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Nnamdi Kanu Court Ruling: Federal High Court Orders IPOB Leader to Enter Defence

The latest Nnamdi Kanu court ruling saw the Federal High Court in Abuja overrule Kanu’s objection on jurisdiction and order him to enter his defence in the terrorism trial.

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Abuja, Oct. 23, 2025

The latest Nnamdi Kanu court ruling has stirred renewed legal debate as the Federal High Court in Abuja overruled the IPOB leader’s objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction in his ongoing terrorism trial. Justice James Omotosho directed Nnamdi Kanu to enter his defence, affirming that the constitutional process must now continue.

Justice Omotosho stated that all issues raised by Kanu to challenge the Nnamdi Kanu court ruling had already been settled in previous judgments. He emphasized that Section 36 of Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees every accused person the opportunity to defend themselves and urged Kanu to take advantage of that provision

“I appeal to the defendant to use the opportunity granted by the constitution to present his defence,” the judge said.

The Nnamdi Kanu court ruling followed the withdrawal of Kanu’s entire defence team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), who told the court that they were stepping aside out of respect for their client’s decision to represent himself. Other senior advocates, including Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, and Emeka Etiaba, also formally withdrew from the case.

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Following their withdrawal, Justice Omotosho asked Nnamdi Kanu if he was ready to proceed, to which Kanu replied that he would conduct his own defence. However, he objected once again, insisting that the Nnamdi Kanu court ruling should address the question of jurisdiction before proceeding with trial.

Kanu listed four grounds for his objection:

  1. The Federal Government’s alleged contempt of a Court of Appeal judgment that he claimed ordered his acquittal.
  2. The assertion that the laws under which he was charged — the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 and the Customs and Excise Act — had been repealed.
  3. His alleged denial of fair hearing due to limited access to his legal team while in DSS custody.
  4. His claim that a medical report certifying him fit for trial was forged.

The prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), countered these claims, arguing that the Court of Appeal decision referenced by Kanu had been set aside by the Supreme Court in a judgment delivered on Dec. 15, 2023. http://nairametrics.com Awomolo insisted that the Nnamdi Kanu court ruling should proceed based on established precedent.

He added that Kanu’s claim of a forged medical report was baseless and amounted to an indictment of his previous lawyers, who had reviewed the same report without objection.

Justice Omotosho noted that the medical report had been duly admitted into evidence and that the court had already acted upon it. As such, the court could not revisit or invalidate earlier decisions based on that report. The Nnamdi Kanu court ruling, he clarified, stood on solid legal grounds.

The judge further recalled that during previous sittings, Kanu had been given ample opportunity for private consultation with his lawyers, including an extended session between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to ensure compliance with fair hearing standards.

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Despite overruling Kanu’s objection, Justice Omotosho stated that the defendant could still raise his concerns during his final written address. The Nnamdi Kanu court ruling therefore directed him to open his defence, emphasizing that failure to do so would be considered a waiver of his constitutional right.

“This is your constitutional right to defend yourself,” Omotosho said. “You may exercise or waive it — but the court will not wait indefinitely.”

At that stage, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), who had earlier withdrawn from the case, appealed to the court to grant Kanu time to gather his thoughts. Kanu, echoing this request, said he had not been given enough time to prepare for his defence under Section 36 of the Constitution.

Following no objection from the prosecution, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Oct. 24, 2025, for continuation of the Nnamdi Kanu court ruling proceedings. The judge disclosed that witness summonses requested by Kanu had been signed and were ready for service on the individuals listed as potential witnesses.

The Nnamdi Kanu court ruling underscores the court’s determination to ensure due process while maintaining the integrity of its previous judgments in the high-profile terrorism trial. Visit http://gmtnewsng.com for more news.

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NiMet Weather Update: Dust Haze and Rain Expected from Monday

NiMet weather update predicts three days of dust haze and rain across Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flooding in parts of the South.

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NiMet Weather Update: Dust Haze and Rain Expected from Monday

October 27, 2025 | Abuja

The NiMet weather update has predicted a mix of dust haze and rainfall across various parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, urging residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

In its NiMet weather update released on Sunday in Abuja, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) projected slight dust haze with good visibility over Borno, Zamfara, northern Kaduna, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States on Monday.

According to the agency, isolated thunderstorms and light rain are also expected in Taraba and Adamawa States during the afternoon and evening hours, while sunny skies with patches of clouds are likely in the central region, including FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi, with chances of late-day rain.

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The NiMet weather update further noted cloudy conditions in the southern region on Monday morning, followed by moderate rainfall and thunderstorms later in the day over Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Delta, and Rivers States.

For Tuesday, the NiMet weather forecast indicated continued slight dust haze in the north and possible thunderstorms in Taraba and Adamawa, while the central region will witness sunny skies with moderate rain in FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi.

Across the south, moderate rainfall is anticipated in Rivers, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, with increasing intensity later in the day. NiMet also warned of possible flooding in parts of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River, urging authorities to activate emergency response measures.

By Wednesday, the NiMet weather update anticipates sunny skies across the north, with isolated thunderstorms in Taraba, and light rain in the central region, especially Kogi and the FCT. The southern states will start cloudy, transitioning to thunderstorms and moderate rain later in the day.

NiMet also cautioned against potential flash floods and advised motorists to drive carefully in wet conditions. The agency urged persons with asthma or respiratory issues to minimize outdoor exposure due to dust particles in northern airspace.

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It further advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning and encouraged the public to stay informed through NiMet’s website and official communication channels. GMTNewsng

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Wike in Dubai for 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum

Wike in Dubai for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum to engage world city leaders on sustainable urban development and global cooperation.

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Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory

Wike in Dubai for 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum

Date: Oct. 27, 2025

The Wike in Dubai visit marks Nigeria’s strong representation at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (2025APCS), as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week for the high-level international engagement.

According to a statement by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday, Wike in Dubai was warmly received by the Consul General of Nigeria, Ambassador Zayyanu Ibrahim, alongside officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who arrived ahead of him.

During the summit, Wike in Dubai will lead a discussion panel on Tuesday, where he will field questions about the Federal Capital Territory, exchange ideas with other Mayors of capital cities, and explore opportunities for sustainable city partnerships.

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The 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum seeks to create long-term value for cities and businesses across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, promoting trade, innovation, and investment opportunities.

An initiative of the Brisbane City Council, Australia, the forum is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse gatherings of mayors, city leaders, business executives, and young professionals committed to shaping the future of global urban development.

The 2025APCS theme, “Collaborate, Inspire, Transform,” aligns with global efforts to build smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. Sub-themes such as “Centres of Connection” highlight the role of transportation networks and urban innovation in improving quality of life.

Through his participation, Wike in Dubai underscores Nigeria’s commitment to engaging the global urban community in forward-thinking conversations about development, governance, and sustainability. GMTNewsng

https://fcta.gov.ng/

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Dubai (UAE) – official city portal: https://www.dubai.ae/

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NDA Shooting Exercise 2025: Academy Sends Strong Warning to Kaduna Residents

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has warned residents of Afaka, Kauya, and Mando to stay clear of its open range during the NDA shooting exercise scheduled from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7, 2025, in Kaduna.

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NDA shooting exercise: Academy warns Kaduna residents

October 27, 2025 | Kaduna

The NDA shooting exercise scheduled by the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has prompted a public warning to residents of Afaka, Kauya, Tsamiya, and Mando in Kaduna State to steer clear of its open range from Tuesday, October 28 to November 7, 2025.

According to a statement released by the NDA Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa, the NDA shooting exercise is part of the Range Management Package for cadets of the 73 Regular Course (Army), aimed at improving their combat readiness. http://nda.org.ng

“The NDA wishes to inform the general public, especially inhabitants of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya, and Afaka general area, that it will be conducting its Range Management Package NDA shooting exercise for cadets,” the statement read.

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Maj. Maidawa assured residents that all safety precautions have been taken for the smooth and secure conduct of the NDA shooting exercise, while urging the public to cooperate with military personnel during the period.

The statement added that the Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, conveys his appreciation to the host communities for their understanding and continued support.

The Nigerian Defence Academy, based in Kaduna, is Nigeria’s foremost military training institution, responsible for producing officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The shooting exercise forms part of its continuous efforts to enhance professionalism and discipline among its cadets. GMTNewsng

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