Nigerian University Mourns Student Kílled in Cult-Related Shooting

 

A yet-to-be-identified student of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, was shot deád in a suspected cult-related attack.

‎The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 shortly after students concluded their examinations for the day.

‎According to punch,  the deceased was heading towards the back gate of the institution when some armed men accosted him, pulled out a gun and shot him at close range.

‎A student privy to the incident told the publication that the incident threw the campus into panic as students, who witnessed the shooting, scampered for safety.

‎“The student had just finished writing his exams and was heading towards the back gate when some boys approached him and shot him twice on the spot. The whole scenario happened very fast,” the student said.

‎Another student, who craved anonymity, said the assailants recovered a firearm from the deceased.

‎“The incident looked more like a cult attack because the victim seemed to have been armed before he was k!lled. We learnt immediately the boys shot him, they searched his bag and recovered a gun and a bullet. They also made sure he was d3ad before they left.”

‎A source in the school linked the attack to an ongoing rivalry between cult groups on campus.

‎“The k!lling was in retaliation for a shooting that occurred last week. One suspected cult member was shot but he survived. So this looks more like a payback,” the source claimed.

‎The spokesperson of the Yabatech, Adekunle Adams, said the incident did not occur on the premises of the institution.

‎“The incident occurred but not in the college. It happened at a lounge close to the college. There is no cult-related incident in the college, nothing of such,” Adams stated.

‎Spokesperson of The Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident said that the deceased was shot by rival cult members.

‎The PPRO added that seven suspects had been arrested in connection with the crime, while the investigation was in progress.

‎“On Tuesday at about 3 pm, a distress call was received at Sabo Division that a suspected cultist was allegedly shot d3ad by a group of suspected rival cult members in the Yaba area,” he said.

‎“Upon receiving the report, a patrol team was swiftly mobilized to the scene, where the deceased was found lying in a pool of his blood.

‎“On close observation, visible marks of violence suspected to be bullet wounds were seen on the body while four rounds of live ammunition and some charms were recovered from the deceased’s pocket at the scene. The corpse has been evacuated and deposited in the morgue for autopsy.”

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Healing Water' Site in Kano Demolished Amidst Scam Allegations

‎The Kano Hisbah Board has given reasons for the demolition of a “healing water” site located in Hotoron Arewa, within the Kano metropolis.
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‎The site has attracted thousands of residents and visitors who believe in the site’s purported spiritual healing powers.
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‎There were particularly widespread claims that the site contains the footprint of Prophet Mohammad.
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‎The site consequently drew large crowds of Muslim faithful after a muddy imprint resembling a footprint purportedly appeared on the ground, with water seeping from the spot.
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‎Rumours quickly spread that the site contained “Holy Water” and bore the footprint of the Prophet, prompting people to visit in search of spiritual healing and blessings.
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‎The board said it acted swiftly after receiving reports of mass gatherings and unverified spiritual claims.
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‎ Crowd troops to 'healing water' spot in Kano amid claims of prophet’s footprints
‎ ‘How Hisbah brutalised my children’, Katsina woman cries out, demands justice
‎Confirming the demolition to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Director-General of the board, Dr Abba Sufi, said the demolition took place on Monday.
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‎“The place was demolished on Monday after we discovered that some disgruntled elements are using the place to mislead desperate patients seeking treatment,” he said.
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‎He stressed that the board would not allow anyone to exploit the vulnerable under the guise of offering spiritual healing.
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‎Sufi also cautioned residents of Kano and visitors from outside the state to disregard any claims about the sanctity or healing powers of the location.
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‎According to him, the site had become a platform for exploitation and fraud, prompting the board to take action.
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PDP's Loss, APC's Gain: Why Delta Governor Oborevwori Defected

‎After months of media speculation, Delta State Governor Sheriff Obovrevwori on Wednesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), abruptly severing a control the main opposition party held on the oil-rich South-south state for 26 years.
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‎The pioneer state chairman of the party, James Manager, announced the defection after a meeting of the governor with PDP leaders and stakeholders at the Government House, Asaba.
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‎“Some consultations have been going on and the climax of these consultations is what you are seeing today. We have discussed and have disagreed to agree, and it is a unanimous agreement,” Mr Manager told journalists.
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‎“If you look very well, the current PDP state chairman was in the meeting, the governor was there, the deputy governor, the speaker, the immediate-past governor, all of these persons were in the meeting. The National Assembly members, and even the House of Assembly members. The who-is-who in Delta state was in the meeting to make this decision.”
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‎Mr Manager attributed the seismic political development to the protracted national leadership crisis in the PDP and its possible implication for the party in the next general elections.
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‎“Few days ago, there was a resolution taken by the PDP Governors’ Forum at Ibadan. Almost all the governors were there and they resolved that they are not going into coalition with any other party.
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‎“But as disadvantaged as the PDP is now, with about 11 governors, how do you go into a contest with an Incumbent president? You think you can win? That particular resolution kílled the spirit of so many PDP members.
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‎“We lost elections in 2015 as a result of a merger, which even included splinter groups from the PDP. There are also other reasons.
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‎“Today, Senator Anyanwu is the national secretary of the party, tomorrow its another person. The party must be in a position to go into an election to win. So, you see, that it is becoming very funny. The PDP is truly in trouble.
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‎“I am the pioneer state chairman of the PDP but you cannot be in a boat that is already capsizing because I am a riverine man.
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‎“Looking at issues the way they are, we have come to the inevitable conclusion to do something else. It is a collective decision for so many reasons.”
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‎Unstated reasons
‎The stated fears about the implications of the leadership crisis of the PDP do not seem far-fetched. However, even more, worrisome for Mr Obovrevwori and his associates were local political developments eroding his reelection prospect.
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‎One of these developments is the continued disaffection of the first Fourth Republic governor of the state, James Ibori, with the incumbent governor.
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‎Mr Ibori has kept a distance from Mr Obovrevwori since the then-Speaker of the state legislature defeated his candidate in the bitterly fought 2022 PDP governorship primary.
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‎Mr Obovrevwori proceeded to win the general election without the backing of the biggest name in Delta PDP, Mr Ibori.
‎However, the former governor’s closeness to President Bola Tinubu makes him a more dangerous adversary.
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‎With the president also having other powerful political enforcers in the state like Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, in his camp, and the governor losing a counterweight through the death of Ijaw leader Edwin Clark, Mr Obovrevwori decided that being on Mr Tinubu’s side is crucial for his survival.
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‎This is against the backdrop of the turmoil in the state PDP that led to the defection of leaders like its only senator, Ned Nwoko, who has become more influential in the Anioma zone since former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from the same zone left office at the end of his second term in 2023. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday night, Mr Nwoko said he and other APC leaders were ready to welcome the new decampees to the ruling party and work harmoniously with them.
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‎Mr Okowa’s ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been mentioned as another factor that predisposed Delta PDP leaders to a deal with the governing party.
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‎It is not clear if the anti-graft agency would close its file of the former governor’s alleged sleaze, even though a former national chairman of the party once said all sins are forgiven with membership of the APC.
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‎However, the most important factor behind Mr Obovrevwori’s movement was the realisation that the PDP had become jaded in Delta State after a lengthy rule.
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‎The party that governed the Nigerian economic strategic states since 1999 lost the 2023 presidential election in the state despite the sitting governor, Mr Okowa, being on the PDP ticket as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate. The Labour Party won the state handily with 55 per cent of the vote to the PDP’s meagre 26 per cent.
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‎The PDP also lost two senatorial seats to the APC, although it won eight of the 10 House of Representatives seats and the governorship election with 55 per cent of the vote.
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‎This was a precipitous fall for a party that used to mark Delta as a safe bet.
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‎Surrounded by adversaries like Messrs Ibori, Nwoko, and Tompolo, and with his party losing grassroots support, Mr Obovrevwori decided to flee the PDP to the APC.
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‎His new party may not be more popular in the state. However, it at least offers him the sympathy of the federal government and a respite from attacks from the president’s local friends and sympathisers.
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Power Play: Lagos Council Vice Chairman Steps Down for Assembly Speaker's Son

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The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, Mr. Oluwagbenga Abiola, has formally withdrawn from the upcoming council chairmanship race, stepping aside to support Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

‎Abiola announced his decision on Wednesday in Lagos, describing it as a voluntary and conscious act of loyalty to his longtime political mentor, Speaker Obasa, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

‎The Lagos State local government elections are scheduled for July 12, 2025.

‎"I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me," Abiola said, addressing speculations that he was pressured to withdraw.

‎"He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015. In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LGA, thanks to his recommendation to the governor. That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time."

‎Abiola’s political trajectory within Agege LG has mirrored his allegiance to the Speaker.

‎Meanwhile, after serving as Sole Administrator, he was appointed Secretary to the Local Government in 2017 and later became Vice Chairman in 2021—all positions he credited to Obasa’s influence and party support.

‎"Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree. Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest, and I respect and support that," Abiola said.

‎The move comes after local political stakeholders in Agege publicly urged the Speaker to support his son’s candidacy, citing his years of service and substantial contributions to the development of the area.

‎In his address, Abiola dismissed suggestions that he was forced, affirming his unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Speaker.

‎He described Abdulganiyu Obasa as a capable and prepared candidate, worthy of the party’s support.

‎"My decision is based on party loyalty and trust in my leader's judgment. I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right,” he said. “I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory.”

‎Abiola also revealed that he had instructed members of his political support group, the Obasa Youth Alliance, to throw their weight behind Abdulganiyu’s candidacy in the coming election.

‎News Agency of Nigeria reports that members of the ruling APC in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday over the alleged imposition of candidates ahead of the July 12 local government elections.

‎The demonstration followed a similar protest held on April 14 during a stakeholders’ meeting, which ended abruptly due to disputes over candidate selection.

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Tinubu's UK Meeting May Change Fubara's Tune on Emergency Rule

‎There are indications that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is warming up to making concessions to ease the political tension in the state.
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‎This followed Fubara’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London during the latter’s 18-day retreat in Europe.
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‎The meeting, confirmed by The Africa Report, was at the request of Governor Fubara, who first came into office in May 2023.
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‎Although The PUNCH could not confirm details of the meeting at press time, a senior presidential adviser told the Paris-based publication that, Fubara “pledged to make certain concessions in a bid to ease tensions.”
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‎“It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week.
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‎“Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who spoke on condition of anonymity.
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‎The official hinted that negotiations are ongoing and that his six‑month suspension could be cut short.
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‎Another aide added that Fubara is weighing a switch from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC to get on the good side of the president.
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‎“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” the aide told the French magazine.
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‎Presidential aides contacted by our correspondent said they were not on the latest private trip with the President and, therefore, did not witness the closed-door meeting.
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‎It is first face‑to‑face since Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on 18 March, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers and ousting Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
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‎Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18 cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability.”
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‎He installed former Navy Chief, Vice‑Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator.
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‎Opposition governors from seven PDP‑ruled states immediately filed suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the decree’s constitutionality and demanding a return to democratic rule.
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‎The political crisis, which has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
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‎The turmoil escalated after Fubara demolished the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023, leading to a prolonged battle over the legitimacy of the legislative arm.
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Bàndits Demand N60m from Zamfara Communities Over Alleged Military Support

 ‎Dare-devil bandits have imposed a staggering N60million levy on no fewer than t12 communities in Zamfara State, accusing residents of aiding recent military operations that disrupted their strongholds.

‎ The affected communities include Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya, and Kabusu.

‎ Locals fear that refusal to comply may lead to violent reprisals, including mass abductions, arson, and kîllīngs.

‎A security reporter, Bakatsine, disclosed the development on his verified X handle on Tuesday, warning that the situation could escalate if an immediate government action is not taken.

‎Former councillor of Dankurmi Ward, Hon. Iliyasu Salisu Dankurmi, also confirmed the levy in an interview with BBC Hausa.

‎ He explained that the demand followed recent military raids in the area believed to have inflicted heavy losses on the armed groups.

‎“"The Nigerian Army had recently raided the area, and the bandits are now demanding N60million as compensation. They have threatened to make life unbearable if we don’t pay,” Dankurmi said.

‎He further revealed that eight residents of the Zargado community had already been kidnàppéd, and their release had been tied to payment of the ransom.

‎Many residents say they are trapped between the threat of bàndits attacks and a lack of adequate protection from the authorities.

‎ Community leaders are urgently calling on federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intervene before the situation spirals further out of control.

‎So far, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Army nor the Zamfara State government regarding the levy or recent military operations in the region.

‎The crisis in Zamfara is part of a broader pattern of insecurity plaguing Nigeria's Northwest, where rural communities have faced years of terror from well-armed gangs engaging in kidnapping, extortion, and deadly raids.

‎SaharaReporters reported days ago how the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) described the wave of kîllīngs in Plateau State, Zamfara and Benue as a "national disgrace and a clear failure of governance."

‎In a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG had expressed outrage over the kîllīngs of more than 100 people in Plateau in recent weeks, with entire communities razed and thousands displaced.

‎"The recent massacre in Plateau State, where over 100 lives were brutally cut short, represents a grotesque failure of governance.

‎“These kîllīngs are not isolated. They form part of a broader pattern of insecurity spanning Boko Haram terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and ethno-religious violence in the North-Central,” the statement read.

‎The group had accused the Nigerian government of inaction and demanded urgent, decisive steps to stop the blóôdshed. It called for the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to flashpoints across Plateau State and other northern regions facing similar threats.

‎CNG had also condemned President Bola Tinubu’s reported foreign travels during the crisis, likening the President’s actions to “Nero fiddling while Rome is burning.”

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Court Slams FRSC: Return Car and Phone Seized Over Worn-Out Tyre Report

‎A Nigerian man, Emmanuel Ajibade, has secured a major legal victory as a court in Ondo State ordered the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigerian police to return his car, phone, and other personal items that were seized following his exposé of a patrol vehicle belonging to the FRSC operating with a worn-out tyre.
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‎This was disclosed by Ajibade’s lawyer during an interview with SaharaReporters on Wednesday morning.
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‎A source privy to the incident said Ajibade was arrested by security operatives after exposing FRSC's misconduct.
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‎During the court proceedings, Ajibade's lawyer explained the state of the case.
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‎He said: "The police are not ready for trial today (Wednesday). But they were pleading for another day to oblige us with proof of evidence. Despite our consistent demands for proof of evidence.
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‎"From our part, we are ready for trial. And we could not allow today to go like that. So we had to apply for the release of all the items; the car impounded by the road safety, the phone and eyeglasses recovered from my client. So I asked the court to order the police and the road safety corps to release them.
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‎"When I applied for the release, I referred to sections 310 and 306, 229(2) of the Ondo State Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. The court equally heard the objection from the police and the road safety corps. They raised an objection as regards to the car. They claimed it was impounded. They alleged that there was a fine on it. And I replied on point of law that if there is any fine, I was there at their station and asked that they should tell me the amount my client should pay for the car, so that we could pay and show the court the amount we paid and the proof of payment. They denied us the payment.
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‎“They denied us the opportunity. And I said the state commander is at the court to testify to that.
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‎"So they denied us that opportunity, and we had to express our grievance to the court. And the court said they have no right to impound the car; rather, we should pay the fine, and they should release the car.
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‎"The fine is for not using a seat belt, and even though there is no proof for that. But we still allowed them to let us pay the fine first and have access to our car. And if we see our car damaged, we won’t allow that.
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‎"I later made another application that the IPO must be present during the car's release to assess its current state and the phone's content to determine whether it has been wiped out.
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‎"The FRSC is the nominal complainant, and the police are the ones prosecuting the matter. We are planning to get the phones and other properties by 3 pm today (Wednesday), and maybe tomorrow we will get the car after the fine."
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‎Ajibade’s ordeal began shortly after he recorded and shared a video of an FRSC patrol van operating with a visibly worn-out tyre, highlighting serious safety concerns. He voiced his concern about the state of the agency’s tyre after its officials stopped him for an alleged traffic offence. Ajibade argued that while they had the right to fine him, they should also hold themselves accountable for violating traffic laws—especially as the body tasked with upholding road safety.
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‎The video quickly went viral, prompting an official reaction from the FRSC headquarters in Abuja.
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‎However, a video captured the moment Ajibade was taken to the FRSC office in Akure, where he was also assaulted by some of the officials. SaharaReporters later learned that he was transferred to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit. SWAT was established by the Nigeria Police Force in 2020 as a replacement for the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), following nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality.
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‎In response to the public backlash, the FRSC sanctioned the Ondo State Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, and announced that the patrol vehicle in question would be fined.
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‎The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, condemned the violation and emphasised that the corps had zero tolerance for safety infractions, especially when committed by its personnel.
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‎"The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, condemns in totality the use of a worn-out tyre on an FRSC patrol vehicle and has ordered the immediate sanction of the Ondo Sector Commander, under whose jurisdiction the violation occurred," the FRSC said in a statement.
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‎"He further stressed that the corps has zero tolerance for any deviation from safety standards and will not condone any compromise against its core values."
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‎The statement added that the commander would personally pay the fine for negligence, and reaffirmed FRSC’s commitment to strict supervision and safety compliance across all commands.
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Nigerian Police Abduct LASU Student, Extort N500k in Lagos

‎Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday abducted and extorted a 100-level student of Lagos State University (LASU), Izuchukwu Martins, carting away a total sum of ₦500,000 from him after dragging him into a commercial bus at gúnpoint, SaharaReporters has learned.

‎The incident occurred around the Abule Ado area in Lagos. In this notorious zone, policemen in and out of uniform have reportedly turned road patrols into an extortion ring.

‎Narrating his ordeal to SaharaReporters, Martins, a Political Science student, said he was going to visit his uncle when the officers pounced.

‎“Yesterday (Wednesday), I was going to my uncle’s side, and as I reached Abule Ado area, the bike man (commercial motorcyclist) already told me that police officers normally harass boys around that area—Abule Ado bus stop, the bridge there. So the bike man told me to come down and trek so that I can avoid them,” he began.

‎“As I came down, I did not know they had seen us from afar. As I was walking forward, two policemen without uniforms approached me. They were armed, they were holding guns, but not in uniform. They dragged me inside the Korope (minibus). I was shouting, but they dragged me inside forcefully."

‎Inside the commercial bus, he was stripped of his phone and wristwatch as the officers combed him, hoping to find anything incriminating. But when they found nothing, they zeroed in on his bank account.

‎He continued: “They started searching me. They did not see anything implicating because I don’t smoke. I don’t do all these kinds of things. They were trying to beat me and I asked them what I did? They asked me to open my phone, and I did. They checked my phone, and they started checking through my messages, and they saw my account balance.”

‎Martins revealed that although he had nothing criminal on his phone, the officers began making outrageous demands.

‎“They demanded ₦5 million before they could release me. There were three policemen with me inside the Korope—one was in uniform, and the other two who arrested me were without uniform. The one in uniform was the driver. They started driving, we passed Agboju, and they kept moving forward without heading to any station.”

‎At one point, the officers accused him of being a fraudster simply for having pictures of foreigners on his phone.

‎“I kept asking them what I did to warrant my arrest? That was when they said they saw Oyinbo (foreigners) pictures on my phone. I asked them, is that why I should pay ₦5 million? How would I gather that kind of money? I’m a student.”

‎Desperate and terrified, Martins offered to give them ₦20,000, which the officers scoffed at.

‎“I offered to give them ₦20,000, but they told me, ‘Do we look hungry?’ and rejected it. That was when they demanded ₦500,000, which I did not know they had seen on my account balance. I told them I can’t afford that money, but they insisted I had it and showed me my account balance.”

‎He was then threatened and coerced into transferring the money to an Opay account one of their colleagues provided.

‎“They did not give me their personal account. So they called one of their colleagues, who gave us an Opay account, and I paid them twice. I don’t know their names, but if I see them, I can recognise them,” he said.

‎SaharaReporters learned that a pro-democracy group, Take-It-Back Movement, has been briefed about the matter.

‎“I have called the Area E commander on the matter, and he told me we should write a petition and bring the victim along for proper identification of the police officers,” Take-It-BackMovement Lagos Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, told SaharaReporters.

‎As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos Police Command Spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, has yet to respond to a message seeking his reaction to these developments.

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Quadri Seeks N100m Compensation Over Illegal Detention

 

‎Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old who gained national attention during the 2023 general elections after he spontaneously stood in front of the convoy of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has regained his freedom after spending nearly three months in detention over a false armed robbery charge.

‎Alabi was discharged on Thursday by Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi of the Apapa Magistrate Court (Court 9), following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, which concluded that there was no evidence linking the teenager to the crime.

‎According to his lawyer, human rights advocate Inibehe Effiong, Alabi was abducted in January 2025 by two individuals known as “Lege” and “Baba Waris” — members of a group of local enforcers or “Area Boys” in Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos.

‎The lawyer revealed that the duo, allegedly jealous of the attention and donations Alabi received after his viral moment in 2023, handed him over to officers at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters.

‎Effiong stated that the ‘Area Boys’ (thugs) and even the Baale (community leader) had been harassing the family since 2023, demanding a share of the donations made to Alabi after his photo with Peter Obi went viral. The Baale allegedly told Alabi’s mother to buy a cow, rice, and cook food to appease the youths.

‎It was not until human rights activist Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, brought the case to public attention that legal support was mobilised. Effiong took up the case and began pushing for Alabi’s release.

‎He explained that Quadri had never met the individuals listed as his co-defendants,” Effiong said, condemning the police action as a “diabolical frame-up.” He added that Alabi had been subjected to harassment, humiliation, and psychological trauma for a crime he knew nothing about.

‎The DPP’s advice to the court led to Alabi’s discharge on Thursday, affirming that there was no basis for prosecution.

‎Following the teenager’s release, Effiong is now demanding N100 million in compensation from the Nigeria Police Force, a public apology, and the immediate removal and trial of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Amukoko station, as well as the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and others involved in the alleged plot.

‎He also warned that failure to meet the demands would lead to a full-scale legal battle for justice.

‎He noted that the family remains under threat from the same individuals who orchestrated the initial harassment and hinted at plans to relocate the teenager for his safety.

‎He said, “Today, the Magistrate adopted the DPP’s advice and discharged Quadri. He will be released as soon as the court signs his release warrant.

‎"I must also use this opportunity to call for the immediate removal of the DPO of the Amukoko Divisional Headquarters. On behalf of the family, we are demanding his removal, along with that of the IPO and all officers who participated in this despicable act of framing a minor for armed robbery. They must all face an orderly room trial.

‎“We are also demanding that the police pay N100 million in damages to Quadri for his illegal detention since January. In addition, we demand a public apology from the Nigerian police. We urge the Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure these steps are taken without delay.

‎“At the moment, Quadri and his family remain under constant threat. We are considering relocation as they are clearly not safe where they currently reside. In fact, even this morning, before coming to court, the family was again threatened.

‎“This situation is completely unacceptable.”

‎“Regarding the individuals who falsely reported Quadri to the police, rest assured — we are not stopping here. We will push for the prosecution of all those involved. That is why we are preparing to disclose our next steps and alliances in the coming minutes,” he added.

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BREAKING: Lagos Court Discharges Alabi Quadri in High-Profile Case

 ‎The Apapa Magistrate Court, Court 9 sitting at Orege, Ajegunle - Sikiru Adagun Courthouse, has discharged and acquitted Alabi Quadri, the young Nigerian who became a national symbol of courage during the 2023 general elections, for standing boldly in front of the convoy of then-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

‎He was discharged and acquitted of conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery. The court held that he has no case to answer.

‎Quadri was brought to court on Thursday, April 17, 2025, after spending months in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos.

‎The Nigerian Correctional Service produced Quadri at the Apapa Magistrate Court, located at Orege, Ajegunle—Sikiru Adagun Courthouse (Court No. 9).

‎Quadri's case was initially slated for a hearing on April 28, 2025.

‎However, human rights lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong had revealed that both he and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested that the date be moved forward, and the court granted the application.

‎Quadri gained widespread attention after a viral video showed him, a teenage boy at the time, fearlessly standing before Peter Obi’s campaign convoy—a moment many Nigerians interpreted as a symbol of youthful defiance and hope during a tense election period.

‎SaharaReporters reported that Effiong revealed that Alabi’s recent painful descent into the Nigerian prison system was not due to any major crime but rather a result of prolonged malice and resentment harboured by some self-acclaimed ‘area boys’ (thugs) in his neighbourhood.

‎According to the lawyer, these individuals felt entitled to a portion of the unexpected attention and goodwill, including financial support, that Alabi received following his moment in the spotlight during the 2023 presidential campaign.

‎Effiong, who recently visited the Apapa Magisterial Court in Lagos alongside Alabi’s mother and legal colleagues, stated that Alabi’s journey to Kirikiri prison was not only heartbreaking but appeared to be the outcome of a vendetta fuelled by local ‘area boys’ who felt entitled to the financial support Alabi received after his viral moment.

‎Effiong revealed that Alabi was abducted in January near his home while returning from work by the ‘area boys’ who had been threatening him.

‎They allegedly took him to Amukoko Police Station (popularly known as Pako Police Station) and accused him of being involved in street fights.

‎However, Alabi was then arraigned before a Magistrate Court along with four other individuals, said to be complete strangers to him, on allegations of conspiracy to commit armed robbery with cutlasses.

‎According to the charge sheet, the alleged victims were robbed of N579,000, comprising cash and four mobile phones.

‎Effiong also emphasised that despite being a minor, Alabi had been detained with adults at Kirikiri since January, pending legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

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Ibas Denies Reports of Summoning Fubara and Deputy for Probe

 

‎Ibas stated that the reports are false and misleading, cautioning the public about the dangers of fake news, which he claimed are intentionally created to incite panic and undermine the state.

‎The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (Rtd.), has dismissed viral reports claiming that he summoned the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, for a meeting on Friday, April 18, 2025.

‎Ibas stated that the reports are false and misleading, cautioning the public about the dangers of fake news, which he claimed are intentionally created to incite panic and undermine the state.

‎The denial was contained in an official statement issued Wednesday by Sir Dede Sampson Friday, Permanent Secretary from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

‎“The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the statement read.

‎“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.”

‎It was widely reported that Ibas invited Fubara and his deputy to discuss their management of Rivers State resources since their inauguration in May 2023.

‎The state government has categorically dismissed the announcement as fake, stressing that it did not originate from any official source.

‎“The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source. The public is urged to disregard this and any similar misinformation, as they are the work of troublemakers seeking to destabilise the state,” the statement said.

‎To prevent further misinformation, the government advised the public to rely only on verified communication channels, including the official state government website: www.riversstate.gov.ng, press releases from the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and authorised Facebook page.

‎On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability and security concerns. This action led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

‎In the same address, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

‎Ibas, who previously served as Nigeria's Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, was tasked with overseeing the state's affairs during the emergency period. The President emphasised that while the judiciary would continue its functions, the administrator would not enact new laws but could formulate necessary regulations subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council.

‎The declaration of emergency rule and the appointment of a sole administrator in Rivers State have sparked legal challenges and debates regarding their constitutionality.

‎Critics, including the Nigerian Bar Association, argue that such measures contravene the 1999 Constitution, which does not allow elected officials to be suspended during a state of emergency.

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Rivers State Crisis: Pro-Democracy Group Tells Tinubu to Check Ibas' Powers

‎Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, has been asked to "urgently and decisively" call the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) to order over his alleged missteps in the state.

‎The National Patriotic Coalition, a pro-democracy organisation, stated this on Wednesday during a press conference in Lagos State, noting that it had earlier warned that the "emergency rule" would tilt towards the abuse of executive power as it is inimical to the spirit and tenets of democracy.

‎SaharaReporters reports that women groups also protested during the week against the administration of Ibas, while demanding for the return of the democratically elected leaders.

‎The coalition at the press conference stated that it had envisaged such excesses in Rivers State when it kicked against the declaration of emergency rule.

‎It said, "As fervent adherents of our political ideologies, we are deeply concerned about not just the growth of politics in Nigeria but also about its development and the full entrenchment of the ethos of democracy in the country. We are compelled to call on Mr. President to urgently and decisively call the Sole Administrator of Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) to order before his excesses go out of hand completely.

‎"It is our consistent fear and strongly our avowal that every form of emergency rule certainly tilts disproportionately towards the abuse of executive power, which is inimical to the spirit and tenets of democracy and is therefore an affront to the rule of law, the principle of separation of power and the principle of checks and balance, this is exactly what is happening in Rivers State.

‎"The purported probe of Governor Fubara and his Deputy goes beyond the terms of reference for the proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State. It is a clear exhibition of gross impulsiveness and unintelligent power drunkenness and witch-hunt. This must stop immediately and the administrator must focus on what he has been asked to do in Rivers State for the next few months, which is to ensure stability in that state.

‎"It must be noted that Governor Fubara was only suspended but not removed or expelled, neither impeached and still enjoys certain privileges of his office, which invariably includes his immunity.

‎"It is preposterous and extremely painful that, ever since his assuming the saddle of ruler-ship, the sole administrator has revealed an intolerant and vindictive approach to governance in Rivers State and demonstrated clear animosity against the suspended governor."

‎"We call on the sole administrator to take advantage of the 11-man committee set up by the Federal House of the Representatives to oversee legislative duties in Rivers state, if he has any axe to grind and not resort to underhand tactics and undemocratic means."

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Commissioner Exposes Boko Haram's Links to Foreign Fighters from Mali and Burkina Faso

‎The state's Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, made this statement on Thursday during an appearance on News Central, where he addressed the growing insecurity in the state.
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‎The Borno State government has raised concerns over the infiltration of the state by foreign terrorist elements.
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‎The state's Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, made this statement on Thursday during an appearance on News Central, where he addressed the growing insecurity in the state.
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‎"We have in the rank and file of Boko Haram, militants who are not from Nigeria but from neighbouring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and other countries. That is what we mean by foreigners joining the rank and file of Boko Haram,” he said.
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‎"It is a federal matter. We are aware that the federal government is taking steps to safeguard the territorial borders of the country. The relevant security agencies—the Army, the Police, Immigration, and others—are working hard to detect the entry of foreign assets into Nigeria.”
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‎He described the matter as “sensitive” because “Nigeria’s boundary, and indeed boundaries all over Africa, are porous”.
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‎“We have cases where bandits and terrorists go in and out undetected. That appears to be an Africa-wide problem,” he added.
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‎His comments come amid rising concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram terrorism in the state.
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‎Earlier, Governor Babagana Zulum raised the alarm over the worsening security situation in Borno State. Recent Boko Haram attacks and the dislodgement of military formations in key areas like Wajirko, Sabon Gari, Wulgo, and Izge indicate that the state may be losing control.
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‎Speaking at a Special Expanded Security Meeting in the first week of April, Zulum condemned the ongoing attacks and kidnåpping s, emphasizing that such incidents were happening almost daily without any serious confrontation from security forces.
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‎He described the situation as a serious setback for Borno and the wider North East region.
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‎Governor Babagana Zulum has raised the alarm over a growing security threat in Borno State, warning that foreign terrórists have been infiltrating through the state’s porous borders.
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Plateau Community Moúrns After Terrorists Kīll 40 in Latest Attack

‎No fewer than 40 were reportedly kílled when terrorists launched a fresh attack on the Zike community, located in the Kimakpa area of Kwall District in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, in the early hours of Monday.
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‎Local sources said the attackers stormed the village in the pre-dawn hours, opening fire on unsuspecting residents as they fled in panic.
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‎Community leader Wakili Tongwe, speaking to Channels Television, reportedly confirmed the attack and detailed the ensuing chaos.
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‎Tongwe said he and a team of vigilantes, along with some security personnel, were on patrol in a neighbouring community when gunshots rang out from Zike.
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‎By the time they arrived and managed to repel the assailants, the community had already suffered devastating losses.
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‎“At least thirty-six people were shot dead on the spot, and four others later succumbed to their injuries,” Channels Television quoted Tongwe as saying.
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‎Tongwe said that several others were wounded and were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
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‎As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
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‎Multiple attempts by SaharaReporters to confirm the attack through the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful.
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‎When initially contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, answered the call, but no audio was heard from his end. Subsequent calls went unanswered.
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‎A WhatsApp message was also sent to Alabo and followed up with another call. Although he was active online, he neither picked up nor responded to the message at the time of this report.
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‎This incident comes less than two weeks after another màssacre in the Bokkos Local Government Area, where 52 people were kílled in a similar assault.
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‎Analysts point to the ongoing conflict between farmers and herders over land and resources as a root cause of the crisis, but government officials suggest a more sinister motive.
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‎Governor Caleb Muftwang, speaking recently on Channels Television’s Politics Today, described the attacks as part of a broader, coordinated campaign of ethnic cleansing.
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‎“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrórists,” the governor said.
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‎“The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrórism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.”
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‎Muftwang also revealed that bandits have taken over at least 64 communities in the state, spanning Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas.
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‎“These places have been taken over, renamed, and people are living there conveniently on lands they pushed others away from,” he stated.
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‎Unfortunately, despite repeated assurances from state and federal governments, Plateau residents continue to live under the shadow of violence, with fears of more attacks looming large.
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‎As the deàth toll rises, the demand for answers and justice grows louder.
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Security Agencies Under Fire: Nigerian Hunters Expose DSS Tracking System Abuse and Soldier Corruption at Checkpoints

 

‎Alarming revelations have emerged from a part of Southwestern Nigeria, where local hunters have accused some operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and soldiers of compromising joint security efforts through corruption, negligence, and misconduct.

‎The hunters, who recently undertook a long journey to confidentially brief a prominent community advocate, disclosed deeply troubling allegations involving both the DSS and military personnel stationed in their region.

‎They insisted on delivering the message in person, citing the sensitivity of the information and fear of interception over digital channels.

‎“I just had a visit from the top hunters in a part of Northern South Western Nigeria. They spent hours and hours on the road to come and tell me some very bad and confidential things. It was not the stuff they wanted to discuss over the phone or the internet,” the source said.

‎At the heart of the allegations is the DSS’s alleged abuse of sophisticated telephone tracking technology—meant to identify and rescue kidnàp victims—now reportedly being used to extort money from the very criminàls it was designed to catch.

‎According to the hunters, some DSS operatives have been accused of collecting payments from kidnàppers in exchange for concealing their locations. A few of these officers were said to have been recently arrested and transported to Abuja in leg chains.

‎“The hunters said the DSS operatives make use of the sophisticated telephone tracking system to locate kidnàppers and their victims. Then they extort money from the kidnàppers in return for hiding their true positions. They said some of them were recently arrested and taken to Abuja in leg chains,” the source said.

‎The action of the security operatives was described as betrayal and outright sabotage of national security.

‎In a similarly damning narrative, the hunters alleged that soldiers formerly involved in joint patrols have now been sidelined due to a series of “transactional” behaviours that have eroded trust.

‎These include open extortion of motorists at informal checkpoints, careless conduct during operations leading to the loss of hunters’ lives, and inappropriate relationships with local women—including advances toward married women—funded by bribes extorted at roadside "toll gates."

‎Drivers allegedly hand over ₦500 notes and ask for ₦200 change in full view of the public, as soldiers collect these tolls openly, turning national security checkpoints into cash points.

‎“It also concerns the soldiers who work with the hunters. Both the DSS and soldiers are now overwhelmingly transactional. Transactional to the point where the hunters are no longer involving the soldiers in their joint patrols,” the source said.

‎“The reasons they gave point to the death of fellow hunters due to the operational carelessness of soldiers. Transactional ‘toll gate’ operations on commercial and other vehicles in broad daylight, dating the local women and enticing the local women for ‘dredging’ including making advances at married women with the ‘toll gate’ money collected.”

‎Disturbed by the worsening situation, the hunters said they were now reverting to traditional methods of protecting their communities. One chilling warning was the mention of “Magun”—a deadly traditional trap used to punish sexúal offenders—suggesting that local men were ready to deploy ancient justice to defend their families.

‎“They say it’s only a matter of time before a headline reads: 'Soja Lu Magun' (Soldier kílled after sleeping with another man’s wife),’” the source added, hinting at the growing tension between the local communities and the security forces deployed to protect them.

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Past Allegations Irrelevant," Tinubu Presidency Says Amid US Court Ruling

 ‎Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has addressed controversies surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s historical financial records in the United States, particularly those linked to alleged drug-related investigations in Chicago.

‎Recent legal developments have revived discussions about sealed documents and their implications for Nigeria’s global image.

‎Bwala, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, dismissed the renewed focus on the issue as a political smokescreen by the opposition.

‎“There is actually no issue in this thing,” he said.

‎“If you read the judgment, the court even dismissed the idea of joining the CIA. As for the FBI and DEA, the court only said: if you think there are documents that haven’t been released, come on May 2 and talk to us.”

‎He maintained that most of the documents in question had already been in the public domain “for ages” and accused the opposition of trying to mislead Nigerians.

‎“The optics they are chasing are fictitious. We deal with facts before the court,” he insisted.

‎“If there is anything new, come on May 2. But I can guarantee you, there is nothing there.

‎Bwala brushed aside concerns that the allegations, particularly those referencing drug-related money and asset forfeiture, could taint Nigeria’s international reputation.

‎“These are optics, not facts,” he said.

‎“In any case, whatever happened before he became president is not actionable. The Nigerian people debated this during the 2023 campaign, and they still voted for him.”

‎Bwala expressed worries over the loyalty of Borno South Senator Ali Ndume, declaring that the lawmaker’s "spirit and soul" have already aligned with the opposition, even though he remains physically within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‎Bwala advised the APC leadership to be vigilant, noting that Ndume may already be positioning himself with the growing coalition of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.

‎“Let me tell you today, and I want everybody to hear, especially the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje,” Bwala said.

‎“Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it is his body that is in APC. He is already going.”

‎Bwala likened Ndume’s political posture to that of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

‎“It is better the way El-Rufai did: just say I am leaving,” Bwala added.

‎“You’d give more honour and credit to El-Rufai that he didn’t feel he could stay and be a snitch.”

‎Reacting to suggestions of a looming political realignment involving figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and El-Rufai, Bwala described them as a “coalition for a wild goose chase.”

‎“This coalition is not built on ideology or national interest; it’s a desperate association to grab power,” he claimed.

‎“One minute they say come to SDP, the next it's PDP. There is no coherence, no policy, just opportunism.”

‎Bwala reiterated that President Tinubu is focused on governance, not re-election.

‎Responding to questions about campaign billboards promoting Tinubu's 2027 ambition, Bwala clarified that the presidency is not connected to them and suggested that they might be the handiwork of mischief-makers.

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Bring It On: Senator Natasha Challenges Akpabio to Sue Her Over Assássination Claims

‎Sue Me, Let’s Cross That Bridge’ —Senator Natasha Dares Akpabio Over Assassination Allegation Sue Me, Let’s Cross That Bridge’ —Senator Natasha Dares Akpabio Over Assassination Allegation
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‎Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday night, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was aware that Akpabio was considering legal action in response to her claims.
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‎She welcomed the move and stood by her allegations.
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‎“I am hearing that the Senate President wants to sue me for that,” she said. “I will tell him to go ahead. We will meet and cross that bridge.”
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‎The senator had earlier made the startling claim while addressing her supporters at a rally held in Ihima, Kogi Central, on Tuesday.
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‎According to her, the Senate President initially reached out to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo to commence her recall from the Senate.
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‎She alleged that when Ododo declined, citing her popularity among the masses, Akpabio turned to former Governor Yahaya Bello to handle both her recall and her assássination.
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‎But Akpabio was not satisfied; he then called for Yahaya Bello. It was Senator Asuquo who drove Yahaya Bello to the Hiltons. I was informed,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told her constituents.
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‎“The meeting was in two folds; he told him to commence my recall. He was going to fund it. Of course, money changed hands that day. The second thing was that he should kīll me.”
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‎She continued with further chilling details.
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‎“Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to kīll me. Akpabio told him to make sure that kîllīng me does not happen in Abuja. It should be done here. So it will seem as if the people kílled me here. I didn’t make that public, but we did notify the police about it,” she said.
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‎When asked by Politics Today host Seun Okinbaloye whether she had proof to support such grave allegations, the senator responded by pointing to the attempted recall process as partial evidence.
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‎“If you are doubting the veracity of the kílling, what about the recall that we just experienced?” she asked. “Let us get to that bridge.”
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‎The Senate President has yet to respond to the allegations publicly. However, close aides have neither confirmed nor denied the reports of an impending lawsuit.
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‎The political tension comes amid growing scrutiny of internal power plays within Nigeria’s National Assembly, with Akpoti-Uduaghan increasingly vocal about what she describes as targeted efforts to silence her.
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‎Security agencies have not issued any official statement regarding the senator’s reported notification to the police, and it remains unclear whether any investigations have commenced.
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‎Here's another attempt:
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‎Bring It On: Senator Natasha Challenges Akpabio to Sue Her Over Assassination Claims
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Supreme Court Nullifies Appeal Court Ruling, Removes Julius Abure as Labour Party National Chairman

‎Nigeria’s Supreme Court has thrown out the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had earlier affirmed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).
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‎ Delivering the ruling on Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court unanimously held that the appellate court had no jurisdiction to meddle in the party’s leadership tussle.
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‎According to the justices, the matter was strictly an internal party affair, one that courts have no business adjudicating.
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‎This verdict effectively ended Abure’s claim to the Labour Party’s national leadership, throwing the party into further crisis.
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‎Before this Supreme Court decision, the Court of Appeal had ruled in January that Abure remained the Labour Party's National Chairman.
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‎The appellate court had reasoned that the leadership of a political party was beyond judicial intervention, dismissing a lower court ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, which had previously invalidated Abure’s position.
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‎However, the Supreme Court has now overridden that judgment, reinforcing that leadership disputes within a political party cannot be resolved through the judiciary.
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‎With this latest ruling, the Labour Party is left in turmoil, as the fight for control of its leadership rages on.

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Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Steps Down as President Tinubu's Political Adviser After 17 Months

‎Appointed in September 2023, Baba-Ahmed served in the administration of Vice President Kashim Shettima for approximately 17 months, representing the presidency at various public engagements.

‎Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the political adviser appointed by President Bola Tinubu to work in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, has resigned from his position, sources within the presidency revealed on Thursday.

‎Daily Trust has reported that Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), resigned from his role as Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Vice President about two weeks ago.

‎Citing sources within the presidency, the report noted that Baba-Ahmed did not elaborate on his reasons, stating only that his resignation was based on personal grounds.

‎However, as of the time of reporting, it remained unclear whether the presidency had officially accepted his resignation.

‎Appointed in September 2023, Baba-Ahmed served in the administration of Vice President Kashim Shettima for approximately 17 months, representing the presidency at various public engagements.

‎One of his most recent appearances was at the national conference, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” held in Abuja from January 28 to 29, 2025.

‎During his tenure, Baba-Ahmed’s role occasionally attracted controversy, particularly with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

‎Tensions flared in April 2024 when Matawalle urged northern appointees to defend the Tinubu administration against criticism and misrepresentation, a comment widely seen as a veiled rebuke of Baba-Ahmed.

‎The minister’s remarks followed Baba-Ahmed’s response to Matawalle’s dismissal of the NEF as a “political paperweight” after the group criticised the North's support for President Tinubu in the 2023 election.

‎Baba-Ahmed had argued that instead of attacking NEF, the minister should have focused on showcasing the achievements of northern appointees in improving security and reducing poverty.

‎“The scathing criticism of NEF by the junior minister of defence, Matawalle, is ill-advised,” Baba-Ahmed had said.

‎“He could have done a better job for this administration by identifying contributions made by northern ministers and other appointees like me.”

‎Matawalle later responded, saying that as a presidential appointee, Baba-Ahmed had a duty to defend and promote the administration.

‎“His relationship with the NEF is well known,” the minister stated. “Appointees must work for the administration’s success and counter unjust attacks that are motivated by ethnic or parochial interests.”

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Justice for Lynched Travellers: Tension in Edo Eases as DSS Nabs Prime Suspects

‎Operatives of the Department of State Security have arrested two principal suspects involved in the kîllīng of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government last week.

‎According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, Fred Itua, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence.

‎He noted that operatives of various security agencies were hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents.

‎He said, “Operatives of the Department of State Security have arrested two principal suspects involved in the kîllīngs of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government last week.

‎“The suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence. Operatives of various security agencies are hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents.”

‎In the latest development, the two principal suspects arrested by officials of the DSS have been transferred to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for further interrogation and prosecution by the relevant authorities.

‎A source told the PUNCH that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the kîllīngs have been transferred to Force headquarters while investigation continues on the matter.

‎He noted that the transfer of the suspects to Abuja was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

‎“I can confirm to you that the suspects have been taken to Abuja as directed by the IGP and investigation into the matter is still ongoing.”

‎Itua also said he could not confirm if the compensation promised the family of the victim would be financial.

‎He, however, said the Edo and Kano governments were working together to fashion out a suitable compensation for the family of the victims.

‎“As you are aware, Governor Okpehbolo met with the Kano State Government and visited the families of the I6 people that were kílled, where he promised compensation.

‎“I cannot say what form the compensation will take but both state governments are talking to ensure that the victims’ families are compensated.”

‎A resident of Uromi, who gave his name simply as Michael, said residents of the area, where the kîllīngs took place, were deserting their villages over fear of being arrested.

‎He stated that women thronged the Ojuromi of Uromi palace to protest the indiscriminate arrest of people in Uromi following the kîllīngs of the 16 travellers.

‎He said, “What is happening now is that people are leaving their houses where the kîllīngs took place for fear of being arrested by the police, who have been mandated to fish out all the culprits.

‎“I believe the protest by the women on Monday is in connection with the indiscriminate arrest of residents by security agencies.”

‎Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has claimed that some major opposition political parties were planning to instigate a crisis in the state and make it ungovernable.

‎The state APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, stated this during a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

‎“It has come to our attention that the leadership of some major opposition parties in our state, along with two others, has devised a reckless and dangerous plot to instigate crisis and make Edo ungovernable,” he said.

‎Tenebe alleged that the aim of those behind the plot was to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.

‎Their sinister objective is clear: they want to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo, because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.

‎The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the tribunal will, on Wednesday, deliver judgment in the petition filed by the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, against the outcome of the Sept. 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.

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