Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore was reportedly arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after meeting the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Eyewitnesses said Sowore was whisked away by security operatives on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, moments after leaving the courtroom where he had exchanged greetings with Kanu.

The activist, known for his outspoken stance on governance and civil rights, had earlier shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) confirming his meeting with Kanu, describing him as “powerful and unrelenting.”

Reacting to the arrest, prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the incident on X, calling it “preposterous” and a violation of judicial integrity.

Effiong wrote:

“The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous.
The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system.
He should be freed immediately.
Stop the shenanigans.”

As of press time, the reason for Sowore’s arrest remains unclear, and authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

A video circulating online shows the moment the activist was surrounded by police officers before being taken away from the court premises.

This development comes just hours after Nnamdi Kanu told the court he would be representing himself following the withdrawal of his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

A tragic plane crash in Venezuela has claimed two lives and left two others injured after a Piper Cheyenne I aircraft erupted into flames shortly after takeoff on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

The incident occurred at Paramillo Airport in Táchira State, with the aircraft crashing within the vicinity of San Cristóbal National Park moments after takeoff.

A shocking video circulating online shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before tilting sharply, striking one of its wings on the ground, and exploding into a massive fireball.

Witnesses nearby can be heard screaming in horror as the plane hit the ground and burst into flames.

According to Mail Online, local authorities identified the deceased as Toni Bortone and Juan Maldonado, while two other passengers survived but sustained serious injuries.

Preliminary reports suggest the pilot may have lost control after one of the aircraft’s tires exploded during takeoff.

Emergency services, including firefighters, Táchira Civil Protection, and the Bolivarian National Police (PNB), responded swiftly to the crash site around noon, battling the blaze and rescuing survivors from the wreckage.

Officials confirmed that the aircraft was being used for government logistics operations, although further details about its mission remain under investigation.

The ill-fated plane, identified as a Piper Cheyenne I (PA-31T1), is a twin-engine turboprop model manufactured by Piper Aircraft in the late 1970s. The aircraft type is widely used in both civilian and governmental operations due to its reliability and performance.

Aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, focusing on potential mechanical failure or maintenance issues.

This latest tragedy follows another aviation accident in Venezuela last month. In September 2025, a Learjet 55 crashed near Simón Bolívar International Airport outside Caracas during takeoff amid adverse weather conditions, leaving two passengers injured.

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The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday informed the Federal High Court that he would be representing himself in his ongoing trial after his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), withdrew from the case.

Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, told the court that the entire defence team was stepping down, explaining that the defendant had decided to personally take over the conduct of his case.

“All counsel in the defence have agreed to withdraw as the defendant has chosen to represent himself,” Agabi announced before the presiding judge.

Confirming the development in open court, Kanu stated that he had opted to handle his own defence “for now,” though he might reconsider that decision at a later stage. When asked by the judge whether he wanted the court to assign him another lawyer, Kanu declined, insisting he would proceed on his own terms.

In his brief oral argument, the IPOB leader maintained that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him, reiterating his long-standing position on the matter.

Meanwhile, confirming Kanu’s presence in court, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore shared an update on his X (formerly Twitter) account, saying he met with the separatist leader in person.

Sowore wrote:

“Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today. The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong!”

Thursday’s proceedings mark another dramatic twist in the long-running legal battle between the Nigerian government and Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody facing charges related to treasonable felony and separatist activities.

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Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali have been nominated for top honours at the 2025 CAF Awards, even as Nigeria’s national team failed to make the shortlist for the National Team of the Year category.

CAF unveiled the nominations on Wednesday, confirming Osimhen’s place among the final ten-man shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Year award. The Galatasaray striker will face stiff competition from some of Africa’s biggest names, including Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Achraf Hakimi and Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Fiston Mayele (Congo), Frank Anguissa (Cameroon), Denis Bouanga (Gabon), and Senegalese duo Illimane Ndiaye and Pape Sarr.

Osimhen, who previously won the award in 2023, enjoyed another spectacular campaign in Turkey, scoring 26 league goals to fire Galatasaray to the Super Lig title. His performances also earned him a record-breaking €75 million transfer from Napoli, setting a new benchmark as the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.

In the goalkeeping category, Stanley Nwabali was recognised for his remarkable consistency at both club and international levels, earning a spot among the nominees for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The Chippa United shot-stopper will contest the award with Yassine Bounou (Morocco), Ronwen Williams (South Africa), and Andre Onana (Cameroon).

Nigeria’s strong representation continues with Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi, who made the shortlist for the Young Player of the Year award after an impressive season leading the national U-20 side.

On the women’s front, Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo have both been nominated for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, highlighting Nigeria’s continued presence among Africa’s football elite.

However, the Super Eagles were notably snubbed in the National Team of the Year category despite their encouraging performances during the 2025 World Cup qualifiers a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts.

The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony is expected to take place later this year, celebrating the continent’s best footballers, coaches, and teams for their achievements over the past season.

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It was an inspiring moment at the State House in Abuja on Monday as 16-year-old Joy Ogah symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima, serving as Nigeria’s Vice President for a day in a ceremony organized to promote girls’ education and leadership.

The event was part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child, organized by Plan International, a global development organization advocating for girls’ rights and empowerment.

‘Educate the Girl Child, Empower the Nation’

Taking her seat at the Vice President’s desk, Joy Ogah called on Nigerian authorities to invest in safe, inclusive schools and to enforce laws protecting girls.

She highlighted the alarming statistic that 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, most of them girls, and urged the government to provide free sanitary products and better sanitation facilities in schools to support girls’ education.

“When girls are educated, they become leaders, innovators, and change-makers. We must make our schools safe and accessible for every girl,” she said.

Shettima Praises Initiative

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who warmly invited Joy to take his seat, commended the symbolic gesture and reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to empowering the girl child through education.

He emphasized that the Tinubu administration is gender-inclusive, highlighting First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a model of female leadership and national service.

“Our administration believes in empowering women and girls. Educating the girl child is investing in the nation’s future,” Shettima said.

The brief but impactful event drew applause from education advocates, policymakers, and development partners, symbolizing hope for a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria.

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