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Insecurity: Tinubu Having Sleepless Nights

March 24, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been having sleepless nights over the state of insecurity in the country, according to one of his aides, Abdullahi Yakassai.

Yakassai, the president’s Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement made the remark on Tuesday on Channels Television programme Morning Brief, saying the president has been losing sleep over the problem.

According to him, the president has been up and doing, calling security chiefs to meeting, on how to arrest the problem to no avail, adding that some unscrupulous persons in the country are the ones instigating the problem to discredit the current administration.

He explained that terrorists, bandits and kidnappers are becoming bolder every day, saying they are deploying gorilla tactics which made it impossible for them to be curtailed.

“The security situation in some parts of the country has really been subdued, but there are new tactics emerging, like the one we see in Kwara State—very unfortunate,” Yakassai said.

Adding that “Even the president is having sleepless nights because every week you see him holding a Security Council meeting in the Presidential Villa to address this insecurity.

“It’s very hard to tackle. We have come from a long-standing crisis, and it has been ongoing. You can’t just blame this government for it.

“You wouldn’t know where they come from. I’m telling you, there is a hand in this kind of insecurity issue. We cannot just say it is a coordinated insecurity situation.

“Some elements are against this government and are instigating insecurity to give the new administration a bad name,” he said.

His remarks however comes on the heels of the upsurge of terrorists and bandits attacks in some parts of the country, particularly the northern part.

Recently, suspected Boko Haram terrorists set off bombs in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state killing over 20 persons, leaving over 100 others severally wounded.

Also, suspected terrorists had last Sunday, attacked the ECWA Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 13 worshippers during the weekly service.

Police said some of the abductees have now been rescued.

Oyo 2027: Adelabu Says Sarafa Ali Not APC Consensus Candidate

James Orji

March 24, 2026

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed speculations that the All Progressives Congress, APC, has adopted Senator Sarafadeen Ali as the party’s consensus gubernatorial candidate for Oyo State in the 2027 elections.

Senator Ali, representing Oyo South in the Nigerian Senate was said to have been picked during a meeting by APC stalwarts from the South West during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence last weekend.

Senator Olamilekan Yayi and Obafemi Hazmat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos state was said to have been selected as consensus governorship candidates for Ogun and Lagos states, respectively.

But reacting to the report, on Tuesday Adelabu who, until recently had been touted as President Tinubu’s candidate for Oyo governorship election, for 2027 said it’s untrue that a consensus had been reached on who flies the party ticket next year in the Pacesetter state.

Adelabu’s position follows reports suggesting that party leaders had settled for preferred candidates in Oyo, Lagos and Ogun states as part of early preparations for the next general elections.

The Minister’s spokesperson l, Bolaji Tunji made the remark on his behalf, describing the report as speculative with no iota of truth in it.

According to him, those peddling thd report are only trying to advance their own interests, and also cause confusion in the state.

“At a time like this, especially when the contest is drawing closer, there will be speculation. That is normal in politics. My principal has not withdrawn from the race. People will always try to push narratives to gain relevance or create confusion,” Adelabu said.

I Was Only Invited For Questioning Over Obi’s Visit To Me – Kaduna Islamic Scholar Dismisses Arrest

Ayodele Oni

March 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Ahmad Umar, has clarified that he was invited and questioned by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) over a recent visit by former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He explained that he was never arrested and detained as stated in a post by Obi.

Obi had earlier raised alarm in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, claiming that the cleric was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.

The former Labour Party flagbearer described the alleged development as a worrying indication of shrinking democratic space, expressing concerns over threats to free speech and political expression.

“I have just been informed that respected religious leader Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me,” Obi stated, without identifying the specific security agency involved.

However, in a video that surfaced hours later, Umar dismissed the claim, clarifying that he was not arrested or detained by the DSS.

According to him, he was only invited by security operatives for questioning and was subsequently released.

“I want to correct the misinformation making the rounds. I was not detained by the DSS. I honoured an invitation for questioning, cooperated fully, and was allowed to go. I am safe and in good condition.”

Umar also appealed to his followers and residents of the state to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt public order, stressing the need for peace and lawful conduct.

He further advised citizens to express any grievances through democratic processes, particularly by participating in elections.

“The way forward is clear—get registered, vote, and elect leaders of your choice at the appropriate time,” he added.

South East Youths Condemn Arrest Of Kaduna Islamic Cleric For Hosting Peter Obi

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 24, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders COSEYL, has strongly condemned the recent arrest of a Kaduna-based prominent Islamic scholar and cleric Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar shortly after hosting Peter Obi, the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP.

The Source reports that Obi ,a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress ADC had on Tuesday morning announced the shocking arrest of his host , Sheikh Umar by security operatives on Sunday , describing the development as a disturbing sign of Nigeria’s descent to authoritarianism.

In a statement on his official site, Obi, one of the ADC’s presidential aspirants equally condemned the arrest of the Islamic cleric as representing a very dangerous threat to freedom of speech and movement, as well as a dent on the country’s democratic credentials.

“I have just been made aware early this morning that revered religious leader Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar has been arrested by the authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday”, Obi stated.

Reacting to the development, the COSEYL in a statement issued on Tuesday by its President -General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem and made available to this magazine, described the arrest as not only shocking, but a dangerous assault on the fundamental principles of democracy, civil liberty and rule of law.

“The alleged arrest is anti-democratic, wicked, barbaric and totally unacceptable in any society that claims to uphold justice and freedom.

“COSEYL views this incident ,as a blatant attempt to intimidate citizens.and suppress freedom of association, expression and movement — rights that clearly guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Nigeria is not a police state. No citizen should be harassed, intimidated,or arrested simply for exercising his constitutional rights, or for hosting a guest, regardless of differences on political affiliation.

“Such actions set a dangerous precedent ,and signals a steady drift towards authoritarianism.

“We state clearly that: injustice to one is injustice to all. We, therefore, demand immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar ,as well as a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest”, COSEYL stated.

The apex South East socio-political youth group, also called for an immediate end to all forms of politically-motivated harassment, intimidation and persecution of innocent citizens .

The COSEYL warned that the country’s democratic and governance space must not be reduced to a level where citizens live in fear, owing to their political preferences.

“We must collectively resist any attempt to erode freedom.

“COSEYL remains committed to the protection of human rights , justice and preservation of our democratic values”

Benin Traditional Council Insists No Letter Authorizing Visit Of Social Media Influencer, Peller To Palace

Ayodele Oni

March 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has insisted that Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller) and his manager entered the Oba of Benin Palace uninvited.

The clarification was contained in a press release signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council and made available to journalists in Benin City.

He noted that ordinarily the Benin tradition would not warrant further engagement on such matters, but given the level of misinformation and ignorance displayed by Peller and his manager, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

The Secretary Benin Traditional Council further said that it is a well-known principle in any establishment that the submission of a letter of request and mere stamping or acknowledgement of such a letter does not constitute approval adding that these are standard institutional protocols and administrative procedures.

“For the avoidance of doubt the Benin Traditional Council reiterates that the receipt and stamping of any correspondence by its secretariat only serve as acknowledgment of receipt and do not in any way imply approval by His Royal Majesty or the Benin Traditional Council.

“In the absence of explicit authorization, no visit or activity is deemed sanctioned”, he noted

He subsequently called on Peller and his manager to state publicly whether any formal written approval was granted to them and also pertinent to ask whether their letter of request disclosed any intention to visit any of the Queens.

He, however, stated that as previously communicated, matters arising from the unauthorized visit are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings and also Peller has been invited to the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“The Council will not be drawn into public discourse on issues already being addressed through the appropriate internal channels.”

He informed that the Benin Traditional Council remains resolute in upholding the customs, traditions and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace.

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has “declared wanted” the social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, over an unauthorized entry into Benin monarch palace.

The Palace had suspended one of the Queens, a Palace Chief and a member of staff of Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu who was arrested and charged to court over an unauthorized access to the Palace by a social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller.

EFCC Takes Over Malami’s Abuja Home, Office

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 24, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Attorney General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of illegal and unconstitutional invasion and occupation of both his residence and office.

The Source reports that operatives of the EFCC on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, moved to take over Malami’s Maitama Abuja residence and office premises.

The operatives, heavily armed, led by Folarin Dare arrived at the affected properties in about three buses.

They barricaded the road leading to the affected street – Koranakh Close, off Amazon Street in Maitama District Abuja.

The EFCC had earlier on Monday March 23, 2026, sealed the two properties, said to be part of about 57 choice properties which the Court had earlier granted their interim forfeiture, and are also said to be linked to Malami, his wife and son Abdulaziz.

In a statement from Mohammed Doka, his media aide, the former AGF/Minister of Justice under late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, described the action of the EFCC as utterly condemnable and a total disregard for the rule of law.

According to Malami, the action of the EFCC’ in taking over his residence, citing an already expired court order, is a deliberate attempt to harass , intimidate ,and embarrass him, based on his dissenting political persuasion.

“This is nothing short of a flagrant disregard for the rule of law; a gross abuse of power, and a dangerous precedent in a constitutional democracy.

“It represents a calculated attempt to harass, intimidate, and embarrass me , evidently on account of my political affiliations”, Malami stated.

Giving an insight into what transpired, the former AGF said EFCC officials, accompanied by several security operatives forcefully invaded his Abuja residence and office, and took over the properties.

This is as he alleged that the properties were earlier marked without the presentation of valid court order authorizing the action.

Malami also alleged that in the course of the execution of the illegal action on his properties, two people were arrested and taken into custody by the EFCC.

The former Justice Minister emphasized that the action of the anti-graft agency raises serious questions and concern about the intent, timing and underlying undertones of the operation.

According to him, the case instituted against him in relation to the said properties is ongoing at a Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026) and, therefore, wondered where the EFCC is drawing its authority from.

“The Honourable Court has not made any final determination on the issues in dispute ,and no order authorizing the invasion and marking of the premises was argued and granted.

“The ex-parte order granted on January 6, 2026, was expressly time-bound for a period of 14 days which had already elapsed.

“That order has since lapsed, and cannot, under any stretch of the law, justify the EFCC”s action today.

Malami alleged that at the time of the execution of their action, the EFCC’ officials could not tender a valid court order to justify their operation.

“They failed, refused and/or neglected to produce any such order, underscoring the illegality of their conduct”, the former AGF noted.

However, the anti-graft Commission has insisted that its action is pursuant to an existing court order authorizing the forfeiture of the said properties.

In a statement from its spokesperson Dele Oyewale ,the EFCC noted that the action is in tandem with standard law enforcement procedures ,and primarily aimed at formally notifying the public of the status of the said properties.

“There is nothing illegal about the matter. The attachment, or marking of property that is on forfeiture order is a normal law enforcement action when the court has granted an interim forfeiture.

“The Commission did not raid the property. We are not involved in any of such action; so there is nothing illegal about what we have done”, Oyewale insisted.

El-Rufai’s Bail Application Adjourned For Further Hearing

Ayodele Oni

March 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned hearing on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to Tuesday next week.

The adjournment followed proceedings on Tuesday where both the defence and prosecution presented arguments on whether the ex-governor should be granted bail.

Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, SAN, urged the Court to release his client, citing his constitutional right to liberty and the need to adequately prepare for trial.

However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the weight of the charges against El-Rufai requires caution insisting that granting bail at this stage could affect ongoing investigations.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is prosecuting El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct.

According to the commission, the former governor is facing charges bordering on conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. He is being tried alongside one Joel Adoga

In addition, the ICPC disclosed that a separate case has been filed at a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule.

The stated charges include alleged abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

The anti-graft agency said both cases were instituted on March 18, adding that the former governor had been duly served in line with legal procedures.

El-Rufai’s arraignment follows weeks of legal and public scrutiny after his arrest on arrival from foreign trip by the Directorate of Security Services, (DSS).

IPAC Rejects Electoral Act 2026, Says It’s Major Setback To Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

Ayodele Oni

March 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Political Parties have rejected some aspects of the new Electoral Act, especially direct primaries, mandatory NIN-based membership register submission, and push for compulsory electronic transmission of results.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) which spoke on behalf of of the parties, strongly criticised the Electoral Act 2026, describing it as a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress and calling for its urgent amendment ahead of the 2027 general election.

The IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, spoke at the consultative meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of political parties in Abuja on Tuesday

He pointed out that the new law contains provisions capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process and destabilising the country’s democracy if left unchanged.

Dantalle said the Act, rather than reflecting the expectations of Nigerians who participated in public hearings on constitutional and electoral reforms, had fallen “far short” of democratic aspirations.

He argued that the law has already placed undue pressure on political parties following INEC’s release of the timetable for the 2027 general election, especially for opposition parties and smaller political platforms outside government.

The Independence National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan said the commission convened the meeting to present the draft INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2026 for stakeholder input.

The INEC Chairman pointed out that the review became necessary following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026 and stressed that the commission could not “navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map.”

Amupitan stated that the revised guidelines were designed to align party regulations with the new law and improve transparency in party registration, mergers, operations, primaries, campaigns, election expenses and deregistration.

He noted that the 2027 election timetable is compressed, with presidential and National Assembly polls fixed for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.

INEC chairman also revealed that the commission had embedded measurable benchmarks for the participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities in the new framework.

Amupitan urged political parties to see the draft regulations not as restrictions, but as safeguards aimed at protecting the sovereign will of Nigerians from nomination to final declaration of results.

Japa Syndrome: Delta To Recruit 700 Personnel To Fill Vacancies

Ayodele Oni

March 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

To cushion the depletion of health personnel by the Japa syndrome, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the recruitment of over 700 medical and non-medical personnel as part of a deliberate effort to strengthen healthcare delivery across the State.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, who disclosed this during a press briefing, said the approval underscores the administration’s sustained commitment to expanding the health sector in line with ongoing infrastructural upgrades.

He explained that the recruitment became necessary due to increased demand for healthcare services, following major developments, including the upgrade of General Hospital Warri to a Central Hospital and the near-completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan.

“This approval reflects the government’s proactive approach to ensuring that our health facilities are adequately staffed to meet the growing needs of our population,” Onojaeme stated.

Providing a breakdown, he said 295 personnel would be deployed to the Hospital Management Board, while the Delta State University Teaching Hospital would absorb 120 staff.

The newly established College of Health Technology, Ovrode, is expected to recruit 100 personnel, with Asaba Specialist Hospital and Warri Central Hospital receiving 60 and 12 staff respectively.

The Commissioner noted that the exercise is also designed to mitigate the effects of the ongoing migration of healthcare professionals, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome,” which has created workforce gaps across the sector.

He added that the government’s standing directive to replace exiting personnel has helped maintain operational stability within the system.

Onojaeme further highlighted ongoing efforts to address critical gaps, including the establishment of a State Public Health Laboratory, which is nearing completion.

He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, samples had to be sent to Abuja due to the absence of such a facility in the State.

According to him, a new psychiatric hospital currently under construction will further expand healthcare services and require additional skilled manpower.

On medical technology, the Commissioner revealed that the government has procured three 1.5 Tesla MRI machines, noting that the helium-free systems are more cost-effective and easier to maintain compared to older models.

He also pointed to significant investments in dialysis infrastructure, which have reduced treatment costs to as low as ₦45,000 in some facilities, with further reductions possible through additional interventions.

Onojaeme assured that the recruitment process would be transparent and merit-based, with vacancies to be advertised in national and local dailies.

He said the positions would cover a wide range of professionals, including consultants, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, health technologists, administrators, and support staff.

Wike-backed PDP In Ekiti Disowns Gov. Candidate, Oluyede

Ayodele Oni

March 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

There are indications that the Nyesom Wike backed-Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ekiti State has rejected the governorship candidate of the party, Dr Wole Oluyede ahead of June 20 poll.

The rival bloc ably backed by former Governor Ayodele Fayose had, last week, put in place a parallel state executive council headed by Lanre Omolase.

The PDP camp, which aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected assertions by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction, which is backed by several PDP governors, that it remains the recognised leadership in the state and has produced Dr Wole Oluyede as the party’s flagbearer.

The chairman of the Turaki faction in Ekiti, Tunji Odeyemi, said in Ado Ekiti that the congress organised by the Wike-backed group in the state is illegal and of no effect, insisting that it lacked constitutional backing.

Odeyemi maintained that the executive elected on October 1, 2025, still holds a valid mandate, stressing that no court ruling has nullified its leadership status.

Citing a judgment of the Federal High Court, he said the court had affirmed Oluyede as the duly recognised governorship candidate of the party in Ekiti and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to acknowledge him, adding that the verdict had settled previous disagreements over the ticket.

According to the Turaki camp, allegations of leadership change in the state chapter are baseless, as those behind the recent congress are only attempting to distract the party from its preparations for the forthcoming poll.

Reacting, the chairman of the Wike-aligned faction in Ekiti, Lanre Omolase, argued that the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the Abduraham Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee, had effectively resolved all factional disputes within the PDP.

Omolase said that following the collapse of the Ibadan convention, the Turaki faction lost its standing, adding that the National Caretaker Committee had since dissolved the state working committee it recognised as improperly constituted.

He further alleged that the earlier state congress conducted by the Turaki group was flawed and merely involved the sharing of positions among loyalists, describing it as an act of impunity.

The Wike-backed leadership insisted that it was lawfully installed by the national caretaker body before conducting its own congress, which produced a new state working committee.

In a statement jointly signed by Omolase and the state publicity secretary, Femi Phillips, the faction faulted the presentation of Oluyede as PDP’s candidate, saying no official organ of the party in Ekiti had processed or endorsed his nomination.

The statement emphasised that the state chapter had not formally received any aspirant for the governorship race, noting that no individual could supersede the party’s constitution and laid-down procedures.

It added that if Oluyede’s candidature had been validly recognised, he would have featured at official party engagements, including the recent inauguration of the state executive committee.

The Wike-aligned group also claimed that there was no documented proof of Oluyede’s involvement with the recognised party structure in Ekiti, particularly after judgments delivered by the Federal High Court in Ibadan and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The Wike backed faction of the PDP is solely routing for the return of President Bola Tinubu for the second term, while at the state level, it has thrown its support behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

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