Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the life imprisonment sentence handed to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the judgment as unconstitutional and politically motivated. Justice James Omotosho on Thursday sentenced Kanu to life in prison after finding him guilty on seven terrorism-related charges — a decision delivered in the defendant’s absence following his removal from court for alleged unruly conduct. IPOB: ‘Kanu Committed No Offence Known to Law’ In a statement issued on Friday by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group maintained that Kanu’s actions amounted only to…

By Peter Omopo A member of the United States Congress, Bill Huizenga, has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to adequately confront Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. Huizenga made the allegation on Thursday while testifying before the US House Subcommittee on Africa during a hearing on Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The hearing comes shortly after US President Donald Trump reinstated Nigeria on the CPC list on October 31, 2025, citing alleged systematic persecution of Christians and hinting that military intervention options were on the table. ‘Tinubu Government Not Doing Enough’ — Huizenga Speaking…

By Peter Omopo Lagos, Nigeria – November 20, 2025 Nigeria has lost one of its prominent public servants and scions of a political dynasty, as Olusegun (Segun) Awolowo, grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former premier of the old Western Region, has died at the age of 62. His family announced his passing in a statement on Thursday, describing him as a devoted family man and an unwavering patriot who dedicated his life to national service. > “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement said, praising him…

By Peter Omopo The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, bringing an end to one of Nigeria’s most closely watched terrorism trials. The sentence followed the court’s decision to proceed in Kanu’s absence after he was removed from the courtroom for what the judge described as persistent unruly conduct. Kanu, who has faced multiple terrorism-related charges, was found guilty on counts bordering on incitement, unlawful possession of weapons, and leading a proscribed organisation. The court held…

By Peter Omopo Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was removed from the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday after Justice James Omotosho ordered that judgment in his terrorism trial be delivered in his absence due to what the court described as “unruly behaviour.” Justice Omotosho, who began delivering judgment in the long-running case, ruled that proceedings would continue without the defendant after dismissing three fresh applications filed by Kanu, which the court held lacked merit. Tension rose in the courtroom when Kanu interrupted the judge during the ruling, claiming that the matter could…

By Peter Omopo The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has officially matriculated 6,356 students for the 2025/2026 academic session—its highest intake since the university was established 38 years ago. The figure was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Olasunkanmi Olajide. The ceremony, which also featured the university’s 13th Commencement Lecture, took place at the Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building. Addressing the new students, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the record admission as a landmark achievement that reflects the increasing trust of parents and candidates in FUNAAB’s academic…

As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher, guide, and role model. Your influence shapes not only their learning but also their character, faith, and heart. In learning: Be patient and encouraging, teaching them knowledge and wisdom. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 In living simply, show them the beauty of contentment, honesty, and integrity. Life’s greatest lessons often come through, for example, not words. In working hard: Let them see the value of diligence, perseverance, and discipline. Your actions speak…

By Peter Omopo Eruku, Kwara State — Hundreds of aggrieved youths in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Wednesday barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba highway to protest a deadly bandit attack on their community, accusing security agencies of failing to respond during the assault. The protest, which began at dawn, caused a major traffic gridlock, leaving long queues of trailers and commercial vehicles stranded for hours. When PUNCH visited the scene around 1:30 p.m., the demonstrators had blocked the busy highway with bonfires, stones, and logs, preventing movement toward Kogi State. Residents said the Tuesday night attack occurred during…

By Peter Omopo Abuja – The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has clarified that virtual currencies, including cryptocurrencies, will be subject to taxation under Nigeria’s new tax reform framework. The committee’s chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during an online public lecture organised by the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria on Wednesday. Oyedele explained that while digital currencies will attract tax obligations, capital market gains have been exempted under the new policy—an incentive he said should be communicated more effectively to young Nigerians. “Virtual currency under the new law is liable to tax. Capital market gains for virtually…

By Peter Omopo Abuja – The Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced & Professional Studies, Prof. Anthony Kila, has condemned the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, describing the recent clashes at Wadata Plaza as a manifestation of deep-rooted dysfunction within Nigeria’s political party system. Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, Kila said the parallel meetings, confrontations, and use of force by rival PDP factions reflected a collapse of internal discipline and democratic culture. “What we saw there is a show of shame in terms of form and process,” he said. “The content can be…