyinka, the letter from the consulate did not specify any reason for the revocation. He, however, hinted that the move could be politically motivated.

“I’m still looking into my past history. I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation,” he added.

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Headlines

BREAKING: Soldiers Raid Ex-Governor, Timipre Sylva’s Abuja Home Over Alleged Coup Plot

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Armed personnel of the Nigerian Army have reportedly stormed the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, over an alleged link to a coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

According to multiple security sources, the operation was carried out by a special military team in the early hours of Tuesday at Sylva’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

 

It was gathered that the raid followed intelligence reports linking the former governor to a series of secret meetings allegedly held with some of the detained military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the government.

A top security source familiar with the development disclosed that the operation also extended to Sylva’s Bayelsa home, where his brother, identified as Paga, was arrested.

“The Nigerian Army special team ransacked the home of Timipre Sylva, who is believed to have fled Nigeria. He is the South-South former governor frequently mentioned in the case. His brother, Paga, was picked up during the raid,” the source revealed.

According to Sahara Reporters, Another security insider confirmed that while no official statement had been issued by the military, the raid was not random but followed what was described as “credible intelligence linking certain political figures to the alleged plotters.”

This latest development comes amid heightening tension within the Armed Forces following revelations that at least 16 senior military officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force had been detained by the DIA in connection with the same plot.

The officers have reportedly been held incommunicado for over three weeks in an undisclosed facility in Abuja. Families of the detained officers initially feared their relatives had been kidnapped due to the absence of official communication from the military.

“It’s been 18 days since those 16 officers were detained in an undisclosed location. At first, we thought our brother was kidnapped before finding out what transpired from his friend who works in the NSA office,” a family member said.

Security analysts have expressed concern over the DIA’s central role in the probe, noting that such investigations are usually handled internally by the respective military services. Some have described the situation as politically motivated.

“If the military were truly conducting a disciplinary operation, over 10,000 cases could emerge. Why only 16 officers, and why hand them to the DIA?” a retired senior officer questioned. “This smells of politics. There’s clearly more going on behind the scenes.”

Speculation is rife that the alleged plot and arrests may have deeper political undertones involving individuals linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Timipre Sylva, a close ally of the late ex-President, served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources between 2019 and 2023. He was also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 2023 Bayelsa State election, which he lost to Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

As of press time, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Defence Headquarters had issued an official statement on the raid or the former minister’s whereabouts.

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