Author: Gabby

A delegation from Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) visited the family of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.) and the Katsina State Government on Sunday to offer condolences. The visit was confirmed in a Monday statement by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Major General IM Abdullahi, Chief of Administration for the Army, led the delegation. He extended sympathies from Chief of Defence Staff General OO Oluyede and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). During the family visit in Katsina, Abdullahi praised the late officer as a devoted and patriotic soldier who served the nation with excellence for over three decades.

Abdullahi highlighted Abubakar’s significant contributions to the Nigerian Army and the country’s security framework. He assured the family that security agencies will work to ensure those responsible for the general’s death face justice. As a mark of honor, he presented the national flag to the family in recognition of Abubakar’s service and sacrifice.

Alhaji Dikko Mu’azu Ruma, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to the CDS and the armed forces for their support during this mourning period.

The delegation also visited the Katsina State Government House, where Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe received them on behalf of Governor Dikko Radda. Abdullahi reiterated the military leadership’s condolences, calling the late general a distinguished son of Katsina State whose national service will be remembered.

Deputy Governor Jobe described Abubakar’s death as a painful loss for both the state and Nigeria, noting that his dedication to national service will inspire future generations. He urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders to combat insecurity and pledged the state’s continued support for military operations aimed at restoring peace in the North-West.

In response, Abdullahi commended the Katsina government for its support to security agencies, emphasizing that cooperation between the military and state government is vital for lasting peace in the region. Special prayers were offered for the repose of the late officer’s soul at both the family residence and the Government House.

Other members of the delegation included Major General WB Idris (Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA), Major General BP Koughna (GOC 8 Division), Rear Admiral AM Haruna, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, Major General JS Bindawa (retd.), Brigadier General SK Usman (retd.), and Air Vice Marshal IS Kaita (retd.).

In a move aimed at bolstering security measures, the Rivers State Police Command has announced a new enforcement operation targeting automobiles that display unauthorized, obscured, or missing registration plates. The initiative, set to begin on June 15, 2026, is a direct response to concerns that improperly affixed plates facilitate criminal activities by allowing perpetrators to hide their identities.

ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Command’s spokesperson, revealed in a statement released Monday that the directive originates from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. She emphasized that the primary goal of the operation is to curtail criminal behavior and enhance public safety across the state.

The exercise will be spearheaded by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, who has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to enforce the order strictly within their jurisdictions. Vehicles found in violation will be impounded, and offenders may face legal prosecution.

Motorists are strongly advised to ensure their number plates are correctly attached, fully visible, and free from any coverings or alterations to avoid arrest, vehicle seizure, or legal consequences. The police have stressed that the operation must be conducted professionally, without harassment or extortion.

CP Adepoju issued a stern warning to officers, stating that any form of misconduct, intimidation, or extortion will result in severe disciplinary action. The Command reaffirmed its dedication to protecting lives and property through proactive security measures.

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has made his way to the Federal High Court in Kaduna for the ongoing hearing in his corruption case. He was accompanied by officials from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as well as operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The charges against El-Rufai include abuse of office, fraud, and financial mismanagement during his time as governor. Prosecutors allege that funds were misappropriated for projects that were either poorly executed or not carried out at all.

El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to all counts and is maintaining his innocence. During Monday’s court session, both the prosecution and defense are expected to present their motions and arguments as the trial moves forward.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that the South-East geopolitical zone will adopt President Bola Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. He made this declaration while inspecting ongoing federal road projects in Ebonyi State over the weekend.

In a press statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, Umahi expressed the region’s gratitude for the infrastructure developments initiated by the Tinubu administration. He noted that the people of the South-East have observed these projects and are eager to show their support publicly.

“The South-East is deeply appreciative of what Mr. President has accomplished. By Monday, under the leadership of Ebonyi State’s governor, we will formalize this appreciation by adopting him as our sole candidate,” Umahi stated.

The minister highlighted several federal projects in the region as proof of the government’s dedication to inclusivity and progress. He also revealed that the 2026 budget includes allocations to link a major road corridor to Ebonyi’s capital.

Addressing contractors, Umahi assured them that outstanding payments would be settled and urged them to continue work without interruption. “All contractors who are owed will receive payment. Work should not halt because we aim to commission this project by December,” he said.

Umahi maintained that the South-East populace has recognized the delivery of projects and is ready to openly rally behind President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

The British government has announced the appointment of Peter Vowles as the next High Commissioner to Nigeria, according to a statement released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Monday. Vowles will take over from Richard Montgomery, who has been serving in the role.

Vowles brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position, having previously served as the UK ambassador to Zimbabwe. He has also held various senior roles within the FCDO, equipping him with the skills needed to foster strong bilateral ties.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time as the United Kingdom and Nigeria continue to enhance collaboration in areas such as trade, security, education, climate action, and economic development. As High Commissioner, Vowles will represent the British government and King Charles III in Nigeria, overseeing diplomatic relations, trade and investment partnerships, consular services, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has leveled serious allegations against Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, claiming he is sidelining the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to further his personal political aspirations. According to IPOB, Soludo is angling for the Vice Presidency in 2031 on a Fulani-dominated ticket.

In a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group criticized Soludo for attacking Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who recently called for Kanu’s freedom. IPOB described Soludo’s alleged VP ambition as “shameless” and expressed disappointment that the governor had reversed his earlier commitment to Kanu.

IPOB recalled that in January 2023, Soludo visited Kanu at the DSS facility in Abuja, shook his hand, and publicly demanded his release, even offering to stand as surety. The group noted that as recently as March 2025, Soludo’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, boasted that the governor was actively working to free Kanu to restore peace in the Southeast. Now, however, Soludo’s administration has labeled Obi’s similar call as a “slap on the judiciary.”

The statement accused Soludo of betraying the Igbo cause to curry favor with northern power brokers. It read, in part, “You visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when you needed Igbo votes and his endorsement to become governor. Now you have turned against him to chase crumbs from Abuja.” IPOB warned that history would judge Soludo harshly, comparing him to other Igbo leaders they consider traitors.

The group emphasized that their demand for Kanu’s release is not limited to the Igbo but includes support from Yoruba, Hausa, and Middle Belt figures, such as Prophet Ayodele. They insisted that Soludo’s actions will not derail their movement for justice and Biafran freedom.

Segun Sowunmi, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced strong criticism over the handling of insecurity in Nigeria. During a Monday interview on Arise Television’s ‘Day Break’ program, he asserted that the nation’s security challenges have not been met with the urgency they warrant.

His comments came in the wake of the tragic death of former military spokesperson Major-General Rabe Abubakar (retired), who lost his life while in the custody of bandits. Sowunmi emphasized that while government officials frequently appeal for patience and assure the public that their strategies need more time to yield results, they fail to acknowledge the daily hardships faced by citizens. As hardships persist, he noted, frustration and agitation inevitably escalate.

“We are confronted with individuals perpetrating violent acts, yet the response has lacked the required gravity,” Sowunmi stated. He pointed out that governors in regions most affected by insecurity have not demonstrated sufficient urgency, and local government authorities have similarly fallen short in their duties.

He further lamented that the public’s reaction has not matched the scale of the crisis, especially following the loss of a high-ranking military officer. “Overall, the national response does not reflect the severity of what we are dealing with,” he concluded.

Former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has refuted claims that a court authorized his apprehension regarding allegations of certificate forgery. In an official statement released Monday through his spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, Nnaji labeled the reports as baseless and part of a smear campaign against him.

Nnaji emphasized that he is not evading law enforcement or under any active investigation. He reiterated that neither he nor his legal representatives, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, have received any summons, warrant, or correspondence from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding the matter.

The statement further clarified that Nnaji resides openly at his known addresses in Asokoro, Abuja, and Independence Layout, Enugu, which are familiar to authorities. It also revealed that Nnaji has initiated a case at the Federal High Court (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025) seeking judicial clarification on issues tied to his academic records, including the release of his transcript. The case remains pending before the court.

In a strong call for legal compliance, traditional authorities from Bendeghe Ekiem in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State have demanded that local youths immediately leave the contested plots within the state-owned cocoa plantation. The monarchs stressed that defying a court order to remain on the land could result in legal repercussions and damage the community’s dedication to judicial processes.

Chief Moses Ndep, heading the Mbume Blocks of Clans Crisis Management Committee, issued the warning during a media briefing held in Bendeghe Ekiem on Monday. He highlighted that respecting judicial rulings is vital for sustaining peace and order, and cautioned against any vigilante actions.

The disputed cocoa plots, according to Ndep, were lawfully assigned to contractors by the previous administration under a consent judgment, and any opposition to that judgment might be viewed as contempt of court. “The courts have made their decision. As responsible citizens, we must honor and adhere to court directives. Failure to do so could bring legal actions against the offenders,” he remarked.

The traditional leader spoke shortly after handing over keys to a building contributed by Dr. Oscar Ofuka, the former Special Adviser on Cocoa Development. The structure will serve as short-term accommodation for employees of a construction company engaged in a 10-kilometer road project connecting Ikom and Obudu.

Ndep traced the root of the conflict to a consent judgment reached after cocoa-producing landlord communities filed a lawsuit against former Governor Ben Ayade’s administration for unpaid royalties spanning 16 years. As part of the resolution, more than 1,000 hectares of cocoa farms were leased for six years to approved allottees, who paid the requisite fees to the state government’s accounts.

However, tensions escalated when a cocoa allocation committee under the current Governor Bassey Otu allegedly reassigned the same plots to new recipients, sparking overlapping claims and unrest within the estate. Ndep appealed for calm, urging the youths to vacate the farms and allow legal mechanisms to take precedence. “I repeat, leave those farms for the rightful allottees. If those occupying them refuse to comply with the court order, the law will take its course,” he warned.

The Federal High Court in Jalingo adjourned a case challenging the APC’s primary elections in two constituencies after the judge was absent. Justice Mashkur Salisu was not present when the hearing was scheduled for Monday, causing the matter to be postponed to June 17, 2026.

Princess Leah Olusiyo Solomon and Job Julius, who participated in the APC primaries, filed the case. Solomon contested for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency ticket, while Julius vied for the Ardo-Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau Federal Constituency nomination.

The plaintiffs argue that no legitimate primary elections happened in those areas and ask the court to nullify the results and order fresh primaries. Barrister Pius D. Pius, their legal representative, stated after the adjournment that the lawsuit was needed because the party allegedly failed to hold primaries there.

He urged the court to declare the processes invalid and mandate new elections according to legal stipulations. When asked about the judge’s absence, Pius declined to speculate but expressed confidence that Justice Salisu will be available on the next date.

This case is part of a series of legal challenges at the Jalingo Federal High Court regarding APC primaries in Taraba. Political observers and party members are monitoring the proceedings closely, as the verdict could significantly impact the party’s internal democracy and the state’s political future.