News
Nnamdi Kanu seeks court order for immediate release
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has submitted a new application to the Federal High Court in Abuja requesting the dismissal of all criminal accusations and his unconditional release from custody.
The application, labeled “Motion on Notice and Written Address in Support” and dated October 30, 2025, contends that the charges lack legal foundation under Nigerian law, characterizing them as “no charge or counts cognisable within the corpus juris of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” and “a nullity ab initio for want of any extant legal foundation.”
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor collapses in Kuje correctional centre
Representing himself in the proceedings, Kanu based his application on multiple constitutional and legislative provisions, including Sections 1(3), 6(6)(b), and 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, alongside the Evidence Act 2011 and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The IPOB leader requested the court to dismiss what he termed the “purported charge” in full, asserting that the prosecution’s case rests on legislation that no longer exists—namely, the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Cap C45, LFN 2004, repealed by Section 281(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, repealed by Section 97 of the TPPA 2022.
Kanu argued that the repeal of these statutes renders the charges legally defective and contradicts the constitutional principle of legality outlined in Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits prosecuting individuals for offences not defined under current legislation.
He referenced the Supreme Court’s decision in FRN v. Kanu (SC/CR/1361/2022), where the highest court directed lower courts to acknowledge repealed or invalid legislation under Section 122 of the Evidence Act 2011. Kanu asserted that disregarding this mandate “renders all proceedings void ab initio,” referencing NNPC v. Fawehinmi (1998) 7 NWLR (Pt 559) 598.
The application additionally challenged the court’s authority regarding alleged offences purportedly committed in Kenya. Kanu pointed out that counts 1 to 6 in the charge sheet “contravene Section 76(1)(d)(iii) of the TPPA 2022,” which mandates certification from a Kenyan court establishing that such actions constitute crimes under Kenyan law before prosecution can proceed in Nigeria.
He contended that the prosecution’s inability to satisfy this requirement invalidates Nigeria’s extraterritorial jurisdiction and breaches Article 7(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Citing Section 1(3) of the Constitution, Kanu insisted that any legislation or legal process conflicting with the Constitution is invalid, asserting that his ongoing prosecution and imprisonment lack constitutional legitimacy.
The IPOB leader also referenced previous judicial decisions, including Aoko v. Fagbemi (1961) 1 All NLR 400 and FRN v. Ifegwu (2003) 15 NWLR (Pt 842) 113, where courts invalidated convictions founded on non-existent criminal provisions.
Kanu requested the court to mandate that the prosecution provide a response limited to legal arguments within three days and to issue its decision by Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
He emphasized that his submission “hinges on pure questions of law derivable from the Constitution, the TPPA 2022, the Evidence Act 2011, and the court record,” making supporting affidavits unnecessary.
“The Defendant/Applicant has complied with this Honourable Court’s directive of 27 October 2025 by filing a comprehensive written address asserting that no valid or cognisable charge subsists against him, either under extant Nigerian statutes or any law recognized in Kenya,” part of the motion reads.
**U.S. President issues stark ultimatum, warns of possible armed action against Islamic militants
United States President Donald Trump has issued a severe warning to the Nigerian government, threatening to halt all American aid and potentially launch military operations in the country if attacks on Christians continue.
In a statement released Saturday night on Truth Social, Trump delivered an ultimatum that escalates tensions between both countries, threatening direct U.S. military intervention in Africa’s most populous nation.
READ ALSO: Tinubu fires back at Trump, says Nigeria rejects religious persecution
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump declared.
The American leader indicated he has already directed military officials to begin preparations for potential action in Nigeria.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!” he stated.
Trump concluded his statement with an urgent warning to Nigerian authorities.
“WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!” he said.
The threat comes just one day after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution, a move that drew swift condemnation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his Friday response, President Tinubu rejected the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, stating that the country “stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.”
The Nigerian president emphasized that his administration has been actively engaging with both Christian and Muslim leaders since 2023 while addressing security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths across the country.
Trump’s latest statement marks a dramatic escalation in rhetoric and raises serious questions about U.S.-Nigeria relations and the potential for American military involvement in West Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has revealed major financial relief measures and workforce expansion plans aimed at resolving persistent grievances among healthcare workers, especially those in the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
In a Thursday statement, Minister of State for Health Dr. Iziaq Salako revealed that President Bola Tinubu had authorized accelerated payment of outstanding dues to health sector employees, including NARD members.
According to him, as of Thursday, October 30, an additional ₦21.3 billion had been transferred to the IPPIS account, and payment to beneficiaries had commenced.
READ ALSO: Resident doctors declare indefinite nationwide strike over unmet demands
He added that another ₦11.995 billion is being processed for release within 72 hours to settle other outstanding arrears, including the accoutrement allowance.
Dr. Salako explained that these payments are being made in line with the approved salary structure for the health sector.
The Federal Government has additionally issued special waivers permitting large-scale hiring of healthcare workers across federal tertiary institutions to combat the effects of brain drain and excessive work hours.
He noted that this recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s health facilities are adequately staffed, safe, and equipped to deliver quality healthcare services to citizens.
Regarding continued discussions, Dr. Salako stated that collective bargaining sessions are ongoing with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)—NARD’s parent body—alongside the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
Dr. Salako emphasized that these interventions reflect the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of health workers, ensuring industrial harmony, and upholding the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
These developments follow NARD’s October 26 announcement of plans to begin an indefinite nationwide strike from November 1, 2025.
Disclosing this in a statement, NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, said the strike directive was issued after the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier given to the Federal Government over unresolved demands.
The decision was reached after a five-hour National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday.
“The NEC has marshalled out minimum demands, strike monitoring directives, and ‘no work, no pay/no pay, no work’ resolutions needed for a successful execution of this action,” the statement reads in part.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a response to US President Donald Trump, asserting that Nigeria rejects religious persecution.
The statement came after Trump’s Friday announcement re-categorizing Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Trump alleged that Nigerian Christians face existential danger and promised American protection.
READ ALSO: Trump raises alarm over killings in Nigeria, declares country “of particular concern”
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump said in a social media post on Friday.
President Tinubu replied on Saturday through social media, underscoring Nigeria’s dedication to religious freedom.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.
“Since 2023, our administration has actively engaged with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths and regions.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into account the consistent and sincere efforts of our government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.
“Religious freedom and tolerance are core tenets of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.
“Our constitution guarantees the protection of citizens of all faiths, and our administration remains committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation in protecting communities of all religions.”
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