Category: News

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled to release Justice Chidiebere, widely recognized as ‘Justice Crack,’ on bail. The judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, set the bail amount at N5 million with a requirement of one surety of equal value.

On Monday, the Federal Government commenced its legal proceedings against the blogger, presenting its initial witness, Uruntu Douglas, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS). This development occurred after a delay in the hearing of the bail application last Thursday, which was caused by a disagreement between two legal representatives each claiming to represent Crack.

The DSS is prosecuting Justice Crack for alleged cybercrimes connected to a viral video involving the Nigerian Army. The court’s decision to grant bail marks a significant step in the ongoing legal process.

The abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area has led to a noticeable absence of learners in schools across the region. Educators took to the streets early Monday morning, holding a peaceful protest to demand immediate action from authorities.

According to reports, approximately 39 students and seven teachers were taken by unknown assailants on Friday from multiple communities within the local government area. The incident has sparked widespread fear among residents.

Our correspondent observed that school premises remained largely empty on Monday, a sharp contrast to the usual bustling activity. Many parents opted to keep their children at home due to safety concerns.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesting teachers urged the government and security forces to expedite the rescue of their abducted colleagues and students. The demonstrators emphasized the need for a swift and safe return of all victims.

A teacher from one of the affected schools shared, “In my school, only two students showed up, along with one or two teachers by the time I left. We didn’t even enter the school grounds; we stayed at the gate, afraid of what might happen.”

The peaceful protest underscores the growing anxiety in the community as families await news of their loved ones. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the abduction.

The Borno State Government has announced a coordinated effort with security forces to ensure the safe return of 42 students and children who were kidnapped from a school in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area. The abduction occurred last Friday during an early morning raid that also targeted nearby homes, according to officials.

Mallam Dauda Iliya, Special Adviser and spokesperson to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, confirmed the rescue mission in a statement from Maiduguri. He revealed that Governor Zulum has been holding intensive meetings with heads of security agencies, including the military and police, to streamline rescue operations. The state government’s top priority, Iliya stressed, is to bring the abducted pupils, students, and other victims back safely to their families.

“Governor Zulum has been in constant engagement with security agencies since the incident occurred to ensure the abductees are rescued and reunited with their loved ones,” Iliya stated.

Security sources earlier disclosed that the victims include four secondary school students, 28 primary school pupils, and 10 children taken from nearby residences. Senator Ali Ndume confirmed the attack, describing it as “barbaric and heartbreaking,” and called on troops of Operation Hadin Kai to intensify rescue efforts. Ndume warned that the incident signals a resurgence of insecurity in parts of Chibok and Askira-Uba, urging a swift military response to secure the captives.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has restated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to eradicating terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges across Nigeria. Speaking at the opening of the COAS First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, he emphasized that the army would achieve this through greater professionalism, operational efficiency, and stronger collaboration with other security forces.

The conference, held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, gathered principal staff officers, formation commanders, heads of military establishments, senior officers, regimental sergeant majors, and representatives from various security agencies. They convened to assess the nation’s security landscape and refine operational tactics.

Shaibu highlighted that troops have achieved significant victories in multiple operational zones, especially in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. He praised soldiers for their bravery, resilience, and professionalism during counter-insurgency and anti-banditry missions, despite challenging conditions.

He noted that the Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and fostering a secure environment for economic and social progress. While acknowledging operational setbacks, Shaibu stressed that these would not deter troops from confronting criminal elements. “Our journey has not been without setbacks, but the Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to addressing all security challenges confronting our dear nation,” he stated.

The COAS underscored the need for innovative approaches, realistic operational evaluations, and enhanced coordination among security agencies to adapt to evolving threats. The conference aims to review ongoing missions, identify obstacles, and formulate effective strategies to boost performance.

Shaibu reiterated his command philosophy: building a professional, battle-ready, and adaptable army that can fulfill its constitutional duties within a joint and multi-agency framework. He announced that Army Headquarters has increased support for troops through better logistics, realistic training, and improved welfare programs.

He also stressed the importance of discipline, loyalty, and professionalism, urging officers and soldiers to uphold high standards and strictly follow rules of engagement. The COAS commended the troops for their sacrifices and patriotism, assuring them of continued backing from Army Headquarters and the Federal Government.

A medical professional, Dr. Abdullahi Nasiru, has cautioned Nigerians that the early signs of Ebola Virus Disease can be easily confused with malaria, urging individuals to avoid self-treatment and seek proper healthcare.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Nasiru explained that initial Ebola indicators like fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and weakness closely mirror those of malaria, which can delay detection and increase risk.

He highlighted a common and risky practice among Nigerians: assuming any fever is malaria and treating it at home. According to him, this habit is perilous, especially during an outbreak.

“Ebola’s early phase presents symptoms that resemble malaria—fever, body weakness, headache, and vomiting are often overlooked or managed casually at home,” Nasiru noted.

The expert urged the public to go to a hospital immediately if symptoms continue or worsen, emphasizing that early identification and care are vital for controlling infectious diseases.

Beyond individual action, Dr. Nasiru called on health authorities to ramp up public education campaigns, particularly in rural areas, to curb panic and misinformation when outbreaks occur.

He also advised people to practice good hygiene, steer clear of infected individuals, and promptly report any suspected cases to health officials for swift intervention.

United States Congressman Riley Moore has delivered a strong message to those targeting Christians in Nigeria: there will be consequences. In a recent interview on NewsNation with anchor Anna Kooiman, Moore, a Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, highlighted the ongoing religious persecution in northeastern Nigeria and emphasized that the Trump administration is taking decisive action.

Moore credited President Donald Trump for orchestrating a joint Nigerian-American operation that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the global second-in-command of ISIS. This strike, Moore said, sends an unmistakable signal: those who harm innocent Christians will be pursued and brought to justice. “Do not test President Trump’s resolve,” Moore wrote on his X account, sharing a clip from the interview.

The congressman noted that Trump’s engagement with Nigeria intensified after the president designated the country as a nation of particular concern in October of the previous year. Moore also revealed that Trump personally tasked him with investigating the situation on the ground. The lawmaker’s remarks underscore a renewed focus on protecting religious freedom and combating terrorism in the region.

The Federal High Court in Abuja set bail for activist and social media personality Justice Mark Chidiebere, widely recognized as Justice Crack, at N5 million. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik stipulated that the bail bond must be supported by one surety of the same amount.

The court mandated that the surety must live within the court’s jurisdiction with a permanent address for at least four years and provide proof of residence, such as a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy, to the court registry. Additionally, the surety must be a federal civil servant at grade level 15 or above, with evidence of three months’ salary, an authentication letter from their department head, and proof of pensionable employment. The surety must also swear an affidavit of means, submit a recent passport photo, and the defendant must surrender his international passport to the court.

Earlier, prosecution counsel M.L. Jackson announced readiness to proceed with the trial. The first witness, DSS operative Uruntu Douglas, testified that he met the defendant during an investigation after the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps transferred him to the DSS. Douglas stated that the defendant voluntarily provided an extra-judicial statement recorded in the presence of his lawyers.

The witness revealed that soldiers had supplied pictures to the defendant, who allegedly created videos from those images and shared them on social media without verifying their authenticity with military authorities. Investigators retrieved data from the defendant’s phone, including the posted videos, conversations with soldiers, chats with his godfather about protests, and social media content. A certificate of compliance was issued and signed by a superior officer after the forensic analysis.

Defense counsel Sam Amadi argued that the prosecution had not provided the investigation report and other documents they intended to submit. The prosecution admitted the oversight and apologized. Justice Abdulmalik admitted the DSS report as Exhibit A. The prosecution also submitted an iPhone allegedly belonging to the defendant, a flash drive with videos from social media, device conversations, and the compliance certificate. The defense objected to the flash drive’s admissibility, claiming its content was not described or played in court. The trial continues on May 25, with the first witness still on the stand.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a stern warning to transporters regarding the dangers of moving containers that are not properly fastened, emphasizing that such negligence endangers all road users. This advisory was released on Monday as the FRSC Kano Sector Command ramps up enforcement through its ongoing special patrol initiative, tagged “Operation Guduma,” which targets a range of traffic violations across the state.

The agency highlighted that vehicles hauling unlatched containers pose a significant risk of causing accidents or obstructing major routes if the containers detach while the truck is in motion. According to the command, the operation focuses on infractions such as the use of counterfeit diplomatic plates, overloading, mixing goods with passengers, and the transport of unsecured containers—all of which can lead to road crashes and traffic blockages.

Officials stressed that poorly fastened containers not only threaten the lives of drivers and passengers but also endanger other motorists, particularly on busy highways. During a monitoring exercise on the Kano–Zaria Road, Assistant Corps Marshal Y.A. Haruna, head of Federal Operations, urged enforcement personnel to apply traffic laws rigorously while maintaining a professional demeanor.

Haruna also called on drivers and transport companies to take proactive responsibility by ensuring that all loads are securely fastened before departing. The FRSC advised all motorists to adhere to safety regulations, warning that violators will face penalties.

Nearly four years after the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (UMSO) was legally established, the elders of the Oron nation in Akwa Ibom State are voicing their frustration over its continued dormancy. The institution was created through an Act of the National Assembly and received presidential assent from former President Muhammadu Buhari on February 16, 2023, yet it remains non-operational.

During a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, the elders—organized under the banner of Oron Stakeholders—described the situation as unacceptable. They warned that Nigeria risks losing vital opportunities in the blue economy sector and undermining its maritime development goals due to this prolonged delay.

Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit, speaking on behalf of the group, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently. “A university that exists in law must also exist in reality,” the elders asserted, emphasizing that despite years of advocacy, legislative processes, and stakeholder engagements, the university exists only on paper without any operational structures.

The origins of UMSO trace back to 2008, when the Niger Delta Development Technical Committee recommended upgrading the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, into a full-fledged university. Following the bill’s signing, expectations included the appointment of principal officers, formation of governing councils, and the start of academic activities—none of which have materialized.

The elders expressed concern over the slow implementation, questioning why the Federal Government has not appointed a substantive Vice-Chancellor or fully constituted the Governing Council. They also wondered why public resources continue to be directed toward structures that were meant to transition into the new university framework.

According to the stakeholders, the issue transcends local interests. The university was envisioned as a national center for maritime excellence, a driver of Nigeria’s blue economy, a hub for research and innovation, and a platform for youth employment and educational advancement. They warned that each day of delay translates into lost educational opportunities, weakened public confidence, and stalled regional economic development.

The elders demanded immediate action from the Tinubu administration, including the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and principal officers, full constitution of the Governing Council, clear directives to relevant ministries and agencies, a transparent implementation timeline, and an administrative review of factors causing the delay. “We are not asking for special treatment; we are simply demanding that an existing federal law be fully implemented,” the forum stated.

Growing discontent within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has led to a major pushback from senatorial and House of Representatives hopefuls. The aspirants, spanning both southern and northern zones, have openly opposed the party’s consensus strategy for the upcoming primaries, calling it flawed and undemocratic.

Led by Senator Danjuma La’ah, the group has given the state government and party leadership a stern 24-hour deadline to abandon the consensus model. Failure to comply, they warn, could trigger a severe internal conflict just ahead of the senatorial primaries, threatening the party’s stability in the region.

The aggrieved candidates argue that the candidate selection method breaches the APC Constitution and the official nomination guidelines for primaries. In a statement, La’ah said: “We, the undersigned House of Representatives and senatorial aspirants in Kaduna, formally protest the recent candidate selection process in Kaduna senatorial districts.”

The aspirants also stressed that the consensus arrangement lacks transparency and falls short of the democratic aspirations of party members. They insist that unless the process is reversed within 24 hours, the party structure in Kaduna risks significant destabilization.

This unrest mirrors similar tensions in other states, where disputes over consensus and direct primaries have sparked protests, withdrawals, and factional divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.