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Tension erupted in Abuja on Monday morning, October 20, 2025, as security operatives reportedly opened fire to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qokjb4WTXGk

Eyewitnesses said the protesters, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of the IPOB leader, had gathered peacefully in front of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with the inscription “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now.”

However, the peaceful demonstration quickly turned chaotic when security operatives stormed the area and allegedly began shooting sporadically into the air to disperse the crowd.

According to reports, the situation caused panic among passersby and guests within the vicinity of the hotel, as people scampered for safety amid the gunfire.

As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether anyone sustained injuries or lost their life during the incident.

The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanu, was part of ongoing nationwide demonstrations calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention despite several court rulings ordering his freedom.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility is adequate for the treatment of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y89OOyQw2Vo

The ruling came during Thursday’s sitting, where the court also directed Kanu to open his defence on October 23, 2025, and close it on or before October 30, 2025.

Confirming the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter), one of Kanu’s lawyers, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, stated:

“MAZI NNAMDI KANU’s case has just been adjourned to 23rd October 2025 for commencement of his defence. The Judge further held that the DSS medical facility is adequate for his medical care and that MNK has until 30th October to close his defense.”

Speaking with journalists shortly after the court session, Barr. Ejimakor expressed surprise over the court’s decision, describing it as an “ambush” against the defence team. He explained that the team was only served with the medical report from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) during the court proceedings, despite the fact that the report was due since September 26.

“We were taken by surprise today. We were served, as a matter of ambush, with a medical report which the NMA was ordered to submit since September 26. The report is dated October, but we only got it today in open court. So, the defence had no ample opportunity to react to it,” Ejimakor said.

He noted that although the court had previously ordered the NMA to examine Kanu, such an examination was never carried out. Instead, the report relied on what he termed an “informal meeting” with Kanu weeks before the order was officially made.

“The order for medical examination was entered on September 26 and restated on October 8, but the NMA never examined him. The report seems to be based on an informal interaction with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as far back as September 18. We felt disadvantaged, but the proceedings had to continue as the court desired,” he explained.

Ejimakor questioned the authenticity of the medical report, describing it as “assumptive and medically baseless.”

“You’re talking about someone’s life for goodness’ sake. You cannot just sit in your office and start writing a medical report without conducting proper tests. The report says he has multiple health challenges but still concludes he can stand trial — how does that make sense?” he queried.

The lawyer also expressed concern over what he described as a larger pattern of injustice, arguing that the case goes beyond Kanu to reflect the “marginalization” of the Igbo people.

“As a matter of truth, the Igbos are on trial. This is a war against the Igbos. We’ve seen the federal government negotiating with bandits and terrorists, but when it comes to someone exercising his constitutional rights, the treatment is different. What exactly is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu being tried for? Does the court even have jurisdiction over this matter?” Ejimakor asked.

He further alleged that the prosecution deliberately delayed the medical report to weaken the defence’s preparation.

“The court gave them two weeks to produce the report, but they kept it until today before serving us in open court. How do we adequately consult our client under such circumstances?” he added.

Despite the defence’s concerns, the court maintained its ruling, setting October 23 for the commencement of Kanu’s defence and October 30 as the deadline for closing it.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has reflected on his political journey within the All Progressives Congress (APC), recalling how he was ridiculed in 2016 for joining the then-opposition party in the South-East, which had no single governor or lawmaker from the region.

Speaking on TVC News’ Journalists’ Hangout anchored by Babajide Otitoju on Monday, Senator Kalu said he was the only political leader from the South-East who joined the APC at the time but remained consistent despite criticism and mockery.

“When I joined the APC in 2016, I was the only South-East leader in the party. People mocked me, called me names, and thought I was mad to have joined a party that had no governor or lawmaker from our region,” Kalu said.

“But I stood my ground and kept assuring the party leadership that it would be well. In 2019, I became the first senator elected on the APC platform from the South-East, and today, the story has changed — we now have APC governors, senators, and House members across the zone.”

The Abia State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against child trafficking, rescuing 18 stolen infants and children and arresting 10 suspects linked to a notorious child-stealing syndicate operating within Aba and its surrounding areas, ABN TV reports.

In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen C. Chinaka, the Command revealed that the successful operations followed a complaint lodged on September 27, 2025, by a young woman from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The victim reported that a man who promised to marry her lured her to Aba and disappeared with her two children under the pretext of buying food.

Following credible intelligence, police operatives stormed a residence on October 8, 2025, suspected to be one of the syndicate’s hideouts. During the raid, five suspects were arrested — Mrs. Best Ndubusi (41), Charles Enyinnaya (25), Eunice Ezekiel (35), Nnena Kalu (60), and Gideon Esther (25) — while one infant and seven children were rescued.

The following day, October 9, another coordinated operation along the Aba–Owerri Road led to the arrest of Obiegbunam Von (65), Ezeoma Rejoice (21), Ngozi Owoh (20), and Favour Ernest (22). In that raid, seven infants and three children were recovered from the suspects’ custody.

Further investigation and surveillance efforts paid off on October 10, when operatives arrested Brittney Oyemuwa Zion (22) of Amuoji Uku, Obingwa LGA, and rescued another child.

According to the police, the rescued children are currently in protective custody, while investigations continue at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia.

The Igbo communities in Canada have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, over what they described as his worsening health condition and the alarming state of insecurity in the Southeast region.

In a press statement signed by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Canada, Chief Dr. Anicetus Nwizundu (Okanga Ogadagidi) and made available to ABN TV, the group expressed deep concern over Kanu’s continued detention in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for over four years despite repeated appeals for his freedom.

“We, the Igbo people living in Canada, stand united in calling upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene compassionately in this matter and facilitate the unconditional release of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement said.

Chief Nwizundu noted that Kanu’s health condition has deteriorated seriously, as confirmed by several medical experts, including cardiologists who have examined him during hospital visits. He warned that further detention could endanger his life.

“We implore the Federal Government to act swiftly to release him from custody before it’s too late,” the statement urged.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Canada president also highlighted that Kanu’s incarceration was a result of his persistent advocacy against the marginalization of the Igbo people in Nigeria. He stressed that the Igbo community is not seeking confrontation but fairness and justice within the Nigerian federation.

“The Igbo do not seek trouble; they yearn for recognition, equality, and peace as Nigerians. Yet, they are treated as second-class citizens in their own country,” the statement lamented.

Chief Nwizundu further expressed worry over the worsening insecurity in the Southeast, describing the situation as “terrifying and disheartening.”

“There is no safety in Igboland today. One cannot travel without fear, nor sleep peacefully at night owing to insecurity pervasive across various parts of our land,” he stated.

The group maintained that releasing Nnamdi Kanu would help restore calm and unity in the region, paving the way for sustainable peace and development.

“With his release, we envision correction of many wrongs afflicting our homeland, paving the way for total peace,” Chief Nwizundu added.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has urged Abians to acknowledge the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in supporting Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s development agenda in Abia State.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5NlMR48vB0
Kalu, speaking during the commissioning of projects in Aba, said the President demonstrated fairness and accountability by channeling funds from the removal of fuel subsidy directly to the states rather than retaining them at the federal level.

“When the president removed the oil subsidy, he did not keep the money in Abuja, he sent it to the states. Please, give credit to whom credit is due. Make sure Abians know that our president is supporting his friend, Governor Otti, so that he will release more to Abia State,” Kalu emphasized.

The Deputy Speaker maintained that recognizing the President’s contributions will encourage further federal support for ongoing projects in Abia.