…described the #EndSARS protest as more than a revolt against police brutality. AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Five years after the #EndSARS protest that shook Nigeria and inspired a generation of young people to demand justice and accountability, the Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Comrade Okechukwu Nwanguma, says nothing has changed. In a statement issued on Monday in Awka to mark the fifth anniversary of the movement, Nwanguma described the #EndSARS protest as more than a revolt against police brutality, calling it a collective outcry against decades of corruption, insecurity, and failed governance in Nigeria.

…Mandykiss was seen in a video recording herself and taking photographs with the detained mother and daughter. ONDO, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Divisional Police Officer of Enu-Owa Division in Ondo West Local Government Area has been redeployed following his alleged unprofessional conduct in handling a case involving social media influencer, Mandykiss. The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, approved the DPO’s sanction after a viral video showed the influencer having access to suspects in police custody – a move described as “highly unprofessional and unethical.” According to reports, Mandykiss, whose real name is yet to be confirmed, stormed Ondo town days ago to facilitate the arrest of a woman, Sabitu Akinwole, and her daughter, Oyindamola Akinwole, accusing them of cyberbullying her online.

…says FCT Administration will soon commence commissioning of renovated schools. ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown down a bold challenge to his predecessors, declaring that no past administration in the FCT has executed more projects than the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Wike made the declaration on Tuesday during the commissioning of newly completed engineering infrastructure in Wuye District, marking the conclusion of his month-long series of project flag-offs and inaugurations across the territory. Among the projects inaugurated under his leadership were twelve new roads across various districts, Lot 1 of the Light Up Abuja solar streetlight initiative, access roads to the Mabushi Bus Terminal, expansion of water supply networks to satellite towns (Lots 1 and 2), and the recent groundbreaking for a 600-bed hostel for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.

…the INTERPOL NCB Abuja in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB The Hague, traced and recovered the vehicles. LAGOS, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Nigeria Police Force has announced that operatives of the INTERPOL have recovered two high-end vehicles stolen from the Netherlands and illegally shipped into Nigeria. In a statement released on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, working in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB The Hague, traced and recovered the vehicles from different locations in Lagos and Akwa Ibom States.

…as Chidoka urges African universities to redefine their purpose in the Intelligence Age. AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, OFR, has called on Nigerian universities to become engines of excellence, curiosity, and innovation – what he described as the “Mekaria Spirit”, meaning doing more, doing better. According to a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Ikechukwu Okafor, the former minister made the call while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony of Paul University, Awka, held on Friday, 17 October 2025.

…describes Anambra off-cycle election as “complex and sensitive.” AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | In a strategic move to strengthen the role of the media in promoting transparency, inclusion, and accountability ahead of the November 8, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election, the European Union, in partnership with the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), has trained journalists across the state on enhanced reporting and election coverage ethics. The two-day capacity-building workshop, held at BON Hotel, Awka, brought together journalists from print, broadcast, and online media platforms for intensive sessions on “Media Safety, Civic Voter Education, and Election Coverage.”

…APC harassing and intimidating opposition party members – Aregbesola ILORIN, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed strong confidence that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will take over the leadership of Nigeria from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Aregbesola made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Ilorin, shortly after commissioning the state secretariat of the ADC along Basin Road. He accused the APC of resorting to intimidation and harassment of opposition members across the country, describing the move as a sign of weakness and fear of impending defeat.

…says those abandoning PDP for APC were motivated by personal gain rather than principle. ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the recent wave of defections from its fold to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC as acts of greed and selfishness, insisting that the party remains focused on rescuing Nigeria from what it described as an “army of occupation masquerading as a democratic government.” Speaking on Arise Television on Wednesday, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said those abandoning the opposition party were motivated by personal gain rather than principle.

…says, allowing schools within Nigeria to demand tuition in dollars or pounds was unjustifiable. ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for the immediate closure of schools in Nigeria that charge tuition fees in foreign currencies, describing the practice as an economic sabotage that weakens the naira and drains national reserves. Speaking during the Nigeria Gold Day Celebration, held on the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja on Wednesday, Alake condemned the trend as one of the “leakages and loopholes” undermining the country’s economic stability.

…as Soludo’s Governance Earns Standing Ovation at Idemili North APGA Campaign Rally. AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | What was billed as an ordinary campaign stop by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Idemili North Local Government Area on Wednesday turned into a moving celebration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s achievements, a rally that felt more like a thanksgiving crusade than a political event. The atmosphere was charged with genuine emotion as residents, traders, teachers, and youths took turns to share personal stories of transformation under Soludo’s administration. A tricycle rider, visibly moved, mounted the stage to testify about the government’s road projects, digital revenue reforms, and the introduction of free education and free antenatal care in public facilities.

…Nigerian Army encountered the armed group, forcing them into a chaotic retreat toward Fajul village. JALINGO, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have recorded another major victory in Taraba State as part of ongoing clearance operations under Operation Lafiya Nakowa, designed to eliminate terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements from the region. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the operation was launched after credible intelligence revealed terrorist hideouts across Badekoshi, Fajul, Kurmi, and Dampar villages in Ibi Local Government Area.

…say Amnesty International is “deeply concerned” about the manner and scope of the presidential pardons. ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | International human rights organisation, Amnesty International Nigeria, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant clemency to 175 convicted persons, describing it as a blow to justice and a reinforcement of impunity for human rights crimes. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, said the organisation was “deeply concerned” about the manner and scope of the presidential pardons, warning that the move prioritised perpetrators over victims.

…the protest temporarily disrupted activities at the Umuahia EEDC office. UMUAHIA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | About 1,000 aggrieved residents of Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Tuesday staged a massive protest against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) over what they described as “outrageous and exploitative” electricity bills. The protesters, drawn from various parts of the city, stormed the EEDC office on Bende Road before marching to the Abia State Government House to demand the intervention of Governor Alex Otti. Chanting protest songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Killing Us with Bills” and “We Pay for Darkness,” the angry residents accused the power company of issuing bills that had skyrocketed by over 400 percent within a month.

…”it is a collective resolution by our National Assembly members” – Mbah ENUGU, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | In a stunning political shift that could redefine Enugu’s power landscape, Governor Peter Mbah has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Governor, in a state broadcast on Tuesday morning, declared that his decision was not taken lightly but represented “a bold choice” for the future of Enugu and the South-East. “Today, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah announced.

...EFCC further disclosed that the prosecution team, led by Emenike Mgbemele, plans to call 14 witnesses to testify against the defendant  ABUJA, NIGERIA - The iNews Times | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme, former Board Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged ₦1 billion fraud. According to a statement released on Friday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Olejeme was docked on an eight-count charge bordering on money laundering, conversion, transfer, procurement, and possession of proceeds of unlawful activities.

...some PDP loyalists described Peter Mbah’s move as a betrayal of party loyalty, others say it is a pragmatic political decision ENUGU, NIGERIA - The iNews Times | The political landscape of the South-East has witnessed a dramatic shift as it has now been officially confirmed that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on Friday by the national leadership of the APC at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, ending weeks of speculation over Peter Mbah’s next political move.

...Adigun’s argument gained some support from a section of lawmakers, who described the move as long overdue IBADAN, NIGERIA - The iNews Times | A heated debate erupted in the House of Representatives on Thursday after Hon. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, made a controversial statement comparing the size of Ibadan city to that of the entire South-East region of Nigeria. Adigun’s remarks came while he was defending his bill seeking the creation of a new Ibadan State, to be carved out of the present Oyo State and parts of Ondo State.

...Sowore, who has long been a vocal critic of government repression, said the upcoming protest is not merely about Kanu’s freedom but about ABUJA, NIGERIA - The iNews Times | Prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has announced October 20, 2025, as the official date for a nationwide protest march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The demonstration, according to him, is aimed at demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Sowore made the declaration through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, calling on Nigerians across all regions to rise with one voice and demand justice for Kanu, whose continued detention has sparked widespread controversy both within and outside the country.

…Yakubu officially handed over the reins of INEC on Tuesday to May Agbamuche-Mbu. ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | May Agbamuche-Mbu has resumed as acting chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally accepted the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman, marking the end of a decade-long tenure defined by electoral reforms, controversy, and national scrutiny. Yakubu, who served two terms after his initial appointment in 2015, officially handed over the reins on Tuesday to May Agbamuche-Mbu, a senior INEC national commissioner and legal luminary, who now assumes the position of Acting Chair pending the announcement of a substantive successor.

…Lecornu’s abrupt resignation underscores the volatile political climate gripping France. PARIS, FRANCE – The iNews Times | French President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Monday, just hours after he unveiled his cabinet, plunging the country deeper into a mounting political crisis. Lecornu, who was only appointed last month after serving as defence minister, stepped down amid fierce backlash from across the political spectrum. The controversy was ignited late Sunday when he announced a largely unchanged cabinet, failing to satisfy opposition demands for reform or compromise.

…NiMet has cautioned residents to avoiding driving during heavy rainfall, securing loose items, and being alert to strong winds. ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert forecasting widespread rainfall and potential flash floods across several parts of the country from Monday, October 7 to Wednesday, October 9, 2025. In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet predicted thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across key northern states on Monday morning, including Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina. Later in the day, the rains are expected to spread to Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba.

…sources confirmed that all police officers previously assigned to Udom Emmanuel’s two residences in Akwa Ibom were quietly recalled. UYO, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom State has grown increasingly tense amid reports that security operatives attached to the immediate past governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, have been withdrawn from his private residences. The development, which has sparked speculation of an escalating rift between Mr. Emmanuel and his successor, Governor Umo Eno, comes weeks after the latter defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

…as Anambra Public School Clinches Top National Award Under Soludo’s Leadership. AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Anambra State’s public education system has earned national recognition, with a public school in Woliwo, Onitsha clinching the Overall Best School in Nigeria at the prestigious President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award. The achievement is a landmark validation of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s bold reforms in the state’s public education sector. Announcing the victory, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, a public affairs analyst and education advocate, described the award as “confirmation that Soludo’s free education policy is not only inclusive but deeply qualitative.”

…the appeal came during a grand political rally held in Oba. OBA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The people of Oba, a rapidly expanding community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have made a passionate appeal to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to accelerate key developmental projects starting with the strategic ₦3 billion Oba–Umuoji road project already approved by the state government. The appeal came during a grand political rally held in Oba, where the community, under the umbrella of the Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), formally endorsed Governor Soludo for a second term in office.

M…copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Registrar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the Director-General of the DSS, and President of NMA ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The legal team representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has formally petitioned the World Medical Association (WMA) over what it describes as life-threatening medical neglect in the custody of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS). The petition, dated October 3, 2025, was submitted by the Washington D.C.-based law offices of Bruce Fein and addressed to Dr.