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Court Rejects IGP Plans To Stop Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest, US Warns Citizens
https://osazuwaakonedo.news/court-rejects-igp-plans-to-stop-free-nnamdi-kanu-protest-us-warns-citizens/
#Breaking News #Abuja #Biafra #Kanu #Nnamdi #Sowore #US ©October 17th, 2025 ®October 17, 2025 5:51 pm Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday apparently rejected the plans by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to stop the upcoming Monday, October 20th planned mass protests by Nigerians to demand the release of the detained Biafra Republic agitation leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but, according to the organiser of the protest, Omoyele Sowore, after the Judge initially declined to grant the Nigeria Police Force an ex-parte motion to stop the planned protest in the open court, the "Federal High Court judge, Justice Umar reportedly granted the motion in chambers, imposing a ban on protests at Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, or Unity Fountain in Abuja, we await a certified true copy of the order, which our lawyers will review, the protest remains unstoppable", while this is ongoing, the United States, US Embassy in Nigeria has warned America citizens to be far from the protest areas and limit their movements in the Nigeria capital city, Abuja, saying, the planned protest may lead to disruptions and violence.
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Dave Umahi, AriseTV, Rufai Oseni, The Narrative Of Not Being A Journalist
https://osazuwaakonedo.news/dave-umahi-arisetv-rufai-oseni-the-narrative-of-not-being-a-journalist/
#Columns #AriseTV #Journalism #Oseni #Rufai #Umahi ©October 12th, 2025 ®October 12, 2025 6:06 pm Whenever controversies surround Rufai Oseni, the outspoken and fearless broadcaster on Arise Television, one recurring argument often resurfaces in public discourse — the claim that “Rufai Oseni is not a journalist", critics are quick to emphasize that he lacks a formal academic background in journalism, having originally trained in animal anatomy, but beyond the semantics of qualification, a deeper question emerges: What truly defines a journalist, and what are the core functions of journalism in society? #OsazuwaAkonedo
Army Denies Threats Against Free Nnamdi Kanu Mass Protest, Sowore Meets GEJ
https://osazuwaakonedo.news/army-denies-threats-against-free-nnamdi-kanu-mass-protest-sowore-meets-gej/10/10/2025/
#Issues #army #Biafra #Kanu #NA #Nnamdi #Sowore ©October 10th, 2025 ®October 10, 2025 9:32 pm Nigerian Army authority has issued a statement, denying threat messages issued against members of the public ahead of the planned mass protest slated for October 20, 2025 to demand for the release and freedom of the detained Biafra Republic agitation leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, just as the organiser and chief campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of SaharaReporters news media met to seek understanding with the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who, according to Sowore, promised to visit President Bola Ahmed Tinu

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00:00Justice Mohammed Gaba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday apparently rejected the plans by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ka Yode Egbetokan to stop the upcoming Monday, October 20 planned mass protests by Nigerians to demand the release of the detained Biafra Republic agitation leader, Mazin Amdekanu, but, according to the organiser of the protest, Omiyele Sawari,
00:26after the judge initially declined to grant the Nigeria Police Force an ex-party motion to stop the planned protest in the open court, the Federal High Court Judge, Justice Umar reportedly granted the motion in chambers, imposing a ban on protests at Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, or Unity Fountain in Abuja, we await a certified true copy of the order, which our lawyers will review,
00:51The protest remains unstoppable, while this is ongoing, the United States, US Embassy in Nigeria has warned America citizens to be far from the protest areas and limit their movements in the Nigeria capital city, Abuja, saying,
01:07The planned protest may lead to disruptions and violence. Detailed of the court action as captured by Punch newspaper, the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused the Nigeria Police Force's bid to stop the Free Namdi Kanono protest, allowing it to proceed as scheduled on Monday, October 20, 2025.
01:27The Inspector General of Police, Kiyode Egbetokan, had dispatched police lawyers to the court to move an ex-party motion against activist and protest organiser, Omiyele Sawari, in a bid to legally pre-empt the planned demonstration slated for the Aso Rock Villa.
01:45However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, declined to grant the motion, which would have immediately restrained the protest from taking place without hearing the opposing side.
01:57The judge instead instructed the police to formally serve notice of their application on Sawari and adjourned the case until Tuesday for a proper, contested hearing.
02:07Reacting to the judicial decision, the protest convener, Omiyele Sawari, affirmed the court's decision as a victory for civil liberties and doubled down on the scheduled protest.
02:18In a statement issued on his ex-handle on Friday following the ruling, Sawari said,
02:24IG of Police, Nigeria, Kiyode Egbetokan dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the Free Namdi Kanono protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday.
02:35However, the judge, Justice Umar of Federal High Court in Abuja, refused to grant the ex-party motion, instead instructing him to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.
02:48The demonstration, organized under the hashtag Free Namdi Kanono, is intended to draw attention to the prolonged detention and legal fate of Kano.
02:58The police action was seen as an attempt to leverage the courts to prevent a potentially sensitive gathering near the seat of Nigerian power.
03:06The adjournment to Tuesday ensures that the planned Monday protest is not currently constrained by a court order, setting the stage for a potential high-profile confrontation between protesters and security agencies around the presidential villa.
03:21Channel's television also on Friday reported that, ahead of the Free Namdi Kanono protest slated for Monday, October 20 in the nation's capital, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to Americans.
03:34In a statement published on its website on Friday, the embassy cautioned that the protest could lead to disruptions and potential violence.
03:43The embassy advised U.S. citizens to steer clear of the protest areas and limit their movement across the city.
03:50The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the Free Namdi Kanono Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Abuja.
04:02There may be roadblocks, traffic, congestion, and confrontations between police and protesters that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the central business district.
04:13The embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20, the statement read in part.
04:24The embassy recommended that children stay home from school and the domestic staff who commute from outside Abuja do not report to work on that day.
04:33It also called on all Americans in Nigeria to take heightened security precautions.
04:39The planned protest was announced by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omiele Saware, on his ex-account on October 9.
04:50Saware stated that the protest would take place on October 20 and be directed toward the Aso Rock presidential villa.
04:58He described it as a, historic, and peaceful demonstration aimed at securing the release of the leader of the prescribed indigenous people of Biafra, Namdi Kanono.
05:08Kanono, who is currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in custody since June 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya.
05:20But shortly after the aforesaid media reports, Omiele Saware, in a statement through his social media accounts on Friday, said that,
05:29After failing to obtain a legitimate court order to halt the unstoppable free Namdi Kanono protest, the Nigeria police force has now resorted to a fresh wave of panic-driven measures.
05:40In Ondo state, police authorities have reportedly ordered that officers sympathetic to the movement be confined to their barracks, an action that exposes the deep unease within the system.
05:51Rather than engage with the legitimate and peaceful demands of citizens, the police are turning their energy toward internal repression and fear tactics, a clear sign that the movement's message has struck a nerve.
06:03The people are awake, and the movement remains unstoppable.
06:07In another statement on Friday accompanied with video footage, Omiele Saware said,
06:13Earlier today, the Nigeria police force, FCT command invited barrister Maxwell Opara to discuss the planned free Namdi Kanono protest.
06:22Upon our arrival at the command's entrance, we were abruptly stopped by a police contingent stationed at the gate.
06:29Offices claimed the new commissioner of police was resuming duty and could not attend to visitors until after his official resumption rituals.
06:38When we were eventually allowed through, the senior police officer, Habib Mohammed who had extended the invitation met us and presented a copy of the organizers' letter seeking police protection, barrister Maxwell Opara had not arrived at that point,
06:52a letter filed by barrister Opara as legal representative of the protest movement.
06:58But the tone of the meeting shifted quickly after the senior police officer Mohammed received a phone call.
07:04He informed us that the deputy commissioner of police, DCP, in charge of the State Intelligence Department, SID, wished to meet us.
07:13When we arrived at his office, he expressed surprise at my presence at the FCT command, claiming that no invitation had been extended to me personally.
07:23He remained polite, and we left courteously.
07:26Shortly after, barrister Maxwell Opara arrived to the Supol's office, where the conversation turned tense.
07:34The officer issued a veiled threat, warning that barrister Opara would be held responsible if anything goes wrong anywhere in Abuja on Monday.
07:43Barrister Opara reminded him that this was precisely why the organizers had sent a formal notification to ensure a peaceful and lawful demonstration.
07:52The officer reportedly began shouting, and the meeting ended abruptly.
07:57According to barrister Opara, it became clear that they did not want me present because they were seeking someone they could intimidate.
08:05Not long after we left the command, the illegal IGP directed police lawyers to obtain a court order to stop the protest.
08:13However, the federal high court judge declined to grant the order in open court.
08:18It was later reported that a, limited purpose order, was issued, but no such order has been served on the organizers.
08:27The free Namdikanuno protest is unstoppable.
08:30We are proceeding as planned, peacefully, lawfully, and with unwavering resolve, Omiyele Saware stated.
08:37Whenever controversies surround Rufayasani, the outspoken and fearless broadcaster on Arise television, one recurring argument often resurfaces in public discourse.
08:56The claim that, Rufayasani is not a journalist, critics are quick to emphasize that he lacks a formal academic background in journalism.
09:05Having originally trained in animal anatomy, but beyond the semantics of qualification, a deeper question emerges.
09:12What truly defines a journalist, and what are the core functions of journalism in society?
09:17As mass communication teacher, we teach students from the very first class that the media exist to inform, educate, entertain, and preserve cultural heritage.
09:28Journalists also play the crucial roles of agenda setting and acting as watchdogs, holding public officials accountable and amplifying the voices of the governed.
09:38The media's capacity to shape national conversations is immense.
09:42By highlighting specific issues and giving them prominence, journalists help raise awareness and influence public perception.
09:49It is through such agenda setting functions that societies engage in dialogue, debate, and reform, thereby playing participatory role in the process of governance.
10:00When examined through this functional lens, it becomes clear that Rufayasani has consistently fulfilled these journalistic responsibilities over the years.
10:10His incisive questioning, fearless commentary, and commitment to public accountability have made him one of the most recognizable broadcast personalities in contemporary Nigerian media.
10:22A notable example is his now famous exchange with the minister of works, engineer Dave Umahi, on Arise television.
10:30Before that encounter, few Nigerians had publicly interrogated the cost per kilometer of road construction projects executed by government agencies.
10:40While the minister initially dismissed Rufayas question as, elementary, the issue soon gained traction nationally.
10:47In fact, subsequent clarifications by Umahi, and even a public response by Oyo state governor, Sayi Markinde demonstrated that Assani's line of questioning had forced an important accountability conversation into the mainstream.
11:03Through this singular act, Rufay did what the media are mandated to do, hold power accountable, enlighten the public, and stimulate civic engagement.
11:13It is true that a formal qualification, such as a diploma or degree in journalism, is generally considered a prerequisite for professional practice.
11:22Yet, history tells a different story about the Nigerian press.
11:27Many of the countries' most celebrated media pioneers, from Herbert Macaulay to Ernest Akali, Namdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awoloo, were not trained journalists in the academic sense.
11:39Nevertheless, through passion, intellect, and experience, they became towering figures in the nation's journalistic landscape.
11:47In the decades that followed, major Nigerian newspapers like The Guardian, The Punch, The Tribune, and the defunct National Concord were edited by professionals whose backgrounds spanned literature, political science, law, and the humanities, not necessarily journalism.
12:05What mattered was their adherence to journalistic ethics and commitment to truth.
12:10Today, journalism is evolving faster than ever.
12:14The rise of social and digital media has democratized information dissemination, giving birth to citizen journalism, a space where individuals, regardless of academic background, can contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
12:28The boundaries of professional journalism have expanded, now encompassing voices trained in diverse disciplines but committed to the principles of truth, balance, and fairness.
12:39In this context, Rufayasani's two decades of consistent broadcast experience, his engagement with media ethics, and his pursuit of professional development courses, all reinforce his credibility.
12:53His work reflects a mastery of journalism's essence, even if his educational roots lie elsewhere.
12:59The debate over Rufayasani's academic background may continue, but it misses the more profound point, journalism is as much a calling as it is a profession.
13:09It demands curiosity, courage, critical thinking, and an unwavering commitment to public interest.
13:16By these measures, Rufayasani has proven himself a journalist, not by certificate, but by conviction and consistent service to society.
13:25Writer, Issa Abdulaziz, Mass Communication Lecturer, Federal Polytechnic, Ouchie.
13:32Yes, I would like to interject. This monologue is quite long.
13:37So, at first, Minister, after you had gone to report me in front of President Sinubu and said all sorts.
13:43Anyway, I am not beholden to you. My job is accountability.
13:46You are too small for me to report you to the President.
13:48You are too small for me to report you to the President. Who are you? Who are you for me to report you?
13:53Who are you for me to report you?
13:55Minister, Minister, let me speak. I have empirical evidence. The world watched it on the Commission of the Project,
14:00where you mentioned the questions I asked you to the President. That was reporting me to the President officially.
14:05The world watches, so you don't need to delete that all about the empirical facts.
14:09I don't talk without facts, Minister. You know, when I have my facts, I talk. And I insist on my question when I ask on court facts.
14:16I only address you in a forum like this. I don't have your time.
14:18Minister, you will not allow me to speak. I don't have your time.
14:20The problem is you will not allow me to speak. You spoke for over 20 minutes, over 10 minutes.
14:24Because you don't know what you are speaking. You don't know what you are speaking. I don't know what you are a professional.
14:29You will not allow me to speak. You see? If you can just keep quiet and be calm and just allow me to speak, I will be happy. All right?
14:36So, my question still persists as regards the cost per kilometer.
14:40You cannot tell me that we don't have a right to know the cost per kilometer.
14:44Even if it's an undulating landscape. Give us all the facts and the details of the cost per kilometer.
14:48That's all we'll ask for. Other questions as regards the loans taken.
14:53Let me finish. Let me finish. Let me finish. Let me finish.
14:58Listen to me. Minister, you will not allow me to speak. The Minister will not allow me to speak.
15:01No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Don't do that with me.
15:04Minister will not allow me to speak. Don't do that with me.
15:06I was in your studio. Minister will not allow me to speak.
15:08And when the first section was on, I ran the figures.
15:12And what you are asking us is 750 kilometers of coastal highway.
15:16We should tell you cost per kilometer. So you multiply by 750.
15:20That narcissica. No, so tell me the cost per kilometer.
15:23There's nothing too hard for you to tell me that figure.
15:25You've not still told me that figure. So I was right on that point.
15:27The second point. Because you don't understand anything.
15:31The second point I'm trying to make is this. You don't understand anything.
15:33I'm a professor in this field. Okay. You don't understand anything.
15:37And you cannot ask me to tell you a cost. What university gave you professorship in engineering?
15:42I didn't know you were professor Omayi, minister. I didn't know.
15:46So, please. I'm a professor in practice. I'm a professor in practice.
15:53I'm a professor in practice. I understand engineering very well.
15:55And you have no knowledge of what to ask me. If you will let me.
15:58You have no knowledge. If you will let me ask questions.
16:00So you keep quiet. Okay. And then stop, you know.
16:04Minister, it's all right. Keep dignifying yourself and let the world see you for who you are.
16:08If you will allow me to speak. The other hundred kilometers that you said you've added to it.
16:14I would like to know the cost per kilometer of that one.
16:18And the winsome homes. The case is in court.
16:22Now, I would like to know the cost per kilometer for that one.
16:24I would like to also know the over 700 billion first tranche of loan you guys got for this project.
16:30Has the money been spent? How was the money deployed?
16:33I would also like to know. I would also like to know the terms of that loan.
16:37All right. How many years? What's the payback period?
16:40What's the payback on return of that loan?
16:42And for the winsome homes, isn't it interesting that as somebody that has been a governor in the state, you know the law.
16:48A case is in court. And then you're coming to talk about the details of the cases in court.
16:53Because you denied that the case was not in court. Now you've already accepted that the case is in court.
16:57So it's not just better you thrash it out with the woman that has been reporting a case in public that we all heard.
17:04And I ask you questions based on that. So, Minister, just answer the questions.
17:08I've got no Instagram with you. You know that. We've spoken many times.
17:11In fact, when your people call to book, I booked them and I said you should come on air.
17:16So please just tell us those information. It's very important, Minister.
17:29I'm not hearing even though this guy is, it's not.
17:33I'm not hearing even though.
17:34I'm not hearing even though.
17:35I'm not hearing even though.
17:36I'm hearing even though.
17:37I'm hearing even though.
17:38Nigerian army authority has issued a statement.
17:42Denying threat messages issued against members of the public ahead of the plan.
17:46Mass protests slated for October 20th, 2025 to demand for the release and freedom of the detained Biafra Republic agitation leader.
17:55Marzi Namdi Kanu, just as the organizer and chief campaigner, Omiyele Sawari, the publisher of Sahara Reporters News Media met to seek understanding with the former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Abele Jonathan, who, according to Sawari, promised to visit President Bola Ahmed Tanubu to discuss the issue with him.
18:15Nigerian army in a statement on Friday, said, the attention of the Nigerian army, NA, has been drawn to a misleading publication by Sahara reporters alleging that a Facebook page purportedly operated by military personnel issued veiled threats against certain individuals ahead of a planned October 20th protest.
18:35The report is not only false but a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and discredit the noble institution of the Nigerian army.
18:43For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian army has only two official social media handles, namely at HQNigerianArmy and at NigerianArmyInfo, which are duly verified on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
18:59Any other page or account outside these verified handles does not belong to the Nigerian army and should be disregarded in its entirety.
19:08It is pertinent to state that certain civilians and online content creators now operate pages that post military related contents purely for the purpose of generating online traffic and monetary gain.
19:20Such pages have no affiliation whatsoever with the Nigerian army.
19:25The NA therefore dissociates itself completely from any post, statement, or activity emanating from these unauthorized sources.
19:33The Nigerian army remains a professional, disciplined and apolitical institution committed to the defense and unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
19:43In the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, the NA continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
19:55The general public and media practitioners are hereby enjoined to verify all information concerning the Nigerian army only through its official platforms or the Directorate of Army Public Relations before publication or dissemination.
20:09The Nigerian army therefore urges Sahara reporters and other media outlets to exercise due diligence in verifying the authenticity of their sources to avoid the spread of falsehood capable of misleading the public and undermining national security.
20:24Omiyele Sawari in a statement made available through his personal social media accounts on Friday, said that,
20:31Earlier today in Abuja, I met with former President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss the continued incarceration of Mazinamdi Karno.
20:39President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent and compelling need to address this matter decisively and justly.
20:46I thank him sincerely for recognizing the importance of resolving Karno's case in the interest of peace, fairness, and national healing.
20:55Particularly assuring was that he promised to meet Asawadju Bola Ahmed Tanubu to discuss this issue as soon as possible.
21:02With this, former President Jonathan joins a growing list of Nigerians who have called for justice in Namdi Karno's case,
21:10a list that already includes ex-Vice President Atiku Abu Bakar, Femi Falana, San, Senator Shehu Sani, and many others across political and regional divides.
21:22Mazinamdi Karno remains in detention today because he took up the just cause of confronting the longstanding issue of marginalization in Nigeria.
21:31Like other ethnic and regional activists whose politically motivated cases have been withdrawn or dismissed,
21:38Namdi Karno should also be released without further delay.
21:42I once again call on all political, cultural, ethnic, and religious leaders across Nigeria to join this noble cause.
21:50In particular, I invite my brothers and sisters from the southeast, Mr. Peter Obi, Charles Chukumasoludo, Alex Ciotti, Francis Inwifuru, Peter Embar, Hope Uzodunma, Abiyageli Ezekwisili, John Mbata of Ohanese and Digbo worldwide as well as Nigerians of conscience everywhere,
22:10to lend their voices to the call for justice and freedom.
22:13Namdi Karno should be set free, and I remain firmly committed to peacefully mobilizing for justice and freedom in this matter.
22:22On Thursday, Omiele Sawari in a statement challenged the decision to set free and grant presidential state pardons to convicted individuals by President Bola Ahmed Tanubu without considering the release of Mazinamdi Karno.
22:36According to Sawari, today, President Bola Tanubu extended pardons to a long list of convicted individuals including a cocaine trafficker serving a life sentence,
22:47an alleged coup plotter, Maman Vatsa, the late Nandi Ezekiewe and Herbert McCauley, and even Farouk Lawan, the former lawmaker convicted for taking bribes on tape.
22:57He also pardoned other known fraudsters and corrupt politicians. Yet, in all of this, Tanubu refuses to even consider the release of Mazinamdi Karno,
23:07who has been unjustly detained for years despite multiple court orders mandating his freedom.
23:12It is a glaring hypocrisy. Criminals and political thieves are forgiven, celebrated, and rehabilitated while a man demanding self-determination and justice remains behind bars and tossed around in courts with the pretense that somehow it is about law.
23:28Earlier, Sawari raised an alarm that the presidency is using DSS to contact and threaten politicians from the southeast, warning them not to endorse the Free Nandi Karno Now movement or participate in Free Nandi Karno Now, the planned march to Aso Rock Villa.
23:46They've contacted some names mentioned in my postings to gaslight them, claiming the protest was to foment chaos and violence. They're terrified. However, we move forward and cannot be stopped.
23:59Give its support as a bug.
24:01We will keep theep's forward, but this is something you'll find remember.
24:10If you mics are nobody, for news, not too!
24:19Okay.
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