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A 27-year-old lady, Esther Akweji, has died after reportedly collapsing while eating at her boyfriend’s residence in Dei-Dei, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sparking a police investigation.

Esther, who was said to be a resident of Nasarawa State, had travelled to the FCT to visit family members. On January 21, she reportedly left her family home, telling relatives she was going to a bank in Dei-Dei. She did not return.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters, it was gathered, several hours later, family members received a phone call from a man who identified himself as Esther’s boyfriend, calling from her mobile phone. The caller reportedly told the family that Esther had visited him and that he had bought food for them to eat.

Sources said the man explained that while they were eating, Esther suddenly began vomiting. He claimed that she was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed she was dead on arrival.

However, it was further reported that the boyfriend fled the hospital shortly after doctors pronounced her dead. His identity has not yet been established, and he has remained unreachable since the incident.

Confirming the development, the Federal Capital Territory Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the police had begun a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Esther’s death.

“The corpse has been deposited for autopsy to determine the actual cause of death, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect,” Adeh said.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Gwagwalada Area Council Chairmanship candidate, Hon. Alhaji Usman Yahaya, alongside the Councillorship candidate for Kutunku Ward, Hon. Ismaila Olayiwola, popularly known as Ola-1, has presented 2026 Free JAMB scholarships to over 1,000 students across secondary schools and residential areas in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The screening exercise for Government Day Secondary School, Gwagwalada, was conducted by the Councillor representing Gwagwalada Central Ward, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar-Nas, who is also an alumnus of the school. He was joined by APC party stakeholders Hon. Prince Stephen IbukunOluwa Adams and Hon. Oshinbolu Kayode, also known as Omo-Alhaja.

Speaking during the presentation of the Free JAMB Scholarship, the MD/CEO of PIONEER-GROUPs, Hon. Prince Stephen IbukunOluwa Adams, who is the main sponsor of the scholarship scheme, said beneficiaries were drawn from government secondary schools and residents across Gwagwalada Area Council.

Alhaji Abubakar-Nas, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker and Chairman, House Committee on Education in Gwagwalada Area Council, applauded Hon. Prince IbukunOluwa Adams for his maximum support for the educational system. He noted that the initiative would help alleviate the burden on parents and contribute positively to the educational development of students.

He further explained that the scholarship programme was organised in collaboration with the APC Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates in Gwagwalada for the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections—Hon. Alhaji Usman Yahaya and Hon. Ismaila Olayiwola (Ola-1)—and is fully sponsored by Hon. Prince Stephen IbukunOluwa Adams, with support from Hon. Oshinbolu Kayode (Omo-Alhaja).

The organisers advised beneficiaries to remain committed to their studies to secure a better future.

Alhaji Abubakar-Nas, who is also the APC Councillorship candidate for Gwagwalada Central Ward in next month’s election, reiterated his commitment to partnering with stakeholders to enhance educational growth in the area.

In his remarks, the APC Chairmanship candidate, Hon. Alhaji Usman Yahaya, promised to give priority to educational development if elected. He also pledged to embark on people-oriented projects and ensure rural transformation if given the mandate.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar-Nas, Hon. Ismaila Olayiwola (Ola-1), and Hon. Alhaji Usman Yahaya for the gesture, noting that the Free JAMB Scholarship would significantly support their aspirations of obtaining higher education.

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Plateau State security authorities have confirmed the killing of seven youths at an illegal mining site near Kavitex, Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), describing the incident as a tragic consequence of violations of state mining laws and unsafe practices.

According to a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama, police sources said the victims — Dung Gyang, 19; Weng Dung, 26; Francis Paul, 25; Samuel Peter, 22; Dung Simon, 28; Pam Dung, 23; and Francis Markus, 15 — were shot dead by yet-to-be-identified armed men at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday while engaging in illegal mining activities.

The sources said troops of Sector 6, Operation Safe Haven (OPEP), alongside the police, immediately mobilized to the site and conducted a thorough sweep of the area.

At the scene, security operatives recovered ten spent cases of 7.62mm ammunition, indicating that the attackers were heavily armed. The bodies of the victims were later moved to the Primary Health Care Centre, Dabwak, Kuru, to enable their families to make burial arrangements.

Preliminary investigations by security forces, according to the report, suggest that the attackers may have targeted the site to seize illegally mined minerals from the closed mining location at Capitex, Kuru.

Security sources said the victims’ decision to remain at the mining site late into the night, in violation of Plateau State’s ban on night and illegal mining, made them especially vulnerable.

“The miners’ continued operations in contravention of the extant laws, combined with the clandestine nature of illegal mining, significantly increased their exposure and contributed to this tragic outcome,” the security sources said.

Authorities further noted that an estimated eight-hour delay in reporting the incident to security agencies was likely due to fear of sanctions linked to the prohibition of night mining.

Officials warned that such delays often hamper swift security responses and give perpetrators a tactical advantage.

In response to the attack, troops of Sector 6 OPEP have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the area. Sustained patrols, intelligence-driven offensives, and community engagement initiatives are ongoing to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible, while also addressing underlying conflict triggers and preventing further attacks.

The police, on their part, reiterated their commitment to restoring law and order, assuring residents that security operatives would maintain a strong presence in Kuru and other mining communities to prevent security breakdowns.

Authorities also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious movements or criminal activities, stressing that fear of sanctions should not discourage prompt reporting.

Meanwhile, sources from the Plateau State Government emphasized that strict enforcement of mining laws is necessary to protect miners and the general public. Officials appealed to youths to comply with existing regulations, including the ban on night mining, and to operate only at officially approved sites under regulated conditions.

The Kuru killings are the latest in a series of attacks across Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs, where illegal mining sites have repeatedly become targets for armed groups exploiting soft targets amid an escalating cycle of violence in Plateau State.

Makama linked the attack to a broader spiral of violence in Plateau, noting that what began as disputes over land and livelihoods has evolved into retaliatory patterns involving cattle rustling, livestock poisoning, and armed raids, drawing entire communities into fear and insecurity. The Gakok attack, he said, did not occur in isolation.

“It is the tragic crest of a wave that has been rising across the Barkin Ladi–Riyom–Jos South axis,” Makama said.

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Environmental degradation linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining has continued to threaten livelihoods and public health in the Niger Delta, residents and community stakeholders have warned, calling attention to the long-term consequences for the region’s fragile ecosystem.

The concerns were highlighted during rallies organised by the Niger Delta Peace & Security Forum on Thursday and Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where participants lamented how oil theft has damaged farmlands, waterways, mangroves, and air quality across host communities.

While lamenting the scale of destruction, residents commended ongoing interventions by the Nigerian military under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, aimed at curbing oil theft and illegal refining activities.

Speaking at the rallies, the Convener of the Forum, Inko-Tariah Micheal, said illegal bunkering and artisanal refining have over the years triggered frequent oil spills, soot pollution, destruction of aquatic life, and contamination of drinking water sources, leaving communities exposed to environmental and economic hardship.

He noted that recent military operations targeting oil theft networks have begun to limit some of the harmful activities in affected areas, opening opportunities for environmental recovery and improved safety.

“Our concern has always been the environment and the wellbeing of our people,”Micheal said.

“The steps being taken to address oil theft are important because they help limit further damage to our land and rivers, while also protecting national resources.”

Participants stressed that efforts to combat oil theft must be sustained and strengthened, with greater emphasis on environmental protection, accountability, and the involvement of local communities.

They also called for stronger collaboration among host communities, security agencies, environmental regulators, and government institutions to ensure effective and lasting solutions.

The Niger Delta Peace & Security Forum further urged that security measures be supported with environmental remediation, livelihood support programmes, and transparent engagement with local residents to promote a cleaner and more sustainable future for the Niger Delta.

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The Presidency has withdrawn the appointment of Usman Dakingari Suleiman as Nigeria’s ambassador to Turkey, days after his name was announced among new diplomatic postings.

The initial announcement was made on Thursday night by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who listed four individuals as ambassadors-designate, including Dakingari, a former governor of Kebbi State.

”Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi, is the ambassador-designate to Turkey,” Onanuga had said in his initial statement.

Onanuga also disclosed at the time that President Bola Tinubu, who returned to the country over the weekend after a three-week overseas trip, was expected to travel to Turkey next week.

However, the Presidency later issued a second statement reversing Dakingari’s appointment.

”Please note that there was a naming mix-up for the ambassador-designate to Turkey. The posting is undergoing review. Thanks for your understanding,” Onanuga explained in the new statement.

The spokesman clarified that the review affected only Dakingari’s posting and did not apply to the other appointments earlier announced.

Those unaffected by the reversal are Ayodele Oke, ambassador-designate to France; Lateef Are, ambassador-designate to the United States of America; and Amin Dalhatu, high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.

Onanuga added that President Tinubu, in a memo addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, directed the ministry to formally notify the governments of the three countries of the appointments, in line with established diplomatic procedures.

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Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a controversial pronouncement barring opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, from participating in any future elections in the country, citing national security reasons.

Kainerugaba, the eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni, made the declaration in a public statement attributed to him, asserting his authority as head of the armed forces.

“Whether Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu is in the country or not I, as CDF, in the interests of national security and for the good of the commonwealth ban him from any further participation in the electoral exercises of Uganda,” he said on Thursday.

The army chief also warned that the directive would apply to those who openly align themselves with Bobi Wine politically.

“From now on ANYONE who declares Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine as his/her political leader must be annulled.”

Kainerugaba further insisted that the order was final and binding, invoking his interpretation of executive power.

“My orders stand with the force of the Commander-in-Chief of the State.”

The remarks have drawn sharp reactions from political analysts, civil society organisations, and opposition supporters, with many raising concerns about their implications for Uganda’s constitutional framework, democratic participation, and the separation between military authority and civilian governance.

Bobi Wine, a former presidential candidate and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been a long-time critic of President Museveni’s administration and has previously accused security agencies of harassment, arbitrary detention, and repression of opposition activities.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from Uganda’s Electoral Commission, the presidency, or Bobi Wine regarding the CDF’s declaration.

The latest statement comes amid heightened political tension ahead of future electoral activities, with critics questioning the legal foundation and constitutional limits of military involvement in electoral matters.

Kainerugaba currently serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and remains a central figure in the country’s political and security discourse.

The controversy follows earlier remarks by Kainerugaba in which he stated that 22 members of the opposition National Unity Platform were killed during the conduct of the country’s general elections.

He further suggested that Bobi Wine was the intended next target, referring to him as the “twenty-third” person.

Muhoozi, who is also Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, made the remarks on social media.

“We have killed 22 NUP terrorists since last week. I’m praying the 23rd is Kabobi,” he wrote on his official X handle.

The comments amount to an open acknowledgement of the killing of opposition party members and come amid ongoing controversy surrounding the re-election of President Museveni, who secured a seventh term in office at the age of 81 following disputed polls.

On Tuesday, Bobi Wine alleged that more than 100 of his supporters had been killed in recent days amid escalating political violence, accusing President Museveni’s son and the military of carrying out deadly repression.

In a post on X on Monday, the NUP leader said the killings had intensified over the past week, contradicting official figures he said were being publicly cited.

“Last night as Museveni’s son was making these threats to kill me and gloating over killing 22 of our supporters (in reality, he has killed over 100 since last week), the military who are stationed inside our compound yet again banged my house doors as they sang profanities, ordering the occupants to come out of the house if they’re men,” he posted on Tuesday.

Bobi Wine described the allegation as one of his strongest to date, claiming a sharp rise in fatalities linked to security operations targeting opposition supporters. While he did not provide names or locations of those allegedly killed, he said the violence coincided with increased military activity around his residence.

He further alleged that soldiers stationed at his home engaged in intimidation and disorderly conduct.

“The people at my home say the criminals seemed to be drunk.”

According to Bobi Wine, the situation has left his family and associates trapped and vulnerable, with security operatives allegedly blocking access to food and taking control of his compound by replacing gate padlocks with chains.

“We demand that the military vacate our home immediately. My wife and people are not safe. They’re starving after these criminals blocked food from reaching them. They cut the padlocks of our gates and replaced them with chains. FREE UGANDA NOW.”

(SAHARA REPORTERS)

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Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has revealed details of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu allegedly told Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during their closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, on Thursday in Abuja, insisting the encounter was far from cordial.

The meeting was the first one-on-one engagement between the President and Makinde since the Oyo governor’s controversial media chat last month, where he declared he would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of fuelling the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of a plot to establish a one-party state.

Makinde had also alleged that the President failed to honour an agreement reached during the 2023 elections and accused Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of boasting about how he would “hold down” the PDP to pave the way for Tinubu’s victory in 2027.

However, speaking shortly after the meeting, Fayose claimed President Tinubu firmly addressed Makinde on political consistency and expectations ahead of 2027.

Fayose said: “He was told pointedly that he can’t come to the closet on political matters to eat his words, while saying another thing to the public.

“Furthermore, the President told Governor Makinde that he was not expecting any support from him regarding 2027, and that he should also expect that he (President) will support his party.”

According to Fayose, the President also made it clear that Makinde’s grievances with Wike were personal and not a matter for presidential intervention.

He said: “Here is the true story of what happened in the Villa when Governor Seyi Makinde visited the President today (yesterday).

“First, Governor Seyi Makinde demonstrated that he lacked enough courage to face the President alone. He had to enlist the support of the Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

“The President told him that if it was about official matters regarding Oyo State, he would listen to him.

“Lastly, the President made it clear to Makinde that Wike is someone whose support and consistency he (President) can’t deny or wish away. Therefore, if Makinde has issues with Wike, that is between the two of them, I should be left out of it.

“That’s why Makinde told the media that he’s comfortable in PDP. It’s because of the reality that there’s nothing for him in APC.

“And after this meeting, shouldn’t Makinde tell the people of Oyo State if he has returned the N30billion he admitted to have received from the Federal Government as intervention fund for the January 2023 Ibadan (Bodija) explosion?”

Fayose had earlier disclosed the Federal Government’s N30 billion intervention fund for victims of the Bodija explosion following Makinde’s media chat. The Oyo governor later confirmed that the state received the funds for resettlement of victims.

Despite Fayose’s claims, Makinde, while speaking to reporters after the meeting, described his relationship with the President as cordial and governance-focused.

He said: “The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of APC, and we’re talking about governance here. So, I came to discuss with the President on some governance issues, basically”.

On whether the visit suggested a political rapprochement with the ruling party, Makinde maintained that political differences had never affected cooperation.

He said: “There’s nothing that I’ve said in the past that says we’re not enjoying a harmonious relationship. Politics is politics. We belong to different political parties, but Nigeria is a project that all Nigerians must be concerned about”.

The governor added that insecurity, poverty alleviation and citizens’ welfare were non-partisan issues requiring collaboration across political lines.

“These are things that have no coloration of a party. As leaders, whether President or governor, those are things we have to work together on, consult with one another, and ensure that we can make life better for our people,” he added.

Makinde also dismissed speculation about defecting to the APC, reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP.
“No. I’m comfortable in the PDP,” he said.

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Joint Task Force North West, have sustained intense pressure on terrorist elements operating in the region, recording significant operational successes during coordinated offensives conducted between 21 and 22 January 2026.

In a statement on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of the operation, Captain David Adewusi, said troops carried out multiple fighting patrols across the Joint Operations Area, leading to the neutralisation of terrorists and the recovery of weapons.

According to the statement, troops of the 8 Division Garrison Strike Force, supported by Department of State Services (DSS) assets, engaged terrorists in Gundumi Village, Isa Local Government Area.

“During the encounter, troops neutralised one of the terrorists, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds,” Adewusi said.

He disclosed that the troops recovered six AK-47 rifles and three motorcycles from the scene of the encounter.

In a related development, troops of 1 Brigade, working with the Headquarters JTF OPFY Mobile Strike Team, acted on credible intelligence indicating that wounded terrorists were receiving medical treatment inside Bingi Forest.

“The troops swiftly moved to the location and discovered a makeshift medical facility used by the terrorists,” the statement said.

Captain Adewusi added that the facility was subsequently destroyed, dealing “a significant blow to the terrorists’ support system and logistics.”

He noted that the continued operational gains underscore the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring stability in the region.

“The sustained successes recorded reflect the unwavering determination and responsiveness of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to decisively degrade terrorist networks and restore peace and security across the North West,” he stated.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the start of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The approval was disclosed on Thursday by Governor Dapo Abiodun during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior officers at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun also announced that the President had given the go-ahead for the immediate commencement of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing the development as a major breakthrough after years of delay surrounding the multibillion-dollar initiative.

According to the governor, both projects are of particular interest to President Tinubu. He explained that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would help ease congestion at the Lagos ports, oil drilling activities at Tongeji Island would enhance economic inclusion and empowerment for residents of coastal communities.

“Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there.

“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality”, the governor said.

Abiodun added that the President had directed that construction work on the seaport should be significantly advanced between now and next year. He noted that the project would provide a strong alternative for decongesting the Lagos ports, especially with the coastal road serving as an additional logistics corridor.

He further revealed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, highlighting its coastal positioning and economic prospects.

The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help prevent infiltration from the neighbouring Republic of Benin and deter actions capable of threatening Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He said the state government was also working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island as part of efforts to improve living standards and support emerging economic opportunities.

Abiodun praised the Nigerian Navy for its role in strengthening the state’s security architecture, adding that collaboration among security agencies had contributed to the relative peace currently enjoyed in Ogun State.

Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as an experienced and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence in improved security and development outcomes under his leadership.

“We are happy that someone with your antecedents, background, training, and experience is occupying this position at this time. You are a round peg in a round hole,” the governor said.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to Nigeria’s national security. He disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base because of the area’s oil potential.

He explained that the visit was aimed at deepening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that part of his mandate was to secure Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.

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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has forwarded the names of 14 lawyers to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court.

The recommendation followed the Council’s 110th meeting held in January and presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, during which the successful candidates were considered for appointment.

Mrs Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information of the NJC, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the names were not immediately transmitted because security reports on the candidates were pending at the time of the meeting.

According to her, the Council waited for the completion of the security screening before taking further action.

“Having received the security report, with no adverse comments on any of the recommended candidates, the Council on Thursday, 22nd day of January 2026, forwarded the names of the candidates to the president.

“The 14 successful candidates recommended to the President comprised the incumbent Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Suleiman Amida Hassan.

“Others are Muhammad Barau Saidu, Igboko Chinelo Conchita, Onuegbu Chioma Angela, Galumje Edingah, Ibrahim Vera Eneabo, Abubakar Musa Usman and Salihu Aisha Yunusa.

The rest are Ikpeme Joy Bassey, Shehu Umaru Adamu, Mohammed Ibrahim Buba, Eigege-Binjin Nendelmum Judith, Usoro Kuyik Uduak and Nwoye Osinachi Donatus.

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The Supreme Court has dismissed the trial of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, over the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Kudirat Abiola was the wife of the late businessman and politician, Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida.

She was killed in Lagos during the nationwide unrest that followed the annulment, at a time when she was actively campaigning for the restoration of the mandate.

A five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, on Thursday dismissed the charges brought against Al-Mustapha by the Lagos State Government.

At the hearing, the state government failed to reopen the trial and neither appeared in court nor filed any process in the matter since initiating the action in 2014.

When the case was mentioned, counsel to Al-Mustapha, Paul Daudu (SAN), told the panel that Lagos State had taken no steps to act on the order granted in 2014 permitting it to reopen the trial.

He noted that the state did not file a notice of appeal as the appellant, adding that this showed a lack of seriousness in pursuing the case.

Daudu explained that when the Supreme Court granted Lagos State permission in 2014 to reopen the matter, the state was given 30 days to file its notice of appeal.

According to him, several years later, the state had still failed to comply with the directive.

He argued that the appellant had abandoned the prosecution and urged the court to dismiss the case in its entirety.
Justice Aba-Aji asked whether Lagos State had been served with a hearing notice, to which the court registrar responded in the affirmative.

In its ruling, the panel unanimously agreed that the state government had lost interest in the matter and effectively abandoned it.

Justice Aba-Aji held that nine years was sufficient time for the appellant to file both a notice of appeal and a brief of argument.

The court also expressed displeasure that the Lagos State Government neither appeared in court nor provided any explanation, despite being served with hearing notices since 2020.

Consequently, the case marked SC/CR/45/2014 was dismissed.

Another appeal filed by the Lagos State governor in the same matter, marked SC/CR/6/2014, was also dismissed on similar grounds.

The Supreme Court had earlier, in 2014, granted Lagos State permission to reopen the case out of time to challenge the July 12, 2013 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which discharged and acquitted Al-Mustapha of the murder charge.

(DAILY TRUST)

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Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised concerns over what he described as a growing pattern in which members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are rarely linked to corruption allegations, warning that such a trend must be addressed.

El-Rufai spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue, which focused on the theme, “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: What is Working and What is Not?”

According to him, Nigeria’s democratic system cannot deliver meaningful progress without firm commitment to justice, fairness and accountable leadership.

He said, “We have governance without accountability. Nigeria has built reform and accountability faster than in the substance. We conduct elections and create agencies and announce assets recoveries, but accountability by just governing remains selective. Corruption has become dangerous for some that are in opposition and negotiable for others that are sitting on the fence and want to move to the APC; and invisible for those aligned with the power. APC members are never accused of corruption.”

El-Rufai noted that the consequences of selective accountability are already visible across the country, manifesting in poor service delivery and public distrust.

He added, “This is not abstract; it appears in unpaid salaries, abandoned projects, decayed infrastructure and widespread cynicism, when laws are enforced unevenly, deterrence collapses. And when deterrence collapses, trust evaporates; and this is what is happening in Nigeria.”

The former governor further argued that strengthening national institutions—particularly through judicial reforms—was critical to improving the credibility of elections and ensuring a genuinely independent electoral commission.

He said, “Finally, we must restore ethical and competent government for our politics to have meaning. Reform is not only about what must change, but it is also about what must stop.”

Also participating as panelists at the dialogue were Mr Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, and Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the 7th and 8th House of Representatives.

The event was chaired by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, while the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, attended as Special Guest of Honour.

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Prominent Nigerian businessman and chairman of United Bank of Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Seplat Energy Plc.

The appointment which takes effect from January 22, 2026, was disclosed in a statement by the company’s Director, Legal and Company Secretary, Mrs Edith Onwuchekwa on Thursday.

The company also announced the resignation of Mr Olivier Cleret De Langavant as a Non-Executive Director, effective Janusry 22.

Seplat Energy expressed appreciation for Langavant’s contributions and welcomed Elumelu to the Board.

Mr Udoma Udo Udoma, Chairman of Seplat Energy, commented, “On behalf of the Board and Management, I wish to express our profound appreciation to Mr Langavant for his outstanding contribution to Seplat Energy over the past six years.

“His expertise and commitment have been instrumental in driving our strategic initiatives.

“We warmly welcome Mr Elumelu to the board and look forward to leveraging his wealth of experience and leadership as we continue to pursue sustainable growth and value creation for all stakeholders.”

Elumelu is a renowned African investor and philanthropist, widely recognised for his contributions to Africa’s economic transformation.

He is the founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, a diversified investment company with interests spanning energy, power, banking, insurance, technology, real estate, hospitality and healthcare.

He also serves as Chairman of  Heirs Energies and Transcorp Group, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power and Transcorp Hotels Plc.

In 2010, Elumelu established the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a leading philanthropy focused on empowering African entrepreneurs across the continent’s 54 countries.

His achievements have earned him global recognition, including being named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2020 and receiving the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2022.

Elumelu also sits on several international boards, including UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council and the International Monetary Fund’s Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.

The company expressed confidence that his extensive experience and leadership would support Seplat Energy’s strategic objectives and strengthen its commitment to sustainable growth.

Langavant, who joined the Board on Jan. 28, 2020 as a nominee of Etablissements Maurel et Prom SA, resigned following the sale of M&P’s 20.07 percent shareholding in Seplat Energy to Heirs Holdings Ltd. and Heirs Energies Ltd.

The board commended Langavant for his service, noting that he provided strategic technical guidance and valuable insights that supported the company’s growth during his tenure.

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held separate meetings with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The two governors arrived at the State House at different times, with Mutfwang arriving at about 3:00 p.m., while Makinde followed at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The engagements come amid ongoing political realignments, as consultations intensify among key political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, remains one of the few PDP governors yet to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, despite the wave of defections that has hit the opposition party.

The Oyo State governor is widely believed to be nurturing a presidential ambition and is said to be positioning himself for the PDP’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.

Mutfwang, on his part, recently left the PDP for the APC, joining several opposition figures who have crossed over to the ruling party.

Thursday’s meeting was his first publicly known engagement with President Tinubu since his official defection.

President Tinubu has in recent months held meetings with governors from across party lines as part of broader political engagements.

More details to follow….

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Simeon Amadi, chief judge of Rivers, has declined to constitute a judicial panel to probe Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, citing a court judgement.

The Rivers state house of assembly had asked Amadi to set up a seven-member panel to investigate Fubara and Ngozi Odu, his deputy, over allegations bordering on gross misconduct.

More to follow…

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai took  advantage of a clash between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ factions in Borno State,  killing an insurgent and recovering arms during the operation.

The intervention followed intelligence reports of terrorist clash and possible suicide bomber movements within the metropolis, according to a report by security analyst Zagozola Makama. The operation was carried out under Operation Desert Sanity IV.

Sources told Makama that troops were alerted to an ongoing gun battle between Boko Haram and ISWAP elements around the Malkube area of the Tungushe General Area near Baga Road Market, prompting an immediate military response.

“On receipt of the report, a standby team comprising 36 soldiers and 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was mobilised to the scene.

“On arrival, the troops exchanged gunfire with the terrorists. The general area was cordoned off and searched, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines, 15 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a Samsung Fold 4 Android phone,” the source said.

The source added that one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while no casualties were recorded among the troops.

According to the source, the operation was hitch-free and ended at about 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with troops continuing surveillance of the area to gather more intelligence and clear suspected terrorist hideouts within the metropolis.

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Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, has urged the federal government to enforce Nigeria’s tax laws more strictly, arguing that violations should attract severe punishment.

The former Edo State governor made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he described opposition to value added tax (VAT) as a uniquely Nigerian phenomenon driven largely by poor understanding of how taxation works.

“It is only in Nigeria that people talk about government using money or claim that government earns money on its own,” he said.

“Governments do not earn money; citizens earn income, and the government taxes those earnings — whether individual or corporate. The sum of these taxes determines the annual revenue of the state.”

Oshiomhole stressed that tax compliance should not be treated as optional, insisting that serious consequences must follow any breach of tax laws.

“Taxes must be paid by those who are supposed to pay it and must be ruthlessly collected. It’s not a civil obligation. It’s a criminal thing if you breach the tax law, and it has to send people to prison if they decline or doctor the tax books. That is what serious governments should do,” he said.

He further defended the country’s tax framework, describing it as progressive and designed to shield low-income earners.

“The facts on the ground show that President Tinubu’s tax policy is consistent with the values of a progressive government. This is a progressive tax policy that places a higher burden on those who earn more while offering tax exemptions to those who earn less.”

Addressing the ongoing debate around VAT, the senator explained that the tax largely applies to luxury and non-essential goods rather than basic necessities.

“When you and I choose to buy luxury or imported items, then we pay VAT. If you don’t consume luxury, you don’t pay VAT. That is why VAT is fair.

“Nigerians pay VAT in London, in America, in Dubai, sometimes up to 20 percent, and nobody complains. Why is it a problem when it is in Nigeria? Everywhere in the world, when you buy non-food items, you pay VAT. Nigerians pay VAT in America, London, Dubai, yet they resist paying VAT here in Nigeria.”

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