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Niger Police Command Arrests Suspect Linked To Production Of Fake NIN, PVC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fake NIN and PVC

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Niger State Police Command has bursted an illegal factory where fake 105 fake NIN cards and 189 counterfeit Permanent Voter Cards were discovered.

 

The Command announced that it uncovered an alleged illegal factory producing counterfeit National Identity Number (NIN) cards and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

 

The development led to the arrest of a 42-year old suspect accused of operating the forgery ring.

 

The suspect, identified as Mohammed Aliyu Buba, was arrested by operatives of the Tactical Support Team, following credible intelligence linking him to the production and distribution of fake government-issued identity documents.

 

Addressing journalists in Minna, the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, who broke news of the breakthrough on Sunday, stated that the operation was carried out on July 28 at the suspect’s residence in Angwan Sarki, Munya Local Government Area, where officers recovered a large cache of counterfeit identity documents.

 

According to the police, the raid yielded 105 fake NIN cards and 189 counterfeit Permanent Voter Cards, believed to have been prepared for circulation within Munya, Wushishi and neighbouring communities.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly produced forged identification documents for more than 1,000 individuals.

 

Police said he confessed to charging ₦2,000 for each fake NIN card and ₦1,000 per counterfeit PVC, generating proceeds estimated at over ₦3 million from the illicit operation.

 

Commissioner Elleman disclosed that the suspect remained in police custody and would be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

 

He warned Nigerians against procuring or using forged government identity documents, stressing that both the production and possession of such documents constitute criminal offences under the law.

 

The police chief reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in forgery, identity fraud and related offences, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations across the state.

Ooni Of Ife Welcomes Baby Girl, Weeks After Losing Elder Brother

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ooni of Ife - Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Arole Oduduwa, Ooni of Ife, HRH Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has cause to smile and celebrate. He has just welcomed a Baby Girl courtesy of his wife, Olori Oluwatosin.

 

The bundle of joy is coming months after the revered Monarch welcomed Twin Boys, through another of his Wiives, Olori Mariam Ajibola.

 

Recall that the King lost his elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi a couple of weeks ago, putting him in a mourning mood. But the arrival of his new Daughter has brought smiles and joy into the Palace.

 

The Oonirisa shared the news on his social media page on Sunday, describing the birth as another blessing to the House of Oduduwa.

 

He thanked God for the safe delivery and confirmed that Olori Oluwatosin and the newborn princess are in good health.

 

“To God Almighty be all the glory for his unfailing grace and the precious gift of new life.

 

“Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa for the blessed arrival of a Royal Princess through Olori Oluwatosin.

 

“May the Almighty preserve this divine gift and cause her to flourish in wisdom, grace, and honour.

 

“We are pleased to share that both Olori Oluwatosin and the Royal Princess are in excellent health,” he wrote.

FULafia Approves N50 Million Research Grant For 10 Professors

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Federal University of Lafia - FULafia

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ten Professors at the Federal University, Lafia (FULafia), have been listed to benefit from a N50 million research grant by the University.

 

Vice-Chancellor (VC) of FULafia, Prof. Mohammed Isa-Kida, has approved the research grant to strengthen research capacity and enhance the institution’s competitiveness in attracting national and international funding.

 

Abubakar Ibrahim, Director of the Department of Public Relations at the institution, stated this in a statement to newsmen on Sunday in Lafia.

 

The Director explained that the fund, released to the University’s Research and Conference Development Committee, was aimed at supporting high-impact research projects, promoting innovation and improving the quality of academic research.

 

The university spokesperson quoted Prof. Adam Adebayo-Sirajudeen, Chairman of the Research Committee that the initiative is a significant step towards building a sustainable research culture capable of attracting larger external grants.

 

“The University’s research development fund would enable researchers to initiate quality projects, develop robust methodologies and generate evidence-based solutions to societal challenges.

 

“The initiative was expected to improve the University’s research output, strengthen its national and international reputation and enhance its position in global university rankings.

 

“This initiative represents a major milestone in promoting problem-solving research and cultivating a strong culture of grantsmanship,” he added.

 

Ibrahim further said that the Committee has already approved and funded the first batch of research proposals, valued at N34,072,600.

 

He listed the beneficiaries of the first batch of researchers to include; Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, Prof. E.H. Kwon-Ndung, Prof. Samaila Usman-Dakyes, Prof. Joseph Dlama-Zira, Dr Christopher Ifeanyi-Eke, Dr Agushaka Jeffrey-Ovre, Dr Hauwa Ahmad-Kana, Dr Muhammad Mukhtar-Liman, Dr Adamu Yakubu, and Dr Bilikisu Adamu.

 

He also listed some of the topics of the research to include; Development of a Chronometer for Historical Printed Documents Using Controlled Artificial Ageing Protocols, Assessment and Sustainable Improvement of the FULafia Botanical Garden, Exploration of Beetroot for the Development of Eco-friendly Natural Dyes for the Nigerian Fashion Industry.

 

“Others are, Development of an Automated Radiology Management System with Integrated Dual-Engine Artificial Intelligence for Image Interpretation, Explainable and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence for Breast Cancer Classification in Low-resource Healthcare Environments among others.”

 

The head of the information unit noted that the funded projects would contribute to knowledge generation in critical fields while providing research support for postgraduate students working under the supervision of the principal investigators.

 

“The funding would provide essential resources for postgraduate researchers to complete high-quality studies, accelerate their academic progress and contribute to solving societal challenges,” he added.

 

He further said that the second batch of research proposals is currently under review and urged academic staff to take advantage of the funding opportunity.

 

He therefore, expressed optimism that sustained investment in research would strengthen the University’s capacity for innovation, increase its success in securing competitive grants and reinforce its contribution to national development.

“The Catholic Bishops That Visited Are Different From The Fake Ones You Know” – Atiku Mocks Tinubu, Condemns Attack On Onaiyekan

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar  has flayed the Presidency over what he described as its growing tendency for intolerance of constructive criticisms.

 

Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, spoke against the backdrop of the Presidency’s attack on the Archbishop Emiretus of Abuja Catholic Diocese , John Cardinal Onaiyekan over his assessment of the President BolaTinubu’s administration.

 

On an Arise Television unterview on Friday, Onaiyekan, who was part of the Catholic Bishops that paid a courtesy visit to the President expressed regrets that Tinubu did not only dismiss their concern about the disturbing state of affairs in the country with a wave of the hand, but, also, alerted that he is bent on snatching victory at all costs in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

 

According to Onaiyekan, President Tinubu and the Government officials during the meeting with the visiting Catholic leaders, were visibly uncomfortable and unhappy with them for their unflattering disposition.

 

He emphasized that from the countenance of the President, he was not used to such level of candour that characterized the message from the Bishops.

 

In response, the Presidency, through the duo of Daniel Bwala and Temitope Ajayi on Saturday pilloried the retired Catholic Cleric, describing his position as not only biased, but unreflective of the collective thinking of the country’s Christian community.

 

Particularly, the two presidential spokespersons accused the Archbishop Emiretus of working for the political interest of the Presidential flag bearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, a Catholic faithful.

 

Ajayi ,the Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity also accused Onaiyekan of overstepping the boundaries when he engaged in dissecting what officially transpired during the President’s meeting with the Catholic Clerics.

 

But Atiku, in a statement signed on Sunday, by Phrank Shuaibu, his spokesperson, chastised the Presidency for  engaging in an unmitigated political attacks, rather than reflecting on the substance and import of  Onaiyekan’s candid message.

 

The ADC Presidential Candidate noted that the Presidency’s reaction is an indication that it is only used to listening to “fake Bishops”, insisting that those who came calling last week are known for always speaking truth to power.

 

“Perhaps the Presidency has become so accustomed to inviting  “fake bishops” that it now assumes every Cleric can be recruited into political propaganda.

 

“But Catholic Bishops are different. They are not political props, rented cheerleaders, or praise singers.

 

“They are shepherds with a moral obligation to speak truth to power, regardless of whose interests are bruised. They cannot be used”, Abubakar stated.

 

According to him, it is on record that the Catholic Clerics have always served as a moral voice for the poor and vulnerable citizens, and a moral compass for the society not minding who is occupying the presidential Villa.

 

While lauding the Catholic Bishops for their candour, Abubakar described the Presidency’s response as arrogant and unbecoming of  Government.

 

Describing Cardinal Onaiyekan’s decision to speak after the Bishops’ Aso Rock Villa visit as meant to put their message in proper perspective, Abubakar accused Presidential spokespersons of wilfully attempting to distor, cancel and re-write the engagement the Bishops had with the President, with a view to spewing narratives favourable to the Government.

Nigerian Army Deploys Personnel To ECOWAS Support Mission In Guinea Bissau

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigerian Army Deploys Personnel To ECOWAS

By Ayodele Oni

 

As part of the nation’s commitment to regional peace, the Nigerian Army has deployed another contingent of 86 personnel to the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB).

 

The troops, serving under Nigerian Company 5 (NIGCOY 5 ESSMGB), departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and arrived safely in Guinea-Bissau to commence their assignment under the ECOWAS mandate.

 

Before the deployment from the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Forward Operating Base in Abuja, the Chief of Operations (Army), Major General MLD Saraso, represented by the Director of Peace Support Operations, Brigadier General MM Idris, urged the personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and operational excellence throughout the mission.

 

He charged the troops to remain worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria by faithfully executing the mission mandate and respecting the laws, customs and traditions of the host nation.

 

“You must maintain zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), substance abuse, indiscipline and the irresponsible use of social media,” Idris told the troops on behalf of the Chief of Operations.

 

The Army said the deployment reflects Nigeria’s enduring commitment to regional and international peace support operations, building on decades of service under the ECOWAS, African Union and United Nations frameworks.

 

It added that through the professionalism, resilience and dedication of its personnel, the Nigerian Army remains a dependable pillar of regional collective security and continues to project Nigeria’s leadership in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and post-conflict stabilisation across the African continent

Northern Christians Say Catholic Bishops Speak Mind Of Nigerians, Warns Bwala

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Northern Christians

By Ayodele Oni

 

Northern Christian Association (NCA) has cautioned the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, against what it described as divisive politics capable of undermining Christian unity.

 

Reacting to comments by the presidential aide on Cardinal Onaiyekan interview, NCA threw its weight behind the Catholic Bishops following their recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The association said the Catholic Bishops, who met with the President spoke on issues affecting not only Catholics, but also Christians and Nigerians in general, insisting that their message was one of national interest, humanity and good governance.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the association would not allow anyone to create division within the Christian community for political reasons.

 

He stressed that members of the NCA cut across all major Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church, Baptist, ECWA, Methodist, Anglican, Pentecostal and other churches.

 

“We should tell Bwala to know that Catholics are Christians and Nigerians.

 

“Our members are Catholics, Baptist, ECWA, Methodist, Anglican, Pentecostals and people of all denominations. We refuse to be divided by Bwala’s politics of division,” Hayab stated.

 

He was of the view that the Cardinal and the Catholic Bishops who visited President Tinubu deserved respect, noting that they met with the President to discuss issues concerning humanity, Christians and the welfare of all Nigerians rather than matters affecting only the Catholic Church.

 

“Our Cardinal is our respected leader and the Bishops that visited the President went to speak to him about humanity, Christians and all of us, not only Catholics.”

 

Hayab described it as “shameful and a disservice” to President Tinubu for his spokesperson to disrespect the Cardinal, maintaining that the bishops offered honest counsel intended to help the President succeed and move the country forward.

 

“It is therefore shameful and a disservice to Tinubu for his spokesperson to disrespect our Cardinal.

 

“An honest counsel has been given to Mr. President for his own good and for a better Nigeria,” he added.

 

The NCA Chairman further warned that any government official who chooses propaganda over addressing the genuine concerns of citizens was doing more harm than good to the nation.

 

According to him, public office holders who ignore the realities facing Nigerians in pursuit of personal or political interests should be seen as contributing to the country’s challenges rather than helping to solve them.

 

“Any voice of greed, propaganda or disconnect with the citizens by any government appointee like Bwala should be seen as those destroying the country for their selfish interest, not minding the larger population,” Hayab added.

 

He cautioned that unless the country’s challenges were addressed, all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, would bear the consequences.

 

“Sadly for people like Bwala, if things do not improve, we shall all suffer together and live to see our country not growing as it should be,” he stated.

 

Hayab reaffirmed the association’s confidence in the Catholic Bishops, describing them as patriotic leaders whose intervention was motivated by genuine concern for both President Tinubu and the nation.

 

“The NCA knows that our Catholic Bishops mean well and love the President and the country more than those insulting their honest counsel.”

 

He called on political office holders to pay greater attention to the substance of the concerns raised by religious leaders and other stakeholders, rather than resorting to comments capable of creating unnecessary divisions among Nigerians.

Bindow, Fmr. Adamawa  Governor, Resigns From ADC

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Senator Mohammed Umar Jibrilla Bindow

By Adesina Soyooye

 

“It is time to move, so I have moved”

 

Atiku Abubakar,  Presidential Candidate of the  African Democratic Congress, ADC, has suffered a loss  in his home State, Adamawa.

 

Senator Mohammed Umar Jibrilla Bindow, a former Governor of Adamawa State, has resigned his membership of the ADC. This sudden resignation comes just about five months to the crucial January 16, 2027, Presidential Election. The former Governor is an influential political figure in Adamawa State.

 

Bindow made official his his resignation in a letter he addressed to the Chairman of the ADC in Lokuwa Ward, Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

 

Dated July 15, 2026, the letter was received by the leadership of the Ward on July 31.

 

In the letter, Bindow said he decided to resign from the ADC afrer a deep reflection on his political future and his commitment to public service.

 

Bindow: “I write to formally tender my resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), effective from 15th July, 2026.

 

“This decision follows careful reflection and extensive consideration of my personal convictions, political aspirations, and commitment to the continued service of our people.

 

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to have associated with the party and to have contributed, in my own way, to its growth and democratic ideals.

 

“I hold the leadership and members of the party in high regard and wish them success in their future endeavors.

 

“As political realities continue to evolve, I believe it is necessary for me to take a new path consistent with my vision and responsibilities to the people I have always sought to serve.

 

“It is time to move, so I have moved.”

 

Bindweed was the Governor of Adamawa State under the All Progressives Congress, APC, between 2015 and 2019.

 

He dumped the Party and joined the ADC on its formation. And even though he is yet to say his next bus stop, it is taken for granted that he will be headed back to the APC.

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in June, after he hosted Bindow in Abuja, had proclaimed then that

“BINDOW IS COMING!”

On Loyalty, Memory and Chief Obasanjo

By
The Source
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0
Babafemi Ojudu
Senator Babafemi Ojudu

By Babafemi Ojudu

 

A Response to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s Reflections on Atiku Abubakar

 

Public figures who invoke loyalty as a moral test must themselves be prepared to have their own record on loyalty examined.

 

I have followed the debate surrounding Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that his former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was disloyal. Having observed and reported on some of the events in question, I find Obasanjo’s sanctimonious posture rather troubling.

Perhaps it is time for Nigerians to ask a few questions of Obasanjo himself. How loyal was he to General Murtala Mohammed?

 

Is it not true that Murtala, at one point, contemplated removing him from office and relieving him of his military commission, and that he was saved only through the intervention of distinguished public servants such as Philip Asiodu, Allison Ayida, Chief Awoniyi of Mopa, and others who pleaded his case?

 

What became of those senior permanent secretaries after they had successfully persuaded Murtala not to dismiss him? How did Obasanjo treat them when he eventually became Head of State? And what role, if any, did he play in the events leading up to the coup in which General Murtala Mohammed lost his life?

 

Those seeking answers should read Murtala Muhammed: A Betrayed Revolutionary by the veteran journalist Sidi H. Ali. First published in 1982, the 236-page work examines the rise, leadership, and assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, as well as the political intrigues surrounding that turbulent period.

 

I would also recommend Allison Ayida’s autobiography, Nigeria’s Quintessential Public Servant. Both books contain accounts and observations that complicate the simplistic moral image Obasanjo has often projected of himself.

 

I once travelled to Mopa to interview the late Chief Awoniyi. I was astonished by the stories he shared about Obasanjo and the events of that period. Years later, when Chief Awoniyi became Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I had several opportunities to revisit those conversations.

 

On each occasion, he spoke candidly and at length about the man behind the carefully cultivated public image.

Olusegun Obasanjo
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

These are aspects of our history that have never been fully examined or honestly documented.

What we are witnessing today is politics dressed up as moral outrage.

 

Obasanjo has often presented himself as the sole custodian of virtue while portraying virtually every other political actor as deeply flawed. It is a familiar pattern: he is the saint; everyone else, the sinner.

 

Many of us have lived through enough of our history to know that the record is far more complex than this carefully cultivated image suggests. Nor have we forgotten the controversies that have surrounded him over the years, including the candid portrait contained in the memoir written by his first wife, Remi Obasanjo. For those interested in this book the title is: Bitter- Sweet: My Life With Obasanjo.

 

History deserves honesty, not selective memory.

Senator Ojudu, an accomplished Journalist, was Presidential Political Adviser, office of Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, under the Late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government.

38 Soldiers Feared Dead As IS Fighters Allegedly Overrun Military Bases In Niger

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
iswap BokoHaram
Islamic Insurgents

By Adesina Soyooye

 

A yet-to-be confirmed report says about  38 Nigerien soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by suspected Islamic State fighters on military positions in Niger.

The sad incident was made public by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

 

The bloody attack, according to the report, happened on Friday as suspected Islamic State fighters launched what a source described as coordinated assault on a military position at Dankassari, located between Doutchi and Yaya in Dosso Region.

 

According to Makama’s  report, the IS fighters overran the forward operating base of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, FDS, during the intense fight.

He added that, at least ,21 soldiers were killed. A lot more he disclosed were either injured or missing.

 

He reported: “The consolidated casualty figure stood at 21 soldiers killed. The number of wounded or missing personnel was not immediately available.

 

The attack took place only hours after another fatal assault on  N’Guigmi in Diffa Region. In this assault, 17 members of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, including an officer, were allegedly killed by suspected IS fighters.

 

The two incidents account for the death toll of 38 security personnel on July 31.

 

 

Makama noted that the attacks underscore the persistent security challenges confronting Niger despite ongoing military operations targeting extremist groups operating in the Tillabéri, Dosso, Diffa and Tahoua regions.

The report also cited data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, ACLED, showing that at least 5,828 people, including more than 2,000 members of the country’s Defence and Security Forces, have been killed in terrorism-related violence since the military takeover on July 26, 2023.

 

Niger Republic is Nigeria’s neighbour.

WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons In Slim Win Over Zambia To Keep Qualification Hope Alive

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Falcons

By Akinwale Kasali

 

An eight minute strike from Asisat Oshoala was all the Super Falcons needed to record a 1-0 slim win over the Copper Ladies of Zambia in their Second Group Match in Group C.

 

Knowing that the encounter is a must win match, Coach Justine Maduagu made Five changes in the team that filed out against the Scorchers of Malawi, with Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Rofiat Imuran, Christy Ucheibe and  Deborah Abiodun returning to the Starting Line Up.

 

The Super Falcons made their intention known with an early strike which they held on till the end of the match.

 

Before the end of the first half, Blessing Demehin was red-carded for receiving a second yellow card, as Barbara Banda, Rachael Kundananji and Grace Chanda were threats to the Nigerian defense.

 

With this victory, the Super Eagles need an outright win with a good Gola margin against the Female Pharaoh’s of Egypt in their last Group C match to have any hope of qualifying for the knockout phase.

 

The Egyptians are already out of the tournament having lost their first match 6-0 to Zambia and 3-1 to Malawi, as they will only be playing for pride against the 10 time Women’s African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, Champion.

 

Nigeria is in on Three Points and sit Third on the Table with Malawi having Six Points from Two games with a superior goal difference of +3 having scored Six Goals and conceded Three Goals.

 

For the Copper Ladies of Zambia, they are Second on the Table with Three Points with +5 Goal difference, having scored Five goals amd conceded One, while the Super Falcons have Three Points, 0 goal difference, having scored three goals and conceded three goals.

 

An outright win for the Super Falcons, hoping that Malawi defeats Zambia or the encounter ends in a draw, will see the Nigerian Ladies in the Quarter Finals as runners-up in the Group.

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