₦airaland Forum

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has just arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his trial, ABN TV reports.


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

Kanu’s arrival this morning, Friday, July 18, 2025, comes amid tight security and limited courtroom access, as proceedings resume under the watch of presiding judge, Hon. Justice James K. Omotosho.

Earlier, ABN TV reported that the court had approved only ten individuals from the defendant’s side to be present in the courtroom for today’s session. The approved list includes eight lawyers—among them several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs)—as well as two close associates: Hon. Obi Aguocha and Prince Emmanuel Kanu.

The restriction has been criticized by observers who argue it undermines public transparency in such a high-profile trial.

Today’s hearing is expected to focus on the no-case submission filed by Kanu’s legal team, following the Federal Government’s formal closure of its case during the last sitting.

The National Chairman and Founder of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, has declared that the party’s primary election process remains one of the most transparent and credible in Nigeria’s democratic space.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P28rx0TDVUM

Speaking during an exclusive interview on ABN TV’s Political Perspective, Comrade Amakiri hailed the Option A4 system adopted by YPP for internal elections, saying it eliminates rigging and promotes open democracy within the party.

“You can’t rig Option A4,” Amakiri said confidently. “Everyone sees who you’re voting for. It’s the fairest and most transparent system.”

Option A4, a method where party members line up behind their preferred aspirants in the open, gained popularity during the 1993 elections in Nigeria and has been praised for reducing manipulation and fostering accountability.

Amakiri emphasized that the YPP’s adoption of Option A4 underscores the party’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and grassroots participation in the democratic process.

“We’re building a political culture that puts power back in the hands of the people,” he added. “This is what differentiates us from the traditional political parties. There’s no imposition or backroom manipulation in YPP.”

The YPP Chairman stated that the party’s upcoming Anambra by-election primary, slated for July 19, will also follow the Option A4 model. He, however, noted that the date may shift slightly to July 21, which is the final day allowed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Amakiri expressed confidence that the YPP will field its best candidate for the election and retain its seat in Anambra State.

“We are prepared for every outcome, and our confidence comes from our clean internal process,” he said.

The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed today, Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with strict attendance restrictions in place, ABN TV reports.

Justice James K. Omotosho, who is presiding over the case, approved a list of only ten individuals from the side of defendant who are permitted to be present in the courtroom.

The list, obtained by ABN TV, includes eight senior lawyers and two close associates of Nnamdi Kanu. The approved legal team features several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Kanu G. Agabi, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, Mela Audu Nunghe, Dr. Joseph Akubo, Uchenna Njoku, and Aloy Ejimakor.

Also cleared to attend are Hon. Obi Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother to the IPOB leader.

The court session, slated to begin at 9:00 a.m., follows the previous hearing where the Federal Government closed its case, and the defense was directed to file its written address on a no-case submission within 14 days.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers launched a deadly assault on Saturday morning in Nunya, a community in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, killing a soldier and a driver working with a Chinese construction company.

According to credible information gathered exclusively by ABN TV, the incident occurred around 8:21am on July 12, 2025. The attackers, numbering about six, reportedly arrived at the site on three motorcycles, wearing military camouflage and armed with assault rifles.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen stormed a construction site operated by a Chinese engineering firm, opened fire on the workers, and killed one of the drivers. A soldier providing security at the site was also shot dead, with his rifle allegedly taken by the attackers before they fled.

Investigative findings by ABN TV indicate the assailants may have crossed over from a neighboring state and are believed to be part of a notorious kidnapping gang. Sources also alleged that the attack was led by a suspected criminal with military training who is currently on the run.

Security operatives responded swiftly, conducting a coordinated operation in the area. The remains of the deceased driver were evacuated and deposited at the Hospital. Some spent AK-47 ammunition shells were reportedly recovered at the scene.

Following a tip-off, a suspect believed to have links to the attack was arrested at a hideout in Umuahia North Local Government Area. He is currently being detained and undergoing interrogation, while efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects continue.

The National Chairman and Founder of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, has taken a swipe at former Abia State deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso, following his defection from the party, declaring that his exit poses no threat to the party’s structure or relevance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P28rx0TDVUM

Speaking to ABN TV exclusively in Abuja, Comrade Amakiri said Anyaso’s departure is not something that should cause concern within the party, as he failed to deliver any electoral victory during his time with the YPP, including in his own Bende Constituency.

“He didn’t win any election for the YPP, not even in his own Bende Constituency,” Amakiri stated. “So his exit is not a big deal. If someone like Nana, who helped us win two House of Assembly seats, were leaving, then we might be worried. But not in this case.”

The YPP leader noted that while defections are a normal part of democracy, only those who contributed meaningfully to the party’s success can be considered losses. He said YPP remains firmly grounded in Abia State, holding two local government chairmanship seats and several councillorship positions—none of which, he emphasized, came through Anyaso or other recent defectors.

“In a democracy, people have the right to switch parties. But when those leaving have no electoral value or tangible contribution, it doesn’t shake us,” Amakiri added.

He accused some politicians of constantly jumping from one party to another in pursuit of personal ambition rather than genuine service.

The Abia State Police Command has recorded major achievements in its ongoing fight against crime, with the arrest of 230 suspects, including 15 females, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, ABN TV reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32xPA6WNOZM
Speaking at a press briefing at the State Command Headquarters in Umuahia on Friday, 4th July 2025, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, said the arrests were the result of the Command’s intensified strategic operations aimed at combating crime and ensuring public safety.

“Our operational procedures remain ongoing, and they continue to yield impressive results. The Command is not resting on its oars in the fight against crime and criminality,” CP Isa stated.

The suspects were arrested for various offenses, including armed robbery, child trafficking, kidnapping, child theft, and malicious damage. Among the items recovered were:

15 locally-made shotguns

4 AK-47 rifles

2 Ruga foreign military rifles

1 LA rifle

1 long-range gun

1 locally-fabricated Beretta pistol

1 pump-action gun

1 English-Chinese Scorpion pistol

347 rounds of ammunition of varying calibers

“These efforts are in line with our mandate to keep Abia State free from criminals,” the CP added.

Highlighting specific cases, CP Isa confirmed the arrest of a suspect involved in the murder of a Chinese national and a police officer in Uturu. The suspect is currently assisting the police in locating others involved in the crime.

In another major operation, police arrested three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of a woman in Umugu, Ugwunagbo (Ukwa West LGA). Although a ransom of ₦8 million was paid for her release, police tracked and apprehended the suspects using technical intelligence.

CP Isa also provided updates on the recent abduction of five individuals in Uturu, disclosing that some of the victims have been released and investigations indicate they were taken to Okigwe in Imo State. The Abia Command is now collaborating with the Imo State Police to bring the culprits to justice.

On the shooting of a commercial motorcycle rider in Uturu, the Commissioner identified it as a cult-related incident and assured that arrests will soon follow.

The Police Commissioner commended Governor Alex Otti for his continued support of security efforts, noting that the donation of two new Hilux vans by the Governor has helped in the deployment of tactical teams across the state.

“The logistical support from His Excellency has been invaluable and will further enhance our operational capabilities,” he said.

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has stirred political debate following his recent comments on the direction of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election and potential realignments among opposition figures.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGN12fp5o5E

In a trending video clip, Datti Baba-Ahmed said the natural and just expectation for the 2027 presidential contest is for the presidency to rotate to the South.

"In 2027, the default position of thinking is that the presidency should be from the South," he said, aligning with the principle of zoning and equity that has shaped Nigeria’s political structure for years.

He raised concerns about the implications of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar possibly running under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has been widely speculated.

"So if Atiku takes the ADC ticket, how will Amaechi and Peter Obi react?" Datti queried, referencing two prominent Southern political figures—former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

Datti, who ran alongside Peter Obi in 2023, clearly stated his opposition to Obi accepting a vice-presidential position in any future coalition.

"I think Peter Obi shouldn’t be a VP," he asserted.

His statement is being interpreted as a warning to opposition forces against undermining the South’s right to produce the next president and as an endorsement of Obi’s political standing as a frontline presidential contender, not a subordinate.

As the 2027 election draws nearer, talks of political mergers and strategic alliances are intensifying. Datti’s remarks are seen as a signal that the Labour Party is positioning itself to lead, rather than follow, in any future coalition.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s fiscal discipline, stressing that his government will only consider borrowing funds when it is necessary for investment purposes, not for consumption, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2B95PQP9TU

Speaking during a welcome dinner held in honour of the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council in Umuahia on Tuesday, Governor Otti dispelled claims by opposition critics that the state has been borrowing to fund operations. He referenced the latest Debt Management Office (DMO) report, which ranks Abia as the leading state in debt reduction—cutting its debt profile by a remarkable 57.20% between March 2024 and March 2025.

“There is nothing wrong with criticizing the Government, but you must criticize with facts,” Otti said. “Some say we are borrowing — they are lying. Abia State has not borrowed in the last two years and one month.”

He, however, noted that while the state has not borrowed yet, it would consider borrowing strictly for regenerative capital projects that will yield long-term benefits for Abians.

The Nigerian Senate has taken a major step toward embracing clean energy and sustainable transportation as it passed the first reading of the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The proposed legislation is aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for Nigeria’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with a strong focus on local manufacturing, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

Speaking on the Bill, Senator Kalu said the objective is to position Nigeria as a regional leader in clean energy transportation while strengthening industrial capacity and innovation. “This Bill is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s about driving local innovation, creating thousands of jobs, and ensuring Nigeria plays a leading role in global green mobility,” he stated.

Highlights of the Bill include the development of a nationwide network of EV charging stations, government incentives to encourage EV adoption by individuals and businesses, and the integration of renewable energy into the country’s transport systems.

The Bill also sets ambitious targets to:

Promote local manufacturing of electric vehicles

Create employment across the EV value chain

Establish Nigeria as a hub for clean transportation in West Africa

Reduce dependency on fossil fuels and improve environmental health

One of the key provisions of the Bill is a strict local content requirement for foreign automakers. It mandates that no foreign company may import, sell, or distribute EVs in Nigeria without partnering with a licensed Nigerian assembler. Additionally, automakers must establish local assembly plants within three years of operation and achieve at least 30% local sourcing of components by 2030.

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has shared some of the challenges he faced at the inception of his administration in 1999, citing extremely limited financial resources, ABN TV reports.

In an exclusive interview, Kalu revealed that the first federal allocation to the state under his leadership was only N68 million, a sum he described as “barely enough to run a ministry, let alone a state.”

Despite the fiscal constraints, he said he remained undeterred in his commitment to the people of Abia. “I didn’t govern from a distance,” he noted. “I often traveled late at night between Igbere and Umuahia to ensure that I was hands-on with the affairs of the state.”

Kalu said it was that spirit of dedication and physical presence that earned him the trust of the people and allowed him to execute meaningful projects in the face of limited funds.

The lingering misunderstanding between the Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Smart Iheoma, and the Chairman of the Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chidi Asonye, has been peacefully resolved, ABN TV can authoritatively report, following a peace meeting where both leaders agreed to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of Abia’s development.

This development followed a meeting between both parties aimed at fostering mutual respect and strengthening collaboration between the local government administration and the media for the benefit of Abia State.

Announcing the resolution of the dispute,

The reconciliation comes after days of tension arising from conflicting reports over a sanitation day event in Umuahia. Both leaders reportedly agreed that unity and cooperation are essential in promoting good governance and supporting the state’s development agenda.

Governor Alex Otti has provided clarity on his recent remark about adopting the development template of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu in rebuilding Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avbm6SOgEt4

Speaking during his monthly media chat “Governor Alex Otti Speaks To Abians”, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, the Governor was responding to a question from journalist Ifeanyi Okali of ABN TV. Okali had asked whether Otti’s preference for Kalu’s model implied that the governance templates of Chief Theodore Orji and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu were not viable enough to be considered.

Governor Otti explained that his reference to Kalu's approach was strategic and contextual.

“When Orji Kalu became governor in 1999, he focused heavily on Aba because of its revenue-generating capacity. He understood that getting Aba right would make it easier to fix the rest of the state. That’s exactly the principle we are following,” Otti stated.

He added that his administration’s policies are guided by economic logic, not political sentiment. “It is about results, not personalities. We chose to face Aba first because that’s where the economic heart of the state lies,” he said.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally closed its case against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, ABN TV reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLNRIxIGq7E
This development was disclosed by one of Kanu’s lead counsels, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after court proceedings on Wednesday.

According to Ejimakor, the presiding judge granted the defense team 14 days to file their written address in support of a no-case submission — a legal argument that Kanu has no case to answer. The prosecution was also given 14 days to respond.

With this, the matter has been adjourned until July 18, 2025, for further proceedings.

“Today, the Federal Republic of Nigeria CLOSED its case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu… Thank you for your support,” Ejimakor posted.

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu continues to attract local and international attention, with human rights groups and observers closely monitoring the process. Kanu has remained in custody since his controversial rendition from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021.

A pregnant woman and her husband narrowly escaped death on Thursday after a massive mango tree fell on their tricycle (keke NAPEP) at Igboji Primary School in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, ABN TV reports.

The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, sparked panic among residents who rushed to the scene fearing the worst. However, eyewitnesses say it was nothing short of a miracle that the couple came out of the mangled tricycle without a single injury.

“The tree fell directly on the keke, and it was completely flattened. We couldn’t believe our eyes when the man and his pregnant wife came out unharmed. Everyone around was shouting and thanking God,” a resident recounted.

The tricycle was reportedly conveying the couple home when the decades-old mango tree suddenly gave way and crashed onto the moving vehicle.

Locals have now raised concerns over the safety of large, aging trees in public spaces, particularly around schools and residential areas. Many are calling on the local authorities to conduct urgent assessments and remove hazardous trees to avert future tragedies.

The Abia State Government has announced the constitution of the Board of the Abia State Medicines and Commodities Management Agency (ASMCMA), a strategic step aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system, ABN TV reports.

The decision, approved by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the availability, affordability, and quality of essential medicines and health commodities across all public health institutions in the state.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the newly formed Board is composed of respected professionals drawn from various healthcare and public service backgrounds. Their role is to provide strategic oversight and policy direction for the agency, which plays a vital role in the procurement, regulation, and distribution of medical supplies throughout the state.

The Board is chaired by Chief Victor Amuta, FPSN, a seasoned pharmacist and public health expert with over 48 years of experience in healthcare management.

Other appointed members include:

Dr. (Mrs.) Katlyn I. Ukpabi – Abia North Senatorial District representative and retired Consultant Pediatrician at FMC Umuahia

Sir Ucheoma A. Madumere – Abia Central representative and experienced industrial pharmacist

Dr. Akara Emmanuel Ugochukwu – Abia South representative, medical doctor, and policy expert

Mr. Chris Ukah – Development advocate and community health representative

Statutory members of the Board are:

Dr. Borke Ngozi Okwale – Director, Medical Services, Ministry of Health

Pharm. (Mrs.) Nnenna Emuche – Director, Pharmacy Services, Ministry of Health

Mrs. Charity Ekwuribe – Director, Nursing Services, Ministry of Health

Dr. Clem Ifekeronye – Secretary, NMA, Abia State Branch

Sir Emmanuel Okafor – Chairman, PSN, Abia State Branch

Mrs. Elechi Obi-Chianakwalam – Representative, Ministry of Finance

Pharm. Nnaemeka Kanu Orji – Executive Secretary of the Agency and Secretary to the Board

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday, June 13, 2025, arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his trial, ABN TV reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-YUhiE9oqc
Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021, was brought to the court under heavy security as supporters and legal representatives gathered for the proceedings.

The court session is expected to continue cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, with the defence team set to present further arguments.

Kanu’s trial, which has drawn both national and international attention, remains a major legal and political development in Nigeria’s justice system.

Super Eagles winger and AC Milan star, Samuel Chukwueze, has once again demonstrated his deep love for family and community by building a magnificent mansion worth over ₦465 million for his father, Reverend John Nkasiobi Chukwueze, in their hometown of Umu Chimaelu, Okoko Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q13Ug_-mcvY
The grand opening of the imposing edifice took place on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, attracting widespread admiration from family members, friends, and well-wishers.

Speaking to ABN TV during the emotional event, Reverend John Nkasiobi Chukwueze, father of the football star, broke down in tears as he thanked God for his son Samuel’s life and achievements.

He emotionally revealed that there was a time he could not properly care for his children due to financial hardship, and at one point, he distanced himself out of frustration and helplessness.

"I cried today because I remember when I had nothing and could not provide for my children. I abandoned them, not because I didn’t love them, but because I was ashamed that I couldn’t give them the life they deserved," he confessed tearfully.

He expressed shock and overwhelming gratitude upon receiving the surprise gift from his son. "I never expected this. When I saw this house, I could not hold back tears. Samuel has made me proud beyond words," he said.

Reverend Chukwueze also revealed that Samuel inherited his footballing talent from him. "When I was younger, I was a great footballer too. It gives me joy to see that my son has taken that same path and is excelling on the global stage."

Offering heartfelt advice to other fathers, he urged them never to neglect or abandon their children, regardless of their financial situation. "I speak from my own experience — never throw away your children because you are poor or struggling. One day, God can turn things around. Samuel is proof of that."

He ended by praying fervently for all his children, especially Samuel, whose success has now lifted the entire family.

In addition to building the mansion, Samuel Chukwueze also extended his generosity to the wider community. During the celebration, he gifted 20 new Tricycles (Keke NAPEP), distributed cash gifts, and awarded educational scholarships to several less privileged individuals in the community.

His actions sparked great joy and celebration across Okoko Item and beyond, as many beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation for his kindness and unwavering commitment to giving back.

"This is not just about building a house," said one community elder. "Samuel is using his blessings to uplift everyone around him. He has shown that true success means lifting others."

Also speaking during the ceremony, Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze, Samuel’s mother, described the gesture as a fulfillment of family prayers and a great blessing to the community.

Speaking further, Samuel Chukwueze’s current manager, Mr. Prince Victor Apugo, popularly known as "Ngwomgwo", praised the football star’s character and generosity.

“Samuel Chukwueze is a very good guy with a human heart — full of feelings, open-minded, very accommodating, and extremely respectful,” Ngwomgwo said.

He advised young people to stay focused and determined in whatever they do. “My message to young youths is: be focused. Stay true to your dreams, work hard, and always remain humble, just as Samuel has done,” he added.

Governor Alex Otti has projected that Aba will soon become a global magnet for investors beyond its traditional manufacturing and commercial appeal.

During his address at the commissioning of 14 roads on Tuesday, Otti outlined a vision where Aba attracts firms targeting global markets in technology, remote services, and hybrid business platforms.

“We are building an independent energy supply system and robust broadband infrastructure that will enable businesses to go beyond brick-and-mortar models,” he announced.

Otti added that Aba’s geographical advantages — proximity to oil towns and seaports — combined with a highly skilled workforce, will position the city as an economic powerhouse.

“In the New Aba, there shall be no limits to what you can achieve,” Otti assured entrepreneurs, urging residents to dream big and seize emerging opportunities.