Kogi Issues 24-hour Quit Notice To Herders, As Bandits Gun Down Police Officers

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September 10, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The relative peace in Kogi West in the last few weeks was shattered early Wednesday morning September 10, 2025, following the attack and gruesome killing of no fewer than three Police officers by suspected rampaging banditry elements.

According to some witness accounts, the gunmen had ambushed and attacked a patrol team at a police check point along the Egbe/Okunran/Pategi Road in Yagba West Local Council, resulting in the death of the Police personnel ,with some others injured.

The Police officers said to have attacked immediately arriving their duty posts ,also lost their service weapons to the hoodlums.

“Obviously, they (attackers) came for the guns of the police personnel which they succeeded in carting away.

Two police officers died during the attack, while the third personnel died at the Emergency Unit of ECWA Hospital, in Egbe”, a witness volunteered

The audacious attack is coming after a lull in criminal activities in the Zone which, about two months ago, witnessed an unprecedented surge in terrorist and other criminal activities , including high profile abductions .

A statement on Wednesday issued by Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, the spokesperson for the Yagba West Local Government Area, Chairman Hon Tosin Olukun, while confirming the unfortunate incident, described the victims as ,” gallant officers who made the ultimate sacrifices in the service of their fatherland .

The Local Council Chairman while extending heartfelt condolences to the families, relations and friends of the dead personnel ,also lauded them for working assiduously to protect and secure lives and properties across Yagba West and beyond.

Hon Olokun assured the families of the deceased and the Nigeria Police of the solidarity and support of the Government and good people of Yagba West local council ,in this trying moment .

The Council also promised that the sacrifices of the fallen officers will not be forgotten by the people of Yagba West.

Meanwhile ,the Local Government Authorities have directed all Herders, believed to have migrated to the area recently to seek pastures to leave and go elsewhere.

“In a firm measure to safeguard the Local Government Area against further threats ,Hon Olokun has directed all Herders who recently migrated into Yagba West to vacate the territory within 24 hours .

“He further reiterated the Council’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice”, the statement reads in part.

Oxygen Supply Gets Boost, UNICEF, Others Partner Kano Govt

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Ayodele Oni

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September 10, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to end shortage of oxygen in hospitals in the country, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the Kano State Government, Canadian authority, and IHS, has inaugurated a solar powered oxygen plant at Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital in Nasarawa local government.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President IHS Nigeria,Mr. Dapo Otunla, explained that the facility formed part of a nationwide project to strengthen oxygen supply across hospitals.

He pointed out that the plant, fitted with an advanced pressure swing absorption system, would provide life-saving interventions for newborns and children with respiratory illnesses.

“The programme has enabled the installation of nine oxygen plants across Nigeria, in Rivers, Bauchi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Yobe, and Kano States.”

According to him, the plants became operational in March 2024 and have since produced more than 103,000 litres of medical oxygen, serving an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 patients monthly.

He also recalled that IHS Nigeria had recently refurbished the vandalised Digital Park in Kano, describing the oxygen plant project as another testament to the company’s commitment to improving lives.

Earlier, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Mrs Wafaa Sa’eed, commended IHS Nigeria, the Governments of Canada and Norway, and other partners for their support.

She described oxygen as life-saving saying that, the project would greatly benefit children and patients in need of critical care.

“At a time when climate change and high fuel costs are challenges, the solarisation makes it more sustainable.”

The UNICEF representative lauded the Kano State Government for its leadership and commitment to health and education, stressing that human capital development remained the foundation of prosperity.

Owo Church Terrorists’ Attack: Court Denies Suspects Bail, Hearing Begins October

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Ayodele Oni

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September 10, 2025

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Owo Church Terrorists attack suspects in Court

By Ayodele Oni

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has refused the bail request made by five alleged Al-Shabab suspected terrorists who, allegedly, attacked a Catholic Church in Owo town, Ondo State. Over 40 worshippers died in the attack.

Justice Nwite, who dismissed their bail application, held that the terrorism charges against them were capital in nature.

The Judge also held that they were accused of the membership of a strong terrorist organization who may intimidate witnesses, and influence and jeopardize the trial of the defendants before the Court.

Delivering a ruling on the bail application, Nwite upheld the arguments of the Department of the State Service, (DSS), that the evidence against the alleged terrorists was strong and cannot be glossed over.

Besides, the Judge said that the argument of the DSS that they will jump bail and bolt away if allowed to go home was not disputed and deemed to be true.

Justice Nwite also upheld the submission of the Security Agency that the five accused persons did not establish having credible sureties that can stand for them pending their trial.

He said that the arguments of the DSS that admitting them to bail would amount to judicial risk was also not challenged by their lawyers.

In all, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the defendants failed to give cogent and verifiable reasons on why they should be allowed home pending their trial and subsequently dismissed the bail request.

Earlier, before going into the merit of the bail application, the Judge had declared the motion on notice incompetent on the grounds that the names of the five defendants were not listed on the motion paper as required by law.

The five accused persons are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.

While arguing the application, their lawyer had submitted that the accused persons have assembled reliable and responsible sureties to stand for them.

While granting accelerated trial, Justice Emeka Nwite fixed October 19 for commencement of trial.

CBN Loses Appeal as HEDA Secures Order on Details Of MTN Fine Settlement

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 10, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by Apex Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, challenging a Federal High Court judgment that ordered it to release information requested by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) concerning its settlement with MTN Nigeria over allegations of improper repatriation of funds.

In a unanimous decision delivered by Justices Usman Alhaji Musale, Boloukuromo M. Ugo, and Mohammed A. Danjuma, the Appellate Court upheld the earlier ruling of Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which on January 10, 2024, directed the CBN to provide details of the settlement with MTN.

The Court further awarded the sum of N500,000 as costs against the apex bank in favour of HEDA.

The dispute traces back to 2021 when HEDA, invoking the Freedom of Information Act, demanded that the CBN disclose the details of its resolution with MTN Nigeria after the government accused the telecommunications company of illegally repatriating $8.1 billion in violation of foreign exchange regulations. While MTN eventually reached an out-of-court settlement with the Federal Government, the terms of the agreement were never made public, prompting HEDA to approach the courts to compel disclosure.

The Federal High Court had ordered the apex bank to release comprehensive details of the transaction, including the initial fine imposed on MTN, the final amount paid, the basis for the initial sanction, any concessions that resulted in a reduction of the fine, and the procedure through which such concessions were granted.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the CBN filed an appeal, contending that the lower court lacked jurisdiction, that the case constituted an abuse of court process, and that its right to fair hearing was violated. The bank also raised issues regarding the interpretation of Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act and Section 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

The Court of Appeal rejected all these arguments, holding that under Section 1(2) of the FOI Act, an applicant does not need to demonstrate any specific legal interest before seeking information from a public institution. The justices ruled that once a request is denied, the burden rests on the public institution to justify its refusal.

They further criticised the CBN for attempting to divert HEDA to other institutions such as the National Library and the Federal High Court, noting that Section 5(1) of the FOI Act requires a public body that does not hold the requested information but knows where it is located to transfer the request accordingly and notify the applicant, a duty the apex bank failed to discharge.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal declared that the CBN, being a public institution, was bound by law to provide the information requested by HEDA. It described the bank’s failure to comply with the FOI request as unlawful and a breach of the intent of the legislation. Consequently, the appellate court affirmed in its entirety the decision of the lower court and ordered the CBN to pay N500,000 in costs to HEDA.

The ruling, according to HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, not only compels the Central Bank of Nigeria to release the long-sought details of its settlement with MTN Nigeria but also strengthens the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, reinforcing the principle that public institutions must uphold transparency and accountability in their dealings.

Akpoti-Uduaghan: IPAC Accuses Akpabio Of Gross Abuse Of Power

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 10, 2025

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has warned that Nigerians of different hues and persuasions will be united in their resolve to resist a one-party state and emasculation of opposition voices by some undemocratic forces.

The umbrella body of registered political parties in the country strongly condemned the decision of the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate to stop the Senator representing Kogi Central , Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming at the National Assembly at the expiration of her six months suspension.

The Source reports that following the expiry of the suspension slammed on her by her colleagues, Akpoti-Uduaghan return to her elective position has been blocked by the leadership of the Senate.

Citing a subsisting legal proceeding at the Appeal court as a major reason, the Clerk of the Senate, Dr Yahaya Dan Zaria insisted that the Kogi state Senator has to wait till the end of her legal battle with the Legislative body .

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan who was on March 6, 2025 controversially suspended over disagreements arising from sitting arrangements in the hallowed chamber, appealed an earlier verdict on one of her cases with Senate President.

“The matter, therefore, remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded, and the Senate formerly reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement ,no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate.your resumption .

“You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved”, the Senate Clerk responded to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter seeking to return.

But in a statement from its National Secretary High Chief Ameh on Tuesday, the IPAC accused the Senate of gross abuse of power, insisting that the move to continue keeping Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan away from her constitutionally assigned duty of representating her constituents amount to a violation of democratic principles and abuse of the constitution of Nigeria.

“It is embarrassing that our democracy is being hijacked by those who do not understand its core values – freedom of expression and the right of every Constituency to be represented.

“The Senate President and every Senator are equals under the constitution. To use the authority of the chamber to settle personal scores is a dangerous case of abuse of power”, IPAC noted.

According to the body, it is now clear to all and sundry that the Senate President is using the instrumentalities of his office to persecute Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

IPAC, also, expressed deep concern and shock that the Judiciary has presented itself as a great enabler of the oppressive and repressive legislative excesses ongoing under the leadership of Akpabio .

IPAC, however, expressed the hope that the overwhelming majority of Nigerians are ready to defend the country’s hard earned democracy through a united opposition to any plans to undermine the system ahead of 2027 general elections.

Group To Northern Govs: Dialogue With Bandits

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 10, 2025

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The Northern Elders Progressive Group,NEPG, has thrown its weight behind the efforts of some state governors in the North to negotiate with bandits. Specifically, the NEPG called on governors of the North-west to immediately commence negotiation with eh criminals in order to bring peace to the region.

NEPG Northwest Coordinator, Yusuf Abubakar, told journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital that it support the non-kinectice approach by the National security Adviser, NASA, Nuhu Ribadu and other key stakeholders to bring peace to the ravaged communities.

Recall that a former governor of Kaduna state Nasir El Rufai had last week criticized the federal government for allegedly bribing bandits to drop their arms, saying the security forces should rather go all out to neutralize the criminals.

According to him, huge sums of money have been paid to the bandits in other to placate them to stop their arson, kidnapping and killings.

But not a few Nigerians have also criticized the former governor, saying he’s only grandstanding on the issue as his government, while in office in Kaduna state also settled bandits with money.

The federal government has however denied the allegation of paying bandits, noting that it’s only interested in restoring peace to communities besieged by bandits.

According to the NEPG, dialogue is the best option in ending years of bloodshed and skirmishes in the northern part of Nigeria.

Abubakar said the efforts of the NSA is paying off noting that peace has returned to some communities which were once devastated by the bandits. He explained that development can only thrive where there is peace, urging governors in the region to priosise dialogue instead of embarking on costly military operations, which he said has led to the loss of many lives, adding that dialogue has been used by ‘powerful nations” to settle dispute with the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Houthis.

He said, “We are happy with the steps being taken so far. Travelling recently from Sokoto to Gusau, and from Funtua to Zaria, I observed a more peaceful atmosphere. Compared to before, there is improvement in security, in patrols, and in the safety of commuters along that road.

“It is better for a governor to spend his resources on saving lives than spending billions on condolence. One life is far more important than any political gesture

“Even powerful nations have negotiated with the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and the Houthis. Negotiation is not a weakness; it is about saving lives.”

Buhari Left Behind $113bn Debt For Tinubu

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 10, 2025

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Social media personality, Remo Omokri has claimed that the late President Muhammadu Buhari left beind a huge debt for the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, contrary to suggestions that the latter accumulated more debt for the country.

According to Omokri, a former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Tinubu administration inherited $113 billion debt which its now reduced to $97 billion.

The controversial critic , in a post he shred on his verieie X handle on Tuesday, stated that the opposition are only trying to twist the fact to deceive Nigerians that the Tinubu administration is responsible for the huge debt profile of the country.

Omokri spoke on the heels of a remark by the Speaker of the House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas lamenting the nation’s dent overhang.
The Speaker who spoke on Monday called on Nigeria and other African leaders, to act on their Debt-to-GDP which has been on the rise.

The magazine reports that the Debt Management Office, DMO, currently put Nigeria’s total debt at over $97 at as the first quarter of 2025.

In the message he shared on X Omokri said the truth is being hidden from Nigerians, the efforts of President Tinubu to reduce the high debt, saying Tinubu and Obasanjo are the only leaders who have tried their best in reducing the country’s debt.

He notes: “President Bola Tinubu has reduced Buhari’s $113 billion debt to $97 billion. Only two civilian administrations have ever reduced Nigeria’s debt: the Obasanjo government and the Tinubu administration.”

Recall that the administration of former President Obasanjo had while in power received billion of dollars debt forgiveness from the Paris and London club.
The debt has since skyrocket as successive administration, including the incumbent have been borrowing funds locally and internationally.

Akpoti-Uduaghan: PDP Accuses Akpabio Of Attempts To Truncate Democracy

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 9, 2025

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Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio — Natasha Akpoti and Senator Godswill Akpabio

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has thrown its full weight behind the quest by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume at the National Assembly after the end of her suspension order.

The Senator representing Kogi Central, was on March 6 2025 , suspended for six months after falling out with the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led red chamber of the National Assembly over seating arrangements.

Her attempt to resume her legislative duties through a letter to the Senate leadership has been rebuffed by the Acting Clark Dr Yahaya Dan Zaria who insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan has to wait until the end of a subsisting legal battle between her and the Senate.

But reacting to the position of the Senate on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the PDP on which platform Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was elected in 2023 urged her to get set to resume her duties as soon as the legislative body returns from its annual break.

A statement from Debo Ologunagba, the National Spokesperson for the PDP on Tuesday September 9, 2025, condemned the subtle attempt by the Senate to stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties,even after the expiry of suspension.

The Party accused the Senate President of deliberately orchestrating the move to stop the Kogi State Senator, thereby abridging the rights of her constituents to representation at the National Assembly.

The PDP called on all well-meaning citizens of the country and the international community to quickly rise up against attempts by the All Progressive Congress APC-controlled Senate to trample on the country’s democratic process.

“The PDP calls on the international community, democracy institutions, right advocacy groups, and other democracy development partners to rise up in condemnation of this renewed attack on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“The PDP demands that the Senate leadership ensures that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is allowed to resume her roles as an elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unhindered”, the PDP stated.

World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Dashes World Cup Hope

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 9, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has, for the Second consecutive World Cup Tournament, failed to make it to the Mundial, thus, dashing the hopes of over 200 million Nigerians who had thought the Nigerian Flag will be hoisted at 2026 FIFA World Cup to hosted by the trio nation of United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

The Coach Eric Chelle-team failed to defeat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Bloemfontein Stadium, despite knowing that their World Cup Qualification hopes is to be determined by the outcome of the match.

Sadly, the Super Eagles settled for a 1-1 draw, leaving their Fans and the nation’s football enclave disappointed.

Many had thought that a victory against the South Africans will brighten the hope of the most populous Black Nation in the World, at least, the Team would claim a playoff spot.

The Super Eagles started the game without any direction as their host dominated the match resulting to an own goal from Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong.

Immediately the South Africans got the lead, the Nigerian Team kept attacking the South African and this paid off as Calvin Bassey scored the equalizer deep into added time of the first half.

As the Gabonese Referee commenced the Second Half, the Super Eagles dominated the match but this never metamorphosed Into anything positive, as the Coach Hugo Broos South African team defended the draw, till the end of the match.

With the draw, South Africa top the log with 17 Points, while Nigeria and Rwanda have 11 Points apiece, while a victory for the Squirrels of Benin Republic against the Leopards of Lesotho will move the Coach Gernot Rohr side to 14 Points with Two games left.

The highest point Nigeria can amass after this disappointing showing is 17 Points if the Super Eagles win its last Two Matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

This point however can take the Super Eagles to the Playoffs scheduled for November 2025.

Benue: Idoma Area Council Revokes President Tinubu’s Chieftaincy Title

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Ayodele Oni

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September 9, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

To safeguard the integrity of Traditional Institutions, the Idoma Area Traditional Council, (IATC), in Benue State has invalidated the Chieftaincy Title recently bestowed on President Bola Tinubu and four other dignitaries during the Igede Agba yam festival in Oju Local Government Area of the State.

The honour, received on behalf of the President by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was conferred by the Adiharu of Igede, His Royal Highness CP Oga Ero (retd.), during the Saturday celebration.

Four other personalities were also decorated at the same event.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC), led by its President and Och’Idoma V, Elaigwu Odogbo John, said the conferment violated an existing directive suspending all chieftaincy titles in the Idoma nation.

The statement, signed by the Council’s Secretary, Mr. Adegbe Uloko, and titled “Nullification of Purported Chieftaincy Titles Conferred by the Igede Traditional Council,” stressed that the move ran contrary to its declaration of September 2, 2025.

The Council stated: “The purported conferment of chieftaincy titles by the Igede Traditional Council on September 6, 2025, is in direct violation of the Declaration of the Idoma Area Traditional Council.

“Such conferments are null, void, and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect.”

Reasserting its authority, the IATC emphasised that it remained the sole recognized traditional body in the Idoma nation. It further cautioned that any actions taken in disregard of its directives amounted to a breach of the law.

The Council, therefore, advised the public, government agencies, and Traditional Stakeholders to dismiss the titles awarded to President Tinubu and the others.

“This pronouncement is made to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions in Benue State, to uphold due process and to maintain peace, unity, and order within the Idoma Area Traditional Council,” the statement added.

Just last week, the IATC had announced a suspension of all chieftaincy conferment within its domain, citing the need for reforms and proper regulation of the process.