Television Nigerian

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), publicly challenged the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, claiming that his trial could not go forward because he had not submitted his last written address.

Kanu is heard yelling at Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, in a widely shared video from the day’s proceedings, contesting the validity of the accusations and the court’s choice to render a verdict.

Kanu maintained that no court had the right to proceed with proceedings based on such an allegation and contended that the prosecution relied on what he called a defunct legislation.

He asked the court to pinpoint the legal clause that permits a decision to be made without the defense’s last statement.

“Which law allows you to charge me on a repealed law?” he asked. Show me. Where is the law, Omotosho? Any ruling made by this court is utter nonsense.

“You are ignorant of the law. Where does it mention that the right to a final address can be waived? Show me the law, Omotosho.

Tension in the courtroom increased as a result of the emotional encounter since the judge insisted on decorum despite Kanu’s constant disruptions.

The proceedings on Thursday were a part of the last phases of Kanu’s protracted terrorism trial, which has lasted for almost ten years and is still one of Nigeria’s most politically delicate court cases.

Kanu had already filed many requests to halt judgment and contest the court’s jurisdiction, but Justice Omotosho had rejected them.
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Starting next Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will take enforcement action against those who fail to pay ground rent, the Land Use Change/Conversion charge, and the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills.

This was announced in a statement on Thursday by Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media.

Remember that on May 26, 2025, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike gave land rent defaulters a grace period of 14 days to settle their unpaid ground rent, together with any associated penalties.

Additionally, the reviewed Land Use/Purpose Clause of properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was published on Monday, September 8, 2025, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, and Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in a number of national dailies and online platforms. These publications gave 30 days to pay the ₦5 million penalty/violation fee and other applicable fees for Land Use Change/Conversion.

A final grace period of 14 days to comply with the terms and conditions of the approval for land use change and conversion was granted to defaulters of the land use/purpose clause of properties in the Federal Capital City (FCC) districts of Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse. This notice was broadcast on television and radio stations, published in national newspapers, and posted online.

The 14-day grace period for ground rent payments ended on June 9, 2025—more than five months ago—while the 14-day extension for the land use/purpose clause will expire on Monday, November 24, 2025.

As a result, starting on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the FCTA will take enforcement action against anyone who fail to pay ground rent, the Land Use Change/Conversion charge, and the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills.

All persons who have bought properties from others but have not yet registered their interests by getting the required Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment will also be subject to enforcement.

Following a violent confrontation on one of its flights on Monday, social media stars Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Atsepoyi, also known as Mr. Jollof, publicly apologized to United Nigeria Airlines.

A broader discussion about aircraft safety and passenger behavior in Nigeria was prompted by the altercation, which happened during boarding at the Asaba International Airport and caused alarm among travelers.

United Nigeria Airlines acknowledged in a statement on Thursday that it had examined and accepted the two individuals’ social media apologies.

“United Nigeria Airlines acknowledges and accepts the public apologies issued by VeryDarkMan and Mr. Jollof following the onboard altercation that occurred during the boarding of Flight UN0523 from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on November 17, 2025,” the airline said.

“We take note of their social media pledges to abstain from any behavior that might jeopardize aviation safety, order, or decorum on flights operated by United Nigeria Airlines or any other airline.”

“We hope that this commitment will be upheld in the interest of preserving a respectful, safe, and organized travel environment for every passenger.”

In order to reduce disruptive passenger behavior across the country, the airline reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Airline Operators of Nigeria and pertinent regulatory bodies.

The two men can be seen fighting and striking each other inside the cabin in videos that have gone viral on social media. As worried passengers watched, staff members had to step in.

Both individuals were deboarded and turned over to security personnel at the Asaba Airport, according to the airline.

It is believed that the altercation was sparked by a protracted internet dispute that began in 2024, when VeryDarkMan openly threatened to assault Mr. Jollof “on sight.”

A clearly hurt VeryDarkMan apologized to travelers and airline employees in a heartfelt video that was uploaded on Tuesday.

“I sincerely apologize for the incident that occurred aboard United Nigeria Airlines yesterday. I will accept full responsibility for yesterday’s events, which were not intended to occur,” he declared.

He apologized to every passenger, including those who had medical emergencies or crucial appointments postponed due to the disturbance, while sporting bandages on his head and arm.

Additionally, he expressed regret to “all the mothers, all the daddies, all the uncles, and all the younger ones” on board.

Although he acknowledged that he had behaved “irresponsibly,” he did not rule out future conflicts but promised that such situations would never happen in public places like buses or airplanes.

Mr. Jollof Apologizes: “I Was Defending Myself”
Additionally, Mr. Jollof apologized publicly on Instagram, stating that he is “not a violent person” and that he only acted in self-defense.

“I would like to use this opportunity to express my heartfelt regret to United Nigeria Airlines, the NCAA, and the travelers. I was just protecting myself. If I caused you to miss your appointment, I really apologize,” he said.

He claimed that in order to defend himself during the altercation, he even bit VeryDarkMan.

“I know you are proud of me, my dear wife. “I apologize to my children, and I promise not to do this again,” he continued.

Michael Achimugu, the Acting Director of Public Affairs for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, denounced the occurrence and called it a “serious infraction” that puts lives in danger.

Achimugu cautioned that disruptive behavior in airplane cabins may result in criminal charges and perhaps jail time.

He emphasized that confrontations, acts of violence, or conduct endangering the safety of crew and passengers are completely forbidden by aviation laws.

In order to preserve the integrity and security of air travel, United Nigeria Airlines asked passengers to completely comply with flight attendants, airport officials, and security agencies.

The airline stated that it is still dedicated to creating a safe workplace and would keep enforcing stringent procedures to stop similar accidents from happening again.

Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), filed a plea for bail, but the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected it on Thursday, stating that the scheduled verdict in his terrorism trial would go forward.

Kanu had requested that the court postpone the ruling and take into consideration his new submissions. Kanu has been on trial for several years on allegations relating to terrorism and treasonous felonies.

Justice James Omotosho, however, declared that the procedures were over and that the court would not allow any more delays.

It had previously stated that Kanu showed up in court and insisted that since he had filed multiple new proceedings, no judgment could be given.

“I have filed my procedures, so there is no judgment. No judgment would hold,” he declared at the start of proceedings.

However, Justice Omotosho advised him to behave appropriately, emphasizing that the hearing would continue as planned and that decorum must be upheld.

Kanu, who is representing himself, informed the court that he had filed three distinct motions between November 11 and 17.
Among them were:

A motion requesting the court to order the prosecution to submit a final written address, a motion seeking bail on liberal terms, and a motion asking the court to refer “substantial constitutional issues” to the Court of Appeal.

Additionally, he argued that the entire trial is unlawful because count 7 of the charge does not exist under any written law.

Justice Omotosho merged the motions but made it clear the court would not reconsider completed subjects.

According to Justice Omotosho, Kanu’s concerns had already been resolved by the same court.

This court is constrained by its prior decisions. We will not consider the Court of Appeal or the stay of proceedings. Such applications are prohibited by Section 306 of the ACJA, he stated.

According to the legislation, there are two types of bail, and Kanu’s situation “does not fall within them,” he continued.

As part of a renewed effort to enforce compliance and defend the rights of Nigerian passengers, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) fined Qatar Airways N5 million for infractions that bordered on consumer protection.

Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, made the announcement and denounced the airline for what he described as a “persistent disregard for regulatory directives.”

Achimugu said that Qatar Airways has received numerous Letters of Investigation (LOIs) regarding other concerns, and that the fine is just one of many outstanding issues surrounding the carrier.

He cautioned that the Authority will no longer put up with what it sees as a history of contempt and non-compliance, and that failing to reply to the LOIs satisfactorily may result in additional consequences.

He claims that Qatar Airways has acted “as though Nigerian passengers and the NCAA are not deserving of respect, dignified treatment, and compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023,” and he is adamant that this behavior “will be brought to a stop immediately.”

An event on a voyage from Lagos to Doha to the United States was one of the cases that led to the most recent enforcement action. When she helped another passenger board in Lagos, a female cabin crew member said that a male passenger traveling with his wife had improperly grabbed her. Most importantly, the crew member failed to disclose the allegation in Lagos.

But when she filed the complaint after arriving in Doha, the traveler was arrested and held for around eighteen hours.

According to Achimugu, the passenger’s wife had significant mental and psychological suffering during the encounter, raising doubts about the veracity of the accusation given that she had accompanied her husband during the boarding process.

In order to regain his freedom and resume his journey, the detained traveler was later forced to pay a hefty fee and sign a paper written entirely in Arabic, even though he did not comprehend the language.

He had to purchase a ticket on another airline at great financial and reputational expense because Qatar Airways refused to take him to his destination even after he followed the instructions in Doha.

Achimugu further stated that Qatar Airways’ country manager allegedly sent subordinates in his place when the NCAA called the airline to a meeting to discuss the incident and other outstanding issues.

After the meeting, the Authority made decisions, but Qatar Airways reportedly disregarded them. Additionally, it has not responded to further complaints or a written letter of intent, which Achimugu emphasized is illegal.

“This behavior is over,” he said. “Any airline that fails to respond to the NCAA, gives false information, or ignores Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 is in violation of Nigerian aviation law.”

He saw that some international airlines, particularly those from nations with laxer consumer protection laws, frequently violate Nigerian laws with contempt.

Achimugu noted that all parties must respect Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) and issued a warning that such attitudes will no longer be tolerated.

He reiterated the position of Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of Civil Aviation, who has continuously emphasized firmness on issues pertaining to consumer protection. “Any airline that consistently fails to comply will face appropriate and severe penalties,” Achimugu declared.

In a similar development, he disclosed that Saudi Air and Royal Air Maroc had also received warnings due to detected violations. They will be subject to similarly harsh penalties if they disregard the NCAA’s rulings.

Achimugu emphasized that adherence to Nigerian aviation regulations is non-negotiable while restating the NCAA’s commitment to safeguarding both passengers and airlines.

Riley M. Moore, a US congressman, met with a group of high-ranking Nigerian officials.

The group met in Washington, D.C., under the direction of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser.

Discussions regarding the alleged continued persecution of Christians and persistent terrorist threats in Nigeria were at the top of the agenda.

In order to put an end to the violence, they also discussed ways that the US and Nigeria could work together more closely.

Nigerians are terrified as terrorists go on the rampage and attack big gatherings.
Nigerian officials discussed the difficulties and worries of their administration in relation to counterterrorism, security support, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and persistent problems with violence throughout Nigeria.

Congressman Moore reaffirmed that President Trump will not put up with ongoing violence against Christians or other types of religious persecution, and that the United States is willing to work with Nigeria.

He cautioned that Trump doesn’t just make threats.

Moore stated in a statement, “President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.”

“I implore Nigerians to cooperate and coordinate with us on this vital issue.”

The delegation comprised:

The NSA and head of the delegation, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Her Excellency, Bianca Ojukwu is the Foreign Affairs Minister.
Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defense Staff; Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defense Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Advisor to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Nigerian Embassy
Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Division, Nigerian Embassy

The verdict in Nnamdi Kanu’s accused terrorist trial will be broadcast live on Thursday by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

On Thursday morning, the News Agency of Nigeria received confirmation of the development from the court registrar.

Among the broadcast station employees in the courtroom with their devices for the live broadcast were cameramen from various television networks, such as NTA, Channels TV, AIT, and TVC.

According to NAN, Justice James Omotosho scheduled the verdict for today on November 7.

After Kanu’s defense was foreclosed because to his insistence that he would not enter his defense under a repealed legislation, Justice James Omotosho set the date.

Judge Omotosho ruled that Kanu had waived his opportunity to present his defense after using up the six days the court had given him.

The judge stated that if Kanu had chosen to open it, he would have given him more time to present his defense.

He stated that Kanu could not claim to have been deprived of the constitutionally provided right to a fair hearing because he had not used the opportunity to present his defense.