…nothing can stop this mass movement, October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct, he says

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has declared his intention to go ahead with the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on Monday, October 20, in defiance of a Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations around key government sites in Abuja.

The protest is aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021 and is currently facing terrorism-related charges.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the African Action Congress (AAC), stated that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers, was prepared to challenge the court order once formally served.

“Our legal team will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday,” Sowore said.

“But let it be known that nothing can stop this mass movement. October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”

The Nigeria Police Force, in a statement by its spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, reiterated its warning to all groups planning public demonstrations to comply with the subsisting court order.

The restriction applies to protests within and around sensitive areas such as the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

The court order, issued by Justice M. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, arose from the case Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others and prohibits Sowore and any affiliated individuals or groups from organizing protests in the specified zones.

“The police recognize and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” the statement noted.

“However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.”

The statement added that any attempt to breach the order or incite unrest would be met with legal consequences, as the Force remains committed to maintaining public safety and order.

Reacting to the police stance, Sowore accused the authorities of selective enforcement and “glaring hypocrisy.”

“I’m glad to see that the Nigeria Police have finally shown some respect for the constitutional right to freedom of assembly,” he said.

“But if a court order truly exists restricting protests near Aso Rock, why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those who have been protesting against Nnamdi Kanu’s release for three straight days?”

He questioned what he described as “undeniable double standards” in how different protest groups are treated.

Police spokesperson Hundeyin confirmed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police to ensure full enforcement of the court directive, including increased security presence at strategic locations in the capital.

Authorities also cautioned against any attempt by either protesters or counter-protesters to disrupt peace, vowing to impose penalties on violators.

Residents of Abuja were assured of adequate security arrangements to protect lives and property during the protest period.

Businessman and politician, Senator Ned Nwoko, has addressed the viral video showing his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, in distress.

Nwoko denied claims of domestic violence, attributing their marital crisis to her alleged struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.

In a statement released on Sunday, Nwoko said the actress’ battle with substance use had taken a toll on their marriage.

He alleged that Regina had recently become violent, assaulting three of his staff members and destroying property, including vehicles and windows, within two days.

He explained that he had urged her to continue her rehabilitation either in Asokoro or abroad, where she would have limited access to drugs, expressing concern for her wellbeing.

Nwoko further claimed that Regina had refused to take their son, Moon, to the hospital during a medical emergency and instead turned on a resident nurse who reportedly exposed her alleged drug use.

He also accused two individuals, identified as Sammy and Ann, of supplying drugs to the actress, claiming they instigated chaos in his home in his absence.

He said, “Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety. Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs. I have other wives, and none will ever accuse me of violence.

“Regina is the violent one here, slapping and hitting 3 staff in the past 48 hours and destroying property, including cars and windows, for no just cause. The truth is, I have set a clear condition for her to accept rehab in Asokoro or outside Nigeria especially Jordan where she will not have access to drugs.

“A clear headed regina would have taken Moon to the hospital but instead she even threatened to kill our resident nurse(for exposing her drugs abuse). While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier. Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann.”

The politician’s statement follows a viral video of the actress that surfaced on social media on Saturday, October 18, 2025, showing her in tears and suggesting she had been physically assaulted.

In the footage, Regina can be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

The video, which shows people trying to restrain her while others appeared ready to intervene, has sparked widespread speculation online about trouble in her marriage.

Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko’s union has long been a subject of public discussion, largely due to their 40-year age difference.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has deported the remaining 51 foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos, bringing the repatriation of the 192 foreigners involved in the crimes to a successful close.

The deportation exercise followed the arrest and successful prosecution of 759 suspects during a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The deportation exercise, which began on Friday, August 15, 2025, followed the conviction of the offenders by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and ponzi scheme operations.

The first batch of 42 convicts comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025. Subsequent batches followed throughout August and September. The final batch of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, departed Nigeria on October 16, 2025, bringing the total number of repatriated foreigners to 192.

The deported convicts include nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were deported in coordinated batches between August and mid-October 2025, in accordance with court directives and immigration procedures.

All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

The operation , based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes.

Evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally.

The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court.