NEWS
Court Deals Fresh Blow to Sowore, Orders Him to Remain in Custody Until June 30
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the continued detention of Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), pending a ruling on his application seeking to overturn the revocation of his bail.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed June 30, 2026, to deliver a ruling on the motion filed by Sowore challenging the court’s earlier decision that revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, Raphael Adakole, moved a motion seeking a stay of execution of the June 16 order that revoked his client’s bail following his absence in court.
SEE ALSO: ‘Leave Sowore Alone, Fight Terrorists Instead’ — Timi Frank Slams Security Agencies
The defence lawyer informed the court that the application, dated June 17 and filed on June 19, was brought under relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
According to him, the application seeks an order setting aside the bail revocation and bench warrant issued against Sowore and restoring the status quo that existed before June 16.
Adakole told the court that the motion was supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Emmanuel Larry. He added that the defence had also filed a further affidavit and a reply on points of law in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit.
He urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice and discountenance the prosecution’s objections.
However, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, strongly opposed the application.
Kehinde told the court that the DSS had filed a 25-paragraph counter-affidavit and a written address, urging the court to reject the defendant’s request.
The senior advocate argued that Sowore had failed to place credible and truthful facts before the court that would warrant the exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.
After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 30 for ruling.
Shortly after the adjournment, Adakole made an oral request for Sowore to be released into his custody pending the court’s decision, assuring the judge that he would produce the defendant whenever required.
The request was immediately opposed by the DSS lawyer, who argued that such an application could not be validly made orally before the court.
In response, Adakole stated that he was representing senior advocate Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, whom he described as a man of impeccable character whose undertaking should be trusted by the court.
Justice Umar, however, declined the request, noting that granting Sowore temporary release could amount to determining the substantive application before delivering a formal ruling.
Consequently, the court ordered that Sowore remain in custody pending the June 30 ruling.
The development comes days after Justice Umar ordered the remand of Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The judge had earlier dismissed an application seeking his recusal from the case over allegations of bias.
On June 16, the court revoked Sowore’s bail after he failed to appear for his trial and subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made false claims against President Bola Tinubu in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.
With the latest ruling, Sowore will remain in custody until at least June 30 when the court is expected to decide whether to restore his bail or uphold the earlier order revoking it.
The Presidency has highlighted major development projects across Nigeria’s North Central region under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, covering eight key sectors, including road infrastructure, power, agriculture, education, aviation and security.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication and Presidential Spokesperson, disclosed this on Sunday, November 15, 2026, in a post on his X account.
According to Dare, the projects are designed to improve regional connectivity, expand economic opportunities, strengthen food security and promote development across communities in the region.
ALSO READ: ‘Tinubu Built Northern Alliances Long Before Presidency’ – Sunday Dare
He highlighted interventions spanning major road construction, renewable energy, agricultural support, educational development, security infrastructure and empowerment programmes.
In the road infrastructure sector, the listed projects include the Mararaban Jama’a–Pankshin–Langtang–Shendam–River Ibi corridor dual carriageway, Phase II rehabilitation of the Babban-Lamba–Sharan Road and construction of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway.
Others include the construction of the 600-metre Akwanga Underpass, completion of the Lafia Bypass, reconstruction of the Bali–Serti–Gembu Road and construction of the Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang Road, which commenced in early 2025. Improvement works are also listed along the Jalingo–Wukari corridor.
In the aviation sector, the government highlighted approval for the construction of an airstrip on the Mambilla Plateau.
The power and renewable energy initiatives include a 40-megawatt hydropower plant at the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam, expected to supply electricity to the national grid, as well as irrigation channels to support year-round farming.
Other interventions include the deployment of solar-powered mini-grids, installation of solar streetlights and provision of solar home systems to households.
On agriculture and food security, the Renewed Hope Agricultural Support Programme is expected to provide farmers with improved seedlings, fertiliser and agricultural training.
The list also includes support for hybrid potato farming, expansion of irrigated farmland through dam infrastructure and development of agricultural processing centres.
For women and youth empowerment, the initiatives include agricultural support for women and young farmers through the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
Vocational skills development and certification for women, start-up grants for small businesses, market women empowerment through business training and start-up tools, as well as rural grants and skills development programmes, are also highlighted.
In education, the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa is listed for transformation into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, alongside expanded scholarship opportunities and improved access to higher education.
On security, the government outlined plans for the establishment of a new Army Division in Jalingo, Taraba State, alongside strengthened security deployment to protect farming communities and improve safety.
The eighth area focuses on regional development, with the North Central Development Commission identified as a long-term regional development initiative. Additional federal road projects are also expected to improve connectivity and support economic activities.
Dare’s disclosure highlights the administration’s focus on infrastructure expansion, agricultural productivity, energy access and human capital development as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Jos, Plateau State, alongside his wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in the state.
The visit is part of the Tinubu–Shettima campaign’s engagements as the ruling party seeks to secure support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The campaign’s visit to Plateau is expected to highlight the Federal Government’s infrastructure and economic development projects in the state, particularly those aimed at improving road connectivity, boosting commerce and supporting agricultural activities.
SEE ALSO: Tinubu, Shettima Head to Jos for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
Among the projects highlighted by the administration is the ongoing 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos highway, which forms part of the Akwanga–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri Superhighway.
Other projects include the rehabilitation of the Sharram–Garram–Babban Lamba Road in Kanke and the approved Mararaban Jama’a–Kanke–Langtang–Shendam–Ibi Road, which is expected to improve connectivity between Plateau and Taraba states.
The administration says the projects are part of its broader development agenda to connect communities, facilitate access to markets and provide farmers and businesses with improved infrastructure.
The APC campaign is expected to use the rally to present the administration’s achievements and future plans while seeking the confidence of Plateau residents to continue its development agenda beyond 2027.
The Ogun State Police Command has presented cheques totalling ₦10.65 million to families and next-of-kin of deceased police officers who served under the command, as part of efforts to support dependants of personnel who died in active service.
The cheques, amounting to ₦10,658,391.36, were presented on Saturday, November 14, 2026, by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, anipr, and dated November 14, 2026.
ALSO READ: How Ogun Driver Allegedly Stole Boss’s ₦45m Lexus and Plotted to Sell It for ₦10m in Cotonou
The presentation took place at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, under the Nigeria Police Force Group Life Assurance and the IGP Family Welfare Schemes.
The initiatives are designed to provide financial assistance to families of police officers who lost their lives while serving the country.
Accompanied by members of the Command Management Team, Ojajuni personally handed over the cheques to the beneficiaries.
Addressing the recipients, the police commissioner reaffirmed the Inspector-General’s commitment to the welfare of police personnel and their families.
He described the widows and families of the deceased officers as the “true superheroes”, acknowledging their resilience in coping with the loss of their loved ones who died in service to the nation.
Ojajuni noted that the financial intervention was a demonstration of the Force’s appreciation and institutional responsibility to support the families of fallen officers.
He said the initiative represented the Nigeria Police Force’s enduring commitment to standing by the dependants of personnel who paid the ultimate price in active service.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ejembi Ada Veronica thanked the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Police Command for remembering their families and providing financial assistance.
She assured the authorities that the money would be channelled towards the education, upkeep and general welfare of the children and dependants left behind by the deceased officers.
According to her, the intervention would provide timely relief and help improve the stability of the affected families.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers, assuring them of its continued solidarity.
How Rising Costs Are Pushing Nigerian Bakeries to the Brink
FULL LIST: 18 Nollywood Actors and Actresses Who Died in 2026
Tinubu Gov’t Unveils North Central Development Projects Across Eight Sectors
Obi, Kwankwaso Pledge to Tackle Corruption, Reduce Cost of Living
Dangote Plans 10,000MW Power Intervention, Raises Africa Investment Ambition to $70bn
40% of Breadmakers Shut Down as Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Economic Failure
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
