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Gov. Sacks Four Aides For Assaulting Councillor

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Governor Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State

By Ayodele Oni

Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Yahaya, has approved the immediate disengagement of four aides, following their alleged involvement in the physical assault of the Councillor representing Shamaki Ward in Gombe Local Government Area.

The affected aides were dismissed after a special committee set up by the state government investigated the incident involving Abdulrahman Sheriff.

Findings of the Committee were corroborated by reports from security agencies, which informed the Governor’s decision.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who conveyed the directive, identified the disengaged officials as Adamu Abdullahi Danko, Senior Special Assistant II (Domestic); Garba Mohammed Mai Rago, Senior Special Assistant II (Political); Rabiu Sulaiman Abubakar, Senior Special Assistant II (Social Media); and Ali Ibrahim Baban Kaya, Senior Special Assistant II (Community Relations).

According to the SSG, the Governor directed that the disengagement takes immediate effect, while the affected officers have also been instructed to hand over all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities without delay.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for violence, misconduct and abuse of office, stressing that any action capable of threatening public peace or undermining confidence in government would not be condoned.

He assured the people of Gombe State of his government’s commitment to the rule of law, accountability and peaceful coexistence, adding that decisive measures would continue to be taken to safeguard public order and sustain the state’s stability.

“With Divine Providence, We Will Build A Nigeria Future  Generations Will Be Proud Of” – Tinubu To Nigerians At Christmas

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu

My Fellow Nigerians,

As we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.

Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.

On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.

As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.

The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society. We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.

For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us.

Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.

That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.

No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.

Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity. We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.

As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.

I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.

With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria-one that future generations will be proud of.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.

Malami Still In EFCC Custody Even After Court Order

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Abubakar Malami
Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN

By Akinwale Kasali

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, still has a the former Attorney General and Minister for Justice under the late President Muhammadu Buhari under its custody even an Abuja High Court granted him bail.

Malami has been in the custody of the EFCC for about three weeks.

Bello Doka, Malami’s Media Aide, revealed that his Principal is still in the custody of the EFCC.

In a statement on Wednesday, Doka described the continued detention of Malami as illegal.

He stressed that Malami was granted bail by an Abuja High Court in an order dated December 23, 2023, but that sadly, he is still being detained by the EFCC.

Doka decried the alleged use of the media by the anti- Graft Agency to push inaccurate narratives about Malami who he said had submitted himself for thorough investigations and met the bail conditions stipulated by the EFCC.

“His continued detention in EFCC facility constitute breach of legal procedures and a blatant abuse of office by the commission who are expected to respect and comply with court orders.

“His continued detention puts the commission on a position of an institution parading herself above the law when no Nigerian is above the law.”

He added that Malami’s media office viewed his further detention after being granted bail by a competent Court as infringement of the ex-AGF’s fundamental human rights.

He raised the alarm that the disobedience of a court order by a constitutionally created body like the EFCC will derail democracy and cast doubts on its ability to do justice to all Nigerians.

“Nigerians and the international community should know that the commission chased away bailiff who took the court order to them and continue to detain Malami in arrant disobedience to court,” he said.

Doka challenged the Commission to arraign Malami before a competent court and stop the alleged media trial and the spread of false narratives.

How Beninois Couple, Accomplice, Murdered TikTok Lover… Police Arraigns Them

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Beniniose Couple
The arraigned Beniniose Couple

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a Beniniose Couple and an accomplice before an Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ Court over the alleged murder of a 45-year-old Man identified as Ayoola Bello.

The suspects — Sunday Sojunu, 35, his Wife, Toyin Sojunu, 31, and an accomplice, Dare Sampson, 32 — were arraigned on Wednesday on a Three-Count Charge bothering on murder.

Magistrate O. O. Adeosun ordered that the Two Male defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, while the female defendant was remanded at the Kirikiri Female Correctional Facility, after rejecting their pleas.

The court further directed that the case file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice and adjourned the matter to January 21, 2026.

It was gathered that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, led by they Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dayo Akinbisehin, arrested the suspects following investigations into the killing of the deceased in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The Prosecutor, ASP Kehinde Olatunde, had informed the Court that the suspects were apprehended on November 24 for their alleged roles in the crime.

According to the Prosecutor, Toyin, a TikTok Content

Creator, met the deceased on the Social Media Platform, and both became friends.

On September 15, she allegedly traveled to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, under the pretext of visiting Benin Republic, and spent two days with the deceased at a hotel.

Toyin was said to have confessed the affair to her husband, after which the couple allegedly planned to lure the deceased to their residence in Ikorodu.

The accomplice was reported to have hired as assassin to assist him in the murder.

The deceased was said to have been held captive, with ransom demanded and received from his family before he was eventually killed.

His remains were later disposed of in a remote area of the State.

The offence contravenes Sections 165, 222, and 233 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Daughter of the deceased, Afusat Bello, who spoke to Journalists at the Court Premises alleged suspicious financial activities shortly before and after her Father’s death.

She said the family had transferred about ₦76,000 to individuals who claimed they would assist with a business arrangement.

According to her, communication ceased after the transfer, and repeated calls were either unanswered or met with excuses.

Afusat Bello further stated that attempts to reach her Father later failed and his phone was switched off.

The family subsequently accessed the account used for the transaction and discovered several unusual withdrawals made at odd hours, which she described as inconsistent with her Father’s financial habits.

She added that a man who later came to collect additional money was identified as being connected to the earlier transaction, raising further suspicion.

The family has called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial dealings and the circumstances surrounding Bello’s death, as they seek justice and clarity.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh Moshood, has however reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to curbing criminality and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the State

CAN Applauds Governor Fintiri For Saving Adamawa Farmer From Hangman’s Noose

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Sunday Jackson

By Akinwale Kasali

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Northern Chapter, has showered encomium on Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for granting full pardon to a Christian farmer, Sunday Jackson,  who was sentenced to death.

Jackson was sentenced to death following a violent attack on his farm by a herdsman during which he killed the armed herdsmen who tried to kill him.

In the state pardon by Governor Fintiri to mark Christmas and New Year  Jackson was fortunate to have been granted clemency. That sparked spontaneous jubilation across Yola, Adamawa State Capital, with residents trooping to the streets to celebrate the development.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri

Reacting to this development, Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman, Northern CAN and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, described the earlier conviction as a miscarriage of justice, saying the governor’s intervention restored public confidence in fairness and the rule of law.

“The grant of clemency brings relief and affirms the principle that self-defence in the face of mortal danger should not be criminalised while terrorists and their advocates walk freely in our society”, the statement said.

Northern CAN said Christmas offers Nigerians “an opportunity for sober reflection on the moral conscience of the nation and the social direction of our country. Christmas calls the nation to peace, justice, compassion and respect for the sanctity of human life.’’

The group commended individuals, faith-based organisations, and community leaders who distributed palliatives and supported vulnerable citizens during the festive season, describing such gestures as “a reflection of enduring values of love and shared responsibility.”

The Christian Group applauded the Federal Government’s recent designation of kidnappers, bandits, and other violent criminal groups as terrorists, saying the move strengthened the national security framework and demonstrated a firm commitment to confronting insecurity.

The Northern CAN praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in the defence of lives and property, urging them to remain resolute until insecurity is decisively addressed.

“The continued existence of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping has caused immense pain to individuals, families and communities, leaving scars that many may never fully recover from,” the statement lamented.

It called on leaders at all levels to uphold justice, equity, and the rule of law, while urging citizens to remain law-abiding and committed to peaceful coexistence and national unity.

“As the nation celebrates Christmas, let us support our leaders, pray for the healing of our land and work collectively for a safer, more just and more united Nigeria,” the statement said.

“Stop Blaming Governors, FG Takes 52% Of Revenue Generated By States” – Gov Radda

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Umar Dikko Radda - Governor of Katstina State

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has exonerated State Governors from the economic woes bedeviling the nation. He disclosed  that the Federal Government controls more than half of the Federation’s monthly revenue.

Radda urged Nigerians to stop blaming State Governors for the State of the Nation.

The Katsina State Governor made the remarks in an interview with Radio France Internationale, RFI, Hausa Service. He explained that the revenue-sharing formula leaves state and local governments struggling to meet rising demands.

He said: “Whenever there is hardship, people blame governors and local governments. But when revenue is shared, 52 per cent goes to the Federal Government. It is the remaining 48 per cent that is shared among the 36 states and 774 local governments,” he said.

He noted that for decades, the Federal Government has received the larger share of federation revenue and questioned the management of those funds.

Speaking further, Radda said: “For decades, the Federal Government has been receiving the larger share of federation revenue. So the question Nigerians should be asking is: “where has the bulk of that money gone?”

As regards Corruption allegation leveled against State officials, Radda sternly warned against generalisation.

“Leadership is about individual integrity. It is wrong to generalise and label everyone the same way. Public office holders would ultimately be held accountable for their actions,” he said.

Following the complains of his administration’s continued investment in Capital Projects despite prevailing economic challenges, Radda emphasised that infrastructure development helps stimulate the grassroots economy through job creation.

“When you execute capital projects, you create jobs and bring money down to the people at the grassroots because labourers earn wages, food vendors make sales, and suppliers benefit,” he said.

He added that the impact of these projects is already visible across Katsina State’s local government areas.

“If you go to the local governments today, you will see a lot of economic activity because funds have reached the communities”, he noted.

Awujale Stool: I Quit! – KWAM1

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KWAM 1

By Akinwale Kasali

Fuji Maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popular as KWAM 1, has withdrawn the suit he filed before an Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode, seeking interlocutory injunction to stop the installation process of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

It would be recalled that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House debunked the claims that the Singer was from its Ruling House and had the right to contest for the Awujale Stool.

KWAM 1 failed to produce substantial evidence that he is from the Ruling House as requested by the Chairman and Leader of the Ruling House.

However, the Fuji Artiste filed a Notice of Discontinuance before the Court dated 22nd December, 2025, following correspondence from the Chairman of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.

Ayinde prayed the Court to record the discontinuance of the suit and make orders as it deems fit.

Justice A. A. Omoniyi of Court 3 in Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, on Monday, refused to grant the motion ex parte brought before it, seeking an interim order to stop the process of the installation of the new Awujale of Ijebuland.

Omoniyi, in his ruling, said the Court does not think an interim order can be granted pending the determination of the substantive suit, relying on Seven Up v. Abiola and City Express v. LASG.

The Court relied on Supreme Court precedent that interim applications must be filed alongside motions on notice.

The Court noted that the applicant has not filed a motion on notice and refers to Order 39 Rule 2, which states that the court must not grant an order ex parte unless there is a motion for injunction.

He said, “Where a procedure is laid down for making an order, that’s the only way to get the order. It is fatal to an application for an interim order to not file a motion on notice.

“Additionally, there’s no undertaking as to damages, which, in a plethora of cases, has been held to be absolutely vital.

“The application fails and is refused.”

The Notice of Discontinuance signed by Dr Wahab Shittu SAN on behalf of the applicant reads this: “Notice that the Claimnant /Applicant herein wholly discontinuance the above suit against the Defendant/Respondent pursuant to Order 23 ( or relevant Order) of the High Court of Ogun State(Civil Procedure) Rules 2024 and under the inherent jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.

“Reasons for Discontinuance

“The Applicant filed this Suit following correspondence from the 2nd Respondent herein 2nd December,2025, which correspondences have been withdrawn.

“The Applicant respectfully prays that the Honourable Court to record the discontinuance of this Suit and make orders as it deems fit.”

Ondo Among States With Lowest Poverty Level – FG

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Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa.

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has said that Ondo State ranks among the States with the lowest multidimensional poverty level in Nigeria.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, disclosed this on Tuesday during a luncheon hosted by Governor Lucky  Aiyedatiwa for traditional rulers at the Government House Banquet Hall, Akure.

According to the minister, while Nigeria’s national poverty rate stands at 63 per cent, with about 30 per cent of the population classified as ultra-poor, Ondo State records a significantly lower poverty rate of 27.7 per cent.

Dr. Doro revealed that the Federal Government had commenced implementing targeted policies and programmes aimed at reducing poverty and empowering citizens to achieve resilience, independence and self-sufficiency.

He added that his ministry would work closely with the Ondo State Government to further drive down poverty levels in the state.

The minister stressed that collaboration with state and local governments remains central to the success of federal poverty-reduction initiatives.

In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation to traditional rulers for their unwavering support, noting that their contributions have been instrumental to the peace, security and development of the state.

“The reason for bringing Kabiyesis to this gathering is to formally thank all of you. We appreciate what you have done and continue to do for our state, our people, and this government.”

He highlighted the importance of traditional institutions, noting that their endorsement during the last governorship election contributed significantly to his victory, which recorded 366,781 votes—the highest in Ondo State’s gubernatorial history.

“Your support ensured that the majority of voters in your domains cast their votes for us. A few did not, which is allowed in politics, but the majority voted because you stood by me,” he added.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the monarchs for their role in maintaining peace and security, particularly in border communities, and for their cooperation with security agencies, which he said has helped make Ondo one of the safest states in the country.

He further appreciated religious leaders for their prayers and support, assuring that the state government remains stable and functional, with all arms working in harmony to prioritise the welfare and security of the people.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Win Opener Against Tanzania

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Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has recorded a 2-1 win over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in its opener at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship in Morocco.

The Super Eagles grouped alongside Tanzania, Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and the Cranes of Uganda is gunning for its fourth AFCON title, and started  brightly with a Win over its East African rival.

Goals from Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Ademola Lookman in each half gave the three-time AFCON title winners the much needed victory.

The West African nation took the lead in the 34th minute from a corner kick to put its opponent on its toes.

Despite taking the lead, the Super Eagles pressed further for the second goal, but several chances went begging, with the Tanzanian Goalkeeper, Foba, denying Victor Osimhen Two scoring opportunities.

At the start of the second half, Osimhen scored a goal, but it was ruled offside.

Tanzanian midfielder, Charles M’Mobwa beat the offside trap to give his side the much needed equalizer.

Less than 10 minutes after Tanzania got its equalizer, a screamer from Ademola Lookman gave the Super Eagles the lead.

The Super Eagles made several attempts to get the third goal, but was denied.

Coach Eric Chelle started the match with Stanley Nwabali in goal, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Osayi-Samuel, and Zaidu Sanusi in defense.

Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman were in the midfield, while Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen led the attack.

With this Victory, the Super Eagles top the Group and will play Tunisia in four days time

Terrorism: Kano Inaugurates 2000-Strong Neighbourhood Watch

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Kano Neighbourhood Watch
Kano Neighbourhood Watch

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf on Tuesday December 23, 2025, informed that the state is presently in talks with neighbouring States of Kaduna, Katsina, and Bauchi, for the formation of a strong cross-border intelligence sharing and joint border operations framework.

This is as he vowed not to yield any part of Kano to the rampaging terrorist elements operating within the Nort West region of Nigeria.

Governor Yusuf who spoke at the occasion of the formal inauguration of a 2000-strong Kano Neighbourhood Watch, noted that his administration is not only out to secure the people, but is committed to enthroning lasting peace in the commercial nerve centre of  Northern region through the provision of employment opportunities for the youths.

The Source reports that the flag off of the local security outfit is coming on the heels of the unprecedented wave of insecurity that has swept through a significant part of the Kano North Senatorial District of the state of late.

Kano which had, before now, was almost, completely insulated from the dastardly operations of terrorists and other criminal elements, however, since  about two months ago, been  witnessing an  orgy of violent attacks, kidnappings and killings in Shanono, Bagwai and Tsanyawa Local Councils of the State.

Much of the  attacks are strongly believed to be launched by suspected terrorist elements from neighbouring Katsina state.

Addressing the newly recruited members of the Neighbourhood Watch on Tuesday, Governor Yusuf informed that the initiative is geared towards taking the fight to the den of terrorists.

According to him, while serving to tackle the scourge of insecurity, the outfit will, at the same time, be a veritable vehicle to enhancing employment opportunities in the State.

He charged members of the guard to leverage their training to confront the emerging security challenges in the State.

The Kano state Governor noted that the initiative represents a pragmatic approach towards professionalizing community security, while at the same time providing a dignifying means of livelihoods for the state’s youths

“We are not just celebrating your graduation, we are inugurating a new chapter in community security and reaffirming our commitment to youth empowerment.

“Lasting peace is built on security and opportunity . An idle mind is vulnerable ,but an engaged  and employed youth is a fortress against crime”,Yusuf stated.

To encourage and motivate them, the security corps members, according to the Governor are to form part of the state’s public service.

He emphasized that the initiative also represents part of the wider employment drive among the youths of the State, coming on the heels of the recent engagement of several hundreds of Mathematics teachers and no fewer than 40,000 people under the BESDA initiative aimed at addressing yearning gaps in the education sector.

While appreciating the importance of the availability of credible intelligence gathering, vigilance and swift response to the modern security framework, Governor Yusuf informed that the Neighbourhood Watch will be working in concert with the conventional security agencies for the purpose of efficient delivery.

“No single agency can adequately secure Kano state. Effective security today demands cooperation ,and intelligence sharing .

“You are, therefore, urged to complement rather than duplicate the efforts of the conventional forces.

” On our part, we are in talks with neighbouring Katsina, Bauchi and Kaduna states to develop establish joint Border operations and shared intelligence frameworks to tackle cross-border banditry and criminal networks”, he added.