West Africa: Politics

Domestic

Public discontent and legal proceedings marked the month in Lagos. Anger erupted over police actions to disperse a protest against building demolitions, resulting in two activists being brought to trial. In a separate criminal case, a couple was arrested for fabricating their own kidnapping to extort a ransom. Concurrently, the city's governance and development plans faced scrutiny. A major northern political group criticized a proposed gold refinery project for Lagos, while a dispute emerged within a family over a traditional royal title. The local chapter of the ruling APC party actively defended federal government policies, specifically endorsing a $9 million lobbying agreement and asserting Tinubu's focus on his duties while criticizing political opponents such as Obi.

Environmental concerns were also raised regarding a large-scale coastal reshaping and dredging initiative in Lagos, with groups warning of substantial risks to the local ecosystem.

International

In a significant regional development, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was extradited from Togo to Burkina Faso. He faces allegations of involvement in a plot to commit murder and will now undergo legal proceedings in the country where he once held power.