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Police Summon MASSOB Leader Ahead of Oct. 20 Protest for Nnamdi Kanu
Nigerian police have summoned Ralph Uwazuruike, leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), ahead of a planned nationwide protest on Monday, Oct. 20, demanding the release of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Imo State Police Command sent Uwazuruike a letter asking him to report to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit headquarters in Owerri at 10 a.m. on the day of the protest. The letter states that he will be questioned over alleged offenses, including criminal invasion, forgery, and willful damage.
The summon comes as civil society groups, operating under the banner “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” plan demonstrations in major federal and state capitals to demand Kanu’s release from custody.
MASSOB has criticized the timing of the police invitation, suggesting it is intended to prevent Uwazuruike from participating in the planned peaceful protest. Chris Mocha, MASSOB’s Director of Information, said in a statement that the police action appears designed to sideline the group’s leader on the day of the demonstration.
Uwazuruike, in a video message circulated online, said he remains committed to nonviolent protest. “I have no problem with the police invitation,” he said, “but it is clear the summon was intended to prevent me from joining the planned peaceful protest on October 20. I remain firm, calm, and unshaken.”
Background
Uwazuruike heads MASSOB, a pro-Biafra group founded in 1999 that advocates for the creation of a sovereign Biafra state through largely nonviolent means. The planned protest on Oct. 20 is organized by activists calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in custody since June 2021 following his extradition from Kenya. Kanu faces terrorism-related charges.
The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens, warning of possible roadblocks, traffic disruption, and confrontations during the demonstration. Nigerian authorities have heightened security measures in several states in anticipation of the protests.
Reactions
“The timing of this invitation is suspicious,” the MASSOB statement said. “It appears to be a move to stop Chief Uwazuruike from participating in the peaceful protest demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s release.”
Uwazuruike added in his video, “This is not about Kanu alone; it is about our collective dignity as a people.”
Police have not publicly commented on the motive behind the summon. The Imo State Police Command did not respond to requests for clarification before publication.
Impact and Next Steps
The summon raises questions about the right to peaceful assembly and the timing of police actions amid politically sensitive events. Observers warn that the move could heighten tensions if demonstrators view it as suppression of dissent rather than lawful policing.
Organizers of the Oct. 20 protest have insisted the demonstration will remain peaceful, despite the heightened security presence. Whether Uwazuruike will report as summoned and whether his attendance will affect the turnout remains uncertain.
Human rights groups, civil society actors, and political observers are closely monitoring the situation. In the coming days, authorities may issue further statements, and organizers are expected to provide final instructions to participants. The outcome could influence government-civil society relations in southeastern Nigeria for the remainder of 2025.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
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Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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