News
Fisayo Soyombo’s Release: A Testament to Collective Action.
Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has publicly expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support during his recent detention by the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Soyombo was arrested on Wednesday and held for three days, during which he faced intense interrogation. His release on Friday was largely attributed to the concerted efforts of citizens, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and media outlets, including Naija News, who advocated for his freedom through social media and traditional news platforms.
In a poignant statement, Soyombo reflected on his ordeal, emphasizing that the pressure exerted by the public was instrumental in his swift release. “Nigerians are not worth fighting for,” he noted, a sentiment he had often contested. However, he acknowledged that the collective action surrounding the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow played a crucial role in shortening his detention.
Soyombo recounted the harrowing experience of his arrest, detailing the prolonged interrogations and the Army’s initial intent to keep him in custody indefinitely. He described a particularly quiet Thursday, during which he was left in limbo, awaiting further questioning. It was not until Friday morning, during a transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade, that he learned of the public outcry that had surrounded his case.
In his statement, Soyombo affirmed, “Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell… So, yes, my freedom is your freedom.” His release serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that civic engagement and media advocacy can have in challenging injustices. Soyombo’s experience underscores the importance of solidarity in the face of oppression, reinforcing the notion that collective action can lead to meaningful change.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
President Tinubu Begins Two-Nation Tour with State Visit to Saint Lucia.
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News2 days agoNigeria’s tax reform bills rename FIRS to Nigeria Revenue Service.
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News2 days agoPresident Tinubu Begins Two-Nation Tour with State Visit to Saint Lucia.
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Entertainment1 day agoNollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
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News1 day agoFederal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.