The leadership of the (BIM) and the (MASSOB) has strongly criticised a police invitation issued to their leader, , calling the move a breach of democratic principles and accusing authorities of seeking to detain him unjustly.

The groups say Uwazuruike was summoned to report to the police “Tiger Base” in Owerri on Monday, October 20, on charges including criminal invasion, forgery and willful damage. They describe the invitation as a “ploy to arrest and possibly detain” him.

“Don’t touch Ralph Uwazuruike,” the organisations declared in a statement signed by their media aide, Mazi Chris Mocha.

They argued that Uwazuruike, who bears the traditional title Ijele Ndigbo, has never committed any offence but volunteered to join a nationwide “peaceful” protest demanding the release of the detained , leader of the (IPOB).

This development comes shortly after Uwazuruike filed a fundamental human rights suit at the Owerri High Court against the and seven others.

In the suit he is seeking ₦100 million in damages for alleged rights violations and requesting an order restraining the police from arresting or detaining him over his planned participation in the October 20 protest.

In their statement, BIM–MASSOB described Uwazuruike as a committed, non‑violent leader who for 26 years has pursued, through peaceful means, the cause of Biafran self‑determination.

“Chief Uwazuruike has consistently demonstrated his commitment to peaceful dialogue and respect for the rule of law. There is no justification whatsoever for inviting him to the Tiger Base in Owerri for questioning,” the statement said.

The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that it sought a court injunction to stop the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, issued a clarification on Sunday, stating that the police never approached the Federal High Court to seek a ban on the demonstration.

Hundeyin stressed that Nigerians have a constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful assembly and that the police remain committed to upholding those rights.

“It is an inalienable right of Nigerians to protest, and we did not approach the court to stop these gatherings,” Hundeyin said via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

“Additionally, the case was not adjourned to Tuesday, contrary to some reports. Such claims reflect a one-sided narrative and fall short of sound investigative journalism.”

Earlier, it had been reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja declined a police request to halt the protest, effectively giving the green light for it to proceed as planned.

Omoyele Sowore, the protest convener and activist, hailed the ruling as a win for civil rights.

In a post on X, he accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of dispatching legal representatives to seek a court order against the protest.

“The IGP sent police lawyers to sue me in a bid to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest at Aso Rock Villa,” Sowore alleged.

The protest is being organized to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has remained in custody since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021 and faces terrorism-related charges.

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.

The late Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, was buried on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in her hometown of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Her funeral drew an emotional crowd of family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, all united in grief.

Sommie, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery at her Abuja residence in September, was laid to rest at approximately 1:30 pm following a funeral Mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.

Among those in attendance was former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who hails from the same town.

In his remarks, Obi described the death as both painful and symbolic of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

“When I heard about her death, I didn’t even realise she was from Agulu. It’s heartbreaking. Before leaving Birmingham, I told those with me I was heading back for the burial of one of my daughters,” he said.

Presiding over the funeral Mass, Reverend Father Peter Ezewuzie urged mourners to find comfort in the life Sommie lived, noting that the quality of one’s life mattered more than its length.

“God knows the beginning and the end. Though we feel the pain, He loves her even more than we ever could. Let’s continue to pray for her, as she surely watches over us,” he said.

The priest encouraged those present to reflect on their own lives, reminding them that no one knows when their time will come.

Somtochukwu’s burial brought together a large number of journalists, public figures and community members who paid glowing tributes to her intelligence, work ethic and vibrant personality.

Her uncle, Mr. Obi Maduagwu, expressed deep appreciation to Arise News for their unwavering support.

“From the moment the tragedy occurred, Arise News has stood by our family. We are truly grateful,” he said.

Somtochukwu was regarded as one of the rising stars in Nigerian broadcast journalism.

Her shocking death during a violent home invasion sent ripples across the media landscape.

According to reports, she was attacked in her home at night, rushed to the hospital, but sadly succumbed to her injuries.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the issue of violent crime in Nigeria’s capital and beyond.

Peter Obi, while commiserating with the family, emphasized the need for collective prayers and better security across the nation.

“This is a deep loss, but we cannot question God. Let us remember her and her loved ones in our prayers,” he urged.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), announced on Saturday that the final batch of 51 convicted foreigners, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, were deported on October 16, 2025, effectively concluding the repatriation process.

This marks the final phase of a major anti-cybercrime crackdown that began with the arrest of 759 suspects during a sting operation on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The deportation exercise officially began on August 15, 2025, following the conviction and sentencing of the offenders by the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The first batch of 42 convicts, comprising nationals of China and the Philippines, were deported on August 15.

Several other batches were processed and repatriated throughout August and September.

The final group of 51 departed Nigeria in mid-October, bringing the total number of deported convicts to 192.

The foreign nationals deported came from China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste.

According to an EFCC statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the convicts were deported in line with court directives and immigration protocols.

The EFCC revealed that all deported convicts were arrested alongside Nigerian accomplices believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the name Genting International Co. Limited.

Investigations revealed that the foreign nationals coordinated large-scale online fraud and identity theft, managed fraudulent digital investment platforms, recruited and trained locals to perpetrate scams and targeted victims both locally and internationally.

“Evidence showed that these individuals created and managed fraudulent platforms with the intent to deceive and defraud unsuspecting victims. Their activities were orchestrated to appear legitimate while exploiting loopholes in digital finance systems,” the EFCC stated.

The Nigeria Immigration Service carried out the deportation in accordance with the court’s ruling.

The successful deportation underscores the Nigerian government’s resolve to tackle cybercrime and cross-border financial fraud.

Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on local and international cyber syndicates operating within the country.