NGIJ Seeks Partnership with NOA to Strengthen Accountability, Civic Values in Nigeria

NGIJ Seeks Partnership with NOA to Strengthen Accountability, Civic Values in Nigeria

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called for a strategic partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen civic education, combat misinformation, and promote accountability in governance, as both institutions identified investigative journalism as critical to Nigeria’s democratic development.

The call was made on recently when a delegation of NGIJ, led by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the management team of the agency in Abuja.

In his address, Aliagan said the mandates of NGIJ and NOA were naturally complementary, noting that while NOA is charged with civic education, value re-orientation and public enlightenment, investigative journalism provides verified facts and evidence that enable citizens to make informed decisions and hold public institutions accountable.

He described investigative journalism as pro-accountability and pro-transparency, stressing that it is not antagonistic to government but rather designed to strengthen institutions and rebuild public trust. 

According to him, when facts are responsibly presented and aligned with civic values, citizens become better informed, more responsible and more engaged in democratic processes.

Aliagan identified misinformation, declining public trust in institutions, social tension and civic apathy as major threats to Nigeria’s democracy, urging closer collaboration between journalists and NOA to address the challenges through joint public enlightenment campaigns, capacity-building on fact-checking and counter-disinformation, as well as platforms for constructive engagement with the public.

He further called for an enabling environment for ethical journalism, access to information and institutional support for investigative reporting, noting that investigative findings should be seen as tools for civic education rather than adversarial attacks on government. 

He expressed hope that the courtesy visit would mark the beginning of a structured and enduring partnership between NGIJ and NOA in the collective task of nation-building.

Responding, Issa-Onilu lamented what he described as the steady decline of investigative journalism in Nigeria, arguing that the erosion of depth, accuracy and attention to facts in media practice has weakened the profession and contributed to misinformation and social division.

According to him, journalism has increasingly become superficial, with little emphasis on interpretation, context and fact-based reporting, thereby making it difficult to distinguish between professional journalism and unverified content circulating on social media. 

He stressed that facts are fundamental tools for civic orientation and national unity, warning that when facts are no longer treated as sacred, society becomes vulnerable to ignorance, manipulation and conflict.

The NOA boss said investigative journalism plays a vital role in national development by promoting fairness, balance and objectivity, and by compelling government to do the right thing through informed public scrutiny. 

He noted that poor investigative reporting had contributed to knowledge gaps among citizens, particularly on governance and electoral processes, adding that such gaps often fuel misinformation and unhealthy public discourse.

Issa-Onilu also highlighted challenges faced by NOA in fulfilling its mandate, including limited resources for voter education and civic enlightenment, and pointed to widespread public misunderstanding of electoral processes as evidence of the consequences of weak civic education and poor quality reporting.

He pledged the agency’s support for NGIJ, offering to facilitate collaboration through NOA’s network of Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) across local governments nationwide, who, he said, provide grassroots feedback to government and could serve as valuable community-level sources of information for investigative journalists.

The DG further proposed the establishment of a joint committee between NOA and NGIJ to explore concrete areas of collaboration, including public enlightenment campaigns, counter-disinformation initiatives and mechanisms for strengthening investigative journalism in the public interest.

Members of the NGIJ delegation at the meeting included Comrade James Ezema, Vice President (Investigation); Mallam Abdullahi Gulloma, National Public Relations Officer; Abdulrahman Obaje, FCT Chapter Chairman; Mr. Leonard Oru; Mr. Kunle Awoniyi; and Falmata Zarna.

Both organisations expressed optimism that sustained engagement and structured collaboration would contribute to rebuilding public trust, strengthening democratic culture and promoting national cohesion through responsible journalism and effective civic orientation.

Joint air, ground military offensive takes out bandit kingpin Kachalla Kabiru in Kogi

Joint air, ground military offensive takes out bandit kingpin Kachalla Kabiru in Kogi 

Joint air, ground military offensive takes out bandit kingpin Kachalla Kabiru in Kogi – Sources

A major counter-banditry operation involving Nigeria’s top security architecture has reportedly eliminated a feared criminal kingpin in what is described as a significant blow to the expanding network of armed groups operating across the North-Central and parts of the South-West.

Security sources confirmed that operatives working under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser, alongside the Department of State Services and troops of the Nigerian Army 2 Division, neutralised the bandit leader known as Kachalla Kabiru during a February 13 operation in Kogi State.

The mission, which combined precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force with ground assaults, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance that tracked the movement and location of the suspect within forest corridors linking Kwara State to the Obajana axis in western Kogi.

A senior security operative involved in the exercise said the coordinated attack also took out several of Kabiru’s top commanders.

“The target and his key lieutenants were neutralised in a joint air and ground offensive after actionable intelligence confirmed their enclave,” the source disclosed.

For more than a decade, Kabiru had been on the radar of security agencies as one of the earliest bandit figures to establish a strong operational base in Kogi — a state increasingly viewed as a strategic gateway between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions..

Intelligence reports indicate that he relocated from the North-West at the peak of the banditry surge and gradually embedded himself in border communities and dense forests, where he built a trans-regional kidnapping and arms-running network.

From these enclaves, his group allegedly coordinated attacks and abductions across Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states, exploiting porous boundaries and difficult terrain to evade security forces.

Another intelligence official described the late kingpin as a “logistical clearing house” for armed groups, facilitating the movement of fighters, weapons and kidnapped victims across multiple zones.

His operations were also believed to have links with extremist elements, including factions with ideological and operational affinity to Boko Haram, raising concerns among security planners about the convergence of terrorism and organised criminality in the North-Central.

Though not historically listed among the worst-hit states in Nigeria’s banditry crisis, Kogi’s geographic location has made it increasingly vulnerable in recent years.

The state serves as a major transit route connecting the Federal Capital Territory to the South-West and South-South, while its vast forest belts provide cover for criminal groups fleeing sustained military offensives in the North-West.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that the gradual southward movement of bandit groups could reshape Nigeria’s security map if not decisively confronted. Kabiru’s network was considered a key enabler of that shift.

The reported killing is being viewed within security circles as a breakthrough that could disrupt coordination among armed groups operating across state lines.

By targeting a figure said to be central to recruitment, weapons supply and ransom-driven kidnapping operations, the operation is expected to temporarily weaken criminal collaboration in the North-Central corridor.

However, security experts cautioned that the impact will depend on sustained follow-up operations to dismantle the remaining cells and prevent the emergence of splinter leaders.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official confirmation from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Nigerian Army or the Nigerian Air Force.

The development comes amid intensified military and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling bandit enclaves and cutting off their supply chains nationwide.

If formally confirmed, the neutralisation of Kabiru would signal a growing shift toward intelligence-driven, joint-force missions — a strategy security authorities have increasingly adopted to target high-value criminal actors rather than relying solely on conventional troop deployments.

For communities across Kogi and neighbouring states that have endured years of kidnappings and violent attacks, the operation offers cautious hope — but also a reminder that the wider battle against organised armed groups is far from over.

BREAKING: “We Are Being Hounded Off Our Own Inherited FarmLand, late Ooni Ademiluyi descendants.

BREAKING: “We Are Being Hounded Off Our Own Inherited FarmLand”—Family of Late Ooni Ajagunlawarikan Ademuliyi Cries Out, Alleges Oppression by Royal Grandson

The family of the late Late Ooni Ajagunlawarikan Ademuliyi issued a desperate appeal for intervention, alleging a relentless campaign of intimidation and land grabbing by one of their own—an Honorable Kanmi who is also a grandson of the revered royal patriarch.

In an emotion-laden interview with members of the Ademuliyi dynasty, the family revealed that the contested farmland, located in the Idi Igi area, was fairly allocated and entrusted to them by their father long before his passing. They claim the land was formally placed under the joint caretakership of Isaiah Fabeku, Sunday OjuAanu, and Baba Paul in 2007—a decision, they insist, that was widely acknowledged and undisturbed until recently.

Speaking with quiet authority, Isaiah Fabeku confirmed the historical allocation:

“This was done in 2007, in Idi Igi,The land was clearly shared. The wives of Ademuliyi were allocated 27 plots; Adeyeye and Adebowale wives received four each. It was all done peacefully.”

But peace, the family says, has now turned to persecution.

“He wants to take what the women were given”

At the heart of the dispute is a bitter irony: the man they accuse of orchestrating this hostile takeover is a blood relative. Honorable Kami, a grandson of the Ademuliyi family, was himself a beneficiary—having received his own share of the land from his father. Yet, according to distraught family members, his contentment with his portion has curdled into covetousness.

“He now wants to seize the portions allocated to Ademuliyi’s wives,” a family source disclosed. “He is threatening these women simply because they are women. He believes he can take what belongs to them by force—and disturbingly, he appears to be doing this with the backing of the palace.”

A daughter speaks: “Leave our inheritance alone”

An anguished Mrs. Tejumade Adegboola Ademilyi daughter of Soko Adebayo Ademiluyi—himself a son of the late Ooni Ajagunlawarikan—delivered a stirring appeal:

“We do not want any interference or monitoring of these farmlands. Our father gave them to us. We have managed them in peace. Whatever tributes are generated from the land are remitted to the family. We are not defaulters. We are not rebels. We simply want what is ours.”

A plea to the public

With tensions mounting and fears of forceful eviction growing, the family is now appealing to the public, human rights groups, and traditional institutions to intervene before the situation escalates.

“We only want peace. We want to add more to the farmland, not lose what we already have. We are not fighting for power—we are fighting for our inheritance, our dignity, and the memory of our father,” Mrs. Ademiluyi added, her voice trembling.

Demolitions in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, have displaced thousands of residents, with families saying they were given little warning and no clear relocation plan.

Demolitions in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, have displaced thousands of residents, with families saying they were given little warning and no clear relocation plan. 

The centenary-old community has an estimated population of 80,000 to 200,000, but large parts of the settlement have been destroyed. Anger over the demolitions recently spilled onto the streets in Lagos city, with witnesses reporting the use of tear gas. Residents allege that three people, including a woman and two infants, died, though police say this has not been verified. 

The Lagos State Government says the demolitions were for safety reasons, citing buildings near high-tension power lines, and has promised support for those affected. The BBC’s Chiamaka Dike visited Makoko to speak to displaced residents and document the aftermath.

Troops storm bandit leader Dankami’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold

Troops storm bandit leader Dankami’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold

Troops of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stormed the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising 20 terrorists and destroying the stronghold.

A military source told Zagazola Makama  that the decisive, well-coordinated offensive followed credible intelligence that over 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on communities and logistics movements.

According to the source, the troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, conducted week-long surveillance before moving to intercept the terrorists.

“Contact was established on Jan. 31, 2026, as the terrorists advanced. They engaged the troops in a fierce firefight and attempted a flanking manoeuvre, but this was repelled by superior firepower,” the source said.

He said 20 terrorists were neutralised in the encounter, while several others fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations, the source added, were ongoing to assess further casualties and recover additional items.

The raid yielded significant recoveries, including assorted weapons and ammunition, bicycles, food supplies, medical drugs, clothing, detergents and other logistics materials.

“The Gwaska Dan Karmi camp was completely destroyed,” the source said.

He noted that troops remained highly motivated, with combat efficiency assessed as strong and unwavering.

151 Abducted CSMC Members Regain Freedom in Kaduna Relief and jubilation swept through the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O.

151 Abducted CSMC Members Regain Freedom in Kaduna Relief and jubilation swept through the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, following the safe release of 151 members who were abducted in Iburu, Kajuri Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The church confirmed that the victims, who were kidnapped on January 18, 2026, have all returned safely after spending over two weeks in captivity. The announcement was formally made on Monday, February 2, 2026, by the Chairman and Spiritual Father of the church, His Most Eminence, Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Abiodun Adewale Alogbo. According to the church leadership, the release followed sustained prayers, dialogue, and strategic engagements with relevant authorities. The development was verified through reports submitted by the church’s liaison officers in Kaduna, including Senior Special Apostle I. A. Adeyemi and Senior Special Apostle Pastor Solomon Katanga. Prophet Alogbo described the incident’s resolution as a victory of faith, dialogue, and collective responsibility, emphasizing that collaboration between religious leaders and government institutions played a critical role in the outcome. He particularly commended the Kaduna State Government for its intervention, praising Governor Uba Sani for his responsiveness and commitment to peaceful engagement. Special recognition was also given to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sani Liman Kila, and the Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters), Rev. Ishaya Jangado, for facilitating effective communication and coordination. The church also acknowledged the support received from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), and Christian communities within and outside Nigeria, noting that global prayers and solidarity contributed to sustaining hope throughout the ordeal. While celebrating the safe return of its members, the church disclosed that welfare and medical teams have been deployed to provide psychosocial care and rehabilitation for the victims and their families. Church leaders concluded by calling for sustained peace and improved security in Kaduna State and across Nigeria, urging stakeholders to ensure that the safety of citizens remains a top priority, irrespective of religious affiliation.

AWUJALE SELECTION: GOVERNOR ABIODUN RESPONDS TO MISLEADING REPORTS

AWUJALE SELECTION: GOVERNOR ABIODUN RESPONDS TO MISLEADING REPORTS

Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has clarified circulating reports suggesting a confrontation between him and the Council of Afobajes regarding the Awujale selection. According to official sources, these claims are completely false and misleading.

The Governor held a respectful consultative meeting with the Council of Afobajes, consistent with meetings he held in the past with the Olori Ebis that were hitherto polarized which fostered their harmonization and, through such earlier engagements, he also persuaded one of the kingmakers to withdraw a filed litigation. 

The discussions he had focused on matters of mutual concern in the interest of the progress in traditional affairs within Ijebuland.

Contrary to the rumors, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats, ultimatums. Statements attributed to him, including “No Kuye, No Awujale”, are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the Governor or his administration. No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened. This is once again the fabrication of falsehoods by mischief makers.

The governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebu. His administration continues to prioritize dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of cultural values.

We all know how highly the Governor holds the throne of Awujale which he has consistently demonstrated .

Members of the public, traditional stakeholders, and the media are urged to disregard these unfounded insinuations and rely solely on verified information from official source 

Succession Tension in Ijebu Land as Alleged Smear Campaign Targets Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo

Succession Tension in Ijebu Land as Alleged Smear Campaign Targets Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo

Concerns are growing across Ijebu land following what community stakeholders describe as a calculated campaign of persecution against Omo Oba Abimbola Onabanjo, a prince widely regarded as one of the leading aspirants to the throne of the Awujale of Ijebu Land.

Investigations by Ogun Corner reveal that the situation escalated after false claims began circulating that Omo Oba Onabanjo was involved in an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case.

However, after careful checks and inquiries by Ogun Corner, it was discovered that the allegation is entirely untrue, as no such case exists against him with the anti-graft agency.

Despite the lack of evidence, sources say the unfounded claim was aggressively amplified, fueling a wider smear campaign.

Observers note that the attacks soon extended beyond rumor-mongering to what has been described as a deliberate digital assault on the prince’s personal presence online.

According to reliable information available to Ogun Corner, all of Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo’s social media platforms came under coordinated attacks, a move seen by many as another leg of the broader effort to malign his person and diminish his public standing.

The attacks reportedly succeeded in bringing down his social media pages. However, sources confirm that recovery efforts are currently underway to restore the accounts, which are believed to have been compromised by hackers.

Beyond the digital space, concern has also been raised over alleged attempts to intimidate traditional kingmakers.

Community leaders allege that some interests, driven by political considerations, are exerting pressure on the custodians of tradition to prematurely announce a preferred candidate, a move widely criticized as an affront to established customs.

Reacting to the unfolding situation, prominent voices within Ijebu land have condemned the alleged actions, stressing that such conduct does not reflect the values or history of the Ijebu people.

“This is not our way,” said Chief Adekunle Adebayo, a respected elder in the community. “The Awujale stool is sacred. You do not desecrate it with falsehoods, intimidation, or desperation. Every qualified prince has the right to aspire.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Mrs. Funke Sodiya, a civic leader in Ijebu-Ode, urged restraint and patience.

“The process must be allowed to run its full course,” she said. “The kingmakers should not be intimidated under any circumstance.”

Traditional historians have also reminded the public of the established succession order. Alhaji Tunde Lawal, a cultural commentator, noted that tradition clearly points to the Fushegunwa Family as next in line to produce the Awujale, urging all parties to respect due process and avoid actions capable of destabilizing the community.

On his part, sources close to Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo told Ogun Corner that it has consistently been his position that no individual should be torn down in the name of ambition.

The sources maintained that he firmly believes the collective interest of Ijebu land, Ogun State, and Nigeria must always take precedence over personal or political gains.

As tensions linger, calls are growing for calm, truthfulness, and strict adherence to tradition.

Stakeholders warn that dragging the revered Awujale institution into controversy could have long-term consequences if care is not taken.

Chibok girls who were released saw Boko Haram members who were in prison, set free too- Katsina Govt

Chibok girls who were released saw Boko Haram members who were in prison, set free too- Katsina Govt

A wave of criticism has trailed reports that the Katsina State Government is considering the release of 70 suspected bandits as part of efforts to resuscitate a struggling peace initiative with armed groups operating in the state. Leading socio-political organisations, including Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum, have openly faulted the proposal.

Speaking separately to The Punch, the groups warned that the plan could have far-reaching consequences, describing it as imprudent and capable of worsening the country’s security challenges. They called on the Federal Government to step in and stop what they see as an action that could set a troubling national precedent.

Disapproval has not been limited to voices outside the state. Within Katsina, prominent religious and community leaders have also pushed back against the idea, expressing fears that freeing individuals accused of violent crimes would expose residents to renewed danger. They cautioned that such a move could undermine public safety and erode confidence in efforts to address insecurity.

The controversy comes at a time when Katsina has been grappling with persistent bandit attacks. Available figures suggest that more than 1,500 civilians were killed between 2021 and 2025, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Against this background, the government’s approval of the release of 70 suspected bandits—linked to negotiations with armed groups—has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that it compromises justice and could embolden criminal elements.

Despite the backlash, state officials have stood by the policy. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, maintained that the decision is part of a broader, community-based strategy designed to stabilise troubled areas and reinforce an ongoing peace process.

The commissioner added, “World over, everyone knows that after a war is fought, there are usually prisoner exchanges. If you take Nigeria, for example, during the civil war, many prisoners were set free and exchanged between the Nigerian side and the Biafran side.

“If you look at the issue of Boko Haram, prisoners were also released after an agreement was reached. Even the Chibok girls who were released also saw some Boko Haram members who were in prison, set free too. Both warring groups have prisoners they set free for the other."

He argued that the central concern was not the question of culpability, but the attainment of peace, noting that the exchange of detainees has long been a recognised tool in conflict resolution. According to him, such measures are neither novel nor unusual in the context of war and peace negotiations.

He further maintained that the actions taken by the Ministry of Justice and the High Court were in line with existing legal provisions. He added that those who disagreed with the decision were free to challenge it through the courts and pursue appropriate legal remedies.

An underground supply base of Boko Haram has been uncovered by the military in Borno.

An underground supply base of Boko Haram has been uncovered by the military in Borno.

Under Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian troops have found an underground logistics base belonging to Boko Haram in Borno State, which contained fuel, medical supplies, and other resources. 

This discovery was made following intelligence-led strikes on terrorist hideouts in the Timbuktu Triangle area, which includes the communities of Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma, on Sunday. Lt. Col. Uba Sani, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, confirmed this in a statement on Monday. 

He stated that this operation was part of Operation Desert Sanity and led to the dismantling of several camps associated with Boko Haram and ISWAP. 

The statement highlighted that the troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, achieved further operational successes in the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, destroying multiple terrorist camps, recovering weapons and equipment, and repelling coordinated attacks from the insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle. 

Sani explained that the soldiers launched their attacks on January 18, 2026, from their positions, targeting known terrorist enclaves. He also mentioned that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided crucial support to the ground troops through constant surveillance and intelligence during the operation. 

This collaboration allowed for real-time tracking of terrorist movements, deterred enemy reinforcements, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations. 

During the operation, troops recovered various weapons and items, including communication devices, ammunition, and military equipment. 

The recovered items included "Baofeng radios, phones, five AK-47 magazines, and several rounds of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition." 

Other items found included "multiple Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108 mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, a large quantity of medical supplies, several bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage, and a petroleum and oil lubricant dump." 

Sani noted that these recoveries weakened the terrorists' operational capabilities and their ability to transport supplies. 

He also revealed that the troops faced drone attacks during the mission. 

"At around midday, the advancing troops were attacked by armed drones launched by the terrorists," he said. 

He added, "Despite this, the troops kept their momentum and continued their offensives. A second drone attack in the evening was also successfully repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw and reaffirming the troops' dominance in the area." 

Sani stated that troop morale remains high, and while the area is currently calm, it is still unpredictable. 

"The general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable, with troops remaining vigilant and in a high state of readiness," he stated. 

He affirmed that military leadership is committed to continuing operations to eliminate terrorists, protect civilians, and restore peace in the North-East.

Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym for “mental strength therapy"

Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym for “mental strength therapy”, just weeks after a car crash which killed two of the former world heavyweight champion’s close friend 

I'm not Davido's baby mama, He picked me up in a club in Ibadan as a waitress -Ayo Labinjoh explains

I'm not Davido's baby mama, He picked me up in a club in Ibadan as a waitress -Ayo Labinjoh explains

As public attention remained fixed on the unfolding paternity dispute involving a teenage girl, Anu Mitchelle Adeleke—who claims that music star Davido is her biological father—her mother, Ayo Labinjoh, has now spoken out.

In a post shared via her daughter’s Instagram page, Labinjoh uploaded screenshots of what she described as private chat exchanges, alongside a lengthy explanation detailing how she allegedly met the singer.

She voiced strong anger over what she said were years of harassment and mistreatment her daughter has suffered following Davido’s rejection of the paternity claim. Labinjoh explained that she was employed as a waitress at a club in Ibadan when she encountered the artist, firmly rejecting suggestions that she was a sex worker, as some reports have implied.

Fifty Shades of Grey Can't Hold A Candle to This Book

She also challenged claims that five DNA tests had already been carried out, insisting that such reports were false. Labinjoh added that since Davido holds U.S. citizenship, she is open to arranging another DNA test, proposing that it be conducted under the supervision of the U.S. State Department to ensure transparency and neutrality.

Her statements have sparked renewed debate, leaving many observers questioning whether her readiness to pursue such measures could indicate the credibility of her claims.

Bandits Are Reaching Out to Us to Lay Down Arms But … – Kogi Security Adviser

Bandits Are Reaching Out to Us to Lay Down Arms But … – Kogi Security Adviser

Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) says some bandits are already reaching out to the state government for negotiation to down their arms.

This followed the recent bombardment on hideouts and demolition of houses used for criminal activities in some parts of the state.

He stated that the state has deployed technology in the fight against insecurity in the last two years of the present administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Commander Omodara, in a chat with newsmen on the achievements of the Governor in the area of security, noted that deployment of technology has enabled the state to outsmart the criminals.

 Governor of Kogi the Confluence State on January 27th 2024, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo vowed to do everything humanly possible to ensure safety of lives and property.

One of the strengths of the state government is the use of technology as plans are already in top gear to get more to take the fight to criminals in the bush.

The Security Adviser said several Hilux, Siena vehicles and motorcycles have been provided to Army, Police, Vigilante and other security outfits.

According to him, one of the key policies of the Governor remains his stand not to negotiate with criminals as some of them have reached out to lay down their arms.

He said instead of negotiating with them, security agencies will continue to sustain the current onslaught by taking the fight to them in the forest.

The Security Adviser pointed out that government is working on a legislation to ban living in the bush, saying anyone that wants to stay in Kogi must live in the town or known settlement.

Commander Omodara noted that a apart from the bombardment in the North that is making bandits to run to the state, local collaborators are also assisting as some of them are now facing the wrath of the law.

He maintained that despite the upsurge in banditry and insurgency, Kogi remains the safest state in the North Central, attributing the success to intelligence gathering and political will demonstrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo.

Commander Omodara added that over three thousand vigilante officers have been employed into the state workforce, who are providing adequate support.

BREAKING: Fubara: Rivers court bars Chief Judge from receiving impeachment notice

BREAKING: Fubara: Rivers court bars Chief Judge from receiving impeachment notice

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an order restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State from receiving or acting on any impeachment notice directed at Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The development follows a move by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who on Friday formally requested the Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy.

The lawmakers, who reached the decision through a unanimous vote, had vowed to press ahead with the impeachment process.

However, the court order now puts the process on hold, pending further legal proceedings.

APC leaders demand "immediate" sack of Wike, stage protest in Abuja

APC leaders demand "immediate" sack of Wike, stage protest in Abuja 

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the banners of the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), on Wednesday held a protest rally in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In an open letter and press statement addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and conveyed through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of insubordination, sustained attacks on party leadership and actions they said pose a threat to national unity.

Speaking to journalists during the peaceful demonstration, the APC leaders said the rally was driven by concern for the stability of the ruling party, national security and the protection of democratic principles. They described themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to them, Wike’s conduct amounted to “grave misconduct” that undermines party cohesion and challenges the authority of the President. The groups claimed his actions represented a direct assault on the APC leadership and a dangerous provocation capable of destabilising Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.

The protesters also accused the FCT minister of launching “unprovoked and hostile attacks” on the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, despite not being a registered member of the ruling party. They referenced remarks allegedly made by Wike during a January 5, 2026, visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he reportedly accused Basiru of interfering in state politics and warned that those involved would “get their fingers burnt.”

They said such comments were insulting to the party’s national leadership and constituted a direct affront to the APC National Working Committee.

In addition, the groups accused Wike of persistently attacking Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alleging that he mocked the governor’s leadership, described his emergence as a mistake and vowed it would be corrected in 2027. They said these actions amounted to anti-party behaviour that could weaken the APC’s political fortunes in Rivers State.

The rally leaders further expressed concern over Wike’s alleged declaration that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” describing it as a challenge to the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief. They warned that such statements could inflame tensions and revive memories of past unrest in the Niger Delta.

The groups vowed to sustain protests nationwide if their demand is ignored, stating that demonstrations would continue across states and local governments until Wike is removed from office. They maintained that their actions were in defence of party discipline, national unity and the President’s leadership.

The APC Leaders Forum and TSSM said the rally was also organised in solidarity with Governor Fubara, Senator Basiru and APC National Chairman Prof. Yilwatda. They urged President Tinubu to act decisively, insisting that removing Wike would send a clear message that no individual is bigger than the party or the nation.

The statement was jointly signed by Chief Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf and Mallam Abdulkareem Isiaka, who reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

AIRPORT POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS INTERNATIONAL ROMANCE FRAUD SUSPECT INVOLVED IN OVER N1 BILLION SCAM

AIRPORT POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS INTERNATIONAL ROMANCE FRAUD  SUSPECT INVOLVED  IN OVER N1 BILLION SCAM

The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat transnational crimes and prevent the use of Nigerian airports as escape routes for criminal elements, has arrested a notorious celebrity scam and romance fraud suspect responsible for defrauding multiple victims in the United States of America of over N1,000,000,000 (one billion naira), which on conversion amounts to over one million United States dollars.

The suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, male, aged 20, was arrested on 5th January, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Airport Police Command while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos State. His arrest followed months of intensive intelligence-led surveillance and monitoring based on credible information.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who previously resided in Calabar, Cross River State, relocated to Lagos State on 23rd February, 2024, from where he coordinated and executed several fraudulent schemes. In one instance in 2024, the suspect, through a celebrity scam modus operandi, deceived a 47-year-old female victim in the United States into transferring one million US dollars under the pretext of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage. The funds were fraudulently solicited through a cryptocurrency scheme identified as “BullRun 2.0,” formerly known as “4 Way Mirror Money.”

Further investigations revealed that the suspect also defrauded another 70-year-old female victim in the United States of a total sum of N25,709,400 (Twenty-Five Million, Seven Hundred and Nine Thousand, Four Hundred Naira), equivalent to $18,000 (Eighteen Thousand US Dollars). The fraud was perpetrated through the purchase of gift cards, high-end mobile devices, and computer equipment, which were shipped to Nigeria at the suspect’s direction.

Items recently recovered in connection with the case include one MacBook Pro 14-inch, one iPhone 17 Pro Max, two Google Pixel 10 Pro XL devices, and one Google Pixel 10 Pro, collectively valued at N8,141,367 (Eight Million, One Hundred and Forty-One Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Seven Naira). Investigations further revealed that the suspect posed as a 60-year-old orthopedic surgeon working with the United Nations in Nigeria, claiming the devices were required to maintain secure communication with the victim.

The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, reaffirms the Command’s resolve to prevent criminal elements from exploiting airport corridors to evade justice. She emphasized that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to detect, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks operating within and around Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit (NPF-SFU) for further investigations,and suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

ASP MOHAMMED ADEOLA

Police Public Relations Officer,

Airport Police Command, 

Lagos.

Makoko Demolition: Tear gas leaves two children, one adult struggling for life

Makoko Demolition: Tear gas leaves two children, one adult struggling for life

Two children and one adult male narrowly escaped death as they struggled for their lives due to the effects of tear gas fired by police, allegedly deployed by the government to demolish structures near a power line in the Makoko waterfront area.

Police confirm death of notorious bandit in Benue

Police confirm death of notorious bandit in Benue

The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the death of a notorious bandit, Terkaa Samuel of Jandekyula, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.

The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, stated this in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi.

Edet said the bandit was shot on Wednesday around Channel Two, Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue during an exchange of gunshots.

She said the Command had received intelligence reports that a group of armed bandits were around Channel Two, planning to kidnap a hotelier within the area.

She said a patrol team attached to the Ukum Division was immediately deployed to the location.

“Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits opened fire. The patrol team responded with superior firepower, during which one of the bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries.

“During the operation, one locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and a bag containing charms were recovered from him.

“The injured bandit was rushed to General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where he was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor.

“The deceased was later identified as Terkaa Samuel, a notorious bandit from Jandekyula, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State,” she said.

Edet also said that on the same date, operatives attached to Jato-Aka Division responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black.

She said the clash resulted in the death of two persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Edet said eight suspects were arrested during the operation, while one locally fabricated pistol, an expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes were recovered from them.

She said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has assured the people of Benue of the Command’s unwavering commitment to continue to safeguard lives and property.