Category: News

On Monday, a significant crowd assembled at the Federal High Court in Abuja to express their strong disapproval of what they perceive as a scheme to remove several opposition parties from the political scene. Calling themselves Concerned Northern Nigeria Stakeholders, the demonstrators marched to the court building in the Wuse district, carrying signs with messages like ‘No Opposition, No Election’ and ‘Tinubu, Let Our Democracy Breathe’. They also warned President Bola Tinubu not to meddle with the autonomy of the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Security was heavily reinforced, with armed personnel, including agents from the Department of State Services (DSS), preventing the group from entering the premises. The protest leader, Banki Sharrif, addressed reporters, highlighting what he termed escalating dangers to democratic institutions. He accused the federal government of trying to circumvent proper legal channels.

Sharrif directly called on President Tinubu to stop any form of interference with the judiciary, whether open or hidden. He stated, ‘Courts should never be turned into tools for political manipulation. When justice is compromised, the entire country stands accused.’ He further argued that attempts to diminish opposition parties indicate a lack of faith by the government itself. ‘A government that tries to cripple opposition shows it doubts its own legitimacy. Democracy thrives on competition. Suppressing it reveals fear, not strength,’ he added.

The group emphasized that democracy cannot succeed without a robust opposition, asserting that elections without credible rivals are merely ‘staged events. Democracy requires fairness, transparency, and equal chances for all political participants.’ Sharrif also criticized the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, insisting that his office must stay impartial and not be exploited for political ends.

The chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has categorically refuted claims circulating on social media that he and his wife have separated. In a weekend statement, UBA Group described the allegations as false and defamatory, confirming that three individuals linked to the spread of these malicious rumors have been taken into custody.

According to the bank, the disinformation campaign was orchestrated to tarnish Elumelu’s reputation. The statement noted that law enforcement agents have apprehended those directly responsible for creating and disseminating the fabricated divorce story. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify any other parties involved.

Among those arrested is Kingsley Akunemeihe, whose family has publicly appealed to Elumelu for leniency. His sister, Ngozi Akunemeihe, made a heartfelt plea in a viral video on Instagram, asking the businessman to show mercy. Additionally, activist Omoyele Sowore has called for Akunemeihe’s release, sparking further public discussion.

This development comes amid a series of unverified and false claims about Elumelu that have surfaced on social media platforms. UBA Group urged the public to disregard such malicious content and reiterated its commitment to protecting the chairman’s integrity. The bank also warned that it will pursue legal action against anyone found guilty of spreading defamatory information.

The Cross River State Police Command has refuted allegations that its officers opened fire on students protesting in Calabar on Monday. In a statement, command spokesperson ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata clarified that no protester was shot, contrary to circulating rumors.

The demonstration, led primarily by students from the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), was sparked by perceived neglect of accident victims from their institution. Over the weekend, a fatal crash on the Odukpani axis of the Calabar-Itu highway claimed four students’ lives when a truck collided head-on with their vehicle. Six survivors were rushed to hospitals, including the General Hospital Calabar, by police and FRSC personnel.

The students alleged that the injured had received neither adequate food nor medical care since admission. This frustration boiled over on Monday morning as protesters stormed the General Hospital on Mary Slessor Road, vandalizing property including a hospital bus, smashing windows, and tearing down the facility’s signpost. Witnesses reported that some demonstrators, many clad in black, exchanged fire with police, leading to claims of two student deaths.

Akata dismissed these reports as false. “None of the protesters was gunned down. Smoke grenades were deployed into the air to control the increasingly volatile crowd,” he told journalists. He emphasized that only non-lethal measures were used to prevent the situation from escalating.

In response to the unrest, armed personnel from the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army were deployed to secure their barracks near the hospital, while mobile police units patrolled adjacent neighborhoods to prevent the protest from being hijacked.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, also issued a rebuttal against what he termed “misleading social media claims” that injured students were abandoned. He described such assertions as inflammatory and baseless. “Emergency response was swift and coordinated. Upon arrival, all available medical staff were mobilized, and additional healthcare professionals were contacted to reinforce capacity,” Ayuk stated. He noted that due to the severity of some injuries, FRSC officers made the professional decision to transfer critically wounded victims to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), a tertiary center better equipped for complex trauma cases.

Ayuk stressed that all fatalities from the accident occurred at the scene, not due to delayed care at any health facility. “Contrary to social media commentary, life-saving interventions take priority over media engagement in such emergencies. Relevant authorities were fully engaged on the ground,” he added.

The police and state government continue to call for calm while investigations proceed.

The National Initiative for Peace and Security (NIPS) has lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their notable operational strides across various conflict zones during the first quarter of 2026. The commendation came in a quarterly assessment released on Monday, signed by the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Adams Kings. The report also cautioned against the use of military actions as a political tool by certain politicians.

According to NIPS, the military intensified synchronized operations nationwide, leading to the elimination of over 200 terrorists, the detention of nearly 300 individuals, and the successful rescue of around 188 abducted civilians in April alone. These accomplishments, the group stated, cut across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East regions, due to enhanced logistical support, improved cooperation among services, and a deliberate move away from mere gun battles toward dismantling the infrastructure that supports criminal groups.

NIPS characterized the period as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency and internal security initiatives. The report emphasized that the armed forces have notably ramped up operational tempo throughout the country, with outcomes indicating a more aggressive and cohesive approach that targets both combatants and the logistical networks of criminal enterprises. Operations were conducted nationwide, reflecting refined strategic planning.

In the North-East, sustained campaigns continued to erode insurgent bastions, resulting in the death of more than 130 terrorists. Meanwhile, North-West operations achieved similar results through bandit neutralizations and civilian rescues. The report underscored a strategic emphasis on systemic disruption, including the demolition of camps, illegal arms manufacturing sites, and supply chains. This approach aims to cripple the long-term capacity of criminal elements to regenerate in asymmetric warfare contexts.

NIPS noted that rescues of women, children, farmers, and other civilians have restored dignity to affected communities and bolstered public confidence in state institutions. Operations also complied with rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards, preserving legitimacy.

However, the organization voiced alarm over what it terms the politicization of security efforts by unethical politicians. While democracy thrives on debate and disagreement, NIPS observed that some political actors are spreading narratives that demoralize security personnel and twist public understanding of ongoing operations. Specific concerns include the dismissal of verifiable military successes, amplifying fear without providing context, and framing national security challenges exclusively as political weapons.

NIPS warned that such politicization presents serious dangers, as intelligence sometimes ties these narratives to increased morale among criminal elements. When national security becomes a casualty of political rivalry, it is ordinary citizens and frontline troops who suffer the consequences, the report stressed.

Despite the progress, NIPS acknowledged that challenges remain, as criminal groups adapt to difficult terrain and exploit local grievances. To maintain the momentum, the organization recommended sustained offensive operations, deeper investment in intelligence networks, and stronger civil-military relations.

The Kaduna State Government has officially launched a committee focused on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) as part of broader efforts to strengthen peace and security. Governor Uba Sani assured that his administration will provide the necessary political support to ensure the committee’s success.

This initiative, the first of its kind at the state level in Nigeria, was developed with assistance from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre. During the launch, Governor Sani reflected on the severe security challenges that previously plagued the state, including banditry, kidnappings, and violence that made highways unsafe and crippled economic activities, particularly along the Kaduna-Abuja corridor and the Birnin Gwari area.

The Governor emphasized that his administration adopted a multi-pronged strategy from the start, combining military force with dialogue and development. He described this approach as the “Kaduna Peace Model,” which addresses not only immediate security threats but also underlying issues such as poverty, exclusion, and lack of opportunity. Through closer collaboration with national security bodies and the armed forces, operational capacity has been enhanced, resulting in restored confidence among travelers and a revival of economic activity.

He stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through force alone. Therefore, dialogue has been embraced as a strategic tool for stability, involving community leaders, traditional institutions, and individuals willing to abandon violence. This has helped rebuild trust where it had eroded.

Ambassador Abimbola Wonosikou, Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, hailed the committee’s formation as a major milestone for sustainable peace in Kaduna and Nigeria. She noted that regional consultations across the country had identified the need for state-level DDR committees to serve as delivery units. She argued that removing weapons, dismantling violent networks, and reintegrating ex-combatants are essential for long-term stability.

Dr. Paul Nyulaku, Technical Adviser for the National DDR Framework Development, praised Governor Sani’s reconciliatory efforts, which have gained national recognition. He confirmed that Kaduna is the first state to establish such a committee, following recommendations from a North West regional consultation. The national DDR framework, which includes 17 pillars such as political dialogue and negotiation, is awaiting approval. His team has also developed standard operating procedures and tools for the committee’s use.

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has finalized arrangements for its 2026 Annual Range Classification Exercise for Army personnel stationed at the academy. The exercise is scheduled to take place from May 4 to 9 at the NDA Open Range in Afaka. Residents living near the academy have been advised not to be alarmed by the sound of gunshots.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Reuben Kovangiya, confirmed that all necessary safety measures have been put in place to ensure a successful and incident-free exercise. He specifically urged residents of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya, and the broader Afaka area to avoid entering or approaching the range during the event.

“The general public is hereby advised to stay clear of the range area for their safety,” Kovangiya said. The statement also expressed gratitude for the public’s continued cooperation and reiterated the commitment of NDA Commandant Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye to a safe operation.

In a dramatic turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja, video evidence played on Monday revealed that two of the six men accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government admitted they were aware of the scheme. The recordings, which were played in open court, showed retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim confessing their knowledge of the plot, while retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana denied any involvement.

The prosecution submitted a hard disc containing the interview recordings, but the defense lawyers objected, claiming the statements were not made voluntarily. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled the objections, stating that playing the recordings while noting the objection and conducting a trial-within-trial to determine voluntariness was standard procedure.

In the first video, Major General Gana, who retired in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics, said he knew the alleged mastermind, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, but was unaware of any coup planning. He admitted sharing a coup speech via WhatsApp and forwarding anti-government messages, but claimed he did not originate them. He also denied conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or raising funds for the plot.

The second defendant, Victor, expressed deep regret for not reporting the plot, saying, ‘I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation.’ He admitted Ma’aji complained about promotion issues and angrily mentioned overthrowing the system. Victor said he advised against it and suggested retirement, but he failed to report due to their relationship. He acknowledged being approached for financial support and was promised a position after a successful coup, but he insisted he never took part in any operations.

Inspector Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, said he initially helped Ma’aji with promotion contacts, but the discussions later turned to the coup plot. He admitted receiving about N1.5 million, participating in reconnaissance, and taking photos of the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House. He also confirmed the use of coded language like ‘fertilizer’ and ‘farming’ for funding and the operation. However, he claimed he only went along because he believed access to the State House was impossible.

At the start of each interview, investigators explained the audio-visual recording process, noting it was in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure statements were voluntary and not coerced. The trial continues on Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Nigerian entrepreneur Isaac Fayose has publicly declared his steadfast backing for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, dismissing criticisms over recent political realignments. In a video disseminated on his official Facebook page Monday, Fayose addressed detractors who questioned Obi’s decision to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

The political landscape stirred as Obi, alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, abandoned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the NDC on Sunday. This move drew sharp rebukes from members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who accused the duo of incessant party switching.

Fayose, however, turned the tables on the APC, reminding them that President Bola Tinubu himself had traversed multiple parties—from SDP to AD, ACN, and finally APC—before reaching the presidency. “Your current president moved from SDP to AD, ACN and APC. Anywhere Peter Obi decides to go, we will follow him because we believe in him,” Fayose asserted.

He further questioned the APC’s confidence, noting, “If the APC is sure of victory, why are the members putting their hands in all other parties? I thought they had over 32 governors; why are they still putting their fingers in other parties?”

Emphasizing his loyalty, Fayose concluded, “If we like, we can move to NNN; that’s our own. Obi is our party.” His remarks underscore a deep-seated commitment among Obi’s supporters, who remain undeterred by party affiliations or criticisms.

Violent protests erupted in Calabar on Monday as students from Cross River State University demanded justice for their deceased colleagues. The demonstration quickly spiraled out of control, with protesters damaging government property and advancing toward the governor’s office.

According to reports, the students had traveled to Uyo for a friendly football match but were involved in a serious accident on the return journey. Three students lost their lives, and allegations emerged that a nearby hospital refused to provide medical assistance to the injured.

The situation escalated when security forces reportedly opened fire to disperse the crowd. A viral video captured the sound of multiple gunshots, sending protesters running for cover. Despite attempts to contact the Cross River Police Command for an official statement, they were unreachable at the time of reporting.

Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has dismissed the reversal of the curfew on Amasiri community by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru as no cause for celebration. In a sharp response, Idam stressed that the curfew’s removal does not deter him from pursuing the legal case already filed against the state government.

Idam, in a personally signed statement, clarified that the lawsuit will continue unless the government compensates families of those killed extrajudicially by joint security forces, pays for the harm, pain, and psychological trauma inflicted on innocent members of the Amasiri community, and reconstructs properties destroyed during the enforcement of the governor’s directives.

“The reported lifting of the vindictive curfew imposed on Amasiri, along with the reversal of other punitive sanctions, is not a reason to celebrate. As I noted earlier, there is nothing to jubilate about, as those measures were unwarranted and unprovoked from the start,” the statement read.

“While I acknowledge and welcome the development—especially since we have just begun serving court processes in the case Maduabuchi O. Idam v. Chief of Defence Staff and 7 Others—it is crucial to make clear that the lifting of the curfew and the reversal of certain vindictive sanctions will not halt the legal action we have instituted.

“This action will proceed unless and until the governor fully accedes to the reliefs sought. These include, but are not limited to, compensation for extrajudicial killings by the joint security operation, compensation for the harm, pain, and psychological distress inflicted on innocent Amasiri community members, and reconstruction of properties destroyed in enforcing the governor’s directive.

“Until my reliefs are fully acceded to, I will pursue this action to its logical and conclusive end. State power exists to protect, not to victimize. This injustice must not go unatoned,” Idam concluded.