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AKSU Final Year Student Sues Varsity After Being Expelled For Calling Out Governor On Facebook

It seems Nigerians will not be seeing an end to the gag on free speech and suppression of human rights soon as a final year student of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has been expelled by the institution for making a Facebook post that seemed to criticize the actions of the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

Ekpo Iniobong Isang, a final year student of Engineering, made a post on the social media platform where he called out the state governor for not redeeming his promise to give cash gifts as well as employment positions to first-class graduates of the institution.

This post led to his suspension on September 7, 2020, for “gross misconduct” and then on April 9, 2021, the school further announced through a letter signed by the registrar of the university, Mr. John E. Udo, that Iniobong has been expelled from the university as they say his actions are a “breach of the Matriculation Oath.”

The letter also directed the chief security officer to deny him access to the institution henceforth.

EKPO Iniobong Isang
AK15/ENG/AEE/013
Department of Agricultural Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Akwa lbom State University

EXPULSION FOR GROSS MISCONDUCT

At its 69th Meeting held on Wednesday, 31st March 2021, the Senate of Akwa Ibom State University deliberated on the report from the Students Disciplinary Committee. You will recall that you had appeared before the said Committee on a Case of publication of a derogatory and defamatory article on the Facebook platform about the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Visitor to the University.

This act constütutes a breach of the Matriculation 0ath and violation of the University rules and regulations enshrined in the Student Information Handbook. You are hereby expelled from the University for this act of gross misconduct which constitutes a breach of the Matriculation Oath.

You are required to submit to the Dean, Division of Students Affairs your student identity card and any other property of the University in your possession before your exit from the University.

Also, the Dean of your Faculty as well as the Head of your Department, are informed to ensure strict implementation of the Senate decision. The Chief Security Officer is, by a copy of this letter, directed not to allow you entry into the University Campuses.

The student, Mr. Iniobong Isang, who was left disheartened by the incident has responded to the school via a class action against it. In a letter served through the Inibehe Effiong Chambers to the Vice-Chancellor of the institution on the 18th of June, 2021, the student faulted his suspension in the first place as he was not at any time summoned to appear before any Senate committee to answer for his Facebook post.

It also stated that the University was crying more than the bereaved since the governor himself had not instituted any lawsuit against Mr. Iniobong for defamation of character. It further questioned why the institution sought to serve as the mouthpiece of the state governor.

In conclusion, the letter demanded an immediate and unconditional reinstatement of Mr. Iniobong Isang as a student of the university so that he can complete his studies with the restoration of his full rights and privileges. It also demanded a waiver on the tests and academic work he had missed as a result of the propaganda pursued by the school against him.

To add to that a sum of twenty million naira was demanded as compensation for damages – emotional, academic, and otherwise – caused Mr. Iniombong Isang by the harsh decision of the AKSU to expel him.

All demands are to be met in seven days from the time the letter is served. The letter also copied:

The Registrar & Secretary to Senate, Akwa Ibom State University.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Akwa Ibom State University.
The Chief Security Officer, Akwa Ibom State University.
The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Akwa Ibom State University.
The State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Akwa Ibom State.
The Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education.
Amnesty International Nigeria.
Civil Society Consortium on Civic Space.

News

NIMC Cracks down on Illegal NIN Centres after discovering Unauthorised Enrolment

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested several illegal NIN operators and seized registration equipment in Gwagwalada. Officials warned Nigerians to avoid unapproved roadside agents to protect themselves against identity theft and extortion.

If you’ve ever been tempted to register your National Identification Number (NIN) through a roadside “agent” who promised to get it done faster, you may want to think twice. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has stepped up its fight against illegal NIN registration and unauthorised data modification, arresting several suspects during an enforcement operation in Gwagwalada and other locations.

The Commission said officers from its Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU) carried out the operation seizing machines and other equipment allegedly used for illegal NIN enrolment.

According to NIMC, the crackdown is aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s National Identity Management System and stopping people from exploiting Nigerians through unauthorised registration and extortion.

The agency explained that many of the complaints and problems experienced by NIN holders often happen because some people choose to bypass the Commission’s approved registration process.

It reminded Nigerians that NIN enrolment can only be done at NIMC-approved enrolment centres, while changes to personal information, such as names, phone numbers or dates of birth, should only be made through the Commission’s official self-service modification platform.

NIMC also encouraged NIN holders to download the NINAuth mobile application from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. The app allows users to access extra security features, print their NIN slips, and manage other identity-related services securely.

Reaffirming the agency’s position, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the Commission has no room for extortion or unethical practices.

She said the Commission remained committed to providing “seamless and hitch-free NIN enrolment services” for Nigerians and legal residents. The Commission urged members of the public to avoid unofficial registration centres and use only approved channels for NIN enrolment and related services.

It also advised Nigerians to visit its official website and verified social media platforms for accurate information and updates, warning that dealing with unauthorised operators could expose them to fraud, identity theft and invalid records.

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Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru to be buried in Imo State

The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has released details for his final burial rites. Services of songs will be held in Abuja and Imo State before he is laid to rest on December 11, 2026. The family made the announcement in a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page on Monday, November 2, inviting relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to join them in honouring his life and legacy.

According to the announcement, a service of songs will be held on Wednesday, November 25, at 5 p.m. at Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja. A second service of songs is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, at the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru’s family compound in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.

The funeral and interment will follow on Friday, December 11, at the same family compound.

The statement, signed by the actor’s son, Ebuka Duru, and sister, Anthonia Chenyi, described him as a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

The family also expressed appreciation to those who had supported them with prayers, calls, messages, and other gestures since his death. The statement read, “A remarkable life, a beautiful legacy, a star that will never stop shining. Though our beloved Chief Francis Duru has taken his final bow, his memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”

The family added that the love and support received throughout the difficult period had been a source of strength as they prepared to give the actor a final farewell.

News

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya remarries years after his first marriage ended

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya has remarried years after his first marriage ended, introducing his new wife, Mo Jasyme, to The Fountain of Life Church congregation during a Sunday service in Lagos. Pastor Jimmy Odukoya has found love again, more than a decade after marrying his first wife, Oluwakemi Sade Banjoko, with whom he shares two children.

The senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, introduced his new wife, identified as Mo Jasyme, to his congregation during Sunday service on November 1, 2026. The announcement came a day after Odukoya sparked curiosity on social media by sharing a photograph of two hands wearing wedding rings with the caption, “To New Beginnings.”

His followers, especially popular celebrities like Broda Shaggi, Ifedayo Agoro and Bisola Aiyelola, congratulated him.

Standing beside his wife in church, Jimmy spoke about how he had been navigating life alone since taking over the leadership of the church following his father’s death. He then introduced her to the congregation as his wife and the church’s new first lady.

The couple subsequently knelt before Pastor Tunde Bakare, the General Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, who prayed for and blessed their union.

Before his new marriage, Odukoya was married to Oluwakemi Sade Banjoko, popularly known as Kemi. The couple married in London on March 9, 2013, after meeting in Lagos in 2011. They eventually welcomed two children together before their marriage ended in separation.

Interestingly, their relationship began at Ooh La La, a restaurant in Ikeja, Lagos, when Kemi accompanied her cousin to meet Jimmy and a mutual friend.

In a 2013 interview with ThisDay, republished by YNaija, the couple opened up about their courtship ahead of their wedding. Jimmy recalled that although he initially paid more attention to Kemi’s cousin, they eventually started talking at another family gathering.

Their conversations became so frequent that they sometimes spoke from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m.Interestingly, Kemi revealed that Jimmy did not initially tell her he was a pastor. When he eventually disclosed it, she reportedly went silent for about 30 seconds.

Jimmy also recounted how he proposed to her in London, using a sweet wrapper to playfully ask her to marry him before revealing the actual engagement ring.

However, their marriage eventually came to an end. Pastor Jimmy Odukoya’s new wife is Mo Jasyme, a designer and creative entrepreneur who is now known as Pastor Mo Odukoya.

Mo was previously married to British-Nigerian music producer Mosadoluwa Adegboye, popularly known as itsMOSA. The former couple reportedly collaborated on several creative projects during their relationship.

Mo made her first public appearance as Jimmy’s wife at The Fountain of Life Church on November 1, 2026, where she described it as an honour to stand alongside her husband.