Category: News

A human rights organization, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has called on the Enugu State Government to take immediate action to reconstruct homes destroyed by Nigerian Army personnel in Ime-Ezi community. In a press release signed by its Board of Trustees chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, the group emphasized that failure to address the situation could lead to legal action against both the military and the state.

Reports from Enugu indicate that soldiers, while conducting an operation to dismantle a camp of Biafran agitators, set fire to residential properties after being ambushed by armed individuals. The rights group dispatched a six-member fact-finding team to the scene, which confirmed that the military operation targeted criminal hideouts but resulted in civilian homes being burned.

Intersociety urged the government to collaborate with affected families to assess the damage and facilitate rebuilding. The statement read: “The Enugu State Government must engage with the innocent victims whose houses and valuables were destroyed, with the aim of auditing, rebuilding, or replacing them.” It further warned that if compensation and apologies are not provided, the victims may resort to suing the Army’s 82 Division and the state government for damages.

The organization also called for an end to what it described as “IPOB/ESN-phobia” within security operations, urging the Nigerian Army to avoid labeling entire communities due to the actions of non-state actors. Additionally, Intersociety demanded the unconditional release of individuals arrested during the operation, insisting they be produced alive and in good health.

According to the group, the military must adopt a more human rights-respecting approach in the South-East, moving away from discriminatory practices. The statement concluded by stressing the importance of preventing future incidents and ensuring accountability for the destruction of civilian property.

The Oyo State Police Command has officially refuted widespread claims of a bandit attack in Ogbomoso and its environs, labeling the incident as a false alarm fueled by misinformation and panic.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the command confirmed that normalcy has returned to Ogbomoso and neighboring areas, including Ajaawa Town, following rumors about suspected armed bandits near Are-Ago High School.

According to authorities, the unverified reports caused anxiety among locals, prompting immediate deployment of patrol and surveillance teams to the location to assess the situation and prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the scare originated from unsubstantiated claims shared among students, who reported seeing unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence. This sparked fear among students and staff, rapidly spreading panic across adjacent schools and communities.

Further inquiries by security personnel disclosed that the individuals involved included an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) assigned to the Kwara State Command, along with two civilians. The trio had visited a female acquaintance in the area to celebrate her birthday.

Tension escalated after an altercation reportedly occurred between some teachers and the visitors, while unconfirmed rumors circulating within the community further heightened anxiety before the true circumstances were clarified.

The police emphasized that there was no bandit invasion, attack, or security breach in Ogbomoso or surrounding communities, adding that academic, commercial, and social activities have since resumed as usual.

Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting security agencies with accurate and credible information.

He also cautioned against the spread of fake news and unverified security alerts, warning that individuals found circulating false information capable of causing panic or public disorder will face investigation and potential prosecution under the law.

The command advised the public to rely solely on official communication channels for security-related updates and to avoid sharing rumors that could disrupt peace and public safety.

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayekooto Akindele, has stirred controversy by linking the shortcomings of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu to the alleged fraudulent activities of his predecessor, Saleh Mamman. According to Akindele, the challenges faced by Adelabu during his tenure were a direct consequence of the problems created by Mamman.

Adelabu recently stepped down from his position in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to focus on his gubernatorial campaign. His leadership was widely criticized due to the persistent poor power supply across Nigeria. Akindele, however, argues that the criticism was misplaced, as Adelabu spent the better part of two years trying to resolve issues stemming from Mamman’s tenure.

Mamman is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his arrest in Kaduna State on Tuesday. He is accused of money laundering and fraud totaling N33.8 billion, allegedly linked to the diversion of funds from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.

In a post on his official X handle, Akindele wrote, “While some gullible haters of Adelabu tagged him ‘OLOKUNKUN-BIRIMU,’ one of the actual people who caused the problem that Adelabu was solving for over two years has just been captured by the EFCC.” The remark suggests that the public perception of Adelabu as a failure may have been unfair, given the scale of misconduct he inherited.

The arrest of Mamman has reignited discussions about corruption in Nigeria’s power sector, with many calling for thorough investigations to bring all perpetrators to justice. The EFCC has yet to release further details on the case, but the development has provided some vindication for Adelabu’s supporters.

The family of Mr. Utibe Asian, a student in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Uyo, has made an urgent appeal to Inspector General of Police Tunji Rilwan Disu to help secure the release of their son. The young man was abducted on December 2, 2025, and a ransom of N500,000 was paid, yet he remains captive.

Utibe, a 300-level student from Obio Etoi in Uyo local government area, reportedly disappeared after receiving a call from a friend using the number 09066935255. He left his home to meet them at an undisclosed location and has not been seen since.

His father, Pastor Aniefiok Asian, recounted that the kidnappers contacted him on December 3, initially demanding N30 million. They eventually lowered the amount to N500,000, which the family paid on December 13, 2025, via a Moniepoint PoS account (5631337489) under the name Uzor Onuoha Enterprise Bank. Despite the payment, the abductors did not release Utibe nor make any further contact.

Pastor Asian reported the crime to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Akwa Ibom Police Command on December 5, 2025. A police officer named Mrs. Jumbo took his statement, and an Investigative Police Officer was assigned to the case. The family also alerted the Commissioner for Internal Security and the Department of State Services, but they have received no positive response.

In desperation, Pastor Asian is calling on the IGP to deploy all available security resources to rescue his son and track down the kidnappers. He expressed his belief in the ability of security agencies to act, pleading for a rescue team to bring his son back.

However, Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner Baba Azare stated that the kidnapping had not been reported through official channels. He advised the father to report the matter properly so that the command can take immediate action.

In a startling revelation from his newly released autobiography, former Nigerian Head of State Yakubu Gowon has disclosed that Olusegun Obasanjo initially resisted an assignment that would place him under the command of Colonel Murtala Muhammed during the nation’s civil war. The 859-page book, titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance, was unveiled at a ceremony in Abuja.

According to Gowon, the controversy erupted after he established a Rear Command for the newly formed 2 Division, which was led by Murtala. Obasanjo was appointed as the Rear Commander in Ibadan, a role he vehemently opposed. Gowon writes that Obasanjo argued he held a higher rank than Murtala and therefore should not be required to take orders from him. The former head of state quoted Obasanjo as saying he would never serve under Murtala Muhammed under any circumstances.

Despite the objection, Gowon stood firm, asserting his authority as Commander-in-Chief to deploy officers wherever they were most needed. He emphasized that his decision was final. Eventually, Obasanjo relented and accepted the position, fulfilling his duties competently.

Gowon also reflected on the early beginnings of his relationship with Obasanjo, which dates back to 1958 when both were undergoing officer training in the United Kingdom. He recalled how Obasanjo had helped him financially upon his arrival in London with limited funds, an act that sparked Gowon’s lasting interest in Obasanjo’s career. Gowon described himself as Obasanjo’s informal guardian angel from that point onward.

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, has voiced strong condemnation over the gruesome killing of a teacher and the brutal assault and murder of an elderly woman, calling the incidents deeply troubling and heartbreaking.

In a statement on his X account, Obi noted that some events strike at the very core of society, leaving one speechless with shock. He identified these two tragedies as exemplifying such horrors.

Obi remarked that these acts are not random but reflect a deeper collapse of morals and social values. He questioned how the nation reached a point where educators are hunted down and the elderly, who are the custodians of tradition and knowledge, suffer such heinous violence.

According to him, this goes beyond a mere security challenge—it signifies a breakdown of our collective compassion. He lamented that society has become numb, briefly acknowledging tragedy before moving on, allowing apathy to normalize the unacceptable.

Extending his condolences to the bereaved families, Obi emphasized that sorrow alone is not enough. He called for accountability and urgent systemic changes, warning that if such atrocities no longer spur action, then the country risks losing its shared humanity.

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) has responded to recent student demonstrations by clarifying its efforts regarding the accreditation of its Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) program. In a statement released on Tuesday, the university’s Head of Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Sunday A. Igah, addressed what it termed as misunderstandings about the accreditation process.

The administration, under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francis Uba since May 13, 2025, inherited significant challenges. According to the university, the MBBS program had not undergone any Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Resource Verification or Advisory Visit for four years prior to the current leadership. Additionally, statutory accreditation fees were unpaid, and communication with the regulatory body had stalled.

Infrastructure deficits further hampered accreditation readiness. The university cited an abandoned Multi-User Laboratory, a missing Autopsy Centre, a dilapidated morgue, and laboratories that failed to meet MDCN standards. The current administration prioritized accreditation by clearing outstanding fees, initiating formal dialogue with the MDCN, and upgrading facilities.

Ongoing improvements include expanding the Anatomy Laboratory, modernizing the Human Physiology Lab, reconstructing the morgue, building an Autopsy Centre, and completing the Multi-User Laboratory. A bus for Community Medicine has been purchased, accommodation secured for pioneer medical students, and staffing gaps filled through targeted recruitment.

Students previously sent home have been recalled, and academic activities are ongoing. The MDCN accreditation visit is scheduled for May 21, 2026, marking the culmination of a year-long effort. FUHSO remains committed to achieving accreditation and safeguarding students’ academic futures.

In a significant blow to extremist activities in the Northeast, coordinated military efforts between Nigeria and the United States have resulted in the deaths of 175 militants affiliated with the Islamic State. The operations, which involved both aerial bombardments and ground maneuvers, were launched several days ago with the aim of dismantling the infrastructure that supports terrorist networks in the region.

According to a statement from the Nigerian military, the joint actions specifically targeted hideouts, checkpoints, armories, supply routes, and financial assets that fuel insurgency. The campaign also led to the elimination of key figures within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Among those killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a globally recognized ISIS operative responsible for orchestrating funding, recruitment, logistics, and attack strategies against Nigeria and other nations.

Other senior commanders neutralized include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP leader involved in coordinating assaults and propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another high-ranking member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior media production manager and close ally of al-Minuki. The military high command emphasized that the loss of these commanders has severely disrupted ISIS’s operational coordination and external attack networks.

The update, highlighted by security expert Zagazola Makama, underscores the ongoing collaboration between Nigerian forces and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) to curb terrorism in the region. The operations continue as part of a broader strategy to restore peace and security in the Northeast.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has given a strong assurance to the people of Mussa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area that all necessary measures are being taken to bring back the 48 kidnapped schoolchildren safely. During a condolence visit to Uba town on Tuesday, the governor addressed residents and expressed his deep sympathy to the Emir of Uba, the parents of the victims, and the entire community following the tragic incident.

Zulum emphasized that the federal government, alongside security agencies and the Borno State government, is fully committed to securing the freedom of the abducted children. He also revealed that additional military and police personnel have been deployed to reinforce security in the area and support ongoing rescue operations. The governor further promised to boost security across Askira, Uba, and neighboring communities to avert future attacks.

In a heartfelt appeal, Zulum urged the abductors to release the children, describing them as innocent minors who need the care and protection of their families. The Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Isma’ila Mamza II, provided details of the abduction, which occurred on Friday, May 15, in Mussa community. According to the monarch, the victims include 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students, and five other residents.

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has firmly dismissed speculation that his purchase of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential nomination form is a stepping stone to the vice presidency. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Monday, the former Rivers State governor addressed ongoing debates within the party regarding the selection of its flagbearer for the 2027 elections.

Amaechi underscored that his ambition is strictly for the top job, not a secondary position. “Please stop that. I didn’t buy the ADC presidential ticket to become Vice President,” he stated emphatically.

The conversation comes amid heightened activities within the ADC as aspirants jostle for the party’s presidential ticket. Amaechi clarified his stance on the consensus approach being mooted by some party stakeholders. He argued that if the party seeks a consensus candidate, a meeting should be convened where all aspirants can deliberate. Should they fail to reach an agreement, the matter would be resolved through primaries.

This development follows earlier exchanges between Amaechi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, where Amaechi challenged Atiku to embrace primaries given Atiku’s stated opposition to zoning. The former minister remains a key contender in the ADC presidential race, rejecting any notion of dropping his bid for a lesser role.