Suspected Cultists Abduct Five Rivers State University Students In Emohua

At least five students of Rivers State University (RSU), Emohua Satellite Campus, have been abducted by suspected cultists in the early hours of Tuesday. The students were reportedly taken at gunpoint from their off-campus residence in Emuoha, Emohua Local Government Area. The abductions come a week after off-campus students protested repeated attacks and harassment by cult groups, urging RSU management to relocate them to the main campus in Port Harcourt for safety. Despite the concerns, Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, during a pre-convocation briefing on Monday, ruled out relocating the students or closing the Emohua campus, assuring that security measures were being strengthened through engagement with community leaders, council authorities, and security agencies. A student who narrowly escaped the attack said the assailants invaded their residence around 2 a.m., killing the security dog before abducting the victims. “He was running after me and even shot at me multiple times. I couldn’t look back because I had to escape,” the student said. “Someone chased me from the bush, and I had to sprint to the gate. About four of our friends are still missing.” The incident comes shortly after a reported robbery attack in Rumuji and hours after the Vice Chancellor’s assurances in Rumuchi/Rumuohia, both in Emohua LGA. Rivers State Police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the abduction, describing the perpetrators as cultists. “They stormed an isolated area of Rumuchi/Rumuohia in the early hours of Tuesday, fired shots, and abducted five persons to an unknown location,” she said, adding that a manhunt has been launched. “The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical teams to ensure the students are safely rescued,” she added.

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President Tinubu Holds Meeting With Abia Governor Alex Otti Over Nnamdi Kanu Release

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a meeting reportedly linked to ongoing efforts to secure the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, has since become the focus of protests and advocacy for his release. Governor Otti’s visit comes after he met Kanu at the Sokoto prison, where the IPOB leader is serving his sentence. He was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN; and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma. Following the prison visit, Otti reaffirmed the state’s commitment to pursuing all lawful measures to secure Kanu’s freedom. “While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m pleased to inform you that I have activated, and will continue to pursue, the agreed strategy until his freedom is secured,” he stated. Tuesday’s meeting with President Tinubu is seen as part of a coordinated political and legal effort to explore possible solutions at the federal level. Details of the discussions between Tinubu and Otti have not yet been made public.

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Akwa Ibom Man Arrested For Violating Statewide Masquerade Ban

The Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested David Effiong, an indigene of the state, for allegedly causing a public disturbance while dressed in full masquerade attire, despite a standing ban on such activities. Residents reported on Tuesday that a masquerader was creating chaos and allegedly damaging property in the community, prompting police action. The arrest is part of intensified enforcement of Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s statewide ban on public masquerade displays, aimed at curbing violence, intimidation, and property destruction linked to masqueraders. Confirming the arrest, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare said Effiong would be prosecuted in court. Governor Eno had issued the ban, emphasizing the need for public safety. “By my office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, anyone caught violating this order will be arrested and tried. Masquerades have been used to terrorize communities, and this ends now,” he said. He further directed security agencies, saying, “As Chief Security Officer of the state, I instruct the Commissioner of Police and other security heads to apprehend and prosecute anyone breaching this directive. Peace must be restored, and public safety upheld. Masquerade activities are hereby banned across the state.”

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IPI Blacklists Governors Bago, Eno And IGP Egbetokun Over Press Freedom Violations

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has placed Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on its ‘Book of Infamy’. The Book of Infamy, also called the Book of Accountability, is a public record highlighting officials and institutions accused of restricting press freedom in Nigeria. Launched in 2022, it documents incidents of media harassment, censorship, and other violations against journalists. IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed announced the new entries on Tuesday during the Institute’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja, themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.” Mojeed explained that Governors Bago and Eno were included for targeting journalists. Bago ordered the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM on August 1, 2025, while Eno expelled Channels Television reporters Christopher Mufat and Kufe Ipe from the Akwa Ibom Government House on May 24, 2025. Efforts by the Institute and the Minister of Information to reverse these actions were ignored. “The matter remains unresolved. For this reason, Governor Bago is hereby listed,” Mojeed said. He added, “For refusing to reverse his administration’s repressive action and perpetuating a climate hostile to journalists, Governor Umo Eno is hereby listed in the Book of Accountability.” IGP Egbetokun was included for failing to address systemic media repression by police officers nationwide, including harassment and arrests of journalists, despite multiple engagements with Force Headquarters. “For failing to uphold his constitutional duties and allowing systematic media oppression, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun is hereby listed,” Mojeed stated. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the AGM, requested a two-week grace period to mediate with the listed officials. “Governor Umo Eno is a pastor and a humble man. I will impress on him to restore those Channel reporters. Bago is my friend as well; I will invite him to my office and we will sort things out,” Shettima said, adding that he would also engage Egbetokun, whom he described as “a man in the eye of the storm.” Meanwhile, IPI Nigeria presented the Director-General of the State Security Service, Adeola Ajayi, with its Commendation Award for his “unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.”

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Lagos Government Arrests 20 Street Beggars In Ikosi Ketu And Mile 12

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday arrested 20 street beggars during enforcement operations in the Ikosi Ketu and Mile 12 areas. State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the operation is part of the government’s commitment to restoring order and ensuring public spaces are safe and properly used. According to Wahab, KAI operatives carried out the sweep across Ketu, Mile 12, Ikosi Road, and the 7UP corridor. “The operation, which led to the arrest of twenty individuals involved in street begging and related activities, is part of our ongoing mop-up exercise aimed at curbing environmental violations, protecting the public, and preventing activities that disrupt traffic, safety, and sanitation,” he said on X. He added that those apprehended have been handed over to relevant authorities for profiling and further action, while the ministry continues to collaborate with social welfare agencies to provide rehabilitation where needed. “We will maintain strict enforcement of environmental laws across the state, and we urge residents to report locations where such activities persist. Our goal is to keep Lagos clean, orderly, and safe for everyone,” Wahab said. The operation follows previous crackdowns on street begging, including a November exercise in Ikosi Ketu and Mile 12, where 15 street beggars were arrested.

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Anti-Tinubu Post: Sowore Granted Bail On Self-Recognition, Warned Against Mocking Tinubu

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday granted activist Omoyele Sowore bail on self-recognition. The judge cautioned Sowore against making any statements that could incite the public against President Bola Tinubu. Sowore was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count charge related to alleged cybercrime. The charges accuse the Sahara Reporters publisher of making derogatory remarks about President Tinubu on his social media platforms. The convener of the #RevolutionNow movement pleaded not guilty to all counts after they were read to him. Earlier in the proceedings, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, filed a motion challenging the competence of the case and contending that the court lacked jurisdiction. The prosecution opposed the motion, noting that they had just been served with the processes and required time to respond. Justice Umar held that the jurisdictional objection was not ready for hearing since the prosecution had only received the processes that morning. He directed that the charges be read to the defendant and allowed the prosecution time to file a counter-affidavit. Ruling on the bail application, Justice Umar granted Sowore bail on self-recognition and adjourned the trial to January 19, 2026.

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US Congress To Hold Briefing On Attacks Against Christians In Nigeria Tuesday

The United States House Appropriations Committee will hold a joint congressional briefing on Tuesday to examine the reported persecution of Christians in Nigeria, officials confirmed. US Congressman Riley Moore shared on X that the session will be led by House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, with participation from members of the Appropriations, Foreign Affairs, and Financial Services Committees. Representatives from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, along with other experts, are expected to provide testimony. The briefing is intended to highlight what officials describe as “escalating violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria.” According to the announcement, the session will gather evidence for a comprehensive report “directed by President Trump on the massacre of Nigerian Christians and the steps Congress can take to support the White House’s efforts to protect vulnerable faith communities worldwide.” Committee officials said the briefing will provide lawmakers with key information on the challenges facing religious minorities. The briefing coincides with strengthened US–Nigeria security cooperation. President Bola Tinubu recently approved Nigeria’s delegation to the new US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, established to implement security agreements from high-level talks in Washington led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The working group, composed of senior ministers and security officials, aims to enhance counterterrorism operations, intelligence sharing, border security, and coordination on humanitarian and civilian protection issues. The initiative comes amid rising concerns over terrorism, banditry, and attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria, prompting heightened scrutiny and warnings from US authorities about the protection of vulnerable faith communities.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Nominates Ex-CDS Christopher Musa As New Defence Minister

President Bola Tinubu has put forward the name of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), for appointment as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. Tinubu confirmed the nomination in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that Musa would replace Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, who resigned on Monday. Gen. Musa served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025 and is widely regarded for his military service, including winning the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012. Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa completed his early education in the state before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He finished in 1986 and immediately enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His nomination is now before the Senate for confirmation.

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