Obi Decries Killings Of Security Personnel, Demands Compensation For Families

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September 23, 2025

Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has condemned the spate of killings of security men in the country, describing the incidents as “tragic” as security operatives are putting themselves in harm’s way in their quest to protect the citizens.

The major opposition leader in the country made the remark in a post he shared on X on Tuesday, calling on the federal government to ensure that the families of the deceased are adequately compensated to appreciate the sacrifice their loved ones paid to keep the country safe.

He said the wife and children left by the fallen heroes must be taken care of to appreciate their sacrifice and loyalty to the country, saying Nigerians are mourning as a result of the killings of the security personnel., stressing that government at both Federal and state levels must ensure that security forces are well equipped to be able to carry out their legitimate duties of protecting the country against criminal elements. .

Obi: “The country has been thrown into mourning yet again with the reported tragic killings of our security personnel. Our men and women in uniform have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and stability of our dear nation.

“Our government must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that the wives, children, and parents of these fallen heroes are fairly compensated and supported. That is the least a grateful nation can provide. It is not charity, it is justice.

“To every fallen hero, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Your sacrifice and patriotism will never be forgotten. And to the families left behind, you are not alone. May God continue to provide you with strength and comfort.”

The magazine reported that some policemen and local vigilante personnel of the Benue State Tactical Team were brutally killed by suspected terrorists last Friday, after they were ambushed by the criminals. While some bodies have been recovered, security forces are still searching for other policemen believed to still be missing after the incident.

Recall that a similar attack had occurred on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Egbe, a town in Yagba West Local Government Area near the boundary with Kwara State, leaving three officers dead after an ambush at a security checkpoint.

Responding to the attacks, the Nigerian Police Force spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin said the Force had immediately swung to action by arresting some criminals suspected to tbe complicit in the killings.

At least, six suspected criminals have been arrested in connection with the attacks, Hundeyin said in a statement.

According to him, “The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspects in an ongoing response operation in Benue State, following a deadly attack on Police Tactical Teams by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

“The attack, which occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, resulted in the death of three police officers, while seven others are still missing.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is currently leading the operation geared towards rescuing the missing officers and arresting the fleeing suspects.”

South West Vehicle Dealers, Protest, Accuse NCS Of Extortion, Illegal Seizure Of Vehicles

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Tokunbo Vehicle Dealers in the South West have stormed the office of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) in Akure, Ondo state, to protest alleged extortion, harassments and illegal seizure of their vehicles along the highways by custom Officers.

Car dealers from Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states on Monday in Akure, converged on the Ondo/Ekiti Customs Command headquarters in Akure, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “We pay duty, stop the harassment,” “Customs – Uphold the Law, Not Extortion,” and “Release Our Vehicles.”Vehicular traffic was disrupted for hours as the demonstrators demanded an immediate end to what they termed illegal practices by Customs operatives.

According to the dealers, vehicles legally cleared at Lagos ports are still being intercepted on highways, subjected to arbitrary revaluation, and forced to pay additional unofficial fees.

They alleged that Customs officers often cite “watch lists” or internal directives as excuses to impound cars, even after statutory duties had been settled.

The dealers demanded free passage for duly cleared vehicles without repeated checkpoints, and called for an end to unofficial charges, inflated valuations, and bribes by operatives.

Addressing journalists after a meeting with the Comptroller of Customs for Ondo/Ekiti Command, Queen Obazee, the National Vice President (South West) of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), Alhaji Ibrahim Bankole Adeniyi, said the protest was long overdue.

“We came here because of the way they embarrass us, the way they stop us on the road, the way they collect our cars and issue fresh bills after we have cleared them from the ports.

“We are from Ondo State, Ekiti state, Oyo state, Lagos State, Ogun State, generally the Southwest, we are here.

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“It’s an exploitation. Yes, they are collecting illegal money from us, which is wrong. Already they have collected money from the port before, and getting to our states, they are still demanding and collecting another money from us. That’s why we came here en masse, to fight for our rights” Adeniyi said

Adeniyi however, hailed the Comptroller Obazee for giving them attention, saying, though the Comptroller denied knowledge over the harassment and extortion and promised to look into their grievance as there was no such directives from her office

“She’s a very nice woman. She promised us many things, which she has been carrying out with immediate effect and She promised us that harassment and extortion will not be allowed by the command”

He said, “this meeting is a continuous one but we have reached a point and moving towards resolving this issues and I am sure we will resolve.

“But if they fail to resolve this issue with us, this protest will still continue. We gave them an ultimatum, and we wish they comply with us.

“‎So I want to appeal to our members to remain calm and resolve this difference once and for all. ‎We are stakeholders in Nigeria today. Talking about transportation, we are stakeholders.

“If our customers are complaining, cars that we sold five years ago being arrested again, you know it’s a slap on us. So they want to kill and drive us out of business. But to the glory of God, we sat down with the Comptroller and the meeting is positive.

“The Comptroller promised us that harassment and extortion will not be allowed by the command. The meeting was positive, but if nothing changes, this protest will continue. We are stakeholders in Nigeria’s economy, and we won’t allow our businesses to be destroyed,” Adeniyi stressed.

Also speaking, the Ondo State Chairman of AMDON, Mr. Jenyo Ogunlade, accused some officers of collecting between ₦200,000 and ₦1 million in illegal duties from dealers.

“We pay duty at Apapa and clear our vehicles, yet they still impound them and extort us heavily. They want to kill our business. We won’t relent until this injustice stops,” Ogunlade said.

The dealers however, vowed to sustain the protest until their grievances are addressed and sanity is restored to Customs operations on South West highways.

Kebbi LG Imposes Curfew As Miners’ Clash Claims Life

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Ayodele Oni

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September 22, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Yauri Local Government Council in Kebbi State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew following a violent clash between rival gold miners in Garin Katta community, which left several people feared dead and property destroyed.

The crisis, which began on Saturday, reportedly started after a miner was killed during a dispute over gold.

Relatives of the deceased were said to have launched a reprisal the next day, triggering a wave of attacks that quickly spiralled out of control.

Eyewitnesses said shops were vandalised and motorcycles set ablaze as residents fled for safety.

Security operatives have so far recovered the body of one victim, who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Announcing the curfew, Chairman of Yauri council, Abubakar Shuaibu, said the restriction, effective between 10 pm and 7 am, was aimed at curbing further violence and restoring calm.

Shuaibu disclosed that he had alerted the Police Area Commander and officials of the Department of State Services when the crisis first broke out.

He added that efforts were made to identify and hand over the killers, but some miners resisted, escalating the situation.

“Conflict is harmful, and God is displeased with those who instigate it. That is why we immediately sought military support and deployed security forces to safeguard lives and property,” the chairman said.

He further revealed that the violence flared again shortly after the victim’s burial when angry miners stormed parts of the town, attacking residents indiscriminately.

Security agencies have since intensified patrols in Yauri to enforce the curfew and restore calm.

Yauri, Shanga and Ngaski local governments located at the southern part of Kebbi are the major mining areas in the state.

Rivers: NASS Caucus Sues For Peace Between Governor And Lawmakers

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 22, 2025

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Speaker Martin Amaewhule

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Rivers State National Assembly caucus has urged all parties and stakeholders in the political configuration and governance structure of the state to prioritize peace, stability and economic progress of the state.

The caucus called on the people to rally behind Governor Similanayi Fubara

and the state Lawmakers in the spirit of total reconciliation and collective progress.

In a statement jointly issued by Senator Bari Mpigi, Rt Hon Ok Chinda, Rt Hon Dum Dekor, and Rep. Cyril Hart (caucus Secretary), the Federal legislators appealed to the Governor and the House of Assembly members to show unity and openness in their relationships in the overall interest of the growth and development of Rivers state.

“We note that though the invocation of emergency rule on March 18, 2025, elicited mixed reactions, members of the caucus are happy that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being a democrat has taken the right decision for the resumption of all democratic apparatus in the state.

“Indeed, this further demonstrates his commitment to democratic norms, peace, unity and the development of Rivers state and the entire country”, the caucus stated.

The Federal Lawmakers particularly urged Governor Fubara and the State Legislators to demonstrate sincerity of purpose, unfeigned commitment , anchored on openness ,unity and focus as they navigate the state out of the ashes of political crisis.

They highlighted the importance of harmony and understanding in achieving meaningful development at this trying moment in the history of the state .

While appealing to the people to eschew bickering , propaganda and divisive politics, the caucus pledged its unflinching commitment towards a harmonious and progressive relationship of all stakeholders.

Nnamdi Kanu: Court Moves Judgment Down From October 10 To September 26, 2025

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 22, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An Abuja Federal High Court has brought forward the date for the ruling on the no-case submission filed by the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The Source reports that Justice James Omotosho had, during the last sitting of the court fixed October 10, 2025, for ruling on the matter after hearing arguments for, and against, the motion for a no-case submission from Kanu Agabi SAN, the lead counsel to the IPOB leader and Adegboyega Awomolo SAN,the lead prosecution counsel.

But in a move that has provoked widespread speculations among not a few observers of the seemingly unending trial of the IPOB leader, the Court, on Monday, September 22,2025, informed that the judgment will now be delivered on Friday September 26, 2025.

A notice from the Court Registrar stated that “the case between the Federal Government and Nnamdi Kanu has been moved from the general list to the hearing paper for determination of pending applications and ruling.

The notice which was addressed to Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel,” Kanu G Agabi & Associates, informed that the case will be heard at 9:00 am at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 26, 2025.”

A statement from one of IPOB’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, on Monday, also highlighted the change in the date of the court’s sitting.

Writing on his official site , Ejimakor stated “The scheduled ruling on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission has been abridged from 10th October, 2025 to Friday 26th September 2025.”

The Source further reports that the outcome of the no-case submission will determine whether Kanu will be a free man or continue to face his trial for terrorism and other related Offences.

If the trial Judge upholds his application, the IPOB leader will walk away a free person.

However, if otherwise, he is expected to file a formal defence to the Federal Government’s earlier charges against him.

Kanu has been standing trial since 2021, following his rendition from Kenya to Nigeria.

Police Arrest Abductors Who Collected N10m, Murdered Victim In Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 22, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the kidnap and killings of their victims.

The arrest of the suspects was sequel to an intelligence-driven operation conducted by operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit of the state Command Emohua Annex.

The suspects on September 2, 2025, abducted the duo of Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube along School Road in Igwurata-Atali.

Regrettably however, they proceeded to kill one of the victims, Nchekwube after collecting a ransom of N6.9 million.

A statement by Grace Irenge-Koko, the spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, on Monday, September 22, 2025, said that the suspects who were arrested in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Councils of the state, also admitted to kidnapping one Mercy Chinyere at the same spot on September 6, 2025.

However Chinyere was lucky to be released after the sum of N 3.5 million was paid as ransom.

Irenge-Koko named the suspects as Hassan Mohammed from Wandigah town in Mandagali, Adamawa state, Bello Abubakar from Roundabout Maura Sokoto State and Yusuf Ahmed who hails from Hazari local council of Bauchi State.

According to the Police Spokesperson, the suspects, during interrogation , confessed to being behind several high-profile kidnappings in Rivers state.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects were one G-3 rifle with breech number 10398, one magazine, one itel phone belonging to Humphrey Wagbara, a kidnapped victim, three short daggers ,one Jack knife, and one stainless steel short knife.

“The suspects and exhibits are presently in custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate”, the police stated.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, while commending operatives for their dedication and professionalism , reaffirmed the Command’s commitment towards ensuring adequate protection of lives and properties of residents.

Sterling Holdco Opens N88bn Public Offer To Raise Capital

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James Orji

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September 22, 2025

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Sterling Financial Holdings Company (Sterling Holdco) Plc, has commenced a public offer worth over N87 billion as part of the plan to beat the March 2026 recapitalisation set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The holdco, the parent company of Sterling Bank, said it’s offering 12.581 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N7 per share, to the public between September 17 and September 30 this year to raise the capital.

Speaking on the offer, Yemi Adeola, Chairman of the financial service provider, said the public offer was in line with shareholders approval, saying “I am pleased to report that we have completed two rounds of capital raise. In 2024, we completed a N75 billion private placement and N28.79 billion right issue, which was significantly oversubscribed by our shareholders.”

He stressed that the two banking arm in the holdco, have taken bold steps to comply with the capital requirement. According to him, Alternative Bank has already met its regularoty capital requirement while Sterling Bank requires N43 billion to meet CBN’s recapitalisation requirement.

According to Adeola, the company has also raised over N10 billion from a Special Placement which is awaiting CBN and other regulatory approval to become working capital.

“The net proceeds from the offer will be applied towards the full recapitalization of Sterling Bank Limited, with a focus on expanding digital banking channels, strengthening and upgrading our technology infrastructure, and driving business growth across the Retail & SME, Commercial, and Corporate segments. A portion of the funds will also be allocated to the capitalization of our new asset management subsidiary, SterlingFI Wealth Management to support its business expansion, while the remaining will be deployed towards better positioning the Holdco to pursue further strategic expansion and revenue diversification, he said”

Adding that “While the Nigerian economy continues to present both challenges and opportunities, we are confident in our ability to navigate volatility while capturing growth given our proven board and management capability, diversified business model, and disciplined risk culture.

“Our strategy remains focused on deepening market share in key segments, enhancing customer experience through technology and service excellence, and maintaining prudent capital and liquidity buffers.”

CNPP, CNCSOs Call for Electoral Reforms, Appointment of an Incorruptible INEC Chairman as Only Path of Honour for President Tinubu’s Administration

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The Source

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September 22, 2025

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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), an umbrella body of over 75 Civil Society Organisations across the country, have jointly thrown their weight behind the calls for far-reaching electoral reforms and the appointment of an incorruptible Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu.

In a joint statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations, the groups stressed that “the integrity, character, and credibility of the next INEC Chairman, as well as urgent reforms of the nation’s electoral system, remain indispensable to saving Nigeria’s democracy from total collapse.”

According to the statement, “While electoral reforms and the appointment of a man or woman of unquestionable integrity to steer the affairs of INEC are critical steps towards restoring the sanctity of the ballot and citizens’ confidence in our democracy, history has shown that it is near impossible for any beneficiary of a flawed electoral process or an unpopular government to willingly yield to such demands by the people.”

The groups noted, however, that “despite the inherent difficulty, the responsibility now rests squarely on the shoulders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise above partisanship and political self-preservation.

“The demand for electoral reforms and for an incorruptible, fearless, and transparent leadership of INEC may seem inconvenient for the current administration but it is the only path of honour open to President Tinubu. Anything short of that will not only erode public trust further but also endanger the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement continued.

The CNPP and CNCSOs emphasized that the year 2027 is fast approaching, and the country cannot afford another electoral cycle mired in controversies, violence, and widespread disillusionment.

“For Nigeria to avert deeper crises, the government must urgently commit to genuine electoral reforms and ensure that the next INEC Chairman is a person whose moral capital is beyond reproach. This singular act will be a defining legacy for President Tinubu and his administration, one that will demonstrate leadership, patriotism, and statesmanship,” the statement concluded.

Signed:

Comrade James Ezema

Deputy National Publicity Secretary, CNPP

08035823617

Alhaji Ali Abacha

National Secretary, Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations

Court Defers Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Alleged Cybercrime Trial To October 20

By

Akinwale Kasali

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September 22, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The hearing of the six-count Cybercrime Charge against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, instituted against her by the Federal Government has been fixed for October 20 by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The scheduled hearing was stalled by a fresh application by the defendant filed to challenge the jurisdiction of the Court to try her.

At the resumed proceeding in the matter, FG’s lawyer, Mr. David Kaswe, told the Court that his witness was available for the commencement of the trial.

However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team led by Mr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, drew attention of the Court to a preliminary objection his client filed to challenge its jurisdiction to hear the case.

He told the Court that the objection was centered on alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice.

More so, the Defence Counsel complained that the prosecution failed to serve him with copies of full statements of the proposed witnesses.

Her Counsel contended that section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, made it compulsory that the defendant must be served with the proof of evidence to enable her to effectively prepare her defence to the charge.

On his part, FG’s lawyer argued that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s objection was not sufficient to stall the scheduled commencement of your trial.

He urged the court to allow the prosecution to open its case, insisting that the court has the requisite jurisdiction to hear cybercrime charge.

“We have exercised our prosecutorial powers according to both the Constitution and the Cybercrime law. The AGF has the power to prefer charge against anyone, ” Kaswe added.

Justice Mohammed Umar held that he would hear the objection first before taking further steps in the case.

Specifically, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was earlier handed a six-month suspension by the Senate, was in the charge marked: CR/297/25, alleged to have made false assassination claim.

The defendant was said to have made an allegation that some politicians opposed to her were plotting to assassinate her.

According to FG, the lawmaker committed the alleged crime when she addressed her supporters in Kogi state and on April 3, during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

It would be recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan specifically accused of naming the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and a former governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, as participants in the meeting where the plot to eliminate her was hatched.

FG told the court that the defendant insisted that both Akpabio and Bello agreed that she should be eliminated in Kogi state under circumstances that would appear as a mob action.

She was accused of causing the false allegation to be transmitted, knowing it would harm the reputation of both Senator Akpabio and ex-governor Bello, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 24(2) (c) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

The defendant had on June 30 when she was arraigned before the court, pleaded her innocence to the charge, even as she was granted bail on self-recognition.

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Maitama, where she was equally docked for allegedly defaming Senator Akpabio and ex-governor Bello, had on June 19, granted her bail to the tune of N50million with one surety it said must be a person of integrity that owns a landed property in Abuja.

The court, in the ruling that was delivered by Justice Chizoba Orji, said its decision to release the defendant on bail was anchored on section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015.

It fixed September 23 for commencement of trial.

Ibom Air Passenger Dies Midflight

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 22, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Ibom Air, recorded an in-flight death of an adult passenger aboard a MetroFlight operated by it.

Usually a rare occurrence on flights, the passenger sadly died mid-air Monday during a domestic flight.

Even though Aviation sources confirm the unfortunate incident, neither the name of the passenger nor the route has been made public.

The cause of death is being investigated.

A source within the Airline disclosed that the passenger suddenly became unresponsive during the flight. First aid procedure was immediately triggered but all attempts ended in vain.

The aircraft reportedly continued to its destination and landed to the waiting hands of medical personnel. Sadly, the passenger was confirmed dead on arrival.

Passengers on board confirmed that crew members frantically administered emergency medical assistance and the Captain declared a medical emergency after the flight deck was informed.

The news so far

The incident occurred during a domestic route.
The passenger was said to have shown signs of distress, but no official information is yet available on underlying medical conditions.
Ibom Air has begun an internal review in coordination with relevant aviation and health authorities.
As of now, there has been no suggestion of negligence or mechanical failure; investigations are ongoing.

The Airline says it is cooperating, fully, with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA and other relevant bodies.