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Supreme Court Declines To Free Nnamdi Kanu, Orders Continuation Of The IPOB Leader’s Trial

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The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the continuation of the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on terrorism charges.

The case which started in 2015 had been put on hold at the Federal High Court in Abuja after the Court of Appeal dismissed the charges in a judgement delivered in October 2022.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had anchored its decision dismissing the charges on the illegality of the “extraordinary rendition” of Mr Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 to continue his trial.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Kudirat Kekere-Ekun declared on Friday that Mr Kanu’s forcible repatriation from Kenya to Nigeria is illegal.

However, the court, in the lead judgement prepared by Tijjani Abubakar, ruled that there is no Nigerian law that prohibits the use of “illegally obtained evidence for the trial of a defendant.”

The lead judgement of the Supreme Court was prepared by Mr Abubakar but was read on his behalf by Emmanuel Agim.

“The Court of Appeal was wrong to say that the Federal High Court can no longer try Mr Kanu,” the court held.

“The appeal is allowed and the cross-appeal is dismissed.”

In the unanimous decision, the Supreme Court said Mr Kanu’s forcible repatriation from Kenya in June 2021 by the Nigerian government did not rob the trial court of jurisdiction to entertain the IPOB leader’s trial.

“Our law is that evidence illegality obtained is valid before the court. A violation of Mr Kanu’s right should have been by way of civil proceedings. That is not our law for now,” Mr Abubakar declared.

He also ruled that there is no legislation that provides in Nigeria that trial should stop where the prosecution does something illegal against the defendant while standing trial. “There is a civil remedy,” Mr Abubakar said.

The judgement also implies an effective reversal of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal ordering the release of Mr Kanu from detention.

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2027: Ex-Lawmaker Urges Makinde Not to Contest Against Tinubu

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Jude Idimogu, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and former lawmaker, has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against considering a presidential run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, Idimogu, who also serves as the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, described such a move as a futile endeavor that would ultimately waste time and resources.

“The reality is that Governor Seyi Makinde cannot defeat President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu will secure re-election by God’s grace. Nothing will stop his victory,” Idimogu stated.

He further described President Tinubu as a strategic leader and “game changer” whose political prowess remains unmatched in Nigeria.

While acknowledging that Governor Makinde has the constitutional right to seek any elective office, Idimogu expressed doubt that Makinde would heed calls urging him to challenge Tinubu, especially given their cordial relationship.

Addressing the emergence of a potential opposition coalition ahead of 2027, the former lawmaker dismissed its chances of unseating Tinubu, asserting that no alliance could stand in the way of the president’s re-election.

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Police Restore Calm in Omu-Aran After Violence, Palace and Bank Attacks; Five Arrested

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The Kwara State Police Command has restored order in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, following a wave of violent disturbances on May 25 and 26, 2025, sparked by the actions of unruly youths.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, and made available to Just Event Online TV, the unrest was triggered by the arrest of a suspected drug dealer and arms trafficker known as Azeez, also called “A-Z,” by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

Azeez was reportedly freed by a mob while being transported to the police station. The group later attempted to storm the station but were successfully repelled by officers. The mob then moved to the Olomu’s Palace, where they set a motorcycle belonging to the monarch’s police orderly ablaze.

The situation escalated on the second day as the mob attacked the Olomu Aperan Microfinance Bank, vandalizing vehicles, the bank’s signboard, CCTV system, and other assets.

Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the attacks. Staff of the affected bank were safely evacuated and taken to the police station for protection.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has directed enhanced patrols and surveillance across the community to maintain peace. The public has been urged to remain calm and refrain from spreading misinformation while investigations are ongoing.

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UPDATE: Real Reason for Sheikh Gumi’s Deportation from Saudi Arabia Uncovered

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Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage—an action that has sparked widespread public reaction. Now, sources have revealed the reason behind the unexpected move.

According to reliable reports, Saudi authorities refused Gumi entry into Medina due to concerns over his alleged associations with groups involved in regional unrest in Nigeria. During routine immigration procedures, the cleric was reportedly questioned about his previous public statements and affiliations, particularly his consistent calls for negotiations and leniency toward armed factions in Northern Nigeria.

Sources claim Gumi was unable to provide responses that satisfied authorities, resulting in his immediate deportation—even though he held a valid Hajj visa. The incident has ignited intense discussions in Nigeria, raising questions about the potential impact on his public standing and influence.

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