Category Nigeria News

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has adjourned ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction in a suit filed by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the party’s national convention.

The convention had been scheduled for Saturday, 15 November, and Sunday, 16 November 2025 in Ibadan.

The suit was filed by a member of the PDP, Mr. Folahan Adelabi.

READ ALSO: Court Issues Final Order Stopping PDP National Convention

At the hearing on Friday, counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), O. Adeyemi, argued that INEC, being a Federal Government agency, was only subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

He urged the court to strike out the case for lack of jurisdiction.

However, counsel to the claimant, Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, opposed the objection, stating that the argument infringed on the claimant’s fundamental rights.

He said the 1999 Constitution guaranteed the right to lawful assembly and convention.

Quoting Section 251 of the Constitution, Adetumbi contended that INEC did not fall within the category of agencies that place the case exclusively before the Federal High Court.

He asked the court to dismiss the objection and proceed with the substantive suit.

After listening to both sides, the presiding judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola, adjourned the ruling to December 8, 2025.

He also reaffirmed that the interim order earlier granted, which restrained the defendants from disrupting or interfering with preparations for the PDP national convention, remained in force.

The defendants in the suit are the PDP (first defendant), its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun (second defendant), and the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who chairs the PDP Convention Organising Committee (third defendant).

INEC is the fourth defendant.

Recall that the same court had extended its interim order restraining any interference with the planned convention until further hearing, ensuring that the event proceeds as scheduled.

Abuja Court Judgment

The adjournment came as Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a final order stopping the PDP from proceeding with the convention.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, Justice Lifu barred the PDP from proceeding with the convention until it complies with its constitution and guidelines on the convention.

He also ordered that the convention must be put on hold until Lamido is allowed to purchase a nomination form for the office of the national chairman.

The controversy over the planned convention to elect national officers of the PDP has further deepened the crisis in the party.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has apologised to passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) for delays experienced on Wednesday, stating no passenger was stranded.

The delay, which affected the afternoon service, occurred after a procedural safety decision was made when the train’s backup engine began losing power shortly after departure.

The train returned to Rigasa, Kaduna, as a precaution, before resuming its journey at 4:00 pm and arriving at Idu Station at 6:52 pm, approximately 80 minutes behind schedule.

Responding in a statement on Thursday, NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa dismissed reports suggesting that passengers were stranded, describing them as misleading. He stressed that the Corporation prioritizes safety above all else, which informed the decision to return the train to Rigasa, Kaduna.

READ ALSO: NRC Announces Resumption Of Warri–Itakpe Train Service

“Though the train could have continued, for security reasons along the route and considering it was less than 30 minutes into the journey, it was advisable to pull back to Rigasa, Kaduna, for safety reasons,” Opeifa explained.

The train resumed its journey at 4:00 pm, an hour after the delay, and arrived at Idu at 6:52 pm—80 minutes behind schedule. Passengers were kept updated throughout via the Public Address System on the train and at Rigasa Station.

“Although the train could have continued, safety on the route was paramount. Since the train was less than 30 minutes into its journey, it was advisable to return to Rigasa,” Opeifa said.

He added that if the trip had been during the morning schedule, the train would have continued and shunted at the nearest stations.

According to the NRC boss, the evening timing warranted a more cautious approach, adding that passengers were regularly updated via Public Address Systems both on the train and at Rigasa Station.

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said Cristiano Ronaldo was wrong to blame him for the red card he suffered as Portugal fell to a World Cup qualifying defeat on Thursday.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner exchanged words with Hallgrimsson after being sent off during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat in Dublin.

Ronaldo said before the game the Ireland coach had tried to put pressure on the referee by telling the officials not to be influenced by the superstar striker.

With his team trailing by two goals in the second half, the 40-year-old was frustrated and elbowed Dara O’Shea in the back as the Ireland player marked him in the box.

“He complimented me with putting pressure on the referee but listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card,” Hallgrimsson told reporters.

READ ALSO: DR Congo Beat Cameroon 1-0 To Set Up W’Cup Play-Off Final With Nigeria

“It had nothing to do with me unless I got into his head.”

He added: “This was just a moment of a little silliness for him I would say.”

Ronaldo could potentially miss the start of the World Cup if Portugal qualify, depending on how long his ban is.

After his first red card while playing for his country Ronaldo will not be available for Sunday’s match against Armenia, where Portugal aim to seal passage to next summer’s tournament.

“It’s difficult for a player like Cristiano to be in the penalty area,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

“He had constant contact with the defenders, who were grabbing him. There was no violence — he tried to push them away.”

An explosion from a faulty transformer located near the Akwa Ibom State Custodial Centre has reportedly killed two inmates awaiting trial and injured two others.

The incident, which occurred a fortnight ago, caused a blackout throughout the period and damaged electrical appliances in the centre.

According to reports, the high-voltage wire snapped and dropped directly on a portion of the custodial facility, causing an electrocution that led to the death of the inmates.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Controller of Corrections, Frank Okonkwo, who confirmed the tragic passing of the two awaiting-trial inmates of the Uyo Custodial Centre on Thursday, described the incident as unfortunate.

Okonkwo, who regretted that the explosion also damaged all electrical appliances at the centre, disclosed that the victims were thrown up from where they were sitting and were later rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by the facility’s doctor, where they were pronounced dead.

READ ALSO: ‘I Can’t Sit In Office While Govt Officials Are Attacked’, Wike Defends Clash With Naval Officer

He disclosed that the victims were awaiting trial for conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery, noting, however, that they were presumed innocent until proven otherwise by the court.

He said the families had been contacted and that one of them had concluded the process for the retrieval of the corpse, adding that the command would only release the corpses upon completion of investigations.

According to him, “It was very unfortunate, because the thing caused a lot of damage, both to our facility and the families of the deceased.

“When that explosion occurred at the transformer, officials of PHEDC came and said the explosion was a result of too much voltage. The thing affected us in that it actually destroyed or damaged all electrical appliances, computers, etc., in our facility.

“It affected our barracks as well, and even the official residence of the officer in charge. But the most painful aspect of it was that it affected two of our inmates, who finally lost their lives as they were rushed to the hospital.

“They were thrown off from where they were staying, and immediately our medical personnel administered first aid, and rushed them to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

“It was a big loss, both to themselves and to the inmates, especially when they were just awaiting trial. One of them was standing trial for conspiracy and kidnapping, the other one for armed robbery.”

The controller, who recalled that the same transformer was faulty a few years back, called on the relevant authorities to address the issue to forestall a recurrence.

He added that the legal department was investigating the matter and would present a comprehensive report accordingly.

He also disclosed plans by the Command to organise a rehabilitation and empowerment programme for inmates who had gone through rehabilitation, saying such inmates had acquired some skills and would be given start-up packs to enable them to be fully integrated when they were eventually discharged into the larger society.

According to him, the programme would enable them to be useful to themselves as well as to the community, so that they would not have any cause to reoffend and return to the custodial centre again.

“We are looking at 30 for now because the financing is going to be huge, because we relying mainly on the goodwill of our donors and organisations, those who have acquired various skills while in our custody, different skills like tailoring, carpentry, barbing and welding, and we intend to draw the beneficiaries from various custodial centres — Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene and Eket.

“Those who are serving terms but are on the verge of being discharged between now and December are convicts who have successfully accepted our treatment regime by getting themselves usefully engaged when they were in our custody. Those are the ones we want to show appreciation to by organising this programme.”

President Bola Tinubu has urged participants of the National Defence College to promote inclusive governance and drive Nigeria’s national development.

The President made the call on Thursday while receiving Course 33 participants of the College at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu said his administration remains committed to building a productive nation by harnessing its human, material, and intellectual potential.

He said Nigeria must harness its human, material, and intellectual potential to achieve industrialisation, peace, and prosperity.

“It is our joint responsibility to ensure that this nation is productive and governed inclusively,” President Tinubu said in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

READ ALSO: NDC Assures Tinubu Of Research To Combat Security Threats

He stressed the need for resilience and patriotism in building a prosperous and secure nation.

“We must look further into the horizon, train our people, develop our economy, and promote industrial development,” he added.

The President said his administration would continue to empower defence and military institutions to produce well-trained officers for national security and stability.

He praised the National Defence College for its research and intellectual contributions to policy formulation.

“We must develop future strategic leaders with knowledge and analytical skills to enhance national power,” Tinubu stated.

He also commended the participants for their patriotism and commitment throughout the programme.

Tinubu also acknowledged the presentation of the course’s research paper titled ‘Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security by Year 2040.’

He assured the team that his administration would carefully study their recommendations for possible implementation.

The President, however, urged patience regarding the development of the college’s permanent site, which began in 2010.

Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral A. Ahmed, informed the President that the institution, established in 1992, is Nigeria’s highest professional military educational body.

He said Course 33 comprised 99 participants, including officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Former President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has called on Nigerians to show utmost respect for the country’s armed forces, following the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Lawan commended the armed forces for their sacrifices and commitment to national security.

Lawan said Nigerians, regardless of social or political status, must recognise the selflessness of the military.

“Let me commend our armed forces and other security agencies for doing so much for us, to protect our lives and property.

“They deserve our respect. They deserve our support at all times. This administration is giving a lot of funds to the armed forces and other security agencies, and I believe the next thing is to insist on getting returns from the investments we make,” he said.

READ ALSO: ‘I Can’t Sit In Office While Govt Officials Are Attacked’, Wike Defends Clash With Naval Officer

He praised the military’s dedication and urged citizens to appreciate their efforts in safeguarding national unity.

“But Nigerians, regardless of our status, must respect our armed forces. I have worked closely with them. They are doing a very good job. We need to give them a pat on the back and continue to support them,” Lawan said.

Lawan’s remarks come amid controversy surrounding a confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.

The altercation, which was captured on video, quickly went viral, showing Wike exchanging words with military personnel guarding a site allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

FCT officials had reportedly gone to halt an unauthorised construction when soldiers blocked them from entering the site. The minister, who later arrived, accused the officers of impunity and misuse of power.

Wike Defends Action

Addressing the incident on Thursday, Wike said he intervened because government officials were assaulted during a lawful operation. He described the deployment of soldiers by a retired officer as “an abuse of authority.”

“How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.

Wike stressed that no one was above the law, warning against the use of security personnel for personal gain.

“You have no document. We cannot continue to act in impunity. You cannot be higher than any government. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those they can intimidate,” he told the officer.

The minister insisted that the FCT Administration had no record of legal allocation for the disputed land.

“It’s really unfortunate. I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position, seeing that he has a problem, cannot approach my office. Simply because he is a military man, they could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I’m not one of those kinds of people who will succumb to blackmail,” Wike said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reacted the incident, stating that any officer on “lawful duty” would be protected.