#FearlessInOctober Protest: Police Show Solidarity By Distributing Water To Lagos Protesters (Video)
AFOLABI
Protesters at the #FearlessInOctober protest in Lagos were met with an unexpected gesture as police officers distributed water on Tuesday.
A video shared by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on X.com, captured the moment officers distributed packs of bottled water to the protesters.
Naija News reports that the protesters had gathered at the Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos to voice their grievances over the hardships caused by various government policies as the country marked its 2024 Independence Day.
Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the #FearlessInOctober protest, Omoyele Sowore, has identified some of the demands of the protesters and what they are demanding from the federal government.
Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday during the protest in Lagos, Sowore said they want the government to release all the detained protesters from the #EndBadGovernance protests two months ago, and that of the #EndSars protest in 2020.
He added that they want the detainees released before the day (Tuesday) ends.
He said if, by the end of the day, their demands are not met, the next line of action would be unveiled.
“We are asking the Federal Government to release every detained protester whether in Kaduna, Abuja, Katsina or Kano. The Federal Government should release them today.
“If by the end of today, the FG did not release the EndBadGovernance protesters and EndSars people..some of end SARS people in 2020. We will tell you the next line of action,” he said.
The human rights activist cum politician also stated that the protesters are struggling for a new independence.
According to him, the 1960 independence obtained from colonial masters is different. Sowore explained that what they are fighting for now is the independence of the citizens from the clutches of the ruling class, who have turned into corrupt cabals and looters.
“Those who have made life miserable for our people deliberately, the looters, the corrupt cabals, both in the oil sector or whatever sector they may be.
“Our independence starts now, because the independence we got in 1960, they struggled for it, we are struggling for a new independence and it is part of the continuation of what we started in 2019 with Revolution Now because we believe that only revolution can save this country,” he said when asked by newsmen the reasons for the fresh protest.
See video below:
Media
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, has said the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari did nothing in his eight years of administration.
Morka said what Buhari administration did in his eight years administration was to clean up the mess caused by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administrations.
He stated this on Monday in an interview with Channels TV. He argued that the PDP governments from 1999 did too bad in governance which needed cleaning.
“The Buhari administration did nothing in eight years but to clean and mop up the mess made by the PDP.
“What Nigerians don’t realise is that the PDP government created and operated a phantom economy where billions and billions of dollars and naira were awarded and thrown around for national projects that were never done as such. All of that money was simply rolled out into private pockets,” Morka said.
The APC spokesman added that the PDP administrations created generational hardship for the country “and that generation, the owners and the perpetrators of the heinous, abominable crimes against this country were manufactured, constructed, and delivered by the PDP in 16 years.”
“So, Buhari was simply an intervenor government that simply came to hold place and hold Nigeria away from the precipice,” Morka stated.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has again refuted claims of embezzling the state funds during his eight-year tenure.
Naija News recalls that the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted El-Rufia’s administration for misappropriating over N423 billion.
The former governor and his allies have denied these allegations, claiming they are being witch-hunted by the Assembly and the state government.
While featuring on the Hausa program aired on Freedom Radio station in Kaduna on Tuesday morning, El-Rufai said he joined politics solely to serve the people, not to seek money or steal public funds.
He emphasized that he was content with what he had before becoming governor, yet was accused of financial misappropriation without any specific area.
El-Rufai stated that he was prepared to swear with the Quran whenever former state governors and current leaders swore that they never misappropriated public funds.
The ex-governor also noted that after his studies, he will return to politics by 2027 because there is no retirement in politics like government work, “We will return and continue with politics, God willing.”
He added, “I was quiet to see how things would turn out, but for me, I always ask God to help me in whatever I do in life because, as a human being, I always try not to do anything wrong or betray the people’s trust.
“I always say that whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders decide to take an oath swearing with the Quran that they never took people’s money, I’m also ready to swear. This is because I know that I didn’t go into public service to steal or take people’s money. I joined politics only to serve the people of Kaduna State; I didn’t come to look for money, because I give glory to God that I’m content with what I had even before becoming governor. Yet, we were accused of misappropriation of funds during our tenure without being given a specific area where the money went missing or who took it.
“Yet they are going after my allies by inviting them to the ICPC and EFCC with the intention of tarnishing their names. As for me, I had already prayed two Raka’at on Friday night, leaving everything to God, seeking His judgment. This is why I’m not saying much about the issue.
“But it’s surprising and painful what is happening; such is life. What I would like to say here is that whatever evil plans, witch-hunts, and lies against us should continue because we have reported the issue to God, and God willing, we will get justice from Him.
“If you report something to God, you must desist from making comments. Although I have ordered my lawyers to sue in court against attempts to tarnish my name, that will continue. But presently, I’m doing fine by going about my normal activities such as reading and writing.
“You can still continue working for the people even after government, and that is what we are doing right now. We are still working alongside those who cherish serving the people, not those who enter politics or governance to siphon public funds to add to their wealth. That is not our intention. God knows that, and the people with positive minds know that too. May God bring development to our people.”
The Shepherd Superintendent of the Household of God Church, Lagos, Rev Chris Okotie, has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation's 64th Independence Anniversary to reinforce their faith in God's sure promises.
In a press release circulated in Lagos yesterday by Rev Okotie's media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji, the cleric, who quoted profusely from the Bible in his main text on the story of Abraham, urged Nigerians to be hopeful always for better days as God does not abandon his people.
Below is the summary of his goodwill message:
"These are perilous times.
"Our faith in God must become the Gyrostat which keeps us afloat as we navigate the tempestuous waters of our convoluted reality. Nigeria is a client Nation for God. Nigeria has a prophetic destiny.
Therefore the sovereign superintendence of Almighty God is assured.
"Nigeria is strong. Nigeria will survive.
So Hope on. Hope ever.
Hope on. Hope ever!"
Rev Okotie has always said that Nigeria enjoys a special bond with God, and the country's trajectory should not bother the Nigerian people.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Mr Haliru Nabana have said that Mr Idris Okuneye, a cross dresser popularly known as Bobrisky, served his jail term in correctional facility in Lagos state.
Nababa stated this while addressing the House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged bribery and misconduct against the NCS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira and was sentenced to six months in jail.
NAN recalls that Mr Vincent Otse, social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man (VDM) published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment.
The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop charges of money laundering against him.
Nanaba, however, explained to the committee that Bobrisky was convicted and was incarcerated from April 12 to August 13, 2024 in the facility.
He said that there was no time when Bobrisky was allowed outside the correctional facility saying that there are records of his activities in jail to show that he was in the facility.
He, however, said that as a result of special features such as mammary gland and curvy hips which portrays Bobrisky like a women, he kept in a private cell away from other inmates.
According to him, this is inline with international best practices as it is to protect his human right and to protect him against violation by other inmates.
NaAbba also said that for security reasons, Bobrisky was at a point, moved from Medium Security Custodian Centre to Maximum Security Custodian Centre all within the correctional facility.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede said that no money was received to drop charges against Bobrisky.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede said that in April, 2024, Bobrisky while undergoing investigation, in his extra-judicial statement made a confession.
He said that Bobrisky was alleged to have failed to submit to Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) a declaration of its activities of his firm, Bob Express.
According to Olukoyede, this is contrary to Section 6(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022
“Notwithstanding the unequivocal confession of the now ex-convict admitting the essential ingredients, the prosecution in total fidelity and candor to its oath and strict adherence to professional practice of not only disclosing exculpatory documents to the defense.
“We received a report of the investigation activities from SCUML which showed that Bob Express is not a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBP),
“We then decided to drop the charge in the interest of justice and fair hearing, without any inducement or prompting of any sort from the defense, and in line with the mandate of the Special Task Force against Naira abuse,” he said.
Earlier, VDM told the committee that he has more evidence yet to be released to the public saying that he would continue to fight corruption.
He said that while other Nigerians are in jail for offenses committed, Bobrisky should not be given any form of special treatment.
“Nigeria is not for the godfathers, I will not allow corruption, if I see a secret about you, I will tell, I am being very honest, I will not fear anybody because Nigeria is going down.
“I will implore you people to do the right thing because the judiciary system is been messed up so bad, you people have to to save your face,” he said.
He, however, tendered some part of the evidence to the committee and promise to release more as the investigation progresses.
He told the committee to ensure Bobrisky appears before it and not to tolerate any further disrespect from him.
In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia) said that Bobrisky must appear in person in their next hearing.
He demanded video footage of the activities of Bobrisky through out his terms in the correctional facility.
The chairman said that the accounts provided by VDM into which the allayed money for bribe was paid into will be investigated.
The hearing was then adjourned to a further date to announced.
NAN reports that Bobrisky was absent at the hearing and his counsel who came to represent him was not recognised to speak as he had no letter or approval to speak on his behalf.
(NAN)
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has urged Nigerians to hold steadfast to the belief in the assured prosperous future of the country.
Obaseki who stated this in a statement in commemoration of the 64th Independence Day, said this is realisable even as we all individually and collectively play our part in realising the noble vision of our founding fathers.
He said, “My dear good people of Edo State, I join you in marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, as we journey together on the path of building a strong, virile and prosperous nation.
“This is another day to celebrate our shared experience as compatriots of the world’s largest black nation, which has over time defied all odds in reinventing itself and showcasing the indomitable spirit of its various peoples.
“As a nation, we have grown stronger, are more united and have trudged together to overcome threats to our nation. Today, at 64, we have much to be thankful for, in the face of daunting global headwinds that have rocked many nations. It is imperative to restate our commitment to democracy even in the face of pressures from different interests that seek to set us back.
“As we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day today, I urge you all to hold steadfast to the belief in the assured prosperous future of our great State and the Nigerian nation even as we all individually and collectively play our part in realizing the noble vision of our founding fathers.”
[Punch]
President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation to mark its 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
Here, Vanguard highlights ten (10) key points from the President’s speech:
Economic Reforms: Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties, including rising living costs and unemployment. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that reforms are beginning to yield positive results. “I want to assure you that your voices are heard… we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.”
Security Achievements: The President announced progress in the fight against terrorism and banditry, stating that over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated. “Our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry… we have restored peace to hundreds of communities.”
Return of Displaced Persons: Tinubu shared that many Nigerians in conflict zones are returning to their homes. “Thousands of our people have been able to return home… our security agencies are committed to ending this as quickly as possible.”
Natural Disasters Response: In response to recent flooding, the President announced the creation of a Disaster Relief Fund and integrity tests for dams. “This federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble.”
Foreign Investments: Nigeria attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investments within the past year. “Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion.”
Agriculture and Food Security: Tinubu emphasised the importance of mechanised farming and highlighted the establishment of a tractor assembly plant to boost food production and reduce costs. “We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs.”
Energy Transition: The President confirmed the expansion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) usage in mass transit to lower transportation costs. “Our energy transition programme is on course… to provide cheaper public transportation.”
Youth Empowerment: Tinubu announced a National Youth Conference and several youth-centred initiatives, including the 3 Million Technical Talents programme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. “This conference will empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building.”
Fiscal Responsibility: The administration has reduced Nigeria’s debt service ratio and paid off significant inherited debts, maintaining stable foreign reserves. “We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent.”
Unity and Resilience: Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united in the face of challenges. “We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.”
[Vanguard]
Reveals Fastest Growing Political Party
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has declared his party as the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria.
The national leader of the NNPP disclosed this in Abuja on Monday during the Party National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, emphasizing the numerous challenges they had faced.
He expressed confidence in the NNPP’s upward trajectory, thanking supporters for their commitment as the party positions itself as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Kwankwaso also stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is ‘dead’ and has many concerns within the party.
He also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting a disconnect between its leadership and the realities facing Nigerians, including rising insecurity, poverty, and hunger.
He said, “I’m pleased to say that, despite all the challenges, today our party is the fastest-growing party in this country. I remember when I visited Katsina State to open our state office; there I mentioned that the two parties, especially the PDP, were dead, and there are so many concerns within the fold of the PDP.
“I’m sure when I was making that statement, many of them did not see what was happening today, that the party was being made into pieces. The party is imploding, and therefore if they didn’t understand at that time, now I believe they will agree with all of us that the party is dead.
“The APC, as it stands today, you can see that the leadership is just up there in the air, and the entire nation, the people of this country, are on the ground.
“At that level, whether they believe they are doing well, all of us, especially the voters in this country, believe that they are performing very, very badly, especially if you look at the issue of security, the level of poverty in this country, and of course the issue of hunger that we are witnessing in this country.”
Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua has experienced a significant drop in the heavyweight rankings after his loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
Recall that Anthony Joshua was previously ranked third in the Ring Magazine Rankings.
Earlier this month, the former two-time heavyweight champion aimed to solidify his standing as one of the division’s best with a victory over Dubois.
However, the British boxing star faced a challenging bout, ultimately being dropped four times and suffering a stunning knockout in the 5th round, leading to his plummet to seventh place in the latest rankings.
Dubois has now surpassed Joshua, securing the second position behind the current unified champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
The updated rankings also see Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang in third and fourth place, with Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole in fifth and sixth place respectively, all ranking higher than Joshua.
Meanwhile, the upcoming heavyweight showdown between Usyk and Tyson Fury has sparked discussions about a potential rematch between Dubois and Anthony Joshua, with a tentative date set for early next year.
Despite the one-sided outcome of the September 21 bout, Joshua has expressed his determination to continue fighting, leaving many to wonder when the 33-year-old boxer would hit the ring again.
Atletico Madrid said on Monday they had permanently banned a fan for throwing objects onto the field during the weekend’s heated derby draw with Real Madrid.
Sunday’s match at Atletico’s Estadio Metropolitano was halted for 15 minutes after home fans threw objects including lighters at Madrid players.
Atletico claimed a late point thanks to Angel Correa’s 95th-minute equaliser.
“Our security department continues to work with the police to identify the rest of those involved, who will be permanently expelled as soon as they are located,” Atletico said.
“The club’s firm conviction to eradicate any form of violence and our defence of the values of sport are unquestionable.
“We will continue to work with all our resources with the aim of eliminating this type of behaviour,” they added.
Atletico also announced a change to rules for fans’ clothing inside their ground following the incident.
“The club will imminently incorporate into its internal regulations the prohibition of using inside the stadium any element or garment that prevents distinguishing the face of a person in order to hide their identity, which until now was not contemplated in our regulations,” the 11-time Spanish champions said.
“In the event of non-compliance with this rule, they will be immediately expelled from the stadium.
Atletico’s next home game is October 20’s La Liga match with Leganes.
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![Flamingos coach unveils squad for 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup [Full list]](/media/k2/items/cache/e352d50552db80ae85998ef31f23e380_XS.jpg)
Nigeria’s Flamingos head coach, Bankole Olowookere, has announced the 21-player squad set to represent the country at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on October 16, with Nigeria facing New Zealand in the opening match.
The Flamingos have been placed in Group A, where they will compete against hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand.
Nigeria aims to build on their strong performance in the previous edition of the tournament, where they secured a third-place finish in India in 2022.
Alongside Nigeria, two other African teams, Kenya and Zambia, will also compete in the tournament.
Squad Full List
Goalkeepers
Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)
Defenders
Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers)
Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies)
Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy)
Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens)
Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
Midfielders
Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens)
Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons)
Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)
Forwards
Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports)
Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot)
Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers)
Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels)
Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)
Chelsea are plotting a January swoop for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming the Blues’ interest, The PUNCH reports.
Romano told Caught Offside that Chelsea might be preparing a £40million bid for the Napoli striker when the transfer window reopens in January.
He, however, clarified that no negotiations are currently ongoing despite reports of behind-the-scenes preparations at Stamford Bridge.
Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, has hit the ground running in Turkey, netting twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasımpaşa last weekend.
The 25-year-old’s brace saw him etch his name in Galatasaray’s history books as the first player to register four or more goal contributions in the first three Süper Lig games since Bafetimbi Gomis in 2017.
The Nigerian international’s future remains uncertain, with his contract with Napoli set to expire in July 2025.
However, RAI Sport journalist Ciro Venerato claims that a €90m release clause allows Osimhen to leave Napoli in January, although it is not valid for Serie A clubs.
Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen could have significant implications for their current striker, Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese forward, who joined the London club from Villarreal for £32m last summer, has impressed in his debut Premier League season, scoring four goals in six matches.
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Jackson has the potential to become a £150m player, saying, “If Nicolas Jackson fulfils his potential, he will be a £150m player. I’m convinced of that.”
Jackson has already outperformed club legend Didier Drogba’s debut season, scoring 14 goals compared to Drogba’s 10 in the 2004/05 Premier League campaign.Meanwhile, Osimhen’s prolific record speaks for itself. The striker has netted 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli since his £73million transfer from Lille in 2020. He was also Serie A’s top scorer in the 2022–23 season with 26 goals notched, playing a crucial role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign.
Despite the speculation, Galatasaray vice president İbrahim Hatipoğlu recently stated, “There is no possibility of Osimhen leaving the team in January. We are thinking of having him play with us next season as well.”
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Chelsea’s next move. The potential arrival of Osimhen could spark a shake-up in the Blues’ attacking lineup, but for now, the Nigerian striker remains focused on his performances for Galatasaray in both domestic and European competitions.
The Deputy Controller of the Maximum Correctional Center, Kirikiri, Lagos, Michael Anugwa, has admitted that crossdresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, was placed in a separate cell.
Recall that Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, had in a video alleged that Bobrisky who was convicted of a crime and sentenced to six months in jail was given an apartment outside the custodial centre.
Reacting to the claim on Monday, Anugwa while addressing members of the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, insisted that Bobrisky was not at any point held in a facility outside the correctional center.
His words: “Bobrisky was admitted on the 13th of April with a valid warrant and a transfer order from Ikoyi Correctional facility.
“The warrant was given to me the same day of his conviction. The biometric was taken the next day because when he came was around 10:30 p.m. So it was done on the 13th of April 2024.
“Idris spent 10 days at the Medium Correctional Center and was moved to maximum, because he refused to eat the prison food.
“He then applied for self-feeding which was approved and Bobrisky nominated two persons to bring his food to the facility — Ogunleye Abiola and Moji Ogunleye.
“During the admission, we discovered that Idris, though a man, had special features like breasts that would not allow us put him in the general cell.
“We agreed to put him in a separate cell. While he was there he had a total of 39 visitors.”
A father, Samson, in Evwreni Community of Delta State, who smashed his son to death, killed a nursing mother and injured others in inexplicable circumstances, was apprehended by the agitated mob, who beat him to death, setting his corpse on fire in an act of jungle justice.
Samson, whose other name could not be ascertained at press time, committed the outrageous act in the wee hours of yesterday.
A source said that Samson about 2a.m., yesterday smashed his son to death and in the course of sympathizing, killed a nursing mother identified as Princess and injured a yet-to-be-identified male.
A source who craved anonymity revealed that Samson had been behaving strangely and that he was to be taken to a medical centre for medications before the unfortunate incident occurred.
According to him, “He smashed his toddler son, then machete a woman who took her son out to toilet to death, and injured the youths in process of trying to apprehend him, he injured more persons.
“After the incident, he was finally apprehended, beaten to a stupor and his remains were set ablaze with his motorcycle.”
Though the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright could not respond to his call at press time, but a senior security source, who confirmed the incident, said: “Before our men could get to the scene, the suspect has been set ablaze.”