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With Oyebamiji, Journey To Reclaim Osun Has Started; President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Munirudeen Oyebamiji

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has charged the Governorship flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun State, Munirudeen Oyebamiji, to be magnanimous in victory.

The President, in a statement on Saturday, congratulated Oyebamiji on his emergence as the governorship candidate of the APC in Osun State following the party’s primary election held on Saturday.

The statement, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President,

(Information & Strategy),applauded all the aspirants who graciously stepped down in favour of Oyebamiji, demonstrating party loyalty and a collective commitment to the APC’s ideals.

President Tinubu also praised the Osun State APC for the unity and spirit of reconciliation that preceded and also permeated the primary election conducted through affirmation.

He advised the winner to be magnanimous in victory by embracing all party leaders and former aspirants, ensuring inclusivity and cohesion as the party moves forward in the political process.

“The journey to reclaim Osun State for the progressive fold in the 2026 governorship election has begun”, the President stated.

“I urge all members and leaders of APC in the state to remain focused, united, and resolute. Victory is achievable, and together, we will succeed.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, chaired the primary election in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, where party delegates unanimously affirmed Oyebamiji’s candidature.

A former national secretary of the party, Iyiola Omisore however stated ways from the Congress following his disqualification by the party’s screening committee.

Recruitment: NAF Set To Screen 20,000 Applicants At Designated Centres

By
Ayodele Oni
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NAF Super Tucano Fighter Jets

By Ayodele Oni

Not less than 20,000 applicants are participating in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) nationwide Zonal General Aptitude Test for the 2025 Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46 recruitment exercise.

In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, revealed that the aptitude test is being conducted simultaneously at 15 designated zonal centres located in Sokoto, Minna, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Yola, Makurdi, Jos, Ilorin, Ipetu-Ijesa, Enugu, Benin, Port Harcourt and Ikeja.

According to him, the wide national spread of the centres reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to inclusiveness, equal opportunity and a transparent, merit-driven recruitment process that allows qualified Nigerians from all parts of the country to compete fairly.

Ejodame noted that the impressive turnout underscores the sustained confidence of Nigerian youths in the Nigerian Air Force as a disciplined, professional and patriotic institution.

He added that the strong interest also highlights the Service’s resolve to attract capable, motivated and resilient young Nigerians at a time when the nation’s security environment requires enhanced manpower to effectively support internal security operations and national defence efforts.

Speaking on the exercise, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed that the recruitment process is anchored on fairness, integrity and strict adherence to established standards.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to recruiting the best candidates strictly on merit, as the quality of our personnel is fundamental to operational effectiveness and the successful execution of our constitutional mandate.”

Air Marshal Aneke further described the aptitude test as a critical step towards building a motivated, professional and mission-ready force, assuring Nigerians of the NAF’s continued dedication to supporting internal security operations and safeguarding lives and property in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

NDLEA Arrests Bandits’ Drug Supplier, Ten Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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NDLEA Arrests Bandits Drug Supplier

By Ayodele Oni

A suspected supplier of illicit drugs to bandits, is among suspects arrested by Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

The suspect was nabbed in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, with multiple consignments of drugs concealed in containers of local black soap and other items.

The suspect, Mohammed Sani, also known as Gamboli, was apprehended on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Anguwan Fadama, Kuta, three weeks after he escaped arrest during a raid on his residence in Anguwan Makera, Kuta.

NDLEA operatives had previously raided his house on November 20, recovering 471.8 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi said the suspect fled during the initial operation, but was later traced to his hideout through intelligence-led efforts.

He stated, “Three weeks after escaping arrest at his home in Anguwan Makera, Kuta, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, a notorious supplier of illicit drugs to bandits operating in the area, 33-year-old Mohammed Sani (alias Gamboli), has been arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at his hideout.”

Babafemi further explained that “following credible intelligence about the illicit drug activities of Gamboli, NDLEA operatives had on November 20, 2025, raided his house at Anguwan Makera, Kuta, where they recovered 471.8 kilograms of skunk.

“On December 11, NDLEA officers, acting on processed intelligence, traced and arrested him at one of his drug joints in Anguwan Fadama, Kuta.

“Intelligence reports had indicated that Gamboli is a major supplier of illicit drugs to bandits operating in Shiroro Local Government Area.”

In another operation,  operatives intercepted 907 pills of tramadol, tapentadol, cocodamol, amitriptyline, and bromazepam concealed in containers of local black soap and designer wear in six consignments bound for the United States, Canada, and Sweden.

“No fewer than 907 pills of tramadol, tapentadol, cocodamol, amitriptyline, and bromazepam concealed in containers of local black soap and designer wear, in six different consignments going to the US, Canada, and Sweden, were intercepted and seized by NDLEA operatives at two major courier companies in Lagos between Tuesday, December 9, and Wednesday, December 10, 2025.”

In Abia State, NDLEA operatives raided a clandestine codeine syrup manufacturing factory at Amapu Igbengwo village, Umuakpara, in Osisioma Local Government Area, recovering 9,015 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 1,152.2 kilograms.

“In Enugu State, they arrested Ossai Emeka, 45, along the Onitsha–Enugu Ezike Road with 7.2 kilograms of skunk, while Enoje Agada, 40, was arrested with 94.6 kilograms of the same substance.

“In Oyo State, a raid carried out by NDLEA operatives at a notorious drug joint known as ‘Beere the California’ at Ido in Oyo State on Thursday, December 11, led to the seizure of 3.4 kg of skunk, 1.6 kg of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, and 400 grams of methamphetamine.

“The owner of the drug joint, identified as ‘Idowu the killer’, is currently at large, while a suspect, Ajibade Faruk, was arrested at the joint.”

“In Ondo State, NDLEA officers raided a compound in Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area, where 55-year-old Veronica Obi and her 29-year-old son, Bright Obi, were arrested with 1,187 kilograms of skunk and its seeds.

“In Edo State, Ohiomah Igbafe, 44, was arrested at Uroe community in Owan East Local Government Area with 461 kilograms of skunk and its seeds.

“In Gombe State, a suspect known as Muhammed Sani (alias Sha-Mu-Sha), 50, was arrested with 40,000 capsules of tramadol, while two other suspects, Muhammad Abdullahi (alias Sakalala), 52, and Muhammed Hamza (alias Mamman), 32, were apprehended at Ashaka Jalingo with 56 kilograms of skunk on Monday, December 8.”

They Have Been Writing Nonsense  About Death Of My Deputy… I’ve Ordered Autopsy – Bayelsa Gov

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Duoye Diri

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered the an autopsy to determine the actual cause(s) of the death of his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

 

The Source reports that the Deputy Governor on Thursday, December 11, slumped while on his way to attend a meeting within his office complex. He was later pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa where he was rushed.

 

Governor Diri who was forced to cut short his foreign trip owing to the unfortunate incident directed an autopsy so as to put to rest what he described as ” a lot of nonsense going on, on  the social media.

 

A section of the social Media has been awash with speculations linking Ewhrudjakpo’s death to some underhand developments.

Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
Late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

Most of the reports had tended to point to the disagreement between the late Deputy Governor,  Governor Diri and some major stakeholders including the state Lawmaker over Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to defect to the All Progressive Congress APC.

 

It will be recalled that Governor Diri, alongside the State Lawmakers and Local Government officials had, last month, joined the ruling party at the centre after resigning their memberships of the Peoples Democratic party PDP.

 

But, surprisingly, the late Deputy Governor rejected  a move to the APC, a development which was strongly believed to have pitched him against his principal, the Governor and the State Legislators, who were rumoured to be in the middle of the process to impeach him before disaster struck.

 

Not a few are linking Ewhrudjakpo’s death to the undue pressure he was subjected to after the defection of Governor Diri and others.

 

But the Bayelsa State Governor who gave the directive for the conduct of an autopsy on Saturday, while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan who was on a sympathy visit at the Government House Yenagoa, condemned the tendency by some people to play politics with the tragic death of his Deputy.

 

” I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicize his ( Deputy Governor’s ) death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death.

 

” Let nobody politicize the death of our dearly beloved Deputy Governor . If anyone loves him, this is the time to show it .

 

” I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause(s) of his death.There is a lot of nonsense going on, on the social media .

 

“If anybody is issuing any statement to eulogize him , please end at that, and mourn him because the state is in a mourning mood.

 

“That is why we have declared three working days of mourning, and we expect everyone in the state to do what the former president has done today.

 

“Let us love one another to the point of death because all of us will answer this call one day, ” Gov Diri stated.

 

Although Governor Diri had, in the wake of his defection acknowledged the difficulties in being in  an opposing political camp with his Deputy, he had  however, insisted on not forcing  any other persons to follow in his footsteps.

 

Rather, he emphasized the importance of continued engagement and dialogue in the process of getting not just late Ewhrudjakpo, but others to see reason with his move to the APC.

Troops Kill Several Terrorists, Repel ISWAP Attack On Borno Military Base

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Akinwale Kasali

A coordinated attack by the Islamic State Of West Africa Province, ISWAP, on a Forward Operating Base, FOB, in Mairari, Borno State, was repelled by Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, leading to the killing of several terrorists in the process.

Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, confirmed the incident, and stressed that the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).

He, however, stated that both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, and so,  prevented any penetration into the base.

The statement read: “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, dealing a decisive blow to the group’s operational capability in the area. The assault, which began late on 12 December, 2025, and continued into the early hours of 13 December, was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations.

“During the attack, terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). Both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the base. CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded.”

Uba added that following the failed assault, OPHK troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a thorough exploitation of the area.

“The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned during their retreat,” he said.

Recovered items from the Terrorists includes; AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials indicative of sustained terrorist operations.

“These recoveries have further degraded the terrorists’ operational capacity and denied them freedom of action in the area,” he said.

According to him, the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by OPHK defensive fire, causing damage to two points along the road.

“Importantly, there was no breach of the FOB, highlighting the preparedness, vigilance and resilience of the troops. Troops are currently conducting aggressive patrols in the area to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of the continued security presence.”

Uba assured that the troops remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East.

He further added that “The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our men and women in uniform. Operation Hadin Kai continues to prioritise the protection of civilians, the disruption of terrorist networks and the restoration of peace across the region.”

Governor Oborevwori’s Ushering Duties At Winners Chapel  Generates Controversy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Governor Oborevwori Ushering Duties At Winners Chapel

By Akinwale Kasali

Mixed feelings  greeted the video circulating on Social Media where Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was performing ushering duties at the ongoing Shiloh 2025 programme of Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, Ota, Ogun State.

The Video posted on Facebook by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ossai Ovie Success, showed Oborevwori standing alongside other Church ushers while the programme was ongoing.

Success had showered encomium on the Governor’s humility and dedication to the work of God,

Success wrote, “At Shiloh, Delta governor is seen doing ushering work at the ongoing Shiloh 2025 Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel).

“A Governor that is dedicated to the work of God will always perform beyond expectations.

“No wonder Delta State is progressing rapidly. Kudos to Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for inspiring others with his humility and service.”

Following this development,

netizens share different opinions. Many described it as mere show-off.

But some Social Users defended the Governor’s  actions, noting that serving in various Church departments is common practice at Living Faith Church regardless of one’s social status.

Emmanuel Amaechi, a Facebook User said he had seen Senior Public Office Holders and Military Oficers serve in similar capacities within the Church.

Amaechi wrote, “I have been in Winners where I saw a First Lady of a State serving in sanctuary department, coming every Saturdays to wash toilets and clean the Church. These things are normal things in Winners Chapel.

“You can come to Church and a General in the Army or Senator is the one ushering you to where you will sit. In Winners, you are taught to serve, no matter who you are”.

Another User, Ebube Mbah was also quick to come to the defence of the Governor by writing on his Facebook Page that Oborevwori should have been addressed by his Church title, describing him as an Elder of the Church who was simply carrying out his assigned duties.

Mbah, said, “In this report, it would have been appropriate to address him with his formal title in the Church, which is what qualifies him to collect offerings in Winners Chapel. ‘Elder Sheriff Oborevwori’”

Another user, Gospel Ifechikwu Amaliamifeobu, wrote, “So if I get money and become somebody big, I no go do my media work for Church again?”

Another user, TY AUTOS, who identifies as #ty_autos said, ‘This is distracting cos security are all over him. They said the country is safe. So, who need security inside church?”

Tunji Herbert, who writes as #koko_herbert, wrote, “In Nigeria, religious leaders and political leaders are in same WhatsApp group. Both work really hard to put lives of ordinary Nigerians at bay.”

A user, ByFireByForceJay™️, who tweets as #Only1Leanboi, said, “All our leaders dey this pastors hand.”

Oxford & Harvard, who identifies as #SeyiGlobal, said, “Exactly! That Nigerians still swallow this performative humility hook, line, and sinker is truly astonishing. Ushering with full protocol/security in tow? Please. It’s all staged for the cameras ahead of whatever’s next. Wake up, people!

Another user, ᏇᎥᏝᏝᏕ who identifies as #IAmWills11 said, “ushering work but na front of audience you dey. God abeg.”

Some also said this was a distraction from governance.

Enugu Police Storms Cult Initiation, Arrests Suspects

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

An alleged initiation exercise  by a cult group in Enugu State has been foiled by operatives of the State Police Command.

The Police Command announced that it uncovered and foiled a cult group’s forceful initiation exercise, arrested six suspects and  recovered, firearms dangerous weapons, and other incriminating exhibits in Enugu North Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad acted on credible intelligence on December 5, 2025, leading to the arrest of the suspects over the alleged forceful initiation of victims into the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

The initiation reportedly took place on November 25, 2025, in a forest at Ugwu Peak, Iva Valley, Enugu North LGA.

SP Ndukwe disclosed that during the operation, police recovered one locally made double-barrelled pistol, four cutlasses allegedly used in carrying out the criminal acts, and two empty bottles of Squadron rum reportedly consumed during the initiation rite.

The suspects were identified as Edeh Francis Chigbo, also known as “Saint” (22); Ogbu Fabulous, a.k.a. “Nwakanwa” (23); Odom Chiemerie, a.k.a. “Coded” (28); Nweke Anayo, a.k.a. “Chaplet” (22); Obumneme Obiechina, a.k.a. “Biggy” (30); and Chigozie Ugbene, a.k.a. “God bless” (20).

All the suspects confessed to being members of the secret cult group and admitted their involvement in the forceful initiation,” the police spokesperson said, adding that they would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa,  reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid Enugu State of cultism and other criminal activities, particularly during the festive season.

“The Commissioner of Police reiterates his firm commitment to rid the state of unrepentant criminals and their activities, especially during this festive season and beyond,” SP Ndukwe quoted the CP as saying.

CP Giwa also urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, while calling on members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by promptly reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities.

BVN and NIN Sufficient for Banking Services – FIRS

By
Ayodele Oni
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Tax

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has assured that Nigerians without a Tax Identification Number (TIN) would continue to enjoy banking services.

The agency explained that nobody would  be barred from opening or operating bank accounts, with or without TIN, as being speculated on social media.

Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, in a statement,  emphasized that the system is not designed to impose extra burdens on citizens, but to promote financial inclusion and transparency.

She urged Nigerians to see the development as an opportunity for smoother transactions within the country’s growing digital economy.

In a clarification, the agency explained that Nigerians are not required to present a separate TIN before accessing banking services, as the national tax system has been fully integrated with existing identification platforms.

“These include the National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and records of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”

According to FIRS, individuals automatically have their TIN generated and linked to their NIN, while businesses are covered through their CAC Registration (RC) Numbers.

“Cooperatives, professional bodies, partnerships, and other organizations are also captured, with their TINs connected to their respective official registries.”

The service noted that when a customer presents a NIN or, in the case of companies, an RC Number at a bank, the system automatically cross-checks the database and retrieves the corresponding TIN in real time.

“This eliminates the need for additional applications or paperwork before opening or operating a bank account.”

FIRS highlighted several benefits of the integrated system, including seamless banking processes, improved fraud prevention through the elimination of duplicate identities, enhanced trust and regulatory compliance, and inclusive coverage for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

“The framework also aligns Nigeria’s tax administration more closely with global financial and compliance standards.”

The agency reassured the public that there is no need to apply for or carry a separate tax identification card to access banking services.

“Presenting a NIN or BVN is sufficient, as the TIN is automatically integrated in the background. In simple terms, a Nigerian’s NIN already ensures tax.”

NIMASA Tackles US Over Nigerian Seized Vessel

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Nigerian Vessl

The attention of the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has been drawn to media reports stating that the United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, intercepted a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) SKIPPER with IMO Number 9304667, alleged to be Nigerian-owned and involved in crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.

NIMASA wishes to put on record that the VLCC SKIPPER is not a Nigerian-flagged vessel, and its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, are not registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.

An analysis of the vessel’s movement, monitored through the Agency’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) Centre, shows that the vessel was last sighted in Nigerian waters on 1st July 2024.

After departing Nigerian waters, the vessel continued on its international voyage pattern and was tracked operating in the Arabian Sea (Asia) and later in the Caribbean region, where the U.S. interdiction eventually took place.

Records indicate that SKIPPER which was formerly owned by Triton Navigation Corp, has undergone multiple name changes over time.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including U.S. authorities, in the ongoing investigations. He emphasized that criminality will not be tolerated in Nigerian waters.

Malami: EFCC Vows Not To Succumb To Blackmail 

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Abubakar Malami
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has vowed not to bow to alleged blackmail by Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.
Malami was detained on Friday by the commission over alleged abuse of office and corruption while he served under late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Minister has alleged that his detention was politically motivated, saying his bail should not have been revoked.
The commission, in a statement, on Saturday described the claims of  Malami, about a purported revocation of “his bail over attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi,” as false saying its operations are apolitical.
According to the anti-graft agency, administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court.
 To this effect, Malami after his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, was offered provisional bail hinged on five requirements. He has neither met any of the requirements nor shown readiness to keep faith with them.
He was due back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025 , but in a curious twist, the former Minister pleaded with his investigators through a letter written to the Commission on December 4, 2025, to allow him to attend to his “ill-health”.  The Commission compassionately granted his plea even while his bail conditions had not been met.
He was initially required to commence reporting for further investigations on December 1, 2025 but this had to be deferred to December 4, 2025 largely owing to his “ Request for an Adjournment on Grounds of Ill- Health” . He neither provided a medical report nor credible proof of ill-health to the Commission
The EFCC said it  cannot allow the latitude granted the former Minister on his health stand in the way of investigations .  On this score, he was invited again on December 8, 2025 for further interrogation and detained until the pending bail conditions are met.
The agency stressed that the former minister’s claims of revocation of bail by the EFCC are untenable. It is equally ridiculous to insinuate that the Commission barred him “ from granting media interviews and from participating in political activities in Kebbi State”.
 Such bogus claims from a former chief law officer of the nation are strange, as the EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects.  It bears reiterating that the Commission is apolitical. A former governor and ranking member of the ruling party was recently arraigned for alleged contract fraud, the commission said.
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