Author: Gabby

Nigerians are on edge as a Federal High Court in Abuja gears up to deliberate on whether former President Goodluck Jonathan can legally contest the 2027 presidential election. The hearing, scheduled for Friday, is expected to see Jonathan appear personally in court.

This development comes just a day after Jonathan hinted at his potential candidacy during a speech in Abuja on Thursday. His remarks followed a demonstration by supporters who marched to his home, urging him to enter the race.

In response, Jonathan emphasized the importance of patriotism, peaceful elections, and credible voting processes in Nigeria. He stated, “Running for president is not a game, but I hear your call, and I will engage in broad consultations.”

Reports indicate that a video circulating online on Friday shows the court ready to proceed with the case. The outcome could significantly impact the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

The political landscape in Nigeria’s Senate has been rocked by a fresh controversy as Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has called for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This demand comes in the wake of tensions surrounding proposed amendments to the Senate Standing Orders, which govern the election of presiding and principal officers.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Oshiomhole expressed strong disapproval of the revised rules, labeling them as a product of a profound moral crisis. He argued that under the proposed framework, Akpabio no longer possesses the ethical or procedural legitimacy to continue as Senate President.

The former governor of Edo State pointed out that Akpabio became Minority Leader during his first term in the Senate and now seeks to modify the very regulations that would limit the eligibility of other senators. Oshiomhole emphasized that even combining the current term with the previous one, Akpabio has not completed eight years in office, a requirement that the new rules would supposedly enforce for anyone aspiring to lead the chamber.

According to Oshiomhole, passing a rule that demands eight consecutive years of service for the Senate presidency means that Akpabio should step down by example, as he currently presides without meeting the necessary qualifications.

It will be recalled that DAILY POST earlier reported that the Senate had withdrawn its amendment to the Standing Orders. This reversal followed a motion introduced by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, which was adopted under the oversight of Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau.

The initial amendment sought to restrict the contest for principal offices to senators who have served two terms, with one term being the immediate preceding term. This effectively narrowed the pool of candidates, sparking widespread criticism.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set July 2 as the date for further proceedings in a lawsuit filed by Mr. Amechi Michael, a Nigerian passenger, against British Airways. The case revolves around allegations that the airline lost his carry-on luggage.

During the most recent court session, the plaintiff underwent cross-examination conducted by the airline’s legal representative, Mr. John Godwin. Michael testified that he initially reported the incident to British Airways’ customer service department, which then directed him to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), an arbitration body based in the UK.

According to Michael, the arbitrator ruled in his favor regarding a flight delay but did not address the issue of the missing carry-on bag. Dissatisfied with this partial resolution, he rejected the award and brought the matter before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a remedy for the alleged loss.

The passenger argued that British Airways had a duty of care to safeguard his luggage and accused the airline’s employees of negligence. His attorney, Barrister Abiola Olaitan, informed the court of her intention to conclude the presentation of evidence on behalf of her client.

Presiding Judge Justice Obiora Egwuatu subsequently adjourned the case to July 2, allowing the defense to present its case and continue the trial. The lawsuit, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1293/2025, seeks the return of the carry-on luggage that Michael claims went missing during a delayed boarding process. He stated that a cabin crew member had requested to take the bag for safekeeping, after which it was never seen again.

A violent attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on a military base in Borno State has resulted in the deaths of two Nigerian soldiers and numerous insurgents. The assault targeted the Forward Operating Base in Magumeri Local Government Area, which falls under Sector 3 of the military operation.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force, the confrontation took place early Thursday morning. The terrorists exploited low visibility conditions to attempt an infiltration of the base. Although they managed to breach a small, isolated section of the facility, the troops mounted a determined defense, effectively repelling the attack and killing a substantial number of the assailants.

Uba noted that subsequent sweeps of the area uncovered signs of heavy enemy casualties, including blood trails, drag marks, and recovered bodies. The military also seized a significant cache of weapons from the fleeing insurgents, such as PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and magazines.

Sadly, two brave soldiers lost their lives in the fierce battle. Another officer and several wounded personnel are currently in stable condition and receiving medical care. During the engagement, some equipment and temporary structures were damaged or destroyed by fire.

Five students from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade in Ogun State have opened up about their harrowing experience after being freed from kidnappers. What began as a routine trip to grab a meal turned into a nightmare on the Isara-Ode road.

Speaking to DAILY POST, the visibly distressed youths recounted the terrifying moments from their abduction in Remo North Local Government Area to their eventual rescue. The group, comprising four men and one woman, was traveling in an ash-colored Toyota when they were ambushed by torch-wielding gunmen on a bridge. The attackers, numbering about 12, forced open the car doors, seized phones, jewelry, and even drinks, leaving the victims injured.

The incident occurred just 48 hours after a similar attack on students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun campus. The kidnappers, according to the victims, used their lights to mimic a police stop, then took control of the vehicle. The students were forced to trek for three hours into dense bush before being allowed to contact their families for ransom.

One victim, identified only as Taye, described the shock of the attack. “They acted like policemen, flashing torches for us to stop. Next thing I heard was a gunshot. They demanded N20 million from each of us and threatened to kill us if we couldn’t pay,” he said in a weak voice.

The students alleged their captors were not strangers to the area, identifying them as Fulani men familiar with the local terrain. One victim recalled a tense moment when a fellow captive called them “Fulani,” which enraged the kidnappers, who then pointed a gun at him. “They know the whole community and vicinity,” the student insisted.

Another victim revealed that while three students were asked for N20 million each, the driver and car owner was shot in the leg and ordered to pay N40 million. Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said that upon receiving the report, operatives from Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, anti-kidnapping units, and others were deployed. The vehicle was found abandoned with bullet holes and bloodstains.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni disclosed that security forces engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, leading to the safe rescue of all five students on April 28, 2026. “The kidnappers fled with gunshot wounds. No officer was harmed,” he said during a press briefing. The police boss called for collaboration with schools, urging them to maintain contact with local police for quick response to emergencies.

School authorities, represented by Deputy Rector Taiwo Ogunyinka, presented an appreciation letter to the CP, commending the bravery and swift action. SUG President Comrade Akinpelu Timothy also praised the police, saying the rescue assured students that their lives were in safe hands.

In a recent military operation in Zamfara State, troops from the Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully eliminated three insurgents and confiscated a significant quantity of arms and ammunition. The operation, which took place in the Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, involved a fighting patrol that covered several villages including Birnin Tsaba, Tsanu, and Dumburum.

According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) released on Thursday in Abuja, the patrol engaged the insurgents at Dumburum village, where a fierce encounter led to the neutralization of three terrorists. Following the clash, the troops recovered a variety of weapons and ammunition, including one AK-47 rifle, one SK-21 A1 machine gun, a locally made handgun, six AK-47 magazines, and one FN rifle magazine.

The report further detailed that additional recovered items comprised 123 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 179 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition on links, and 269 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. Notably, no casualties were reported among the troops during the operation.

In a brazen attack on Wednesday night, armed individuals seized eight students from the Faculty of Engineering at Nasarawa State University. The incident occurred at a private residence located off campus in Gudi, a community within Akwanga Local Government Area.

According to an anonymous source, the victims were taken from their lodging in Anguwar Ninzo, Gudi, on the outskirts of the town. The police spokesman, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that six of the abducted students and a friend who was visiting at the time were among those taken. He noted that the identity of the eighth victim remains unverified.

The police received a distress call at around 9 p.m. on May 6, 2026, reporting that a gang of armed hoodlums had stormed the student lodge and kidnapped several individuals. The captors fled to an undisclosed location.

In response, the Commissioner of Police for Nasarawa State, CP Shetina Jauro Mohammed, immediately visited the scene to assess the situation. He assured the university community and local residents that the command is fully committed to rescuing the victims unharmed.

To bolster the search efforts, the commissioner has redeployed the area commander of Akwanga to coordinate field operations. A joint security task force—comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, and other tactical units—has been mobilized to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe release of all victims.

The Benue State House of Assembly has taken the decision to suspend Abraham Gberidyer, who serves as the auditor-general for local government, following allegations of financial wrongdoing amounting to approximately N4.6 billion. This action was announced on Thursday through a statement released by Michael Zape, the chief press secretary to Speaker Berger Emberga. The statement confirmed that the suspension was authorized during a plenary session.

According to the details, Governor Hyacinth Alia formally notified the lawmakers about the allegations via a letter that was transmitted by the head of service. In the correspondence, the governor indicated that Gberidyer is currently under investigation for corruption and cannot remain in office under the provisions of the constitution concerning the removal of corrupt public officers. The lawmakers unanimously supported the suspension, expressing that it would allow for a comprehensive probe into the claims.

During the same plenary session, the assembly passed a bill aimed at establishing an official state symbol and anthem for Benue, along with other related measures. The bill was passed following a report presented by the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Culture and Tourism, William Ortyom, who was represented by Anyor Mato. Additionally, lawmakers considered a bill to repeal the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lotteries Board Law of 2017 and replace it with the Benue State Lotteries, Public Online Lotteries, Gaming and Sports Marketing Board Law of 2024, which successfully passed its second reading.

Speaker Berger Emberga referred the proposed legislation to the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Creativity for further examination. Another bill focusing on adjusting the retirement age and enhancing remuneration for magistrates and legal officers passed its third reading. This bill seeks to extend the retirement age for these officials to prevent the state from losing experienced personnel in the justice sector. Furthermore, the Benue State Pension Harmonisation Bill also passed its second reading; it was sponsored by Douglas Akya of Makurdi South constituency and aims to increase pension benefits for retirees.

The Nigerian government has shed light on why President Bola Tinubu is keeping fuel subsidy abolished. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications, stated during a Channels Television program that the decision stems from widespread fraud in the petroleum sector.

According to Bwala, the previous subsidy system primarily benefited dishonest individuals rather than ordinary citizens. He emphasized that non-Nigerians were among those exploiting the regime.

Bwala clarified that the administration is not opposed to subsidies in principle, pointing to existing subsidies on dialysis at 50% and support in agriculture. He described President Tinubu’s leadership as flexible, noting that if a genuine need for subsidy arises, the government could consider it.

The presidential aide also highlighted that state governors across Nigeria have welcomed the subsidy removal due to increased revenues for their states.

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has sharply criticized Nigeria’s National Assembly, accusing it of transforming lawmaking into a mechanism for personal gain.

Speaking during a live interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Amadi argued that this shift has deepened the nation’s crisis of exclusion, shutting out many citizens, including those eager to engage in the political process.

“What we are witnessing is the National Assembly converting legislation into an avenue for self-aggrandizement, whether for the executive branch or for themselves,” Amadi stated. “The result is a mounting crisis fueled by exclusion.”

He acknowledged that, technically, the Assembly is entitled to establish rules governing its internal hierarchy. “There is nothing inherently wrong with the National Assembly creating procedures to define its structure,” he noted. “The Senate, the House of Representatives, and other bodies operate under constitutional guidelines. In this case, the Senate is free to self-regulate, and its rules encompass various elements.”

However, Amadi expressed concern over a troubling trend in the current Assembly: the move toward laws that are narrow, targeting specific individuals or events. “Consider the Electoral Act,” he said. “When they crafted the clause prohibiting party defection within a certain period, it was clearly aimed at particular people. Interestingly, those like Adams Oshiomhole, who now complain, were silent when laws were being framed to target others.”

He called for a return to inclusive, broad-based legislation that serves the public interest rather than individual ambitions.