Category: Africa

Father of three abducted Niger State Catholic schoolchildren dies of heart attack in Nigeria

DATELINE — ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — A father in Niger State collapsed and died of a heart attack shortly after learning that his three children were among hundreds abducted by armed bandits at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, according to Rev. John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern Region and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Northern Region and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab

Hayab, speaking Tuesday in an interview with ARISE News, identified the deceased only as Mr. Anthony, describing the incident as a tragic illustration of the psychological devastation families are facing after the mass kidnapping that began on Monday. The attackers seized 303 students, pupils, and a dozen teachers in one of the largest school abductions in northern Nigeria since the 2014 Chibok attack.

According to Hayab and local diocesan authorities, about 50 students who fled into the forest managed to escape between Friday and Saturday. More than 265 students are still missing.

The emotional gravity of the situation has deepened as communities across Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states grapple with what Hayab called “a traumatic week for parents, leaders, and our security men.” He said parents are terrified to speak publicly, worried that exposure could endanger their missing children.

Hayab narrated that Mr. Anthony had gone into shock upon receiving confirmation that all three of his children were among those kidnapped.

“Imagine a father learning that three of his children were taken,” Hayab said in the televised interview, noting that Anthony succumbed to a heart attack shortly after the news reached him. ARISE News reported that the grief in the community was palpable.

Hayab added that many families remain unwilling to be interviewed or even acknowledge publicly that their children were abducted. “The pains and the trauma are still very fresh,” he said.

Families, he explained, have been living with “intense fear” amid repeated school kidnappings across the northern region. “Everybody is worried, everybody is angry, everybody needs a stop,” he said.

The attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School comes amid a resurgence of mass abductions by armed groups largely described by authorities as “bandits”—criminal networks operating across forests in the Northwest and Northcentral regions.

Data from Nigerian security trackers and local reporting indicate that school kidnappings have escalated sharply since 2020, driven by the profitability of ransom payments and the inability of security forces to consistently protect rural communities.

Though the Nigerian government officially banned ransom payments, communities often resort to private negotiations due to slow or ineffective intervention from state authorities.

Schools in Niger State, which borders the volatile forests of Zamfara and Kebbi, have been especially vulnerable. The Papiri area, deep in rural Agwara, has limited security presence and almost no road infrastructure conditions which bandits exploit.

Hayab told ARISE News that residents reported “no clear security presence” in the aftermath of the attack. He stressed that communities “want to see concrete action.”

“The onus is now on the Nigerian security agencies to ensure that we don’t continue speaking about these tragedies on television,” he said. “People want real movement, not just promises.”

He underscored that the absence of security forces in Papiri after the abduction has intensified despair among families who do not know whether their children have eaten, slept, or even survived the ordeal in captivity.

“These children have not slept; they have not bathed. Their parents cannot even explain where they are.”

While Niger is grappling with its crisis, Kebbi State authorities announced the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted in a separate attack earlier this month. Hayab welcomed the development but said relief in one community does not erase the trauma across others.

“The entire region is enveloped in fear,” he said. “Kebbi, Niger, Kwara everyone is on edge.”

The frequency of these attacks has triggered renewed calls for a coordinated regional strategy, as bandits often operate across state borders and retreat into forests sprawling across multiple jurisdictions.

The repeated attacks on schools are threatening to destabilize northern Nigeria’s already fragile education sector.

Economists and development analysts note that protracted insecurity discourages school enrollment, undermines long-term human capital formation, and deepens regional economic inequality. Every school closure not only disrupts academic activity but also weakens local economies dependent on teachers, vendors, transporters, and food suppliers.

In Niger State alone, rural communities rely heavily on boarding schools that serve as both educational institutions and local employment hubs. The abduction at St. Mary’s threatens to shut down the school indefinitely, a blow that could ripple through Agwara’s local economy for years.

Parents have begun withdrawing children from nearby schools amid fear that other institutions may be targeted, creating what experts call an “education desert” in parts of northern Nigeria.

Nigeria’s broader investment climate continues to be shaped by insecurity. The Northwest and Northcentral zones are critical for agriculture, mining, and emerging energy projects. Persistent attacks increase operational risks, prompting businesses to spend more on private security or withdraw entirely.

Analysts monitoring Nigeria’s risk index note that security incidents such as the Papiri abduction increase volatility in sectors like agro-processing, logistics, and rural infrastructure development. Investors view school abductions as indicators of weak governance, unmonitored terrain, and the difficulty of protecting workers in remote areas.

Market observers also caution that recurring abductions may influence state and federal budget allocations, diverting funds from development programs to emergency security operations and ransom negotiations, whether officially recognized or not.

Nigeria’s security architecture, comprised of the military, police, civil defense, and state-level vigilante groups, has struggled to create a unified strategy against banditry.

Security experts argue that competing mandates and insufficient resource-sharing undermine rapid response capabilities. For instance, the military often leads counter-bandit operations, but local policing and intelligence gathering remain fragmented.

States such as Katsina and Zamfara rely heavily on informal vigilante groups known as “Yan Sakai” or “community guards,” but Niger’s system is less developed, leaving communities like Papiri especially exposed.

Meanwhile, private security companies, which serve wealthier schools and urban districts, are largely absent from public or missionary schools in rural regions, contributing to a widening security gap between urban and rural populations.

Security analysts believe the Papiri abduction will likely intensify pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improve rural security, particularly after multiple high-profile kidnappings within weeks.

Three big questions loom:
Short-term raids may disperse bandit groups, but experts say that unless troops maintain a presence and monitor forest corridors, attackers will simply regroup.
Bandits operate across state borders; analysts argue that Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara require shared surveillance systems and coordinated rapid-response units.

Without immediate security improvements, parents may reject formal schooling altogether. Long-term fallout could deepen literacy gaps that already disadvantage northern states.

Development economists warn that declining school attendance may undermine Nigeria’s future labor market, affecting everything from agricultural modernization to digital-economy participation.

As families mourn, wait, and hope, the death of Mr. Anthony has crystallized the human toll beyond the statistics. For communities across Niger State, the crisis is no longer defined only by the hundreds of missing children, but also by the accumulating grief and the looming fear that the nation’s security institutions remain overwhelmed.

Hayab’s final words to ARISE News captured the desperation in the region: “People want to see concrete action. Everybody is worried. Everybody needs a stop.”

For now, St. Mary’s Catholic School is silent, classrooms emptied, and a community watches for any sign, any call, any movement that might bring their children home.

November 27, 2025
Zimbabwean pastor and son sentenced to life imprisonment for chopping off man’s hands over alleged theft

Lagos, Nigeria (BN24) — A Zimbabwean pastor and his son were sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa after a regional court found them guilty of butchering a young man whose hands they severed with a panga in a brutal assault sparked by accusations of petty theft on church grounds. The case, described by prosecutors as one of the most disturbing acts of vigilantism to come before the court in recent years, concluded this week when the Emalahleni Regional Court handed down life sentences for attempted murder and additional prison terms for kidnapping.

South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the sentences on Tuesday, saying Pastor Solomon Mahlangu and his son Enock Mahlangu were convicted of attempted murder and kidnapping, while Enock’s wife, Poppy Lethnes Mhlanga, was convicted on a kidnapping charge. All three were declared unfit to possess firearms.

According to the NPA, the court accepted the State’s argument that the attack was deliberate, coordinated, and executed with extreme brutality, leaving the victim permanently disabled and traumatized. Prosecutor Francois Brandt, who led the State’s case, asked the court to impose severe penalties, saying the community needed a clear signal that violent crime, especially acts masquerading as moral or religious enforcement, would not be tolerated.

The attack unfolded on March 27, 2024, when the victim walked through the church premises along Kroomdraai Road in Vosman, a township within the Emalahleni municipality. He was on his way toward Extension 16 when he encountered the accused, who confronted him with allegations that he had stolen batteries and other items from the church.

The victim testified that the confrontation escalated within moments. Enock, accompanied by the pastor and Poppy, allegedly forced him into a vehicle. Once inside, the victim told the court, he was assaulted, dragged onto the ground, and violently attacked with a panga — a long, machete-like blade commonly used in both gardening and criminal assaults in the region.

According to his account, Solomon and Enock took turns inflicting blows before severing both of his hands. The victim lay bleeding on the ground as the attackers drove off, leaving him to die. The court later heard that he cried out for help until a passerby noticed him, contacted emergency services, and ensured he received urgent medical care. Doctors were able to save his life, but his hands could not be reattached.

The NPA said police investigators reconstructed the scene, photographed the recovered severed hands, and gathered evidence that prosecutors later described as “compelling and irrefutable.” A photo album documenting the aftermath, including where the hands were found, was entered into the record.

Despite the physical evidence and eyewitness testimony, all three accused pleaded not guilty. During the trial, they elected to remain silent on key aspects of the crime. When they did testify, the court found their explanations to be “bare denials” that failed to counter the State’s narrative.

Judge (name not provided in your source) ruled their accounts improbable and inconsistent with the forensic and testimonial evidence. The court determined that the victim’s version, delivered in detailed testimony despite the psychological trauma he endured, was truthful, reliable, and supported by physical findings at the crime scene.

Prosecutor Brandt argued that the crime reflected a calculated, purposeful attack rather than an act of passion or self-defense. Brandt emphasized the level of violence used, the premeditation implied by the use of a panga, and the deliberate decision to leave the victim to die. In his argument for severe sentences, Brandt told the court that the community relied on the justice system to unequivocally reject vigilantism, especially when carried out under the guise of religious or community authority.

In sentencing Solomon and Enock Mahlangu to life imprisonment for attempted murder and three years for kidnapping, the court said the punishment reflected not only the cruelty of the crime but also the societal danger created by individuals who assume the role of judge, jury, and executioner. Poppy Mhlanga received three years’ direct imprisonment for kidnapping.

The NPA, in its statement, welcomed the sentences and described them as a clear message to “would-be offenders” that violent crimes, particularly those involving torture, mutilation, or abuses of authority, carry consequences of the highest severity.

Residents of Vosman and surrounding areas have followed the case closely, with many expressing shock that respected religious figures could carry out such an act. In communities where churches often function as stable centers of support, counseling, and social cohesion, the crime left many questioning how such violence could take place under the leadership of individuals who were supposed to uphold moral guidance.

Local religious leaders have also reacted, saying that the case underscores the need for accountability within churches and the importance of ensuring that accusations of theft or wrongdoing are handled by lawful authorities.

While South Africa has made strides in criminal justice reform, cases of vigilantism continue to haunt communities where mistrust of policing, sometimes born from slow response times or lack of resources, has historically led civilians to take matters into their own hands. Sociologists note that in both urban townships and rural areas, accusations of theft can become flashpoints for mob justice or targeted attacks.

What distinguishes this case, legal analysts say, is not only the brutality but the identity of the perpetrators, a pastor and his family members, and the extreme physical mutilation inflicted on a single unarmed individual.

Zimbabwean migrant communities in South Africa, already vulnerable to xenophobic tensions, have also taken note. The nationalities of the accused and victim were not formally confirmed in open court, but the case has intersected with broader debates about migrant integration, community leadership, and the role of religious institutions in conflict mediation.

Crimes of this nature carry ripple effects far beyond the individuals involved. Emalahleni, historically a coal mining hub, has long faced economic pressures, unemployment, and youth vulnerability conditions that can heighten mistrust and feed community-based vigilantism. Social workers in the area say violent crimes contribute to trauma, fear, and a decline in public confidence, often making it harder for civil society groups to carry out conflict resolution initiatives.

For the victim, the attack represents not only physical loss but a permanent economic setback. Without hands, his earning ability is severely compromised, exacerbating the socio-economic vulnerability many young people in the region already face.

The life sentences imposed on Solomon and Enock Mahlangu may set an important precedent for how South African courts handle cases involving extreme bodily harm and mutilation. Legal scholars note that attempted murder cases often receive varied sentencing, but acts involving dismemberment almost always lead to lengthy prison terms.

The NPA is likely to cite this case in future arguments involving torture-related crimes or violence carried out under the pretext of discipline or moral authority.

As South Africa continues to battle high levels of violent crime, the ruling reinforces the legal system’s insistence that no individual regardless of religious or community status is permitted to carry out justice outside the bounds of the law.

The victim, who survived against the odds thanks to a passerby’s intervention, remains a central figure in the State’s message: that justice, however delayed or painful, can prevail. Prosecutor Brandt praised the victim’s courage in testifying, calling his account “truthful and reliable,” a phrase the court echoed.

As the Mahlangu family begins serving their sentences, Vosman’s residents and the broader public are left to grapple with the devastating consequences of violent vigilantism and the fragile line between community authority and criminal abuse.

Credit: LindaIkejiblog

November 26, 2025
Army Officers Say They Have Seized Power in Guinea-Bissau After Disputed Presidential Election

BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced Wednesday that they had seized power in the small West African nation, suspending the electoral process and arresting President Umaro Sissoco Embalo just one day before authorities were scheduled to announce results from a hotly contested presidential election that both leading candidates claimed to have won.

“The High Military Command for the re-establishment of national and public order decides to immediately depose the president of the republic, to suspend, until new orders, all of the institutions of the republic of Guinea-Bissau,” spokesperson Dinis N’Tchama declared in a statement broadcast on state television, marking the latest military takeover in a region experiencing unprecedented democratic backsliding since 2020.

Embalo confirmed his ouster in a phone interview with French broadcaster France 24 shortly after the military announcement. “I have been deposed,” the president stated, adding that he was being held at army general staff headquarters. Two security sources told Reuters that military officers were detaining him at the office of the army chief of staff, though the coup leaders did not specify his custody status in their public statements.

The military takeover unfolded amid chaotic scenes in the capital Bissau, where sustained gunfire erupted near the electoral commission headquarters, presidential palace and interior ministry for approximately one hour before subsiding. Witnesses described panic as civilians fled through streets where heavily armed and masked soldiers established checkpoints, closing roads leading to government buildings while enforcing border closures and overnight curfew announced by the self-proclaimed military command.

Disputed Election and Competing Victory Claims

Sunday’s presidential election pitted incumbent Embalo against opposition challenger Fernando Dias in a contest marred by legitimacy questions after authorities barred the main opposition African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde from participating. Both candidates declared victory Tuesday despite provisional results not being scheduled for release until Thursday, creating volatile political atmosphere that preceded Wednesday’s military intervention.

The military statement accused unnamed “national politicians” and “well-known national and foreign drug barons” of plotting to destabilize the country through electoral manipulation, though N’Tchama provided no evidence supporting these allegations. “The scheme was set up by some national politicians with the participation of a well-known drug lord, and domestic and foreign nationals,” he asserted, echoing familiar patterns where military forces justify coups by citing corruption or security threats without substantiating specific claims.

Soldiers announced immediate suspension of the electoral process and media outlet activities alongside border closures, effectively isolating the nation of approximately two million people from external oversight or intervention during the uncertain transition period. The United States mission to Guinea-Bissau issued security advisory Wednesday confirming military checkpoints throughout Bissau and reporting that security forces had deployed tear gas, warning that “a continuation of the sporadic gunfire that was reported earlier in the day in Bissau cannot be ruled out.”

Opposition Leaders Detained Amid Confusion

Fernando Dias, Embalo’s primary challenger, released video statement distributed by his campaign late Wednesday claiming he remained free and in a safe location after armed men attempted to take him into custody. However, his assertion contradicted subsequent reports from multiple sources including Al Jazeera correspondent Nicolas Haque, who reported from neighboring Senegal that both Dias and former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira had been arrested.

Pereira, who lost to Embalo in the contested 2019 presidential runoff and endorsed Dias in the current election, had been barred from this year’s race after authorities claimed his party failed to submit applications properly. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde confirmed via Facebook statement that soldiers had arrested both Dias and Pereira, though the military command did not acknowledge these detentions in official announcements.

The confusion surrounding who precisely was detained, their locations and conditions reflected the chaotic nature of the takeover and limited information flow as military authorities restricted communications. Haque reported Wednesday afternoon that “the military is trying to cut off the Internet” while enforcing the overnight curfew, tactics commonly employed during coups to prevent coordination among opposition forces and limit information reaching international audiences.

Denis N’Canha, the army officer leading the coup according to Al Jazeera reporting, previously served as head of the presidential guard, creating the particularly paradoxical situation where “the man supposed to protect the president himself has put the president under arrest,” as Haque observed. This pattern of security forces turning against leaders they ostensibly protect has characterized several recent African coups where military units exploit their proximity to power for executing takeovers.

Legitimacy Crisis and Constitutional Disputes

Embalo had faced legitimacy crisis heading into the election, with opposition forces arguing his presidential term had expired and refusing to recognize his authority. Guinea-Bissau’s constitution establishes five-year presidential terms, meaning Embalo’s tenure that began in February 2020 should have concluded on February 27 this year according to opposition calculations. However, the Supreme Court ruled his term should extend until September 4, creating legal ambiguity that opposition parties rejected while demanding elections.

The delayed presidential election, originally scheduled months earlier, finally occurred this month amid this constitutional dispute. Embalo had been seeking to become the first president in three decades to win consecutive terms in Guinea-Bissau, a distinction reflecting the nation’s political instability where military interventions, coups and constitutional crises have repeatedly disrupted democratic transitions since independence from Portugal in 1974.

Civil society coalition Popular Front accused Embalo and the army of staging a “simulated coup” designed to block release of election results and enable him to cling to power. “This maneuver aims to prevent the publication of the electoral results scheduled for tomorrow, Nov. 27,” the coalition stated Wednesday, claiming Embalo planned to name new president and interim prime minister before calling fresh elections where he intended to compete again despite constitutional term limits.

These accusations of manufactured crisis echoed criticisms Embalo has faced throughout his presidency, with opponents charging that he fabricates security threats as pretexts for authoritarian crackdowns. Gunfire rang out for hours in Bissau during December 2023 in what Embalo’s government characterized as attempted coup, prompting him to dissolve parliament. The country has functioned without legislature since that dissolution, concentrating power in the presidency while eliminating institutional checks.

Drug Trafficking and State Fragility

Guinea-Bissau’s status as notorious cocaine trafficking hub between Latin America and Europe provides critical context for understanding its chronic political instability. The small coastal nation situated between Senegal and Guinea offers strategic geography for narcotics transit, with weak state institutions and endemic corruption creating permissive environment for transnational organized crime networks to operate with relative impunity.

An August 2024 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime described Guinea-Bissau’s cocaine trade as potentially more profitable than ever before under Embalo’s administration, raising questions about government complicity or incapacity to confront trafficking networks. In September 2023, judicial police announced seizing 2.63 metric tons of cocaine from a plane that landed in Bissau from Venezuela, demonstrating both the scale of trafficking and occasional enforcement actions.

The military statement’s reference to “well-known national and foreign drug barons” participating in alleged destabilization plots reflects the intimate connections between Guinea-Bissau’s political elite, security forces and organized crime networks. These relationships create perverse incentives where various factions compete for control over lucrative trafficking routes and corruption proceeds rather than governing in citizens’ interests, perpetuating cycles of instability that undermine democratic institution-building.

Regional Pattern of Democratic Backsliding

Wednesday’s coup marks the latest military takeover in West Africa since 2020, when the region began experiencing unprecedented wave of successful coups reversing decades of gradual democratic progress. Three landlocked Sahel nations—Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso—are now ruled by military leaders who seized power pledging to provide enhanced security against armed group insurgencies that previous civilian governments failed to suppress.

In neighboring Guinea, General Mamadi Doumbouya overthrew the president in 2021, criticizing the previous government for broken promises while vowing to eliminate bad governance and corruption. In Gabon, mutinous soldiers took power in 2023 shortly after the president was declared election winner from which international observers had been barred for the first time, with coup leader General Brice Oligui Nguema subsequently being elected president in April.

This regional pattern demonstrates how military forces exploit governance failures, security challenges and contested elections as justifications for interventions that consistently promise improved leadership while rarely delivering sustainable improvements. The coups reflect deeper crises of legitimacy affecting West African states where populations increasingly question whether democratic institutions serve their interests, creating political space for military actors to present themselves as alternative to dysfunctional civilian rule.

International Response and Calls for Constitutional Order

The African Union and West Africa’s Economic Community of West African States issued joint statement Wednesday evening expressing “deep concern” over the coup announcement and calling for immediate release of detained officials involved in the electoral process. “It’s regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people,” the observers stated.

The observation missions, which included Mozambique’s former President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan, urged regional bodies to take necessary steps restoring constitutional order. “We urge the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country’s electoral process to proceed to its conclusion,” their statement read, though such appeals have proven ineffective in preventing or reversing recent West African coups.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres followed the situation “with deep concern” according to spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, who told reporters that Guterres “appeals to all national stakeholders in Guinea Bissau to exercise restraint and exercise and respect the rule of law.” The secretary-general pledged to closely monitor developments, though the UN’s capacity to influence outcomes in such situations remains limited absent coordinated international pressure backed by concrete consequences.

Portugal, Guinea-Bissau’s former colonial power, called for government institutions to resume normal operations and for vote counting and result proclamation to proceed. The Portuguese government urged all parties to “refrain from any act of institutional or civic violence,” though Lisbon lacks leverage to compel compliance given limited economic or security relationships with its former colony.

Historical Context and Coup-Prone Legacy

Guinea-Bissau has experienced at least nine coups and attempted coups between 1974, when it gained independence from Portugal, and 2020 when Embalo took office. The president claimed to have survived three coup attempts during his tenure, though critics accused him of manufacturing crises as excuses for authoritarian crackdowns that consolidated his power while eliminating opposition and dismantling institutional constraints.

The most recent reported coup attempt before Wednesday came in late October, when authorities announced that senior officers had been arrested on suspicion of attempting to topple the government. These frequent coup plots—whether genuine or fabricated—reflect the military’s central role in Guinea-Bissau’s politics and the fragility of civilian authority over security forces that maintain autonomous power bases and commercial interests independent of government control.

The lead-up to Sunday’s vote was fraught with tensions surrounding Embalo’s legitimacy and opposition complaints about his extended tenure. The barring of the main opposition party from participating eliminated the president’s most formidable challenger while raising serious questions about the election’s credibility that civil society groups and international observers had flagged before voting occurred.

November 26, 2025
Tanzania Cancels Independence Day Celebrations Amid Election Unrest and Calls for Justice

DAR ES SALAAM (BN24) — In a move reflecting the tense political climate following last month’s contested elections, the government of Tanzania has announced the cancellation of this year’s Independence Day celebrations, traditionally held on December 9. Instead, the funds that would have been used for the festivities will be redirected toward rebuilding infrastructure that was damaged during the violence that erupted in the aftermath of the controversial election.

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba’s announcement comes amidst growing calls from opposition groups for Tanzanians to gather on Independence Day to demonstrate against the violent crackdown that followed the election. The opposition claims that the government’s actions resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, while the government has yet to release an official death toll. In response to these allegations, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has established a commission of inquiry to investigate the events surrounding the unrest.

A Divisive Election and Unrest

The October 2025 elections saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan secure a sweeping victory, reportedly winning with 98% of the vote, a result that opposition leaders have described as a “mockery of democracy.” The election was marred by accusations of voter suppression, manipulation, and widespread irregularities. Key opposition figures, including former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu, were unable to contest the vote. Lissu, who had returned to Tanzania after years of exile, was detained on treason charges, which he vehemently denies. Meanwhile, the candidacy of Luhaga Mpina was rejected on technical grounds.

As the results were announced, protests erupted across the country, particularly in urban centers, with opposition groups alleging that the government had rigged the election. Security forces were deployed in large numbers, and there were widespread reports of violence, with witnesses describing brutal crackdowns on protesters. The government imposed a five-day internet blackout following the election and threatened severe penalties for anyone sharing images or videos of the protests.

International Outcry and Calls for Accountability

The international response to the election violence has been swift and forceful. On November 13, a coalition of lawyers and human rights organizations formally requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigate President Samia and her government for crimes against humanity related to the unrest. The 82-page document submitted to the ICC alleges that the government was involved in mass killings and the secret disposal of over 500 bodies following the crackdown.

Images and videos documenting the gruesome aftermath of the violence, including the bodies of the deceased, have since circulated online. These graphic images have been verified by international media outlets, despite the Tanzanian government’s attempts to downplay the severity of the violence. Government officials, including spokesperson Gerson Msigwa, have criticized the portrayal of the events, accusing international media of attempting to tarnish the country’s image.

In his latest statement, Msigwa emphasized that the government is committed to transparency, stating that the commission of inquiry would provide clarity regarding the events. However, there are concerns among civil society groups about the independence of the commission, with critics fearing it may be politically compromised.

Government Response and the Call for Political Dialogue

In a bid to ease tensions, Prime Minister Nchemba urged Tanzanians to refrain from violence and called for constructive political dialogue. “I urge my fellow Tanzanians to come together and discuss the issues affecting us,” he said. “Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable.” His call for peace comes as the opposition and human rights groups continue to demand accountability for the deaths and alleged abuses during the election unrest.

The decision to cancel the Independence Day celebrations has been seen as a move to avoid further escalation of protests on December 9, a date that has historically been a symbol of national pride. By reallocating funds to infrastructure repairs, the government appears to be attempting to restore stability and address some of the damage caused by the violence, which has affected both public and private properties in several cities.

The Role of President Samia Suluhu Hassan: From Promise to Controversy

When President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office in 2021 following the sudden death of President John Magufuli, she was initially hailed as a reformer, seen as a breath of fresh air in a country long known for political repression. Her early promises to ease the tight grip on dissent, lift restrictions on the media, and engage in dialogue with opposition leaders raised hopes for a more inclusive political environment.

However, in the years since her ascension, the political space in Tanzania has increasingly narrowed. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms, pointing to a growing pattern of crackdown on opposition parties, media outlets, and civil society. The crackdown following the October elections has only intensified these concerns.

Tanzania’s political landscape is now at a crossroads. While President Samia has made overtures for peace and dialogue, the opposition and many Tanzanians view the election as a step backward for democracy. As tensions simmer, the government’s response to the unrest, including the investigation by the ICC, will likely determine the trajectory of the country’s political future.

International Legal Pressure: The ICC’s Role

The call for the ICC to investigate Tanzania’s handling of the election unrest has intensified, particularly after widespread reports of extrajudicial killings and the secrecy surrounding the disposal of bodies. International human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned the Tanzanian government’s actions, calling for accountability at the highest levels.

The ICC investigation could have significant implications not only for President Samia and her administration but for Tanzania’s international relations and standing on the global stage. If the court finds sufficient evidence of crimes against humanity, it could lead to further sanctions and diplomatic isolation for Tanzania, potentially altering its relations with both regional and global powers.

Looking Ahead: Tanzania’s Political Future

As Tanzania approaches December 9 without its traditional Independence Day celebrations, the nation stands at a political crossroads. The cancellation of the festivities marks a symbolic shift in the country’s approach to national unity, one that will undoubtedly have lasting effects on Tanzania’s political culture and democratic prospects.

Whether the government’s efforts to rebuild trust and address the unrest will succeed or lead to further polarization remains to be seen. But as the pressure mounts both domestically and internationally, the future of Tanzania’s democracy hangs in the balance.

November 25, 2025
Pregnant Woman, Children Among 11 Kidnapped as Armed Terrorists Raid Kwara’s Isapa Community, Nigeria

A wave of terror swept through Isapa in Kwara State’s Ekiti Local Government Area, Nigeria, on Monday as gunmen stormed the community and abducted at least 11 people, including a pregnant woman, 10 children, two nursing mothers and several other residents, according to local accounts and media reports.

SaharaReporters, citing National Pilot, reported that the raid began shortly after 6 p.m. when an estimated 20 to 30 armed men entered the town while moving a herd of cattle and fired repeatedly as families scrambled for safety. Punch also reported that the attackers shot indiscriminately as they advanced through multiple parts of the agrarian settlement, leaving bullet holes in homes and wooden doors.

Seven members of one family were among those taken, a community leader told Punch, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. He listed the abducted as Talatu Kabiru; children Magaji, Kande, Hadiza, Mariam and Saima; housewife Habibat; Fatima Yusufu; pregnant woman Sarah Sunday; nursing mother Lami Fidelis; and another nursing mother identified as Haja Na Allah.

“This is the worst attack we’ve experienced. Eleven people vanished into the bush. People are terrified, and we don’t know what comes next,” the community leader said.

Authorities also told Punch that security personnel had begun combing the forests linking Isapa and Eruku, a corridor long vulnerable to bandit activity. An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the assault.

Attack mirrors worsening pattern in Ekiti LGA

The latest abduction came just one week after 38 worshippers were seized at Christ Apostolic Church Oke Isegun in Eruku, according to SaharaReporters. Three people were killed in that earlier attack before the gunmen marched church members into the forest. All were eventually released, but the incident left deep anxiety in the region.

Punch reported that earlier this month, 18 other residents were kidnapped in Eruku in a separate incident — also followed by a rescue.

Despite the deployment of federal reinforcements after the church attack, a senior security official told Punch that the sheer size of the forested terrain and scattered settlements have made deterrence difficult. “Our men are in the area now to verify the exact number taken and track those responsible,” the official said.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the police were still reviewing preliminary information and would issue an official update.

Residents fear growing terrorist foothold

The repeated incursions have raised fears that armed groups are attempting to entrench themselves along the boundary communities of Kwara, where dense bush paths connect multiple rural settlements. Local vigilante groups have expanded nighttime patrols, and some religious centers have shortened evening services as a precaution.

Analysts note that the cycle of raids in Ekiti LGA reflects a broader trend across central Nigeria, where loosely networked bandit cells exploit limited security presence, porous forest routes and hostage-for-ransom economies. The attack on Isapa — coming so soon after the mass kidnapping in Eruku — underscores concerns that these groups may be testing communities’ vulnerabilities and increasing the frequency of assaults.

For residents, fear has now replaced routine. “People don’t sleep at night anymore,” another villager told local reporters. “We are afraid these gunmen want to claim this whole area.”

As of Tuesday evening, neither the Kwara State government nor police had released a formal statement on the Isapa abductions, and there was no immediate information on efforts to contact the kidnappers or negotiate the victims’ release.

Sources: Punchng/SaharaReporters/NationalPilot

November 25, 2025
Popular Nollywood Actor Odira Nwobu Dies Suddenly in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (BN24)— The Nigerian entertainment industry is reeling from the sudden death of beloved Nollywood actor Odira Nwobu, who passed away on November 24, 2025, while visiting South Africa on a work trip. The actor, who was part of a group of influencers traveling for professional engagements, was found unresponsive in his hotel room.

The confirmation of his passing came from the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, who expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss. “It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the sudden demise of our colleague, Odira Nwobu. He was a great talent, a rising star in Nollywood, and this news is a huge blow to all of us,” Rollas said in a statement to Lagos Information Bureau (LIB).

Reports indicate that Nwobu, who had been traveling for work with eight other influencers, was found unresponsive in his room on Monday morning. The actor had shared a picture of himself on social media just hours before his passing, raising questions among his followers who did not indicate any health issues.

According to sources close to the late actor, an autopsy is currently being awaited to determine the precise cause of death. Unofficial reports, however, suggest that Nwobu may have been struggling with high blood pressure before the incident, though this has not been confirmed by his family or medical professionals at this time.

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves throughout Nollywood, where Nwobu was regarded as one of the promising young stars. His sudden death has left his fans, colleagues, and family members in disbelief, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and share fond memories of the actor.

Odira Nwobu, though relatively new to Nollywood, had quickly built a name for himself with his strong performances in a variety of films. Known for his versatility and charming screen presence, Nwobu had gained a devoted fanbase in Nigeria and beyond. His roles in both romantic comedies and dramatic films showcased his range as an actor, and he was considered one of the industry’s brightest rising stars.

Despite his rising popularity, Nwobu had remained grounded and was beloved by his peers. Fellow actors, producers, and directors have taken to social media to mourn the loss of a talented artist whose future in the industry seemed incredibly bright. Many have described him as a kind and hardworking individual, a description that underscores the pain felt by the Nollywood community at his passing.

“Odira was not just a colleague; he was a friend to many of us in the industry. His talent was unmatched, and his passion for his craft was evident in every role he played. We will miss him dearly,” said Nollywood actor and director Chidi Mokeme, in a tribute to the late star.

While the precise cause of Odira Nwobu’s death remains unknown, the speculation surrounding his health highlights an important issue in both the entertainment industry and in Nigerian society at large: the rising prevalence of hypertension and its impact on public figures.

Reports suggest that Nwobu may have been dealing with high blood pressure, a condition that affects a significant portion of the Nigerian population and is often exacerbated by stress, poor lifestyle choices, and lack of proper medical care. Hypertension is a silent killer, and many individuals are unaware of their condition until it leads to severe health complications, including heart attack, stroke, or, in extreme cases, sudden death.

As more details emerge, there will likely be renewed conversations in Nigeria about the importance of regular health check-ups and better health awareness, especially among public figures who often live under the intense pressures of fame and demanding work schedules.

As news of his death spread, tributes from fans and colleagues alike flooded social media platforms. Many expressed disbelief, with some reflecting on Nwobu’s youthful energy, dedication, and the promise he showed in his early career. His death has also sparked discussions about the need for greater mental and physical health awareness among entertainers, many of whom face the pressures of constant public scrutiny and long working hours.

The Nigerian film industry, often characterized by its vibrancy and resilience, now finds itself in mourning, reflecting on the loss of one of its most talented young stars. The tribute messages have poured in from not only actors and filmmakers but also fans from across Nigeria and beyond, with many sharing their fond memories of Nwobu’s work and his personality.

Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, has grown exponentially in recent years, both in terms of output and global recognition. The death of Odira Nwobu underscores the challenges that many entertainers face, both in terms of the intense pressures of their careers and the physical toll that their work can take. While the entertainment world often celebrates its stars, it is equally important to acknowledge the realities of health and well-being that can be overshadowed by the demands of fame.

The sudden loss of Nwobu will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of his fellow actors and collaborators, but it will also serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of self-care, health awareness, and the need for support within the industry.

As Nollywood grapples with this devastating loss, fans and colleagues alike are left to reflect on the life and career of a talented actor whose star was rising fast. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with many hopeful that his memory will continue to inspire the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers and performers.

Although his time in the spotlight was tragically brief, Odira Nwobu’s contribution to Nollywood will not be forgotten. His talent, work ethic, and vibrant personality will continue to resonate within the industry for years to come. As the investigation into his death continues, those who knew him best remain hopeful that his memory will live on through the stories he told on screen and the lasting impact he had on the Nigerian entertainment world.

Credit: Vanguard News

November 24, 2025
Pope Leo Urges Swift Release of 315 Kidnapped Students and Staff in Nigeria Amid Escalating Security Crisis

Pope Leo on Sunday delivered an emotional appeal for the release of more than 300 children and staff abducted from a Catholic school in northwest Nigeria, calling the mass kidnapping a profound tragedy that strikes at the heart of communities already reeling from years of violence. His plea came as Nigerian authorities and church leaders struggle to verify the scale of the attack and determine how so many victims could have been taken in a single raid.

According to Reuters, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which has been coordinating information from local dioceses, confirmed Saturday that 315 students and staff were kidnapped from St. Mary’s School, raising its earlier estimate of 227 after what it described as an extensive “verification exercise.” The abductions occurred Friday when armed men stormed the school grounds, overwhelming local security and disappearing with the victims into remote forested territory where kidnappers often demand ransom.

Speaking at the conclusion of Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo said the news reached him “with deep sorrow,” underscoring not only the magnitude of the violence but the trauma inflicted on families who still do not know whether their children are safe.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon,” Pope Leo said, addressing thousands gathered for the weekly liturgy. “I feel great pain, especially for the many young men and women who have been abducted and for their anguished families. I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their release.”

He ended his remarks by urging the international community to join in prayer “so that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.”

A Growing Pattern of Mass Abductions

The attack on St. Mary’s School is among the largest mass kidnappings in Nigeria in recent years, reviving painful memories of previous abductions, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls crisis that drew global outrage. According to CAN, this latest abduction is part of a wave of attacks targeting academic institutions throughout the northwest, prompting government officials to temporarily close 47 schools in the region.

The Nigerian federal government has not yet released an updated tally of victims or announced the formation of a specialized rescue task force. The lack of immediate official clarity has fueled concern among families who gathered outside police stations and church properties over the weekend seeking news of their children. Several parents told local journalists that the attackers arrived in large numbers, firing sporadically and overwhelming the few guards on duty.

St. Mary’s is located in a region plagued by overlapping security challenges — including banditry, insurgent activity, and kidnappings-for-ransom — which have intensified despite repeated government security deployments.

Context: Nigeria’s Security Crisis at a Breaking Point

Nigeria’s northwest has seen a surge in armed group activity over the last five years. Security researchers at the Centre for Democracy and Development say the region’s violence now stems from a mix of criminal gangs, former insurgents, and opportunistic armed networks who see ransom kidnappings as one of the most profitable illicit markets in the country.

A 2024 report by SBM Intelligence estimated that ransom kidnappings generated tens of millions of dollars for armed groups nationwide, rerouting police and military resources away from counterterror operations and creating long-term security challenges. State and federal authorities have repeatedly pledged to crack down on these groups, yet analysts argue that fragmented intelligence coordination and limited rural security infrastructure have hampered efforts.

The abduction at St. Mary’s fits a pattern that security experts say has become alarmingly predictable: poorly defended schools, long response times from overextended security forces and a high likelihood that abducted children will be taken into remote territories that are difficult to access without specialized military equipment.

Economic and Social Impact of School Targeting

The economic consequences of school closures and mass kidnappings ripple far beyond local communities. According to UNESCO, northwestern Nigeria has already experienced some of the world’s fastest-growing rates of school absenteeism due to conflict-related disruptions. Every closure deepens a cycle of educational loss that affects long-term earnings potential, employment prospects and cross-generational mobility.

Parents interviewed by local Nigerian radio stations said they fear this attack may force them to keep their children home even after the government reopens schools. Some teachers in the region have already resigned, citing untenable risks.

The broader economic cost includes reduced labor force participation, declining investor confidence in the northwest and rising humanitarian needs. The United Nations Development Programme reported that insecurity in northern Nigeria reduces annual GDP growth by an estimated 1–2 percent, largely due to disruptions in agriculture and education — two sectors heavily affected by mass violence.

The Vatican’s Voice and International Pressure

Pope Leo’s remarks underscore how closely the Vatican monitors violence against Catholic institutions across Africa, a continent where Catholic schools and churches serve millions. His statement adds diplomatic weight at a moment when Nigerian officials face increasing international scrutiny.

Previous papal interventions have influenced government responses in other crises, including the release of priests abducted in Cameroon in 2023 after strong Vatican pressure. While the Nigerian government has not commented on the Pope’s statement, religious leaders in the country say global attention can accelerate negotiations, particularly in kidnappings involving faith-based institutions.

“Pope Leo’s appeal is not merely spiritual; it is diplomatic,” said Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya, a professor of African political security at the University of Lagos. “It signals that the world is watching, and that can change the calculus for both government officials and kidnappers who may wish to avoid international condemnation.”

Competitive Landscape: Armed Groups vs. State Authority

Nigeria’s northwest has become a contested space where criminal groups compete for territory, ransom income and operational control. These networks, though technically not insurgent groups, often use tactics similar to extremist organizations such as Boko Haram.

The Nigerian military faces a complex environment where armed groups frequently relocate across state borders and benefit from rugged terrain, local informant networks and the government’s limited aerial surveillance capability.

Abductions like the St. Mary’s incident highlight how armed groups exploit gaps in state authority. Negotiations often occur behind closed doors, handled by intermediaries including traditional rulers, clergy and community associations — a system that, while sometimes effective, leaves the government’s long-term security strategy fragmented.

Future Outlook: A Crisis at a Crossroads

Security analysts say Nigeria’s handling of this abduction will shape the trajectory of school safety nationwide. Should authorities move swiftly, demonstrating coordinated rescue operations and stronger deterrence, it may restore public trust. But prolonged inaction or opaque communication could deepen fears, accelerate school closures and embolden kidnappers.

There are also concerns that ransom payments — though officially discouraged — may again form part of negotiations. Without a consistent national framework for responding to mass abductions, experts warn that communities will continue to bear the burden of recovery.

International pressure is likely to grow. The European Union and African Union have repeatedly called for Nigeria to adopt more comprehensive rural security policies, including school fortification, enhanced data collection and early warning systems.

For now, families of the kidnapped wait for any confirmed updates, clinging to hope as church leaders and international bodies amplify their call for action.

Source: Reuters

November 23, 2025
Walmart makes African debut with South African store launch

Walmart opened its first South African store on Saturday, marking the U.S. retail giant’s long-anticipated entry into the African continent as it moves to capture a foothold in one of the region’s most competitive retail markets. The launch drew large crowds before sunrise, with more than a hundred shoppers forming lines outside the new location to seize promotional Black Friday-weekend deals and browse international products that are typically unavailable in South Africa.

Shoppers who waited for hours said they were eager to purchase items such as Drew Barrymore-branded designer countertop air fryers, Labubu collectible dolls and Dr Pepper soft drinks. “I’m actually here for a specific product that you can’t really get in South Africa. It’s a children’s toy, Labubu,” said Refilwe Mabale, who spoke to Reuters while standing in line.

Some customers said they were drawn by hopes of lower prices on sought-after technology items. Tshepo Rambau, 44, said he planned to take advantage of Black Friday discounts. “Hopefully I’ll get them cheaper here,” he said, noting he was searching for Wi-Fi extenders and other electronics.

Walmart said the new store will also offer a sixty-minute online delivery service, placing the U.S. retailer in direct competition with Checkers’ Sixty60 service, a dominant on-demand platform operated by Shoprite, South Africa’s largest grocery chain. Andrea Albright, Walmart’s executive vice president, said in a statement that the store opening represents more than a commercial expansion. “Opening the first Walmart store in South Africa is about much more than a business milestone,” she said. “It is a commitment to helping customers save money and live better by consistently delivering the lowest total cost for the basket of products they need.”

The store is located in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, and has created 80 new jobs, Walmart said. The retailer said it has also partnered with 15 local small- and medium-size enterprises as part of its supply network.

Walmart’s arrival with a fully branded location follows years of speculation about when the company would bring its flagship identity into the South African market. While Walmart already has a sizable presence in the country through Massmart subsidiaries such as Makro, Game and Builders Warehouse, the new storefront marks the first time the Walmart name has appeared on a retail outlet in South Africa.

Industry chatter intensified after TheSouthAfrican and MyBroadband reported that Walmart planned to open its first store inside Fourways Mall in Gauteng. That site, formerly occupied by Game, became the center of speculation after Massmart social-media accounts posted photos in October 2025 showing the recognizable Walmart Spark logo being installed on the building exterior. Days later, additional images showed a nearly complete storefront consistent with Walmart’s branding. A Fourways Mall employee later confirmed to MyBroadband that Walmart was preparing to take over the location, though the store has not yet opened.

Walmart International President and CEO Kath McLay said South African shoppers can expect a broad selection of merchandise, including groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology products. She said the stores were designed to combine affordability and convenience through open layouts, wide aisles and digital tools intended to streamline the shopping experience. According to McLay, the stores will cater to families and emphasize accessible pricing while leveraging Walmart’s global scale.

Reuters

November 22, 2025
Number of Children Abducted in Nigerian School Attack Rises to More Than 300-AP

The number of children abducted during the armed attack on St. Mary’s School in north-central Nigeria has risen to more than 300, the Christian Association of Nigeria said Saturday, significantly increasing an earlier total released after the incident.

Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN, said that 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were taken when gunmen raided the Catholic boarding school in Papiri community. The update came after what he described as a verification process and final census conducted during his visit on Friday. He said 88 of the abducted students were captured as they attempted to flee, and that the children taken range in age from 10 to 18 and include both boys and girls.

The mass abduction occurred four days after 25 schoolchildren were seized in a similar attack in neighboring Kebbi state’s Maga town, roughly 170 kilometers away. No group has claimed responsibility for either assault, but authorities say tactical units and local hunters have been deployed in hopes of locating and rescuing the captives.

Yohanna rejected a claim by the Niger state government that the school had reopened despite an earlier directive ordering institutions in the area to close temporarily due to heightened security threats. He said there was no evidence the school received such an instruction before the attack and described the government’s assertion as an attempt to shift blame. He urged families to remain calm and continue praying for the students’ safe return.

School kidnappings have become a defining feature of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, with armed gangs increasingly targeting educational institutions to draw attention and secure ransom payments. UNICEF reported last year that only 37% of schools across 10 conflict-affected states have any form of early warning system to detect threats.

The latest abductions come against the backdrop of comments by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, a claim the government has denied. Analysts note that both Christians and Muslims are frequently targeted in the northern and central regions where armed groups operate. The school attack earlier in the week in Kebbi state took place in a predominantly Muslim town.

The assault on St. Mary’s School coincided with a visit by Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the United States, where he met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday as Nigeria’s government faces renewed pressure to curb mass kidnappings.

November 22, 2025
Nigerian Government Moves Nnamdi Kanu From DSS Custody in Abuja to Sokoto Prison

ABUJA (BN24)— The Nigerian government has transferred Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the Department of State Services (DSS) detention facility in Abuja to a correctional centre in Sokoto State, according to his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The announcement came on Friday, one day after Kanu was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ejimakor disclosed the development in a post on X, saying Kanu was moved “so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones, and well-wishers.” His statement sparked immediate reaction from supporters and human rights observers concerned about the distance and potential impact on legal access as the defence prepares for an appeal.

Kanu’s legal team has sharply condemned Thursday’s ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which found the IPOB leader guilty on terrorism-related counts. The defence described the decision as “a travesty of justice” and said it would challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.

Speaking to journalists after the judgment, Ejimakor called the ruling “a dark day in Nigeria’s judicial history,” arguing that Kanu was convicted solely for statements he made rather than any violent actions. “Today is the only day I have witnessed a man being convicted for just what he said from his mouth, not what he did with his own hands,” he said.

He insisted that the prosecution failed to present evidence linking Kanu’s broadcasts to acts of violence or terrorism. “The verdict is not consistent with the evidence laid before the court. The sentence is overbroad, cruel, and unusual,” he said, questioning how a broadcast from an unspecified location could form the basis for a terrorism conviction.

Ejimakor argued that Kanu’s campaign for self-determination was not a crime under Nigerian or international law. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu made broadcasts, and so what? You convict him for terrorism for mere words in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What kind of precedent is being laid?” he said.

The legal team said it would proceed immediately to the Court of Appeal. “We are going to approach the justices there to check out what happened here today,” Ejimakor said. “If the Court of Appeal disagrees with us, we will head to the Supreme Court. By God Almighty, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not going to stand convicted. It is going to get overturned.”

Another defence lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, also criticized the ruling, claiming it was influenced by emotion rather than grounded in legal reasoning. He called for calm in the South-East, urging supporters to refrain from violence as the legal process continues. Okpara expressed confidence that higher courts would correct what he described as a grave miscarriage of justice.

Kanu’s transfer to Sokoto marks a new chapter in a case that has drawn international attention, heightened tensions in the South-East, and intensified debate over free expression, national security, and the rights of political dissidents in Nigeria.

November 22, 2025