The Federal High Court in Kaduna has discharged three #EndBadGovernance protesters—Usman Isa Adebayo, Salihu Shuaibu, and Khalid Aminu—who had been detained for over two months.

Recall that on October 4, 2024, the trio had filed a motion for bail. At the hearing on Thursday, October 17, 2024, the court ruled in their favor, striking out the charges against them due to a lack of evidence.

The prosecutor for the Department of State Services (DSS) moved to withdraw the charges, prompting the presiding judge to dismiss the case.

“Khalid, Usman, and Salihu have been discharged. The DSS prosecutor applied to withdraw the charges against them, and the judge struck out the case for lack of evidence,” a source close to the case confirmed to SaharaReporters.

Although the activists are currently completing necessary administrative procedures, they are expected to return home shortly.

The protesters were initially arraigned by the DSS under the administration of President Bola Tinubu on two counts of criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly, in violation of Section 70 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C.28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.

The charges stemmed from their participation in an “End Bad Governance” protest on August 4, 2024. During the protest, the defendants were accused of inciting public disorder by mobilizing crowds through loud music, chanting, and displaying flags and headbands perceived to undermine national cohesion.

Reacting to the court’s decision, #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore took to his X account, praising the discharge. “Today, after 75 days of unjust incarceration, the lawless @OfficialDSSNG withdrew its illegal charges against Khalid Aminu (@KHALYD16) before the Federal High Court in Kaduna,” Sowore wrote. “The judge has struck out the case, and Khalid is expected to rejoin his family soonest. Special thanks to Khalid’s father for his steadfastness and to @ShehuSani for his unwavering support.”

The Labour Party (LP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Bola Tinubu of inflicting hardship on Nigerians.

The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, submitted that it is the ideology of the APC to cause hardship.

Speaking during an interview with Punch published on Thursday, Ifoh said President Tinubu had promised to continue from where former President Muhammadu Buhari stopped and the reality of what he said is the pain and penury Nigerians are passing through at the moment.

He lamented that many Nigerians are unable to feed properly, pay their medical bills and afford other basic necessities of life due to the harsh policies of the current government.

The LP spokesperson made the submission in response to a question on the appropriateness of a suggestion for the Tinubu administration to seek help from former President Goodluck Jonathan to stabilise the economy and currency.

In response, Ifoh said: “It is not about seeking help. It is about the ideology of the party. The ideology is to bring hardship. The ideology is like what this current President said, to continue from where the previous President stopped. It is about the pain and penury they intend to inflict on Nigeria and they are succeeding.

“At this rate, I don’t know where Nigeria will be in the next three years. At this rate, people can’t pay their health bills and even eat. Every day, they are increasing taxes. And they are achieving what they want to achieve. You can see the rate of school dropouts. So, it is not about being stubborn. It is about the policy.”

The Organized Labour has commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his approval of ₦85,000 minimum wage for Lagos State employees.

The Labour union expected that the minimum wage for Lagosians would exceed ₦100,000, considering the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding.

It, however, acknowledged that Sanwo-Olu took a step in the right direction.

“We were expecting nothing less than N100,000 but, at least it is a step in the right direction,” the labour union stated.

Naija News reports that Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, announced that the minimum wage for civil servants in the state is ₦85,000.

The Governor announced this during an interview with Channels Television.

He said, “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is ₦85,000 today.

“It is not a competition. I am not going to say that we are paying more than some people, it is a function of affordability and capacity.

“We know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of the cost of living. We are fully aware.

“We also increased our salary earlier in the year. I will want to come back in January and say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to ₦100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a living wage.”

In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, Labor representatives characterized the endorsement as a significant and positive move.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Funmi Sessi, remarked that the new minimum wage approved for Lagos workers is a timely and encouraging development given the nation’s current economic challenges.

Sessi noted that the union had anticipated a minimum wage exceeding N85,000, considering the unique circumstances within the state.

“The state governor knows the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding; the workers and Lagosians pay more on all these.

“We were expecting nothing less than ₦100,000 but at least it is a step in the right direction.

“We are expecting a massive infrastructure provision in the state; there should be an alternative to road transportation,“ she said.

The chairman urged the government to ensure security and protection of lives on waterways.

“Recently, there was an accident that happened where two boats collided at night, and we lost lives. If people are sure of getting to their destinations safely, they will like to take alternatives to the road,” Sessi noted.

Also, Ishola Adejumo, the Chairman of Radio, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, also commended the governor for the approval.

He described the cost of living in Lagos as very high, saying that there was a need for a commensurate wage.

“The ₦85,000 minimum wage is a welcome development and very much anticipated.

“This is a state that sets the pace for other states in Nigeria; the centre of excellence, land of aquatic splendour, a cosmopolitan state, the economic hub of this country.

“Therefore, people who work in Lagos deserve a better wage because they spend more compared to other states,” he said.

Adejumo urged the governor to sustain the tempo in other areas.

“The governor should sustain the BRT subsidy and all other measures that will bring succour and happiness to the working people of Lagos.

“We congratulate him and thank him,” he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, will take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December 2024 and 2026.

Abubakar made this known at the second biannual meeting with Branch chiefs and Air Officers Commanding, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that NAF had successfully inducted 12 aircraft into its inventory over the past year, saying it was a remarkable achievement that the service had not witnessed in a very long time.

According to him, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.

He encouraged officers and men to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they contribute to the overall mission of the NAF.

“A few months ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, which ushered us into a golden era of transformation and evolution.

“Over the past years, we have successfully inducted 12 aircraft into our inventory, and God willing, we shall take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.

“This is a remarkable achievement that we have not witnessed in a very long time. Indeed, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.

“I am confident that, under your leadership, the men and women under your commands will rise to the occasion and excel in all tasks set before them,” he said.

The CAS said that several critical issues were discussed leading to several resolutions and recommendations during the last meeting with Branch chiefs and AOCs in June.

He said that a number of those resolutions had been implemented including the establishment of two new staff branches, namely the Civil-Military Relations Branch and the NAF Transformation and Innovation Branch.

Abubakar said the meeting would offer them the opportunity to critically review progress, address shortcomings, recalibrate strategies, and strengthen their unity of purpose towards achieving the desired objectives.

He said the decisions made from the forum must be grounded in sound judgment and a firm grasp of their objectives.

Controversial Nigerian artist, Speed Darlington, has expressed his intention to retract his public apology to fellow musician, Burna Boy, after disclosing the circumstances that led to the apology.

Previously, Speed Darlington issued a public statement, apologizing for remarks he made about Burna Boy, which allegedly led to his arrest.

However, in a recent video update, the singer clarified that his apology was not genuine but was made solely to retrieve his seized phone.

According to him, he was pressured into making the apology by his lawyer, who insisted that posting it online was the best way to secure the release of his phone.

Despite complying, Speed Darlington claims his phone remains in police custody, prompting his decision to delete the apology.

The singer further taunted his critics, stating that all the information on his seized phone is backed up on his laptop, and he plans to purchase a new phone soon.

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, recently entertained fans with a humorous video in which he cross-dressed and grooved to his incoming track.

In the clip, Portable who claimed he was invited to a party hosted by Diddy, created a song about the event where he advised his fans not to attend.

Dressed in an eye-catching pink feminine outfit, Portable donned a matching pink crop top, short skirt, and wig. Adding to the playful theme, he accessorized with a pink wristband and slippers, fully committing to the look.

Throughout the video, the singer showed off some dance moves, even attempting to wiggle his waist for his audience while smiling at the camera.

Portable confidently posed and danced in front of the camera.

Sharing the video, he wrote:

“Don’t go to DIDDY Party ???? Out Soon ??.”

Watch the video below:

The Sokoto State government has announced a massive 55 per cent discount rates for rice and other basic but essential commodities and food items.

The discount was announced by the state governor Ahmed Aliyu during the inauguration of the sales of subsidised items in Kware LGA.

The inauguration signalled the commencement of the programme across the 244 wards.

Aliyu disclosed that the programme aims to ameliorating the economic hardship citizens face, assuring that the programme would be sustained to herald food security in Sokoto.

“We have made the process transparent and non-political with a view to ensuring the success of this initiative in supporting the entire population of the state.

“Our goal is to ensure that all residents of Sokoto, regardless of political affiliation or religious background, benefit from this programme,” he assured.

The governor revealed that the state government had spent N14.4 billion to procure 280 trucks of rice for onward sale to the public.

“Each ward will receive 600 bags of 50 kg rice, sold at a 55 per cent discount rate. We have reduced the price of a 50 kg bag to N38,700, a 25 kg bag to N19,350, and a 10 kg bag to N7,740,” he said.

Mr Aliyu added that his government did not intend to collect the proceeds from the sales. He said it would open a special account where the funds would be used to buy more foodstuff for the programme’s sustainability.

“I have also directed the sales committee to provide smaller measurements for those who cannot afford the 10 kg bags,” he added.

The governor urged religious scholars in the state to use their pulpits to continuously encourage wealthy individuals to support the less privileged in their communities.

He further assured that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the commodities reached the intended beneficiaries.

The chairman of the sales committee, Chiso Dattijo, assured the governor that due process would be strictly followed during the sales process

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to review its current monetary and fiscal policies, stating that they are not working effectively.

The governor made this call at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja on Thursday.

Mohammed urged the government to avoid being dogmatic in its approach, emphasizing the urgent need for change due to the growing hardship in the country.

He highlighted the plight of ordinary Nigerians, warning that hunger and economic hardship have created a volatile situation. He revealed that even people in his position are facing the threat of being lynched by frustrated citizens.

Mohammed also called on the federal government to develop more effective economic policies, stressing that the funds currently being received are insufficient to address the widespread hunger.

“When the reforms started, the sub-nationals supported the President. But now, the macroeconomic policies causing inflation need to be reconsidered. There is hunger, people are suffering, and Nigerians are not benefitting from these reforms.

“What are you doing to reduce hunger? We must help the people cope.

“The purchasing power of the people has drastically diminished.

“My brother Cardoso (CBN governor), these policies are not working. They need to be reviewed. Let’s not resort to blackmail,” the governor said.

No fewer than 36 suspected internet fraudsters have been arrested at different locations in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, disclosed the arrest of the suspects on Thursday.

The suspects were arrested on October 11, 2024, following actionable intelligence linking them with suspected online criminal activities.

It was gathered that the suspects impersonated foreign nationals using social media platforms to defraud unsuspecting victims.

Items recovered from them include eight luxury vehicles and sophisticated brands of mobile phones and laptops.

The EFCC said the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

A member of the Yoruba Nation agitators, Adejumo Lateef, has died while in custody, officials of the Nigeria Correctional Services revealed on Wednesday, October 16. 

Lateef, the 18th defendant in an ongoing trial, was part of a group facing charges in connection with the April 13, 2024 invasion of the Oyo State government Secretariat. 

The suspects, under the aegis of Yoruba Nation Agitators, are accused of attempting to declare the sovereign Republic of Yoruba Nation (Oodua Republic) during the incident. The case, filed under suit number I/51c/2024, is being heard at the Fiat Court 3 of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, presided over by Justice K. B. Olawoyin. 

The 27 defendants, including the late Adejumo Lateef, face charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason. Among those standing trial are Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, and Ayanwale Rofiat, along with others such as Fatoki Anthony, Murittala Abefe, and Ismaila Adepoju. 

The charges stem from the events of April 13, 2024, and are punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. 

At Wednesday’s court session, the case could not proceed as planned due to the majority of the defendants lacking legal representation. Adebola Ogungbe represented the 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 12th defendants, while Toluwase Ogundeji stood in for the 15th defendant. Two additional lawyers, Yomi Ogunlola and S.A. Sanmi, volunteered to represent other unrepresented defendants. 

However, the 6th, 23rd, and 24th defendants informed the court that they would contact their families to arrange legal representation. As a result, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case to November 6, 8, and 13 for arraignment and further hearings. 

The case is being prosecuted by a team from the Oyo State Government led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. S. O. Adeoye, along with Deputy DPP O. R. Yussuf, and other senior state counsels including S. A. Osuolale, Yisa Busari, and O. A. Bolarinwa. 

The death of Adejumo Lateef in custody adds another layer of complexity to the already sensitive case involving the Yoruba Nation movement.