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Naira ranked ninth weakest currency in Africa — Forbes report

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Naira ranked ninth weakest currency in Africa — Forbes report

THE Nigerian Naira has been ranked the ninth weakest currency in Africa, according to Forbes’ currency calculator report for September 2025.

The Forbes currency calculator draws on real-time foreign exchange data through the Open Exchange Rates API, refreshing every five minutes to reflect live market conditions.

It factors in demand and supply, investor sentiment, and broader economic indicators shaping each nation’s currency performance.

According to the ranking, the São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra (22,282 per $1) emerged as Africa’s weakest currency, followed by the Sierra Leonean Leone (20,970), Guinean Franc (8,680), Ugandan Shilling (3,503), and Burundian Franc (2,968).

Others on the list include the Congolese Franc (2,811), Tanzanian Shilling (2,465), Malawian Kwacha(1,737), the Nigerian Naira (₦1,490 per $1), and the Rwandan Franc (1,448).

At the stronger end of the spectrum, the Tunisian Dinar (2.90 per $1), Libyan Dinar (5.40), Moroccan Dirham (9.91), Ghanaian Cedi (12.31), and Botswanan Pula (14.15) ranked as the continent’s five strongest currencies.

The naira’s sharp depreciation has been partly linked to policy shifts that followed President Bola Tinubu’s emergence in May 2023.

On his inauguration day, Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy and later moved to unify Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates—two major reforms aimed at stabilising public finances and attracting foreign investment.

However, the sudden implementation without adequate cushioning measures triggered inflationary pressures, created currency problems, and increased demand for foreign currency, driving the naira into one of its steepest declines in decades.

Security forces arrest kidnap suspects in Kwara

Bankole ABE
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Security forces arrest kidnap suspects in Kwara

SECURITY operatives in Kwara State have apprehended five suspects, including a notorious kidnapper, and seized 127 bags of cannabis hidden in a lorry transporting yams.

The operation, which took place on Friday, September 26, along the Babanla–Oreke–Oke Ode axis, was carried out by a joint team comprising the police, military personnel, forest guards, vigilantes, and operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.

The Police Spokesperson in Kwara, Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, in a statement on Saturday, September 26, said the coordinated effort marked another breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and drug trafficking in the state.

She stated that among those arrested was Tukur Ibrahim from Tsaragi, identified as the mastermind of the August 8 abduction in Babanla that nearly emptied the community.

Two other suspects, Dan-Teni Haruna and Rabiu Ibrahim, both from Niger State, were detained for attempting to smuggle cannabis concealed under yam tubers. Additional arrests included Mohammed Abubakar and Hussain, also from Tsaragi.

Adeyemi disclosed that the suspects would be arraigned after investigations are concluded.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, praised the joint security forces for their collaboration and stressed that the state would not be allowed to serve as a haven for criminals.

The arrests come weeks after residents of Isin Local Government Area staged a mass protest on September 13 against rising insecurity.

The demonstrators, including farmers, youths, and traditional leaders, barricaded the Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Kabba highway, demanding government intervention.

They carried placards reading “Stop Kidnapping Our People” and “We Are Tired of Paying Ransom Without Results,” highlighting the toll of repeated abductions in their communities.

Community leaders said that ransom payments had become routine, with millions of naira already paid to abductors. Yet, victims remain in captivity, and local vigilantes sent to confront kidnappers have either gone missing or been killed.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his spokesperson Rafiu Ajakaye, commended the vigilance of local security outfits but acknowledged the growing scale of attacks

The ICIR has previously reported that the southern part of Kwara, once considered one of the most tranquil regions in the country, has been plagued by escalating violence.

In January 2025, the outlet documented how kidnappings, murders, extortion, and armed raids had disrupted farming and forced families from their homes.

While some of the attacks are attributed to local criminal groups operating from forests, others are linked to armed herders accused of destroying farmlands and carting away produce.

Civil society organisations have repeatedly urged the government to intensify security operations, warning that Kwara’s porous borders with Niger, Kogi, and Ekiti states have made it a transit route for criminal gangs.

Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN face-off deepens as union orders oil, gas supply cut

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN face-off deepens as union orders oil, gas supply cut

THE industrial dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) escalated on Saturday after the union ordered a halt to crude oil and gas supplies to the $20bn facility.

In a letter dated September 26, signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of sacking its members in retaliation for exercising their constitutional right to unionise.

The union described the move as “illegitimate,” alleging that the company also withdrew staff buses and denied entry to local workers while granting expatriates access.

Following the directive, PENGASSAN instructed its branch leaders in major upstream and midstream firms—including TotalEnergies, Chevron, Seplat, Shell Nigeria Gas, Oando, Renaissance, and the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC)—to shut off all crude oil and gas flows to the refinery. The order also mandated the suspension of vessel loading operations bound for the plant.

The union threatened to picket the facility if the dispute remained unresolved, insisting that Dangote Refinery was engaging in anti-labour practices instead of addressing concerns through dialogue.

In response, the refinery denied allegations of mass layoffs, insisting that only a small number of workers were affected in what it called a “reorganisation” to curb acts of sabotage within the facility. It stressed that more than 3,000 Nigerians remain employed and maintained that the restructuring was necessary to safeguard human lives and operations.

PENGASSAN, however, rejected the explanation, accusing the refinery of resorting to “misinformation and propaganda” rather than engaging meaningfully with the union.

The association directed NGIC’s chairman to ensure strict compliance with its order and requested regular updates from all affected branches.

NAHCON reduces Hajj fare for pilgrims

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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NAHCON reduces Hajj fare for pilgrims

THE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the approved fare for the 2026 Hajj exercise, cutting down costs for intending pilgrims compared to last year.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the commission said pilgrims from the Maiduguri-Yola Zone (covering Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba States) will pay ₦8,118,333.67.

Those from other northern states will pay ₦8,244,813.67, while pilgrims from the southern states will pay ₦8,561,013.67.

The previous year’s fees for Borno & Adamawa were N8,327,125.59, Northern Zone paid N8,457,685.59 and Southern zone N8,784,085.59.

The new rates follow consultations with stakeholders, including the forum of state leadership, and received the approval of the Federal Government.

NAHCON Chairman, Abdullahi Sale Usman, noted that the fares are about ₦200,000 lower per pilgrim compared to last year’s charges.

Meanwhile, a NAHCON delegation currently in Saudi Arabia has signed agreements with the 2026 Hajj service provider, Mashareeq Al-Zahabiyya, and the designated transportation company, Daleel Al-Ma’aleem.

The commission urged intending pilgrims to ensure they complete their payments by December 31, 2025.

EPL returns as Newcastle face Arsenal, Chelsea host Brighton

Bankole ABE
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EPL returns as Newcastle face Arsenal, Chelsea host Brighton

THE English Premier League (EPL) returns this weekend with fixtures that could shape the early season standings, as Newcastle United host Arsenal while Chelsea welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge.

At St James’ Park, Newcastle will look to maintain their strong home record when they play Arsenal on Sunday, September 28. The Magpies, as they are known, led by manager Eddie Howe, have built a reputation for intensity and pressing in front of their fans.

Arsenal, who are chasing their first league title since 2004, remain unbeaten this season and will be counting on captain Martin Ødegaard and new arrival Eberechi Eze to deliver against one of the toughest away venues in the league.

The fixture has grown in importance in recent seasons, with Newcastle defeating Arsenal at home in 2022 to derail the Gunners’ Champions League hopes. Arsenal responded in later meetings, making the encounter one of the more competitive rivalries in recent Premier League campaigns.

In London, Chelsea will test their revival under manager Enzo Maresca when they face Brighton. Chelsea have struggled for consistency but will hope their summer signings, like Joao Pedro and Estevao, can provide the spark to break down a Brighton side that has impressed with its high-tempo style under coach Fabian Hürzeler.

Brighton, who finished in the top half of the table last season, has become a difficult opponent for traditional top-six teams. They beat Chelsea in both league fixtures in 2023 and remain one of the most efficient sides in converting chances from open play.

Former England striker Alan Shearer has also weighed in on the weekend fixtures with his predictions. Speaking to Betfair, Shearer tipped Manchester United to be held by Brentford while backing Chelsea to secure victory at home against Brighton.

He predicted a draw between Liverpool and Crystal Palace, a routine win for Manchester City against Burnley, and Newcastle to defeat Arsenal in what he described as a potentially fiery contest.

Sport commentators note that the results from both the Newcastle–Arsenal and Chelsea–Brighton matches could have implications for the title race and European qualification spots.

Arsenal, on its part, needs a win to keep pace with Liverpool at the top of the table, while Chelsea and Brighton are competing to stay within reach of the Champions League places.

The weekend fixtures add to the growing intrigue of a season that has already produced surprising results and high-scoring encounters.

With the EPL’s reputation for unpredictability and excitement, there’s no doubt that this weekend’s fixture will be just as captivating as the last, analysts say.

Several miners trapped as pits collapse in Zamfara

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Several miners trapped as pits collapse in Zamfara

SEVERAL artisanal miners have been trapped following the collapse of mining pits in Kadauri community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), Bala Ahmad, confirmed the incident on Friday, noting that it occurred on the night of Thursday, September 25.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the disaster followed hours of heavy rainfall, which caused the pits to cave in while miners were still inside.

Residents said that the number of casualties remains uncertain, but some of the injured are currently receiving treatment at Maru General Hospital.

Community members said they were working with emergency officials to rescue survivors who remain trapped.

The incident comes just days after a similar tragedy in the Dura community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where four miners were killed after a pit collapsed on Thursday night.

World Tourism Day: Nigeria’s underutilised tourist destinations

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA  and  Joshua Oluwafemi Akintayo
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World Tourism Day: Nigeria’s underutilised tourist destinations

EVERY September 27 marks World Tourism Day, set aside to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.

Globally, travel and tourism accounts for approximately 10  per cent of GDP and supported nearly 357 million jobs in 2024, underscoring their role as a key growth engine.

Tourism can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through quality training, which invests in education and skills. This can be achieved by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation, including opportunities to decarbonise the sector and promote climate-resilient infrastructure. Also, it can be done through investing in innovative technology and entrepreneurship that can upskill tourism’s workforce.

Nigeria is blessed with many natural and human resources. Nature has endowed her with good design so attractive that it makes Nigeria one of the most naturally picturesque nations in the world. But the country is lagging behind its peers in tapping its tourism potentials.

While Kenya and South Africa welcomed millions of tourists, Nigeria attracted only about 1.2 million international visitors in 2023, despite its vast cultural and natural resources.

In Nigeria, many unique landscapes, sacred lakes, ancient war sites, and wildlife sanctuaries remain underutilised. Rather than creating jobs and attracting visitors, they struggle with neglect and lack of investment.

Ten underutilised tourist attractions in Nigeria include the following:

Iyake suspended lake (Oyo State)

Iyake Lake is located atop the Oke Ado Mountain in the town of Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria. It is considered one of only two recognised suspended lakes in the world, the other being the Hanging Lake in Colorado, USA. Local folklore deepens its mystique, yet few outside the region have heard of it. Analysts argue that with improved infrastructure and branding, Iyake could rival the world’s natural wonders.

Yankari Game Reserve (Bauchi State)

Once celebrated as Nigeria’s top wildlife destination, Yankari Game Reserve is home to natural warm springs, roaming elephant herds, and rich biodiversity. Nestled in Bauchi State, it was envisioned as a safari haven capable of drawing visitors from across the world.

But in recent years, its promise has dimmed. Visitors frequently complain about unreliable electricity, deteriorating lodges, mosquito infestations, and poorly maintained facilities. Coupled with limited promotion and weak management, these challenges have steadily eroded its appeal. Today, despite its enormous potential to serve as West Africa’s flagship wildlife and eco-tourism hub, Yankari stands as a shadow of what it could be.

The ICIR reported that Yankari Game Reserve now harbours terrorists, poachers and other intruders, upending eco-tourism fortunes in the reserve. There are bare footprints of the negligence and maladministration by the successive governments of Bauchi State where the reserve sits on an estimated 2,244 square kilometres of land in Alkaleri LGA.

Sukur Cultural Landscape (Adamawa State)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sukur is known for its terraced farmlands, iron-smelting history, and palace complex. Despite its global recognition, visitors patronage remains low. Studies cite remoteness, poor road access, and insecurity in the Northeast as key barriers. Scholars recommend community-led conservation and better infrastructure to unlock its tourism potential.

Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (Cross River State)

Home to endangered species like the Cross River gorilla and Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, Afi Mountain is a biodiversity hotspot. Conservation reports, however, highlight poaching, snares, and underfunding that hinder eco-tourism. Without ranger support, eco-lodges, and guided tours, the sanctuary risks remaining a conservation challenge instead of a thriving tourism site.

A study titled, “Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Vegetation Cover and Mammalian Herbivores in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary” shows that logging, farming, and forest burning by local communities are significantly reducing forest cover (using satellite imagery from 1985-2021) and threatening mammal populations.

Kanta Museum & Argungu Festival (Kebbi)

The Kanta Museum in Argungu, Kebbi State, is a historic fortress-turned-museum that tells the story of the Kebbi Kingdom. Its unique architecture and collection of traditional weapons and cultural artefacts make it a site of great significance. Equally important is the Argungu Fishing Festival, once a world-renowned cultural celebration featuring canoe racing and large-scale fishing competitions. 

However, the festival has not been held in over a decade, except in 2020. Meanwhile, the museum, though rich in heritage, has seen little modernisation. It lacks interactive features, digital presence, and upgraded facilities that could attract and sustain wider interest.

Kajuru Castle (Kaduna State)

This medieval-style castle, built in the 1980s, is unlike anything else in Nigeria. Yet its tourism value collapsed after a 2019 attack where tourists were kidnapped. Ongoing security fears and limited marketing mean Kajuru operates far below potential. With improved safety and targeted branding, it could serve as a premium heritage getaway.

In 2022, Punch reported how the security situation in the state is scaring people from visiting. The report showed how many tourists who have been visiting the state can no longer do so due to the fear of kidnapping.

Mandara Mountains (Adamawa State)

The Mandara Mountains, straddling the Nigeria–Cameroon border in Adamawa State, boast dramatic volcanic formations, terraced farming villages, and breathtaking hiking landscapes, yet they remain one of Nigeria’s most underutilised tourist treasures.

Despite their scenic and cultural value, poor infrastructure, low awareness, and security concerns have discouraged investment and large-scale visitation. Media and travel reports highlight the lack of access roads, visitor facilities, and promotion, while environmental degradation from overgrazing and deforestation further threatens the area’s appeal.

Oba Hills Forest Reserve (Osun State)

Spread across over 50 square kilometres, Oba Hills once harboured rich biodiversity, including chimpanzees. Today, studies document extensive deforestation, encroachment, and poor conservation.

In December 2024, the Osun State Government formally handed over Oba Hills Forest Reserve to the Federal Government so it can be managed by the Nigerian National Park Service, upgrading it to National Park status. Adeleke said the exposure to danger of some species of diverse plants and animals due to activities such as logging, hunting, and other human factors made the state government to reconsider inviting the Federal Government to take over the forest reserve.

Jos Wildlife Park (Plateau State)

Once a family favourite with picnic grounds and wildlife, Jos Wildlife Park has fallen into disrepair due to neglect and underfunding. Recent government efforts, such as fencing and rehabilitation, show attempts at revival. However, issues like illegal mining continue to discourage large visitor numbers, stalling its return to prominence.

In 2020, Daily Trust reported that the park was one of the tourist centres in Jos plagued by a dearth of animals and low patronage. Governor Caleb Muftwang also acknowledged that there are few animals in the park despite being one of the points of interest for his administration in the area of tourism.

Owu water falls( Kwara)

Owu Falls, nestled deep within Kwara State, tumbles dramatically over rocky cliffs, offering one of Nigeria’s most breathtaking natural sights. Yet, its vast tourism potential remains largely untapped. Visitors often struggle to reach the waterfall, as there are no clear pathways or signs, leaving many disoriented or straying into nearby villages.

The site suffers from poor upkeep, and it lacks essential facilities such as guided tours, safety measures, or even a formal entry system. Though Kwara State government has approved a contract for the construction of Phase I of the road to the tourism site.

Dangote Refinery halts petrol sales in naira as labour dispute deepens

Bankole ABE
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Dangote Refinery halts petrol sales in naira as labour dispute deepens

THE Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the suspension of petrol sales in naira, even as a labour crisis escalates over the alleged dismissal of hundreds of Nigerian workers.

In a notice sent to its customers on Friday, September 26, the refinery said the suspension of naira transactions would begin on Sunday, September 28, citing the exhaustion of its crude-for-naira allocation.

According to Punch, the company explained that it had already exceeded its allocation under the programme and could no longer sustain local currency sales.

The refinery advised customers with ongoing naira-based transactions to request refunds.

Part of the message read, “We have sold petroleum products in excess of our naira-crude allocations and, consequently, cannot continue PMS sales in naira going forward. This suspension will be effective from September 28, 2025.”

Industry analysts warn that the decision could again raise pump prices, as the shift to dollar transactions may increase costs. In March 2025, a similar suspension pushed prices to within a few hundred naira of N1,000 per litre.

The suspension comes at a time of heightened industrial tension. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has accused the refinery of victimising union members and terminating the appointments of over 800 workers.

The union alleged that the mass sack targeted employees who voluntarily joined PENGASSAN after a unionisation drive at the refinery. It also claimed that more than 2,000 Indian expatriates had been retained to take over the jobs of the dismissed Nigerians.

The General Secretary of PENGASSAN, Lumumba Okugbawa, told journalists that the termination followed the submission of the first batch of union members’ list to management. Over 800 workers agreed to join the union. Shortly after, we saw letters firing all Nigerian staff, while over 2,000 expatriates were retained,” he said.

PENGASSAN described the sack as a violation of workers’ constitutional rights to freedom of association. The union warned that it could picket the refinery if management failed to recall the affected workers, despite a subsisting court order barring unions from blocking operations at the facility.

In a separate statement, PENGASSAN urged the refinery to respect Section 7 of the Labour Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment, and the Trade Union Act, which guarantees workers the right to organise. The association said it had convened an emergency National Executive Council meeting to decide its next line of action.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, however, dismissed the union’s allegations, insisting that the decision was part of an internal reorganisation. In a letter dated September 24, signed by Femi Adekunle, the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, the company stated that the dismissals followed repeated acts of sabotage in various units of the refinery, which raised safety concerns.

The refinery stated that the reorganisation was necessary to protect the facility, described as a “strategic national asset,” and claimed that only a small number of workers were affected. It added that over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed and that recruitment of new local staff is ongoing.

“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery recognises and upholds internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering,” the company said in a statement.

Police impose curfew on Madagascar after Gen Z violent protest

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Police impose curfew on Madagascar after Gen Z violent protest

POLICE in Madagascar have declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew after violent protests by Gen Z on Friday, September 26, sparked by recurring power outages and water shortages.

In Antananarivo, hundreds of mostly young protesters took to the streets, but the demonstration was forcefully broken up as police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Unlike Thursday, when security forces patrolled the city to prevent gatherings, police presence on Friday was confined to the capital’s main central square.

Demonstrators expressed frustration over ongoing water and power outages that frequently leave homes and businesses without electricity for more than 12 hours a day in Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations.

Many have accused President Andry Rajoelina’s government of failing to improve citizens living conditions.

The unrest escalated after nightfall, leading police to enforce a dusk-to-dawn curfew as banks and shops were looted and set ablaze, the homes of three pro-government lawmakers were also torched.

One of the stations of the city’s newly launched cable car system, a flagship government infrastructure project, was also torched.

In the country’s capital, the streets were mostly empty on Friday evening as residents assessed the destruction left behind by a day of violent unrest.

A Gen Z activist who went back to help clean up a looted bookstore said they had left before the unrest intensified but admitted that others could have been behind the destruction.

“Maybe they were frustrated. Maybe they were sent to break things. They’re already poor and have nothing. So they take what little they see,” he said, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Although the city centre appeared calm, reports of looting persisted in a commercial area on the outskirts of Antananarivo.

The French embassy in Madagascar strongly advised against non-essential travel in the capital and in Antsirabe, the country’s third-largest city. The British embassy also urged caution, warning that “further protests and disorder are expected and may spread to other parts of Madagascar”.

Rajoelina, who is in New York this week for the UN General Assembly, denounced the violence and appealed for calm.

“Division and hatred are not the solution. Conflict leads to destruction and no one benefits from it except those who only look out for their own interests,” he posted on Facebook.

The 51-year-old secured a third term in office late last year in an election boycotted by the opposition, with fewer than half of registered voters participating.

He initially rose to power in 2009 in Madagascar, the world’s leading vanilla producer, after spearheading a popular movement and benefiting from a coup that toppled former president Marc Ravalomanana.

He did not run in the 2013 election due to international pressure but returned to win back the presidency in 2018.

Court directs Nigerian doctors to verify Nnamdi Kanu’s health status

Bankole ABE
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Court directs Nigerian doctors to verify Nnamdi Kanu’s health status

THE Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja has directed the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a team of experts within eight days to evaluate the health condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The judge, James Omotosho, in a ruling on Friday, September 26, ordered the NMA president to ensure that a panel of eight to ten medical professionals, including a cardiologist, a neurologist and the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, assess Kanu’s condition and report back to the court.

The panel is also mandated to examine the medical facilities available at the State Security Services (SSS) hospital where Kanu is being treated, to determine whether the facility is equipped to manage his ailments. The court further granted the committee liberty to make use of any hospital in the country during the process.

The order followed conflicting medical reports from Kanu’s private doctors and the SSS medical team.

The SSS counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that a team of experts had already visited Kanu in custody and insisted that the SSS hospital has the capacity to manage his condition.

He also alleged that Kanu’s private consultant, a retired professor of Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Martin Aghaji, unilaterally altered Kanu’s medication and exaggerated his condition by recommending treatment abroad.

Awomolo argued that transferring Kanu to the National Hospital would disrupt his medical services and pose a security risk.

He, however, maintained that the Federal Government remained committed to his safety and was willing to give him access to external medical experts within SSS facilities.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, countered Awomolo. He said the secret service lacked the capacity to manage his client’s health, stressing that the application for his transfer was based on Aghaji’s findings.

He added that Kanu must remain alive to defend himself against terrorism charges and said the defence team had no objection to the NMA’s intervention once it was court-ordered.

In a separate ruling, Omotosho dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, holding that the Federal Government had established a prima facie case against him. He ordered the IPOB leader to open his defence on the terrorism charges.

Kanu faces a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, treason, incitement through radio broadcasts, and defamation of Nigerian authorities.

In March, his legal team confirmed that his case had been reassigned to a new judge by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho.

His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed that the reassignment followed a petition to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, after after another judge, Binta Nyako, who previously presided over the case, recused herself. Nyako had earlier stepped down in September 2024 following Kanu’s loss of confidence in her impartiality, a decision that left the case stalled for months.

The ICIR reported that Kanu’s legal troubles began in 2015 when he was first arrested by the SSS in Lagos. Though he was later granted bail, he fled Nigeria after a military raid on his home in September 2017.

He was re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and extradited to Nigeria, sparking protests and sit-at-home orders across the South-East. His trial, which began in October 2021, has since been marked by repeated adjournments, judicial recusals and controversies over his conditions in detention.

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