The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) took a dramatic turn on Thursday after he dismissed his legal team and declared that he would represent himself.
Shortly after the adjournment, activist Omoyele Sowore was arrested outside the Federal High Court for allegedly directing detained #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters to violate a subsisting court order according to police.
His arrest outside the Federal High Court sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some saying that the police force acted within their mandate, while others questioned whether protesting is gradually becoming a crime in the Nigerian state.
In the ongoing dialogue on religious tensions, Presidential Spokesperson Daniel Bwala met with the leadership of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to counter what the Presidency calls false narratives of religious persecution by the international media and US politicians.
In Niger State, Governor Umar Bago declared a “state of war” against persistent bandit attacks, announcing that his administration will not negotiate or pay ransom to kidnappers.
The Governor urged residents to take up arms to defend themselves, while also planning to recruit 10,000 personnel for the state’s Joint Task Force.
In our Good News Report, the Lagos State Government re-launched its “Cash for Trash” initiative to boost recycling, reduce environmental pollution, and combat climate change, offering residents weekly payments for household recyclables.
Internationally, former US President Barack Obama announced a new podcast series, “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,” produced by his company, Higher Ground, to honour the legendary Afrobeat artist and activist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
In other news, Grammy-nominated singer Davido held a private meeting with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, which he captioned on social media as sharing “visions for a better world.”
The meeting highlights Davido’s increasing role as a cultural ambassador, following his recent appointment as Chairman of the Osun State Sports Trust Fund.
Finally, we highlight a video showcasing Jay Jay Okocha’s dance moves led by Fuji artist Segun Johnson.
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