Breaking -I Withdrew from Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Team in December 2023, Remain IPOB’s Solicitor- Ejiofor

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July 28, 2026

By Queen Madu | BVI Channel 1 Online

Human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor (KSC), has dismissed claims linking him to the continued legal representation of , insisting that he voluntarily withdrew from Kanu’s personal legal team in December 2023.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Ejiofor said he considered it necessary to set the record straight amid what he described as attempts to distort the facts surrounding his professional relationship with both Kanu and the .

According to him, his decision to disengage from Kanu’s personal legal representation came long before the latter’s conviction and subsequent life imprisonment.

Ejiofor explained that while he ceased representing Kanu personally in December 2023, his law firm has remained on a continuous professional retainer as solicitors to IPOB. He said that in that capacity, his legal team has successfully secured the discharge and acquittal of more than 200 individuals alleged to be IPOB members in courts across Abuja, Ebonyi State, and Abia State between December 2023 and 2025.

He maintained that these judicial victories are matters of public record and can be independently verified.
Clarifying the circumstances surrounding his appointment, Ejiofor stated that Kanu did not personally appoint him as legal counsel to IPOB. Rather, he said Kanu’s only role was in relation to his own personal legal representation, a relationship that ended in December 2023.

The senior lawyer stressed that since that date, he has neither acted as Kanu’s private lawyer nor represented him in any personal or family capacity. He described reports suggesting otherwise as deliberate misrepresentations intended to promote misleading narratives.

Ejiofor further disclosed that IPOB has reaffirmed his firm’s position as its official solicitors and legal representatives, adding that the professional relationship remains valid and cannot be altered or revoked by individuals who no longer hold leadership positions within the organisation.
He also drew attention to the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act governing communications from inmates. According to him, any document or message purportedly issued by a convicted prisoner or inmate must be authenticated by the appropriate correctional authorities before it can be regarded as genuine.

He cautioned legal practitioners and members of the public against relying on or circulating unauthorised communications allegedly originating from correctional facilities without first verifying their authenticity through the legally prescribed procedures.

Ejiofor concluded by urging the public to rely on verifiable court records rather than speculation, insisting that the facts surrounding his legal mandate remain clear and well documented.

The statement was signed by Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, KSC (Dunu-Ezeugosinachi) and dated July 28, 2026.

Germany Vows Security Support For Nigeria, Pledges €10m For Displaced Persons

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Queen Madu

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July 27, 2026

July 24, 2026 | Abuja

Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pledging closer security cooperation and €10 million in aid for displaced communities.

Wadephul made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja after talks with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

*Security Support Amid Sahel Crisis*
The German Foreign Minister said the spillover from the Sahel region was “increasingly threatening all coastal states in the region” and described Nigeria as being “on the front line in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.”

“Germany stands with Nigeria in this fight,” Wadephul said, noting that militant groups linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda in the Sahel have expanded their presence in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said sustained international partnerships were essential to addressing terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime in West Africa.

*€10m Humanitarian Pledge*
As part of Germany’s support, Wadephul announced €10 million, about $11.4 million, for 2026 to support the return and reintegration of people displaced from communities once controlled by Boko Haram and IS-linked militants.

The funds are expected to target recovery in the North-East and other affected areas.

*Economic Ties Also On Agenda*
The two ministers also discussed expanding economic ties. Wadephul, on his first visit to Nigeria, described the country as a “key strategic partner” for Germany, citing its role as West Africa’s largest economy and a leading force in ECOWAS.

He said bilateral trade grew by about 10% last year, with Nigeria remaining Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. More than 100 German companies currently operate in Nigeria.

*Broader Context*
Germany’s backing comes days after President Tinubu approved an expansion of the Nigerian Army to 12 divisions with 28,000 new recruits, as part of efforts to bolster security operations nationwide.

The German delegation also attended the African Telecommunications Union Conference in Abuja this week, where African ICT ministers met to set the continent’s digital agenda.

Tinubu Approves Expansion Of Nigerian Army To 12 Divisions, Recruits 28,000 Personnel

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Queen Madu

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July 27, 2026

July 24, 2026 | Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its structure from 8 divisions to 12 and authorizing the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.

The announcement was made on Friday by Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, as the federal government moves to strengthen its response to persistent security threats across the country.

*Four New Divisions*
Under the new structure, four additional divisions will be established in:
– *Makurdi*, Benue State
– *Ilorin*, Kwara State
– *Jalingo*, Taraba State
– *Benin City*, Edo State

The presidency said the expanded 12-division structure will retain headquarters in the existing 8 cities, with the new formations designed to improve coverage in the North-Central, North-East and South-South regions.

*Phased Rollout and Modernization*
According to the presidency, the rollout will be done in two phases. Three of the new divisions are expected to be operational by September 2026.

The government also approved increased investment in equipment procurement, operational readiness, and troop welfare as part of efforts to modernize the armed forces.

*Context: Rising Security Concerns*
The expansion comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and spillover from the Sahel region.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who was in Abuja this week, said “the spillover effects of the crisis in the Sahel are increasingly threatening all coastal states in the region” and reaffirmed Germany’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

Security analysts say siting new divisions in Makurdi, Jalingo and Ilorin will bring command structures closer to flashpoints in the Middle Belt, while the Benin City division strengthens presence in the South-South.

The recruitment of 28,000 personnel is expected to significantly boost manpower for ongoing operations against Boko Haram, IS-linked militants, banditry and other violent groups.

Further details on funding, recruitment timelines and deployment plans are expected from the Ministry of Defence in the coming weeks.

Sule: Nigeria Will One Day Have A Christian-Christian Presidential Ticket

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Queen Madu

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July 24, 2026

July 24, 2026 | Lafia

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State says Nigeria will eventually elect a Christian-Christian presidential ticket, arguing that the 1999 Constitution does not mandate religious balancing for elective offices.

The governor made the comment during an interview with TVC on Wednesday while discussing politics, governance and national unity.

“Nigeria will one day elect a Christian-Christian presidential ticket. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not state that you must have a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Muslim ticket,” Sule said.

He added that what matters most to Nigerians is competence, character and the ability to deliver, not the religious pairing of candidates.

The remark comes amid renewed debate over religious representation in politics, following the Muslim-Muslim ticket fielded by the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 presidential election.

Sule said political parties should be free to present candidates they believe can win and govern effectively, and that voters ultimately decide at the polls.

“At the end of the day, Nigerians will vote for people they believe can address insecurity, the economy and other challenges facing the country,” he said.

The governor urged politicians to focus on issues rather than sentiments, noting that nation-building requires leaders who can unite all faiths and ethnic groups.

The statement has already drawn mixed reactions on social media, with some backing the call for merit-based politics and others cautioning about sensitivity to Nigeria’s religious diversity.

Governor Otti Inaugurates New Smart School, Launches Free Digital Learning Hub

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Queen Madu

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July 23, 2026

*Otti Commissions Another Smart School, Unveils Free Digital Learning Hub*

_July 22, 2026 | Abia State_

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Wednesday commissioned another Smart School and unveiled a Free Digital Learning Hub as part of his administration’s push to modernize education in the state.

The new Smart School, located in [LGA], is equipped with e-learning facilities, solar power, ICT labs, smart boards, and internet connectivity designed to deliver 21st-century learning to public school students.

Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Otti said the project aligns with his administration’s goal of making Abia a hub for digital skills and innovation.

“Our children deserve access to the same quality of education available anywhere in the world. This Smart School and the Free Digital Learning Hub are deliberate steps to bridge the digital divide and prepare our students for the future of work,” Otti said.

The Free Digital Learning Hub will provide students, teachers, and residents with free access to computers, internet, coding classes, and digital literacy programs after school hours.

The Governor added that the initiative is part of a broader partnership with tech firms and development partners to train teachers, provide content, and ensure sustainability.

He also announced that more Smart Schools will be commissioned across the 17 LGAs before the end of the year, with priority on rural communities.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Eme Okoro, said the hub will run free after-school programs in robotics, AI, graphic design, and software development for secondary school students.

Parents, teachers, and students who attended the event described the development as “a game changer” for public education in Abia.

The commissioning comes weeks after Governor Otti secured a $145m PPP deal for a solar manufacturing plant in the state, as the government pushes investments in education, energy, and technology.

BREAKING: Enugu Air Aircraft Skids Off Runway at Benin Airport, No Casualties

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Queen Madu

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July 23, 2026

July 22, 2026 | Benin City

A state-owned aircraft belonging to Enugu Air veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, authorities have confirmed.

The incident, described by aviation officials as a “runway excursion,” involved one of the Enugu State-owned carrier’s Embraer regional jets with registration 5N-ENR.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, Enugu Air said the aircraft experienced the excursion after landing and that all 67 passengers and 5 crew members were safely evacuated.

“We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties,” the airline stated.

Videos that surfaced online showed the aircraft off the runway and resting in nearby vegetation. Emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene.

Enugu Air said the aircraft has been secured and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified. An assessment of the aircraft and circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has commenced a probe into the incident.

The airline warned that there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules and that affected passengers will be contacted directly.

“The safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority,” Enugu Air added.

CBN Holds Interest Rate at 26.50% Amid Middle East Tensions

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Queen Madu

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July 22, 2026

July 22, 2026 | Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has retained the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, at 26.50% following its Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Tuesday.

The CBN Governor said the decision was driven by the need to balance inflation control with economic growth, against the backdrop of global uncertainties sparked by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The MPC noted that headline inflation eased marginally to 15.91% in June from 16.00% in May. However, members warned that rising global oil prices and supply chain disruptions could reverse the gains.

Oil prices climbed above $91 per barrel on Wednesday after threats to shipping in the Red Sea and escalating hostilities between Iran, Israel, and US forces. The CBN said these developments pose risks to Nigeria’s import bill and exchange rate stability.

Analysts said holding the rate steady gives room for the impact of previous hikes to fully work through the economy, while avoiding further pressure on businesses and consumers.

With inflation still well above the CBN’s target band, the bank said it will continue to monitor global and domestic developments closely and act as needed.

The next MPC meeting is scheduled for September 2026.

NNPC Hikes Petrol Price Again as Marketers Worry Over Dangote’s Dollar Sales

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Queen Madu

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July 22, 2026

July 22, 2026 | Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, again, sparking fresh concern among Nigerians and fuel marketers.

The latest adjustment comes amid growing anxiety in the downstream sector following reports that Dangote Refinery has switched petroleum product sales from naira to dollars.

Industry sources said the price hike reflects rising global crude costs and pressure on the foreign exchange market. Independent marketers said the move will further strain businesses already battling thin margins.

The development is also tied to global market disruptions. Oil prices rose above $91 per barrel on Wednesday after Houthi threats in the Red Sea and escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Analysts say the shift to dollar-denominated sales by Dangote Refinery could deepen forex pressure and lead to more frequent price changes at the pump if NNPCL matches the pricing model.

The Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday kept interest rates at 26.50%, citing global uncertainties from the Middle East war as a key factor.

The Nigeria Labour Congress and other civil society groups have called on the federal government to urgently provide relief measures, warning that repeated fuel price increases are worsening cost-of-living pressures.

NNPCL has not released an official statement on the new pump price template. Motorists in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt reported queues at some stations on Wednesday morning as consumers rushed to buy ahead of further adjustments.

Abia Secures $145m PPP Deal for Solar Manufacturing Plant

By

Queen Madu

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July 19, 2026

July 17, 2026 | Umuahia

The Abia State Government has signed a Public-Private Partnership agreement to attract a $145 million solar manufacturing investment into the state.

Governor Alex Otti announced the deal on Thursday in Umuahia, saying the project will be sited in the Aba Special Economic Zone. He described it as part of the administration’s push to position Abia as a hub for clean energy and industrial growth in Nigeria.

Under the PPP arrangement, the state government will provide land, tax incentives, and regulatory support, while the private investors will fund, build and operate the solar manufacturing facility. The plant is expected to produce solar panels, inverters, batteries and other components for both domestic use and export.

Otti said the investment will create over 2,000 direct jobs and more than 5,000 indirect jobs during construction and operations. He added that it will also reduce Abia’s reliance on the national grid and support the state’s energy reform agenda, especially for SMEs in Aba and other industrial clusters.

“This is not just about electricity. It is about jobs, about industry, and about making Abia the energy capital of the Southeast,” the governor said. “With reliable power, our factories can run 24 hours and our products can compete globally.”

The investors, a consortium of local and foreign renewable energy firms, said the project will have an initial production capacity of 500 megawatts per year, with plans to scale to 1 gigawatt. They cited Abia’s business-friendly policies, access to ports, and growing SME base as key reasons for choosing the state.

The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Kingsley Opara, said the state is also working on mini-grid and embedded power projects to complement the manufacturing plant and ensure steady supply to communities.

Stakeholders in Aba’s manufacturing sector welcomed the deal, saying stable and cheaper power will lower production costs for shoe, garment and steel businesses in the city.

Work on the facility is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with phase one targeted for completion in 2028.

Appeal Court Restores INEC 2027 Election Timetable

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Queen Madu

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July 17, 2026

July 17, 2026 | Abuja

The Court of Appeal has restored the 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, setting aside a Federal High Court judgment that had earlier nullified parts of it.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, the appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to interfere with INEC’s constitutional powers to organize, undertake and supervise elections in Nigeria.

The panel ruled that INEC acted within its mandate under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 when it released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections. It said political parties and other interested parties seeking to challenge the timetable must do so through the proper legal channels and at the appropriate time.

INEC had in 2025 published timelines for party primaries, campaigns, and the conduct of presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections slated for 2027. A group of political actors later approached the Federal High Court, arguing that some timelines were too short and violated internal democracy provisions.

The Federal High Court in an earlier ruling nullified aspects of the timetable. INEC appealed the decision, describing it as an encroachment on its independence.

With the Appeal Court’s decision, the commission said it will proceed with preparations for the 2027 polls in line with the restored timetable. The chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission remains committed to credible, transparent and timely elections.

Political parties have been urged to align their activities with the reinstated schedule, which includes party congresses and primaries beginning in the second quarter of 2026.

Legal analysts said the judgment reinforces INEC’s autonomy and limits judicial interference in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.