Tope Fasua, an economist and special adviser to the president on economic affairs, has accused Nigerians of hiking prices of goods and services and causing inflation to make President Bola Tinubu’s government look bad.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Mr Fasua argued that Nigeria’s inflation orchestrated by citizens to portray the government in bad light.
“I’ve been hammering on this for the past three months because I know Nigerians. Inflation peaked at 34.8 per cent because everybody has hiked prices of everything,” Mr Fasua said.
He added, “I kept insisting back in the day that our inflation was driven by other forces different from orthodoxy…things that Adam Smith and the classical may not have imagined. Prices were increased based on whims. Sometimes increased because it will make the government look bad.”
Mr Fasua made this statement reacting to a social media post that an AP Petrol station at Maitama, Abuja, still pays its pump attendants N10,000 per month despite economic hardship.
Condemning entrepreneurs who have not reviewed their staff salaries despite minimum wage review, Mr Fasua said, “No so-called entrepreneur should be paying any staff at the same level as 2 years ago simply because they cannot protest or have no voice in social media. More of these situations should be pointed out wherever they exist please.”
In the past two years, Mr Tinubu’s dual policies of fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification have led to a significant increase in fuel prices, from N145 to over N1,000 and later to about N900, while the naira has collapsed from about N700 to a dollar to over N1,600 to a dollar.
Similarly, food prices, transportation, and living costs have risen astronomically due to Mr Tinubu’s economic policies.
With inflation at 24 per cent, a drop from 34 per cent after rebasing the economy under Mr Tinubu, Nigeria recorded the largest increase in acute food insecurity globally in 2024, according to the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises published by the Global Network Against Food Crises in collaboration with the Food Security Information Network and UNICEF.
The International Monetary Fund reported that poverty and food insecurity remained high under Mr Tinubu, while the World Bank’s Africa Pulse report of April 2025 also stated that Nigeria, under Mr Tinubu, has the highest number of extremely poor people globally, warning that more Nigerians will be plunged into poverty by 2027.
In a significant political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Minister of Environment, Barrister Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi, has tendered his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Barrister Abdullahi, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari, submitted his resignation letter on June 1 to the APC chairman in his Uke ward of Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State. The letter, which was also copied to other party officials, cited personal reasons for his departure.
Close to the former minister, Mr. Samuel Akala, confirmed the decision to reporters in Lafia and suggested that Abdullahi may announce a new party affiliation soon, with a view to contesting for the governorship of Nasarawa State in 2027.
In his letter, Abdullahi expressed gratitude for the opportunities and received during his tenure with the APC. “I wish you and the party good luck,” the letter stated.
Abdullahi has a notable track record in the state, having previously served as Secretary to the State Government under former Governor Tanko Almakura, where he contributed significantly to state development.
His resignation has raised concerns within the state party, given his previous influence and substantial followership.
The skyrocketing cost of living in Nigeria has plunged many citizens into deep poverty, leading a growing number of Nigerians to abandon their pets as they can no longer afford to feed or care for them.
The St Mark’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Ajah, Lagos, has seen firsthand the emotional toll of Nigeria’s economic crisis, not just on people but also on their pets, according to a BBC report.
Preye Maxwell, an online media strategist who was recently laid off, tearfully said goodbye to his two-year-old American Eskimo dog, Hanks, as he surrendered him to the shelter.
“I can’t afford to take care of him. I can’t afford to feed him the way he should be fed,” Maxwell said, his voice breaking as he turned away, leaving the barking dog behind.
Maxwell, now caught in a frantic job hunt, itted he barely has time for himself, let alone for his pet.
“I’m trying to get whatever I have to do to survive. I don’t even have the time now [to look after Hanks] because I’m always out looking for jobs,” he told the BBC.
His painful decision is becoming increasingly common in Nigeria, where a rising cost of living is forcing many to give up their pets.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago and removed a longstanding fuel subsidy, inflation has soared.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), inflation jumped from 22% in May 2023 to a 28-year high of 35% by December 2024.
Although it has since eased to 24%, according to the NBS, prices of commodities continue to rise, straining household budgets and prompting companies to downsize.
Dr Mark Afua, a veterinarian and chairman of the St Mark’s Animal Rescue Foundation, confirms a noticeable surge in the number of pet owners surrendering their animals—a trend the centre has not seen in the past decade.
“About 10 years ago when we started this project, we really didn’t have people giving up their dogs because they were unable to feed the dogs,” Dr Afua explained.
“Right now, we have 10, 12 animals being dropped in a month.”
The cost of imported pet food and medication has more than doubled, driven up by a weakened naira. Many pet owners simply can’t keep up and some have been forced to abandon their animals altogether.
Jackie Idimogu, an animal cruelty campaigner and president of the Lagos-based dog lovers’ community, My Dog and I, says she has witnessed this heartbreaking trend far too often.
“Now they don’t even have that patience [to find new owners]. They just tie the dog out to a post on the road or they just unleash it on the road,” Idimogu told the BBC.
Despite the financial strain, Idimogu, 32, refuses to part with her four dogs.
“I’m spending roughly N250,000 ($158; £117) every month on pets,” she said, noting the costs include dog walking and caregiving services.
“As a single lady, I have no kids of my own yet. My dogs are my babies. I don’t see any difference between myself as a dog mum and a human mum. I don’t think I have it in me to give up any of my babies for any reason whatsoever.”
To cope, she has scaled back on personal luxuries.
“I used to be flashy, but now I had to tone down because of my dogs,” she said, citing fewer spa visits and more modest hairstyles.
The financial burden is shared by cat lovers like Amartya Odanokende, also known online as “Jason the Cat Guy.”
A ionate feline advocate, Odanokende spends about $160 (about N253,000) a month feeding his five adult cats and kittens, plus $7 (over N11,000) on litter.
Since adopting his Prussian cats in 2020, his monthly pet expenses have doubled.
“The skyrocketing maintenance cost” is a serious concern, he its, adding that he fears going into debt.
The squeeze is also being felt by pet owners like Iyke Elueze, a sales executive in Lagos trying to care for 10 dogs.
“There’s a particular brand of food I used to use. It was just about N30,000 then,” he said, adding that the same brand of dog food is now N165,000.
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci previously came under fire for featuring dog meat on a menu.
Ibrahim has cut costs by feeding her cats leftovers from her plate instead of tinned meals.
Her advice, “It’s just like having a child. If you can’t afford to have a child, then don’t bring a child to the world.”
Dr Afua continues to shoulder the burden of rising abandonments, funding the shelter with profits from his private veterinary practice.
The centre, built to house about 30 dogs, now cares for over 60.
“We try to help the animals get homes quickly but I’m careful [about] the homes they go to so they don’t come back. And some animals will never find homes because of previous abuse,” he said.
Asked if he would ever turn an animal away, he shook his head, and said, “I don’t have the heart to. As I speak, I have dogs and cats everywhere. My office and home is full – and I still make room for the next.”
EXCLUSIVE: Panic grips Tinubu as U.S. law firm prepares massive mandamus for Chicago university to revoke Nigerian president’s only certificate
An American law firm has set in motion a sprawling legal battle to compel revocation of President Bola Tinubu’s only academic qualification, Peoples Gazette can report, heralding a bitter confrontation that could potentially overshadow the Nigerian leader’s 2027 reelection message.
Chicago-based Options Law Group, P.C. has prepared what an insider described to The Gazette as “a thermonuclear lawsuit” to push Chicago State University to void a diploma it awarded to Mr Tinubu in 1979, citing egregious forgery on which the qualification was procured.
Chicago State University (Credit : volant)
Chicago State University (Credit : volant)
The firm said it settled on a court battle after the CSU s spurned a morass of demand letters sent between March and April 2025, asserting strongly that it was no longer tenable for the school to continue standing by Mr Tinubu’s certificate after it had been established that the high school records he submitted to enrol at the Illinois institution were falsified.
“If we do not hear from you or your general counsel by the end of the fourteen (14) days, all legal rights shall be explored, including, but not limited to, legal proceedings necessary in accordance with state and federal laws,” the firm warned in an April 1, 2025, missive to the school, copying several authorities, including Illinois’ attorney-general’s office.
The new battlefront, opened two years after the Nigerian leader weathered a shot but disparaging legal challenge over whether or not he graduated from the school as asserted in his application to run for president in 2023, was launched by the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, a pan-Nigerian civic group based in Aba.
“Our client has presented facts which a reasonable person can conclude that Bola A. Tinubu, a former student of the Chicago State University, class of 1979, misrepresented material and misleading facts on ission application to CSU in 1977,” the school said in a separate letter to Illinois Attorney-General Kwame Raoul. “Based on Tinubu’s distortions, he was awarded a bachelor’s degree in 1979.”
The Gazette was told the firm has now prepared to approach federal and state courts for a sweeping mandamus, a judicial command ordering an entity to perform a specific duty, which in this instance would be the cancellation of Mr Tinubu’s certificate by the university’s s.
The school had in 2023 stated under oath that it awarded a degree in business and istration to Mr Tinubu. However, it could not ascertain whether or not the certificate issued to Mr Tinubu upon graduation matched the document he presented to Nigeria’s electoral office to meet eligibility criteria.
Still, the records surrendered by the CSU following a federal judge’s subpoena showed Mr Tinubu was itted into the institution after submitting certification he purportedly obtained from Government College, Lagos, in 1970. However, the high school did not exist until 1974, and graduates were not produced until several years later.
The additional questions raised by Mr Tinubu’s records from CSU prompted Options Law Group’s client, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, to pursue outright revocation of the president’s bachelor’s degree, which was the only academic qualification he presented. He did not submit credentials from primary or secondary education to the electoral office INEC.
The centre’s director, Kalu Kalu Agu, is an associate of Atiku Abubakar—Mr Tinubu’s main political opponent, against whom the Nigerian leader prevailed in the 2023 presidential elections.
Mr Kalu, a legal practitioner, has for years cast himself as a major advocate for Mr Abubakar in the media and political meetings. He has also represented Mr Abubakar’s PDP in many court cases in the past. Still, he strongly denied to The Gazette that Mr Abubakar sponsored him to retain Options Law Group for the battle over Mr Tinubu’s certificate, which, if successful, could disqualify the president from seeking reelection.
A spokesperson for Mr Abubakar did not immediately comment on whether or not the former vice-president had provided financial or material to Mr Kalu or had prior knowledge of efforts to challenge Mr Tinubu’s certificate in U.S. courts.
Presidency sources over the weekend said that Mr Tinubu was already aware of the moves and had shown severe concern.
But the president’s top counsel quickly pushed back on any prospects of the case moving through the U.S. court, saying it was already resolved and any attempts to resurrect it would be deemed frivolous.
“The U.S. judicial system has no tolerance for frivolous expeditions,” the president’s lawyer Oluwole Afolabi said in a statement to The Gazette. “This is a matter that has been litigated to the fullest, and Nigerians have already moved on.”
“President Bola Tinubu has no time for nuisance lawsuits, either. He’s busy delivering on his agenda to usher in a safe and secure social and economic future for the people of Nigeria,” he added.
Still, a person familiar with the law firm’s theory said there are strong case laws on degree revocation across several U.S. jurisdictions.
The Gazette’s checks showed American institutions have a history of expelling students and revoking certificates of persons found to have falsified records submitted in the application process for their degrees.
The Gazette reported in April that the University of Missouri expelled Mercy Ojedeji after discovering he forged his credentials, which included transcripts, letters of recommendation and an English language test to secure a PhD programme in Chemistry. His student visa, $49,000 scholarship and other benefits were also cancelled.
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1987 upheld that a university reserved the right to revoke the degree of any student “on the grounds of fraud in its procurement,” while deciding Crook v. Baker.
According to the court, allowing a student to parade a fraudulently obtained degree would erode the confidence that the public placed in such institutions and awards.
In a separate yet similar case of Trauth v. K.E. in 2020, the Texas Court of Appeals said a university should revoke a degree if there were facts ing “academic dishonesty.” In all cases, the court mandated fair hearings for students to defend themselves before their degrees were rescinded.
For decades, Mr Tinubu’s political career has been dogged by allegations of academic fraud that came to a head in 2023 when the Chicago university denied issuing the certificate that the Nigerian leader submitted to the electoral body, INEC, during pre-election paperwork.
Although the school confirmed Mr Tinubu was an alumnus, CSU registrar Caleb Westberg said in his deposition that the school could not confirm issuing the contentious certificate presented to INEC.
But, unlike the 2023 battle, which was waged directly by Mr Abubakar, the civic group’s argument is no longer about whether the Nigerian leader forged the CSU certificate but the high school qualification he tendered to be eligible for university ission.
The Nigerian Constitution states that a person is qualified to be president if “he has been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent.”
Whereas Mr Tinubu claimed he obtained a high school qualification from Government College, Lagos, he did not submit it to INEC to run for office. Instead, he only presented his degree from CSU as the only surviving qualification he had to scale constitutional eligibility requirements.
However, he filed a sworn declaration that his primary and high school documents went missing following a breach of his Lagos home by the military junta in the 1990s. He was in exile as a political dissident at the time, and it was unclear whether or not he filed a contemporaneous police report detailing the theft.
The Nigerian Supreme Court sidestepped key issues around the certificate when they arose as part of Mr Abubakar’s lawsuit over the 2023 presidential election. But the court could be forced to confront the question again should the lawsuit dominate the 2027 campaign while moving through the U.S. court system.
17,025 candidates representing 0.88 per cent of the total 1,931,467 scored 300 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The t issions and Matriculation Board disclosed this on Sunday in its report while releasing the results of candidates who wrote the resit examination.
The report signals a significant improvement in performance compared with previous years since the adoption of the CBT format in 2013.
The released figure exceeds the 1,842,364 results released in 2024 and indicates a steady increase in UTME participation over the years.
In comparison, 8,401 candidates (0.46 per cent) achieved similar scores in 2024, while 5,318 (0.35 per cent) did so in 2023.
Earlier figures were generally lower, with only 724 candidates (0.06 per cent) scoring 300 and above in 2021, and none in both 2014 and 2013.
In the 250 and above category, 117,373 candidates (6.08 per cent) attained this range in 2025.
Of the 336,845 candidates rescheduled for the examination, the board said 21,082 others were absent.
“Of the 336,845 who were eventually scheduled after isolated good sessions of the affected centres were excluded and their previously unverified candidates were added, 21,082 were absent,” JAMB said.
It also announced the release of withheld results of under-age candidates (except where litigation is involved), who performed below the established standards and those involved in ‘WhatsApp Runs’ and other misdemeanours.
“It would be recalled that after the conduct of the resit examination, a meeting of the Board’s Chief External Examiners (CEEs) in all states of the federation was held to consider the results. In attendance at the meeting were a few notables.
“After consideration of the report of the resit examination, and extensive deliberations thereon, a sub-committee, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University, Prof. Olufemi Peters, who is also the CEE FCT, was constituted to confirm that the results are in order.
“The CEEs reviewed the exercise and directed that an expert in psychometrics, Prof. Boniface Nworgu, be invited to analyse and endorse the results for subsequent release.
“As part of the healing process, the meeting resolved that the withheld results of under-age candidates (except where litigation is involved), who performed below the established standards, be released.
“Such result does not however qualify them for ission, as they had previously signed an undertaking during the registration process acknowledging that only those who meet the prescribed standards would be considered for under-age special ission.
“Release of Result of Candidates involved in ‘WhatsApp Runs’ and other Misdemeanours: This category of candidates were found to have been involved in illicit solicitation of assistance. The meeting emphasised that its decision is not an endorsement of candidates’ unacceptable acts, rather a once and for all waiver. Candidates were thus advised to refrain from ing questionable ‘WhatsApp and other anti-social groups.’
“All results are now released except those of candidates who committed examination infractions and those slated for mop-up examinations. While releasing the results, it should be emphasised that recent discoveries particularly by the security agencies have necessitated the withdrawal of some of the results of implicated candidates across the country whose results have been previously released.
“Candidates with earlier released results need not recheck their results as candidates affected by the withdrawal are being notified through text messages on their ed lines, their profiles and emails.
“It should be emphasised that the charges for shortcode of 55019/66019 (text messages) does not generate revenue to JAMB as being ignorantly peddled. The shortcode approach is to protect the critical data of the candidates and to curtail their cybercafé-extortion during their desperate check for results.”
Crisis Brews In Benue APC Amid Governor Alia's Alleged Defection Plot – Party
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State is currently reeling from internal crisis amid an alleged ongoing plot by Benue State Governor, Rev Father Hyacinth Alia, to defect from the party, top party have confirmed.
Some party told SaharaReporters on Saturday that "negotiations are underway for Governor Alia's integration into a new party."
Speaking further, they noted that the development comes on the heels of Governor Alia's boycott of the APC's endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
According to an APC stakeholder, "Alia's actions have shocked the party hierarchy, even as his dissenting actions against the party have intensified in recent times."
The stakeholder added that Alia had aggressively pushed for his endorsement alongside that of President Tinubu, but he stormed out of negotiations when his demands were rejected.
"The governor's relationship with the APC has been strained, with frequent clashes with key party stakeholders in Benue, including Senator George Akume," he noted.
The Federal High Court in Makurdi recently also overturned Governor Alia's attempt to unilaterally remove Austin Agada as the APC State Chairman, ruling in favour of Agada's position.
"This posturing is consistent with Alia’s broader pattern of political hostility and unilateralism. Since assuming office, he has frequently clashed with key APC stakeholders in Benue. With Governor Alia's attempted to unilaterally remove Mr. Austin Agada, the APC State Chairman known for his loyalty to Akume and regain full control of the party, all hell was let loose.
"The Governor was criticised both within and outside the party for his unlawful and autocratic attempt to usurp and dismantle the legitmate party leadership in Benue State. In tandem with the wishes of the people, a Federal High Court in Makurdi, presided over by Justice Kume, overturned Alia’s unilateral action on November 28, 2024 and upheld Agada’s position as the Chairman of the APC in Benue State," another top party source stated.
Another party member noted, "Governor Alia in his determined ambition to hijack the party machinery in the state by all means, resorted to the formation of a factional party structure, operating with a parallel executive and systematically sidelining dissenters and all those opposed to his aggressive political maneuvers.
"We are now confident that Alia’s rebellious behaviour in the APC and his overtures to a new party are a well crafted exit strategy from the APC. Verified reports indicate that negotiations for his integration into a new party and endorsement as the Governorship candidate of the party are being handled by Gabriel Suswam, a former Governor of Benue State and top stakeholders have gone far. What's remaining now is the official date for his defection proper."
"From the pulpit and in a desperate attempt to be seen as a reformist, Governor Alia is increasingly been exposed as a relentless power-seeker — willing to dismantle party structures, flout internal rules, and form opportunistic partnerships to advance his personal ambitions," the source added.
While this approach may win among a loyal inner circle, it is alienating much of the APC base in Benue and casting him as a destabilising figure in the party’s national architecture."
As the battle for the soul of the party intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections election, Governor Alia’s political machinations, alliances and loyalty are questioned and will most likely be on a collision course with the APC.
Dr. Lukman Salihu Mohammed, the former All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Chairman for the Northwest, has been appointed to head the secretariat of a newly formed coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition has also adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform, signalling a strategic political realignment involving defectors from the ruling APC.
An impeccable source close to the coalition confirmed the development to Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday, revealing that the coalition held a high-stakes meeting on Tuesday night to finalise its structure and strategy.
“Yes, it’s true. Off the record, yes,” the source stated, adding that the ADC was unanimously adopted as the coalition’s platform.
“The ADC has been adopted as the coalition’s platform, and the secretariat will be headed by Dr. Lukman Salihu Mohammed,” the source disclosed.
This move is seen as a significant blow to the APC, particularly in the Northwest, a region where Dr. Lukman wields considerable political clout and grassroots appeal.
The coalition is expected to issue an official statement soon, though details of its agenda remain undisclosed.
The source hinted at the challenges of managing such a diverse group, stating, “You know, the coalition is like a polygamous family. You have to learn to manage the egos of politicians, as they tend to have very big egos.”
Meanwhiles, Dr. Lukman’s involvement in the coalition, despite his previous role in the APC, suggests a broader realignment of political loyalties and a strategic move to weaken the ruling party’s dominance in the North.
The source further elaborated on the coalition’s approach to unity, drawing a parallel to a polygamous family.
“Even if the first child of the first wife is 30 years older, all first children are treated as equals. It’s about treating everyone as co-equals,” the source explained, emphasising the importance of inclusivity in maintaining cohesion within the coalition.
While the coalition’s exact strategy remains under wraps, its adoption of the ADC and the appointment of a high-profile APC defector like Dr. Lukman suggest a well-coordinated effort to mobilise opposition forces.
In what was billed as the linguistic showdown of the century, a Nigerian scholar who boldly declared that Nigerians speak better English than the British themselves has suffered a humbling defeat — at the hands of the very Brit he sought to outwit with the Queen’s tongue.
Dr. Olufemi Adediran, a university lecturer and self-proclaimed "defender of Nigerian English supremacy," challenged British linguist Charles Wexley to an English Proficiency examination after a spirited online debate about who truly holds the crown in the language of Shakespeare.
"If the British colonized us, the least they could do is it we now speak their language better than they do," Adediran tweeted, his confidence soaring as high as his followers' expectations.
The duel, held under formal examination conditions, featured grammar drills, comprehension tests, vocabulary application, essay writing, and a spontaneous spoken-word segment. Unfortunately for Dr. Adediran, the only thing spontaneous was his grammatical unraveling.
While Wexley’s essay was lauded for its elegance, nuance, and clarity, Adediran’s was described by one examiner as “an ambitious medley of metaphors…
President Bola Tinubu’s first son, Seyi, was in his entourage to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday.
Daily Trust had reported different highlights of the event, including the president’s encounter with Peter Obi, one of his major rivals in the 2023 elections.
Obi, who came third in the election, defeated Tinubu in Lagos, the president’s stronghold since democracy returned to Nigeria in 1999.
However, one highlight of the trip to Vatican City was the encounter that Tinubu’s son, who wields a major influence back home, had with the Pope’s security team.
In a video making rounds online, Seyi was seen walking towards his father’s direction when a plain cloth security official redirected him calmly.
Nigeria’s number one citizen was exchanging pleasantries with the Pontiff when the incident happened.
Dressed in a black suit like his father, Seyi attempted to catch up with the president, but the official blocked him.
However, hours later, another video of Seyi dinning with some key officials of the Roman Catholic Church.
Abducted Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ifon in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nelson Adepoyigi, has been killed by his abductors.
Recall that Mr Adepoyigi, who is the chairman of the APC at ward 5, in Ifon, was kidnapped on Monday around 11pm at the entrance of his house on the Ifon/Owo road.
His abductors initially demanded a ransom of N100 million to release him, but it was negotiated by his family to N5 million.
In a twist, two ransom bearers; identified as Bayode Loco and Isimeri, were detained by the bandits on Wednesday.
The gunmen, however, made a fresh demand of N30 million to release the three captives, including Mr Adepoyigi.
But on Sunday, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Clement Kolapo Ojo, confirmed the killing of the APC local chairman in kidnappers’ den.
In a statement by his spokesman, Oluwaseun Ogunniyi, Mr Ojo said Mr Adepoyigi was killed by his captors while the two ransom bearers were released to deliver news of his death.
He said, “While we are grateful that the two volunteers have now regained their freedom, it is deeply saddening and utterly painful that the life of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi was brutally cut short by his captors. The entire leadership and people of Ose Local Government mourn this tragic loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and political associates of the deceased.’’
The council boss lamented the rising insecurity in the area following the tragic death of the APC Chairman.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, he called on the federal government to the istration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa istration to defeat banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.
Mr Ojo highlighted the dedication of the late Mr Adepoyigi to the party’s progress and the grassroots community, noting that he would be ed and honoured.
He stated, “We are now at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to the safety and freedom of our people. Only a few days before this incident, another resident narrowly escaped being kidnapped while parking his motorcycle. This pattern of brazen abductions, even at the gates of people’s homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension.”
ed, the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, told Peoples Gazette that the tactical team of the police command was currently combing the bush in Ifon to ascertain the veracity of the chairman’s death.
Mr Afolabi said, “That’s the update I can give you for now. Our men are all over there to comb the forest, especially to smoke out the captors.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Nigeria Nsukka branch, has threatened to sue the t Matriculation Board over massive failure recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam.
The Chairman of ASUU-UNN, Óyibo Eze, who claimed that the union targeted candidates from the South-East region, spoke during an interview with journalists in Nsukka on Wednesday.
Mr Eze said that the massive failure which mostly affected candidates from the South-East, was a deliberate attempt by JAMB to stop children from the zone from getting ission.
He stated, “My office has been inundated with protests, calls and visits by parents and the general public on this deliberate massive failure in the 2025 JAMB examination. ASUU will challenge this result in the High Court if JAMB fails to review the result and give candidates their merited scores. JAMB knows that children from the South-East must score higher before they can get ission whereas their counterparts in some parts of the country will use a 120 JAMB score to get ission to read medicine in universities in their area.
“In the JAMB recently released result, out of 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 examination, over 1.5 million candidates scored less than 200 and majority of these are from the South-East and Lagos State where many Igbo reside.’’
He called on governors from the South-East to rise and challenge the injustice targeted towards preventing children from the zone from gaining ission into higher institutions in the country.
He said, “The governors in the zone should not sit and watch JAMB toy with the academic future of our children. I am not against the board punishing those found guilty of exam malpractice, but JAMB should not, because of these few candidates, fail the whole candidates in an exam centre.’’
The ASUU boss said that it was unbelievable and unacceptable that in the whole University Secondary School, Nsukka, no candidate that sat for the exam scored up to 200 in the UTME.
He stated, “This school has superlative students who have excelled in academics both inside and outside the school, how come all of them scored less than 200 in the exam. Even if JAMB discovered one or two candidates for exam malpractice, is that enough reason to fail all others who have prepared very hard for that exam.”
Mr Oyibo advised JAMB to act fast and do the needful by reviewing the result, noting that the massive failure had become a national issue which might attract national protest if nothing urgent was done.
The Senate has urged the military to swiftly move more personnel to the North-East after Boko Haram killed 12 soldiers in Marte, Borno.
The senators asked the military to ensure that they are adequately equipped with modern technology to address the resurgence of Boko Haram effectively.
The Senate also mandated the Committee on Army and Air Force to ensure compliance.
The Senate’s resolutions on Tuesday came after a motion titled, ‘The Resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe’.
The motion was moved by Senate chief whip Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) and co-sponsored by other senators from Borno and Yobe.
In his presentation of the motion, Mr Monguno noted that a few years ago, two-thirds of the LGAs in Borno were under the control of Boko Haram.
“But with the concerted efforts of the military and Civilian t Task Force, the areas were reclaimed, restoring freedom and liberty for the residents.
“After that, relative peace was restored in Borno and Yobe. The military relocated their tactical command of operations to the North-West to address issues of kidnapping and banditry in the region.
“On Monday, May 12, the insurgents attacked and killed more than 12 soldiers in Marte town of Marte Local Government Area,” he said.
He expressed concerns that the country is experiencing a resurgence of Boko Haram, marked by increased attacks targeting communities, including those recently resettled, and regaining strength after years of conflict.
“The insurgents have employed more modern technology, including the use of drones, to unleash attacks on villages and communities in the states.
“The sect has resorted to planting improvised explosive devices at strategic areas, which, when they explode, always result in high casualties and obstruct vehicular movement,” he noted.
Mr Monguno said there was a need to return military operations in full force to Borno and Yobe and equip them with the necessary technology to counter the nefarious activities of insurgents.
“A strong presence of the military in the North-East zone will effectively curb a resurgence of Boko Haram,” he said.
The senators adopted the two prayers of the motion after a voice vote by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary.
The Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army has expressed concerns over the growing use of "armed drones" by the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, warning that such tactics are difficult to detect using conventional radar systems.
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), disclosed this development on Tuesday during a briefing in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He explained that some of the drones being deployed by the insurgents are similar to the ones deployed in countries like Israel and Ukraine.
General Abubakar called on the remaining insurgents to surrender and emulate their counterparts who have laid down their arms and are being treated humanely.
He warned that those who refuse to surrender face certain elimination.
“The terrorists have changed tactics, resorting to multi-pronged attacks on isolated and vulnerable deployments. They use these attacks as propaganda. This is why we are reviewing our deployments to counter their evolving strategies,” he said.
Despite the new challenges, Abubakar said that Nigerian troops remain highly motivated and resilient.
He credited improved welfare packages instituted by the military hierarchy for boosting troop morale.
“This shows the seriousness with which the government is tackling this conflict. We are confident that in due time, we will achieve complete victory over terrorism,” he added.
The general also noted significant progress in the fight against insurgency, stating that terrorist activities have been greatly degraded and normalcy has largely returned to the North East region compared to five or ten years ago.
Speaking on recent developments, the Theatre Commander emphasised that warfare involves multiple campaigns—each consisting of coordinated operations aimed at achieving strategic objectives.
“In war, you win some and lose some,” he said.
“What matters most is the overall balance of success.”
“In just the past week, over 20 terrorists have been neutralised and several weapons recovered. Operations are ongoing on multiple fronts.”
He noted significant progress in restoring normalcy to conflict-affected communities.
“Most citizens have returned to their communities, and socioeconomic activities have resumed. Malam Fatori and Kukawa stand out as recent success stories, with nearly 20,000 internally displaced persons returning to their ancestral homes.”
However, he linked the resurgence of threats in Nigeria to worsening security in the wider Sahel region.
“Barracks in neighbouring countries are being overrun, and weapons looted. These arms often find their way into Nigeria through our vast and porous borders, fueling the conflict here.”
“Two years ago, we were on the verge of declaring the conflict over,” he said. “But the deterioration in Sahel states has had a direct impact on us. While we have made progress, the terrorists have also adapted—thanks in part to the ease with which they access new technology.”
He cited the emergence of armed drones as a growing threat.
“Since November last year, we’ve seen terrorists deploying weaponised drones—similar to those used in Israel and Ukraine. These drones are hard to detect with conventional radar.”
In response, the military has been reorganising and reassessing its strategy. “We’ve been re-strategising over the past two months.
The Chief of Army Staff visited last week, and major changes have been implemented. I assumed command just three weeks ago as part of those changes.”
“Terrorists now launch multi-pronged attacks on isolated and vulnerable positions, using such incidents as propaganda. That’s why we are reviewing and adjusting our deployments.
“Just yesterday, there were coordinated attacks in Rann, Dikwa, and Gajiram. All were repelled, except Rann, where the attackers breached our defenses to some extent, resulting in the loss of four personnel.”
Despite the setback, he reaffirmed the military’s commitment.
“Let me assure you—our resolve remains firm. We will defeat terrorism and restore peace to this region as swiftly as possible. But we need the full of the nation.”
He urged Nigerians to understand the scale and complexity of the conflict.
“Our theatre of operations spans over 150,000 square kilometers—larger than several countries combined. Take the Timbuktu Triangle alone: it covers over 11,000 square kilometers, which is bigger than Rivers and Osun states, and even larger than countries like Jamaica, Kosovo, and The Gambia.”
“In asymmetric warfare, as Sun Tzu said, you must separate the fish from the water. Security is a collective responsibility. Every Nigerian must play a role in identifying and isolating criminal elements.”
As an example of local , he cited a recent interception. “Last week, our troops seized 13,000 litres of PMS being smuggled to terrorist enclaves at night. That amount of fuel could sustain their operations for a year.”
However, he urged communities to collaborate with the military.
“The fight against terrorism cannot be won by the armed forces alone. We need the cooperation and vigilance of every citizen to overcome this challenge.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed plans to resume crude oil drilling activities at the Kolmani oil field, located on the border between Bauchi and Gombe States, marking a return to operations after nearly two years of inactivity at the site.
This was made known by the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, during an interview with the BBC on Monday.
According to Ojulari, preparations are already underway to relaunch the project, which initially began during the istration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We will continue to work with the government in Kolmani and other areas. Besides the oil drilling work, we will also ensure that we complete the gas pipeline project from Ajaokuta to Kano.
“The projects would allow the previously closed businesses to be reopened so that they could continue to operate and open new ones.
“This will create benefits in the region, which will lead to the benefit of everyone because the wealth will grow. We have to go back and carry on with this work,” he stated
He emphasized that NNPCL is now ready to revive the project, which is expected to contribute significantly to national oil production and offer new economic opportunities for the northern region.
Ojulari noted that people in the region saw it as a step towards becoming a key player in the country’s oil and gas sector, which has long been dominated by the southern states.
The initiative to resume drilling in the North comes at a critical time when Nigeria, as a country, faces economic challenges, and it is also a part of broader efforts to boost domestic crude oil production and strengthen the country’s energy security.
What you should know
In 2019, NNPC announced the discovery of sweet crude, gas, and condensates at the Kolmani site between Gombe and Bauchi, after drilling 13,701 feet. This marked Northern Nigeria’s first major oil find, paving the way for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, according to Nairametrics.
Also, Nigeria, along with Ivory Coast and Mozambique, is expected to be the site of 10 new offshore drilling projects between 2026 and 2027. These projects are aimed at expanding deepwater oil exploration and strengthening the continent’s role in global energy supply.
The Executive Vice President of Upstream at NNPCL, Udobong Ntia, urged the use of third-party operators to revive idle or underperforming oil assets, saying the move could boost production and strengthen national revenue.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a base of the Nigerian Army in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, killing an unspecified number of soldiers.
Local and security sources confirmed the attack, saying the incident happened at Forward Operation Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion, around 3:00am on Monday.
One of the sources who did not want his name mentioned said the troops were dislodged and many soldiers captured during the attack.
“ISWAP has taken over Marte, an unspecified number of soldiers were killed, some captured and many have deserted. They ran towards Dikwa, and are currently at the 24 Task force Brigade, Dikwa.
“The terrorists also burnt down armoured tanks and made away with arms and ammunition from the base”, said the source.
Marte is 38 kilometers from Dikwa, the headquarters of Dikwa local government area of Borno State.
A source in Dikwa told our correspondent that gunshots were heard, and a fighter jet of the Nigeria Air Force was seen hovering the area.
Burkina Faso Military, Pro-Govt Militias Targeted, Massacred Over 130 Fulani Civilians In One Month —HRW
The Burkina Faso military, in coordination with pro-government militias, carried out a campaign of mass killings targeting ethnic Fulani civilians in the country’s western Boucle du Mouhoun region, according to a damning new report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The alleged atrocities took place during March 2025, with the number of civilian deaths exceeding 130 and possibly reaching hundreds.
The violence, which HRW said was spearheaded by the Burkinabè special forces as part of "Operation Green Whirlwind 2" (Operation Tourbillon Vert 2), occurred around Solenzo and neighbouring towns in Banwa and Sourou provinces.
The group alleged in the report that these actions amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“The viral videos of the atrocities by pro-government militias near Solenzo sent shock waves through Africa’s Sahel region, but they told only part of the story,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“Further research uncovered that Burkina Faso’s military was responsible for these mass killings of Fulani civilians, which were followed by deadly reprisals by an Islamist armed group.
“The government needs to impartially investigate these deaths and prosecute all those responsible.”
Beginning on February 27 and stretching into early April, the report stated that Operation Green Whirlwind 2 saw Rapid Intervention Battalions 7, 10, 18, and 23, under the command of Rapid Intervention Group 2, ed forces with hundreds of pro-government militia known as the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDPs).
According to the report, witness testimonies suggested the operation was not just a military manoeuvre against Islamist groups but a campaign of ethnic violence aimed squarely at Fulani civilians.
“Thousands of Fulani families from over 20 villages set out for [neighbouring] Mali in search of protection,” said a 44-year-old Fulani herder from Solenzo, who lost eight family during the March 8 attack.
“However, we couldn’t reach Mali without crossing villages [that were] occupied by the VDPs and the army.
“The VDPs shot at us like animals, while drones were flying over our heads. Many women and children died because they could not run.”
Villagers reported that warnings were issued before the attacks.
The report referenced a Fulani man from Sanakuy who recounted that a Bobo friend told him about operations targeting Fulani civilians.
“My friend [an ethnic Bobo] who is close to the VDPs told me that the VDPs and the military were getting organised and strengthening their units. He drove me to the Malian border just one day before the killings,” the report quoted the man as saying.
The worst killings occurred between the villages of Béna and Lékoro.
According to HRW’s analysis and testimony from 27 witnesses, the military and VDPs executed an apparent pincer movement that trapped civilians in the bush.
The operation left women, children, and the elderly vulnerable, many of whom were killed on the spot.
“I saw a lot of VDPs coming, shooting at us indiscriminately.… We ran. But they chased us, caught some of us and executed them,” said a 60-year-old man from Sanakuy who was attacked near Béna on March 11.
HRW said it also reviewed videos showing VDP , some in uniforms labelled “Groupe d'autodéfense de Mahouna” and “Force Rapide de Kouka,” loading dead bodies onto a tricycle cart.
One such video was geolocated to just east of Mahouna village, HRW stated, noting that witnesses recognised at least 14 people in the videos, including children.
“I heard the VDPs saying in the Djoula language: ‘Nobody will escape! Look for the Fulani everywhere. We are going to kill all Fulani,’” said a 50-year-old woman from Solenzo.
Similar ethnic-based hate speech was echoed in numerous eyewitness s and videos reviewed by HRW.
A 45-year-old man from Lahirasso said that 10 of his friends and one relative were killed.
“There were thousands of us walking toward Mali and after the attack by VDPs and soldiers, our number had considerably decreased,” he said.
In a statement on March 15, the Burkinabè government was said to have claimed that its forces repelled a terrorist attack on March 10, killing about 100 assailants and rescuing civilians being used as human shields.
According to HRW’s report, the government said it evacuated women and children and found stolen livestock, denying any deliberate targeting of civilians.
However, the report noted that residents and survivors contradict this as they insisted that there was no significant fighting between government forces and jihadist groups near Solenzo at the time of the killings.
“For them it was a military operation against the terrorists, but [for them] we are the terrorists.…
“The military and the VDPs just prepared an operation to cleanse the area of all the Fulani,” said a 50-year-old man from Solenzo.
Following the atrocities, the Al Qaeda-d Group for the of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) launched a series of retaliatory attacks in Sourou province, HRW stated.
The jihadists targeted villages they suspected of ing the military, killing at least 100 civilians.
“All the men had been executed in front of the health centre,” said a 60-year-old woman from Tiao village, describing the April 5 massacre. “I counted up to 70 bodies.”
Witnesses described how government forces entered towns like Di, Gonon, Lanfièra, and Tiao between March 21 and April 2, only to depart shortly after, leaving villagers defenceless.
“The military came, they put on their show… with motorcycles, tanks, helicopters, and they left for Tougan,” said a 49-year-old man from Tiao.
“And then the jihadists [JNIM fighters] came back to surround the village and kill people.”
The HRW therefore urged the Burkinabè government to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation.
The organisation also called on international bodies to intervene.
“The scope of the atrocities committed by government forces, militias, and Islamist armed groups in western Burkina Faso remains grossly overlooked,” said Allegrozzi.
“The United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council should urgently put Burkina Faso high on their agendas and act to protect civilians still at grave risk.”
The report recalled that in a statement on March 18, Adama Dieng, African Union Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide, condemned the killings and emphasised, “targeting individuals based on their ethnicity is a reprehensible act that must be punished by national, continental, and international authorities.”
The High Court in Ouagadougou announced a formal investigation on March 20 into calls for ethnic extermination.
“Calls for the extermination of people belonging to an ethnic group… constitute grave threats to peace and social cohesion,” the prosecutor said.
Eight separate lists compiled by survivors and viewed by HRW name 130 victims, including 32 children, 30 women, and 68 men from villages like Solenzo, Lahirasso, Sanakuy, and Pinpissi.
Many believe the actual number of fatalities is much higher. A religious leader from Solenzo said, “All the people I spoke with provided a death toll that started from 300 and up.”
One survivor, a 30-year-old man from Pinpissi, described a deadly VDP attack on his group of over 100 civilians.
The man said, “There was intense shooting, some people fled, but many were shot and killed. When we crossed the border, we found out that at least 18 people had gone missing, including four children, two women, and one man.”
A 50-year-old Fulani woman summed up the sentiment of many survivors, saying, “We were hiding under a tree when the soldiers ed by with their vehicles and the VDPs on motorcycles.… We watched them kill our people. It was a hunt—nothing else.”
Burkina Faso’s ongoing conflict between government forces, ethnic militias, and Islamist armed groups has left tens of thousands dead and over two million displaced.
The recent allegations raise serious questions about the Burkinabè government’s counterterrorism strategy and its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
The UN and African Union have been urged to not only investigate the massacres but also to consider sanctions and possible prosecution of those responsible under international law.
Whether Burkina Faso’s transitional authorities will cooperate remains uncertain.
But as the international community watches and survivors bury their dead, many in unmarked mass graves, the pressure for ability mounts.
“This wasn’t a war between armies,” said the Fulani herder who lost eight family .
“It was a war against families, women, and children. We are the ones who paid the price.”
Akpabio: How Sandra Duru hired me to damage Natasha’s reputation – Journalist confesses
In a significant twist of events, a Nigerian journalist, ss Olisa Ogbonnaya, has come forward with allegations against United Kingdom-based Nigerian businesswoman, Sandra Duru aka Prof Mgbeke, who has been involved in the controversy surrounding Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Duru came into the spotlight recently after she claimed that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly attempted to induce her with N200 million to falsely accuse the former Akwa Ibom governor of organ harvesting.
Although Senator Natasha has since denied the allegation, it has continued to generate mixed reactions.
But in a now-viral video, a female journalist, ss Ogbonnaya accused Sandra of attempting to hire her to produce a voiceover that would damage Senator Natasha’s reputation.
Olisa claims that Sandra provided her with audio recordings and a script that contained defamatory content. She, however, refused to produce the voiceover, citing her profession as a journalist and her plans to run for office.
“She wanted me to disrupt and destroy Natasha at the TV station she wanted me to go to on her behalf but not be neutral. I refused because I am a journalist and have plans to run for office like I did before, so I cannot do it,” Olisa said.
Olisa alleged that Sandra wanted to use the voiceover to spread false information about Senator Natasha, including claims that she wanted to bring down the Yoruba government, which Olisa queried.
“How can a Kogi; Igbira who are minority with no alliances and even tilted to the Yorubas now say that? A Kogi person is a minority in Nigeria, so what will she gain by fighting the Yoruba government?” Olisa questioned.
Ogbonnaya disputed Sandra Duru’s claims about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements on sexual harassment.
“Sandra lied about it (sexual harassment claim). In the audios she sent to me, Senator Natasha never mentioned anything about there being no sexual harassment,” Ogbonnaya clarified.
According to her, the audio recordings actually suggested experiences of sexual harassment.
“She mentioned in the audio that sometimes when they go out, the big man will say ‘you look good today’,” she added.
Ogbonnaya further questioned the authenticity of any potential audio release by Sandra Duru.
“If Sandra releases anything like that, she cloned it. In the original audios she sent to me, there was nothing like that (denial of sexual harassment claim). The woman (Natasha) never said there was no sexual abuse; she was even highlighting experiences that suggest sexual harassment,” Ogbonnaya alleged.
Regarding Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Ogbonnaya denied that Senator Natasha said she bought the former minister.
Ogbonnaya asserted that the audio recordings showed Senator Natasha thanking God for Dr Ezekwesili’s and discussing her efforts to address issues affecting women.
Olisa also claims that Sandra has been involved in blackmailing and manipulating others, including Governor Hope Uzodinma and his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha.
“Sandra even told me that she made Rochas a governor!!! She was blackmailing the man. She blackmailed Hope (Imo governor) through the commissioner for international affairs,” Olisa alleged.
When asked if Sandra paid her, Olisa replied, “Yes! Political audio is 500k, she priced 300k! I removed the places that could implicate us. She got angry that I removed her lies. She rejected the audio and refused to use my voice, so she went to someone else.”
Olisa, however, urged the police to investigate the matter, saying “Let the police do their job.”
She also warned Senator Akpabio to be wary of Sandra’s shady character.
“I’m telling Akpabio to be wary of her. I can’t ascertain if she is working with Natasha or Akpabio. Sandra is the one I know.”
“The evidence I have sent to you now are a tip of the iceberg… If she wants us to release conversations, I am ready. Especially the big names she mentioned there. Let her that,” she concluded.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), with backing from Seyi Tinubu — son of President Bola Tinubu — and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), is plotting an attack on human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, SaharaReporters has learned.
Covert Meetings and Plans for Political Violence
According to sources familiar with the matter, covert meetings have been held between Seyi Tinubu and some NANS leaders to coordinate an attack on Sowore, with the reported involvement of DSS operatives.
The plan allegedly involves mobilising political thugs in retaliation for SaharaReporters’ consistent exposure of political misconduct.
Sowore, a prominent activist, is also the publisher of SaharaReporters.
“Seyi Tinubu and NANS leaders have been having conversations to set up their goons, in collusion with the DSS, to attack Sowore,” one of the sources told SaharaReporters.
Public Threats by Pro-Tinubu NANS Faction
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday when Akinteye Babtee Babatunde, Senate President of the NANS faction reportedly loyal to Seyi Tinubu, issued a public threat against Sowore via Facebook.
In the post, Akinteye accused Sowore of attempting to destabilise Nigeria and called for "bold actions" against him.
“The only mission Omoyele Sowore has is to set Nigeria on fire,” Akinteye wrote. “He must do this always so he can keep accessing his international funding. NANS leadership needs to take bold actions on his shenanigans. NANS is not a playing ground 100%.”
Several other NANS commented under Akinteye’s post, openly threatening Sowore.
For instance, Suleiman Mahmud T. wrote, “It’s time we see him as an enemy of the organisation. Let’s give all it takes to make him pay for his actions.”
“Good observation. But I think a vote of warning should be forwarded to him by NANS officials before it gets out of hand. No one is too small for NANS to discipline,” Akande Gbenga Gabriel stated.
Odunjo Adio added that he “honestly” wished Sowore’s excesses could “be checked immediately”.
“He too dey do rubbish,” he added.
Owolewa Taiwo said, “We need to engage the guy in the coming days.”
According to Amtai Ali Saidu, “The we going a fight with him (sic)”.
The threats come in the wake of SaharaReporters’ investigations into the assault on factional NANS President Atiku Isah, who recently alleged that Seyi Tinubu offered him a N100 million bribe to abandon his ambition in favour of government-backed candidate Ladoja Olusola.
Isah also accused of the Seyi Tinubu-backed NANS faction of orchestrating the attack on him, naming Ladoja Olusola — the rival factional president — as the individual who allegedly kicked him in the face during the assault.
SaharaReporters learned that Isah was arrested shortly after a disrupted inauguration ceremony in which he was declared NANS president — a process reportedly marred by violence from government-sponsored thugs.
Following his arrest, sources told SaharaReporters that Isah was pressured into writing a statement retracting his allegations against Seyi Tinubu.
Insiders further revealed that Isah was being held at the DSS hospital under the guise of medical treatment, but is instead being blackmailed and coerced into silence.
One DSS officer, speaking anonymously, told SaharaReporters that Isah was forced to pose for a photograph with a gun placed in his hand — a tactic allegedly intended for future blackmail.
Meanwhile, during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Olusola — the Seyi Tinubu-backed NANS president — publicly criticised SaharaReporters for not producing favourable reports about the Tinubu istration.
Ladoja said, “I read one stupid allegation on SaharaReporters,” Olusola said during the live interview. “I don’t know if they have personal issues with President Tinubu, but the way they keep publishing negative reports about me is alarming.”
Olusola devoted much of the interview to criticising SaharaReporters’ coverage.
In a recent statement, Olusola claimed the “pattern of reportage by Sahara Reporters, spearheaded by Mr. Omoyele Sowore, reveals a deep-seated vendetta against the leadership of NANS — one seemingly motivated by our principled departure from needless street agitations and pseudo-radicalism in favour of intellectual dialogue, institutional engagement, and solution-driven advocacy”.
Meanwhile, Olusola is not the first pro-Tinubu NANS president to threaten violence against Sowore.
Similarly, in June 2021, SaharaReporters reported how the then-factional NANS President, Sunday Asefon, started mobilising thugs to attack Sowore.
The planned attack on Sowore and other activists came a few days after Asefon and his executive collected N70 million from the Nigerian government and then-Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the NANS leaders were also seen threatening the human rights activists.
“They are actually planning to attack Omoyele Sowore in Abuja as we speak. They got over N40 million from the Nigerian government through the management of Petroleum Product Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“They also received over N30 million from the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, and Governor Yahaya Bello.
“The police and DSS (Department of State Services) are both aware of the plan; they directed the NANS leaders to work with Kogi deputy governor, Edward Onoja to perform a hit on Sowore in Abuja.
“They have started strategising on how to attack Sowore, they are currently lodged in a hotel in Abuja. The initial plan was a fake protest for June 12, hoping the team led by Sowore would accidentally the protest. With this, they would turn the protest to a violent one and attack Sowore and others but they cancelled the plan after your (SaharaReporters') story,” a source told SaharaReporters.
SaharaReporters had previously exposed how Asefon, in a meeting with then-Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, promised to mobilise against those planning to protest on June 12, 2021, using his power as NANS President.
“He met with the Inspector of General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba three days ago but the IGP refused to take pictures with him, telling him there was a crisis in NANS and he was not sure Asefon was in control.
“Asefon then told him he is the original President with the structure of the students’ body.
“He then asked the IGP for assistance and the condition given to him was to mobilise against the people planning protests on June 12 if truly he is the original NANS President.
“He immediately promised the IGP to consider it done. He said they would initially the rally and later disrupt it,” a source had told SaharaReporters.
The newspaper also revealed how the Nigerian government ordered the management of PPMC to pay Asefon N40 million to mobilise thugs in major cities across the country with police cover and unleash terror on genuine protesters on June 12.
● Ibrahim Traoré became the transitional president of Burkina Faso after a military coup in September 2022.
● Under Traoré's istration, Burkina Faso has pursued a revolutionary and anti-colonial agenda, expelling French soldiers and strengthening ties with Russia.
● Burkina Faso has nationalized its wealth by creating a state mining corporation.
He came to power on September 30, 2022, after conducting a military coup that deposed then-interim president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had himself gained office in a coup just eight months earlier.
Ibrahim Traoré's rise to power and popularity
Traoré is an artillery officer who had served in the army's counterterrorism operations against jihadist insurgents plaguing Burkina Faso and the Sahel region.
As mentioned earlier, he led the second military coup in 2022, ousting Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had previously come to power in a January 2022 coup.
He and fellow officers accused the previous leadership of failing to deal effectively with the country's worsening security situation.
Since assuming power, Traoré has positioned himself as a revolutionary figure using anti-colonial and Pan-Africanist language, gaining inspiration from Burkina Faso's legendary former leader, Thomas Sankara.
More than just a presentation, the revolutionary leader has demonstrated his anti-colonial sentiments.
In the 3 years since being interim leader of the West African country, Ibrahim Traoré has been on a rapid campaign to rid his country of any traces of Western influence.
This has been done by nationalizing local wealth and expelling French soldiers from Burkina Faso, noting that they wish to tackle their security problem independently.
In place of French partnerships, the radical leader has opted instead for Russian friendship.
In his istration so far, these moves have gathered for him a very high (unofficial) approval rating, not just in Burkina Faso, but across Africa, and amongst Africans in diaspora.
Ibrahim Traoré's economic reforms
As alluded to earlier, Burkina Faso is aiming for more control over its resources, and as such, has changed its mining legislation, creating a new state mining corporation, Société de Participation Minière du Burkina (SOPAMIB).
This move immediately scored points with people who have been advocating for a pro-national government where the country’s wealth is distributed primarily within its borders.
Burkina Faso utilized SOPAMIB to obtain control of two industrial gold mines formerly controlled by a London-listed Endeavour Mining.
In April 2025, Burkina Faso’s military-led government granted an industrial mining license to the Russian company Nordgold for a new gold project.
This move is projected to contribute 51.5 billion CFA francs ($89 million) to Burkina Faso’s state budget over its lifespan, along with an additional 7.06 billion CFA francs to the country’s mineral wealth fund, according to the Council of Ministers.
Earlier in April, Burkina Faso noted that it aims to gain more control over foreign-owned industrial mines, and by extension, a larger share of revenue from its natural resources.
This development underscores Burkina Faso’s ongoing shift toward economic nationalism under its current leadership.
While the long-term outcomes remain to be seen, the push for sovereignty over natural wealth represents a significant realignment in Burkina Faso’s approach to economic governance and foreign investment.
Ibrahim Traoré's geopolitical stance
Burkina Faso has been locked in a deadly conflict with Islamist militants since 2015, and as a result, had called for international assistance to combat the issue.
However, since taking power, Ibrahim Traoré had expelled said foreign backers, noting that they had been very ineffective in dealing with the security challenge.
In January 2023, the 400-member Operation Sabre, which was sent in 2009 to combat armed organizations such as al-Qaeda in the area, was given a one-month ultimatum to leave.
This decision was made to create a self-sustaining security infrastructure, which so far has come with some drawbacks.
2024 alone saw the country suffer 5 of the most deadly terrorist attacks in Africa.
Nevertheless, the Burkina Faso leader insists on finding help outside of an institution that had historically colonized its people.
Currently, Burkina Faso is looking at military cooperation with Russia, and negotiations are showing positive signs.
This move works on several levels, especially considering that the people of Burkina Faso have welcomed the idea of a Russian partnership.
Fuel to Ibrahim Traoré's popularity
While many knew of the wave of approval trailing Africa's youngest president, his popularity as a whole became evident during the inauguration of the Ghanaian president John Mahama, on the 7th of January, 2025.
During the ceremony, the Burkina Faso leader stormed the stage with a pistol strapped to his holster.
This was an interesting way to come to congratulate a fellow African head of state, and as a result, sparked some banter on social media.
But what truly caught everyone’s attention was the round of applause that accompanied his arrival.
On that day, many social media s were introduced to the revolutionary leader, who had organically garnered the love of many Africans.
Since then, it has been an accepted rhetoric on social media that Ibrahim Traoré is one of the most pro-African heads of states in the modern era.
Subsequently, Traoré’s popularity would peak after Gen. Michael Langley, the head of the U.S. military in Africa, declared publicly during a U.S congressional hearing that the Burkina Faso president had become a person of interest, who uses Burkina Faso's gold to shield himself.
This, of course, did not bode well with young Africans who have begun to embrace him as the ideal image of a true African leader, and more than just a conversation online, people have taken to the streets to express their love and for the man, calling for his protection.
As recently as April 30th, large crowds of demonstrators gathered at Ouagadougou's Place de la Revolution, chanting, "Long live Captain Traore!" Some of them had banners that displayed a picture of Gen. Langley with the word "slave" scrawled in red marker on his head.
Others carried the flags of Russia, a key friend of the West African nation, and Burkina Faso.
It also did not help that the military government of Burkina Faso reported shortly before the demonstrations that a “major plot” to overthrow the junta leader had been foiled.
This has led to whispers that some foreign groups are plotting to depose the West African leader as a result of his anti-Western initiatives.
As it is with movements, the international community is now paying attention, with some picking sides.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré is no longer just the leader of a small, landlocked West African nation; for some, he has become a symbol of resistance, independence, and Pan-African pride.
Whether he is ed as a liberator or a controversial figure will depend on how the tides of history unfold, but one thing is certain: Traoré’s actions, as presently constructed, have sparked a continental conversation, and possibly, a movement.
* Instead of damaging his reputation, the US criticism boosted Traoré’s popularity, both in Burkina Faso and across Africa.
● However, Traoré popularity go beyond civilian acceptance of di military regime. Im don make radical reforms wey dey sweet large sections of di population.
Thousands of pipo gada for di Place de la Révolution for Ouagadougou on Wednesday 30 April to show dia for di President of di transition, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Di demonstration happun afta di US commander of AFRICOM, General Michael Langley, tell di US Senate Armed Services Committee for early April say di military regime wey dey power for Burkina Faso dey take advantage of di resources for di kontri, particularly di gold reserves, for im own protection instead of di population.
Wetin General Langley tell di US Senate provoke pipo to react for Burkina Faso and throughout di ESA kontris and even beyond di region.
Di goment of Burkina Faso bin condemn di statement wey di US military command, make wit di 'aim to spoil di kontri image.
Hundreds of messages and publications to Captain Traore don full social networks in recently.
For X platform, artists, activists, young African leaders and even African-Americans bin dey para sake of di statements wey di US General Langley make.
Dis massive for Burkina Faso military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, dey come at a time of growing tensions wit Western powers.
Di accusations of corruption wey General Langley make against di President of di transition, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, instead of am to weaken di regime for Burkina Faso, e reinforce di status and aura of di young military leader, wey im popularity extend beyond national borders.
For several years, Burkina Faso bin dey suffer from jihadist violence wey bin don claim thousands of lives and displace more dan two million pipo.
Wen im bin take power for September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré bin promise to make di fight against terrorism im priority.
Im bin launch massive recruitment campaigns for Volunteers for di Defence of di Fatherland (VDP), im step up military operations and strengthen di capabilities of di armed forces.
Dis offensive stance against armed groups win di of a large part of di population.
However, Traoré popularity go beyond civilian acceptance of di military regime. Im don make radical reforms wey dey sweet large sections of di population.
A sovereignist and outspoken voice
Traoré quickly adopt anti-imperialist stance, wia im bin strongly criticise di interference of Western powers, particularly .
Dem see im decision to draw closer to new partners like Russia and Iran, and to leave certain regional cooperation frameworks (G5 Sahel, ECOWAS) as stamping of im sovereignty.
Dis geopolitical shift dey make young pipo wey dey seek political and economic independence happy.
President Ibrahim Traoré popularity wit young pipo na mainly due to im anti-imperialist stance and im sovereigntist discourse, according to journalist and writer Seidik Abba, associate researcher and President of di Centre international d'études et de réflexions sur le Sahel (CIRES).
'First of all, im his anti-imperialist stance dey. Di fact say im dey position imsef as pesin wey no want any foreign interference for im kontri affairs dey go well wit young Africans, wey don tire of di old system whereby African kontris dey take orders or dem dey go seek orders from dia former colonial powers or di international order.
Dis nationalist, anti-imperialist stance don make am dey veri popular wit young pipo', Abba tok
For im plenti speeches, e dey normally repeat im determination to "restore soverignty and pride give di pipo of Burkina Faso".
E warn for 1 April, 2025 wen dem bin dey do di traditional raising of di colours say, "we go dey merciless and ruthless against pipo wey wan block di development of our homeland".
Di kain way wey e dey tok don totori plenti young pipo wey dey now identify wit dis anti-Western discourse, na how Seidik Abba see am.
Di Nigerian tori pesin and writer look di mata tok say, "dia be also di way wey im dey tok, di way wey President Ibrahim Traoré dey tok come outside, how e dey shift from some dipllomatic precautions we e dey blast and di media wey im accuse say dem dey close to di West. We fit see say im speech no dey choke wit diplomatic safety nets. Dis outspokenness na bicos e dey young".
But Daniel Eizenga wey be researcher for di Center for Strategic Studies for Africa wey dey for Washington DC, USA argue say dem need to torchlight Oga Traoré popularity wit ordinary pipo in di context of democratic backsliding and lack of freedom of expression.
E tok say, "afta e stage im coup for 2022, Captain Traoré use anti-imperialist tok-tok take use popular beef to ginger political . Dis move seem to dey popular wit di younger generation of pipo wey dey more present online for social media. But Traoré popularity wit ordinary pipo get comma. Traoré dey responsible for spike in violent repression against im critics. As oga of junta, e don repress independent voices well-well.
Journalists, civil society leaders, political party leaders and even judges don dey targeted by di junta wey dey use forced mobilization and oda kain violent repression.
"Citizens wey dey call for change don dey kidnapped, detained, disappeared and sent to di front line afta dem force dem to di kontri's militias."
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of di Transition, receive Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on 30 May 2024.
EXCLUSIVE: DSS Detains NANS President Atiku Isah In Hospital After Exposing Seyi Tinubu’s N100Million Bribe Offer, Forced To Recant, Made To Pose With Gun For Blackmail
Atiku Abubakar Isah, the factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), is being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) following allegations that he was offered a N100 million bribe by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, to the government’s agenda.
Isah had also accused Seyi Tinubu’s faction within NANS of orchestrating an assault against him. He specifically named Ladoja Olusola—the Seyi Tinubu-backed rival factional president—as the individual who allegedly kicked him in the face during the incident.
SaharaReporters has exclusively learned that Isah has been in DSS custody since last Tuesday. His arrest came shortly after a disrupted inauguration ceremony in which he was declared president—a process marred by attacks from government-sponsored thugs. Sources said Isah was subsequently coerced into writing a statement retracting his allegations against Seyi Tinubu.
According to SaharaReporters’ sources, Isah is currently being held at the DSS hospital on Airport Road, Abuja, under the pretence of receiving medical treatment. However, insiders allege he is being blackmailed and pressured to withdraw his claims.
One DSS officer who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity said Isah was forced to pose for a photo with a gun placed in his hand, intended to be used as blackmail.
“He was compelled to write the retraction letter as a condition for his release,” the source added. “He was arrested at the inauguration venue, and his phone was seized. Even though his condition has improved—he has completed his medication and now only uses eye drops—he remains in detention.”
SaharaReporters also obtained a copy of the letter allegedly signed by Isah under duress, in which he disavows all previous statements linking Seyi Tinubu to the alleged bribe offer and physical assault.
The letter reads: I wish to draw the attention of the general public to a trending video which I featured. In the video, I claimed that son of the President, Mr Seyi' Tinubu and the Minister of Youths and Sport, Ayodele Olawande, invited me to Lagos. I further stated that the Minister and I hugged, and thereafter offered me #100,000,000 to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu but that I rejected the offer.
In the video, I also claimed that, for what they considered my stubbornness to reject their #100,000,000, I was on the 15th of April, 2025 abducted, stripped naked and thoroughly beaten up right before the MD of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to whom I had gone to purportedly announcement that I was stepping down from the race of the Presidency of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
I clearly stated that I later clarified that I didn't step down, to which I was reportedly warned that Mr Seyi' Tinubu could order my killing and thereafter instruct the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to bury the matter. I among other things, claimed that Seyi' Tinubu led thugs to the venue of my Inauguration. These are false as I later found out from the source who fed me.
I wish to categorically state that everything I said in that video was based on the wrong information at my disposal. I was misled by political opportunists to destroy the character of Seyi' Tinubu and his father, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu. At no time did I see Seyi Tinubu in Lagos or at The Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja. I have since discovered, to my utmost pain and regret that some persons were out to use me for cheap political gains.
Consequently, I hereby use this medium to apologize to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, his son Mr Seyi' Tinubu;the Minister of Youths and Sports, as well as others who may have been offended by my utterance. I also apologize to my fellow Comrades, and to as many as are looking up to me for direction. I failed you and am deeply sorry. To err, they say, is human and to forgive, divine. I hope you will all have the grace to forgive me.
Thank you immensely.
Background
Isah recently made the explosive allegation while addressing his colleagues, recounting events that preceded the violent disruption of his inauguration ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, Seyi Tinubu approached him with a N100 million offer aimed at influencing his stance within the student body.
Isah said he rejected the offer, describing it as a blatant attempt to manipulate the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
His refusal was met with what he termed "a violent response" when thugs linked to Seyi Tinubu disrupted the inauguration event held on Tuesday.
He explained that he was invited to Lagos to meet with Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development (Ayodele Olawande). Upon meeting, Atiku said, "The Minister for Youth, when he saw me, hugged me in Lagos. We talked, and I was to be offered N100 million. But the thing is, it's not all about money. There are things which I stand for.
“You cannot ask me to begin to promote a president who has not done something for me to say he has done it. If he does something good, I will promote him. We will him as the president and commander-in-chief. But where he is, you cannot say I should keep quiet."
He further stated that when he refused to accept the money, they planned his abduction.
"I was abducted on the 15th of April. I was stripped naked, beaten seriously in collaboration with the MD of NTA. The MD of NTA was our package to make an involuntary statement that I have renounced my position as NANS president. I did that to gain my freedom, but immediately, I released a press statement that I was forced under duress. Because I was naked, I was beaten. They claimed they would share the video," Isah explained.
He continued, "They told me that nothing would happen if they shared the video, and even if they killed me, Seyi Tinubu would order a cover-up. Ladoja, who was involved, said he would instruct the Inspector General of Police to cover it up and that if the police didn't comply, he would go."
Atiku added that despite the threats, he remained determined.
"I made it clear that even if I am shot, I will still come to this hall. The inauguration proceeded, and I was announced as president. I want Nigerians to know what has happened and that we will not give up. Seyi Tinubu can do anything he wants, but we are determined,” he said.
He said the inauguration was poorly organised and rushed.
"You can see the organisation was not correct. The MC was told to start without any protocol," he said, stressing the importance of fighting against cultism and criminal elements within the student body.
"We will fight the cultists. We will take away the cultists and touts from NANS. They are just a bunch of criminals. When politicians want to do anything, they recruit them, and that is what we have come to fight."
Isah condemned Seyi Tinubu as a bad example to Nigerian youth and warned that his potential rise to power in Lagos would be detrimental to the country.
He said, "Seyi Tinubu is a very bad example to the Nigerian youth. The worst thing that can happen to Nigeria will be for him to become the governor of Lagos State. He has no shame. He has no character. I have been struck naked. He has my video on his phone. If we were in a country where things work, they would trace that video on his phone, and he should be prosecuted."
He added that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Affairs also possessed the video.
"The secretary, when we went to submit a letter to the Minister of Defence, said he saw my naked video while they were beating me. It is also on his phone," Atiku said
In a recent interview with SaharaReporters, Isah raised the alarm over his deteriorating health, stating that he feared he might lose his eyesight following the brutal assault allegedly carried out by a rival NANS faction reportedly backed by Seyi Tinubu.
“Ladoja Olusola hit me with his leg directly on my face. My eyes are reddish now, and I’m afraid I might lose my sight,” he said.
He further claimed that the attackers were emboldened by their connection to Seyi Tinubu.
“There’s nothing being done to arrest them. Seyi had given them the confidence that nobody can arrest them, even if they kill me. They’re still after my life,” he said.
Describing the extent of the injuries he sustained, the student leader revealed that he had undergone a brain scan following the incident.
“I went for a brain test and I’m waiting for the results. They hit me badly on my head with bottles and a machete,” he said.
A review of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial statement as of the end of the 2024 financial year has shown that the country's liabilities to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) grew by N2.5trillion in 2024.
The review reveals that the Nigerian government liabilities stood at N2.524 trillion in 2023 but increased to N5.069 trillion in 2024 under President Bola Tinubu.
This means that between 2023 and 2024, the Nigerian government’s liabilities to the IMF increased by N2.545 trillion.
According to a note in the CBN’s financial statement, “IMF-related liabilities represent other payables owed by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the General Purpose of the IMF.”
The increase in liabilities between 2023 and 2024 was attributed to the depreciation of the Naira.
The financial statement recorded an exchange loss of N2.544 trillion during this period.
This growing debt figure comes amid mounting concerns about the country's rising debt portfolio under incumbent President Bola Tinubu, a development worsened by the fall in value of Naira, which increases the value of debt owed by the country especially those sourced from international sources.
In August 2023, while inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms, Tinubu vowed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on borrowing for public expenditure.
The State House website published the following statement in August 2023:
"President Bola Tinubu in Abuja expressed his resolute commitment to break the vicious cycle of overreliance on borrowing for public spending, and the resulting burden of debt servicing it places on the management of Nigeria’s limited government revenues.”
Despite these intentions, the Tinubu istration appears relentless in expanding the country’s debt portfolio.
A review shows that as of June 30, 2023 — the end of Tinubu's first month in office — the external debt of the Federal Government of Nigeria stood at N29.8 trillion (excluding debts owed by states and the Federal Capital Territory).
By December 31, 2024, however, the external debt owed by the Nigerian government alone had grown to N62.917 trillion, indicating an increase of N33.1 trillion in just 18 months.
On the domestic front, the Federal Government’s debt stood at N48.3 trillion as of June 2023. By December 2024, this had risen to N70.4 trillion — a growth of N22.1 trillion.
In total, the debt owed by the Federal Government (excluding debts owed by states and the FCT) increased by N55.2 trillion by the end of December 2024.
An earlier review of the Q4 2024 economic report released by the Central Bank of Nigeria revealed that the Tinubu-led government spent N2.199 trillion on debt servicing in Q4 2024.
This figure exceeded both the N2.067 trillion budgeted for debt servicing in Q4 2024 and the N2.055 trillion spent in Q3 2024.
Moreover, Q4 2024 debt servicing expenditure sured that of the same period in 2023, when N1.876 trillion was spent.
The report also noted that Nigeria’s total public debt stock stood at 51.29% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — about 18% below the 70% threshold for market-access countries.
"At end of September 2024, public debt stock remained within the 70.00 per cent threshold for Market-Access Countries.”
"Total public debt outstanding stood at ₦142.32 trillion (51.29% of GDP), at end-September 2024, and was 5.97 per cent higher than the level at end-June 2024. The rise was due largely to revaluation effects (arising from exchange rate depreciation) and new borrowings to finance the deficit outlined in the 2024 Appropriation Act.”
Further review of the Debt Management Office data shows that total public debt as of the end of 2024 stood at N144.6trillion.
The traditional ruler of Okahia Autonomous Community in the Obingwa council area of Abia State, Eze Okey Ananaba, has raised the alarm over what he described as the security threats posed by the massive land acquisition by suspected herdsmen in some communities in the area.
He stated that the destruction of farm crops and possession of illegal arms like AK-47 rifles by the herders had aggravated tension in the rural communities as the herdsmen threatened to kill the vigilantes and farmers who challenged them.
Ananaba raised the alarm during a sensitization visit/ town hall meeting by the officials of the Greater Aba Development Authority, GADA, in his community. He expressed concern that suspected herders have already acquired over 5,000 plots of land in strategic border communities such as Mgboko Umuanunu, near the boundary with Akwa Ibom state and Akpaa Mbato community behind the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, NINLAN, Ovom, Aba.
He said, “We are concerned that suspected herders have already acquired over 5,000 plots of land in strategic border communities such as Mgboko Umuanunu, near the border with Akwa Ibom state and Akpaa Mbato community behind the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, NINLAN, Ovom, Aba.
There are other massive land acquisitions in other communities in Obingwa LGA and environs.
“These land acquisitions pose serious security threats and could be used as operational bases for violent attacks on residents. We don’t know the reason behind the acquisition of these massive land areas in most communities in Obingwa LGA.
The monarch disclosed that traditional rulers in the area had petitioned the Abia State Government over ongoing land transactions several times several times but lamented that nothing had been done to check the ugly trend.
“Traditional rulers in Obingwa LGA have petitioned the Abia State Government to halt the ongoing land transactions. But our efforts have been ignored, this continues to threaten the people and raising fears of impending violence. Traditional rulers are the people at the rural communities, the government should give urgent attention to any report from us because we feel the pain. We are the eye of the government in our communities.”
He called on Governor Alex Otti to investigate the trend of massive land acquisitions in Obingwa council to prevent a repeat of the bandits and herdsmen’s violent attacks on indigenes of communities as being witnessed in Benue and Plateau States, which have resulted in loss of lives and displacement of villagers.
Some of the people who spoke at the town hall meeting alleged that some traditional rulers in the areas are behind the massive acquisition of lands by herders and urged the government to stop the practice of ing massive lands in the communities without investigating land use.
“There is no way for a massive land of up to 1,000 plots, will be acquired by anybody in the rural communities without the traditional ruler being aware of. It is not possible. The leadership of traditional rulers must also check themselves and report the bad and suspected ones among them to the government.
“But the problem is that it is still the state ministry of lands that will and give approval to these massive acquisition of lands without proper checks on why an individual or group is acquiring over 1,000 plots in a rural community. Let the government do the proper thing, we need peace, not insecurity in Abia state.”
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced a five-year suspension of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) programme to promote student growth, prioritise welfare, and strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
The minister made this known in a statement released in Abuja on Saturday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Mrs Boriowo Folasade.
He spoke after a comprehensive review of academic programmes available overseas.
Alausa said the decision followed careful evaluation, which revealed that all courses offered abroad through the BEA scheme are now available and, in many cases, better enhanced within Nigerian institutions.
“We have carefully reviewed all courses our citizens pursue abroad. Every single one is now offered here at home,” he stated.
He explained that while the suspension encourages Nigerians to study locally, it does not prevent parents from sponsoring their children to study overseas privately.
“We must be fair and equitable to every citizen. The government currently spends significantly on tickets, stipends, and other costs to send students abroad for education they can now access at home, often at better quality,” he said.
He clarified that the federal government will still welcome BEA partner countries that offer fully funded scholarships to Nigerians.
“Such scholarships must cover tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses, healthcare, and a monthly stipend of no less than $500, at no cost to the Nigerian government.”
Alausa also stressed that the moratorium will not affect other government-funded scholarship schemes such as the Nigerian Scholarship Award for students in public universities and polytechnics, the Education Bursary Award for undergraduates studying education, and the Presidential Scholarship for ex-NYSC corps .
He further highlighted the improved Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which now provides more robust financial to students enrolled in local higher institutions.
Alausa assured that all current BEA scholarship beneficiaries will continue to receive full government until they complete their studies and return to Nigeria.
“We stand by the promises made to our students abroad,” he affirmed.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to expanding local scholarship opportunities and ing the educational aspirations of all Nigerians, ensuring that no dream is delayed or denied.
Of the three military officers who forcefully took over the reins of office in the West African countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, Ibrahim Traore, an army captain, has run the most effective propaganda machine built on what his ers describe as Pan-Africanist, anti-imperialist ideology. At bottom, however, he has merely substituted Western hegemony with Russian hegemony. The latter is operated by Russian Africa Corps, a rechristening of the notorious Wagner Forces. Banded together in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the three countries kicked out and the United States, and delinked from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which had denounced the sacking of democracy in those countries.
Capt. Traore’s propaganda exaggerates or fabricates economic development and social conditions in Burkina Faso, with most of the country’s economic indicators showing no sign of improvements. Even the main coup goals of solving the refugee crisis caused by insurgency, rebuilding the economy, and curbing the jihadist insurgency that has tripled death toll since the coup, have remained intractable. Instead, civil rights have been abridged, and democracy, suspended in 2022 after the coup, has been put on the backburner. Last Wednesday, less than one week after Capt. Traore claimed to have exposed a coup plot, thousands of demonstrators observing a ‘global day of for Capt. Traore’ marched on Western embassies in London, Paris, Accra, Ouagadougou, Kingston, and other African cities to compel ‘imperialist powers’ to hands off Burkina Faso and the AES states. Some of them even threatened to burn down London should Capt. Traore die of natural causes. Let them try that with President Donald Trump.
The demonstrations, like the propaganda for Capt. Traore, were reportedly inspired and funded by Russia which has sought to expand its turf wars with the West to the African continent. They have been effective, even if conditions on the ground in the AES have deteriorated. It is a mark of the specious reasoning assailing Africans, their love for showmanship, and their inability to take the long-term view of their future that they have once again embraced dictatorship and submitted and committed to an even more reactionary Russian tyrant. It is a sign of the poverty of thinking that Capt. Traore’s oppressive rule and malevolent and Russian-inspired propaganda have drawn applause from some Nigerians.
DSS Arrests Edo-Based Activist, Five Others Over Planned Rally For Burkina Faso’s Revolutionary Leader, Ibrahim Traoré
Operatives of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Marxist activist and leader of the Talakawa Parliament, Comrade Kola Edokpayi, in Benin City, Edo State, over a proposed Pan-African solidarity rally in of Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The controversial arrest, which took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, has sparked outrage among rights groups, civil society actors, and pan-Africanists across the continent, who have described it as a blatant act of political repression and an assault on fundamental rights.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, a source close to Edokpayi revealed the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
“He made arrangements for a solidarity rally. The Commissioner of Police called him a day before the rally and held a meeting with him to call it off. He complied and dispatched people to cancel the protest. But DSS and police operatives later stormed his office, broke in, and arrested about six people. Four were released, but they detained him and one other member.”
The planned rally, according to organisers, was part of a broader continental mobilisation in of Captain Traoré’s defiant stance against French neo colonial influence in West Africa. Similar events were also scheduled to be held in countries like Ghana and South Africa.
Reacting to the arrest, the Edo State chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) issued a strongly worded statement, demanding Edokpayi’s immediate and unconditional release.
“Comrade Edokpayi was arrested for expressing solidarity with the government of Burkina Faso led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. This blatant act of political repression is not only unlawful but a direct attack on the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens,” the statement read in part.
“He has consistently mobilised the masses under the platform of the Talakawa Parliament, a grassroots movement that champions the rights of ordinary Nigerians against elite exploitation.”
Signed by Comrade Hafiz Lawal, TIB's Edo State Coordinator, the group further described the arrest as “legally indefensible and morally reprehensible,” accusing Nigerian security agencies of weaponising the state against dissenting voices.
“Freedom of thought, expression, and association are guaranteed under Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the 1999 Constitution. His show of for Captain Ibrahim Traoré does not in any way justify his arrest,” the group insisted.
In a ionate statement shared online, one Pan-African activist stated: “Arresting Marxist Kola Edokpayi for a proposed solidarity walk in of Ibrahim Traoré is totally uncalled for. Pan-Africanism shouldn't be killed; it's supposed to be encouraged by all African countries and leaders. I Gaddafi, a true Pan-Africanist, who was betrayed by fellow Africans used by Western powers. Kola has done nothing wrong for standing for Africa. He must be released.”
Nigerian banks have begun releasing their Q1 2025 results, and while many are still posting billions in profit, the era of runaway earnings growth may be drawing to a close.
For years now, Nigeria’s biggest banks, popularly referred to as the FUGAZ, have normalized quarterly pre-tax profits above N150 billion.
However, early numbers from this quarter suggest that growth is beginning to stall, and in some cases, reverse.
GTCO, one of the sector’s most efficient banks, saw its pre-tax profit fall sharply by 41% to N300 billion. FirstHoldCo wasn’t spared either, recording a 20.2% drop.
Access Holdings and Zenith Bank still posted modest growths of around 10%, but even that marks a steep drop from the triple-digit surges seen this time last year. So, what changed?
The cost of staying in business is rising
A closer look at the financial statements tells part of the story. Operating expenses are rising across the board, largely in response to spiraling inflation.
As the cost of doing business climbs, banks are spending more on everything—from technology to salaries. With bigger balance sheets, their overheads are also scaling up.
For instance, FirstHoldCo spent over N19 billion on advertising and promotion—a huge spike compared to last year.
Access Bank reported N41 billion in IT and e-business expenses, while Zenith Bank’s IT spend surged past N21 billion. Personnel expenses are also on the rise, as banks adjust wages and expand their workforce to growth.
In addition to inflationary pressures, banks are also seeing spikes in statutory costs. The controversial AMCON levy, a resolution fund fee, is taking a bigger bite out of profits.
Then there’s the sharp drop in foreign exchange revaluation gains—another major factor now weighing on bottom lines.
The forex windfall is drying up
Over the last two years, Nigerian banks recorded massive gains from forex revaluation, thanks to multiple currency devaluations. But with the naira now showing relative stability in 2025, those once-in-a-lifetime windfalls are tapering off.
Take Zenith Bank. Its trading gains dropped from N186.3 billion in Q1 2024 to just N12.8 billion this quarter. Last year, the bank made over N1 trillion in revaluation and trading gains.
GTCO’s story is even more dramatic, with unrealized FX gains plunging from N331 billion to just N1.5 billion.
This sharp drop was expected, but its effect on earnings is now clearly visible.
The EPS challenge looms
There’s another factor quietly at play: dilution from last year’s capital raises. In 2024, Nigerian banks raised nearly N2 trillion in fresh equity to meet recapitalization targets.
This means more shares in circulation—and therefore lower earnings per share (EPS), even if total profit still grows.
EPS is critical for valuations and investor sentiment. To maintain or grow EPS at 2024 levels, banks would need to significantly scale up profits—perhaps double or triple current levels.
That will be a tall order, especially as banks are now expected to grow earnings primarily through lending.
While interest rates remain high and risk-free instruments like treasury bills are attractive, expanding loan books in a fragile economy could increase non-performing loans.
Fortunately, most banks have built solid buffers by making provisions during the profitable years. But the risks remain.
What to expect going forward
While more Q1 results are yet to be released, the early signs point to a common trend: earnings growth is cooling off. This doesn’t mean banks are in trouble—it just means investors must adjust their expectations.
The Nigerian banking sector is still very profitable. But the days of bumper gains driven by one-off FX revaluations, underpriced equities, and windfall trading income may be behind us.
For investors, it’s time to watch how banks respond: Will they double down on lending? Will costs spiral further? Or will they find new, more sustainable paths to profit?
The golden era of easy bank profits may be fading. What comes next will demand better strategy—and a lot more patience.
Atiku Abubakar Isah, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has accused Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, of attempting to bribe him with N100 million to influence his ambitions.
Atiku made the startling claim during a press conference on Wednesday, recounting the events leading up to an attack on his inauguration ceremony in Abuja.
According to Atiku, Seyi Tinubu approached him with the offer, seeking to sway his position.
However, the NANS president rejected the bribe, which he described as an attempt to manipulate student leadership.
Atiku's refusal was met with what he termed "a violent response" when thugs linked to Seyi Tinubu disrupted the inauguration event held on Tuesday.
Atiku shared these details during the association's inauguration.
He explained that he was invited to Lagos to meet with Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development (Ayodele Olawande). Upon meeting, Atiku said, "The Minister for Youth, when he saw me, hugged me in Lagos. We talked, and I was to be offered N100 million. But the thing is, it's not all about money. There are things which I stand for.
“You cannot ask me to begin to promote a president who has not done something for me to say he has done it. If he does something good, I will promote him. We will him as the president and commander-in-chief. But where he is, you cannot say I should keep quiet."
He further stated that when he refused to accept the money, they planned his abduction.
"I was abducted on the 15th of April. I was stripped naked, beaten seriously in collaboration with the MD of NTA. The MD of NTA was our package to make an involuntary statement that I have renounced my position as NANS president. I did that to gain my freedom, but immediately, I released a press statement that I was forced under duress. Because I was naked, I was beaten. They claimed they would share the video," Atiku explained.
He continued, "They told me that nothing would happen if they shared the video, and even if they killed me, Seyi Tinubu would order a cover-up. Ladoja, who was involved, said he would instruct the Inspector General of Police to cover it up and that if the police didn't comply, he would go."
Atiku added that despite the threats, he remained determined.
"I made it clear that even if I am shot, I will still come to this hall. The inauguration proceeded, and I was announced as president. I want Nigerians to know what has happened and that we will not give up. Seyi Tinubu can do anything he wants, but we are determined,” he said.
He said the inauguration was poorly organised and rushed.
"You can see the organisation was not correct. The MC was told to start without any protocol," he said, stressing the importance of fighting against cultism and criminal elements within the student body.
"We will fight the cultists. We will take away the cultists and touts from NANS. They are just a bunch of criminals. When politicians want to do anything, they recruit them, and that is what we have come to fight."
Atiku condemned Seyi Tinubu as a bad example to Nigerian youth and warned that his potential rise to power in Lagos would be detrimental to the country.
He said, "Seyi Tinubu is a very bad example to the Nigerian youth. The worst thing that can happen to Nigeria will be for him to become the governor of Lagos State. He has no shame. He has no character. I have been struck naked. He has my video on his phone. If we were in a country where things work, they would trace that video on his phone, and he should be prosecuted."
He added that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Affairs also possessed the video.
"The secretary, when we went to submit a letter to the Minister of Defence, said he saw my naked video while they were beating me. It is also on his phone," Atiku said.
In his closing remarks, Atiku warned that the authorities were making a mistake with the wrong person.
"The honest solution for them is to do the right thing, or they should quickly terminate my life," he said.
No fewer than 27 political aides of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State have been dismissed following their participation in the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of a grassroots-based political movement, The NEW Associates.
The affected aides were reportedly dismissed after attending the inauguration of the Bayelsa chapter of The NEW Associates and participating in a mega rally held in of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a letter titled "TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT" dated 23rd April 2025, signed by Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, it was noted that the appointments were terminated with immediate effect.
"I write to inform you of the termination of the following appointments with immediate effect. Their appointments were communicated to your office in our letters under the listed reference numbers," the letter stated.
However, the Bayelsa State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Governor Douye Diri’s decision to dismiss several of his political aides for identifying with the grassroots political movement, The NEW Associates.
Diri
In a statement signed by Derri Alasuote Wright, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, the party described the sackings as “an alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness” that runs contrary to the democratic ideals the party upholds.
The PDP expressed dismay at the action, noting that the individuals in question had worked diligently to ensure the party’s success in the last gubernatorial elections, which ultimately led to Governor Diri’s re-election.
“The sacking of these political appointees from the Prosperity istration is particularly unfortunate,” the statement read. “They are all party who believed in our vision and laboured for our collective success.”
The party criticised what it described as the governor’s misuse of public power, reminding him that the state government and treasury are public trusts, not personal possessions. “Such decisions discourage civic engagement and political participation,” the statement continued, “and send a chilling message to others within the system.”
Calling the dismissals “a severe breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation,” the PDP urged Governor Diri to reverse the decision and promote inclusivity, open dialogue, and tolerance.
The statement concluded with a call to political leaders and citizens to resist divisive tactics and work toward building a more inclusive and democratic political environment in Bayelsa State and across Nigeria.
“Together, let us stand firm in our commitment to democracy, solidarity, and the right to associate freely,” the statement added.
FuglyGurl(f): 12:18pm On Jun 02