London Property: Mike Ozekhome, Allegedly, In EFCC Custody

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 24, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Senior Lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is, currently, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The news of his being a guest at the Commission surfaced hours after a

Federal High Court of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Tuesday February 24, 2026, struck out the alleged forgery case instituted against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria in connection with a disputed London Property.

The striking out of the celebrated case by the Honourable Justice Peter Kekemeke was sequel to its formal withdrawal by the prosecuting legal team from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, led by Rotimi Oyedepo SAN

Oyedepo who is the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, informed the court that the AGF/ Minister of Justice after reviewing the case file, directed its withdrawal pending what he described as ” further instructions” .

The DPPF noted that the application was brought pursuiant of the provisions of Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act .

Justice Kekemeke consequently ruled to strike out the case, the withdrawal application having not been opposed by the defence counsel Chief Paul Erokoro SAN.

But unconfirmed sources told this Magazine that Ozekhome has been picked up by the EFCC and is in its custody. It is not known when he was picked up, and why. But speculation is that the case was not ripe for an arraignment in Court when it was so taken to it; that it should have first gone to the EFCC for investigation before his arraignment in Court if found culpable.

At the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement either from the EFCC or Ozekhome’s legal team.

The Source reports that the development is coming less than one month after the office of the Attorney General of the Federation AGF had applied and successfully taken over the prosecution from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC .

The AGF had precisely on January 26 , taken over the case from ICPC , with a firm assurance that the matter will be prosecuted with the utmost diligence ,the highest standards of efficiency , effectiveness and adherence to due process.

It will be recalled that the ICPC had on January 16 ,2026 filed a three-count charge bordering on alleged forgery against Ozekhome in connection with a London Property linked to the late General Jeremiah Useni.

The anti-graft Commission had accused Ozekhome of intentionally tendering forged documents , including a Nigerian Passport to buttress his claim of ownership of the said property located at 79 Randall Avenue , London NW2 7SX , during proceedings at the London First-Tier Tribunal.

The Senior Nigerian lawyer sought to claim ownership of the property ,which he said was a gift to him from late General Useni .

But his claim was rejected by the London Tribunal on the grounds that it reasonably suspected that false identities and forged documents were tendered pursuant to the bid to claim the property.

“Betrayals, Disloyalty, Have Been Our Lot From My Late Husband’s Friends, Political Allies – Dr. Betty, Late Ondo Gov. Akeredolu’s Widow

By

Ayodele Oni

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February 24, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Ondo State First Lady, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has in a latest Facebook post, narrated how she has been coping with widowhood.

Betty’s husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, a former Governor of Ondo State, died just over two years ago while he was still in office as Governor after a courageous battle with cancer.

She revealed that beyond the pain of losing her husband, she has also endured what she described as “betrayal in its most shameless form” from individuals she and her late husband once considered loyal friends and political allies.

She made the disclosure in a reflective Facebook post on Tuesday, where she recounted her emotional journey following her husband’s death.

Quoting a message she said resonated with her, she wrote, “If they choose someone or something over you, move on. Not everyone you love will stay. Not everyone you trust will be loyal.”

She explained that while she was still grappling with grief, she was confronted with unexpected disloyalty from some individuals within their circle.

“When my husband passed two years ago, I found myself not only navigating grief, but also witnessing betrayal in its most shameless form — from people we had considered friends and political loyalists,” she wrote.

Describing the experience as both shocking and painful, the former First Lady said the combination of grief and betrayal felt “almost unbearable” at certain moments.

“Grief alone is heavy enough; betrayal layered upon loss can feel almost unbearable,” she stated, adding that the experience shattered her assumptions about “loyalty, friendship, and human decency.”

Despite the emotional turmoil, she said she eventually chose healing over bitterness.

“I discovered that holding on to hurt only prolongs suffering, while letting go creates space for peace,” she noted.

Betty explained that writing became her outlet and pathway to recovery, helping her process emotions and regain clarity.

“Writing became my refuge… Each piece I wrote was not just content; it was therapy, clarity, and restoration,” she said.

She declared that she has now moved beyond the painful chapter.

“Today, I can say with sincerity: I am over it. Not because the experiences did not matter, but because I chose not to allow them to define me,” she wrote.

According to her, the experience has reshaped her understanding of leadership and personal strength.

“The strength to rise above betrayal, to heal without bitterness, and to continue serving with clarity and compassion is, in itself, a quiet but powerful form of leadership,” she added.

She concluded her post with a personal affirmation: “I choose peace. I choose growth. I choose forward movement.”

A Breather For Ozekhome As AGF Drops Criminal Charges Against Him

By

Ayodele Oni

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February 24, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Bowing to advice from professional colleagues, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation has dropped the criminal charge filed against, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over alleged forgery.

The withdrawal was announced on Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama.

The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed Justice Peter Kekemeke that the Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF) had decided to take a holistic look at the case and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Following the application, which was not opposed by the defence team led by Paul Erokoro (SAN), the court struck out the three-count charge against Ozekhome.

Ozekhome had been arraigned on allegations bordering on forgery and other related offences in a case initially instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC).

The ICPC had filed a three-count criminal charge against Ozekhome at the FCT High Court in Abuja, accusing him of alleged fraud, forgery and use of false documents in connection with a disputed property in London.

It alleged that the senior lawyer knowingly received a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, which he claimed was gifted to him, and then allegedly used a forged Nigerian passport in support of that claim.

It further argued that both acts contravened provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the FCT Penal Code.

But the AGF’s office had explained that the takeover was pursuant to Section 174 of the Constitution, which empowers the Attorney General of the Federation to institute, take over or discontinue criminal proceedings.

According to Oyedepo, the decision was taken in collaboration with the ICPC and was aimed at ensuring that the prosecution meets the highest standards of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence and compliance with due process.

He said the Attorney General was guided by public interest considerations and the need to instill confidence, fairness and competence in the criminal justice system.

The DPPF further stated that inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption was also a factor in the decision to assume control of the matter.

He assured the court that the rights of the defendant would be protected and that no party would suffer injustice as the office reviews the case.

Oyedepo subsequently urged the court to take judicial notice of the formal takeover of the trial by the Attorney General’s office and sought an adjournment to enable the retrieval and review of the case file from the ICPC.

Justice Kekemeke granted the application and struck out the charge.

El-Rufai Bled In Detention, Wife Prevented From Delivering His Meal – Media Aide

By

Adesina Soyooye

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February 24, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Muyiwa Adekeye, Media Aide to embattled former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has expressed fears over the state of health of his Principal.

El-Rufai has been in the Government custody – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC – for a combined period of eight days, and there is no hope, so far, of when he would be released because the Department of State Services, DSS, has filed charges in Court against him.

But on Monday, Adekeye raised an alarm over El-Rufai, and said he feared for his Principal’s health.

His fears stem from two reasons. The first, according to him is that El-Rufai bled from the nose on Thursday in the custody of the ICPC. Even though he did not disclose what triggered the nose bleeding, if it has stopped, how it was handled, and if he was taken to a hospital, bleeding from the nose is a serious health scare.

Adekeye’s second worry is that the ICPC authorities, allegedly, prevented El-Rufai’s wife from delivering his meal to him in detention.

Adekeye who disclosed these in a statement he issued on Monday reminded Nigerians that El-Rufai has been in custody since he voluntarily reported to the EFCC on February 16, 2026, based on an invitation extended to him by the Commission.

Recall that El-Rufai was granted administrative bail after his interrogation by the EFCC. But was quickly picked up by the ICPC where he has been in custody.

Adekeye said El-Rufai’s continued stay in detention was unjustified.

He added that on the evening of February 17, one of El-Rufai’s wives was prevented from delivering his meal to him directly but was asked to hand it over to an EFCC official for onward delivery.

He, also disclosed that El-Rufai suffered an overnight episode of bleeding from his nose while in detention, an incident his lawyers have cited as part of their concerns over his health and access to family and legal counsel.

The statement pointed out that on the “night of February 18, El-Rufai was transferred from the EFCC to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission without prior notice to him or his legal team.

“Since his transfer, El-Rufai’s lawyers have applied for bail from the ICPC but have yet to receive a response. no remand order has been shown to justify his continued detention beyond the constitutionally permitted period.”

El-Rufai is scheduled to appear in court on February 25 in a fundamental rights enforcement suit he filed against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC and the Department of State Services, seeking an order admitting him to bail.

Adekeye: “The alleged treatment of El-Rufai in detention raises serious concerns about his welfare and the observance of due process as legal proceedings commence.”

Bayelsa Assembly Confirms Ex-Chief Of Staff As Diri’s New Deputy

By

James Orji

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February 24, 2026

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Governor Douye Diri and Pastor Peter Akpe — Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Pastor Peter Akpe

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly, on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Pastor Peter Akpe as the state’s new Deputy Governor.

Before his new appointment, Akpe served as Chief of Staff, to Governor Douye Diri.

His appointment also comes bare two months after the death of former Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died last November after a brief illness.

According to the Nigerian Constitution, a state governor is empowered to nominate a new Deputy in case of the demise of his deputy. The appointment is however subject to the confirmation of the State House of Assembly.

FG Paid N10bn To Boko Haram Terrorists To Secure Release Of Kidnapped Catholic Sch. Students

By

James Orji

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February 24, 2026

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The federal government of Nigeria paid a whopping N10 billion to Boko Haram terrorists to secure the release of students of a Catholic school kidnapped last year, according to Agence France-Presse.

The news agency claimed in a report published on Monday, citing various sources familiar with the issue that N40 million was paid per head, for the release of the over 200 students and staff kidnapped by the group last November.

The magazine reports that the terrorists had in the early hours of November 20, 2025 abducted the students from St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The students were later released few weeks later, but the government was not categorical on the modalities of their release from their abductors.

The Nigerian government has also denied paying ransome to kidnappers, even though critics say such clsims may be far from reality, considering claims by terrorists that they often receive payment from the government to free their victims.

According to the report published by the French new agency, the Nigerian government paid the Boko Haram militants a ‘huge’ ransom of millions of dollars to free up to 230 children and staff the Islamic extremists kidnapped from the Catholic school.

In addition to the ransom paid in millions of dollars by the Tinubu government, the media outlet noted that two Boko Haram commanders were also freed as part of the deal, which goes against the country’s own law banning payments to kidnappers.

Citing two sources, AFP stated that “the total ransom at N40 million per head — around $7 million in total”, while “another put the figure lower at N2 billion overall”.

The $7 million reportedly covered the 230 schoolchildren and an unspecified number of teaching staff, figures that vary among official sources. At a dollar rate of N1,400, the total ransom amounts to about N9.8 billion.

On December 21, 2025, the federal government announced the release of 130 schoolchildren and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger, kidnapped by bandits on November 20.

Fifty of the pupils had earlier escaped between November 21 and 22.

Then, on December 7, the government announced that it had secured the release of 100 of the kidnapped schoolchildren.

Since Mr Tinubu assumed power, hundreds of abductions and killings have taken place.

Prior to the Catholic school pupils’ abduction, 25 young girls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi were abducted by bandits.

The president’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Sahara Reporters

Wike: Odinkalu Mocks Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Says Nigeria Has No Opposition

By

Adesina Soyooye

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February 24, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a Law Professor, Teacher, Human Rights Activist, and a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has dismissed the opposition in Nigeria as a no-show; he said it is non-existent, and dismissed the most known opposition leaders – Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi as weaklings, disorganised and ineffective.

His criticism of them stemmed from their handling of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, elections. “In my view, there is presently no credible opposition in Nigeria.”, he said.

The Professor of Law who spoke Monday night on Politics Today, a Channels programme said the opposition failed to “demonstrate leadership at a critical moment.”

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike.

Odinkalu specifically pointed at the public holiday declared by Nyesom Wike, Minister for the FCT, on the eve of the Council Election held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Odinkalu is of the opinion that the opposition parties missed an opportunity to mobilise supporters in response to Wike’s order.

Odinkalu said that a decisive opposition would have hit the street, organised a rally on Friday to challenge the move and energise its base. But what did the opposition do? Odinkalu said the leaders remained inactive.

He described the opposition Party as “an utter disgrace,” and stated that the “current political climate reflects a lack of seriousness among parties expected to provide checks on the ruling government.”

His words: “I think the opposition forces, you know, the ADC, whoever else; I don’t even know which PDP there is now, if there is any, because Nyesom Wike is APC faction of PDP, it seems to me.

“But the so-called opposition forces, in my view, are an utter disgrace. And I say that with no apologies to anybody.

“Now take an example: Nyesom Wike wakes up on Thursday night after people have started retiring, to declare a public holiday. If I were a member of a political party, and I were a leader of a political party, I would call a rally on Friday. That was a fantastic opportunity for opposition leadership to prove itself.

“If you had political troops on the ground, call a rally on that Friday to dare him and use that to mobilise. What did they do? They were indoors, sleeping.

“It’s difficult to speak to the ineptitude of political opposition in Nigeria. They are not serious. And I think anybody who looks at the system has got to say that, at the moment, there is absolutely no opposition.

“What I do not understand, however, in the face of that, is why the ruling party still feels the need to manufacture the kinds of things it does, from violence to rewriting results to putting one where it should not be, turning hundreds into thousands.

“I do not understand why they feel the need to do that, because there is actually no opposition group.”

Not surprisingly, the APC thoroughly trounced the other parties. It won five out of the six Local Councils at stake. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, won one Council, while the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in which not a few people had confidence in to give Wike and APC a run for its money scored a shameful zero.

President Tinubu: “Why My Govt. Will Establish State Police” – Tinubu

By

Ayodele Oni

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February 24, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has, again, assured Nigerians that his administration will establish state police as part of measures to curb insecurity.

The president affirmed that “Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace.

“We will establish state police to curb insecurity. This is not about politics. It is about practicality. It is about empowering states with the tools to protect their people while strengthening our national framework.

“We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear.’’

A statement by Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy), stated that

the president spoke on Monday in Abuja, when he hosted governors for the breaking of an interfaith fast at the Presidential Villa.

He urged Muslim and Christian leaders in the country to show greater compassion for the poor and underprivileged by pursuing policies that cater to the needs of the majority in the grassroots.

The President, pointed out that the simultaneous periods of abstinence and penitence for both religions underscore a common humanity.

President Tinubu noted that Ramadan and Lent provide opportunities for leaders in both religions to reflect further on the plight of others and to design programmes that will directly impact the livelihoods of many.

“It is a joy and great honour to be with you again this year. To give thanks to the Almighty God for sparing our lives and keeping us together to see another Ramadan.

“A great Ramadan that coincides with that of the Christian faith, Lent. You know what it means: discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience, and strong determination to continue to bridge together, pray together, and love one another.

“For the humility, self-restraint, love for our neighbours, and their service for humanity, I want to thank all of you for what you have been able to get and achieve so far. I thank God for what we have been able to achieve together,’’ he said.

The President stated that more could be achieved, especially in reducing poverty and empowering the youth.

“I didn’t expect this number because some governors are still buried in various congresses and other local government or state-level activities.

“Tolerate everybody and build structure in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice that you are experiencing. Let the young ones breathe too,’’ the President added.

President Tinubu welcomed the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the State House.

“I am glad I can see Abba from Kano. Even though the cap is red, it is not different from that of the Ebonyi State governor. Ebonyi Governor, I saw the crisis on the news, please temper justice with mercy,’’ he stated.

The President commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his magnanimity to both Muslims and Christians during the period of fasting.

“I must refer to the generosity of Prof. Zulum. I saw the layout of the Ramadan outreach for both Christians and Muslims. That is a very good spirit. I watched the story.

“To all of you, I am very grateful because we have seen progress and commitment to duty. But please, I appeal again, let’s go further to embrace the downtrodden, the young ones and all the supporters.

“Let it be all encompassing so that we can spread the development opportunity across to the grassroots and local governments.

“I have seen a lot of progress being made in the States. The reward of hard work is more work, including for my son, the farmer from Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago.

“There are lots of gains and commendations coming from all angles. As long as we stay together, work together, and are determined to rescue this country, the best is yet to come for Nigeria.

“We are out of the woods. Out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up. Let’s help the unemployed. What I promise you will not be postponed. We will establish a state police to combat insecurity. Start looking around you,’’ the President noted.

The President added, “To reach the young man who feels forgotten. To lift the woman who carries her family on tired shoulders.

“To touch the communities at the grassroots, where hope sometimes flickers. Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status.

“I am determined to rescue this country. And as long as we work together in delivering hope to our citizens, the best is yet to come for Nigeria.

“What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed.

“Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman, commended President Tinubu for fostering national unity amid religious and ethnic tensions during an interfaith.

Uzodimma said the simultaneous fasting was divinely inspired.

“It is not often that the Muslim Ramadan fast coincides with the Lent season. The last time was 33 years ago.

“This convergence is a special situation created by God to remind us Christians and Muslims, not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our thoughts and our political activities,” Uzodinma stated.

The governor commended President Tinubu’s leadership: “Mr President, you have brought to bear in the goings on and activities of governance in Nigeria.

“I have been around for some time now, playing politics. Never in the history of this country have we had the opportunity to remove some situations in our political environment.”

Uzodimma highlighted collaborative progress: “You’ve done this and forged national partners in progress with governors.

“There are also challenges with governors. This period of fasting is a holy time that God has enjoined on us to support the less privileged. In your wisdom, you invited us to come and eat together.”

Pastor/Medical Doctor In Alleged N19 Million Fraud, Illegal Sale Of Couple’s Embryo Case

By

Ayodele Oni

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February 24, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A Pastor at Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Durumi, Abuja and Chief Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist/Medical Doctor, John Abebe has been dragged to Court over alleged N19 Million fraud and sale Of couple’s embryos.

The case was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) by the Federal Government.

Abebe was accused in a criminal charge of fraud, criminal conspiracy, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and the alleged sale of a couple’s embryos.

The charges were in suit number CV/005/26 filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against Dr. Abebe and his hospital, Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited.

In the three-count charge, prosecutors allege that Dr. Abebe unlawfully released the confidential medical records of Mrs. Mary Manga without consent, contrary to Section 29 of the National Health Act, 2014.

The government further claims that between January and May 2025, Dr. Abebe, described as a Chief Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, obtained N19 million from the couple under the pretext of being an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) specialist.

He is accused of converting the funds to personal use, an offence punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Prosecutors also allege that the doctor sold the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients, a claim that, if proven, could rank among the most serious fertility-related scandals in Nigeria’s recent history.

The case, currently before Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court, is expected to examine critical issues of medical ethics, as well as the enforcement of health and fraud laws in Nigeria.

We Resisted Attempts To Enlist Boko Haram Members In The Military – SGF Akume

By

The Source

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February 23, 2026

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By Gideon Njoku

The late President Muhammadu Buhari Administration initiated plans to enlist “repentant” Boko Haram members into the Nigerian Military. This plan, did not significantly progress and was finally halted by the President Bola Tinubu Government.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. According to him, attempts to reintegrate members of the Boko Haram were initiated during the previous Administration but was eventually halted. He said: “There were attempts to put them in the Military but that was resisted. That was not done.

Akume, who spoke on Sunday also revealed that most of those behind the killings in were not Nigerians.

He maintained that quite a sizeable number of terrorists on a killing-spree in Nigeria are foreign nationals who, he said infiltrated Nigeria through its porous borders.

Akume spoke while addressing participants at the First Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held at St. Gabriel’s Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.

“Insecurity is a problem not only in this country but throughout the world. Even advanced countries are going through this”, but he described the pattern of killings as tragic. He however, emphasized that the violence and killings did not start with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

To buttress his point that many of the suspects arrested in connection with recent attacks were not Nigerians he argued:

“Many of these people who have been arrested don’t speak English. They speak very poor Hausa, but they speak French. Do we speak French in Nigeria? No

“Those who are doing the killings, most of them are from outside the country. I say what I know to be true based on security reports,” he stated. He said that the Nigerian Government was doing everything to defeat them.

“It is not that we are sitting by; America is cooperating with Nigeria. We are working together.

“The main reason the President was in Turkey was to purchase more armaments. This includes drones. So we are not just sitting idle.”

On the allegations of reintegrating former terrorists, the SGF explained that attempts to reintegrate members of Boko Haram were initiated during the previous administration but did not progress significantly and were later halted.

“There were attempts to put them in the military, but that was resisted. That was not done.”

He, also, assured that such measures would not be reintroduced without due consideration.