National News
BREAKING: Tight security as FG bars journalists from Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
There is tight security at the premises of the Federal High Court Abuja leading up to the trial of Nnamdi Kanu.
Journalists at the entrance to the court are barred by officers of the Department of State Service from entering the court on the ground that they were not accredited to cover the trial.
The News Net Global had reported that the Department of State Services barred some media organisations from covering the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as his trial continues today.
Barred along with The News Net Global are The Guardian, Vanguard, Daily Trust, Tribune, Daily Sun, The Cable, and Daily Times, among others.
The media organisations the DSS accredited are Daily Post, ThisDay, Premium Times, The Nation, Daily Independent, The Herald, National Television Authority, Television Continental, African Independent Television and Channels Television.
The DSS did not give reasons for picking 10 media houses while barring others from covering the trial.
A call to the DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunnaya, rang out, while a text message sent to him on the action of the secret police had yet to be responded to as of the time of writing this report.
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However, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, who condemned the decision to prevent The News Net Global and other media organisations from covering the trial, said the position of the law was that every trial should be carried out in public and everyone entitled to watch the proceedings.
He said, “Our legal system does not admit of secret trials. We are not a country of witches and wizards operating in a coven.
“For a trial to be free and fair, Section 36 of the Constitution says it must be carried out openly and publicly. Banning some media houses from covering Nnamdi Kanu’s trial is not only a sin against Section 36 of the Constitution, it also violently offends the provision of Section 22 of the same Constitution which gives the media the right and responsibility to ensure that the provisions of Chapter Two of the constitution dealing with the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy are upheld and that the government is held accountable to the people of Nigeria.”
Speaking in similar vein, Remi Olatubora (SAN) said preventing media organisations from performing their constitutional duty runs contrary to the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution.
Olatubora said, “It is a signal that we are now under a full dictatorship. One serious angle to the barring of a section of the media is whether the trial can still, in those circumstances, be regarded as trial in the public or a free and fair trial as required by the Constitution.”
Also, Boma Alabi (SAN) said, “Generally speaking, the courtroom is a public space, everyone can come in.
“If it is a contentious trial that people can come in and disrupt proceedings, then the court will make arrangements to ensure that the proceedings are not disrupted. It is within the court’s right to do so.”
Eid-el-Ftr: FG Declares Monday, Tuesday as Public Holiday
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Ftr festival, the celebration marking the end of the Ramadan Fast.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
The statement, signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, conveyed the Minister’s warm wishes and urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues cultivated during Ramadan – self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace.
Tunji-Ojo, while emphasizing the significance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity as key elements in fostering a harmonious society, encouraged Nigerians to use the festive period for prayer, focusing on the peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation.
He expressed hope that the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would serve as a catalyst for unity and cooperation, bridging divides across religious and ethnic lines.
The minister called on citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less-privileged through acts of kindness and charity—keeping in line with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.
Eid-el-Ftr: FG Declares Monday, Tuesday as Public Holiday
3rd SDGs Film Challenge Launched by Nigeria, UN
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has described Nigeria as a storytelling powerhouse, urging
filmmakers to channel their creative force toward amplifying awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire on Wednesday in Abuja launched the 3rd Edition of the SDGs film Challenge
The film challenge which is a collaboration with the United Nations, aimed at mobilising filmmakers to use films to mobilise the nation towards achieving the SDGs.
The UN has set 2030 to achieve the SDGs which has 17 Goals aimed at improving standards of living across the globe.
Speaking at the launch, Fall said: “Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among largest film industry in the world reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channelling this creative force toward the SDGs, we are doing more than amplifying awareness.
“We are empowering young Nigerians to take ownership of the development narrative: to spotlight issues like gender inequality, climate change, and poverty, and to present solutions through the lens of sustainability.
“The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission. This year’s challenge — led by Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Information Centre, and Fresh NEWS builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions.
“From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, to lead, and to transform their world.
“Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.
“To all filmmakers, producers, and actors across Nigeria: this is your moment. Let your cameras roll.
“Let your stories stir our collective conscience. Whether your lens captures the struggle of a girl fighting for her education or the resilience of communities battling environmental degradation — your voice matters.
“Let’s make 2025 a year where stories drive change, where creativity fuels progress, and where Nigeria leads the charge in storytelling for sustainable development.”
on her part, Orelope-Adefulire said “The SDG Film Challenge is an initiative designed to mobilise filmmakers in this decade of action to accelerate the achievement of the SDG.”
She invited creators to produce impactful short films that highlight development challenges and offer solutions and direct action on critical issues such as poverty, illiteracy, gender equality, climate change, and social justice.
She added: “It is also an opportunity to provide information and to generate hope through our many narratives.
“We challenge them to educate, to provoke conversations and direct action towards achieving more that reduces the violence faced and threatens our planet. The success of this initiative over the past two editions is a testament to the power of partnership and creativity.”
She also stressed that “This year we are introducing a new strategy including training and capacity-building programmes for all the hosting and training sessions with filmmakers who will be stationed in this regard for their future training.
“With today’s launch, the online quarter is officially open for filmmakers to submit short films, multiple films, addressing selected issues.”
She revealed that three finalists will be shortlisted, from the entries with winners receiving prizes, global excursions, and additional opportunities.
Participants are expected to also benefit from the exchange of programme and mentoring initiatives.
3rd SDGs Film Challenge Launched by Nigeria, UN
Vice President Kashim Shettima Arrives for Body of Benchers Annual Lecture in Abuja
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the maiden edition of the Body of Benchers Annual Lecture in Abuja, where he is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Body of Benchers is a body of legal practitioners of the highest distinction in Nigeria, with the primary responsibility of administering the formal call to the Bar for individuals seeking to become legal practitioners.
The theme of this year’s lecture is: “Half-a-Century of the Body of Benchers: The Past, the Present, and the Future of Maintaining the Ethics of the Legal Profession in Nigeria.”
The lecture will also feature the public presentation of the report of the directions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
Vice President Kashim Shettima Arrives for Body of Benchers Annual Lecture in Abuja
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