metro
Sowore condemns seven-year jail term for Kano man over cannabis advert
Sowore condemns seven-year jail term for Kano man over cannabis advert
The 2027 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly criticised the seven-year prison sentence imposed on a Kano resident for advertising cannabis for sale on social media, describing the judgment as “jungle justice” and calling for an urgent review of the case.
Sowore urged the immediate suspension of the judgment pending an appeal and appealed to the Kano State Government to initiate a judicial review, arguing that the punishment was excessive for what he described as a non-violent offence.
The former presidential candidate made his position known in a statement posted on his verified X account, where he questioned what he called the disproportionate application of justice in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“I strongly condemn what I consider to be jungle justice against this young man, Ashiru Idris, for merely advertising the sale of cannabis,” Sowore said.
The controversy followed the conviction of Ashiru Idris, a 28-year-old Kano resident who was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine after being found guilty of advertising cannabis sativa for sale on social media.
The conviction was secured by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which said Idris was arrested on April 22, 2026, after a video allegedly showing him advertising cannabis for sale circulated online.
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According to the anti-narcotics agency, the prosecution forms part of its ongoing efforts to discourage the use of social media and other digital platforms to promote or market illicit drugs.
The agency described the judgment as a strong warning to individuals who advertise prohibited substances online, stressing that Nigeria’s drug laws prohibit the cultivation, possession, sale, trafficking and promotion of cannabis and other illicit drugs.
Reacting to the judgment, Sowore argued that the case highlights the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
According to him, courts sometimes impose harsher punishments for non-violent offences than for more serious crimes such as violent attacks, corruption and kidnapping.
“This is why I have consistently argued that Nigeria’s justice system requires urgent reform. Too often, our courts appear to react more harshly to non-violent offences than to serious crimes,” he stated.
Sowore said such sentencing patterns raise important questions about fairness, proportionality and the priorities of Nigeria’s justice system.
He further argued that cannabis is no longer treated solely as an illicit substance in many countries, noting that several jurisdictions now regulate its cultivation and use for medical, industrial or commercial purposes under strict legal frameworks.
While acknowledging that every country has the authority to enforce its own laws, he maintained that sentencing someone to seven years in prison without the option of a fine for advertising cannabis deserved broader public debate.
The activist therefore called for the immediate suspension of the judgment against Idris pending the determination of an appeal, while urging the Kano State Government to conduct a comprehensive judicial review of the case.
Despite Sowore’s criticism, Nigeria’s existing drug laws continue to classify cannabis as an illegal substance. Under the provisions of the NDLEA Act and other relevant legislation, offences involving the cultivation, possession, trafficking, sale or promotion of cannabis remain punishable by law.
Legal analysts say the case has reignited public debate over whether Nigeria’s sentencing framework adequately balances deterrence with proportionality, particularly in cases involving non-violent drug-related offences.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation that Idris had filed an appeal against the judgment, while the NDLEA has continued to defend the conviction as part of its broader campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
Sowore condemns seven-year jail term for Kano man over cannabis advert
metro
Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday
Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday
ASABA — The political landscape of Delta State and Nigeria at large was thrown into mourning on Monday following the demise of former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who passed away at the age of 71.
According to a statement released by his family, the former two-term governor died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, following a brief illness. His passing comes just three days shy of his 72nd birthday, as he was born on October 22, 1954.
The family’s statement, signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan, described the death as an “immeasurable loss.” They remembered the late politician as a “source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder” whose life and service touched countless people across Delta State and the nation.
A Legacy of Service
Dr. Uduaghan leaves behind a robust political legacy that spanned over a decade and a half in the public service of Delta State.
He began his political career as the Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of Governor James Ibori. His administrative acumen saw him elevated to the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) from 2003 to 2007, a role in which he played a pivotal part in the state’s governance structure.
In 2007, he successfully contested and won the governorship seat, succeeding his mentor, Ibori. He was re-elected for a second term, governing the oil-rich state until 2015. During his tenure, Uduaghan was widely known for his “Delta Beyond Oil” economic diversification agenda, an initiative aimed at shifting the state’s economic dependence from crude oil to agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development. He was also fondly referred to as the “Talk and Do” governor due to his penchant for completing projects.
Outpouring of Grief
Following the announcement, tributes have begun to pour in from across the country. Political associates, friends, and constituents have taken to social media and traditional media to express their shock and sorrow at the passing of the former governor.
Many recall his time in office as a period of relative peace and infrastructural growth in Delta State. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their patriarch.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday
metro
Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn
Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn
At least three people have reportedly been killed in a renewed farmers-herders clash in Paikon-Kore community, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with several others injured and properties destroyed.
The violence, which reportedly began on Saturday afternoon and continued until Sunday morning, October 18, left houses, shops and a motorcycle burnt, while goods in the affected shops were destroyed.
However, another report put the death toll at five, with eyewitnesses saying both farmers and herders were among those killed. The exact number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of reporting.
A resident, Danlami Ibrahim, said the latest confrontation began after cattle allegedly entered a groundnut farm containing crops that were yet to be harvested.
According to him, the farm owner confronted the herders, leading to an argument that escalated into violence. One of the herders allegedly attacked a farmer with a cutlass, severing one of his hands.
The incident reportedly triggered anger among residents and led to retaliatory attacks in which three herders were said to have been killed. Several other people sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals in Gwagwalada for treatment.
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The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gwagwalada Area Council chapter, Mohammed Usman, confirmed that three herders had died, although he said he was still gathering information about the number of injured people.
Usman said he had informed the Gwagwalada Area Council chairman, Kasim Mohammed Ikwa, about the incident.
Ikwa visited the affected community on Sunday alongside the Divisional Police Officer, SP Aaron H. Kaura, and other security personnel. He condemned the violence and called on residents to remain calm.
The council chairman said a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to address the crisis and identify ways to prevent further clashes. He urged farmers, herders, youths and community leaders to embrace dialogue and avoid retaliatory attacks.
Ikwa also advised farmers whose crops were damaged by cattle to report such incidents to security agencies rather than resort to self-help. He urged residents to cooperate with security personnel deployed to restore peace.
The FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, had yet to publicly respond to enquiries about the incident as of the time of the report.
The latest violence follows previous confrontations in Paikon-Kore and neighbouring communities, including a clash in August that reportedly left a farmer with a severed hand and three other people with machete injuries.
Recurring disputes over cattle grazing, destruction of crops, access to farmland and grazing routes have fuelled tensions between farming and herding communities across parts of the FCT.
Herders have also complained about the encroachment of designated grazing areas by farms, housing estates and other developments, while farmers have repeatedly raised concerns about livestock entering their fields and destroying crops.
The Federal Government has identified the FCT as one of the priority areas for efforts to address farmers-herders conflicts. The Ministry of Livestock Development has also announced plans to work with the FCT Administration and pastoralist groups to rehabilitate grazing reserves and improve livestock management.
Security analysts have called for stronger early-warning systems, impartial law enforcement, compensation for damaged crops and effective mediation to prevent local disputes from escalating into deadly violence.
The latest clash has renewed concerns about the safety of rural communities around Abuja and the need for a lasting solution to recurring disputes between farmers and herders.
Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn
metro
Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute
Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute
Police in Ogun State have arrested a 56-year-old man, Madarikan Emehinola, following the death of his 40-year-old wife, Igbagbo Erobe, in a house fire in Igbo-Edu, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
The incident, suspected to be a case of arson, reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm following a domestic dispute, according to an eyewitness quoted by PUNCH Metro.
The Ogun State Police Command said the incident was reported at the Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after information was received that a residential building had been set ablaze, resulting in the woman’s death.
The suspect was subsequently arrested as investigators began efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The eyewitness account suggests that the fire occurred after a disagreement between the couple. However, the precise sequence of events leading to the fire, the cause of the blaze and whether it was deliberately set have yet to be conclusively established by the police.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at a mortuary for a post-mortem examination to help determine the cause of death and provide further evidence for the investigation.
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The police said the case was being processed for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a more detailed investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, assured residents that the matter would be investigated thoroughly and professionally in accordance with the law.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that allegations involving serious crimes receive appropriate investigative attention.
The police also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and provide credible information that could assist investigators in establishing what happened.
Although the incident is being investigated as suspected arson, the available information has not conclusively established how the fire started or the motive behind it. The eyewitness account of a domestic dispute is an allegation that investigators will need to examine alongside other evidence.
The outcome of the post-mortem examination and further police inquiries is expected to provide additional information about the woman’s death.
The suspect’s arrest does not establish guilt. He remains entitled to due process as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire.
Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute
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