Thief Steals Toyota Hilux From Deputy Governor’s Convoy At Kano State Government House

A daring car thief reportedly made off with a Toyota Hilux van from the Deputy Governor’s convoy at the Kano State Government House in the early hours of Monday. According to DAILY NIGERIAN, the suspect gained entry to the premises through Gate 4 around 5 a.m. and later drove the vehicle out through the main gate. CCTV footage from the Government House reportedly captured the thief moving calmly through the compound before escaping with the Hilux. A source within the complex told the online publication, “The vehicle was part of the deputy governor’s convoy,” noting that security around the Deputy Governor’s office is usually heightened only during official working hours or when the deputy governor is present. The driver of the van, identified as Shafiu Sharp-Sharp, was briefly detained and interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation. “An investigation has been launched. The driver is being questioned, while the Chief Security Officer (CSO) is reviewing the CCTV footage,” the source added. As of the time of reporting, the Kano State Government has not released an official statement regarding the theft.

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Defence Headquarters Commends Military Officer’s Stand Against Wike Over Abuja Land Dispute

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has commended the professionalism and resilience of the Nigerian military following a confrontation between a military officer and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed piece of land in Abuja. Videos from the incident showed Wike attempting to access the land, only to be blocked by the officer, who insisted he was acting on official orders. Despite the tense exchange, the officer remained firm, refusing to allow the Minister entry. In a social media post, the DHQ subtly praised the military’s dedication, stating: “IT IS AN HONOUR TO SERVE IN THE NIGERIAN MILITARY UNSHAKEN. UNBENT. UNBROKEN.” The statement highlights the military’s commitment to discipline and duty, even in politically sensitive situations, and underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding land allocations in the Federal Capital Territory.

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Military Veterans Demand Wike Apologise Over Heated Clash With Naval Officer In Abuja

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has demanded a public apology from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his verbal altercation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The group’s reaction followed a viral video showing Wike in a heated argument with naval personnel who had prevented him and his team from accessing the property. In the footage, Wike accused the officers of backing an illegal development, while one of them maintained that they were acting on official orders and that the land was linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The exchange escalated as Wike reportedly used offensive language toward one of the officers, prompting widespread criticism. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans condemned Wike’s behaviour, calling it a show of disrespect towards a serving officer. “How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? He should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said. He emphasized that uniformed personnel represent the authority of the Nigerian state and that insulting them undermines the nation’s institutions. The coalition also warned against any plans to sanction the officer, threatening to stage a protest if disciplinary action is taken. “If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” the spokesperson cautioned. Durowaiye-Herberts added that Wike’s conduct was unworthy of his position and urged him to show leadership by apologizing. “Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour,” he stated.

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Joe Igbokwe Calls For Sack Of Soldier Who Blocked Wike From Accessing Abuja Land

All Progressives Congress chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has called for the immediate dismissal of a soldier who clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a confrontation over a disputed piece of land in Abuja. Reacting to the incident on Facebook, Igbokwe expressed anger over the soldier’s defiance and questioned the forces behind his actions. He wrote, “Who is this man in uniform? Of what meat is he fed? Who is beating the drum for him? This is unacceptable. His uniform has to be removed.” Reports earlier in the day revealed that the soldier had blocked Wike and senior FCTA officials from accessing a section of land in the capital city. The officer, who claimed to be acting on orders, refused the Minister entry, which quickly escalated into a heated exchange. Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, later alleged that the soldier had been instructed by a former Chief of Naval Staff to obstruct the Minister.

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Federal Pensioners Vow Naked Protest on November 24 Over Outstanding Payments

The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has warned it will hold a nationwide naked protest on November 24 if the government fails to pay outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances. National Chairman Mukaila Ogunbote, who also leads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), made the announcement at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday. He said retirees would act if the Federal Government does not release the approved N32,000 pension increment arrears and N25,000 palliative allowance, both due since 2023. Ogunbote added that pensioners living abroad have expressed solidarity with their Nigerian counterparts and plan to join the protest from their countries, making it a global demonstration. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the overdue funds. He highlighted the hardship facing retirees, noting that many have died or are struggling due to poor access to food and medical care. “We were told our arrears would be paid within two weeks of approval, yet nothing has been done. If by November 23 payment is not made, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” Ogunbote said. Ogunbote also criticized the disparity between workers and pensioners, saying while workers quickly received the N35,000 palliative allowance, pensioners have yet to get the N25,000 approved for them. He urged the government to settle the arrears before December so retirees can prepare for Christmas. Francis Oluwo, President of the Civil Service Pensioners, accused officials close to President Tinubu of failing to implement directives and stressed that many retirees live in poor conditions, struggling to afford food and medicine. He said the naked protest was necessary to push the government into action. Bridget Obieto, Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress to support pensioners in securing their dues. She urged the President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to prioritize retirees’ welfare so they can enjoy the festive season with dignity. Elijah Akindutire, Chairman Emeritus of NIPOST Pensioners, also called on the government to release the arrears, stressing that pensioners need the funds to meet basic needs. He encouraged a strong turnout at the November 24 protest to show retirees’ determination.

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Nigerian Priest Edward Daleng Appointed Vice-Regent Of Vatican Papal Household

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Edward Daleng, a Nigerian Augustinian priest, as the new vice-regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, the Vatican announced on Monday. The Prefecture of the Papal Household is one of the Vatican’s oldest and most important offices. It manages the pope’s daily schedule, public and private meetings, and ensures that all engagements are carried out smoothly and according to tradition. As vice-regent, Daleng will assist Archbishop Leonardo Sapienza, the regent, in organising the pope’s audiences with world leaders, diplomats, and church officials. He will also help coordinate papal visits, ceremonies, and oversee the operations of the papal apartments and daily logistics. Although the position of vice-regent is not formally recognised in the Catholic Church’s constitution, it provides Daleng with an opportunity to learn the workings of the Vatican household gradually. Daleng, born on April 4, 1977, in Yitla’ar, Kwalla, Plateau State, was ordained a priest on September 10, 2005. He earned a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in 2012. Before this appointment, he served as general counsellor and procurator general of the Order of Saint Augustine in Rome, representing the order before the Holy See and liaising with Augustinian provinces worldwide. Speaking to Vatican media shortly after Pope Leo’s election, Daleng praised the pontiff’s connection to Africa. “He has Africa in his heart,” he said. “He has visited all our African missions several times and has come to Nigeria on at least ten occasions, including in 2016, when we celebrated for the first time the intermediate General Chapter.” Daleng’s appointment comes after Pope Leo visited Abuja, engaging with members of the Augustinian order and the broader Catholic community. This makes him one of the few Nigerian Augustinian priests to take on such a significant role in the Vatican.

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Federal High Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Trial To January 2026

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to January 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing. Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the new date after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) seventh prosecution witness, Olomotame Egoro, could not complete his testimony on Tuesday. Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, was being led in evidence by EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN). During the proceedings, Pinheiro sought to tender several documents marked as Exhibits 33 (1–11) and 34. However, Bello’s lead counsel, Abdullahi Yahaya (SAN), objected, arguing that the documents had not been disclosed to the defence team and that the certificate of identification attached was signed by one Faruk Idiaro, not the witness in court. Yahaya further claimed that the documents were different from those listed in the proof of evidence served on the defence. In response, Pinheiro maintained that the certificate’s signatory was not material to the authenticity of the documents and urged the court to stand down the matter briefly so both sides could cross-check the records. The court granted the request and directed both parties to reconcile the discrepancies before resuming. When the trial resumed, Egoro continued his testimony, explaining the contents of the Kogi State Government House Administration’s bank statement covering December 2018 to August 2021. He identified cash withdrawals and deposits, including ₦50 million paid to one Aminu J.O. in ₦10 million tranches on December 21, 2018, and multiple withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu on August 1, 2019. The witness also reviewed Exhibit 33-8, a statement of Fazac Business Enterprise’s account from January 2019 to December 2022, confirming several inflows from local government accounts across the state. The transactions included deposits ranging between ₦4.49 million and ₦14.45 million on May 6, 2022, and two additional inflows of ₦7.12 million and ₦9.4 million on May 9, 2022. Following hours of testimony, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to January 29 and 30, and February 4 and 5, 2026, for continuation of trial. It would be recalled that at the previous sitting, the EFCC’s fourth prosecution witness, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, testified that the Kogi State Government’s withdrawals did not violate any banking laws. Bata also confirmed that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear as a beneficiary in the accounts linked to the transactions presented by the anti-graft agency.

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Wike Says He Won’t Be Intimidated By Military Officer In Abuja Land Dispute

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed not to succumb to intimidation or blackmail following a confrontation with an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja. Speaking to journalists after the clash on Tuesday, Wike described the situation as “unfortunate,” saying the altercation stemmed from efforts by the FCT Administration to stop illegal developments in the area. According to him, his team had gone to enforce directives issued by his office when soldiers reportedly intervened to stop the operation. “When they came here, I was informed that the military came to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said. “So today, while I was in the office, they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself. I was told that the military had taken over the place, and I had to come by myself. It is really unfortunate.” The minister expressed concern that the officer involved appeared to be using his military status to intimidate government officials, stressing that such behavior was unacceptable. “I do not understand how somebody who attained that position sees that he has a problem and cannot approach my office to say, ‘look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he is a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike stated. He further challenged the officer to present valid documentation proving ownership of the disputed property. “Where are the documents? I said, bring the documents. You don’t have approval for building, you don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country?” he asked. Wike confirmed that he had reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom assured him that the matter would be addressed appropriately. “We are not here to cause chaos, but I must say I will not allow this illegal development to continue just because he is a former Chief of Naval Staff,” he said. A video circulating online showed Wike confronting the officer and accusing him of using the military to unlawfully seize land. “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” the minister was heard saying. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified efforts to tackle illegal land acquisitions and unauthorized developments across Abuja, insisting that the capital’s master plan must be strictly restored and maintained.

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