ADC’s Request For Convention Venue Suffers Setback, As FCT, Private Individuals Reject Letter

April 13, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Few hours to the commencement of its national convention, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is yet to secure a venue for the event.

Virtually all places visited, including government and privately owned event centres, seem to be reluctant to release the property to the Party.

The ADC fixed Tuesday, April 14 for the event, which is expected to attract delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The disclosure was made by a party chieftain, Kola Ologbondiyan, who on Monday, in a post on his X account, detailed what the party described as a series of setbacks and repeated refusals by both government-controlled and private venues.

The situation has raised fresh concerns over alleged attempts to frustrate the party’s activities.

According to Ologbondiyan, the party had formally applied to use the Eagles Square and submitted a letter to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Although the request was acknowledged, he said no approval has been granted.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” he stated.

He further revealed that efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium also failed, despite multiple visits to officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” the statement added.

In what the party described as a worsening situation, Ologbondiyan alleged that privately-owned event centres in Abuja are declining requests from the party due to fear of intimidation or reprisals.

“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC requests for fear of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.

Despite the logistical challenges, the party insisted that its national convention would proceed as planned in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in line with its earlier notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the Notice issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan declared.

The latest development adds to earlier claims by the ADC that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was attempting to stifle opposition activities.

The Party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had previously told SaharaReporters that the party’s request for Eagles Square was ignored, while access to the Velodrome was denied over a purported sporting event.

However, the Presidency, through spokesman Sunday Dare, has denied the allegations, insisting that all political parties have equal rights under the law.

With no confirmed venue and the clock ticking, the ADC’s insistence on proceeding with its convention signals a looming confrontation between the opposition party and authorities.

ADC Holds National Convention, With Party’s Top Brass Rallying Delegates

Ayodele Oni

April 13, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Following completion of congresses in wards, local governments and states level, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to conduct the national delegates Congress on Tuesday.

To this end, the party has nominated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to conduct the convention.

The convention, has a former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke as chairman of the 126-member Convention Planning Committee.

A former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal was named as deputy chairman, while a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami were also named as members.

The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) camp loyal to Kwankwaso, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, will serve as secretary to the committee.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would not monitor the Congress following crisis over the leadership of the party.

One of the factions, is being led by Senator David Mark and the other claimant to the Chairmanship, Nafiu Gombe is also championing the cause of others.

The faction being led by Mark, which is holding its national convention on Tuesday has vowed to go ahead with or without the presence of INEC officials.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will, on Tuesday, hear an appeal filed by Sen. David Mark, the embattled National Chairman, African Democraric Congress (ADC).

Mark is seeking an order staying the execution of the March 12 judgement of the Court of Appeal.

The apex court, in a hearing notice with appeal number: SC/CV/180/2026 between Sen. Mark vs Hon. Nafiu-Bala Gombe and four others, said the proceeding was scheduled for April 14.

The hearing notice, sent to the parties in the case through the Litigation Department of the Supreme Court on Friday, was sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Branded A Witch At 13, Matcheted, Left For Dead, Thrown Into The Bush, Edet Is Today University Graduate

Adesina Soyooye

April 13, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

This is the unbelievable life story of Asuquo Edet. A native of Ikon-Edikor, Udung Uko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Edet was one of those unfortunate kids life has dealt with in the hands of those that should have protected him the most – his family members.

He lost his biological mother, but still had his loving father who, however, got remarried to a devil of a woman.

At 13 years of age, Edet was branded a witch and cursed and treated differently by his step mother who showered love on her own children. He would have been thrown into the streets to roam and die, but his father who still loved him was an obstacle.

His stepmother hated him and heaped all kinds of allegations against him – a witch, who is responsible for his father’s prolonged illness and the family’s poverty.

Then, his father died, and the teenager was put through hell and thrown into it. As he sat at a corner of his father’s compound mourning his father’s death and the fate life has thrown at him, a group of young men, about 12, led by two of his step brothers, descended on him with machetes, clubs, cables, rods. They put him through a horrifying experience, all the while, asking him why he killed his father.

When they macheted him on the head, and smashed his head, they carried him into the bush, and dumped him there, believing he was dead.

But God and destiny were on his side.

A Danish Aid worker, Anja Rinngerin Loven and her husband, David, who run an organization, ‘Land Of Hope’ rescued him from the bush when they were alerted. They took Asuquo to hospital and took care of all his need. They took care and literally, adopted him as their son.

Out of hospital, they put him back in school where he always passed on top of his class. 13 years later, the “witch” has just graduated from the Akwa Ibom State University. Edet is now a graduate of Genetics and Biotechnology to the shame of his cruel family and the shame of all those who tried to kill him.

His unbelievable story, from an abandoned child to a university graduate was, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Anja Ringgren Loven, the Danish Aid Worker who, along with her husband, David, rescued him in 2014, shared his story and achievement in a tribute on Facebook.

“They beat him with machetes, cables, rods, and sticks, demanding to know why he had ‘killed’ his father. Then they decided to kill him. A machete was smashed into his head. He collapsed. Believing he was dead, they carried his body and threw him into the bushes,” Loven wrote in the tribute.

Following is the full text of Loven’s post on Asuquo Edet:

“I came to Nigeria for the first time 13 years ago.

“One of the very first children my husband, David, and I rescued was Asuquo.

“He had been accused of being a witch by his step mother.

“At the time Asuquo was a young teenager and the brightest student in his class. Life was good. He had a close and loving bond with his father, worked hard, and was known in the village for his kindness, humility and willingness to help others.

“But when his mother died and his father remarried, everything changed.

“His stepmother never accepted him. She blamed him for the family’s hardships, and when his father fell ill, she accused him of being a witch.

“Not long after, his father passed away.

“Asuquo was heartbroken.

“He was sitting in his father’s house, mourning his loss when a group of about a dozen men, led by two of his stepmother own children, stormed in and attacked him.

“They beat him with machetes, cables, rods and sticks, demanding to know why he had ‘killed’ his father.

“Then, they decided to kill him.

“A matchet was smashed into his head. He collapsed. Believing he was dead, they carried his body and threw him into the bushes.

“But Asuquo did not die.

“He survived.

“David and I found him and rescued him. We reported the case to the Police and rushed him to the hospital.

“And there is one moment I will never forget.

“On that very hot day, as he lay there with a deep machete wound in his head, bleeding heavily, Asuquo was not thinking about himself.

“He was worried about me.

“He kept asking if I had enough water to drink.

“That is who Asuquo is.

“We contacted the Media, and his story was published in several newspapers. We wanted the world to know. We wanted justice for him.

“If you have followed my work, you already know Asuquo. He is one of the first children we rescued.

“And you will also know this:

“Year after year, Asuquo has taken the first place in class throughout secondary school and high school.

“He graduated with one of the highest scores. Even his principal did not want him to go.

“Everywhere he goes, he brings calm, kindness and hope.

“He has always been, and will always be an inspiration to our children and our staff.

“And now…after 13 years in our care…

“Words cannot describe how proud I felt when Asuquo sent me his certificate.

“From being left for dead in the bushes… to becoming a university graduate.

“Let that sink in.

“To anyone who claims that children are witches, shame on you!

“To any pastor who spreads these beliefs, shame on you!

“To anyone who labels children, the elderly, or people with disabilities or mental health challenges as witches, shame on you!

“Congratulations, Asuquo.

“You are an inspiration to the world. The future is yours, and I know you will help lead the way for a new generation.

“Thank you to everyone who supports Land of Hope.

“Everything our children achieve… is because of you too.

“I did not give birth to Asuquo…

“But he is, and will always be my son.

Sheikh Gumi Demands Probe Of Pilots Who Carried Airstrike At Jilli Market

Akinwale Kasali

April 13, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has condemned the Nigerian Air Force airstrike that reportedly killed more than 50 civilians at a weekly market in Jilli village along the Borno–Yobe border. Describing it as unfortunate, he demanded for an urgent investigation.

Gumi questioned the accountability of those responsible for the operation, asking who authorised and executed the bombings that hit innocent civilians.

He demanded for the identities of the Pilots who carried out the airstrike, and called for their immediate probe.

In a Facebook Post, Gumi

cited previous incidents, including the Tudun Biri bombing and other reported strikes in Nasarawa and Sokoto, describing them as part of a troubling pattern of attacks affecting non-combatants.

He also argued that terrorism cannot be defeated through actions that endanger civilian lives, insisting that such operations risk undermining public trust.

He called on the Senate to immediately conduct hearings into what he described as repeated “mistakes” involving the bombing of villages, markets, and other Civilian locations.

Gumi: “Who are the Pilots behind these bomb releases on innocent locals?

“Tudun biri, Nasarawa attack on herdsmen trailer, Sokoto attack etc are just the few ones recorded. Terror cannot be fought with another terror.

“There should be an immediate Senate hearings on these so-called ‘mistakes’ on bombing villages, markets and civilians targets.

“We need answers not condolences.”

The airstrike occurred on Saturday evening during peak trading hours at Jilli market, claiming the lives of numerous civilians, with several persons sustaining various degrees of injuries.

It was gathered from eyewitness that multiple fighter jets were involved in the operation.

Obi Criticises Tinubu’s Kenya Comparison, Calls for Data-Driven Governance

The Source

April 13, 2026

Presidential Candidate hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised recent remarks attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suggesting that Nigerians should take comfort in being “better off than Kenya and other African countries.”

Obi, in a statement, argued that while the comment may have been intended to ease concerns over rising living costs and economic hardship, it risks downplaying the severity of Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges.

He drew a parallel between such comparative statements and the biblical parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the Gospel of Luke (18:9–14), which contrasts self-righteous comparison with honest self-assessment. He also referenced a similar caution in the Qur’an (53:32) against self-praise and arrogance.

According to him, downward comparisons among nations often serve as “a refuge rather than a remedy,” warning that leadership communication must be anchored on measurable realities rather than selective narratives.

Obi also recalled a past campaign-era remark attributed to President Tinubu, “Na statistics we go shop?”, arguing that such a disposition undermines the importance of data in governance.

Obi stressed that statistics remain essential tools for national planning and performance evaluation, noting that no country can achieve meaningful development without benchmarking itself against others using credible data.

Citing multiple development indicators, he argued that Kenya currently outperforms Nigeria in several key areas, including security, Human Development Index (HDI), GDP per capita, life expectancy, literacy levels, and electricity access.

He noted that Nigeria continues to face severe security challenges, ranking among the most terror-affected countries globally, while Kenya does not fall within the worst-affected group.

Available figures, he said, place Kenya’s HDI at about 0.630 (ranked 143 of 180 countries), compared to Nigeria’s 0.530 (ranked 164 of 180). Kenya’s GDP per capita is estimated at $2,200–$2,300, compared to Nigeria’s $807–$835.

Obi further cited poverty estimates indicating that about 63 percent of Nigerians live below the poverty line, compared to approximately 43 percent in Kenya. He also noted disparities in life expectancy—about 67 years in Kenya compared to 54 years in Nigeria—and literacy rates, estimated at 81–85 percent in Kenya and 62–65 percent in Nigeria.

Other indicators, according to him, include electricity access, out-of-school children figures, inflation trends, and currency stability, all of which he said favour Kenya over Nigeria in comparative performance.

He highlighted that Kenya has recorded more stable inflation rates of around 4.5 percent or lower in recent years, while Nigeria’s inflation has remained above 15 percent. He also pointed to sharper currency depreciation in Nigeria compared to Kenya over the same period.

Obi added that despite global pressures, Kenya has not experienced the same level of fuel price volatility as Nigeria in recent years.

He argued that these indicators demonstrate the need for more honest assessment of Nigeria’s situation, stressing that comparisons should be grounded in verified data and used as tools for accountability rather than consolation.

He concluded that Nigeria’s challenges require humility, responsibility, and urgent reforms aimed at addressing structural constraints to development.

Attempts To Link The Sultan To Benue State Security Challenges Threat To National Unity And Security – Sultanate Warns

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 13, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed as false, misleading and mischievous, a viral image online depicting the Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia genuflecting and appearing to be worshipping him.

He described the picture as well as the mischievous message that it sought to pass as AI-generated, and the handiwork of mischief makers out to stoke religious flame through misleading narratives.

The Source reports that the social media space has been inundated in the last couple of days with the image of the Benue State Governor genuflecting at the feet of the Sultan with accompanying commentary suggesting that Alia has continued to remain silent in the face of impudent and genocidal herdsmen attacks and killings of his people owing to his alleged subservience to the Caliphate.

But in a statement from his media team, and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka ,the Sultan accused those behind the false image and rhetorics of attempting to ignite ethno-religious conflagration and division in the country.

According to the Media Team, the Sultan does not appear in the manner depicted in the circulated image.

The statement emphasized that Islamic religious teachings clearly frown at prostration before any human, noting that it is an act of worship reserved solely for Almighty Allah.

According to the Media Team, the nature of the image in the video makes the entire video not only false, but also fundamentally inconsistent with the Sultan’s faith and principles.

“The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has been alerted to a misleading post circulating across WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms , titled ‘leaked photo of Governor Hyacinth Alia worshipping the Sultan of Sokoto.’

“The content attempts to introduce divisive religious and ethnic narrative into the ongoing security challenges in Benue state.

“We wish to categorically state that the image in question is fake, likely Al-generated, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public.

“It is also a mischievous ,and dangerous attempt to associate the revered leadership of Muslims in Nigeria, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, with issues unrelated to his office or person.

“The accompanying commentary falsely alleged religious bias and attempts to inflame tensions by linking the Sultan to the crisis in Benue state.

“Such claims are not only baseless ,but constitute a serious threat to national unity and security.

“These actions reflect a pattern of disinformation designed to invite division and undermine peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

“As custodians of the image and public communications of the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ( NSCIA) , Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria ,Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council ,and Co-President of the World Religions for Peace, New York, we condemn these acts in the strongest terms”, the Sultanate statement reads in part.

The Media Team emphasized that the Sultan has for nearly two decades been unflinchingly committed to the promotion of peace, interfaith harmony ,and national cohesion.”

It, therefore, warned that all orchestrated efforts to tarnish the examplary legacies of the Sultan must be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The Sultan called on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to take decisive actions against the spread of disinformation, as well as setting machineries in motion for the arrest and prosecution of the promoters of the harmful content.

Imported Petrol Is Cheaper

James Orji

April 13, 2026

Tankers Waiting At Petrol-depot Depot to Load

The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria has faulted claims that imported petroleum products are cheaper than locally refined fuels, arguing that price differences stem from quality disparities and not efficiency, while accusing the World Bank of failing to make a like-for-like comparison.

The association’s Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko, who spoke in an interview with The PUNCH, said local refineries were disadvantaged by premium crude pricing and unfair benchmarking against blended imported products.

In a now-deleted report, the World Bank Group had stated that Dangote’s petrol price was higher than imported ones, asking the Federal Government to allow fuel importation. Reacting in an interview with our correspondent, Idoko maintained that the World Bank was not fair with his comparison.

According to him, petroleum products imported into Nigeria are blended and are of low quality compared to locally produced ones.

He added that many imported fuels were blended to meet minimum regulatory specifications, making them cheaper but not directly comparable to fully refined local products.

“What is the quality, what is the process of producing some of these imported products? Some of the products that have been imported are blended products that are coming from Kazakhstan and the Far Eastern European countries. They blend just to get the parameters that they need in this country. And then they bring it in.

“In terms of quality, they would not compete with the quality that we produce from our refineries here. And of course, it also dovetails with the fact that blending is cheaper than refining. So, those are factors that would make those prices cheaper,” he stated.

Idoko said any comparison must account for product specifications such as density, flash point and pour point, noting that different fuel grades attract different prices.

“The World Bank has failed to tell us what the density was, what the flash point was, what the pour point was, and all those things about these products. They should also give a comparison because not all products are the same. There are different grades of PMS. There are different grades of diesel. And as different as they are, so also are the prices. So it’s not okay to just say the price of petrol produced in Nigeria is higher than the price of imported petrol. How do you grade the two of them?” he asked.

He insisted that unless identical grades were compared, conclusions about price competitiveness would be misleading. “When you are speaking of two different grades of fuel, then you are not being fair to the local refinery. So I think those are the factors that the World Bank will have to spell out when they are doing their comparison. It has to be apple with apple and not apple with pear or apple with orange,” he said.

The CORAN spokesman also clarified that blending was not illegal but typically produced lower-grade fuels that cost less. “Blending does not mean adulterated fuel. No, not necessarily. As I said, in products, you have grades. So the higher the grade, the higher the price.

“And then when you’re looking at the grade, you’re looking at the level of emissions. So if I’m refining and my emissions are more environmentally friendly, it will definitely be more expensive because it takes a higher level of refining. But if it’s not, then it means it’s a lower grade, so the price will be lower.

“So I’m not saying blending is bad. I think that the misinformation is that, when you blend, it’s like something illegal. No, it’s not illegal. But it doesn’t give you the grade in terms of quality as the one that has gone through the full reforming process. It won’t give what the one who went through a standard catalytic reformer and reforming process will give you. The refined one will be different from what a blended product will give you,” he stated.

The Punch

Trump Tackles Pope Leo: You Became Catholic Pontiff Because Of Me

James Orji

April 13, 2026

President Donald Trump of the United States, US has lashed out at Pope Leo XIV for criticisng him over his attacks on Iran and Venezuela, saying the Catholic Pontiff is a rookie when it comes to foreign policy.

The US leader criticized Pope Leo in a post he shared on the Truth Social, a social media platform promoted by him. The Pope is from the US, the first from the country to have mounted that position in the Catholic church history.

Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first American-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church, was elected on May 8, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, he is an Augustinian friar who previously served as a missionary and bishop in Peru, holding dual U.S. and Peruvian.

His relationship with President Trump has not been very rosy, as they share different political differences, particularly when it comes to global affairs.

The Pope had recently differed with President Trump on the ongoing war between US/ Israel and Iran, as the Catholic leader insist that the war is unnecessary, saying it has been trailed by human deaths.

But Trump differ with him, saying the Pope does not understand international politics, accusing him of being “weak’ and uninformed about “foreign policy”.

Trump said he disagreed with the Pope on the Iran nuclear programme as well as the US capture of President Maduro of Venezuela last year by US forces. The former Venezuelan leader is now standing trial in the US for multiple charges.

President Trump said he finds it unfathimable that the Pope is criticising him for performing his duty as US President, urging Leo to focus on his job as a pontiff instead of dabbling into politics, adding that Leo would not have been the leader of catholics globally if not for his help.

He said, “Pope Leo is weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump administration, but doesn’t mention the fear that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian organisations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding church services, even when going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet apart. I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t.

“I don’t want a pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I don’t want a pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a country that was sending massive amounts of drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our country. And I don’t want a pope who criticises the president of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, in a landslide, to do, setting record low numbers in crime, and creating the greatest stock market in history.

“Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be pope and was only put there by the church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”

Meanwhile, the magazine had earlier reported that the diplomatic talk brokered by Pakistan to end the war in the middle east, ended last week in Islamabad, the country’s capital without Washington and Tehran reaching an agreement, amidst fear globally that the two week ceasefire could end without any truce between the parties.

Amidt the deadlock, President Trump, on Sunday, ordered the US Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz as Iran tightens grip on the maritime passage way.

Atiku Demands Accountability For Civilians Death Over Borno-Yobe Airstrike

Akinwale Kasali

April 13, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the death of over 30 people in a Military Airstrike that struck the popular weekly market between Gubio and Geidam areas Saturday evening.

The Nigerian Air Force airstrike struck Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, which left several civilians dead.

Atiku described the incident as tragic and raised concerns about the protection of civilian lives during military operations.

The incident reportedly left traders and residents in panic as explosions rocked the busy trading centre.

The NAF has confirmed conducting precision airstrikes in the Jilli axis as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai on April 11, 2026.

It stated that the strikes targeted terrorists’ locations and resulted in the neutralisation of Boko Haram militants.

However, the military has not publicly addressed civilian casualties or confirmed any strike on the market itself.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku said the incident represents a broader failure in the country’s security operations.

“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience.

“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?”, he wrote.

He compared Nigeria’s situation with a recent United States military operation, saying significant resources were deployed to protect a single life.

“Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one citizen.

“Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence,” he added.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizen. That is the ultimate essence of National Security,” he said.

He, however, extended condolences to families affected by the incident.

US Preaches Transparent Legal Processes To Tackle Terrorism As Nigeria Names Newspaper Publisher Sponsor

Ayodele Oni

April 13, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government of Nigeria has named a Newspaper Publisher, Tukur Mamu, as one of the sponsors of Terrorism.

The FG had, a couple of days ago, named 45 people and organizations as sponsors of Terrorism.

Mamu, Publisher of Desert Herald was one of them.

Mamu first came into national attention after the unprecedented attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train in 2024 which resulted in the killing of a number of people and the abduction of scores. Thereafter, Bama acted as a go-between for the terrorists and the families of the victims. His home became a clearing house for the delivery of hundreds of millions of Naira to the terrorists until he ran into trouble with security agencies which suspected his actions. The ante was raised when he was arrested in Saudi Arabia on his way to perform a religious obligation along with his way.

Presently, he is under prosecution by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Last week, the Federal Government began the prosecution of suspected terrorists by arraigning 500 of them, and at the end of day, 386 of them were jailed. Others are pending.

This ongoing trial and conviction of the suspects found guilty of terrorism charges have attracted commendation from the United States (US) government.

The US has, based on that, lauded President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government of Nigeria for its efforts to tackle terrorism and strengthen the judicial process in the country.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Massad Fares Boulos, US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, acknowledged the Nigerian government’s commitment to accelerating terrorism-related trials and addressing long-standing delays in the courts.

He noted that the recent conviction of 386 Islamist militants marked a significant step towards accountability and justice.

He further highlighted the importance of timely and transparent legal processes in combating extremism and reinforcing public confidence in judicial institutions, while stressing that adherence to the rule of law remains vital for national security and long-term stability.

The statement reads, “The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes.

“We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice.

“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions.

“Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term security of all Nigerians, and we support continued efforts to strengthen judicial efficiency and fairness across the country.”

The development comes a day after the Federal Government released a list of 48 individuals and groups allegedly linked to terrorism financing in Nigeria.

The list, published on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, identified suspects believed to be supporting terrorist activities across the country.

Some of those named were reportedly connected to organisations such as the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

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