Category: News

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.

Constitutional lawyer Fred Nzeako has dismissed concerns that the Supreme Court’s decision to send the African Democratic Congress (ADC) back to the Federal High Court represents a failure for the party. In a television interview, he clarified that the ruling does not undermine the party’s current leadership structure.

The Supreme Court recently nullified a Court of Appeal order that had prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Senator David Mark as ADC’s National Chairman. The apex court criticized the appellate court for issuing what it called an improper and unnecessary preservative order, noting that no party had requested such a measure.

Despite speculation that the judgment could stall ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, Nzeako argued the opposite. He emphasized that the party’s leadership, headed by David Mark, remains intact since no court has invalidated their election by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Nzeako also addressed concerns about INEC’s role, stating that the commission must engage with the Mark-led executive. He reminded INEC that the law requires a 21-day notice for conventions, which the party has provided, and that non-observance by INEC does not nullify the convention’s validity.

The lawyer further dismissed the notion that the party register is essential for general elections, explaining that the register is only relevant for direct primaries. He criticized the National Assembly for mandating direct primaries or consensus, labeling this provision as a deliberate attempt to hinder opposition parties. He argued that indirect primaries should remain a valid option.

In a strategic move that solidifies his control over Gombe State’s political landscape, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has officially thrown his weight behind Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship race. The decision effectively shuts out Senator Danjuma Goje from securing a return ticket to the Senate, extending the bitter rivalry between the two political heavyweights that has simmered since the 2023 elections.

The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting where the party also unveiled a full slate of consensus candidates for other key positions. Goje, a veteran four-term senator who had sought re-election, recently joined a Senate delegation that petitioned President Bola Tinubu for automatic tickets for lawmakers—a request that was ultimately rejected.

Beyond the governorship, the APC has selected Mohammed Ahmadu Deba for Gombe Central Senate, Jerry Damara for Gombe South, while Governor Yahaya himself is set to contest for Gombe North Senate. For the House of Representatives, the party endorsed Usman Bello Kumo (Akko), Inuwa Garba (Yamaltu/Deba), Ali Isa (Balanga/Billiri), Fatima Binta Bello (Kaltungo/Shongom), Saddam Bello (Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye), and Jamilu Shabewa (Dukku/Nafada).

The consensus has already sparked controversy, with former Minister Sheikh Isa Pantami—who was also a governorship aspirant—publicly rejecting the arrangement. As the APC gears up to rally support for its chosen candidates, further reactions are anticipated from other aggrieved party members across the state.

The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Olushola Elliot, has officially taken a step toward securing another term by obtaining his nomination form. He announced this through his Facebook page on Sunday, revealing his intention to contest in the upcoming legislative elections.

Elliot emphasized that his decision is rooted in a deep commitment to public service and a vision to expand upon the developmental progress already made in his constituency. He highlighted that returning to the Assembly would elevate him to the status of a ranking member, which, he noted, would bring substantial benefits to Surulere Constituency I. “My going back makes me automatically a ranking member, and loads of benefits come to our constituency,” he stated.

The legislator also extended his appreciation to party leaders, ward executives, community leaders, and various groups, including youth and women organizations, acknowledging their unwavering support as crucial to his political journey. He called on his supporters to maintain peace and focus during the electoral process, underscoring the importance of unity and mutual respect. “Our strength has always been in our togetherness, and I am confident that same spirit will guide us again,” he added.

Elliot reaffirmed his dedication to the continuous development of Surulere and to contributing to the broader growth of Lagos State, assuring his constituents that their interests remain his top priority.

The already fragile peace within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State appears to be unraveling once more, following Governor Hyacinth Alia’s firm rejection of a proposal for automatic tickets, put forward by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Despite a high-level reconciliation meeting convened on Sunday, the underlying cracks in the relationship between the two leaders have widened. The proposal, which would have granted governor and other elected APC officials automatic tickets for the next elections, was dismissed outright by Alia, who insists on transparent party primaries.

The feud between Alia and Akume traces back to the period following the 2023 general elections, when disagreements over control of party structures and political appointments sparked a bitter internal conflict. Initially a quiet rift, it quickly escalated into a full-scale factional war, splitting the Benue APC into two camps: one loyal to Akume under Austin Agada, and another supporting Alia, led by then-state chairman Ben Omakolo.

The crisis intensified in March 2026 when both factions held parallel congresses, each producing separate executives. The Alia-led faction argued that its congress was properly conducted and reflected the members’ will, while the Akume-aligned group dismissed it and organized its own, deepening the leadership void. Eventually, the national APC leadership recognized the Alia faction’s congress, which produced Ben Omale as chairman, sidelining Agada and weakening Akume’s influence.

Concerned about the potential damage to the party’s electoral fortunes, President Bola Tinubu intervened, urging both leaders to reconcile. Sunday’s meeting was intended to achieve that, but instead exposed new fault lines. According to sources, Akume proposed automatic tickets for Governor Alia and other elected APC officials, arguing it would ensure continuity and reward loyalty. However, Alia categorically turned down the idea, insisting on primaries to avoid another crisis.

An insider revealed: “While he agreed on other matters, the automatic ticket proposal was flatly rejected. He is unwilling to risk the party’s structure and does not want Akume loyalists in the National Assembly to return unchallenged.”

During a press briefing after the meeting, Alia stated: “The APC has made it clear—Mr. President and the National Chairman have repeatedly stated there is no automatic ticket. I believe this is merely a request, not a resolution. It is a prayer directed to the people, asking them to consider supporting current officeholders. But this is not an official party or government position. The meeting was for reconciliation. He has the right to make such appeals, but I consider that approach misguided.”

With unresolved grievances and a battle for control simmering beneath the surface, the Benue APC appears headed for another round of internal strife just as preparations for the 2027 elections commence.