L-R: Assistant to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mrs. Idayat
on
and
www.thisdaylive.com
Inspector General of Police, Mr.
and
Hassan;
Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General
Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi; NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; President Donald Trump’s Special Adviser
Arab
African Affairs, Mr. Massad Boulos; United States Congressman, Mr. Bill Huizenga; and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, after a meeting in Washington DC… recently
SANWO-OLU LEADS S’WEST GOVS TO IBADAN FOR FORUM MEETING...
L-R: Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi; Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Seyi Makinde (Oyo);Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) at the SouthWest Governors Forum meeting, at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan... yesterday
Oduwole: Despite Tariff Tensions, Nigeria Recorded Stronger
Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, yesterday, declared that despite global headwinds, from tariff tensions to shifting economic dynamics, Nigeria recorded deeper levels of economic diversification, stronger industrial capacity, and unprecedented opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa.
Oduwole said the govern- ment and all stakeholders “must ensure that our collective efforts, going forward, are intentional and coordinated, towards achieving our economic agenda”.
She spoke in Abuja at the inaugural African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Public-Private-Press-Partners (P4) summit, where two new trade intelligence tools, developed by the ministry, were launched. They included the National Action Plan Framework of
the Council on Climate Change (CCC).
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, advocated a community-driven approach to maximise AfCFTA, stressing that every Nigerian community holds tradable value capable of driving national and continental prosperity.
Bagudu commended Oduwole for her long-standing commitment to promoting ease of doing business and placing
knowledge sharing at the centre of trade discussions.
He said, “What may seem mundane—knowledge shar- ing—is central to Nigeria’s competitiveness under AfCFTA.”
Similarly, Director, Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion, Afreximbank, Mr. Gainmore Zanamwe, said the bank had allocated over $40 billion to support intra-African trade and investment.
Oduwole explained that the summit was designed to
enable deeper understanding of the AfCFTA framework and mobilise all economic efforts towards achieving Item 7 of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the continental trade agreement represented one of the most ambitious economic integration efforts in the world – the largest free trade area in the world by number of participating countries, with a combined GDP of about $3.4 trillion, and a lively market of
1.4 billion people, the majority of whom are young.
Oduwole said the platform also represented an economic arrangement that ensured African producers, investors, traders and workers could profitably convert opportunity to prosperity.
She stated, “The key argu- ment for the AfCFTA is simply that Africa retains more value when she trades with herself.
By implication, our economic ambitions are inseparable from
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has grilled the pioneer Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, for alleged furniture scam to the tune of N43 million awarded to a company based in Abuja.
Ugbodaga, who was appointed last year, was invited for investigation, according to a letter by Head, Investigation, Benin office of EFCC, ACE 1
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) enjoined the country’s workforce to be prepared to confront challenges posed by economic crisis as well as difficulties in the workplace that might arise as a result of unfriendly policies. While addressing participants
at this year’s Harmattan School, organised by NLC, in Abuja on Monday, NLC president, Joe Ajaero, said workers’ right had continually come under assault by what he described as a capitalist system seeking to maximise profit at the expense of the workforce.
Ajaero said, “We are here again for the Harmattan School
which should not be seen a mere academic exercise. Rather see it as a conclave of conscious vanguard of the Nigerian working people.
“In a world shrouded by the fog of a deepening global economic crisis accelerated by the relentless engine of technological change, we gather here to sharpen our tools of analysis and our weapons of struggle.”
Speaking on the theme of this year’s Harmattan School event, “Workers’ Rights in the Context
of Global Economic Crisis and Technological Advancement,”
Ajaero said the focus was timely, adding that it is a strategic imperative for survival as a people and as workers.
He said Nigerian workers were currently “confronted by a dual assault of intensification of exploitation in the workplace and alienation of our rights in the political sphere”.
He added, “The onslaught against workers and masses
our participation in the AfCFTA market.”
According to her, AfCFTA came into force in May 2019 with ratification by 22 African Union (AU) member states. Nigeria ratified the agreement in 2020.
The minister pointed out that currently, 48 AU member states, or 87 per cent of African countries, had ratified the agreement, adding that “our one African market is coming to life”.
NLC Urges Workers to Resist Workplace Exploitation
is continuing at all fronts by remorseless agents of capital in all guises.”
Ajaero told the workers that such capitalist onslaught recently came in the form of brazen and unprecedented violations of workers’ rights by a conglomerate monopoly in the country. He accused the big entities of seeking to operate as a state within a state, disregarding labour laws and treating workers as disposable inputs.
Bagudu seeks community-based approach to strengthen intra-African trade Afreximbank allocates $40 billion to boost trade within Africa Tony Elumelu Foundation Partners Federal Fire Service to Train 7,400 on Fire Safety Preparedness
Ibeleman Bristol. A copy of the letter, sighted by THISDAY last night, said the investigation was made pursuant to section 38 (1) & (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establish) ACT, 2004.
The letter, dated October 31, 2025, was titled, “Investigation Activities,” and addressed to the medical director.
EFCC, in the letter, also asked Ugbodaga to furnish the commission with information/
document on the list of nominal rolls and payroll of all the staff in the agency, including permanent, temporary, contract and casual staff.
Others were the status of the contracts/projects carried out from 2023 to date, status of the contracts/projects either completed or ongoing, the companies, the contractors the projects were awarded to and the amount paid to each company for the contracts/projects to include account details.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Federal Fire Service has announced a groundbreaking national capacity-building initiative following a strategic collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to train 7,400 Nigerians on fire safety preparedness across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This partnership was con-
solidated during a courtesy visit to Mr. Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), at the Hilton, Abuja.
The Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, led a delegation of senior management officers to the high-level engagement.
A statement by the spokes-
man of FFS, Paul Abraham on Monday said, during the engagement, the Service also formally investitured Mr. Peter Ashade, Group CEO, United Capital Plc, as a National Fire Safety Ambassador, in recognition of the Heirs Group’s significant contributions to enhancing safety consciousness and advancing communityfocused fire safety initiatives nationwide.
TETFUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES TOWN-HALL MEETING...
L-R: Executive Secretary, Tetfund, Arc. Sunday Togo Echono; Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tetfund, Senator Muntari Dan Dutse; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Tetfund, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; Vice-Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas/Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi; Adimula of Awori Kingdom, Oba Sulaimon; and Permanent Secretary, Tertiary Education, Lagos State, Mr. Waheed Kasali, during the 2025 Tetfund Board of Trustees Town-Hall Meeting in Lagos, yesterday
In Major Milestone for Trade, NiNAS Joins African Quality Assurance Framework
Aboloma: implementation of national quality policy will boost FX accretion, global competitiveness, economic diversification UK director: achievement opens doors for deeper UK-Nigeria collaboration across healthcare, food safety, industrial services
James Emejo in Abuja
In a landmark trade develop- ment, Nigeria National Ac- creditation System (NiNAS) has become a signatory to the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). By this achievement, NiNAS-accredited assessments are now accepted
across Africa and globally through International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and International Accreditation Forum (IAF) frameworks, removing technical barriers to trade and unlocking new market access for Nigerian businesses.
Speaking at the launch of the NiNAS international recognition in Abuja, Chairman/Chief Execu-
tive, National Quality Council (NQC), Mr. Osita Aboloma, said the effective implementa- tion of the letter and spirit of the Nigerian National Quality Policy will lead to huge Foreign Exchange (FX) savings, resulting from patronage of competent, globally recognised local qual- ity infrastructure services, and enhanced human capacity
development and job creation. The feat was made possible through strong UK support under the UK-Nigeria Standards Partnership Programme, which aligned with opportunities created by the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), and strengthened Nigeria’s integration into global value chains. It also
$18bn: FG Applauds BPP for Saving Nigeria from Huge Contract Frauds
The federal government has commended Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for saving the country from losing trillions of naira to fraudulent contracts in the past year.
It would be recalled that Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies had estimated that about $18 billion was lost every year to corruption and financial crimes in public procurement.
At the 2025 Mandatory Continuous Public Procurement Capacity Training Programme,
organised by Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and Bureau of Public Procurement, in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said corruption in government thrived through procurement malpractices.
Represented by his Technical Adviser, Olusegun Adekunle, Akume said such abuses directly stole development from the Nigerian people, stressing that a transparent and well-regulated procurement system is one of the most effective anti-corruption
tools.
He said public procurement was recognised globally as a crucial instrument for good governance and corruption prevention, saying by enforcing open and competitive bidding, due diligence, and oversight, avenues for kickbacks and collusion are closed off.
According to the SGF, “It is estimated that the share of the ‘leakages’ in our public budget occurs during the contracting of public projects. This is why the anti-corruption agencies have observed that contract and procurement fraud accounts
for roughly 90 per cent of all corruption cases in the public sector.
“The lesson is that whatever the percentage, corruption in government thrives through procurement malpractices. Such abuses directly steal development from our people because every naira lost to a fraudulent contract is a naira taken away from building a school, hospital, road, or water supply that citizens desperately need.”
created new opportunities for businesses and consumers, while reinforcing UK’s commitment to inclusive trade through initiatives, such as Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
Aboloma stressed that the implementation of quality policy will also boost the eco- nomic diversification agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration, adding that further development of all the legs of the NQI will create a pathway to increased global competitiveness.
UK Director, Trade Policy and Market Access for Africa, Hannah Barbosa, said the achievement opened doors for deeper UK- Nigeria collaboration across sectors, such as healthcare, food safety, and industrial services.
Barbosa said, “The UK is proud to have supported Nigeria’s journey to global accreditation through the UK- Nigeria Standards Partnership Programme.
“NiNAS’ recognition under AFRAC is a powerful testament to Nigeria’s commitment to
international standards and trade facilitation.”
Aboloma commended the patronage of NiNAS accreditation services to public and private sector operators in Nigeria, and pledged the unwavering com- mitment of NQC to the diligent implementation of the Nigerian National Quality Policy.
He said, “We at the National Quality Council are honoured to be a part of today’s celebration, being a great testimony to the pioneering efforts of Nigeria within the African Continent in the implementation of a Nigerian National Quality Policy (NNQP) aimed at improving our nation’s competitive edge in regional, continental and global trade.
“Today’s celebration of NiNAS multiple international recogni- tions is a result of many years of diligent efforts to systemati- cally develop its capacity and competence as one of the key legs of Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), the others being Standardisation, Confor- mity Assessment, Metrology and Market Surveillance.”
Musawa: FG Targeting Creative Economy as Africa’s Growth Engine
Application of Technology Can Increase Fish Weight,
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja
A former Vice Chancellor and Director of Research, Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, has stated that the application of technology can produce fishes with increased weight.
He stated this at the QNET expo in Abuja, where he spoke
on researches that he and his students have carried out on some of the technological products that were on display at the expo.
Abiodun said the use of Bio Disc 3 to restructure water in fisheries will increase the weight of fishes.
He said, “We have done quite a lot of research studies on some of the products. I start with the
Says Expert
recent one that we have just done, together with my students. We worked on the Bio Disc 3.
“And what it does is to help restructure the water; It contains the technology called the Amezcua Resonance Technology where certain natural frequencies have been embedded on it. It’s a proprietary blend and what it does is to help us to increase our cellular hydration of water.
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigeria as the cultural and tourism hub of Africa, describing the creative economy as a major catalyst for trade, investment, and sustainable growth across the continent.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo (ATCEE) held in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the
Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad Yawale, said the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is prioritising the creative sector as a strategic pillar for economic diversification and jobMusawacreation.said the govern- ment is pursuing a broad policy framework to develop creative clusters and innovation hubs, revitalise heritage and tourism sites, and expand access to credit for entrepre-
neurs in the sector through partnerships with financial institutions, notably the Bank ofSheIndustry. added that the ministry is also strengthening cultural diplomacy to enhance Nige- ria’s global reputation and soft power.
“We must move beyond the rhetoric of potential to the practicality of implementa- tion,” Musawa said. “The creative economy is not just a sector; it is a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and continental identity.”
PHOTO: ABIODun AjALA
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
L-R: Executive Director of Taxtech, Oyeyemi Oke; SA Strategy (Transformation and Growth), Pamela Ilo; Chief Technology Officer and
Paystack Fires Co-founder, Olubi, Over Alleged Misconduct
Paystack, a fintech company founded in Nigeria, has finally sacked its co-founder, Ezra Olubi, after weeks of suspension, for alleged sexual misconduct.
However, reacting to the purported sack, Olubi, in a statement, said it violated both the terms of his November 13 suspension and the company’s own internal policies.
According to Olubi, Pay- stack’s Board informed him of the decision without granting him a meeting, hearing, or opportunity to respond. These actions, he claimed, violated both the terms of suspension and the company’s internal policies.
Olubi said in the statement, “The decision was taken before the supposed investigation was concluded, and without any meeting, hearing, or op- portunity for me to respond
to the issues raised, in clear contravention of the terms of the suspension and Paystack’s own internal policies.”
He said his legal team was already reviewing the process and would “take the steps they considerFollowingappropriate”. the alleged sexual misconduct that had to do with minors, Paystack had placed him on immediate suspension after allegations surfaced from a former partner, and screenshots he posted between 2009 and 2013 went viral.
The resurfaced posts, many containing sexualised comments about colleagues, references to minors, and apparent rape fantasies, sparked widespread outrage and prompted civil society groups, including the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, to call on the Nigeria Police to investigate possible criminal offences.
Although Olubi did not directly address the content of the tweets or the specific allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a subordinate, he insisted that “those who know me personally or professionally understand that the posts being circulated do not reflect my conduct or the
way I have lived my life,” and emphasised his role in establishing Paystack’s internal governance systems.
The sack of Olubi sparked several reactions on the social media, with some of the reactions supporting the sack, and others condemning it.
One person wrote in his
social media handle: “I feel sorry for Ezra. It’s is not easy building a unicorn in an African market. However, actions have consequences and I really hope he gets the help he needs now.”
@Mutie also wrote: “If the investigation is not concluded, them it is wrong to fire him.”
@Favour1892 wrote: “It’s totally unnecessary. Where are the evidences?”
Princes Adeola wrote: “If he is fired, what about his shares?”
Adewale Fajana wrote: “Lawsuit is possible if Pay- stack didn’t exhaust internal disciplinary measures.”
Uzodimma Targets $1trn Imo Economy
ony Icheku in Owerri
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has announced an ambitious economic agenda targeting N1 trillion economy in the State as he unfolded details for the hosting of Global Economic Summit and Tourism Revival Projects from December 4th and 5th, 2025 in Owerri.
Uzodimma, speaking at the
weekend, in Owerri, after the Feast of Christ the King, stated that the economic and cultural initiatives would reposition Imo State as a major national and international hub with plans for scheduled World Investment and Economic Summit that would host prominent global leaders.
The Governor also sent warning signals to those constituting themselves as obstacles to the ongoing Light Up Imo Project, noting that such obstacles would not deter his government from linking the State electricity
infrastructure to the national grid.
“We cannot spend billions on power infrastructure and fail to distribute electricity to our people. By next week, we will take decisive steps,” the Governor said.
Uzodimma expressed grati- tude for public support and emphasised the importance of unity and collective progress.
“When we eat and work together, our blessings come faster,” he said.
He disclosed that the Investment and Economic Summit was intended to build a N1
trillion economy in Imo State; and that the event would play host to the former Secretary General of the United Nations, the immediate past Prime Minister of Britain, Boris Johnson; President Bola Tinubu and a couple of African Heads of State and leaders.
“It is a thing of joy, we want to announce Imo State to the world,” Uzodimma stressed. He further revealed that Imo State would host the Ahiajoku Lecture Series between November 27th and 28th, 2025.
The Head of the Strategic Projects Department at the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Mr. Oladele Oladejo, has been appointed to the Advisory Committee of the African Regional Partnership on Sustainability and SDG Reporting under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) – Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of
Accounting and Reporting (ISAR).
This prestigious appointment represents a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership and influence in global regulatory reforms and sustainable development initiatives.
It also highlights Oladejo’s professional excellence and the strategic value of Nigeria’s contributions to advancing governance, accountability, and corporate transparency across Africa.
In his remarks, a state-
ment from the FRC quoted Oladejo to have expressed sincere appreciation to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, noting that the achievement was a testament to Olowo’s exemplary, visionary, and inclusive leadership.
He emphasised that under Olowo’s guidance as Chair of the 41st Session of ISAR and Immediate Past Chair of ISAR, the Council has attained unprecedented global visibility and credibility.
Wike Warns Ground Rent Defaulters May Lose Property
Olawale ajimotokan in Abuja
The FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has warned ground rent defaulters in the territory that they risk forfeiture of their property over the default in meeting extension deadline. He issued the warning yesterday while addressing
journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing key infrastructure projects in Wuse and Life Camp areas of the FCT.
The minister warned that there would be no further extension on the payment deadline of today, noting the two-week and the presidential grace periods granted defaulters four months ago
had long elapsed. He threatened that officials of the FCTA would seal up the premises of defaulters, while the properties would revert back to the FCT Administration. Wike said: “If you have not paid, we will seal up the premises and the property becomes the property of the FCT Administration.
Partner (Process Automation Services), Oladunjoye Joshua; and Chief Executive Officer, Bidemi Olumide, at the Taxtech @ 10 press conference, celebrating a decade of innovation and impact in Nigeria’s tax technology landscape in Lagos over the weekend
Oluchi chibuzor
Hearing of Contempt CHarges against amCon offiCials and lawyers sCHeduled for tomorrow
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
Kanu’s Conviction: Life Jail as Punishment for Terrorism Acts
Leader of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, could have escaped life imprisonment and even terrorism conviction if he had entered his defence in the terrorism allegations brought against him by the federal government, writes Alex Enumah.
Although, counts one, two, four, five and six of the terrorism charge against leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, carries the maximum death penalty upon conviction, however, it could be argued that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, could have delivered a lesser sentence, if the defendant had comported himself and took the several warnings and opportunities provided him, to get experts in criminal laws to handle his defence.
Justice Omotosho had in a judgment last Thursday found Kanu guilty on all seven count charge bordering on terrorism, upon his conclusion that the prosecution has “proved beyond reasonable doubt”, its case against Mazi Kanu.
The judgment on Thursday finally drew the curtains over the 10 years legal battle at the Federal High Court. The Department of State Services (DSS) had first arrested Kanu inside a Lagos hotel in October 2015 and subsequently brought him to Abuja, where he was first arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Wuse, on November 23, 2015 on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, intimidation and membership of an illegal organization. The federal government then took the case to the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Kanu was arraigned alongside two others on a sixcount charge bordering on treasonable felony. He was first arraigned before Justice Ahmed Mohammed (now Justice of the Court of Appeal), then Justice John Tsoho (now Chief Judge of the Federal High Court), then Justice Binta Nyako and finally Justice James Omotosho.
Recall that the Biafra separatist agitator had accused all four justices of bias and insisted he cannot be tried for terrorism allegations. But, Omotosho in his judgment last week held that Kanu was wrong in deploying the tool of terrorism in pursuit of his Biafra republic. “Any self-determination not done in accordance with the constitution and laws of this country will be illegal. The Defendant is not only agitating for secession of the states of the South East, South South and some Middle Belt states, he is doing so using terrorism as a weapon”.
After his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021, Kanu was re-arraigned before Justice Nyako on a 15-count amended charge. He submitted a no-case submission through his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and the court dismissed eight out of the counts and ordered him to enter his defence in the remaining seven.
However, the federal government appealed the judgment and the appellate court in its judgment quashed the remaining seven count and discharged Kanu, on the grounds of his unlawful extraordinary rendition to Nigeria. But, the Supreme Court disagreed with the appellate court in its 2023 judgment, wherein it held that although Kanu was illegally brought to the country, he must conclude his criminal trial at the Federal High Court.
The apex court subsequently ordered that Kanu stand trial on the remaining seven count charge that Nyako held he has questions to answer. But, following several accusations of bias, Justice Nyako later recused herself from the matter in 2024, paving the way for the case to be handed over to Omotosho in March this year.
Before Omotosho, the DSS had called five witnesses and tendered bundles of documentary and video evidences to prove that Kanu committed acts of terrorism through his broadcast on social media platforms which led to the deaths of many Nigerians in the Southeast.
The videos included several broadcast of the Biafra nation agitator issuing various threats to Nigerians, including the enforcement of sit-at-home orders to residents of the Southeast region. Other video evidences included occasions where the IPOB leader described Nigeria as a Zoo; issued threats against security
personnel as well as threatened the destruction of public infrastructure including banks, schools and police stations.
However, after the DSS closed its case against the defendant, Kanu refused to open his defence until the court foreclosed him and fixed judgment for November 20. The IPOB leader both in his oral and written arguments insisted that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try him on terrorism allegations. He had anchored his claim on grounds including; lack of fair hearing; that his extraordinary rendition invalidate the charge against him; and that the law on which the charge against him was filed has been repealed.
But, Omotosho in his verdict disagreed with the defendant on all the grounds, recalling how he even pleaded with the defendant to enter his defence. On the issue of extraordinary rendition, the court told the defendant that he was already standing trial before he jumped bail and fled the country, adding that the manner of his rearrest and re-arraignment cannot stop his trial. Similarly, the court held that the amended Terrorism Prevention Act 2022, cannot invalidate the trial, since the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013, was still in force when the
It
charge was filed in 2015. Besides, the court explained that Section 98(3) of the Act ensures that amendment does not affect the validity of trial begun under the repealed Act.
In its verdict, Omotosho held that the defendant was guilty as charged in all seven counts and subsequently sentenced him to life imprisonment. The judge explained that Kanu deserved death going by all the atrocities he caused but, he was mindful to show him mercy. In count one, which carries the maximum punishment of death, the court cited several instances where Kanu had in his broadcast threatened violence and death if the people of Biafra were not allowed to go peacefully from Nigeria.
Omotosho also found Kanu guilty in count two which borders on making broadcast with intention to threaten members of the public with sit-at-home, especially in the five Southeastern states. According to the judge, prosecution witnesses testified that due to Kanu’s threat of violence many banks, markets and churches were grounded.
He quoted the defendant as issuing a threat in his broadcast of May 30, 2021, wherein Kanu said, “tomorrow...there is complete lockdown... nobody should be seen outside tomorrow...if you want to be alive don’t come out tomorrow... we will burn you inside that shop, etc”.
The judge concluded that the sit-at-home orders issued by Kanu are “unconstitutional” and “amounts to nothing more than a terrorist act”.
Similarly, the court found the defendant not
is arguable that the outcome of the trial may have been different if Kanu had given his own side of the case, either by personally giving evidence or calling witnesses to speak in his favour. Recall that the IP o B leader had listed over 20 witnesses including a former m inister, l t General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), who had repeatedly called on n igerians to defend themselves against insurgents, to testify on his behalf.
only guilty of belonging to a proscribed group (IPOB), but being the leader of the group.
The court further convicted Kanu in counts four, five and six, which borders on making a broadcast encouraging members of the public to kill Nigeria security officers including the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the judge, the prosecution proved that Kanu by his many broadcasts incited his followers to violence which resulted in the killing of security personnel, including Mr Ahmed Gulak, a former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, and the destruction of several properties, including police stations across the country.
Similarly, the court found Kanu guilty in count seven which borders on illegal importation of a radio transmitter into the country and sentenced him accordingly.
Since the judgment reactions have been pouring in, with some condemning the judgment, stating that it further attested to the marginalization against the Igbo ethnic group. They pointed to incidents in the northern parts of the country where Nigerians including security personnel are daily killed with impunity by bandits, kidnappers, Boko Haram, among others.
But, taking a second look at the trial one could argue that Kanu’s conviction and sentencing could have been avoided if he had not sacked his lawyers and opted to handle his case himself, especially when he was not a trained lawyer. For about five consecutive days, the court appealed to the defendant to open his defence and also engage legal practitioners, Kanu was however adamant.
Recall that Kanu had in 2023 sacked Ozekhome who had argued his case up to the appellate court where he was discharged. He had also sacked Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) after his loss at the Supreme Court.
When the matter resumed before Justice Nyako in 2024, he was represented by Mr Aloy Ejimakor but, Agabi again took over his defence in 2025 when it was reassigned to Omotosho. However, the pro-Biafra agitator on October 23, 2025, took the court and everyone by surprise when he disengaged his counsel and decided to represent himself. At one of the proceedings the judge had stood down the case and called court registrars into the courtroom, to enable Kanu file some motions in respect of his defence.
Despite several appeals by the judge and warnings that criminal matters are quite different from civil cases where a litigant can opt not to engage a counsel, Kanu continued to file processes and argue his case from the dock. This no doubt impacted on the outcome of the trial.
It is arguable that the outcome of the trial may have been different if Kanu had given his own side of the case, either by personally giving evidence or calling witnesses to speak in his favour. Recall that the IPOB leader had listed over 20 witnesses including a former Minister, Lt General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), who had repeatedly called on Nigerians to defend themselves against insurgents, to testify on his behalf.
While the court had issued summon to all the subpoenaed witnesses Kanu listed in one of his applications he filed in his defence, he surprisingly abandoned calling any, asking the court to release him on grounds that the charge against him was not valid because it was premised on a repealed law.
One can conclusively say that this singular decision of not entering his defence was fatal to his case, as evidenced in the judgment of the court.
“With respect to the substantive issue, I must start the resolution by outlining the effect of the defendant in failing to put in his defence despite several opportunities afforded him by this court”, Omotosho stated.
NOTE:
Kanu
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
From Agitation to Life Imprisonment
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu:
Nnamdi Kanu: From Agitation to Life Imprisonment
Quotables
‘Mr President gave a direct order that immediately, Policemen providing VIP protection should be made available to join the Forces….to complement the ongoing effort against criminalities.’ - Dr Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police
‘Every Nigerian must consider the issue of security, as his personal business. When you look away or you show fear, you are encouraging miscreants, vandals, criminals and terrorists to fester….It is our responsibility to help the Government, by way of information.’ - Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Immediate Past Chairman, Body of Benchers
Validity of Proceedings Commenced Before Amendment of Operative Criminal Law
Page IV
‘Find Our Daughters Now’: AWLA Cries Out Over Kebbi Schoolgirl Abductions
Page V
Dignitaries Set for the Creed Annual Dinner and Awards Night
One doesn’t have to be Nostradamus to see that since President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a CPC (Country of Particular Concern) and his threat to invade Nigeria to wipe out Islamic terrorists, there have been two sets of reactions in Nigeria: 1) there has been an escalation of violence against Christians in Northern Nigeria (a mixture of terrorists angrily daring President Trump to make good on his threat to annihilate them, maybe some kind of twisted revenge on the Christians who cried loud enough against the terrorists to make President Trump hear, and others simply trying to destabilise Nigeria); and 2) the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) appears to have been spurred into some action, with regard to the fight against insecurity. It is rather unfortunate that, it has had to take American intervention to elicit some noticeable reaction from the FGN. Issues that should have been addressed previously, are only receiving attention consequent upon the harsh words of President Trump.
Recent Incidents
Last week, a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State was attacked, and at least three Church members were killed, one injured and 38, abducted. The terrorists who doubled as armed robbers - the CCTV cameras caught them stealing the bags of the worshippers from the pews - demanded N100 million ransom per abductee. Thankfully, the Church members are said to have been rescued.
There was also the kidnap of 25 girls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, an incident in which their Vice Principal was killed, while last Friday morning, about 303 students and 12 Teachers were kidnapped from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State. So far, 66 Catholic students are said to have escaped from their abductors, while there still appeared to be no news of the Kebbi girls as at press time.
Functions of Government and Security Agencies
Clearly, the successive FGN administrations have failed in the primary purpose of government, which is the security and welfare of Nigerians (see Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution). Similarly, the Armed Forces and Police are also guilty of same. See Sections 217(a)-(d) & 214 of the Constitution and Sections 1(3) & (4) & 4 of the Armed Forces Act 2004 (AFA) and the Nigeria Police Act 2020 (NPA) respectively.
Jointly, the FGN and its security agencies have failed to keep Nigerians safe. Also see Section 2 of the National Security Agencies Act 1986 (NSA Act). See Ozoinyi & Ors v Oguama (2017) LPELR-43775 (CA) per Joseph Tine Tur, JCA where the definition and functions of government were stated inter alia to be thus: “To defend its existence and integrity of its territory against both internal and external enemies, most governments maintain armed forces”.
Reasons Why Nigeria’s Fight Against Insecurity has been Failing
There are several reasons, why Nigeria’s fight against insecurity has been failing. This is why it appears that, there may be a need for external assistance to fight insecurity. The FGN has its work cut out for it, yet, over the years, it has failed and neglected to do the needful. There are serious lapses in Nigeria’s security architecture, that to date, are yet to be addressed, failing which the fight against internal insecurity will continue to be ineffective.
Before I go into some of the challenges which I have identified for immediate action, this discussion would be incomplete without reiterating the fact once again that, without the FGN ensuring that Section 10 of the Constitution is upheld, it will not be able to fulfil Section 14(2)(b) thereof, which is its core constitutional mandate - the security and welfare of the people. I noticed that the issue of Sharia isn’t really being discussed, when it should be on the front burner. Beyond the operation of Islamic personal law for marriage, divorce and inheritance in the Sharia Courts, the adoption of Sharia Law in the 12 Northern States must be declared to be the unconstitutionality that it is. No State law is superior to the provisions of the Constitution - see Section 1(1) & (3) of the Constitution. A choice must be made by President Tinubu and the FGN, at this precipice - to be politically correct in order to keep the votes of Muslims in the North in breach of the Constitution, or to defend the Constitution (as they took an oath to do) and the security and stability of Nigeria.
The choice of National Security Adviser (NSA) and Defence Minister, is fundamental and absolutely crucial to any country’s security. We see that in countries like USA, Russia and Israel, they are chosen carefully using certain parameters. In Nigeria, politics and other irrelevant qualities, instead of merit and capacity, drive such choices. I remember wondering how a Governor who was unable to secure his State, and probably lost his second term bid to return as Governor despite his defection to the ruling APC, due to his inability to provide security for his people, and instead was alleged to have been kowtowing to terrorists, would be selected as the best choice to be Minister of State of Defence of a humongous country like Nigeria, that is experiencing difficult security challenges on several levels. With all due respect, it is hard to see any wisdom in such a decision, where failure is the stimulant for
onikepo braithwaite
onIkepo BraIThwaITe
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The Advocate
“…. without the FGN ensuring that Section 10 of the Constitution is upheld, it will not be able to fulfil Section 14(2)(b) thereof…. security… of the people….The choice of National Security Adviser (NSA) and Defence Minister, is fundamental and absolutely crucial to any country’s security….In Nigeria, politics and other irrelevant qualities, instead of merit and capacity, drive such choices…..There are not enough Police personnel or members of the Armed Forces in Nigeria…. a Homeland Security Ministry is also required to defend Nigeria’s internal security….. there are many moles within the Nigerian security agencies, who provide terrorists and criminals with information….if Nigeria is able to secure USA’s assistance to annihilate the terrorists once and for all, not as antagonists, but in friendship and partnership, why not?”
selection for such a sensitive position. NSAs and Defence Ministers are usually seasoned in defence and strategy; sometimes retired soldiers who are experienced in battle, endowed with exceptional tactical skills and knowledge; intelligence chiefs and those with counter-insurgency experience, not individuals who appear to be clueless about security matters.
1) Lack of Adequate Manpower
There are not enough Police personnel or members of the Armed Forces in Nigeria. Apparently, there are less than 400,000 Police personnel in Nigeria, a country whose population allegedly exceeds 200 million. The Police to Citizen ratio in Nigeria is about 1:600, while the UN recommended ratio is 1:450. Under the leadership of Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, about 30,000 new recruitments were made in 2024, a measure that should have been taken consistently over the last 10 years. On Sunday, President Tinubu approved the recruitment of an additional 30,000 Police Officers. This is a step, in the right direction. The Police is under-funded, and therefore, under-equipped, while their conditions of service are quite poor.
According to World Bank data, as of 2020, the Nigerian Army which has the largest number of personnel of the three Forces, has less than 150,000 soldiers! In total, there may be less than 300,000 members of the Armed Forces. According to World Bank data, as of 2020, the Nigerian Army which has the largest number of personnel of the three Forces, has less than 150,000 soldiers! In total, there may be less than 300,000 members of the Armed Forces. Some Military Officers, many of Southern origin, were unlawfully dismissed during Buratai’s tenure as COAS. Some of them went to court and won their cases; the NICN ruled that they should be reinstated immediately. To date, the court orders remain disobeyed by the Army, while brilliant Officers who should be on active duty defending Nigeria, are resting at home. This is however, a story for
another day.
And, the FGN is supposed to be serious about the fight against insecurity, with inadequate manpower?! Meanwhile, out of this number, a good number of Police personnel have been seconded to Banks, VIPs etc, while members of the Armed Forces are seconded to retired Generals as household and personal staff, with even commissioned officers being used for sentry duty to guard private land, instead of being on active duty where their services are most required by Nigeria! Finally, President Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of all Police personnel from VIPS, so that they can return to their core duties. This step should have been taken a long time ago. Is the security of VIPs, more important than that of Nigeria? I think not.
2) Moles Within the Security Agencies
The cold blooded killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, and the hazy circumstances that resulted in his horrible death, is an important part of this discussion. The question of how he ended up more or less alone, without any backup; the fact that the terrorists were able to locate him, before Nigerian military was able to rescue him.
One argument is that there are many moles within the Nigerian security agencies, who provide terrorists and criminals with information about the security agencies, their tactics, strategies and plans. Some are even members of Boko Haram themselves, or sympathetic towards them. And, this is undeniable. I heard that in a particular situation, a Military Commanding Officer discovered that it was one of his personal staff, an orderly or so, that was the mole who was leaking their activities to insurgents. This is one of the main reasons, why I have always advocated for foreign assistance to fight insecurity in Nigeria. There is a need for people whose only goal is to quash insecurity, who have the requisite expertise and have no loyalty to anyone, except to the cause
of victory in the fight against insecurity. The truth is that, no matter how skilled an army is, no matter how excellent a strategy is, as long as traitors exist within the ranks, the best plan in the world is bound to fail once it is leaked to the very enemies who the plan is meant to destroy. Ignoring this reality, is tantamount to engaging in self-deception and delusion.
In the past, I narrated the story of British, Chris McManus and Italian, Franco Lamolinara, construction workers kidnapped by Boko Haram in Kebbi in 2011. Their rescue attempt failed, and they were killed by their abductors. I was in London at the time, and read about the failed rescue attempt in one of the British dailies. The reason the British newspaper provided for the failure of the rescue operation in its vivid account of the incident, was that the involvement of the Nigerian Army by the foreign authorities compromised the ‘secret’ rescue operation. The agenda was leaked. That when the rescue team approached the location where the abductees were being held the terrorists were already expecting them, they lay in wait, ambushed them, and opened fire on them. In short, the mole(s) within the Nigerian Army had pre-warned the Boko Haram terrorists about the impending rescue operation, thereby resulting in its frustration and failure.
3) Lack of Ministry of Homeland Security Nigeria is a huge country, and it appears that apart from the Ministry of Defence whose core role is to handle external aggression and supervise the Armed Forces, a Homeland Security Ministry is also required to defend Nigeria’s internal security against the terrorism, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks, insurgency and the other security issues that the country is experiencing internally - see Ozoinyi & Ors v Oguama (Supra). In USA, this agency is responsible for the domestic security of the country. Nigeria could do with something like this - a central agency working with the Police, SSS, NIA etc, ensuring cohesion between them for a more effective response to internal insecurity. There will be a Minister who reports to the President on internal security, as opposed to the amorphous system that Nigeria currently operates, where today in one State, the President sends the Police, in another, the SSS (DSS), and another the Army.
4) Lack of Will on FGN and Security Agencies’ Part In 2016, former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El Rufai, had stated in an interview that the FGN and security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, knew the locations of terrorist camps and even listened to their telephone conversations, but failed to take decisive action against them! He said: "We know where their camps are. We know their camps, we have the maps; we know everything. We have their phone numbers and listen to their conversation sometimes". At the time, the response of the FGN under President Buhari, was to denounce El Rufai as a talkative instead of taking action. Under President Tinubu, the reaction to this information must necessarily be different, if the FGN intends to treat the fight against insecurity with the seriousness it demands, and not the levity of the past.
5) Corruption
It is obvious that some people who may have been or are still in positions of authority, are gaining financially from the prolonged insecurity. From the supply of information to the enemy, to the illegal weapons trade, to the inflation of contracts, black market activities and of course, exploitation of mineral resources in conflict areas, for example, illegal mining of gold in Zamfara State. Even the purchase of substandard equipment.
6) Lack of Equipment
Over the years, despite the huge monies that have been deployed for the purchase of equipment, the military is still under-equipped. Why? While Nigeria uses a variety of drones for surveillance and intelligence purposes, in such a war against terrorism, there’s still a lot that is required, such as Satellite systems, both space and ground; different kinds of sensors; unmanned ground vehicles; certain types of radar, to mention but a few. The Ministry of Interior should also be given every support necessary, to secure Nigeria’s porous borders and unmanned or remote areas, by means of technology. There must be more investment in security equipment, and strict oversight to ensure they are provided.
Conclusion
While Nigeria is trying to overhaul its security architecture and put the necessary measures in place, there is still an urgent need to improve security. These regular abductions and killings, mustn’t be allowed to continue. Has there be0en a security roundtable meeting with current and formers, to brainstorm on Nigeria’s insecurity? For instance, have the brains of people whom we have heard about in terms of capacity, such as Rtd General Aliyu Gusau and Rtd Col Kayode Are, been tapped? For the record, I do not know them; their reputation is what precedes them. Adopting the US Homeland Security style may be a plus for Nigeria, as it would be an indication that Nigeria is putting in good measures to secure her people. But, in the meantime, if Nigeria is able to secure USA’s assistance to annihilate the terrorists once and for all, not as antagonists, but in friendship and partnership, why not? Amongst other things, US certainly has superior, state-of-the-art equipment that Nigeria requires in this fight. The FGN cannot afford to continue to give assurances, while Nigerians are kidnapped, raped, terrorised and killed. It is unacceptable.
Validity of Proceedings Commenced Before Amendment of Operative Criminal Law
Facts
The Defendant was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, on a 7-count charge, including committing acts of terrorism and incitement punishable under Section 1(2)(b), 1(2)(h) and Section 1(2)(f) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013; and being a member of a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment Act).
The case of the Prosecution was that, the Defendant had committed acts of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria which included: making broadcasts received and heard in Nigeria with the intent to intimidate the population, and making death threats; inciting members of the public to kill security personnel and their family members in Nigeria; mandating a sit-at-home order in the Eastern States of Nigeria with death threats at anyone who flouted the order; and directing members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to manufacture bombs.
The prosecution called five witnesses and tendered 34 exhibits, in proof of its case. The Defendant refused to open his defence, following which the court foreclosed him and ordered filing of final addresses. However, the Defendant had filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated and filed 16th October, 2025, challenging the competence of his trial. The Defendant subsequently filed a Motion on Notice/Comprehensive written address on the non-existence of any cognisable charge on 30th October, 2025.
Issues for Determination
From the Defendant’s notice of preliminary objection and the written addresses before it, the Court formulated the following issues:
1. Whether the Defendant was denied his right to fair hearing in the circumstances of the case.
2. Whether the claim of extraordinary rendition of the Defendant from Kenya invalidates his trial in the case.
3. Whether the provisions under which the Defendant is being tried are repealed laws and inoperative.
4. Whether the prosecution has established the charge against the Defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
Judgement
On issue 1, the Court held that a Defendant’s right to defend himself as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a right that cannot be taken from a Defendant, except where he expressly or by conduct waives it, and the failure by a Defendant to use the opportunity granted to him to defend himself will be entirely the Defendant’s fault, and he cannot complain thereafter.
The Court held that the Defendant was given ample opportunity to defend the charge against him, in line with the principle of fair hearing. The Court held that it availed the Defendant with adequate time and facility which included, vacating the court room to enable the Defendant and his former Counsel conduct pre-trial meetings in preparation for his defence. The Court held that its foreclosure of the defence following the Defendant’s failure to put in his defence after several opportunities were availed to him, cannot therefore, be said to amount to a breach of fair hearing.
On the 2nd second issue, the Court held that while illegal rendition may seem illegal on the face of it, the way and manner in which the attendance of a Defendant is secured does not vitiate his trial. The Court relied on the Supreme Court’s decision in FRN v KANU SC/ CR/1361/2022 delivered on 15th December, 2023 that the procedure used in bringing or producing the Defendant before the trial court for the trial of the offences in respect of which he was validly charged after jumping the bail granted to him, cannot reasonably be said to deprive the trial court of the statutory jurisdiction to proceed with the trial.
The Court found that notwithstanding the legality or otherwise of how the Defendant was brought back from Kenya, it does not invalidate his trial particularly since trial had started since 2015 before the Defendant jumped bail and before his rendition in 2021.
On the 3rd issue, the Court relied on the decision of the Court of Appeal in IGP v OGUNDIMU & ORS (2022) LPELR-57151 (CA) that “an accused person can only be charged under the law that creates the offence, and such law must be in force at the time it was committed”.
The Court held that the charge against the Defendant were as to offences allegedly committed by the Defendant between 2018 and 2021, and as at when the charge was filed, the operational Terrorism Act in Nigeria was the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 (“TPA 2013”)
Honourable Justice J. K. Omotosho
In the Federal High Court In the abuja Judicial division Holden at abuja on Thursday, the 20th day of November, 2025 Before His lordship
Honourable Justice J. K. omotosho Judge, Federal High Court FHC/abJ/Cr/383/2015 Between
FeDeral repUBlIC oF NIGerIa
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CoMplaINaNt And
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which amended the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011 (TPA 2011).
The Court held further that Section 98 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2022 (“TPA 2022”) which repealed TPA 2011 in fact provides in subsection (3) thereto that the commencement of TPA 2022 does not invalidate criminal proceedings commenced under any repealed Act which are pending before the commencement of the TPA 2022, and such proceedings may be continued as if TPA 2022 had not been made. The Court held that the import of this provision is that the enactment of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2022 does not vitiate the trial of the Defendant rightly commenced under Terrorism Prevention Amendment 2013, being the law in force when the offences were committed and when the charge was filed.
In determining the substantive issue in issue 4, the Court held that the Defendant’s deliberate failure to call any witness or present evidence in rebuttal of the Prosecution’s case implies that he admits the case of the Prosecution, and the court is entitled to rely on the uncontroverted evidence led by the Prosecution.
On counts 1 and 2 that the Defendant made broadcasts with intent to intimidate the Nigerian population and issued a sit-at-home order with death threats in furtherance of acts of terrorism, the Court held that by Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, the essential
“…..the enactment of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2022 does not vitiate the trial of the Defendant rightly commenced under Terrorism Prevention Amendment 2013, being the law in force when the offences were committed and when the charge was filed”
to declare sit-at-home in the South Eastern States with threats of violence as proven by the Prosecution, is an unconstitutional act which is subversive and amounts to an act of terrorism.
On count 3, the Court held that for the Prosecution to succeed in a charge brought under Section 16 of the TPA 2013, it must prove that the accused person is or professes to be a member of a terrorist group, and that the terrorist group has been proscribed as at the time the Defendant professed its membership. The Court held that the uncontroverted evidence led by the Prosecution, showed that the Defendant is not just a member, but also the leader of IPOB with the influence of commanding coordinators of the group. The Court referred to the broadcasts contained in Exhibit PWW in which the Defendant admitted being the leader of IPOB and a broadcast made on 12th December, 2020, wherein the Defendant inaugurated the Eastern Security Network, the armed wing of IPOB.
The Court also held that it was also established that IPOB was a proscribed organisation having been so proscribed by the order of His Lordship, Nyako J. in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/871/2017 on 20th September, 2017 which crystallised into the Terrorism Prevention (Proscription Order) Notice 2017 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 99 in Volume 104 dated 20th September, 2017 tendered as Exhibit PWJ.
On counts 4 and 5, that the Defendant incited members of the Nigerian Public to hunt and kill Nigerian Police personnel and their family members, the Court held that by Section 1(2)(h) of TPA 2013 under which the Defendant was charged, for a person to be guilty of an offence under the said section, the prosecution must establish beyond reasonable doubt that the Defendant willingly, whether directly or indirectly, incited, promised or induced other persons by any means whatsoever to commit a terrorist act. The Court referred to KAZA v STATE (2008) LPELR-1683 (SC) in which the Supreme Court defined incitement as an act of instigating or making someone to feel brave or confident to behave unlawfully, by giving approval in support of a crime.
The Court held that the Defendant’s incitement of people to violence was very clear from his broadcasts, particularly that of 20th and 21st October, 2020 as contained on Exhibit PWW, and not only did the Defendant incite the public to kill security personnel and their family members, he taught them how to build improvised bombs and also incited them to destroy all properties of the Federal Government during the EndSARS protest.
ingredient that must be established against a Defendant is that the Defendant has willingly/ knowingly, either directly or indirectly, done an act preparatory or in furtherance of an act of terrorism.
The Court, placing reference on Section 1(3) of TPA 2013, held that an act of terrorism is any act of violence or threat of violence against members of the public intended to cause fear or put them in a state of fear, and intimidate them to adopt or abandon a particular view, policy or position, in pursuit of a political objective.
The Court held that the Defendant in several of his broadcasts, made statements threatening harm to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the general Nigerian populace including his own people whom he claimed to be fighting for. The Court referred to Exhibit PWW which contained amongst other broadcasts, an interview with Sahara TV wherein the Defendant threatened that “if they do not give us Biafra, there will be nothing living in the very zoo called Nigeria, nothing will survive there”, and similar threatening statements made by the Defendant at a World Igbo Conference in Los Angeles where he also requested for guns and bullets.
The Court held that from the uncontroverted evidence led the Prosecution, it was clear that the Defendant by these threats of violence, committed acts preparatory to and in furtherance of a terrorist act.
The Court held further that by Sections 35 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to the right to personal liberty and freedom of movement, except in the cases permitted by law. The Court held that the only person entitled to restrict movement of persons in Nigeria, is the President under his emergency powers under Section 305 of the Constitution which empowers the President to impose a curfew in areas where there is crisis or disaster. The Court found that the act of the Defendant arrogating powers to himself
The Court referred to Exhibit PWD2A which was a compilation of death reports and certificates of death of 128 Police officers, 37 military officers and 10 other security operatives killed during the EndSARS protest. The Court held that while it was mindful not to attribute all the happenings during the EndSARS protest to the Defendant, there is no doubt that the incitement by the Defendant contributed largely to the killing of the security operatives and destruction of public properties.
The Court held that from the avalanche of evidence before it, the prosecution had successfully discharged its burden of proving counts 4 and 5 beyond reasonable doubt.
On count 6, the Court held that by Section 1(2)(f) of the TPA 2013 under which the Defendant was charged, any person who assists, facilitates or directs the activities of persons of organisation engaged in an act of terrorism, is guilty of an offence under the Act. The Court held that the Prosecution led uncontroverted evidence, establishing that the Defendant had directed members of IPOB, a terrorist organisation to build bombs and improvised explosives such as a Molotov cocktail for use in attacking security operatives.
On count 7, the Court held that by Section 47(2)(a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act, LFN 2004, anyone who imports any goods concealed in a container holding goods of different description is guilty of an offence under the Act. The Court held the evidence led by the Prosecution through PW4, established that the Defendant smuggled a transmitter into the country in a container of household items, without declaring the same to the customs.
The Court convicted the Defendant on all the counts and sentenced him to life imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, a term of 20 years imprisonment without option of fine on count 3, and 5 years imprisonment without the option of fine on count 7, to run concurrently.
Representation
Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN with others for the Prosecution.
Nnamdi Kanu – the Defendant for himself.
‘Find Our Daughters Now’: AWLA Cries Out Over Kebbi Schoolgirl Abductions
Stories by Steve Aya
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) has issued a passionate call for the immediate rescue of the schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State, urging both national and international bodies to intervene without delay.
The appeal follows the kidnapping of 24 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga. The organisation made its position known during the ongoing AWLA International Conference in
Cotonou, Benin Republic, themed “From Margins to Mainstream: The African Woman in Unfettered Sustainable Development”.
Abiodun Kolawole, AWLA’s International Alternate Chairman for Litigation, described the abduction as a devastating
reminder of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and the heightened risks faced by schoolchildren.
“We are devastated by what happened in Kebbi. Armed men stormed a government school, where young girls were simply trying to learn. This is
heartbreaking. This is unacceptable. Nigeria cannot continue to live under the constant threat of abduction and terror”, she said.
Kolawole called on the Nigerian Government, the African Union, ECOWAS, the United Nations, and international partners, to
immediately join forces to secure the girls’ release.
She also appealed to media organisations to amplify the message globally, and sustain pressure for a coordinated rescue mission.
“We are using this platform to demand immediate intervention. These girls
must be found. Their families are in anguish, their mothers are desperate. We need every organisation, every government, and every individual of conscience to join this call. Our children deserve protection. They deserve a future”, she stressed.
Dignitaries Set for the Creed Annual Dinner and Awards Night
An impressive line-up of Nigeria’s most respected legal icons, public-sector leaders, industry captains, and traditional rulers are set to converge in Abuja on Saturday, November 29, 2025, for the Creed Annual Dinner
AWLA Demands Full Inclusion of African Women in Sustainable Development
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) officially launched its highly anticipated International Conference on Tuesday in Cotonou, Benin Republic. The event, convened at the Azalai Hotel De La Plage Atlantic in Quartier Ganhi, brought together legal professionals, policymakers, activists, and advocates from across Africa.
Opening the Conference, AWLA President, Mandy Demechi-Asagba delivered remarks highlighting the historic importance of the gathering, which she described as a milestone in the fight for women’s empowerment in legal systems. She emphasised the association’s long-standing mission to protect and promote the rights and welfare of women and children across Africa.
The theme of this year’s conference, “From Margins to Mainstream: The African Woman in Unfettered Sustainable Development”, resonates deeply throughout the opening ceremony. Delegates heard calls for stronger legal frameworks, equitable opportunities, and inclusive governance as critical tools to lift African women from the periphery into central roles in sustainable development.
In her address, DemechiAsagba urged participants to seize this platform to push for structural reform in national jurisdictions, to enshrine women's rights. She stated that for sustainable development to
succeed, women's legal rights, economic participation, and leadership must no longer be treated as ancillary issues, but as core priorities. The Conference was also graced by leading figures from across the continent, including senior AWLA officials, country representatives, and guest speakers. Their presence underscored the cross-border importance of the event, reinforcing AWLA’s mission to create a unified network of African women Lawyers capable of influencing both regional and global policy.
One of the highlights of the opening session was a keynote speech on sustainable development and gender justice which was delivered by Amina Mohamed, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, who argued that “women must not just participate, but lead” in the formulation and implementation of policies that aim to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
During the ceremony, attendees were invited to reflect on the challenges African women face such as limited access to justice, discrimination, and underrepresentation and to envision bold strategies for integrating women fully into legal, political, and economic systems. Several breakout workshop leaders encouraged delegates to think of concrete next steps, such as mentorship schemes, legal-aid networks, and advocacy campaigns.
& Awards Night, a prestigious event recognising excellence in law, governance, and national service.
Hosted at the elegant Tropica Galeria in the Central Business District, Abuja, the event will celebrate distinguished awardees drawn from the Bar, Civil Service, Government and Traditional Institutions
The Publisher of The Creed, and Convener of the Awards and Dinner Night, John-Austin Unachukwu, Esq. stated that a major highlight of the evening will be the recognition of leaders who have made enormous contributions to the development of our nascent democracy
This tradition aligns with the publication’s founding mission - to amplify the voices and contributions of individuals who strengthen the rule of law and elevate professional standards and
governance in Nigeria. “The Awards Night will also honour outstanding achievers in public administration, governance innovation, legislative excellence, ministerial performance, and national leadership. These recognitions reflect The Creed’s core belief that strong public institutions and ethical governance, are foundations of a stable and prosperous nation.
In keeping with the event’s theme, “Law and Society: Leadership, Infrastructural Development and the Pursuit of Good Governance”, The Creed will highlight the central role of infrastructure in shaping national progress. Infrastructure developmentroads, hospitals, schools, energy networks, digital systems, and public utilities - is not merely a government project.
It is a symbol of leadership, a measure of governance
Tanko Sununu,
quality, and a prerequisite for sustainable democracy.
Speaking further on the recognition of public sector performance on infrastructure, Unachukwu said that: “In every society, the quality of infrastructure is a visible barometer of governance.
Roads, transportation systems, energy supply, water networks, digital connectivity, schools, and health facilities are not just physical assets; they are the structural backbone upon which economic vibrancy, social cohesion, and political stability rest.
“For a developing country like Nigeria - rich in human and natural resources, but burdened by systemic challenges - infrastructural development occupies a central role in shaping the welfare of citizens and securing the future of its fledgling democracy.”
Some of the expected
Godwin-Clark,
dignitaries at the event include: His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State (Special Guest of Honour); Guest of honour, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. Prof Sebastine T. Hon, SAN - Dinner Speaker; Augustine Alegeh, SAN - Chairman of the Occasion. Others are: Their Royal Highnesses: Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido II - Emir of Kano; Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (JSC Rtd.)Emir of Lafia; Asagba, Obi Prof Chigbogu Epiphany Azinge, SAN - Asagba of Asaba; and many others. The Creed Annual Dinner & Awards Night promises an inspiring evening of intellectual reflection, national celebration, and the reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to justice, infrastructure development, and democratic governance.
Isah, Others, for NBA-LWDF Annual Conference, Asaba 2025
Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu; Executive Director, Brace Foundation, Dr Soibi Godwin-Clark and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon Mohammed Isah, are among dignitaries expected at the NBA-Lawyers with Disabilities Forum Annual Conference in Asaba, Delta State. The conference theme: “Beyond Triumphs: Advancing Inclusion, Impact & Leadership for Persons with Disabilities” will resonate on the two-day conference scheduled to hold from 25th – 26th November 2025, in a hybrid format at Asaba, Delta State. Participants are promised a world-class experience featuring inspiring sessions, exclusive gifts, elegant
conference bags, and more Keynote Speaker, Dr Soibi Godwin-Clark, Executive Director, Brace Foundation, will examine the topic: “From Policy to Practice: Driving Sustainable Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in Law and Leadership”.
Plenary Session I: “Breaking Barriers: Legal Frameworks, Accessibility, and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities” Panellists include: Hon. Ayuba Gufwan – Executive Secretary, National Commission for People with Disabilities (NCPWD); David Anyaele, Chairman, Abia State Disability Commission; Prof Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, Managing Partner, Health Ethics and Law Consulting; Amb. Ubaka Emeka Bertram, Executive Director, Persons with Disabilities Action Network
(PEDANET); Ufedo Tom Yakubu, Researcher, National Judicial Institute (NJI) and the Moderator for the session is A. O. Odum, SAN, of the Seat of Wisdom Chambers.
Plenary Session II: “Leadership Redefined: Empowering Lawyers with Disabilities to Shape Policy and Drive Change”. Panellists include: Mrs Lois Auta, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cedar Seed Foundation; Hon. Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs; Akin Akintoye II, SAN, of D. Akintoye & Co; Seni Adio, SAN, NBA SBL GEEI; Hon. Mohammed Abba Isah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities.
Session will be moderated by Dr Beatrice Shuwa, Lecturer, Nigerian Law School
Showcase Session “A Peep into the Future: Vision for an Inclusive Bar”. Panellists include: Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN; Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN; Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN and Prof Foluke DadaLawanson. The session will be moderated by Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam. Showcase Session Innovations Beyond Triumph: Stories, Technologies, and Pathways Transforming Disability Inclusion will be presented by LawPavilion, Baba Telehealth and other exciting presenters. The session will be moderated by Tosan Mene.
Publisher of The Creed, John Austin Unachukwu
L-R: Secretary General, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Adepeju Oduye- Quadri; Toyin Ndidi TaiwoOjo; Becky Samuel; President, AWLA, Amanda Demechi- Asagba, at a 3-day AWLA International Conference held in Cotonou, Republic of Benin
Nnamdi Kanu: From Agitation to Life Imprisonment
after a ten-year intricate legal battle, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of biafra (IPob) which has been agitating for the actualisation of the state of biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, was convicted for charges bordering on terrorism last Thursday, November 20, 2025 and sentenced to Life Imprisonment by Hon. Justice James Kolawole omotosho of the Federal High Court, abuja division. Was life imprisonment the expected outcome of the case? Would the judgement have been different if Nnamdi Kanu hadn’t decided to take over his defence himself, which he refused to open, insisting that he wasn’t charged under any known law? What options are left to the convicted IPob leader? These and many more questions are the subject of this discourse by Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, SAN; Kunle Edun, SAN; P.D. Pius; Ifeanyi Ejiofor; Major Ben Aburime (Rtd) and Marx Ikongbeh
‘Show Me the Law’: The Saga of Kanu’s Trial
Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, SAN Introduction
The just concluded trial and conviction of Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court qualifies, by all parameters, as a saga of a sort. Like every other saga, it was not without the usual accompaniments of variegated interpretations and narratives of the factual realities, conspiracy theories and the residue of the old wives tales.
The judgement [proceedings] that ordinarily ought to signpost the climax of the entire saga and the denouement thereof and, as well, quench the thirst for justice, soon became the talking point for further rabble rousing. Thus, from nowhere, the refrain of “show me the law” and “you don’t know the law…”, rent the air of solemnity and
sacrosanctity that normally characterise the climate of court proceedings, was made to breathe the hollow airs of indecorum and ordinariness as if it was another town hall platform for the resolution of intra clan disputes. It is, therefore, the “show me the law” byword from the proceedings, which has now become the talking point for both the mischief makers and the genuinely ignorant folks
out there that has compelled this intervention.
Clarification
“…. all the 7 counts in the charge….were individually read to him… alongside the law alleged to have been violated thereby….he was asked whether he understood same. Unequivocally, he answered in the affirmative. Thereafter, his arraignment crystallised, when he entered a plea of “not guilty”to the entire charge…..Kanu, actually articulated his defence indirectly through his Lawyers vide the legal mechanism of crossexamination of all the prosecution witnesses with the aim of discrediting their testimonies and eliciting evidence therefrom, in support of his case”
From the outset, I wish to asseverate that in offering this clarification, I will resist every temptation to be drawn into the groove of the gossip mill and the conspiracy theories regarding allegations not borne out of facts, but etched only on sheer perceptions. In fidelity with this self admonition, I will disregard all such mendacious and tendentious suggestions or narratives in the public space, that the judgement delivered Omotosho, J. of the Federal High Court was written by some faceless persons, but only handed to his Lordship to read or apply in court. How disingenuous can anyone be?
It does not require much efforts to understand that such vicious allegation and the buy-in to the “show me the law” refrain currently being held on to, as talking points, are the orchestration of the rabble rousers [to which, it does appears, even Nnamdi Kanu himself is a victim of], woven to muddy up the stream of justice by reactionary forces. To them, Nnamdi Kanu was unfairly prosecuted, denied fair trial, incorrectly found guilty, wrongly convicted and unjustifiably sentenced.
To the category of genuinely ignorant persons whose imagination of judicial proceedings is not anything different from their village meetings, where there are little or no rules of procedures regulating the conduct of meetings, but as the chairman or elders in council may decide at their whims, I offer
my clarifications: now, here is the law. Long before the commencement of the trial, there was a procedure Nnamdi Kanu went through. It is called arraignment. In it, all the 7 counts in the charge under which he was impleaded in court were individually read to him, one after another, alongside the law alleged to have been violated thereby. After each count was read out to him, he was asked whether he understood same. Unequivocally, he answered in the affirmative. Thereafter, his arraignment crystallised, when he entered a plea of “not guilty” to the entire charge. At this point, the obligation of the prosecution to lead compelling evidence, pointing ineluctably to the guilt of Mr Kanu in relation to the allegations embodied in the charge, kicked in. As has now been established vide the court’s judgement, the prosecution discharged this burden through the several witnesses it fielded, and who gave viva voce evidence anchored on documentary proof.
Many of those criticising the Judge today may be surprised to learn here that, Nnamdi Kanu, actually articulated his defence indirectly through his Lawyers vide the legal mechanism of cross-examination of all the prosecution witnesses with the aim of discrediting their testimonies and eliciting evidence therefrom, in support of his case. Thus, even as it may appear that Nnamdi Kanu elected not to defend the charge, his acceptance to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses, is in itself a form of defence. At the conclusion of the cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses, the prosecution closed
Nnamdi Kanu's former Counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu: From Agitation to Life Imprisonment
its case to await Nnamdi Kanu’s defence. At this stage of the trial, Nnamdi Kanu was left with the option of entering his defence and follow the same procedure as the prosecution or raise what is called a No Case Submission, which is essentially a short circuited procedure of defence suggesting that the entire evidence as led thus far by the prosecution were either not sufficient to convict him, or were so discredited under cross-examination that no reasonable tribunal or court could rely on them to convict him. Interestingly, Nnamdi Kanu opted for the latter, warranting a ruling by the court, which ruling came out unfavourable to him, to the effect that contrary to his application for a No Case Submission, the entirety of the evidence as led by the prosecution disclosed a prima facie (on the surface) case against him requiring further explanation or refutal in defence.The court, thereafter and expectedly, offered Mr Kanu the opportunity to put up a [further] defence. At this stage, Nnamdi Kanu decided to sack his defence team, opting to defend himself- a right that the law guarantees him - despite the Judge's admonition to him to allow his Lawyer do so. Thus, for six weeks, the court indulged Nnamdi Kanu with several adjournments, just to enable him offer a defence to the charge. For reasons within the exclusive preserve of the Defendant, he elected not to. Thereafter, the court was left with no further option than to foreclose him and adjourn for judgement.
On judgement day, and while the judgement was being read, Nnamdi Kanu chose to apply to the court to allow him come up with a Final Written Address, which is nothing other than the application of the law to the summation of all the evidence led, from the perspectives of the respective Counsel on each side. At this stage, only an application for arrest of judgement may fly. Fortunately or unfortunately, the practice of arresting a court’s judgement has been roundly deprecated by the appellate courts. Betwixt and between, he was seen interjecting the court proceedings with the refrain, "show me the law", "you don't know law" and "Omotosho, you are reading rubbish...".
Conclusion
The above synopsis of what transpired in the trial and the subsequent ripples out there, communicate veritable lessons to litigants that the court of law is sui generis in its operation and procedures. Over time, the wall of the court has been fortified against emotions and sentiments of any kind, no matter how convinced one may be of his cause. To the question, where is the law? the surrounding facts in the entire trial saga already beg the question with an answer, or how else could the court have shown the law to a person to whom the charge was read and who indicated that he understood the charge, pleaded not guilty and even went ahead to cross-examine the witnesses called by the opposing side?
You, be the Judge!
Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, SAN Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction: Was Justice Served?
Kunle Edun, SAN
The case of the Federal Republic of Nigeria v Nnamdi Kanu, Charge No. FHC/AB/ CR/383/2015 has been an interesting case The case took 10 years to conclude, after going around several Judges of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, until it was recently transferred to the Court of Honourable Justice J.K. Omotosho. The trial Judge granted accelerated hearing, and concluded the case in less than a year. I commend the dexterity, case management style and judicial probity of the trial Judge to
every other Judicial officer in Nigeria. The Judgement of the Court was released on the day it was delivered, which is not the norm in our courts.
Even judgements of the Supreme Court, take a longer time for the parties to obtain. Was Justice Served?
The
issue of whether justice was served, can only be considered from the prism of a reasonable and objective man who followed the proceedings. It was a criminal trial. The Prosecution witnesses testified and were cross-examined by the Defence Counsel, then led by the eminent silk, Kanu Agabi, SAN who had in his team other Senior Advocates of Nigeria. The Defence was given the opportunity to make a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case. Subsequently, the Defendant exercised his right to terminate the brief of the eminent Counsel that were conducting his legal representation.
The trial Judge adjourned the matter several times, to enable the Defendant to do wider consultation on his intention to represent himself. The trial Judge offered to deploy a Counsel from the Legal Aid Council to represent him, but it was not accepted by the Defendant. Several opportunities were given to the Defendant to open his defence; the trial Judge practically pleaded with him to open his defence. I do not think that any reasonable person conversant with the proceedings, will say that the trial Judge did not give the Defendant a fair chance to prove his innocence. Many Judges wouldn’t go the length the trial court went, in ensuring that the Defendant was availed all opportunity to put his defence forward. It is a settled principle of law that, when a Defendant fails to open his defence, automatically he will be held to have rested
"Justice as we all know, is a three-way-traffic. The Judge must always consider the interest of the Defendant, the Prosecution and the public"
his defence on the case of the Prosecution and that is a very dangerous strategy to adopt by any Defendant.
Justice as we all know, is a three-way-traffic. The Judge must always consider the interest of the Defendant, the Prosecution and the public; So, how each of these will see justice is what the trial Court must balance. To be too fair to just one party, might be considered as an injustice to the others. The duty of the Court is to strike a balance that will achieve fairness to all.
A trial Judge is never concerned about the politics of the case he is handling. In fact, his eyes and ears are closed to the politics of a case and the social media. His only duty is to determine, as in the instant case, whether the Prosecution has led evidence beyond reasonable doubt implicating the Defendant in the charge against him. Period. This does not detract from the fact that the Prerogative of Mercy Committee of Federal Government cannot, through the instrumentality of State Pardon, recommend to the National Council of State chaired by the President, Federal Government of Nigeria to exercise its powers and grant the Defendant a pardon. Convicted looters of public treasury have been granted pardon, even without returning the money they stole. Rumours that Hon. Justice Omotosho J. didn't Write the Judgment?
I was not a Counsel in the case. However, any person that has appeared before Hon. Justice Omotosho and understand his pattern and style of writing judgements, should be able to know if he didn’t write the judgement . In the absence of any credible evidence that My Lord didn’t write the Judgement, the Judgment of the Court being a public document, it enjoys a strong presumption of regularity. We should give our Judges some respect.
Reading the judgement in this case, I observed that there were some authorities and reasoning reached by the trial Judge that did not depart from his position in the earlier cases that he delivered judgement in, and other cases that he conducted even before he became a Judge of the Federal High Court. There are similarities in the authorities he cited and opinion rendered on specific points in the present judgement with earlier judgements. Those that are academically-minded should look at Page 35 of the judgement in FRN v NNAMDI KANU, Justice J.K. Omotosho cited the case of NIMR v AKIN-OLUGBADE & ORS (2025) LPELR-80313(SC), HABU v SULE & ORS (2024) LPELR-63002(SC). These two cases were also cited at page 17 in his earlier judgement in Suit No.: FHC/ PH/CS/51/2025 Belema Briggs & Ors. v President, FRN delivered on the 2nd of October, 2025. Also cited at pages 12 and
13 in the judgement delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/856/2016: Dr Ted Iseghohi Edwards v FGN & Ors, delivered on the 3rd of October, 2025. The same cases were also cited at page 15 in the judgement in Suit No. FHC/ ABJ/133/2025: Techico Resource Solutions Limited v VFD Microfinance Bank Ltd delivered on the 3rd of October, 2025. And also cited in the Ruling delivered on the 26th of September, 2025 on the No Case submission made by Nnamdi Kanu.
At page 36 of the judgement delivered against Nnamdi Kanu, Honourable Justice J.K.Omotosho also cited the case MFA v Inongha (2014) 4 NWLR (Pt.1397) 343 at 375 which my Lord relied on in the earlier judgements he delivered in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1728/2023 BMO Central Park Abuja Ltd v National Inland Waterways Authority delivered on the 3rd day of October, 2024 at page 36 thereof; see also page 33 of the earlier judgement in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1458/2024: Moses Gamzhi Chiroma v National Judicial Council delivered on the 21st day of May, 2025. I found out that Honourable Justice Omotosho participated in the case of Segun Ogunsanya v State (2011) 12 NWLR (PT. 1261) 401 from the trial stage to the Supreme Court when he was a Deputy Director of Public Prosecution with the Ogun State Ministry of Justice. My Lord cited this particular case in the judgement in the Nnamdi Kanu’s case; Suit No: FHC/ ABJ/CS/478/2024 Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu v The Inspector General of Police delivered on the 17th of July, 2024 (pg. 48); Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1386/2021: Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda v National Broadcasting Commission delivered on the 23rd of November, 2023 (pg. 24). There are several instances of other similar cases and reasoning in the Nnamdi Kanu’s judgement and earlier judgements that he delivered. The trial Judge is well-read, and I think it will be an insult to his personality to ascribe the writing of the judgement to another person.
Lessons for IPOB and other Ethnic Agitators? What Implication for the Nigerian polity?
Nigeria is a Federation of more than 300 different tribes, joined together by Britain without the consent of the natives being sought. 300 tribes with different cultures, orientation and reasoning. Sir Henry Willinks recognised the diversity of the country and the need for official policy to protect the rights of the minority tribes, hence, the Willinks Commission was set up. There are now several laws that passed by the National Assembly that guarantee the protection of the rights of every Nigeria. Section 42 of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution,
Hon. Justice James Kolawole omotosho
Nnamdi Kanu: From Agitation to Life Imprisonment
as amended, guarantees every Nigerian from official discriminatory policies, actions and practices. Therefore, I may say that in terms of laws, we have enough to protect and give every Nigerian a sense of belonging. But, is that enough?
The problem has always been with the manner in which these laws are being implemented. I see no reason why we should still be having quota system for admission into Unity Schools, and Federal character in employment into public offices and sharing of offices; more than 65 years after attaining independence. Are we really moving backward or going forward? These policies have been abused and used to replace merit, competence, integrity and transparency with mediocrity, impunity and misfits in sensitive positions of power. Merit has now been sacrificed. This may be the reason why the country is still under-developed, in spite of the huge natural and human resources. Trump just called Nigeria a disgraced country. We have a duty to prove Trump wrong, by doing the right thing and to stop the agitations by the various groups.
However, resorting to violence and threats that will cause a breakdown of law and order, should not be encouraged in any form. With what is happening in Libya, Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria and other failing countries, Nigeria cannot afford a security breakdown. It will overwhelm Africa. Therefore, the people, through their political, traditional and religious leaders must continue to agitate for devolution of both political and economic power. Nigeria is too big, to be controlled every time from Abuja. The Governors must stop shamelessly worshipping Abuja, and start acting as Governors. Nigerians must stop electing jokers and criminals, into public offices. State Police is a must, to stop the increasing wave of insecurity, since it is obvious that the Federal Government is overwhelmed.
Kunle Edun, SAN, former NBA National Publicity Secretary, Warri, Delta State
Show Me the Law! Simplification of Issues in Nnamdi Kanu's Conviction
P. D. Pius
There is no doubt that the Defendant, Nnamdi Kanu, who is now a convict, repeatedly kept challenging the court, court officials, prosecutors, security men and media to show him the law upon which he was being tried on. He appears to suggest that there is no existing law upon which he can be tried, since the Terrorism Law upon which his charges were drafted has been repealed. Is he correct? Let me simplify this as ABC.
Familiarity
With the Law is Crucial
If you commit an offence in 1970, you will be charged under the law that existed in 1970. The Government cannot charge you under a law made in 2022. This is because, criminal law does not bend backward. In this case, the Terrorism Law that was in existence at the time Nnamdi Kanu committed the offences, is the 2013 law. This means that even though the law
was repealed or changed in 2022, he has to be tried under the 2013 law that was in existence. He has to stand trial based on the law that existed at the time of the offence, not the current law that did not exist at the time of the offence.
Interestingly, Section 98 of the 2022 Terrorism Law mentioned that all charges or cases that were already going on under the 2013 law shall not be affected by 2022 law, but shall continue normally. What should be clarified is this, whenever you are standing trial, you must be familiar with the procedure of a court case, or how cases are conducted in court.
You cannot ask the Judge or Clerks or Prosecutors or media, to show you the law upon which you are tried in every court sitting. While the Prosecutor will, at the beginning of the case state in the charge sheet the law upon which you are tried, he is not obligated to keep telling you on each day of the sitting that this is the law.
As for the Judge, his duty is to listen to both sides and their witnesses. A Judge will only talk or air out his position at the end of the case, after hearing both sides. That is what is called judgement. It is during his judgement that the Judge will tell you whether there is a law or not, upon which you are being tried. If the law exists, you may be convicted; otherwise, you will be set free to go home.
When you don't have a Lawyer to properly guide you on the procedure in court, you may shortchange yourself by always asking where is the law during court sittings, instead of planning your defence or calling witnesses in your defence. Remember that, court sittings are not a shouting match. You don't even need to raise your voice. You can win your cases without raising your voice, or talking back at the opponent. Everyone will be given time, to make his/her point fairly (right to fair hearing).
In this case, the convict had a chance of walking free, if he had stuck with the strategy of his eminent and experienced Lawyers. I have read the certified true copy of the judgement. I saw the kind of questions that the defence Lawyers asked the prosecution
witnesses, before the Lawyers were fired. I am very convinced that they had laid a foundation for a defence, that if they were not fired they may have succeeded in calling evidence that may cast doubt on the prosecution’s case. For instance, they had established that there were killings in the North and South West that were not as a result of the Defendant/Convict’s act. One of the witnesses admitted that it was the Police that investigated the death of Ahmed Gulak, and not the DSS. The destination may have been that they wanted to establish by calling evidence, that killings in the South East were similarly carried out by criminals just like in the North and South West, and not necessarily because of the enforcement of the sit-at-home command of the Defendant. However, this was not achieved, as the Convict fired all his Lawyers and accepted the testimony of the Prosecution witnesses, that killings in the South East were carried out on his orders against those that violated the sit-at- home order. The death of Ahmed Gulak was one prominent case cited as an example, amongst many others. Unfortunately, there was no Lawyer to properly direct the court, that if it was Police that investigated Ahmed Gulak's murder, then DSS is not competent to testify about the cause of his death, thereby disconnecting the Defendant from the death of Ahmed Gulak.
Again, a Lawyer is trained to attack and destroy incriminating evidence, that may have been tendered against you. The video evidence, radio interviews and broadcasts of the Defendant that were used as evidence of his inciting violence, were not attacked from the record of the judgement. Of course, it will be difficult for a layman to properly attack these exhibits, if he is not well grounded in the law of evidence. There is a saying amongst trial Lawyers that, "if the facts are against you, argue the law, and if the law is against you, argue the facts, and if both are against you, then bang the table".
Reliance on Sahara Reporters Interview: Government Blowing Hot and Cold
media or illegal media, and turned around to rely on their interviews in securing conviction. That is like blowing hot and cold at same time. Some of these strategies may have assisted the defence. While a Defendant can represent himself, it is a big gamble to do so. There is however, something I find very strange and shocking in the case. Come with me.
Ex-Parte Order Declaring IPOB to be a Terrorist Organisation
There was an ex-parte order declaring the IPOB a terrorist organisation. From the record of the judgement, there is no indication that any IPOB member or Lawyer, or anyone at all, had challenged that ex-parte order, or applied to set it aside or appealed against it. It will be a very bad strategy to say that IPOB is not a terrorist organisation, and at same time, failed to have challenged the ex-parte order declaring them a terrorist organisation. This is because all orders of court must be obeyed, until set aside. Thus, as long as the ex-parte order subsists, anyone who accepts that he is a member of IPOB without more, can get life imprisonment or death penalty. I am still surprised that no evidence was called, to show that the ex-parte order declaring IPOB a terrorist organisation was challenged or appealed against. Well, let me leave it at that.
Different Terrorism Offences in Nigeria
One more point to clarify is that, there are so many different kinds of Terrorism offences in Nigeria. Some attract 20 years imprisonment, some life imprisonment and some attract up to the death sentence, among others. Where a Defendant decides to cooperate and admit his guilt immediately without wasting the time of the court or dragging the government through years of trial before conviction, he may get some reduction in punishment that may be given. Again the prosecutor may, based on available evidence, choose the kind of Terrorism offences he believes he can prove against you. So, two people can do the same act, but, based on available evidence or their decision to go to trial or admit their offence immediately, will likely result in separate kind of charges. It is like Yahoo boys who often plead guilty in EFCC cases that get option of fine, but, those that go through trial getting years of imprisonment if later found guilty after trial.
"When you don't have a Lawyer to properly guide you
on
the
procedure
in court, you may
shortchange yourself by always asking where is the law during court sittings, instead of planning your defence or calling witnesses in your defence"
The interview with Sahara Reporters, was also crucial in the conviction of the Defendant. As I read the judgement I wondered, why is the Government attempting to cripple or take out Sahara Reporters, if they will be relying on their interviews to secure conviction of Terrorist?
The Sahara Reporters interview captured the Defendant's stand, that he wants to achieve Biafra by any means including violence. The Government should not be prosecuting Sahara Reporters as irresponsible
Note that, trial usually costs the government a lot to secure conviction. In this case, the Government had to go for a skilful, experienced and senior Lawyer, Chief Adeboyega Awomolo, SAN and probably pay for his services to assist them with the prosecution, as they may not be comfortable with an ordinary Lawyer in Ministry of Justice to do handle such an important case properly. These are all factors that will affect the
Prosecutor, chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN
Nnamdi Kanu: From Agitation to Life Imprisonment
choices, that may further affect the punishment. When you hire a big masquerade, you should expect a big performance.
The convict is very lucky to have been given a life sentence, when his prosecution was done by a distinguished senior Lawyer, while he had no Lawyer at all to defend him. It would have been very strange for a non-Lawyer, to defeat a revered SAN in this trial.
There are many other issues to talk about, but I will stop here and take your reactions or queries.
P. D. Pius, Abuja
Nnamdi Kanu’s Avoidable Ordeal: How Amateur Legal Showmen Led a High-Profile Case into a Judicial Ambush
Ifeanyi Ejiofor ( Kanu’s Former Lawyer )
When Justice Became a Performance: The Tragic Consequence of Turning Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial into Content
I had genuinely intended, out of sheer exhaustion and out of respect for the sensitivity of this moment, to refrain from revisiting this saga. But, the avalanche of calls, messages, and trembling voices from our people has made silence no longer an option. I am therefore, compelled to offer sober introspection, especially as someone who successfully steered this very case for nearly a decade, securing landmark victories, unassailable legal milestones, and enduring a long trail of threats, assassination attempts, and brushes with death. Through all of this, Grace remained my only constant protection.
However, after Thursday’s spectacle, correcting the wild conjectures, poorly manufactured narratives, and brazen misinformation now circulating like a digital epidemic, has become absolutely necessary.
The First Revelation They Won’t Tell You
During the period our team handled this matter, from 2015 to December 2023, up until Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, assumed leadership of the legal team in 2022; we were on the threshold of securing yet another major relief for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, particularly after the Court of Appeal discharged him in 2022. Sustained pressure, strategic diplomacy, and airtight legal manoeuvring had placed us on the verge of another monumental breakthrough.
Regrettably, certain sensitive details of this progress were, perhaps, innocently, disclosed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to some of these clueless clowns. Rather than support a strategy they barely understood, they seized the information as an opportunity to derail the entire process and treacherously orchestrated a change in the status quo. Consequently, we exited the team, gloriously, and with our integrity intact.
Let Us Speak Plainly
A high-profile, internationally sensitive criminal trial, is not a circus ring. But, once these bloated, delusional entertainers-in-wigs inserted themselves into the process, everything degenerated into a grotesque parody of legal representation. Instead of crafting legal strategy, they crafted Instagram stories. Instead of mastering case
"Even
law, they mastered camera angles. At every court session, their priority wasn’t research or preparation, it was posing, filming, updating, grandstanding, and “going viral”.
Meanwhile, the accused man’s fate hung by a thread.
The Most Tragic Part of it All
Even after the court explicitly warned that self-representation in a complex constitutional and criminal matter was dangerous, these “consultants” encouraged it, clapping like paid spectators in a village arena.
And So, the Unthinkable Happened
1. A trial that could have been paused, or avoided ab initio, had the proper methodology and engagement being applied.
2. A conviction that could have been prevented.
3. An outcome that was entirely avoidable, yet, allowed to proceed under the guidance of legal lightweights intoxicated by social-media relevance.
They railroaded him, knowingly or unknowingly, into the savage pit of a full criminal trial, fully aware that other lawful avenues existed.
Even while the trial was ongoing, they busied themselves with dishing out falsehoods, half-truths, and misleading “updates” to an unsuspecting public.
Every lie told outside the courtroom became a landmine inside the courtroom.
Every exaggerated “update”, became a contradiction the prosecution gleefully documented. Every camera stunt, became a professional embarrassment.
And now, instead of remorse, they have resumed their post-trial routine: fresh videos, fresh lies, fresh false hopes, desperate for clicks.
The tragedy continues, because the vulnerable still believe them.
The Greatest Puzzle of All
How did foremost legal minds, globally respected Senior Advocates of Nigeria such as Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and other erudite members of the Inner Bar; men fully versed in the anatomy of high-wire criminal litigation, become disengaged
after the court explicitly warned that self-representation in a complex constitutional and criminal matter was dangerous, these “consultants” encouraged it, clapping like paid spectators in a village arena"
at the most critical moment of the trial, only for mediocre adventurers to hijack a matter of international significance and reduce it to a TikTok legal carnival?
Who replaces world-class physicians, with herbal storytellers during brain surgery?
Who replaces strategic diplomacy, with reckless grandstanding?
Who replaces law with theatrics?
Only a system already preparing for disaster.
Where We Go from Here
For any meaningful rescue effort by globally respected legal experts, the first task must be to clean up the monumental damage inflicted by these self-advertising jesters. A comprehensive review of methodology, effective engagement, and drastically reduced publicity must precede any intervention. Only then, can a coherent, sophisticated legal and political strategy be fashioned.
This is not the time for comedy.
Not the time for inflated egos.
And, certainly not the time for socialmedia theatrics.
It is time for soberness.
Time for competence.
Time for real advocacy.
Enough is Enough.
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, (KSC), Nnamdi Kanu’s former Lawyer
Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial, Conviction and Sentencing: Nigeria and Its Unending Film Productions
Major Ben Aburime (Rtd)
Nigeria appears to be fighting hard to overtake the Nollywood Film Industry in the scripting, production and directing its national movies called incidents. There are various topics I had wanted to write about, before the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu case again overtook my thoughts.
Now, talking about the trending Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, MNK, debacle, my thoughts are simple. First and foremost, I’m aware of the United Nation’s provision that a people shall have the right to seek to breakaway from any union, and be on their own. So, the desire of a majority of tribes and clans desiring a severance from the present-day Nigeria, is not illegal. What may be illegal, is the methodology to achieve that purpose. Amongst what will constitute illegality is resort to armed struggle or acts of terrorism.
We should be careful to dispassionately address the complex issues, leading a largely successful people to want to seek a breakaway. That there has been a systemic marginalisation of the Igbo race since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, is not in dispute.
With the activities of the armed Fulani Herdsmen nationwide, the body language of their leaders while hiding under Islam, with the vexatious and arrogant utterances of the likes of Sheikh Gumi, the disdain for the nation was thinly veiled, thus, birthing the Nnamdi Kanus, Sunday Igbohos and other separatists alike. This was the prevailing situation before the series of Donald Trump tweets changed the narrative. Suddenly, a 10-year of trial has finally and dramatically come to an end, fuelling the narratives.
Nnamdi Kalu was ostensibly tried and convicted for treason. Was his rendition from Kenya, another sovereign country legitimate? I cannot, in clear conscience, say it was, especially coming from a Muhammad Buhari’s notoriety for freighting human cargoes across extra-territorial jurisdictions, Alhaji Umaru Dikko in mind. Can Buhari or his son-in-law, Malami, be said to be acting in the best interest of the nation? That will be difficult to believe, given the fact that Buhari’s eight years in power can only be remembered for the dialogue about RUGA, grazing routes, importation of his Fulani kinsmen from all over the world, and disarming Nigerians before the emergence of the Fulanis armed with state-of-art military arms and hardware. Viewed against this background, one’s sympathy will always be with MNK and those thinking like him. So, his trial and conviction will naturally attract speculations. This area is what I majorly want to interrogate, while still struggling to understand Britain’s silence, given MNK’s dual nationality.
I have heard of several conspiracy theories, about how the judgment was written, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 agenda and how he hopes to use MNK as a bargaining chip for the Igbo votes through a possible Presidential pardon and all that.
To me, he, MNK, is convicted for refusing or failing to enter a defence to his case. In law, no breach of rule of law and/or breach
Nnamdi Kanu with former counsel, Aloy ejimakor and others
Nnamdi Kanu: From Agitation to Life Imprisonment
of right of fair hearing has occurred, since the court gave him ample opportunity to counter the prosecution's case, but he freely elected to convert his trial to content creation and display of anger. Since the evidence against him was largely built on his alleged videos and briefings, in this era of open Artificial Intelligence, AI, it would have been possible to discredit the evidence, claiming doctoring, proper custody, animations and simulations, and all that. It would have at least cast some shadow of doubt on the prosecution’s case, but, he didn’t take that route. Perhaps, it was wise that he did not too, because if he had disputed his earlier utterances, it would have only served to demystify him in the eyes of his followers. To that extent, he was wise and smart.
As I said earlier, the case of the prosecution was built majorly on MNK’s videos and press briefings, so that he was lucky to avoid the death penalty. That is the stark reality. He isn’t bigger or greater than the likes of Nelson Mandela and Obafemi Awolowo, two great Lawyers who were convicted and jailed on treason charges, no matter how unfounded. To my mind also, no true Igbo leader really wants him released because of the alleged security threat he poses to that region, following the blind followership he has among the [un]enlightened, just like the Almajaris and Talakawa ko mutanes of the North, especially Kano and old Sokoto areas. Many families who lost loved ones in the Southeast owing to IPOB and ESN/Unknown Gun Men killing them for allegedly being saboteurs, will forever hate Nnamdi Kanu, despite his being a national symbol to some for liberation and freedom. Whether he truly sanctioned those killings, is another question.
While I recognise his right to seek a breakaway from a dysfunctional Nigeria, his alleged methodology is highly most curious. Persuasion and not offer of violence or threat of violence was what the likes of Mahatma Ghandi, a sound Lawyer, employed to unthrone British rule. Martin Luther King Jnr, also gained large followership by strong persuasive and laudable leadership. Violence will always beget violence. We’re he dealing with a military government, he would have been quietly poisoned like Fela Kuti, SM Yar'adua, MKO Abiola, TEC Chiefe, etc, I can guess. This is the sad nature of our country, like it or not.
Lastly, Tinubu doesn't need him to capture the Southeast; he has already successfully carried out a total and complete State-capture. The NASS and Judiciary are directly under him, or why else will the popular anthem, ‘on your mandate we stand’, be sung at State functions?. He's also in charge of all the security agencies. President Tinubu personally controls the press, thereby controlling the national dialogue and debate. Has he therefore, a viable opposition come 2027? No. Not Atiku or Peter Obi, even merging together, can constitute a formidable opposition against him as it is today.
The I-must-rule mentality of some Igbos, brings them in direct conflict with other tribes and peoples they continually insult, thereby demarketing the good leaders that region boasts of. So, I think Nnamdi Kanu helped build Nigeria's case against him, even setting back the march to a Biafra nation.
By the way, I know Hon Justice James K Omotosho very well. He isn’t the type of Judge you can influence. I can freely name several Judges and Magistrates I have no love or respect for, judging by their nature. Not the likes of JK Omotosho, J. It’s apparent that where there’s nothing to put on the opposite side of the scale of justice, a court will act upon the credible evidence before it. That is a principle of law, not perversion.
Major Ben Aburime (Rtd), Lawyer, Lagos
FRN v Nnamdi Kanu: Is there Justice in the Judgement?
Marx Ikongbeh
The judgement of Omotosho J, of the Federal High Court of Nigeria on 20 November, 2025 in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria v Nnamdi Kanu, was long awaited. Irrespective of which side of the spectrum, it seems it was expected as it turned out.
Those who do not favour
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s style expected this conviction, and feel it is well justified. Those on the other aisle also seemed to have expected the conviction, but feel it is unjustified and a product of bias.
As with most emotive subjects, people approach it with a narrow lens and reject anything that does not suit their taste. A great part of the challenge, is the vast ignorance of how the criminal justice process works. This seems to underline many of the narratives.
Reading the 144-page judgment of Omotosho J, it is easy to appreciate that a judgement was delivered, but was justice delivered? This is another question. It is JS Okutepa, SAN, a senior Lawyer who has recently put a spotlight on the distinction between judgment and justice. The goal of a judgement is to attain justice, but as with any aspirational science, it is not always the mark is obtained.
A judgement is simply the reasoned decision of a Judge after hearing a case in which he finds for one party against the other. But, justice is more elusive. It defies any precise definition. It remains
"The judgement set out statements credited to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu which are quite alarming, and clearly cross the line of freedom fighting and into terrorism"
somewhat of an utopian ideal. It can be said to be a state of affairs that perfectly gives all parties involved precisely what they deserve based on the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Quite a tall order!
To attain justice takes more than a sound and unbiased Judge, it requires the full facts and the whole truth to be before that Judge. Another ingredient is for competent Lawyers who hold their duty as ministers in the temple of justice over and above their partisan allegiance to the client to be on hand to assist the Judge in unravelling the truth and the law relevant to the enquiry.
Looking at the Nnamdi Kanu Judgment, while people aligned with Kanu might scream that there was a failure of justice due to bias of the Judge, that conclusion is difficult to accept when one takes an educated look at the situation. Even if there was a failure of justice here, then the fault lies with the Defendant, who failed to put forward his own version of the facts to enable the Court have a full view of the truth. Secondly, if there was any failure of justice, we can also blame it on the legal or rather “consultant” team (whatever that means) that the defence employed at the end of the case. Their allegiance clearly did not lie as Minister’s in the temple of justice. They rather carried on as content creators in the temple of social media, as Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who was formerly on the team of Lawyers for Kanu stated when he issued a blistering criticism of his former teammates after the judgement.
The strategy for want of a better word, to describe the shambolic approach of the defence to the case at its latter stages was most unfortunate. Assuming the defence was convinced that the Judge was biased against them and they could not secure justice in his Court, the best way to expose bias is to put up a solid case, so that contrasted against the backdrop of the case they have put up, the bias would stand out starkly on appeal. Rather, by needless rigmarole, filibustering, and refusing to present any cogent defence, they risk leaving the impression on appeal that their hue and cry of bias is merely an attempt to hide their lack of a substantive defence.
A close reading of the judgement of Omotosho J, seems to have provided clear answers to the questions that Nnamdi Kanu kept voicing. The judgement showed the law that says Kanu could still be tried under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment
Act 2013, despite the 2022 repeal. Sadly, his “consultants” could not explain this basic law to him. It is easy to imagine that had he retained his team of seasoned legal practitioners, he would not have been left bereft of understanding on this point.
There are many lessons to be learnt, for other ethnic agitators. Agitating for change is not a criminal act. In the judgement, the Court indeed confirmed that under international law, the right to self determination entitles people to agitate for instance for the creation of their own country. However, such agitation must be done in a lawful manner. The judgement set out statements credited to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu which are quite alarming, and clearly cross the line of freedom fighting and into terrorism. Sadly, because the Defendant did not take the opportunity to open his case, the Court was right to accept that he made those utterances as alleged by the prosecution. To expect that he would not be convicted on the state of evidence before the court, is to be extremely unreasonable.
As it stands therefore, even if there was any injustice in this case, then it is the defence who are the perpetrators of that injustice. The role of the “consultants” to the Defendant, is quite reprehensible. They misled him. They tarred the reputation of the legal profession greatly. It is unheard of that a Lawyer whom a client publicly humiliated and told to shut up and further debriefed, would still come back to present himself as a consultant to the same client. It is indeed, below the dignity of the noble profession. May the sun never rise on such a day again.
For Nigeria, the political lesson in this is that a political solution needs to be found. We have walked down this road before. Ralph Uwazuruike of Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) toed this same line. After holding him for trial and degrading his influence, when he was let go, he became an inconsequential bye-figure, so also Asari Dokubo. It seems the continuous fixation of the Government with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is simply giving him heightened prominence which is what he wants. Perhaps, letting him go will quickly deflate and neutralise him, so that the Government can focus on more pressing challenges.
But, Kanu has a constitutional right to appeal. It is right and actually important he exercises that right, as it will further enrich our jurisprudence on this matter of terrorism as we urge the Government to put its focus on the more pressing terrorist incidents assailing the country. We need strong laws and Judges who can put these terrorists away either by sending them to the gallows preferably, or at least, locking them up in gulag for the rest of their bloodthirsty lives.
Marx Ikongbeh, Legal Practitioner, Abuja
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in court
FG Tasked on Seamless Registration, Access to Credit for NSMEs
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Convener of Ascend360 Conference and Principal, Blaque Swann Legal Practitioners, Ms. Titilope Adisa-Obafemi, has called on the federal government to make the process of business registration in Nigeria seamless in order to encourage informal micro and small enterprises to formalise their businesses.
Adisa-Obafemi also called on the government to restructure the Bank of Industry (BOI) in a manner that would enable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to have easier access to cheaper funds.
She made these calls on Saturday during the first edition of the Blaque Swann’s “Ascent360 Conference” with the theme “Build, Protect, Grow,” which was convened to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, legal frameworks and growth strategies needed to build,
protect and scale their businesses.
Adisa-Obafemi said that the government should “make business registration a bit more seamless because a lot of people want to register their businesses but because of the registration process is not smooth at the moment they end up not registering their businesses.”
She added: “Another thing is that the government should restructure the BOI in such a way that the SMEs can have easier access to loans at lower interest rates.”
She suggested that one of the ways to encourage financial institutions to channel funds at lowered lending interest rate is for the government to integrate the data in the hands of identity management agencies in the country so that every Nigerian would have a traceable identification number.
“The government should
consolidate the identity management systems in the country in order to have proper social security numbers that will make it easier for banks to track their debtors,” Adisa-Obafemi said.
She stated that the Blaque Swann Legal Practitioners support business owners with free business registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) every year to facilitate their transition from informal to formal business outfits.
According to her, “one of the things we are doing to empower entrepreneurs is to tell them the specific laws that apply to their businesses so that they can transact their businesses within the canvas of the laws.”
Also during the event, Pastor Tunde Adisa, spoke on “The Unseen Foundation: Building with Faith, Vision and Discipline.”
Africa Urged to Prioritise Data Sovereignty for Seamless Digital Payment
Omolabake Fasogbon
The need for Africa to take charge of its own data, and emerge as leading exporter of technology for digital expansion has been reiterated at the FITC Fintech Nigeria Technovation Conference in Lagos.
The conference, themed, “Innovation as a Catalyst: Reshaping Cross-Sector Collaboration,” brought together fintech disruptors, policymakers, investors, and industry trailblazers to redefine how innovation can accelerate inclusive growth across the continent.
Taking the center stage at the conference was a conversation led by Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL), Chief Technology Officer, Mujib Ishola on the urgent need to shift from data dependency to data sovereignty.
The session also had the input of other key stakeholders including Group Head, Corporate Retail and Energy Business at Interswitch Group, Adeyinka Adekoya; Vice President, Operations at Flutterwave, Tomi Badejo; and Chief Executive Officer of Precise Financial Systems, Dr. Yele Okeremi. Ishola noted that
Nigeria’s reputation as a consuming nation was far extending into the digital space, warning of the growing risk of digital colonisation.
He asserted that taking ownership of data in Africa and indeed Nigeria would translate to safeguarding the digital economy and sustaining homegrown fintech innovations.
He particularly underscored the need for purpose-driven collaboration to drive reclamation of Africa’s data ownership, as well as building a resilient and inclusive digital future for Africa.
Psaltry, NADF, Others to Empower 15,000 Female Cassava Growers
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Psaltry International Company Limited, Mrs. Oluyemisi Iranloye, has announced the commencement of an initiative to empower 15,000 young women in cassava cultivation in Oyo State.
The on-lending initiative was supported by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) through what she called the PsaltryIDH-Mastercard, targeting young women between the ages of 18 and 35 years to cultivate 2,000 hectares of cassava.
Iranloye while speaking at the 20 years anniversary of Psaltry International Company Ltd, which coincided with the flag-off of the NAFD-FCMB support for the Psaltry-IDH-Mastercard initiative at the Psaltry plant, Alayide village, Awaye, appreciated the NADF and other stakeholders for supporting the project and being there for the company on its many other projects till date.
She added that the funding would cover plowing of land, addition of fertilizer, chemicals and other inputs for the 2000 hectares of cassava.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone here and all who have played a role in Psaltry’s journey, I also extend my appreciation to
the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, especially as this celebration coincides with the flag-off of the NADF-FCMB support for the Psaltry-IDH-Mastercard initiative, empowering 15,000 young women in Oyo State, aged 18 to 35, in cassava cultivation,” she said.
She indicated that in the passing years, Psaltry has achieved the goal of pushing cassava floor to replace manufacturing companies’ dependence on wheat floor, production of food-grade starch for the likes of Nigerian Breweries and Nestle as well as cassava-based sorbitol for toothpaste production and high-purity hydrogen for many industries.
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea),
(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic
Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
L-R: Executive Director, FastCredit MFB, David Aviomoh; Lead, Access to Finance and Financial Inclusion, Mastercard Foundation, Onyeka Koldsweat Akpaida; Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Dr. Nneka Okerearu; Acting MD/Executive Director, Fast Credit, Yetunde Faulkner; Non-Executive Director, FastCredit, Tumi Tiyamiyu; and Chief Digital & Strategy Executive, FastCredit, Patricia Duru during the unveiling of the single-digit financing initiative between EDC and FastCredit at the EDC centre in Lagos…recently
AFC, NGX Strengthen Market Capability to Unlock Capital for Nigeria’s Infrastructure Development
Kayode Tokede
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) have concluded a two-day capacity-building programme designed to strengthen the technical capabilities required to structure and finance infrastructure projects through Nigeria’s capital markets.
The two-day workshop, held recently in Lagos, convened professionals from regulatory agencies, institutional investors, project sponsors, and financial institutions to strengthen capacity in project and infrastructure finance, and to explore how Nigeria’s capital markets can serve as a critical platform for financing sustainable infrastructure.
Nigeria’s infrastructure
deficit, long recognized as a constraint on productivity and competitiveness, is estimated to reach $2.3 trillion by 2043, with some projections rising toward US$3 trillion over the coming decades. The workshop was convened to address the urgent need for innovative financing mechanisms capable of mobilizing long-term domestic capital into bankable infrastructure
opportunities. Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services at AFC, Banji Fehintola, said,” Closing the continent’s funding requires building local expertise and robust market structures that can support complex, longterm projects. At AFC, we are committed to advancing not just project financing, but the full framework
required to deliver bankable, sustainable infrastructure solutions. Our partnership with NGX reflects our belief that Nigeria’s capital markets can and must play a pivotal role in mobilising the scale of domestic resources required to drive the country’s longterm development.”
Over the two-day programme participants explored frameworks for project structuring,
risk allocation and credit enhancement- tools essential for bringing infrastructure assets to market. The sessions also examined emerging capital market instruments including green bonds, infrastructure REITs, blended finance structures and partial risk guarantees, highlighting practical pathways to mobilize long-term domestic and international capital for infrastructure.
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 20 November 2025, unless otherwise stated.
Offer price:
C E L E B R AT I O N
The entire family of HE Major Gen. (Chief) Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd) OFR, rcds regrets to announce the celebration of life of our dear father HE Major Gen. (Chief) Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd) OFR, rcds whose death took place on the 29 April 2025.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Thursday 20/11/25
Service of Song - Time: 5.00pm
Tuesday 25/11/25
All Saints Church, 22 Doula Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Service of Song @ St Philips Ang Church, AGGS Compound, Asaba. Time: 3pm
Thursday 27/11/25
Lecture/Day of Tribute - Time: 12noon
Celebrating the Life and Time of a General Venue: Isoko House, Oleh, Isoko South Local Government
Friday 28/11/25
Body Leaves Asaba with a stop at Isoko House - Time: 12noon
Venue: Isoko House, Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Service of Song - Time: 4.00p.m
Venue: Emerakpor Park, Opposite Ufuoma House, Igbide
Saturday 29/11/25
Funeral Service - Time: 10am
Lying in State - Time: 8am, at his residence, Ufuoma House Igbide, Isoko South Delta State.
St. Andrews Anglican Church Igbide, Isoko South, Delta State.
Followed by Reception at Igbide Grammar School.
Sunday 30/11/25
Thanksgiving Service - Time: 8am
Venue: St. Andrews Anglican Church Igbide, Isoko South, Delta State.
Brigade Commander Charges Newly Promoted Soldiers to Justify Elevation
Linus aleke in abuja
The Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade and Land Component Commander for Operation Udoka, Brigadier General Ibrahim Mu’azu Abbas, has urged newly promoted soldiers to justify the confidence placed in them by the Nigerian Army.
He stated that their
elevation reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) welfaredriven commitment to recognising dedication, discipline, and professionalism. According to a statement by Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 34 Artillery Brigade, Major Hashimu Abdullahi, the Commander made
Dangote Sponsors 2025 Agric Show
The Dangote Group has said that it is collaborating with strategic partners to revitalise and strengthen the agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy.
As part of efforts revamp the agricultural sector Dangote is sponsoring the 17th National Agricultural Show, which opens Today, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The company’s spokes-man, Anthony Chiejina, stated that expanding mechanised agricultural practices will play a critical role in boosting Nigeria’s GDP while creating meaningful employment
EDC, FastCredit
The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University has partnered with Fast Credit to launch a single-digit financing scheme aimed at empowering micro, small and medium enterprises(MSMEs).
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, Acting Managing Director of Fast Credit Finance Company Ltd, Yetunde Faulkner, said the essence of the partnership is to ensure that MSMEs become scalable and sustainable through improved access to affordable finance.
opportunities for the country’s growing youth population.
“Through this partnership, the company aims to encourage greater participation in commercial agriculture and reinforce its role in advancing Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said. He said the theme for this year’s Show: Employing Smallholder Farmers: Re-storing Value, Ensuring Productivity will Ensure Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria, is apt. Chiejina said: “Restoring the value of agriculture offers Nigeria more than nostalgic appeal; it provides a pragmatic route to economic renewal.
the remarks during a decoration ceremony for the newly promoted personnel at the Brigade Parade Ground in Owerri.
Addressing the troops, Brigadier General Abbas congratulated the beneficiaries and reiterated that the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of COAS Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, remains committed to rewarding excellence and hard work.
“Your promotion today is part of the COAS’ mandate to strengthen our operational readiness — I expect you to justify this confidence,” he said. He highlighted the strategic significance of the promotions, noting that the elevation of around 315 personnel across various units of the Brigade not only recognises individual merit but also strengthens the Brigade’s operational capacity.
Food Security: NovaChill to Tackle Post-harvest Losses
s unday Okobi
In its efforts to curb Nigeria’s chronic shortage of cold storage for perishables, NovaChill, the new joint-venture cold storage company owned by Mystrose Agro Commodities Limited and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has rolled out a nationwide
network of modern cold-chain warehouses to tackle post-harvest losses and unlock year-round food availability.
The Chief Executive Officer of Mystrose Agro Commodities Limited, Mr. Babatunde Niran-Aluko, disclosed in a statement yesterday that the revolution, which would commence in the first
week of December 2025, with the groundbreaking and launch of Nigeria’s most advanced onion storage hub in Sokoto, to be followed by another cold storage warehouse in the South-south region in the first quarter of 2026.
He stated that Nigeria’s chronic shortage of cold storage for perishables has long impeded achieving
food security in the country.
“Every year, massive post-harvest losses in fresh fruits and vegetables, such as onions, potatoes, and other perishable crops, wipe out a significant portion of what farmers produce, driving up prices and leaving millions vulnerable,” he stated.
2027: Igbomina Demands Kwara South Senatorial Ticket
Hammed shittu in Ilorin
Ahead of the 2027 elections, a socio-cultural organisation in Kwara State under the aegis of Omo Ibile Igbomina has demanded that it is the turn of the Igbomina bloc to produce the next senator that will represent the Kwara South senatorial district in the
Sign N2bn Credit Access for MSMEs
“We are here to engage with EDC’s partners, who are SMEs, and provide them the opportunity to access single-digit interest-rate financing through Fast Credit.
“We are offering any amount of loan, starting with N5 million, under a partnership with one of our developmental finance partners, BOI, at a flat monthly interest rate of 0.75 per cent, which amounts to nine per cent per annum,” she explained.
Faulkner noted that Fast Credit has committed
N2 billion to the SME financing partnership, to help entrepreneurs grow revenues faster than costs and remain sustainable.
She added that the loan offering is expected to enable MSMEs to create more jobs, something the Nigerian economy urgently requires.
“We will be touching lives and families, and that, in itself, is one of the goals of Fast Credit, to make a tangible impact in the lives of everyday Nigerians, especially those in Lagos,” she added.
Nigerian Urged to Support Deaf Artists Ahead of AADA Festival
sunday Ehigiator
Nigerians have been urged to show greater support for persons living with disabilities, especially members of the Deaf community, ahead of the forthcoming All Africa Deaf Arts Festival (AADA Festival) 4.0 scheduled for December 1 to 6, 2025, in Oyo and Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, disability inclusion advocate, Dr. Marian Akran, said the deaf community remains one of Africa’s most vibrant artistic groups yet continues
to face widespread exclusion. She stressed the need for accessible creative spaces where deaf individuals can participate, perform, and lead.
National Assembly.
The Igbomina bloc comprises Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin Local Government Areas, out of the 16 LGAs that make up the state.
The group predicated its demand on the fact that the two other blocs, namely Ekiti and Ibolo, had represented the senatorial district more than
the Igbomina bloc, pointing out that the Ekiti and Ibolo blocs had “represented Kwara South for a cumulative period of 12 years each, while the Igbomina bloc has only represented Kwara South for a cumulative period of four years.”
It added that the Ibolo bloc is still currently occupying
the seat. A statement issued yesterday on the sidelines of the group summit held in Ilorin, the Chairman of the summit, Chief Solo Olaoye, said that: “The glaring disparity is politically unsustainable and against the spirit of rotational equity, which fosters unity and inclusive development.
BUSINESS WORLD
RATES AS AT Nov E mb ER 24, 2025
FAAC
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared a record total of N18.54 trillion to the federal, state and local governments between January and October 2025, marking the strongest revenue distribution in recent history.
Analysis of monthly FAAC releases from the Ministry of Finance and Office of the Accountant-General confirmed a steady climb in revenue distribution through the 10-month period, reflecting
rising statutory inflows.
Checks by THISDAY showed that the revenue for the 10 months has already surpassed that of the whole of 2024 by over N3.2 trillion, a total which the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) recently put at N15.26 trillion for last year.
In March this year, NEITI said the disbursements for 2024 represented a historic high in revenue distribution and a 43 per cent increase compared to the previous year, 2023.
NEITI attributed the surge in revenue disbursements to sustained fiscal reform policies of the federal government, especially the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign adjustment exchange rate policies which has continued to impact positively on oil revenue remittances.
However, this year’s revenue surge has been driven by substantial increase in oil and non-oil receipts, including Value Added Tax (VAT) collections, electronic transfer levies and periodic augmentation approved to
cushion fiscal pressures across the tiers of government.
According to the available documents, this year opened with a strong N1.703 trillion, which was shared in January, while February followed closely with N1.678 trillion, amid a slight dip but still above the N1.6 trillion threshold that has so far emerged as the unofficial baseline for 2025.
March saw a further easing to N1.578 trillion, the lowest point of the year, as crude output disruptions and a brief slowdown in tax inflows
moderated the distributable pool. Despite that, cumulative revenue in the first quarter remained stronger than the corresponding period in 2024, with the authorities attributing the resilience to improved revenue administration and higher remittances from key agencies.
By April, FAAC allocations resumed an upward trajectory, climbing to N1.681 trillion. The boost came largely from statutory revenue and a rebound in company income tax and petroleum profit tax collections.
Besides, May allocations came in at N1.659 trillion, modestly lower but still consistent with the year’s upward trendline, with attribution to the moderate swings in the second quarter being to seasonal variations. A THISDAY review showed that the real break in the pattern emerged in June, when FAAC shared N1.818 trillion, driven by a significant rise in statutory revenue and exchange difference inflows.
Fresh data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has indicated that only an average of 5,506 megawatts of installed capacity of 13,625MW electricity reached Nigerian homes at any point in October this year.
This means that the nation’s power generation fleet operated at only 40
per cent availability, far below what is required to support stable supply, the NERC factsheet for the month revealed.
However, despite this, it still represented a marginal 2 per cent improvement from September, symptomatic of long-standing weaknesses across the grid-connected plants.
The commission’s analysis also highlighted a widening gap between what the system can
technically generate and what it actually delivers.
Despite having 5,506MW available on average, the industry generated only about 4,290 megawatthours per hour (MWh/h) during the month under consideration.
This translated to an average load factor of 78 per cent, which NERC noted was unchanged from September. The figures underline the chronic challenges besetting
Nigeria’s power sector.
Besides, the month’s performance was driven largely by the top 10 energy producers, which together accounted for about 80 per cent of total generation. The list was dominated by major hydro and gasfired plants such as Egbin, Delta, Kainji, Shiroro, Okpai, Geregu and Ihovbor.
However, even among the leading producers, performance varied widely, as Egbin, for instance,
recorded a plant availability factor of 50 per cent and a load factor of 90 per cent, producing an average of 591MWh/h.
In the same vein, Delta generated an average of 347MWh/h, with an availability of 45 per cent and a load factor of 86 per cent. Kainji stood out with one of the highest load factors at 95 per cent but had a lower availability of 75 per cent.
Zungeru, the newest
large hydro plant, posted a perfect 100 per cent availability but ran at a relatively modest load factor of 47 per cent, generating 330MWh/h. Odukpani, the major Calabar plant, had an availability of 31 per cent but still delivered a load factor of 84 per cent, pointing to persistent fuelrelated constraints despite efficient operation when online.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Foo D Commo DITI e S Pr IC e To DAY
FG Warns against Illegal Gas Operations, Consoles Ibadan Explosion Victims
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has expressed sorrow over the gas explosion that occurred on Friday, 21 November 2025, in Ona Ara Local Government Area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Preliminary reports, he said, indicate that the blast occurred while a gas tanker was offloading Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) into a 2.5MT illegal skid situated within a densely populated neighbourhood, resulting in extensive damage to nearby homes, shops, and a church.
The minister extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, especially to the families of the confirmed fatalities, as well as to the many injured, a statement by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, stated.
Ekpo described the incident as tragic, needless, and entirely preventable, stressing that illegal facilities and unsafe practices pose unacceptable risks to communities. He added that no operator has the right to endanger public safety by cutting corners or setting up unapproved gas sites.
Deal with Conoil Takes TotalEnergies’ OPL 257 Stake to 90%
Peter Uzoho
French oil giant, TotalEnergies has signed agreements with its long-standing partner, Conoil Producing Limited to acquire a 50-per cent operated interest in the Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 257 while Conoil acquires the 40 per cent participating interest held by TotalEnergies in Oil Mining Lease (OML)136.
The transaction has raised TotalEnergies’ equity shareholding in the asset to
90 per cent, leaving Conoil with the remaining 10 per cent.
The international oil company made the announcement in a statement obtained by THISDAY. Both OPL 257 and OML 136 are located offshore Nigeria.
OPL 257 includes an oil discovery made in 2005 on PP261, a structure straddling the block. TotalEnergies plans to drill an appraisal well in 2026 during its next drilling campaign, aiming for swift appraisal.
The proximity of the resources to Egina provides opportunity for resources to be tied back, leveraging the existing Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility.
Comms/e-Business
Asst. Editor, Energy
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)
The transaction reflects TotalEnergies’ strategy in Nigeria to focus on operated perimeters in gas and offshore oil and to accelerate development opportunities in Nigeria.
With the Ubeta Final Investment Decisions (FID) in June 2024 and entry in the Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 2000/2001 offshore exploration in August 2025, the company is strongly committed to its strategy of continuous investments in Nigeria and to growing production.
He assured that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has begun a
The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Lagos Business School has partnered with Fast Credit to launch a single-digit financing scheme aimed at empowering MSMEs.
Speaking at the unveiling in Lagos, Acting Managing Director of Fast Credit Finance Company Limitde, Yetunde Faulkner, said the essence of the partnership is to ensure that micro, small and medium
full investigation and urged residents and eyewitnesses to cooperate with regulators to determine the root cause and prevent future
enterprises (MSMEs) become scalable and sustainable through improved access to affordable finance.
“We are here to engage with EDC’s partners, who are SMEs, and provide them the opportunity to access singledigit interest-rate financing through Fast Credit. We are offering any amount of loan, starting with N5 million, under a partnership with
occurrences.
He reiterated that gas remains a safe and clean energy source when handled strictly in line with safety
one of our developmental finance partners, BOI, at a flat monthly interest rate of 0.75 percent which amounts to nine percent per annum,” she explained. Faulkner noted that Fast Credit has committed N2 billion to the SME financing partnership, with the goal of helping entrepreneurs grow revenues faster than costs and remain sustainable.
standards, noting that negligence, substandard equipment, and unlawful installations — not the product — cause accidents.
She added that the loan offering is expected to enable MSMEs to create more jobs, something the Nigerian economy urgently requires.
“We will be touching lives and families, and that, in itself, is one of the goals of Fast Credit, to make a tangible impact in the lives of everyday Nigerians, especially those in Lagos,” she added.
NLNG Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Partnerships with Local Firms
Peter Uzoho
NLNG has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding partnerships that empower indigenous capacity, enterprises and communities across Nigeria’s energy value chain to deepen Nigerian Content beyond compliance.
The commitment was the highlight of the 2025 Nigerian Content Stakeholders Retreat and Appreciation Night, held at Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State.
The annual event, themed, “Deepening Stakeholders’ Collaboration for Sustainable Economic
Development,” brought together senior industry executives, regulators, and local content champions for reflection and recognition of excellence within the Nigerian Content space.
At the Appreciation Night, Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Olakunle Osobu,
remarked that NLNG’s vision for Nigerian Content was anchored on leadership, impact, and legacy. He stated that the company was complying with local content mandates and setting new benchmarks for value creation across the energy landscape.
JV Inaugurates Power System, Underground Cabling Project
The NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture (JV) has inaugurated a fully integrated Power System and Underground Cabling Project at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industrial Parks Scheme (NOGAPS1) in Odukpani, Cross River State.
Senior officials from the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services
The management of Lekki Port, promoter of Lekki Deep Seaport, has announced the award of scholarships to 60 undergraduate students from its six host communities.
The beneficiaries, whose scholarships provide vital educational support, were selected from communities such as Ilekuru, Magbon-
(NUIMS), Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), and Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), gathered for the ceremony, which marked the delivery of one of the most advanced power distribution systems built under the NOGAPS initiative.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of SEPNU, Mr. Oladotun
Segun, Oke-Segun, Itoke, Idotun, and Lujagba in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Speaking at the occasion, Managing Director, Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, stated that the award was instituted as part of the company’s human capital development initiative, aimed at helping indigent students in host communities pursue
Isiaka, represented by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Services, Mrs. Emoh Udobong-Ntia, said the project represents “a story of partnership, progress and shared commitment to sustainably grow the Nigerian hydrocarbon industry.”
He described the system as an advanced, multilayered infrastructure designed for long-term
their dreams and achieve their career goals.
Qiang reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in the future of its host communities, stating that true corporate success lies not only in business performance but also in giving back to society.
Baale of Magbon-Segun
industrial readiness.
“This is not just a single power project. It is an enabling system comprising multiple project layers including a modern switchgear building, 19 packaged substations, over 27 kilometres of mediumvoltage cabling, SCADAenabled smart power systems and synchronized backup generators, to guarantee uninterrupted operations,” Isiaka said.
community, Chief Mufutau Dauda, who commended Lekki Port for its sustained community engagement and impact, stated that the community would continue to provide maximum cooperation, enabling the port to operate seamlessly. One of the beneficiaries, a final-year Political Science
Peter Uzoho
Emmanuel Addeh in abuja
www.thisdaylive.com
A RENEWED PROMISE OF NORTHERN UNITY
Uba Sani emphasises the importance of inclusive governance, and urged the North to recommit to justice, dialogue, and shared progress, writes ABUBARKA DAUDA
AGENDA FOR STOCKBROKERS AT
RWANDA SUMMIT
SOLA ONI urges Nigerian stockbrokers to seize the opportunity to champion an agenda that drives shared value across the region
THE NEED FOR JUDICIAL REFORMS
opinion@thisdaylive.com
The rendition by the military band at the Judges Conference is out of place, reckons CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU
ON WHOSE MANDATE DO JUDGES STAND?
“I had discovered since my appointment as a High Court judge that most of the politicians in Nigeria and, indeed, in other developing countries only pay lip-service to the independence of the judiciary…. It pays in the end for a judge, even at the risk of being a snob or of haughtiness, to be somewhat aloof, not only from members of the Executive, but also from political powerbrokers.”
Atanda Fatayi Williams, Faces, Cases and Places, pp. 77-78 (1983)
Atanda Fatayi Williams, the fourth Chief Justice of post-colonial Nigeria (CJN), has not always received the kind of credit that he probably should for a judicial career of impact. Few judicial careers in Nigerian history can compete with that of this grand-son of an Ijebu merchant in terms of both legacy and luminosity.
Sworn in as a judge a mere seven days after independence on 7 October 1960, Justice Fatayi Williams was the first person to be appointed a judge in postindependence Nigeria. Some 19 years later, he became Nigeria’s first Chief Justice of the presidential era. In this capacity, he was the first CJN to truly feel the pulse of the elected president as both head of state and head of government.
It was his good fortune that the president during his tenure as CJN was the emollient Alhaji Shehu Shagari but he saw enough to leave him a sceptic about judicial dalliance with politicians. “In Nigeria” he warned in his memoirs, “familiarity does not breed contempt. It breeds obligation…. people with whom you are friendly expect you to bend the rules to suit their requirements.”
As CJN, Fatayi Williams pioneered the All Nigeria Judges Conference in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, on 8 March 1982. That was one year after the current CJN became a lawyer. Shehu Shagari, then the president, travelled to Ilorin to address the conference. His presence and delivery bore the hallmarks of the polished modesty that defined Shagari’s long public service career.
The conference has grown since then to become a biennial tradition of the bench of Nigeria’s Superior Courts of Record. For many judges, the opportunity to mix, introspect, and learn together with colleagues from across the country, both serving and retired, is the highpoint of every judicial biennium. The conference is also an opportunity for judges as a collective to diagnose common problems that afflict the judicial branch, think together, and communicate with the other branches of government on policy matters adjacent or relevant to the judiciary.
For the past decade and a half, the conference has acquired a permanent home on the premises of the National
Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja. This year’s conference began on 17 November at the same venue. The Administrator of the NJI, Babatunde Adejumo, himself a former President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, ran the floor under the direction of the Chair of the Institute who is also the CJN.
As befits a conference with the president of Nigeria in attendance, the opening of the conference was supposed to be brisk. The Administrator of the NJI had to be persuaded from lingering on the microphone with prolix protocol. Thereafter, it was the turn of the CJN.
Her delivery made a case that appeared both respectable and heartfelt, inviting her colleagues to defend and deepen democracy in Nigeria “by ensuring that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done in every courtroom, across every jurisdiction, and in every case.” With deftness, she acknowledged widespread notions that judicial decisions in Nigeria are “sometimes vulnerable to external influences”, a euphemism for perceptions of both corruption and capture of the judiciary; and admitted “with candour that there are some within our ranks who have undermined the integrity of the Bench.” She hoped that “this must change” but stopped short of saying how or when.
The CJN ended her address by inviting President Bola Tinubu to address the judges and declare the conference open. As she unfurled this introduction and transition, the judges gathered in the Andrews Otutu Obaseki Auditorium of the NJI stood in unison both to applaud the delivery of the CJN and, presumably, as a mark of courtesy to their presidential patron.
In unison, the military band from the presidential Guards Brigade broke into an instrumental rendition of “On Your Madate We Shall Stand”, the president’s personal fealty anthem. When the president was done with the delivery of his 1,314 word-long address, the same band again played the same accompaniment as the judges stood to applaud his transition from the presidential podium back to his seat.
So, not once but twice in a period of less than 15 minutes, the presidential band played this partisan political rendition. From any other president, this may have been a mistake but this president is no political eunuch. If the first was an error, the second surely was comfort. Whatever the intention or design was, this guaranteed that no one remembers anything of what President Tinubu said. The only memory of his showing at this All Nigeria Judges Conference is that he sought to wheedle the judges with an instrumental symbolism of personal fealty.
For a conference with the timely theme of “Building a Confident Judiciary”, President Tinubu could hardly have done worse in undermining public confidence in the judges. To their credit, many of the judges inside the conference auditorium were schtum at the rendition(s). Unmistakably, however, there were people within the hall who also sang along.
President Tinubu’s own television station, TVC, later offered the spectacular apologia that the singing was done by “the people who came with the president…. The president’s staff, they were at the back”, adding: “if those ones were singing, can anyone question them for singing? This is a song they have been singing since they were in Lagos.” They claimed that President Obasanjo had such a song too. That was absurd.
To convince their audience of presumed presidential proselytes, they hyperventilated to the claim that the same tune had been played the previous week when the president opened the conference of the Guild of Editors. In their estimation, a gathering of Nigeria’s most senior judges is worth no more than the currency of a conference of the Guild of Editors.
One judicial participant at the event went further, privately dissimulating that there was no such rendition and that any sound other than the National Anthem associated with their gathering was deep fake from Artificial Intelligence!
The leadership of the judiciary appeared ambivalent. When eventually they responded, over 48 hours later, it was through a statement with mangled syntax signed by a middling officer described as the “Head, Information, Media and Public Relations” at the NJI. The only thing notable about this statement was what was missing on its face: no judicial principal was courageous enough to own the debacle. Its content was entirely forgettable.
A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu
Uba Sani emphasises the importance of inclusive governance, and urged the North to recommit to justice, dialogue, and shared progress, writes ABUBARKA DAUDA
A RENEWED PROMISE OF NORTHERN UNITY
At the silver jubilee celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani delivered more than a ceremonial address. He offered a sober, philosophical, and forward-leaning reflection on the identity of Northern Nigeria, the legacy of its founding statesmen, and the task of reconstructing society through inclusive governance.
The unwavering pan-northern, patriotic disposition of the governor came into focus again. He spoke with clarity, with a deep sense of history, policy, and moral clarity. The ACF jubilee celebration was indeed an outing for the governor to comprehensively articulate his vision for the region. Beyond formalities, it became a moment of introspection for Northern Nigeria, and a road map for the future.
Governor Sani began by revisiting the origins of the ACF, founded in 2000 at a delicate moment when the North needed coherence and an organised voice. With scholarly precision, he narrated how Sultan Muhammadu Maccido convened northern elders in Kaduna to solve a gathering identity crisis. In the face of fragmentation, they chose unity, harmonising three major regional groups into one formidable body.
The governor’s tone was reverent. He recited the pantheon of Northern statesmen: Sultan Maccido, Yahaya Gusau, Liman Ciroma, Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu, Sunday Awoniyi, and Tanko Yakasai, whose ideological clarity formed the rock upon which the ACF stands. His emphasis here was deeply intentional: Northern unity was neither accidental nor effortless; it was engineered through sacrifice and statesmanship.
Sani’s historical framing reminded listeners that Northern Nigeria’s strength has always come from purposeful consensus, not from geography or demography.
While acknowledging Kaduna as the ACF’s headquarters, Governor Sani reframed the privilege as a responsibility. Kaduna, he argued, is not just a central city, it is the enduring centre of northern dialogue, administration, and political evolution. Hosting the ACF is therefore a mandate to continually support a platform that shapes the region’s conscience.
This reflection cleverly sets the stage for his broader message: that peace, unity, and shared progress cannot be assumed; they must be built and maintained.
In the speech’s most intellectually engaging section, Governor Sani introduced what he calls the Kaduna Peace Model, a systems-based approach to governing a socially diverse
and historically conflict-prone state. His thesis was simple but profound: peace does not emerge from declarations; it is engineered.
He described a security architecture linked to: intelligence-driven engagement, local empowerment, technology-enhanced monitoring, and collaboration with federal security bodies.
The result, he asserted, is a growing sense of calm across communities previously besieged by criminality. The return of farmers to their fields stands as the clearest indicator of restored confidence.
Sani’s analysis was clear: security is not merely a policing function, it is a development function; and development, if justly distributed, becomes the most durable form of conflict prevention.
One of the strongest thematic threads in the governor’s speech was the moral dimension of governance. He repeatedly tied policy to empathy, responsibility, and justice. His report on Kaduna’s progress since 2023 was framed not as political boasting but as a demonstration of inclusive governance at work.
Furthermore, the governor painted a picture of revived rural economies driven by mechanisation, extension support, improved seedlings, and market access. The subtext was clear: a secure agricultural chain strengthens families, reduces tension, and empowers communities.
On health, he spoke passionately about expanded primary healthcare services, upgraded secondary facilities, and a goal of ensuring that neither distance nor poverty determines access to medical care. This is a sentiment rarely expressed so directly by political leaders.
Education, in Sani’s words, is not a sector—it is the long-term strategy for peace. This framing captures the governor’s understanding of the causal link between illiteracy, unemployment, and insecurity.
Dauda writes from Kaduna state
SOLA ONI urges Nigerian stockbrokers to seize the opportunity to champion an agenda that drives shared value across the region
AGENDA FOR STOCKBROKERS AT RWANDA SUMMIT
The press, widely recognised as the Fourth Estate, draws its legitimacy from constitutional provisions. It significantly shapes public opinion and guides the public’s focus towards specific issues. These roles, among others, form the core of Agenda-Setting Theory in Mass Communication.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, a large contingent of Nigerian stockbrokers is expected to attend the 28th African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) Conference scheduled for November 26–28 in Kigali, Rwanda. The event, themed “Adapting to Global Market Shifts: Strategies for Resilience and Growth,” will bring together prominent capital market regulators and operators from across the continent. Among the notable Nigerian Stockbrokers are the 13th President and Chairman of Council of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Oluropo Dada and Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Sehinde Adenagbe.
As Nigerian stockbrokers, broadly known as Securities Dealers, join their peers at the ASEA meeting in Rwanda, the moment demands bold and actionable ideas capable of accelerating Africa’s market integration and global competitiveness. With global capital flows shifting and digital innovation redefining industry dynamics, African economies urgently need stronger and deeper markets to finance sustainable growth. Coming from one of the continent’s most vibrant exchanges, Nigerian stockbrokers should seize this opportunity to champion an agenda that drives shared value across the region.
The Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) has played a pivotal role in advancing the African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP). While the project shows strong early promise, it now needs scale and momentum. Nigerian securities dealers should press for more participating exchanges, broader product offerings, and seamless cross-border order routing. A unified African trading corridor would boost liquidity, cut fragmentation, and position the continent as a compelling, one-stop gateway for global investors.
Africa’s regulatory landscape remains uneven. To unlock meaningful cross-border flows, brokers must champion harmonized minimum standards from disclosures and corporate governance to settlement cycles and market surveillance. Nigeria’s recent transition to a T+2 settlement system at the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) PLC is timely and further strengthens the benchmark for the continent. Regulatory alignment lowers risk, builds investor confidence, and positions African markets as a unified, investable asset class.
Thin markets constrain growth. Nigerian brokers should champion dual listings, coordinated market-making, and a wider array of instruments from Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and derivatives to green bonds and SME-focused boards. Shared commodity-exchange platforms and diaspora-oriented investment products
can further deepen liquidity and diversify revenue streams across African exchanges. Price discovery depends on the quality of the data behind it. Brokers should champion an ASEA-wide data repository that captures prices, volumes, financials, and macroeconomic trends. Shared analytics and joint research reports would empower investors and enhance decisionmaking across Africa.
Digital transformation must be a continental priority. Nigeria’s advances in Application Programming Interface (APIbased) trading, e-dividends, and fintech integration offer a clear roadmap. In July 2024, NGX launched NGX Invest APIs to streamline public offerings and rights issues in the primary market. Beyond APIs, NGX provides multiple connectivity channels for real-time electronic access, including the Financial Information eXchange (FIX) protocol, X-VPN, and X-NET for low-latency trading. These initiatives position Nigerian brokers at the forefront of innovation and will be a key focus at the ASEA Conference. Brokers must push for digital KYC standards, blockchain-based settlement pilots, and cloud-powered shared infrastructure for faster, cheaper and smarter markets that can compete on the global stage.
African markets rely heavily on foreign capital. Nigerian brokers should advocate for coordinated investor-education programs, pan-African investment apps, and policies that channel pension funds, cooperatives, and diaspora savings into local securities. Building a stronger domestic investor base will stabilize liquidity and reduce vulnerability to global shocks. In Nigeria, this is already evident: domestic investors accounted for 78.4% of total market activity in the first nine months of 2025.
Capital markets thrive when economic policy backs them. The Rwanda Conference offers a prime platform for Nigerian brokers to urge ASEA to collaborate closely with the African Union (AU) and AfCFTA on harmonizing investment rules, improving currency convertibility, and promoting macroeconomic stability. A stronger policy framework will strengthen Africa’s market integration efforts.
Oni,
an Integrated Communications Strategist, Chartered Stockbroker, Commodities Broker and Capital Market Registrar, is the Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE NEED FOR JUDICIAL REFORMS
Only competent lawyers with integrity should be appointed as Judges
At the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja last week, President Bola Tinubu highlighted the difficulties in accessing justice, delayed judgments, questionable conduct and other issues militating against the dispensation of justice in the country. “Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core,” the president told the men and women on the Bench. “These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore.”
While the president may have said the right things, Nigerians are tired of sermons that are not backed by any concrete actions. In August last year, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said Nigerian courts are no longer for the ordinary people. “Gone were those days when the judiciary was regarded as the last hope of the common man. It is the big people now who patronise the judiciary,” Fagbemi said at a ceremony where several judges and lawyers were present.
amended) states that to qualify for appointment as a judge of a high court, the person must have been called to the bar for ten years. Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council (NJC) guidelines specifically identify the following as those qualified to be appointed as judges: Legal practitioners in private practice; legal practitioners in public service who are legal officers; chief registrar of court and chief magistrate. Other prerequisites include that the candidates be of good character and reputation, of unquestionable integrity, and possess sound knowledge of law.
Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
For more than two decades, especially since the current democratic dispensation in 1999, critical stakeholders in the justice sector have been calling for transparency and merit in the appointment of judges. To change the narrative, the process of appointing judges must be reviewed among other reform measures. From Customary to the Supreme Court, appointment of Judges is now fraught with controversies and allegations of impropriety. Time has therefore come for the leadership of the judiciary to accept reality that the current system is basically unsustainable.
Section 255 of the 1999 Constitution (as
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Letters to the Editor
However, as lofty as the foregoing requirements may seem, the NJC has consistently breached them when appointing judges by introducing cronyism. Those who make the list now are relations of powerful politicians and prominent lawyers or sitting/ retired Judges. Besides, there are serious questions about some of the guidelines. For instance, at the appellate levels, judges are elevated to higher bench based on seniority and vacancies from geographical zones and not on merit. It is not important if the justice in question is lazy or is of a dubious character. The same procedure is applied in promoting high court judges to the Court of Appeal. With merit sacrificed for seniority, the result has been obvious.
As it is, the president has not said anything different from what other stakeholders have been saying and which judicial officers themselves know to be the situation. But as beneficiaries of the same skewed appointment process, it is not likely that the leadership of the Bench can institutionalise the necessary reforms from within. Yet, as we have repeatedly stated on this page, the function of law as an instrument of social engineering can only be made difficult when judges compromise their oath by acts of omission or commission. There can be no better time than now for a reform of the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
TINUBU’S ORDER TO WITHDRAW POLICE FROM VIPS
President Bola Tinubu’s order to the Inspector General of Police to withdraw all police officers attached to VIPs and redeploy them to mainstream policing is a long-overdue corrective step. The directive recognises an obvious distortion in Nigeria’s security architecture: thousands of officers assigned to individuals rather than to the public they are meant to serve.
The policy is not new. Successive Inspectors General have announced similar withdrawals, each collapsing into empty pronouncements. The problem has never been the absence of directives but the absence of enforcement. Political figures, expatriates, business moguls and wealthy private individuals have all enjoyed the privilege of police protection without transparent criteria. The term “VIP” remains vague, allowing the system to be exploited by anyone with influence or financial leverage. If Tinubu’s directive is fully implemented, the gains
are clear. A significant number of officers would return to core policing duties, improving response times, visibility, and deterrence across the country. But meaningful impact demands more than reassigning personnel. Many police units lack patrol vehicles, functional communication tools, and basic protective equipment. Returning officers to the streets without upgrading operational capacity risks producing little more than a cosmetic change.
The military dimension cannot be ignored either. Soldiers are also routinely attached to private individuals and companies, a practice that weakens professionalism and stretches already burdened forces. Ending such deployments should accompany the police reforms if the government is serious about restoring order to Nigeria’s security sector.
A more durable solution requires legal backing. Deploying police officers as private guards should be ex-
pressly illegal, with stiff penalties for both officers and commanders who sanction such assignments. This is the only way to break the culture of impunity and personal influence that has fuelled the misuse of state security assets.
Strengthening the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) offers a realistic alternative for private protection needs. A formal framework should channel all payments for authorised private security into a dedicated Central Bank account, earmarked for NSCDC funding. This would create transparency, ensure proper budgeting, and reduce incentives for diverting police manpower into private hands.
Beyond these structural reforms, public communication will be crucial.
Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Obosi, Anambra State
FG: US Has Acceded to Nigeria’s Request for Defence
Intelligence, Military Equipment
Insists genocide allegation untrue America condemns mass abductions S’west govs: It’s time for state police, launch of regional security fund Nigeria’s intelligence system must be driven by innovation, says Badaru Akpabio unveils 2025–2030 counter-terrorism plan Act now to rescue Kebbi, Niger girls, BBOG Global tells Tinubu
After days of consultations with top US officials on the back of the recent face-off between the country and Nigeria, the federal government yesterday announced that the Donald Trump administration had agreed to support Nigeria with enhanced intelligence support as well as expedite processing of defence equipment requests.
Also yesterday, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed
Badaru, stressed that Nigeria’s intelligence architecture must urgently embrace innovation to outpace rapidly evolving criminal tactics, observing that traditional intelligence methods were no longer sufficient.
Besides, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday unveiled Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategic plan 2025–2030, declaring it a decisive turning point in the country’s battle against terrorism and violent extremism.
However, the relationship between Nigeria and the US had recently entered a tense
phase, as Washington raised concerns over governance and security developments in Nigeria, including issues around the alleged of Christians in the country.Specifically, matters flared after Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing what he described as a “Christian genocide” in parts of the country. In a series of charged remarks, Trump claimed that Christians were being slaughtered in large numbers and warned that the United States could take direct action if Abuja failed to “stop the killings.”
In the same vein, he spoke of deploying American troops, halting aid, and taking unilateral steps if necessary to “protect Christians.” But Nigeria has rejected the description of a “genocide,” insisting that the country’s security challenges are complex, driven by criminality, banditry, insurgency, land-use conflict and economic despera- tion, not a centrally organised religious war against Christians. However, the federal government said yesterday that after several meetings, discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian
delegation and US officials, this has helped strengthen security partnerships between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.
The delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War (DoW), a statement signed by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stressed.
“In all engagements in
Support
situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
Ojulari: Floating of Naira positively impacted company’s financial performance Lists operational efficiency, downstream market reforms, cost discipline as critical factors Says NNPC achieved 20% reduction in overall costs Auditors declare national oil firm sound enough to continue as ‘going concern’
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian National Pe- troleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) yesterday released its audited financial statement for the full year ended 2024, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of N5.4 trillion on a revenue of N45.1 trillion.
The N45.1 trillion revenue for 2024 represented an 88 per cent year-on-year growth, while the PAT of N5.4 trillion was a 64 per cent year-on-year rise. Besides, earnings per share during the period under consideration was N27.07, a 64 per cent year-on-year increase compared to 2023.
The NNPC stated that this outcome was propelled by several critical drivers, including enhanced operational efficiency across assets, the positive impact of downstream market reforms, and commitment to cost discipline.
Strategically, the national oil company stated that it was vigorously advancing key gas infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna- Kano (AKK) pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipelines, to unlock a gas-powered economy, as well as boost its revenue.
Besides, it stated that the company was reviewing technical and commercial viability of the refineries to strengthen domestic energy security, and pursuing a $60
billion investment pipeline to expand oil and gas output.
The goal, it said, remains to raise crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2030 and grow gas production to 12 billion cubic feet daily.
Speaking on the company’s key strategic targets in Abuja, Group Chief Executive Officer of the national oil company, Bayo Ojulari, who announced the results, reiterated the NNPC’s crude oil production projection of 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million bpd by Besides,2030.he highlighted the plan to grow natural gas production to 10 bcf/d by 2027 and 12 bcf/d by 2030 and completing major gas infrastructure projects such as (AKK),Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) and Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipelines to strengthen domestic supply and regional integration.
“Our transformation is anchored on transparency, innovation, and disciplined growth,” Ojulari added. We are positioning NNPC Limited as a globally competitive energy company capable of deliver- ing sustainable returns while powering the future of Nigeria and Africa,” he stressed.
In 2023, the NNPC declared a net profit of N3.297 trillion, an increase of over N700 billion or 28 per cent when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion. Also, in 2021, when
the NNPC declared profit in its operations for the first time. Also, from a loss position of N803 billion in 2018, it reduced the loss further down to N1.7 billion in 2019.
In 2020, the national oil company posted its ‘first ever’ profit of N287 billion, then in 2021, it recorded a N674.1 billion profit and in 2022, the profit grew to N2.548 trillion.
But still on the factors that impacted its bottomline, Ojulari stated that specifically in 2024, the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to float the local currency positively affected the operations of the company.
“You recall the CBN final regulation of floating the Naira? So that boosted our profits. That’s the first big impact on the profits? We now know that the Naira is relatively stable… So even if there are fluctuations, we are not expecting that same increase this year. If we discount that and we discount oil prices…the fundamentals, we expect it to be sustainable and be improving,” he stated.
Stressing that the company is now on the right track, Ojulari, who took questions from journalists, noted that the focus now is on operational and technical excellence, as well as additional investments.
According to the GCEO, the NNPC has also reduced its overall costs by between 15 per cent to 20 per cent, doing away with spendings that are
not very critical to its operations.
“And we believe that’s in the right direction. I think the other point that’s very important is also around capital discipline. This year alone, by the time we get to next year, you will see that we made significant efforts to reduce our reducibility.
“In terms of our overall spending. We probably achieved close to 15 to 20 per cent reduction in our overall costs for the year. And that means we defined things that were not very critical. We inconvenienced ourselves, cut out a lot of unnecessary stuff and optimised things, because we cannot survive by just increasing production,” Ojulari stated.
With the newfound capital discipline and efficiency, Ojulari stated that the fundamentals are in the right direction to further sustain the current productivity.
While revealing that the performance of the pipelines is now close to 100 per cent, boosting midstream confidence, the GCEO stated that the NNPC was working actively in the downstream to ensure that it regains refining capacity as much as possible, as well as expand its retail business.
In terms of capability in the downstream, Ojulari stated that Nigeria may have lost a lot of capacity over time due to the fact that the refineries did not work, restating the plan to look out for partners in NNPC’s bid
to restart the refineries.
“ So, what we’re looking at is some partnership with private entities, but private entities that have existing refineries that they are running. So, they have that track record and our intention is to partner with them as a business. Remember, we are not partnering as a government. We are partnering as a CAMA company.
“It’s very different. It’s a commercial arrangement where they bring in technical capacity, technical resources, and all of that, and we complement with the capability that we have, and we co-operate with them. But they lead the operation,” he added.
As to the timeline to make the refineries start operation, Ojulari stated that for now it is difficult to say, stressing that this will be clearer by mid 2026.
The NNPC Chairman, Ahmadu Kida, in a message, explained that as global demand for energy continues to rise, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to meet its grow- ing domestic needs while also playing a pivotal role in global supply.
At the same time, he stated that the council recognises the importance of reducing emis- sions and addressing climate change. “The transition to a lower-carbon future will be a gradual and complex journey, but for Nigeria, it presents an opportunity to leverage our oil and gas resources to finance
growth, diversify our energy mix, and invest in cleaner technologies.
“By embracing this transition with innovation and strategic partnerships, we can secure a more sustainable and prosper- ous energy future for our nation. Following the achieve- ments of 2024, the years ahead present unique opportunities to consolidate our gains. The leadership change at NNPC has not only reinvigorated the company’s purpose but also set the stage for transformational growth across the energy value chain.
“We will continue to position Nigeria as a regional gas hub, ensure effective delivery of gas infrastructure projects, and enhance our security framework through inclusive stakeholder participation, “ he stated. Auditors to the NNPC, including PwC, SIAO as well as Muhtari Dangana & Co., in their independent report, confirmed that the financial statements were prepared in accordance with the going concern principle under the historical cost convention.
“Nothing has come to the attention of the directors to indicate that NNPC Limited will not remain a going concern for at least 12 months from the date of these financial statements. At this time, no significant events after the reporting date that may have an impact on going concern have been noted,” they noted.
Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh, Sunday Aborisade and Linus Aleke in Abuja and Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos
Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines. The delegation strongly rejected wrongful fram- ing of the
US President Donald Trump
Project Unveiling/PartnershiP between Ph-airPortcitY and FMbn...
L-R: Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), Barr. Benneth Chu; Branch Manager, Stanbic-IBTC Bank, Port Harcourt, Dr.Ifeoma Mgbemena; Promoters of PH- AirportCity/Managing Director/CEO, Masta Services Company Limited, Buildr Ugo Ohuabunwa; Branch Manager, Standard Chartered Bank, Port Harcourt, Dr (Mrs) Chibuzor Akaba; Branch Manager, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Port Harcourt, Mr. Melody. B Ukwa and Engr. (Sir) Bennett Eziekel-Hart during the Official Project Unveiling and Partnership between PH-AIRPORTCITY and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State...recently
NSITF: Workplace Safety, Social Protection, Key to National Devt
onyebuchi ezigbo in Abuja
Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye has identified workplace safety and social protection as foundations for national development as they are social pillars of economic stability and national development.
The NSITF MD made this
Alliance
assertion at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja on Monday to deliberate on the operationalization of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) and ways of enhancing its success.
Faleye said: “Workplace safety and social protection are not optional; they are foundational to our national development, economic productivity,
Calls for
and human dignity.
“They are not just moral obligations, they are pillars of social justice and human dignity, they are pillars of Economic stability and national productivity.
“They are pillars of peace of mind for workers and risk mitigation for employers. When workers are safe, employers thrive and the nation prospers. In
short, protecting workers is protecting the nation’s future, he emphasized”
Giving reasons for the engagement, Faleye explained, “The theme of this year’s conference, “Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration for Sustainable Employees’ Compensation Administration,” aligns perfectly with the call to protect the legal
Ethical Reforms Over Worsening Insecurity
The Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics Ltd/Gte has called for urgent national action, noting “Nigeria stands at a crossroads” as insecurity, corruption, and the misuse of religion continue to threaten the country’s stability.
In a statement titled ‘A Call to Action: Rebuilding Nigeria’s Future Through Ethics and Unity’, the organisation noted that the country remains “a nation blessed with immense potential” but was “hindered
Tinubu
by a crisis of ethics, fueled by insecurity, corruption, and the misuse of religion to perpetrate violence.”
The group noted that, “Banditry, insurgency, and kidnappings have left com- munities shattered, while distrust in institutions deepens. We cannot build a prosperous future in the midst of fire.”
According to the organisation, “Nigeria’s challenges are not as a result of faith, but stem from failure of responsibilities. We have allowed greed, division, and impunity to thrive,
Mourns
while our places of worship, meant to be sanctuaries of peace, are overshadowed by the cries of the vulnerable. Enough is enough.”
The Alliance called for action across all sectors, beginning with government, urging the Federal and state governments to “enforce laws without fear or favour,” “prosecute perpetrators of violence, corruption, and hate speech,” and “strengthen security infrastructure” by equipping troops, supporting state police, and enhancing community policing.
Longstanding
Associate, Prince Bayo Osiyemi
deji elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the demise of renowned writer, journalist and his longstanding associate, Prince Bayo Osiyemi. An influential stalwart of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Osiyemi, who served as Chief Press Secretary to the state’s first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande,
died in Lagos on Monday at the age of 75.
The President, in a release issued on Monday evening by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the late Osiyemi as a renowned politician, a dependable ally, and a revered leader in the state, particularly in Mushin, where he held sway.
Fondly called the “Charming Prince,” Osiyemi was also the
former Chairman of the old Mushin Local Government in Lagos.
Tinubu recalled Osiyemi’s legacy of service to Lagos and to the media profession, as well as his commitment to the development of the state and its chieftaincy institution for which Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu once appointed him Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters.
It also urged authorities to, “invest in education and jobs” and to “promote transparency” by publishing budgets and ensuring accountability, including efforts to “tackle corruption in religious institutions.”
For religious leaders, the organisation asked them to “preach peace, not division,” “reject extremist narratives,” and “lead by example” through humility and service to the vulnerable.
frameworks that guarantee social insurance for Nigerian workers, frameworks that protect against injuries, occupational diseases, or death in the line of duty.
According to him, it is also a call for visionary leadership in securing both employee welfare and employer sustainability.”
The NSITF Boss said that the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 mandated NSITF to provide adequate and equitable compensation for workers who suffer workrelated injuries, diseases, and disabilities including mental health.
He continued that the Fund is further mandated to provide compensation and support for the families of employees in case of any fatality.
Other services provided by the Fund, according to Barrister Faleye, are rehabilitation and empowerment after workplace accidents, but most importantly, prevention of workplace hazards.
Quoting data from the International Labour Organisation
(ILO) to highlight the enormity of workplace accidents, Barrister Olúwaseun Faleye said, “More than 2.8 million workers die annually from occupational accidents and diseases while over 374 million suffer non-fatal injuries leading to long-term disabilities,” adding that the global cost of poor occupational safety is estimated at 4 percent of global GDP annually.
He lamented that Nigeria’s situation has been made worse by the lack of proper data, large informal sector of the economy, high risk sectors, and institutional culture of non-adherence to safety and non-compliance.
He explained that new and emerging challenges necessitated a reworking of the laws to better meet modern needs.
Faleye therefore urged members of the legal profession, especially judges to help advance the cause; taking social protection as a matter of right, avoiding technicalities in interpretations and through advocacy.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has teamed up with the federal government to strengthen digital capacity across the Civil Service, launching a programme designed to modernise public service delivery and improve efficiency nationwide.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and Coronation Group, aims to equip civil servants with the practical digital skills needed to drive smarter, technology-enabled governance.
Announced in a statement yesterday by Eniola Olowu, Deputy Director of Programmes at the Foundation, the training targets outdated work processes and the low digital proficiency that still hinder service delivery in many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The organisers said the goal was to help civil servants adopt tools that support automation, data-driven decision-making, and improved collaboration for faster, more transparent public service.
The programme focuses on four key areas: Microsoft Office
productivity tools, cloud col- laboration and communication, enterprise systems, and digital workplace readiness. Participants, it said, will learn to sharpen documentation accuracy, strengthen teamwork through cloud-based platforms, and improve workflow efficiency using Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. These systems are expected to enhance data accessibility and help MDAs deliver quicker, more responsive services to citizens.
sunday ehigiator
Food Security: FG Seeks to Expand Livestock Industry to
$74 Billion by 2035
Sterling Bank rallies Africa for green, sustainable solutions for agriculture
James Emejo in Abuja
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said the federal government remained com- mitted to expanding the country’s livestock industry to $74 billion by 2035 from its current value of $32 billion, under the National Livestock Growth AccelerationHeStrategy. said the initiative is aimed at diversifying the economy and strengthening national food security.
The commitments were reaffirmed at the recent 2025 Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) with the theme, “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny” which was hosted by Sterling Bank in Abuja.
Maiha urged financial institutions to establish dedicated livestock desks to increase funding for pastoralists and processors, thereby unlocking the sec-
tor’s full potential.
He said, “If achieved, this target could significantly reduce Nigeria’s depen- dence on imported animal products, create millions of rural jobs, and position the country as a major player in Africa’s livestock market.”
The minister commended the bank for its leadership in agricultural finance and for providing a platform for critical dialogue, describing ASA as “a vital convening for shaping the continent’s agricultural destiny.”
However, Sterling Bank, which remained a leading advocate for agricultural finance, urged African nations to forge stronger partnerships, deploy catalytic financing, and ensure practical policy implementation to accelerate agricultural transformation and food security in the continent.
Group Head of Agric and Solid Mineral Finance
at Sterling Bank, Olushola Obikanye, described the summit as “a journey of ideas, conviction, and hope for Africa’s agricultural future.”
He underscored the transformative power of collaboration highlighted by the discussions at the summit.
He said, “The voices from
across the continent have affirmed one truth: Africa’s narrative is being rewritten, not by chance, but by the courage, innovation, and resolve of people who refuse to accept limits.”
Further demonstrating a commitment to agricultural development, the Executive Secretary, National Agricul- tural Development Fund
(NADF), Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, unveiled a strategic on-lending partnership with SterlingAccordingBank.to him, the collaboration is designed to de-risk agricultural lending, attract private capital, and channel funds into high-impact segments of the sector.
He said, “Our partnership
with Sterling demonstrates how catalytic finance can transform agriculture from a high-risk venture into a bankable, investor-friendly sector.”
Similarly, Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to mechanised farming and rural empowerment.
N’Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution to Brief Governors Wednesday, Says Kalu
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution would brief the 36 State governors on Wednesday. He reassured that the parliament would deliver a Constitution that would meet the expectations of the people
Kogi Govt, ALGON Dismiss LG Funds Diversion Charges as Political Smear
sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Kogi State Government and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi Chapter, yesterday jointly refuted allegations that the state government was diverting local government Area (LGAs) funds.
The two tiers of govern- ment described the claims as baseless, politically motivated and driven by individuals acting on behalf of sponsors determined to mislead the
public.Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the allegations, which was circulated by groups posing as civil society organisations, were fabricated to tarnish the image of the government.
He also alleged that the plans of the perpetrators were to create false impres- sion that the Governor Usman Ododo administration was interfering with LGA
allocations.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kogi State, Hon. Tosin Olokun, dismissed the allegations as baseless.
Fanwo insisted that every LGA in the state receives its full statutory allocation and independently manages its finances, payroll, contracts and development projects.
The Commissioner said “the petitioners had provided not a shred of evidence because none exists.
of KaluNigeria.stated this yesterday, in Abuja at the 2nd joint retreat of the House and Senate Committees on Constitutional Review. He said that was the final retreat before the historic voting on the constitution alteration bills.
Kalu noted: “After today, we move from deliberation to decision. We move from consultation to legislative ac- tion. We move from debate to delivery.“History is watching us. The entire nation, with over 200 million Nigerians, anticipates
a direction from this Assembly.
“Our people yearn for reforms that: Devolve power and bring governance closer to the grassroots; localise internal security through innovative approaches, like state police; empower their voices through credible elections; ensure fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution; protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion; guarantee local government autonomy so that development reaches the last community
“The amendments we agree
upon today will shape Nigeria’s democracy for generations to come.
“Permit me also to inform this distinguished gathering that, in keeping with our com- mitment to partnership,intergovernmental all Governors of the Federation will be formally briefed on Wednesday, 26th November 2025.”
Kalu stressed that the Constitution they seek to refine the soul of the country, the expression of common destiny, the framework upon which the hopes and dreams of every Nigerian rest.
DSS Releases, Compensates Man Wrongly Arrested Over IPOB Allegations With N5m
linus Aleke in Abuja
The Director-General of the State Security Service (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has authorised the release of Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, who was arrested in July 2022 over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra
(IPOB).
This authorisation came barely a month after ordering the release and compensation of an Abuja-based business- woman, Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe.
Nwafor, a native of Isuikwuato Local Government Area in Abia State, was not
only released but also awarded N5 million as compensation for his wrongful arrest, along with free medical care. Credible sources within the Service revealed that a thorough investigation by DSS personnel exonerated Nwafor, confirming that he had no involvement with IPOB.
RibAdu’s diplomAtic shuttlE to WAshington dc... Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (right) after a meeting with the US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington DC
CITN 2025 ANNUAL DINNER AND AWARD NIGHT...
L-R: Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mrs. Tolu Akpomedaye; Past President, CITN, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi; President, CITN, Mr. Innocent Ohagwa; Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode; Former Senior Partner, PWC, Mr. Uyi Akpata; and Vice-President, CITN, Mr. Simon Kato, at the CITN 2025 Annual Dinner and Award Night held in Lagos…weekend
NAPTIP Vows Tougher Measures Against Gender-based Violence
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Bello, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to eliminating all forms of gender-based violence in the country. She made the commitment on Monday at a press conference on activities lined up by the agency for the commemoration of the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Bello, while describing the
annual event as a “power- ful reminder of the world’s collective duty to safeguard the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls,” explained that the 16-day campaign—running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to
December 10 (Human Rights Day)—has evolved into a worldwide movement since its launch in 1991 in memory of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic.
This year’s UN-led theme focuses on combatting digital violence against women and girls, a rapidly growing threat
Minister: Unified Vision for Livestock Transformation Securing Our Futures
Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has emphasized the need for a unified approach to transform the country’s livestock sector.
Speaking at the maiden National Council on Livestock Development at the Banquet Hall of Yola Government House, Adamawa State, Maiha highlighted the sector’s potential to drive economic diversification, food security, and rural Accordingdevelopment. to the Minister, “the council, themed “Livestock Rebirth: Accelerating
Renewed Hope”, brought together stakeholders to harmonize policies and strate- gies for the sector’s growth”
“Noting that the sector has been plagued by chal- lenges, including conflicts, low productivity, and inadequate infrastructure.”
Maiha highlighted the ministry’s achievements over the past year, in his speech, including the registration of eight new pasture species and the development of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources.
He also emphasized the importance of rehabilitat-
ing grazing reserves and promoting ranching to reduce conflicts and improve productivity.
The minister urged state governments to allocate suitable land for ranching and settlement of pastoralists, promoting modern practices and reducing conflicts.
He noted that the era of open grazing is unsustainable and a source of persistent conflict.
Maiha emphasized the need for investment in modern infrastructure and technology, including feed and fodder production, processing, transportation, and marketing.
UK, Canada, Australia Launch Campaign Against Visa Fraud
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Diplomatic Missions of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have announced the launch of a coordinated international campaign to combat visa fraud and protect people from exploitation by fraudulent immigration facilitators. According to a statement on Monday, the #FightingVisaFraud campaign was launched during
International Fraud Awareness Week (16-22 November) and represents an unprecedented level of cooperation between the three countries to tackle a shared global threat that costs victims millions of pounds annually and puts vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, financial ruin and legal consequences. The statement read: “Visa fraud and illegal immigration facilitation have reached alarm-
ing levels globally, with criminal networks using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive prospective visa applicants. Victims are often promised guaranteed visas, jobs without proper qualifications, or expedited processing in exchange for exorbitant fees. The reality is financial loss, visa refusals, travel bans and, in the worst cases, trafficking and exploitation.
He noted that this holistic approach will drive food security, job creation, and poverty reduction.
He said the council also discussed the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which aims to transform the sector from a $32 billion to a $74 billion industry within fiveMaihayears.urged stakeholders to work together to achieve this goal, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaborations.
in the digital age. Bello noted that the campaign seeks to expand awareness, advocate for stronger policies, promote equality and respect, and amplify the voices of survivors.
She said while NAPTIP is best known for its anti-trafficking mandate, the agency also addresses a wider spectrum of abuses, noting that through awareness campaigns, survivor rehabili- tation, and law enforcement activities, NAPTIP works to prevent violence and bring offenders to justice.
She highlighted ongoing community outreach programmes as well as partnerships with stakeholders to provide legal, psychological, and social support for victims.
Bello said a major part of the agency’s work revolves around the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, which criminalizes domestic violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, harmful
widowhood practices, stalking, and other forms of violence.
She noted that NAPTIP has consistently championed the enforcement of the Act across states by building capacity among police officers, judicial officers, health workers, and communityMulti-sectoralleaders.committees, including the High-Level Multi-Agency Task Team and the Service Providers Accountability Resource Committee (SPARC), continue to support coordinated implementation nationwide. She however acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly cultural and societal barriers that discourage victims from speaking out. The Director-General revealed that NAPTIP has secured over 40 convictions related to sexual and genderbased violence, including two life sentences, adding that the agency’s Rapid Response Team continues to respond swiftly to emergency reports.
House Decries Rise in Fraud Associated with POS Operations
The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the growing rise in fraud associated with Point of Sales (POS) operations, adding there was a need to address noticeable deep gaps if Nigeria’s digital-finance ecosystem is to be safe, innovative and globally competitive.
The chairman of the Adhoc Committee on the Economic, Regulatory and Security, Hon. Olufemi Bamisile, stated this on Monday in Abuja at an investigative hearing organised
by the committee.
He stated: “Over the past weeks, this Committee has met with regulators, security institutions, digital-asset stakeholders in the digital assets and cryptocurrency sector.
“We have received multiple reports of unprofiled agents, cloned terminals, anonymous transactions and weak KYC practices that continue to expose Nigerians to financial loss and security risks.
“The Committee is also worried about the lax or sometimes prohibitive regula-
tory requirements that shape your operations - including the geotagging directive, which has operational implications for agents, and the uneven enforcement of profiling standards across the sector.
“There is another issue the Committee must place on record today. We have received allegations and cred- ible information that some POS operators have now ventured into the business of digital assets, including crypto-related services, for which they are not licensed.”
Olukolade insists technology indispensable in managing modern crisis ADC says Tinubu’s withdrawal of police from VIPs mere political grandstanding Akinyemi urges president to suspend military retirement rules, declare nationwide emergency NARC offers solutions to national security challenges
Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke in Abuja, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Sylvester Idowu inWarri and Okon Bassey in Uyo
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abass, has said the prevailing security challenges in the country require societal approach.
Abass maintained that the Nigerian Navy needed the communities, while communities also needed the Navy, so, “it is symbiotic.”
Abass spoke yesterday during his maiden familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta) in Warri.
He declared: “We cannot do without the community people and the locals cannot do without the Navy. They are the locals, and they know who is who in a particular area.
“We do not have other options than to work with them because we get information or intelligence from them.”
The naval chief said the Nigerian Navy conducted regular medical rhapsody as well as distribution of palliatives to the locals in order to bring them closer.
He assured the people that the Nigerian Navy would continue to maintain the existing peace in the maritime space.
The CNS was received by Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu.
Speaking to journalists, Abass stated that there had been great improvement in the security situation in the Niger Delta.
He said the development
had led to increase in crude oil production and, by implication, more foreign exchange.
He stated, “The Nigerian Navy will continue to do everything possible to maintain the peace we have within our maritime environment to enable legitimate businesses to thrive.
“Of course, Nigeria relies heavily on crude oil production, particularly in the Niger Delta region, and Delta is home to most of the offshore assets.”
Addressing the personnel earlier, the CNS urged them to always maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in their conducts.
He also urged the personnel to work in line with the core values of the Nigerian Navy, which, according to him, were professionalism, integrity and teamwork.
The naval chief reminded the personnel that they were the custodians of the maritime environment, where crude oil wasAbassexplored.assured them that hard work will always be rewarded while indiscipline will be severally sanctioned.
Technology Indispensable Pillar in Modern Crisis Management, Gen Olukolade Asserts
Chairman of Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), said technology had become an indispensable pillar of modern crisisOlukolademanagement. said contemporary security threats had outgrown traditional response mechanisms
and now demanded technologydriven strategies.
Speaking at the National Symposium on Digital Innova- tions in Crisis Communication in Abuja, the ex-Director of Defence Information explained that real-time data analytics, digital communication platforms, surveillance tools and artificial intelligence now played a vital role in anticipating, mitigating and responding to crises.
He stressed that nations hoping to stay ahead of emerging threats must prioritise technological advancement, capacity building and inter-agency collaboration, as these elements were key to improving situational awareness, expediting decision-making, and protecting national stability.
According to him, rapid and reliable information are often the difference between life and death during emergencies.
Olukolade stated, “Whether a crisis occurs in a remote community, an urban commercial hub or across the digital landscape, the survival of affected populations depends on timely and accurate information.
“Effective crisis communication determines how quickly people react to warnings, how institutions coordinate and how society recovers. It is no longer a supporting function but a strategic national security asset.”
Olukolade added that yesterday’s communication tools were no longer capable of addressing today’s emergencies.
ADC to Tinubu: Withdrawal of Police from VIPs Mere Political Grandstanding
African Democratic Congress (ADC) dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s withdrawal of police
officers from Very Important Personalities (VIPs) as political grandstanding that would not yield any meaningful results in combating the crisis of insecurity in the country.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC said resorting to the same old move confirmed the government’s lack of appreciation of the complexity of the security situation in the country and what needed to be done.
ADC called for a holistic national security strategy that would integrate all security agen- cies as an all-inclusive counterinsurgency force.
It said the announcement was never a solution to the security crisis facing the nation.
Abdullahi stated, ‘’While the directive makes for good headlines, it is not new and demonstrates the government’s
lack of understanding of the true nature and complexity of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. A country battling terrorism, banditry, mass abductions, and violent crime cannot afford to confuse public relations for policy.
‘’To start with, this is not the first time we are hearing this from the APC government. In 2025 alone, such order has been given twice by the IGP, whom we believe was acting on the directive of the President. But nothing happened.”
The statement added, ‘’Nevertheless, even if the president succeeds in relieving the police of VIP duties, we must face the bigger concern that by their training, mentality and orientation, these policemen are ill-suited and ill-equipped for the desperate emergency that we face.
Continues online
NADF, Partners Flag-off Financing Initiative for 12,000 Women Farmers in Oyo
James Emejo in Abuja
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has officially flagged-off its blended on-lending financing for women farmers in Oyo State.
The initiative, supported by Mastercard Foundation and IDH, aimed to empower 12,000 young women in cassava cultivation in its first phase, with plans to reach 45,000
women by the end of the programme.
The Executive Secretary, NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said, “This collaboration seeks to support the working capital needs of Psaltry International Company Limited through the cultivation of cassava by a dedicated network of farmers, while complementing Mastercard Foundation’s financing of the farmers’ input requirements.”
Represented by NADF General Manager, Corporate Services, Mr. Abiodun Sosanya, he stressed that the programme ensures timely access to quality inputs, guarantees markets through backward integration, reduces production costs through subsidised lending, and promotes value addition of locally grown cassava.
Ibrahim stated that the initiative also aligned with the food security and sovereignty
drive under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, demonstrating how structured agricultural finance can support national priorities. Under the NADF Blended Finance On-Lending Programme (NADFBFP), NADF is contributing N798 million, representing 51 per cent of the total funding, while the Mastercard Foundation provides 49 per cent.
L-R: State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mrs. Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo; Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lanre Ogunlowo; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Atimibara Digitemie; and Commandant, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Brig. Gen. Godwin Nwamba, during a security meeting with the governor in Iperu, yesterday
INSPECTION AND INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF OLOKE TORO-TORO AREA CDC...
L-R: Chairman, Asese Area Community Development Committee (ACDC), Mr. Lawrence Oyelakin; Ogun State Government Official, Mr. Ibrahim Afolabi; Baale Oloke Toro-Toro, Chief Sunday Ayinde Ogundipe; Zonal Chairman, Engr. Adeleke Gboyega; Chairman, Oloke Toro-Toro (ACDC), Engr. Arthur Okorho; Ogun State Government Official, Mr. Jimoh Jamiu; and Bishop Babatunde Odukoya, at the Inspection and Inauguration Ceremony of Oloke Toro-Toro Area Community Development Committee held at Oloke Toro-Toro, Ogun State, last Saturday
Ex-VP Atiku Abubakar Formally Joins ADC Faction
clarifies his membership status, says registration unauthorised
Chuks Okocha and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has formally reg- istered with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a member.
His declaration was made public yesterday through a post on X, where the former PDP
presidential candidate also released photographs of himself receiving his ADC membership card and a customised “Waziri 01” jersey.
The brief but symbolic registration ceremony held in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, drew a sizeable crowd of supporters, party chieftains and community stakeholders,
who thronged the venue to witness the event.
In the images, Abubakar was seen holding up his membership form as jubilant supporters recorded the moment.
“It’s official. – AA,” he wrote, finally ending months of speculation surrounding his political future since his disengagement
from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on whose platform he had been a towering figure for years.
His switch to the ADC came days after insiders hinted that he would use his birthday visit to Adamawa to seal his new political alliance, a visit that also featured several community engagements.
Ogun State to Document Foreign Workers, Monitor Scavengers over Rising Insecurity
70 foreigners from Niger, Chad, Sudan arrested
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday disclosed that a new security arrangement would be put in place to secure the state in view of the recent spike in banditry, terrorism and other crimes in parts of the country.
The governor said the government would begin the documentation of all undocumented foreign nationals working with multinational companies operating in the state.
He also said new nonindigenes entering the state for the first time would undergo proper screening by their community leaders to ensure they were not used to orchestrate violence, stressing that government must know their purpose and means of livelihood.
Addressing journalists at Iperu after a security meeting, Abiodun said the measures formed part of proactive steps to safeguard lives and property across the state.
He revealed that about 70 foreigners, mostly from Niger Republic, Sudan and Chad, had been arrested in recent days after failing to provide clear explanations for their presence in the state.
“The law enforcement agen- cies have arrested, within the last three to four days, about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot even speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here.
“We are going to process these individuals with the
ASUU, NUT Say Education Under Attacks
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Two key unions in the Nigeria’s education sector, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) have said the country’s educational system faced serious challenge, resulting from unabating insecurity to gross under funding by government.
Speaking to journalists in separate interviews at the opening
session of this year’s Harmattan School organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), ASUU president, Prof. Chris Piwuna and NUT President Comrade Audu Titus Amba, expressed concerns over the upsurge in attacks, killings and kidnapping of teachers and students in some parts of the country. Responding to a question on the recent security challenges facing educational institutions in Nigeria, ASUU president said
the attacks on the education sector is two-pronged. One by the government and another attack by bandits, who were kidnapping children from across the states.
“Yes education in Nigeria is under attack. It’s under attack by bandits in the bush and bandits in the government houses, mansions in city centers. So while the bandits are attacking and killing us instantly, our leaders are attacking and killing education installmentally,” Piwuna said.
Nigeria Immigration Service. We will also be calling on our non-indigene communities to be more vigilant so that we know who is here and why they are here,” he said.
The governor, who expressed concern over the activities of scavengers, noted that they now posed greater security threat than before.
Speaking after picking the ADC membership card, Atiku, said, ‘’Now I have picked my membership card of the ADC. Now, the real opposition has begun. We will work in concert with other leaders of the opposition and Nigerians to chase the APC out of government.”
He called on his support- ers and all those desirous of ushering in the vanguard to reclaim and rebuild Nigeria to take the cue and register with the ADC.
Adamawa State ADC Chairman, Hon Shehu Yohanna, who joined Sen Yar’Adua to perform the registration, said Atiku’s registration signaled the unveiling of statewide registration of members into the party in all the Local Governments and Wards of the state.
He called on citizens, especially youths and women to take advantage of the opportunity to join the party across the nation.
Senator Sadiq Yar’Adua
re-echoed the call, urging Nigerians to ensure they register to Meanwhile,vote.the national leadership of the ADC, has clarified the membership status of Atiku, stating that his recent registration at his ward was not conducted by officials recognised by the party’s national headquarters. The party emphasised that it has repeatedly advised Atiku to complete his membership registration with the duly constituted and authentic ward executives in his locality, a step he has yet to take.
In a statement by the Direc- tor of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher O. Okechukwu, the party described the development as a violation of its constitution and established procedures.
“This registration was conducted through individuals who are not recognised by the ADC National Headquarters and therefore lack the authority to register new members.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Nigerians to disregard purported congresses by the Kwankwasiya Movement led by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing it as unconstitutional.
In a statement by its National Secretary, Mr Ogini Olaposi, the party stated that the NNPP Court ordered congresses had been held and concluded.
The Kwankwaso-led group,
in a letter to INEC, had informed the commission of its plans to conduct fresh congresses cum convention, beginning from today, November 25, to January 2026, for the NNPP.
The party stated that the group could not conduct congresses on its behalf as the Memorandum of Association entered into with it in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election had long expired
The party noted that Kwankwaso, the NNPP 2023 presi-
dential candidate, and some members of the Kwankwasiya group remained expelled from its fold for anti-party activities.
“We are still amazed that a man of Kwankwaso’s standing will insist on hijacking a party that gave it a soft landing to contest the 2023 presidential election for free,” the statement stated.
The NNPP stated that INEC must live up to its responsibilities by obeying Court orders and uploading the authentic leadership of the party on its website.
PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
James Sowole in Abeokuta
UNVEILING OF NCTC’S STRATEGIC PLAN, 2025–2030...
L-R: Senator Titus Zam; Executive Director, Public Sector Directorate, First Bank, Mr. Shehu Aliu; Senator Diket Plang; Senator Tony Nwoye; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka; Senator Patrick Ndubueze; Senator Sama’ila Kaila; and Senator Eteng Williams, during the official unveiling of NCTC’s Strategic Plan, 2025–2030, and fund-raising… yesterday in Abuja
Atmosphere in South-east Still Strained over Kanu’s Conviction, Declares S’East Caucus
The Southeast Caucus of the House of Representatives has lamented that despite numerous calls for calm, the atmosphere in the region remained strained due to the conviction of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The caucus added that the continued detention of Kanu has contributed significantly to tension and agitation in the Southeast.
After extensive deliberation, the caucus resolved to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider a political and humanitarian intervention, using the constitutional powers granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, to grant pardon to Kanu.
The caucus led by Hon. Iduma Igariwey made the call while briefing the media after its meeting.
The lawmaker said as elected representatives, they reaffirmed their total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction.
However, the caucus stressed that their responsibility also required them to speak with clarity when a legal matter evolved into a broader national concern with serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences.
“The continued detention of Mazi Kanu has contributed significantly to tension and agitation in the Southeast. Despite numerous calls for calm, the atmosphere remains strained.
“A presidential act of mercy at this time has the potential to de-escalate tensions, restore normalcy, and reduce the cycle of security operations and civil resistance,” Igariwey stated.
Beyond its political nature, the caucus claimed that this matter has taken a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general population.
It noted that the Southeast has experienced profound social disruptions — closed markets, interrupted school-
ing, reduced commercial activity, and Furthermore,fear.it stressed that a political resolution would ease these human burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life, emphasising that Nigeria has, in critical moments, relied on presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate peace.“Indeed, the authors of our constitution conceived of Section 175, in anticipa- tion that the bare dictates
of the law may sometimes prove insufficient in tackling complex legal issues that are better handled politically via Presidential discretion.
“It is our belief that an act of clemency by the President would resonate deeply across the country as a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership that prioritises healing over divi- sion. It would send a clear message that dialogue is still possible, even in difficult circumstances.
“Finally, the Caucus
believes that the release of Mazi Kanu, through pardon, would open space for broader engagement between the Federal Government, elected leaders, and community stakeholders to chart a sustainable and peaceful path forward.
“Therefore, in the spirit of national healing, unity, and responsible leadership, we respectfully urge the President to consider this request as an investment in Nigeria’s long-term peace and cohesion.”
Lamido: Govs Hindering My Chairmanship Bid
Okocha
Former Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido,
has accused governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of blocking
Jail Term: UK Refuses Request by Nigerian Govt for Ike Ekweremadu’s Transfer Home
Says it’s not sure he’ll serve his full time
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The government of the United Kingdom, has turned down Nigeria’s request for the transfer of former Deputy Senate President (DSP), Ike Ekweremadu, currently serving jail term, to Nigeria. THISDAY learnt that the UK government has declined to transfer Ekweremadu to Nigeria because it was not sure the Nigerian government would ensure Ekweremadu fully served out his prison term in EkweremaduNigeria.was in 2023, sentenced to nine years and eight months imprisonment,
for offences bordering on organ trafficking.
The London Metropolitan Police had in June 2022, arrested Ekweremadu, his wife and Dr Obeta, after a man was falsely presented to a private renal unit at Royal Free hospital in London, as a cousin to their daughter Sonia.
The man said to be about 21 years old was allegedly promised work in the UK. He however reported the matter to the police stating that he was brought to the country for an organ transplant.
The UK government immediately arraigned the
former DSP alongside his wife, Beatrice, and a Medical Doctor, Obinna Obeta, for conspiring to arrange the travel of a young man to the UK in order to harvest his organs.
They had planned to transplant the organ of the young man to Ekweremadu’s daughter, Sonia, who was receiving treatment in a private unit of an NHS hospital in the UK.
While Beatrice bagged four years and six months jail term, Dr Obeta was jailed for 10 years.
Meanwhile, Beatrice who has since been released from
custody returned to Nigeria in January this year.
However, President Bola Tinubu’s administration had earlier this month, sent a high-level delega- tion to London to discuss the possibility of bringing Ekweremadu to Nigeria to complete his jail term in a correctional center in the country.Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his counterpart in the Justice Ministry and Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, were among key members of the delegation.
his attempt to contest for the party’s national chairmanship.
Lamido made the allega- tion in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, saying the governors refused to give him a nomination form and also ignored a court order that directed the party to allow him to contest.
He said the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, personally called him and asked him to step down because the governors believed he would be too independent if elected chairman.
“Bala, the governor of Bauchi, called and said, ‘My elder brother, you are stronger than us. If we make you chairman, we can’t influence you.’
He said he responded by reminding the governor of the party’s long history. “I told him, ‘When
PDP was formed, you were not there. The party with history should not be controlled by one person’.”
Lamido explained that despite securing a court order compelling the PDP to allow him into the race, the governors still refused to obey it and instead filed an appeal.
He, therefore, rejected the leadership that emerged from the recent convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where Tanimu Turaki was named national chairman.
He described the entire process as unacceptable.
“That convention is null and void,” he said.
The former governor urged senior stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to intervene and help reorganise the PDP.
He said the party needed to return to its founding values to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and development.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Chuks
in Abuja
Ewi’s 35-yEar Coronation annivErsary...
L-R: Leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe (Aladesanmi III); his wife and Eyesorun of Ado Ekiti, Olori Margret Abosede; Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji at the thanksgiving service to mark the monarch’s 80th birthday and 35-year coronation anniversary at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesha, Ado Ekiti… Sunday
Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria. This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
“The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected popula- tions in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms,” the government noted.
In return, he said the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
“The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solutiondriven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt,” the federal government stated.
The federal government restated its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urged citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.
Both countries, according to Onanuga agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.
BACK PAGE CONTINUATION
Aside from Ribadu, members of the delegation included Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA.
Besides, the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, in a state- ment released from his office, acknowledged welcoming a delegation of security leaders from the Federal Republic of Nigeria led by Ribadu, to the Pentagon.
“Both leaders discussed ways to make tangible progress on stopping violence against Christians in Nigeria and combating
T H e Dr A m A Of Ab D uc TIO n S An D Impun ITY
Wilson Centre, with practical, field experience of security and conflict issues across African states. Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked: “Can you tell me under what authority the US military strikes inside of Nigeria? Congresswoman Sara Jacobs concluded that Trump is “reckless.”
But when at the same time you listen to Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Evangelist Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo of the Church of Christ Nations in Nigeria (COCIN), the complexity of the Nigerian situation is presented in more graphic terms. Meanwhile, Sheik Gumi says terrorists must be protected, and that Christians in the Middle Belt are burying empty coffins for propaganda purposes. What exactly does he mean by that? Closer to the truth is the observation that all persons of faith, Christians, Muslims and animists are under threat in Nigeria. There is conflict and disaffection because the Nigerian government has failed its own people. It is not outsiders who will solve Nigeria’s problems, but Nigerians themselves. Outsiders may help, but to rebuild this country will require the commitment of everyone on the basis of unity, equity and justice. Those who are beating the drums of war do not realise that no country easily survives a religious war without deadly atrocities. Nigeria needs to be set on a different path of renewal, reform and survival. The latest that we have heard is the promise by President Tinubu that Nigeria will become a place of safety under his watch. This is not the time for rhetoric. This
is the time for visible, measurable action, not propaganda. As part of new things to come, the President has now directed that about 30,000 more policemen should be recruited. We need more than that. Nigeria does not meet the UN ratio of one policeman per 450. The existing number of about 371, 000 policemen does not meet the national need. Besides, having more policemen is not enough. There has to be a complete overhaul of the present system in terms of attitude, ethics and orientation. The President directed that policemen should be withdrawn from VIP protection duties. About a third of Nigerian policemen are actively on duty serving so-called important personalities. This is an aspect of police duty that has been thoroughly abused. In the midst of the collapse of everything important, Nigerian policemen have been reduced to bag-carriers for the wives of rich persons, escorts for persons parading dubious wealth, houseboys for side chicks spotting Brazilian bums, and yes men to the privileged class. It is easy to hire a policeman in Nigeria once the pay is right. President Tinubu is the first sitting Head of State and Head of Government to issue a directive that this must stop and the police must return to their core duty of protecting lives and property. The average Nigerian police man is not going to like this. It won’t be so easy to change the houseboy orientation of the Nigerian policeman. Carrying bags and running errands for rich wives and husbands, and the nouveaux riche is a far more profitable and established police engagement. It is far better than being asked
West African jihadist terrorist groups. Secretary Hegseth emphasised the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians and conveyed the Department’s desire to work by, with, and through Nigeria to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States,” the statement said.
S’West Govs Back State Police, to Launch Regional Security Fund
Similarly, Governors of the Southwest geo-political zone, yesterday, met in Ibadan, Oyo State and took far-reaching decisions, including that the idea of state police “can no longer be delayed” and unveil a new regional security architecture to safeguard lives and property across the zone.
The governors while meeting
inside the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, deliberated extensively on security, economic development, agriculture and regional integration.
The communique of the meeting was read by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Among those in attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi and the host governor, Seyi Makinde.
In the communique, the Forum commended President Bola Tinubu for his intervention in national security and urgent rescue missions in other states,
to stand at hotspots to look out for criminals. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has now been tasked with the assign- ment of VIP protection. The Civil Defence is a para-military institution. Its men and women would require training and re-training. The entire civil defence system has to be reformed and upgraded, and the welfare of the officials must be prioritized. There would have been no need for VIP protection by the way, if Nigeria had been made a true place of safety. No Nigerian life should be more important than the other. In an attempt to be seen to be doing something, President Tinubu has taken some steps to give us the impression that he is actually doing something, but these measures do not go far enough. What Nigeria needs is not ad hoc, temporary responses but a far more comprehensive response to the security threats in the land, and a proper articulation and understating of government’s responsibility. Trump’s constant heckling, irritating as it may seem, should be seen as a wake-up call and a call to action. He is looking for a Nobel Peace Prize, and he thinks he can add Nigeria to his credentials. We have a problem to solve. The extant practice of allowing military officers and policemen to retire after 35 years of service or upon the attainment of 60 years of age should be reviewed. Those who are already in retirement but are still strong enough to serve, and there must be many of them, should be recalled to service. They have the experience, the know-how, and the institutional memory that can help at a time
expressing solidarity with the federal government over the recent kidnap incidents in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara States.
“The Forum commends Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and vari- ous economic reforms and other developmental agenda,”he said. The governors also expressed support following recent abductions in northern states, praising the rescue efforts undertaken by federal authorities.
“The Forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings. The Forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State.”
of crisis. Nigeria is one of the few countries that I know that deliberately throws away its people of knowledge. We have adopted the same approach to tackle insecurity for decades: things only get worse. Over three years ago, the United States, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and our own Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provided names of terrorism sponsors in Nigeria. We did nothing. We reported nothing. It is time to think out of the box. Policemen may be distracted, but our soldiers who have been mobilised in civil aid, to do police work, are overburdened and over-stretched.
Political will is missing. The politics of expediency frustrates the attempt to make Nigeria a safe place either for children or adults. The Tinubu administration must resolve to fight criminality. Nigerian bandits are too bold. They challenge the Nigerian state. They act with impunity. They are emboldened by the payment of ransom and the sad spectacle of members of the legislature and government, arranging meetings with them and making deals. These are criminals who do not deserve the attention we give to them, the deals that communities strike with them, and the adoration that they receive. Any politician or government official who sits with terrorists to discuss any deal, should be treated as a terrorist, and brought to book along with his accomplices under the laws of the land. It is the Nigerian government that should go “guns-blazing” not Trump, not the US, not anyone else!
NPFL: Kano Pillars Earn First Win of the Season against Ikorodu City
Katsina Utd also beat Enyimba in Ilorin
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Kano Pillars recorded their first victory of the 2025/26 NPFL season on Monday evening with a 2-1 defeat of Ikorodu City at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina their adopted home after they were banished from Kano.
Although still stuck to the
bottom of the Nigerian topflight league on nine points from 14 matches, Kano Pillars are suffering from the consequences of the hooliganism of their fans as they were ducked three points and three goals early in October.
Ageless Rabiu Ali opened scores for the Sai Masu Gida after just three minutes into the clash with Ikorodu City who
were chasing a win to tie table topper Nasarawa United.
Olakunle Alaka doubled the lead on the half hour mark.
Joseph Arumala however reduced the deficit for Ikorodu City late in the first half but was not enough to earn the Lagos team a share of the spoil on the road.
With just four points separat-
ing Pillars from the two other bottom teams that included Bendel Insurance and Barau FC, it remains to be seen how the darling team of Kano State will navigate Its way away from the drop zone even before the season enters half way mark.
Elsewhere, Katsina United who are also suffering from the same sins of unruly fans
snatched a 3-2 win in a thrilling NPFL match-day 14 encounter in Ilorin Katsinayesterday.
United led 1-0 at half-time courtesy of Jamilu Yusuf’s 32nd minute strike.
Uche Collins doubled their advantage six minutes after the break.
Enyimba however reduced the deficit through Stanley Dimgba
on the hour
Collins restored Katsina United’s two-goal lead two minutes later.
Enyimba netted their second of the game in the 64th minute through Issah Mohammed while the Aba Elephant could not muster the much needed equaliser to at least earn a point from the trip to Ilorin.
Team Nigeria Storms Egypt for World Karate Championship
Team Nigeria departed the country yesterday afternoon for the World Karate Championship scheduled to hold from Thursday, November 27 to November 30, 2025 in Cairo, Egypt.
Nigeria will be proudly represented by five exceptional athletes who have shown remarkable dedication, discipline and competitive excellence.
According to Hajiya Zainab Saleh, a Board Member of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, the athletes have trained really
hard in preparation for this global showcase.
“The nation is confident that they will demonstrate outstanding performance on the world stage,” observed the board member.
The athletes will be led by Coach Efezino Akpotu while Olusegun Abode is leader of delegation.
Four of the female athletes to watch in Cairo, Egypt, include; Ngozi, Godfirst, Constance and Ujunwa who have been consistent contenders at the annual Zainab Saleh International Female Open Karate Championship, the brainchild of Hajiya Zainab Saleh, Board Member of the KFN who has empowered and elevated female karatekas in Nigeria.
Will Leverkusen Ruin Guardiola’s 100th UCL Game as
Manchester City will host Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League tonight, aim- ing to maintain their unbeaten start to the top tier European competition. They are fourth in the group phase table and victory against the Bundesliga side will consolidate their place in the top eight as they seek a direct path into the knockout stages.Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen is not likely to be on duty as Galatasaray welcome Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise (known simply as Royale Union SG) to Rams Park in Istanbul
City Manager Tonight?
where the Turkish champions are unbeaten since August 2024. A win tonight with temporarily make Gala level with table topper Bayern Munich on 12 points. Bayern are playing in the blockbuster clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium onTuesday’sWednesday.contest will be Guardiola’s 100th as City manager in the competition, with the crowning moment
coming in 2023 when they lifted the trophy after beating Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul.
But they have also had near misses, losing the 2021 final to Chelsea and being beaten by Real Madrid in the semi-finals the following year when the La Liga giants scored three late goals in the second leg.
“I realise I’m getting old. Every weekend is a milestone,” said Guardiola while referencing
the fact that Manchester City are the only English team to qualify for the past 14 Champions League“Everycompetitions. season we have been there and hopefully next season we will be there too,” he added.
“It’s special for the players, managers and everyone. To challenge yourself with the best teams in Europe is incredible, a huge experience. For the club, in terms of repetition, prestige, financial issues, it’s massively important.
Arise News Correspondent Appointed as Kogi SWAN Caretaker Chairman
Oyewale in Lokoja
The Kogi State Correspondent of Arise News, Odimayo Olatunde Fredrick, has been appointed the Caretaker Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kogi State Chapter.
Odimayo’d appointment dated November 13, 2025, was conveyed in a letter signed by the SWAN General Secretary, Ikenna Okonkwo, copy of which was made available to Journalists in Lokoja on Sunday.
Also appointed was Bashiru Opaluwa, who will serve as
the Caretaker Secretary of the association in the state.
According to the appointment letter, the decision followed the expiration of the tenure of the previous State Executive Committee and was made in accordance with SWAN’s statutory provisions.
FIFA, Saudi Fund for Devt to Support Poor Member Associations on Infrastructure
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allocate up to $1 billion (USD) in concessional loans for the construction and rehabilitation of sports stadiums and essential surrounding infrastructure in developing countries around the world.
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to support developing nations in strengthening their sports
ecosystems as part of broader efforts to advance social and economic development.
The aim of the initiative is to help bridge the gap between nations with world-class facilities and those without in FIFA’s 211 MAs worldwide.
The programme will prioritise developing nations and their respective FIFA Member Associations (MAs), helping them invest in facilities that drive growth, create opportunity, and inspire participation at every level.
mark.
L-R: Oluwaseun Olorunbe, Ngozi Loveth Okoro, Godfirst Orie Ukoha-Sampson, Ujunwa Caroline Nwankwo and Constance Tamunodiepreye Abode shortly before the team’s departure for the tournament from Lagos ... yesterday
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino (right) and Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) shortly after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two bodies...recently
Ibrahim
AT ThE 2025 KpmG DATA pRiVACY
ConFEREnCE...
L-R: Partner, Cyber and Privacy, KPMG West Africa, Mr. Samuel Asiyanbola; Associate Director, Cyber and Privacy, KPMG West Africa, Mr. Olaoluwa Agbaje; Head of Research and Development, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Tolulope Pius-Fadipe; Head, Internet Governance, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ibiso KingsleyGeorge; Group Chief Compliance Officer, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Mrs. Vivienne Nwankwu; Data Privacy Analyst, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Olatorera Oladeji; and Partner and Head, Cyber and Privacy, KPMG West Africa, Mr. John Anyanwu, at the 2025 KPMG Data Privacy Conference held in Lagos… recently
TUESDAY
abati1990@gmail.com
WITH REUBEN ABATI
The Drama Of Abductions And Impunity
Clearly, the most compelling, and confusing development in Nigeria in recent times is the recurring spate of abductions, the reign of impunity and the apparent failure of the Nigerian state to fulfil its obligations to the people, the most primary of this being the declaration in Section 14(2) of the 1999 Constitution that the primary duty of government is to ensure the welfare and security of the people. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pointedly acknowledged this over the weekend when after a meeting with security chiefs and his communications team, he declared that he is determined to make Nigeria safe for everybody. That in actual fact, is his main assignment, not the chest-beating context of his declaration. In the past few weeks, there has been a worsening of the security situation in the country: 24 students were abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, in Maga, Kebbi state, their Vice Principal, Mr. Hassan Makuku was killed; in Eruku, Kwara State, Christian worshippers in a Christ Apostolic Church were attacked on November 18, and 38 of them were abducted by kidnappers who had been lying in wait in the bush. The kidnappers eventually asked for a ransom of N100 million per person, a total of N3.8 billion. While Nigerians, the authorities and the security agencies were still dealing with this, over 303 students were abducted from the St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State. What Nigerians experience today is worse than whatever they had ever seen previously. In 2014, the abduction of Chibok girls came in at a figure of 276. On February 19, 2018,
an additional 110 school girls were abducted by the Boko Haram from the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, in Yobe State. Nearly all of them were freed, five died but Leah Sharibu remains in captivity till today. She was the only Christian among them. Over 80 Chibok girls are also still in captivity. The situation has worsened. The over 303 children kidnapped in Niger state constitute the highest number recorded so far.
President Tinubu was quick to say that all the 38 kidnapped Christ Apostolic Church members of Eruku have now been rescued. How? Was ransom paid? Did the Federal Government, the Kwara state government or the affected families negotiate with the kidnappers? If so, where are the kidnappers? Were they arrested or did the Nigerian state enter into a deal with them in order to put a red lipstick on an already sticky matter? The Nigerian people should not be denied
their right to know, no matter how happy it was to secure the return of the abducted persons, and the spectacle of seeing the church members showing up for service and sermon, on Sunday, November 23, in a courageous re-affirmation of the eschatological principle that the whole enterprise of Christianity is to give hope in this life and the life after, the Lord Jesus Christ having washed away all the sins of the faithful in an act of eternal salvation and redemption.
President Tinubu also boasted that 50 or 51 of the abducted Niger State children have been rescued. In other accounts, it is said that the children escaped on their own; about 253 of them and 12 of their teachers are still in difficult circumstances. There have been similar reports of abductions in Borno and parts of the North West. There is an escalation and it looks ugly.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not create the problem. He inherited it. We have been grappling with insecurity in Nigeria since 2009, and even before then, creating a pattern that throws up the ineffectuality of the Nigerian state, and the utter devaluation, degradation, and the meaninglessness of Nigerian lives. Successive administrations have claimed to be working on the problem, but the tragedy festers.
The trigger as it were for the current frenzy is the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the Trump admin- istration in the United States, on October 31. President Trump says the United States will storm Nigeria with “guns a-blazing.” Twice, he has called Nigeria a “disgraced country”. Once, he has said that Nigerians see everything as a joke. He has also asked the House of Representatives to look into the matter, and the Committee on African Affairs has held a
well-advertised Congressional hearing. To bring guns a-blazing to Nigeria, to withdraw aid and impose sanctions, the end-game implications of Nigeria’s redesignation as “a country of particular concern”, Trump would need the approval of Congress. The main grouse is that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria. Trump and his team, die-hard Conservatives and Christian evangelicals, have turned themselves into defenders of the Christian faith. They want to save Christians in Nigeria. The insult got so bad that even rap artiste, Nicki Minaj, a Trinidadian bimbo was given a platform at a United Nations event to speak about Nigeria. She condemned us, Anaconda-style. It is instructive that the US Congress is split on the matter, and that the Nigerian government is asking for co-operation and collaboration to address a problem that is at best global. Besides, there is much hypocrisy in President Trump’s exertions. Christians are being persecuted in other parts of the world: North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, China, Sudan, Iran, Syria, and Pakistan. Why Nigeria? There has been a number of conspiracy theories in this regard, but much light was thrown up in the presentation at the US Congress, by Ms. Oge Onubogu who sounded a note of warning about the danger of the single story, a narrow narrative, the complexity of the Nigerian situation and its oversimplification. Ms. Onubogu was not necessarily speaking as a Nigerian, but as a subject area expert. She is a senior Fellow and Director of the Africa Programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Previously, she worked in a related capacity at the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) and at the
