Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has dragged the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Federal Government to court over what he described as an unlawful attempt to shut down his Facebook account and silence his voice online. Sowore, through his legal representatives, Inibehe Effiong Chambers, has petitioned Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, against a directive from the DSS demanding the immediate ban or deactivation of his verified Facebook account and other associated pages. In a letter dated September 8, 2025, addressed to Meta’s Chief Executive Officer in California, Sowore’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described…
Author: Podium Reporters
Kaduna politics took another dramatic turn on Monday after former state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, lodged a petition against Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu before the Police Service Commission (PSC). The petition comes days after the Kaduna Police Command shut down the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat and invited El-Rufai, along with six other ADC leaders, for questioning over alleged conspiracy, incitement, and disturbance of public peace. In a statement signed by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai described the commissioner’s actions as “egregiously unlawful,” noting that previous appeals to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had failed to curb…
The management of Nigeria’s National Assembly has declared that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot resume her legislative duties until the Court of Appeal decides on her case, despite her claim that her six-month suspension has ended. Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had notified the National Assembly that she intended to return on September 4, 2025. However, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, maintained in a letter to her that her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, has not been vacated. The letter read in part: “The matter, therefore, remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded…
The Labour Party has issued a strong challenge to its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urging him to formally declare his departure from the party rather than continue with divided loyalties. The call was made by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, during an interview on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Monday. His remarks followed Obi’s recent endorsement of African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates during the August by-elections. According to Obi, the endorsement was necessary because the Labour Party did not field candidates in several constituencies. But Arabambi accused him of deliberately misleading his supporters, insisting…
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has firmly rejected claims made by former governor Nasir El-Rufai that he is one of his political mentees. El-Rufai, speaking recently on Channels Television, described Sani as one of the many individuals he mentored in politics. “Uba Sani is one of my mentees. I developed many of them… I’ve encouraged and mentored many people to greatness. Some even greater than me, and I’m very proud of it,” he declared. But Governor Sani, while speaking in an interview with TVC, dismissed the suggestion, saying he owes his political grooming to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and…
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded another breakthrough in the fight against insecurity. In a major strike under Operation Fasan Yamma, soldiers neutralised 23 terrorists and rescued 23 victims, including women and children, in Katsina State. The confrontation unfolded in Pauwa village, Kankara Local Government Area, where troops, with reinforcement from artillery and the Air Component, decisively engaged terrorists. The ensuing battle left dozens of fighters dead. Military reports confirmed that those rescued included 12 women and 11 children. Confiscated items such as motorcycles, lubricants, farm tools, and large food reserves belonging to the terrorists were destroyed. Elsewhere in…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the importance of Nigeria’s traditional rulers as agents of stability and growth. This was conveyed through Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, during the Igede Agba Festival in Benue State. The festival, which dates back to 1957, is one of the most significant cultural events in Benue. It celebrates the yam harvest—a crop deeply revered by the Igede people. Akume, delivering Tinubu’s message, said: “The traditional institution has remained an instrument for peace, unity and progress, and a veritable tool for our administration to explore in solving developmental purposes and…
The Nigerian military has intensified its counter-terrorism push in the North East with a decisive operation that claimed the lives of over 30 insurgents in Borno State. Confirming the development, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said the airstrikes were conducted on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Dar-El-Jamal in Bama Local Government Area, following intelligence of fierce battles between terrorists and Nigerian troops. He explained that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed surveillance aircraft and combat jets in the mission. Fleeing insurgents were identified, after which three direct…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has expressed confidence in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, praising his strides in governance and development nearly three years after assuming office. The commendation came after a three-day fact-finding mission carried out by the State Executive Council of the party. Members toured key infrastructure and social development projects spanning the state’s three senatorial districts. Governor Oyebanji, elected in October 2022, has drawn on his rich background in public service—having previously served as Chief of Staff and later Secretary to the State Government—to strengthen governance structures in Ekiti. APC Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, hailed…
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s 59th birthday was celebrated in Bauchi on Friday in an unconventional way as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Parliament, North-East, chose humanitarian service over fanfare. The Parliament secured the release of 59 inmates from the Bauchi Correctional Facility after clearing their fines and compensations, while 59 orphans also received financial aid. Medicines were additionally donated to improve conditions for other inmates. Chairman of the Youth Parliament, Kabiru Kobi, highlighted the symbolic nature of the gesture. “We paid millions of naira to settle fines and compensations for 59 inmates, enabling them to regain their freedom. We…