Category: News

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.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, successfully mediated a peace agreement between prominent politicians Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, ending their recent political discord. The reconciliation took place during a meeting convened by the governor in Kano, as confirmed by a statement from Mustapha Muhammad, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, on Sunday.

Both parties have now agreed to set aside their differences and renew their political alliance. Rurum expressed gratitude for the governor’s intervention, stating that the rift has been completely resolved and that they are now reunited as a stronger family, committed to working together more closely. He emphasized that the misunderstanding is now behind them.

Senator Kawu Sumaila attributed the conflict to what he described as the work of the devil, reaffirming that their bond transcends politics. He highlighted that their relationship is rooted in family ties and deeper connections that go beyond political affiliations. The senator called the episode a temporary misunderstanding that has now been fully addressed.

Umar Haruna Doguwa, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, called on supporters of both leaders to move forward and focus on the party’s future electoral successes. He praised Governor Yusuf for his timely mediation, describing it as a mark of true leadership. Doguwa urged all party members to unite behind the reconciled leaders and work towards the party’s goals.

The peace meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, along with key APC officials, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and Rurum. As a demonstration of their renewed unity, both politicians have invited their followers to attend the official affirmation of Senator Kawu Sumaila as the APC senatorial candidate for Kano South, scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026. This event is seen as a public display of their reconciled stance and commitment to the party’s success in upcoming elections.

A seismic political shift has occurred in Jigawa State as Hon. Sa’idu Yusuf Miga, a federal lawmaker with nearly two decades in office, lost his party’s nod for the 2027 general elections. The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary, held on a Saturday, saw Miga defeated in his bid to retain the Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

Miga’s journey in the National Assembly began in 2003 under the now-defunct New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He later joined the APC during the 2014 merger that established the ruling party. He successfully won re-election in 2015, 2019, and 2023, making him one of Jigawa’s longest-serving lawmakers. However, dissatisfaction among constituents over his performance grew, with critics citing poor representation and a lack of impactful constituency projects in Jahun and Miga local government areas.

Questions about his legislative output also surfaced, as opponents noted he had not sponsored major bills since the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated in June 2023. Public discontent reached a peak earlier in the month when a youth coalition, “Jahun Ina Muka Dosa,” staged a peaceful protest demanding his replacement. Led by figures such as Shamsu Sulaiman Alafin, Nura Wada, and Comrade Muhammad Khamisu Harbo, the group lodged complaints with APC leadership and Governor Umar Namadi, accusing Miga of neglecting infrastructural development, youth unemployment, and constituency needs.

Following the primary, the APC selected Hon. Umar Imam as its flagbearer for the Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections. “We need a more active and result-oriented representative who understands the needs of the people,” a youth leader stated during the protest, reflecting the sentiment that drove the change.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State conducted its primary elections across all 25 local government areas on Saturday, ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the process was overshadowed by widespread allegations of candidate imposition, irregularities, and protests from disgruntled members.

In Chanchaga Local Government Area, three aspirants initially vied for the party’s House of Representatives ticket before the incumbent, Abubakar Audu Buba, withdrew from the race, a move supporters said was aimed at fostering party unity.

Meanwhile, in Bosso Local Government Area, six aspirants competed for the APC ticket to represent the Bosso/Paikoro Federal Constituency. Voting in several wards across the state reportedly began late due to high voter turnout and logistical issues.

Despite these delays, security personnel ensured order, and no significant violence was reported in Chanchaga and Bosso/Paikoro constituencies.

However, the primaries in Gurara/Tafa/Suleja and Shiroro federal constituencies were marred by accusations of candidate imposition, sparking protests and disagreements among party members.

In the Mokwa/Lavun/Edati Federal Constituency, former State House of Assembly Speaker Adamu Usman emerged as the consensus candidate.

Public dissatisfaction was evident in several local government areas, with aggrieved members accusing party officials of manipulating the process and forcing aspirants on them.

Adamu Makun Sheikh, an aspirant in Paikoro Local Government Area, claimed that elections were conducted in only a few of the 11 wards, leaving the process inconclusive. He stated that the exercise was rescheduled for Sunday morning, but party officials failed to appear at the designated venue. “We were all at the venue, but none of the officials showed up,” he said, threatening legal action if the reported irregularities were not addressed.

Similarly, Shehu Samaila Auna, an APC aspirant for the Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency, rejected the emergence of Professor Yakubu Auna as the consensus candidate. In a statement to journalists in Minna, he described the decision as unilateral and not reflective of the collective will of party members. He called on the APC National Working Committee and State Executive Committee to cancel the consensus arrangement and conduct a direct primary, citing Article 20 of the APC Constitution and Section 84(9) of the Electoral Act. He argued that no written agreement existed among aspirants to support a consensus candidate, insisting that the adoption of Professor Yakubu Auna amounted to imposition under the guise of consensus.

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 Lagos State election, Laja Adeoye, has clarified his reasons for departing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He pointed to persistent internal conflicts and a shift toward governance-focused objectives as the catalysts for his move.

Speaking on Sunday at the unveiling of the Lagos Agenda 2027, dubbed Atunto Eko 1.0, Adeoye unveiled core components of his campaign platform while explaining his decision. He noted that APM provides a more stable and purpose-oriented environment, one that can effectively deliver tangible governance results.

“My choice was fueled by ongoing crises inside the PDP and a desire to address real governance challenges,” Adeoye stated. He argued that prolonged legal battles and leadership disputes within the PDP hindered his ability to concentrate on the pressing needs of Lagos residents.

“The endless legal and leadership wrangling in the PDP made it impossible to focus on what truly matters to Lagosians. My commitment to this state and my determination to bring about meaningful change prompted this principled transition. APM is not just another political party; it’s a government-in-waiting, a movement grounded in integrity, competence, and people-first leadership,” he declared.

Adeoye contended that such internal discord could generate uncertainty regarding candidate legitimacy and party stability, potentially affecting preparations for future elections overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He used the opportunity to position APM as a more stable alternative, emphasizing priorities like youth empowerment, job creation, and economic inclusion.

He stressed that his move to APM was not solely about political ambition but reflected a commitment to practical solutions for the state’s development challenges. Adeoye highlighted critical sectors needing urgent attention: power supply, transportation, healthcare, and urban development. He pledged that his campaign would prioritize measurable outcomes over political rhetoric.

Elaborating on his infrastructure agenda, Adeoye outlined plans for independent power projects, expansion of renewable energy, affordable housing schemes, and flood control systems to strengthen urban resilience. He also promised a focus on social welfare and inclusive governance, ensuring balanced development across all communities.

Noting that Lagos has maintained a distinct democratic path since 1999, Adeoye observed that the state, rooted in the five historic IBILE divisions of Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos (Eko), and Epe, has largely been dominated by a single political party. He expressed confidence that APM offers the fresh perspective needed to break that pattern.

A wave of discontent has swept through the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State as party aspirants from the southern zone took to the streets to voice their opposition to what they call the imposition of a House of Representatives candidate. The protest unfolded in Numan, where dozens of aspirants, party faithful, and backers assembled at the APC Zonal Secretariat, brandishing placards that read “No to Imposition,” “Allow Free Primaries,” and “Let the People Decide.”

The frustrated aspirants claimed their action was triggered by reports that Kwamoti Laori had been “selected” as the party’s candidate for the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde constituency without any meaningful consultation or a primary election. They stressed that their grievance is not personal against Laori but directed at a process that tramples on the aspirations of others and disregards the will of grassroots party members.

Among those who had set their sights on the APC ticket for this federal constituency is Vrati Nzonzo, a former council chairman. Just a day before the controversial primary, Nzonzo had spearheaded a forum of aspirants to caution the party against imposing anyone under the guise of consensus. He has been vocally critical of Saturday’s primary, labeling it a predetermined affair that undermines democratic principles.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State finds itself enveloped in a climate of heightened political anxiety as the party gears up to select its senatorial candidates. The impending Monday primaries, whether conducted through consensus or direct voting, carry significant implications that could reshape the state’s political landscape.

In Delta North, the contest pits Senator Ned Nwoko against Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Many residents question the rationale behind Okowa’s bid to return to the Senate after serving two terms as governor, especially with his daughter already in the House of Assembly. While observers note that Nwoko has delivered tangible results during his tenure, indications from party leadership suggest a leaning toward Okowa.

A local voice expressed concern: “Nwoko’s main issue is the Okpai IPP Stepdown. He candidly explained to the governor why it was necessary, but Okowa and Governor Oborevwori disagreed. If defection remains an option, Nwoko could switch parties and still win a general election.”

Delta Central witnesses a fierce rivalry between Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Ede Dafinone. Omo-Agege, who stood by the APC during its lean years, is credited with helping Dafinone secure his current Senate seat. Now, Dafinone is perceived as ungrateful. Although direct primaries would likely favor Omo-Agege, the consensus arrangement might hand the ticket to Dafinone, who shares ethnic ties with Governor Oborevwori. Sources indicate that if Omo-Agege defects, Dafinone would struggle to counter his influence.

Delta South appears relatively calm, with Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas poised for victory. His performance has garnered approval, and the Ijaw community supports the Isokos in anticipation of an Ijaw governorship after Oborevwori’s second term.