NIGERIA NEWS
Enugu joins NLC nationwide protest against insecurity
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Enugu State joined the nationwide protest against insecurity in Nigeria on Wednesday.
Led by the Chairperson of the NLC in Enugu State, Fabian Nwigbo, the members converged at the state headquarters of the NLC near Aria Market in Enugu.
They marched to the Enugu State Secretariat, Okpara Avenue Road and other parts of the South-eastern state.
NLC members during the protest in Enugu
The NLC members also carried placards with various inscriptions while chanting solidarity songs.
Some of the inscriptions read: “End insecurity now,” “Nigeria is bleeding,” “end banditry, terrorism and kidnapping now.”
Addressing the protesting members, Mr Nwigbo said the growing insecurity in Nigeria pains the Nigerian workers.
The chairperson noted that the national leadership of the NLC, two weeks ago, decided to stage a nationwide protest to demand decisive government action against the country’s insecurity.
“Our school children are not safe; the teachers are not safe. The farmers are not safe, the workers are not safe. Travellers are not safe. Even the political class. Nobody is safe anywhere,” he said.
He asked the Nigerian government to address the increasing attacks by kidnappers and terrorists operating in various parts of the country.
“We can’t continue this way. The primary business of every government in power is to ensure the security of lives and property. But what’s happening in Nigeria today? The country is bleeding,” he added.
Background
The national leadership of the NLC earlier announced that it would organise nationwide protests against insecurity on 17 December.
Joe Ajaero, the NLC president, stated that the move was intended to draw attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and compel urgent action from the country’s leaders.
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President Bola Tinubu met with the NLC leadership on Tuesday night to persuade them to shelve the nationwide protest.
However, Mr Ajaero later announced that the protest would proceed as planned, despite the late-night meeting with Mr Tinubu.
He stated that the meeting with the president did not result in the cancellation of the protest.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has directed all political appointees and office holders who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments ahead of time.
The governor said such officials must vacate their positions on or before December 18, as political activities gradually gather momentum across the state.
This directive applies to all categories of political appointees serving in the current administration.
The order was conveyed in an official statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode.
According to the statement, the decision became necessary following the growing interest among appointees to seek elective offices and the need to ensure discipline and fairness within government.
Part of the statement read, “In light of the recent increase in political activities within the state, and having observed with keen interest the diverse aspirations for leadership roles aimed at promoting good governance, and advancing the laudable achievements of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia’s administration, we wish to state the following:”
The statement further clarified that any political appointee seeking an elective position must formally notify the government of such intention. This notification must be accompanied by a resignation letter.
It added, “Political appointees interested in contesting for elective positions are kindly requested to indicate their interest and submit a formal resignation letter accordingly.”
Governor Alia also directed that all letters of resignation and expressions of interest be submitted through an official channel for proper documentation and processing.
The statement noted that such submissions must reach the Office of the Deputy Governor on or before Thursday, December 18, 2025.
According to the statement, “All letters or expressions of interest for the office of your choice should be forwarded to the Office of the Deputy Governor of Benue State not later than Thursday, 18th December 2025. This will enable their onward transmission to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, for further consideration and processing.”
The state government stressed that the directive is aimed at maintaining focus in governance and preventing the misuse of public office for political ambition as preparations for the 2027 elections begin.
The statement concluded by appealing for cooperation from affected officials, saying, “Your prompt attention to this matter is highly appreciated.”
NIGERIA NEWS
International Lawyers Move to Overturn Kanu’s Life Sentence Through Global Legal Action
International legal efforts are now being mobilised to challenge the life sentence handed to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
His legal team says lawyers across different countries are working together to overturn the conviction through coordinated global legal action.
According to the defence, the judgment that sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment is deeply flawed.
They insist the decision is riddled with constitutional and jurisdictional defects that make it legally unsustainable under Nigerian law.
In a detailed legal brief prepared by one of Kanu’s lawyers, Njoku Jude Njoku Esq, the team argued that the Federal High Court lacked the authority to convict Kanu under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.
The lawyers said the law had already been repealed before judgment was delivered and replaced by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
They relied on Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that no person can be convicted for an offence that is not defined by a law in force at the time of trial and conviction. The defence argued that convicting Kanu under a repealed law amounts to a clear violation of his constitutional rights.
The lawyers also referenced Section 122 of the Evidence Act and the Supreme Court ruling in NNPC v. Fawehinmi. They maintained that courts are required to take judicial notice of repealed statutes and that failure to do so strips the court of jurisdiction.
They further claimed that Justice Omotosho had earlier acknowledged on record that a conviction based on a repealed law would be unlawful. According to them, the court later reversed this position in the final judgment, an action they described as judicial estoppel, citing Ogoejeofo v. Ogoejeofo.
The defence described the process as a “constitutional ambush,” stressing that Kanu was unrepresented at the time the alleged reversal occurred. They argued that this denied him fair hearing and due process.
On jurisdiction, the lawyers faulted the court for postponing the determination of jurisdictional objections until judgment. They said this approach runs contrary to the principle established in Madukolu v. Nkemdilim, which holds that jurisdiction must be settled before a court takes any further step.
According to the defence, proceeding with the trial without first resolving jurisdictional issues rendered every subsequent action a nullity in law.
They also criticised the court’s reliance on a savings clause to justify prosecution under a repealed statute. The lawyers argued that “savings clauses are intended only to manage lawful transition, not to preserve extinguished laws.”
They further stated that “the judgment improperly blended provisions of repealed and extant terrorism statutes,creating what they described as “a fictional hybrid law unknown to Nigerian criminal jurisprudence.”
Addressing the substance of the charges, the defence argued that the alleged “offences were based on broadcasts made from the United Kingdom.” They insisted that Nigerian criminal jurisdiction is territorial unless clearly extended by statute.
According to them, the prosecution failed to establish the legal basis for extraterritorial jurisdiction. They said this includes the failure to prove double criminality under UK law, as required by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
They also noted that “no evidence was led to show that the alleged broadcasts were received, heard or acted upon in Nigeria.”
On Kanu’s arrest, the lawyers reiterated that “he was abducted from Kenya rather than lawfully extradited.” They stressed that “no extradition request was made, no Kenyan court authorised his transfer,” and added that “Kenyan courts have since declared the rendition illegal.”
The defence maintained that “Nigerian courts cannot derive jurisdiction from an unlawful arrest or benefit from executive illegality.” They cited the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Supreme Court decision in Abacha v. Fawehinmi to support their position.
They further argued that “reliance on the doctrine of male captus bene detentus could not cure” what they described as “fundamental statutory and constitutional violations.”
According to them, Nigerian law clearly prescribes extradition procedures and does not permit abduction.
The legal team disclosed that “Lawyers in several countries are now reviewing the case with a view to challenging the conviction through domestic appeals, constitutional actions and international legal mechanisms.”
They concluded that the combined weight of the alleged errors, including prosecution under a repealed law, failure to resolve jurisdiction, defects in extraterritorial claims and illegal rendition, makes the conviction unsafe.
“The only lawful outcome, in our view, is the discharge and acquittal of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the defence stated.
At least 12 people were killed in a violent attack at a mining site in Ratoso Fan community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Tuesday night.
The victims were reportedly targeted while working at the site, with several others reported missing following the incident.
Violent attack claims 12 lives at mining site
Eyewitnesses said gunmen stormed the area and opened fire on miners, causing panic as many fled to safety. Local residents expressed shock and concern over the recurring insecurity in the region.
Dagallang Davott, Chairman of the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation and Secretary of the Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi, confirmed the attack, noting that the full extent of casualties is still unknown.
“The incident happened during the night. Many fled for their lives, and 12 fatalities have been confirmed so far,” he said.
A resident of the community, Moses Daniel, also described the attack as alarming, highlighting the growing fears about safety at mining sites.
The Nigerian Army’s 3rd Division has reportedly been informed, with officials promising to follow up on the incident.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State, prompting renewed calls for improved security measures.
Authorities and residents demand increased security
Just days before, Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited key service chiefs in Abuja, including the Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff and the Minister of Defence, to discuss strategies aimed at curbing violence and ensuring the safety of rural communities ahead of the Yuletide season.
Authorities and community leaders are urging vigilance as investigations continue.
Residents remain anxious, emphasising the urgent need for strengthened security to protect civilians engaged in mining and other vulnerable activities across the state.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of the House of Representatives to repeal and reenact the N43,561,041,744,507 budget for the 2024 fiscal year.
The president made the request on Wednesday in a letter titled: ‘Transmission of the appropriation (Repeal and reenactment bill), 2024-2025’, with Reference No: PRES/134-1/17/HR/ARRENB, dated December 16, 2025 and addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
He explained that the proposed bill seeks to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation of the total sum of N43,561,041,744,507, comprising N1,742,786,788,150 for Statutory Transfers, N8,270,960,606,831 for Debt Service, N411,268,513,380,853 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure, and N22,278,780,968,673 for Capital Expenditure/Development Fund contribution, for the year ending December 31, 2025 (as provided in the Bill).
Tinubu noted: “I hereby transmit to the House of Representatives, the enclosed Appropriation (Repeal and Re-enactment Bill-2), 2024, for the consideration of the National Assembly, in accordance with the established constitutional and legislative appropriation process.”
“This Bill is to bring an end to the practice of running multiple budgets concurrently, while at the same time ensuring reasonable – indeed unprecedentedly high – capital performance rates on the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets.”
The president added that the Bill seeks to provide transparent and constitutionally grounded appropriation mechanism, for the orderly consolidation and appropriation of critical, time-sensitive expenditures necessarily undertaken in response to emergency exigencies (advancing the collective well-being of Nigerians and safeguarding national security) – while reinforcing fiscal discipline, accountability and prudent public financial management.
Tinubu said: “The House of Representatives may wish to note that, the Bill also strengthens implementation discipline and accountability by, among other provisions: requiring that appropriated funds are released and applied strictly for the purposes specified in the Schedules; providing that virement may only be effected with prior approval of the National Assembly; setting out conditions for corrigenda where genuine errors may hinder implementation; requiring separate recording of excess revenue and limiting its expenditure to an Act or approval of the National Assembly; and mandating due-process compliance and periodic reporting on releases and agency revenues/assistance.”
The president, therefore, solicited accelerated consideration and passage of the proposed budget estimate.
After reading the letter, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, ruled that the letter be considered as First Reading, and directed the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, to move that the bill should be ready for the second time.
His ruling however, did not go down well with the lawmakers as they demanded that members should be accorded copies of the president’s letter before it could be passed for second reading.
The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Appropriations for further legislative action.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reinstated the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, and the acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Mr Michael Ango.
Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communication and Social Media, announced the reinstatement in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.
Olayinka explained that the minister, warning against indiscipline among FCT Administration officials, directed Hayyo and Ango to resume duty with immediate effect.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Hayyo was suspended on Nov. 25 following a circular directing early school closure over alleged security concerns.
Ango was similarly suspended on Dec. 5, though no explanation was provided regarding the specific offense that led to his suspension.
Vanguard News
The post Wike reinstates FCT education mandate secretary, IRS acting chairman appeared first on Vanguard News.
Staying active as a producer and singer in the industry is one feat that has been known to not be common, as new talents emerge regularly, but Dr Roy has maintained his position as a leading figure in the gospel music industry.
David C. Chike, known professionally as Dr Roy, is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and record producer born on 1 January 1994 in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Port Harcourt. Based in Port Harcourt, he has been active in the Nigerian music industry for over ten years.
Dr Roy’s production work includes production and collaborations with Mercy Chinwo, Afy Douglas, Freke Umoh, Okey Sokay, Limoblaze, Prinx Emmanuel, Harrysong, and Wizard Chan. His productions and releases are available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, and YouTube.
He continues to work steadily as both a producer and recording artist, with his own gospel singles on digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and others.
In addition to music, Dr Roy runs business ventures and actively supports youth empowerment programmes and community development initiatives across Nigeria.
He is currently developing the Dr Roy Academy, a dedicated training programme that will teach beat-making, songwriting, mixing, mastering, and complete music production, primarily aimed at upcoming gospel and inspirational artists and producers.
With the launch of the academy, Dr Roy is formalising the same mentoring approach he has applied for years in his Port Harcourt studio, an approach that previously helped shape the early careers of producers and artists, including Skerz Beat, Prinx Emmanuel, and Beky J, as well as giving Omah Lay his initial production training.
Through continued production work, new artist releases, business activities, and the forthcoming Dr Roy Academy, he remains focused on both creating music and building pathways for the next generation of Nigerian creatives.
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday formally welcomed Senator Sunday Katung, who represents Kaduna South Senatorial District, following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
Senator Katung’s defection was announced during plenary after his resignation letter from the PDP was read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
He was subsequently escorted to his seat in the majority wing of the chamber by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, marking his official entry into the APC fold.
The development came on a day the Senate also took far-reaching decisions on national security, as lawmakers adopted the interim report of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the National Security Summit.
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The report was based on zonal public hearings held across the six geopolitical zones of the country in recent weeks.
Presenting the report, Senator Bamidele, who chaired the committee, disclosed that it contained 32 key recommendations aimed at addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
One of the major recommendations urged the Federal Government to strengthen inter-agency collaboration by deepening synergy among the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, vigilante groups, as well as traditional and religious institutions.
The committee recommended the establishment of joint operation centres nationwide to ensure coordinated responses to security threats, improved intelligence sharing, effective early warning systems and stronger communication channels among security agencies.
The Senate also resolved that all unlicensed and illegally operating mining companies across the country should immediately cease operations and ensure proper registration with the Federal Government.
The Lawmakers further called on the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive national policy to regulate mineral resource mining, noting that unregulated and foreign-led mining activities have been linked to rising insecurity in several parts of the country.
According to the report, some foreigners involved in illegal mining are allegedly operating without authorisation and in collaboration with some Nigerians, thereby exacerbating security challenges.
In addition, the Senate resolved to consider the enactment of new legislation aimed at improving national security and protecting the lives and well-being of Nigerians, in line with the provisions of Chapter Two, Section 14, Subsection 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
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The erstwhile attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has demanded that his corruption probe be transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to another investigative body.
Mr Malami, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Mohammed Doka, faulted the “continued involvement” of EFCC chair Ola Olukoyede in the ongoing probe.
The former justice minister claimed Mr Olukoyede’s alleged involvement “is legally untenable, morally indefensible, and constitutionally impermissible.”
Mr Malami demanded “the immediate recusal of the EFCC chairman from all matters relating to Abubakar Malami, SAN.”
He also sought “the intervention of the attorney-general of the federation to ensure that this matter is transferred to a neutral and independent investigative authority. The prompt institution of charges, if any, before a competent court of law, where evidence—not vendetta—will prevail.”
Maintaining that Mr Olukoyede recuse himself, Mr Malami stated, “No person is permitted to sit in judgment over a matter in which they have a personal interest or prior exposure.”
Mr Malami noted that while serving as the AGF, he supervised the establishment of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC.
“At the material time, the current EFCC chairman served as secretary to the commission,” he noted.
He stated that Chapter 9 of the Salami Report addressed the conduct and responsibilities of senior EFCC officials, particularly those occupying key administrative and decision-making positions within the commission.
“Viewed against this background, the present actions of the EFCC cannot reasonably be interpreted as neutral law enforcement. They amount to retaliatory persecution driven by historical animosity and personal vendetta,” he stated.
The former AGF accused the EFCC of violating his rights through media trials, restrictions on his liberty, and harassment, without being timely arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“This approach undermines not only the constitutional rights of Abubakar Malami, SAN, but also the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions,” he said.
While alleging that the EFCC’s conduct confirms a shift from institutional accountability to the settlement of personal scores and grievances under the guise of law enforcement, Mr Malami said he is “ready and willing to submit himself to a neutral and independent investigative process, insists on being tried only before a court of competent jurisdiction, and rejects political settlements, intimidation, or compromise.”
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Not less than 12 miners have been killed by gunmen, with many unaccounted for in the Faan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Berom Educational and Cultural Organization, BECO, which disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, said the gunmen attacked the miners while they were engaging in their mining activity on Tuesday night.
In the statement issued by the BECO Chairman, Dagallang Davott, who also doubles as the Secretary of the Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi, the gunmen suspected to be Fulani militas, attacked the miners while they were carrying out their activities and opened fire on them.
According to Davott, the attack was unprovoked as there was no reason or cause for it.
“On Tuesday, December 16, there was an attack at the Fan district of Barkin Ladi local government area. It happened in the night. The gunmen stormed the mining site and opened fire on the miners. So, many of them fled for their lives during the incident, but 12 persons so far have been confirmed killed,” Davott said.
“From the information we gathered, the attackers were Fulani people because survivors heard them speaking the language.
“Apart from those killed, many others were injured while others are still missing,” he said.
- A Nigerian man has gone viral after revealing the harsh reality of starting over in the United Kingdom, where he now resumes work as early as 4:30am despite previously holding a senior Head of Department position in Nigeria.
- His account has triggered widespread debate online, with many Nigerians abroad agreeing that while earnings may be higher overseas, the workload, long hours, and lifestyle adjustments can be overwhelming.
A Nigerian man has shared a viral video on X through user @Teniola, describing the difficult reality of starting over in the United Kingdom after leaving a high-status job in Nigeria.
The man revealed that back home, he worked as a “Head of Department (HOD),” a senior role that provided him with comfort and a flexible routine. He explained that he rarely had to wake up early because his position was well-structured and manageable.
His life changed drastically after moving abroad. He disclosed that he now has to resume work as early as “4:30am,” a schedule he described as exhausting and very hard to adjust to. He noted that many Nigerians who relocate often face the harsh reality of taking on demanding jobs and working their way up from the bottom again.
The story has sparked a huge debate online. Many Nigerians living overseas agreed with him, noting that while they may earn more money, the “workload, long hours, and lifestyle adjustments” can be completely overwhelming compared to their lives in Nigeria.
Nigerian man cries out about how hard life is in the UK after having to start work at 4:30 AM, whereas he was a HoD in Nigeria and never had to wake up that early 🙂↔️🚶♂️ pic.twitter.com/HoESCiBa71
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) December 17, 2025