On Thursday, a woman joined the nationwide protest against the current hardship in Nigeria, crying out against the pervasive hunger. With an empty pot on her head, she became the center of attention among hundreds of protesters in Lagos.

Teary-eyed, she openly lamented the severe hunger she is experiencing, drawing many to her poignant demonstration. In Yoruba, she cried out, “Ebi o, ebi o,” which means “hunger, hunger,” as tears streamed down her face.

The protests, planned for Thursday, have erupted across Nigeria. In some states, demonstrators have taken to the streets to voice their grievances about the country’s hardships, while in others, major roads remain deserted.

Former Governor Yahaya Bello demand Transfer of his case to Federal High Court lokoja,  where the offences are alleged to have been committed pursuant to section 45 of the federal high court Establishment Act and supreme Court decisions on the subject matter.

The former Governor accused EFCC of forum shopping contrary to law. He stated that he is not above the law but he can not sit idle while efcc violate the law as to the proper venue of his trial as specified in Section 45 of the Federal High Court Establishment Act and the settled law on the matter by the Supreme Court

The immediate past governor of Kogi state,  has also, asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to transfer his trial in alleged money laundering to Lokoja.

Bello said that he preferred to be arraigned in Lokoja, being the place the alleged money laundering offence was committed.

At a resumed sitting on Thursday, Bello, represented by his counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that a letter requesting for the transfer of the trial had already been delivered to the Chief Judge for his administrative decision.

Specifically, Adedipe said the request for Lokoja was due to the fact that the Federal High Court has territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter in Lokoja.

Adedipe said that the legal team of the former Kogi Governor was still awaiting the response of the Chief Judge on the request for transfer of the case to Lokoja.

“Although the letter requesting for transfer of this matter to Lokoja, was written by Yahaya Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, I am however under obligation to draw the attention of this honourable court to the issue, Adedipe said.

Adedipe said the Prosecution had been notified and their opinion had been sought via a letter dated 14th June, 2024 from the Chief Judge’s office.

The letter, addressed to EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was signed by the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq.

“You will find attached the copy of a letter by Counsel to the Defendant on the above subject matter, dated 10th June, 2024.

“I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, the Chief Judge, to forward the letter to you for your response within 6 (six) days of receipt,” the letter read in part.

However, the request for transfer was vehemently opposed by the EFCC lead counsel, Dr Kemi Pinheiro SAN, who described the request as an attempt to frustrate the trial.

The EFCC lawyer pleaded with Justice Nwite to hold Adeola Adedipe SAN and Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, responsible for their inability to produce their client in court, despite the undertakings they made.

The EFCC lawyer also requested that the two SANs be cited for contempt of court.

Meanwhile, the court has fixed July 17, 2024 for arraignment of the former Governor and ruling on the request of EFCC to cite the SANs for contempt.

April 4, 2024

The Kano State Government has taken a decisive step by prohibiting all movies and cinematic works that advocate thuggery and cross-dressing within the state. This announcement came through a press release issued by Abdullah Sani Sulaiman, the media officer of the State’s Censorship Board.

The decision to implement this ban stems from a surge in complaints lodged by residents, expressing concerns over content that is perceived to clash with the cultural fabric of the society.

“The time has come to halt the circulation of films that undermine the moral compass of the Kano populace,” remarked the board in its statement.

Emphasizing the need to eradicate any form of media that undermines the customs, norms, and values of the community under the guise of gaining popularity or commercial success, the board urged for collective action in identifying and addressing such content.

Furthermore, the board extended its appreciation to the vigilant citizens for promptly reporting any material that deviates from the cultural and Islamic principles upheld by the state.

It’s worth noting that earlier reports from SaharaReporters highlighted the stance of the Nigerian Police Force, asserting that cross-dressing, per se, is not an offense according to Nigerian law.

Despite calls for the arrest of prominent cross-dresser, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, widely known as Bobrisky, the police clarified that there are no legal grounds for such actions. Olumuyiwa Ademola, the Force Public Relations Officer, underscored the necessity of credible evidence to support any legal action against individuals engaging in cross-dressing.

While Nigeria has laws prohibiting same-sex relationships and marriage, the focus of recent actions in Kano State seems to be primarily on the portrayal and promotion of cross-dressing in media content.