Kwara Monarch Still Held By Bandits As Kidnappers Demand ₦100m–₦150m Ransom

Contrary to earlier claims that he had regained freedom, the traditional ruler of Bayangan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Ojibara of Bayangan, remains in the custody of bandits. The monarch was abducted on Saturday around 9:30 a.m., alongside 12 other residents. Security sources who spoke in Ilorin on Tuesday dismissed reports of his release, noting that neither the DSS nor the police is currently involved in any confirmed rescue operation. Sources monitoring the situation revealed that as of December 2, 2025, a total of 13 victims — including the monarch and three women — are still being held in the bandits’ hideouts. The abductors have reportedly carried out attacks across Bayangan, Ilala, Memudu, Adanla, Agbeku, and Idera within the last five days. The captives are said to be pleading for negotiations, drawing attention to the Eruku case as a precedent for resolving the situation. Meanwhile, the bandits are demanding between ₦100 million and ₦150 million for each hostage.

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Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Abia Governor Alex Otti’s aides came under attack by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State’s capital. The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, just a few kilometres from Sam Mbakwe Airport, as the vehicle carrying three officials—part of an advance team—was reportedly targeted by fleeing gunmen. Njoku Ukoha, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, confirmed the attack, noting that Governor Otti was not involved. “In the early hours of today, December 2nd, an advance team of three members from the Office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, on duty to Sam Mbakwe Airport, Imo State, was attacked by unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport junction in Imo State,” the statement read. Ukoha added that there were no casualties and that the governor’s convoy remained unaffected.

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OAU Pro-Chancellor Professor Abdulgafar Siyan Oyeweso Passes Away At 64

Professor Abdulgafar Siyan Oyeweso, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has passed away at 64. The late academic’s death was confirmed in a statement by his younger brother, Olawale Oyeweso, on behalf of the family. According to the statement, Professor Oyeweso died on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, following a brief illness. Olalekan Badmus, Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Digital Media, expressed shock at the news, describing it as a painful loss to both the academic and political communities in Osun State. On his verified X handle, he wrote, “Rest in power, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso. An illustrious son of Ede, Osun State, and Nigeria. What a sad loss!” A renowned Professor of History, educator, and mentor, Prof. Oyeweso was celebrated for his contributions to education and his active role in state politics, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His impact extended across Osun State, Nigeria, and internationally. He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family. His burial is scheduled to take place today at 4:00 PM in his hometown of Ede, following solat Ashri.

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Delta APC Hails President Tinubu for Nominating Reno Omokri as Ambassador-Designate

 The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as ambassador-designate, describing it as a significant milestone for both Omokri and the state. In a congratulatory statement signed by its Chairman, Omeni Sobotie, the party said the nomination reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to recognising competence, experience, and dedication to national service. Sobotie stated that Omokri has consistently demonstrated intellectual depth, global exposure, and active engagement on national issues—qualities he believes will strengthen Nigeria’s representation and influence in the diplomatic arena. The Delta APC also noted Omokri’s wide-ranging professional experience in public policy, advocacy, media, and humanitarian work, saying these attributes position him to serve the country with distinction on the international stage. The party added that his appointment further reinforces the growing visibility of Deltans in both national and global affairs. Sobotie praised President Tinubu for identifying Omokri as a capable technocrat who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s foreign relations, stressing that the nomination aligns with the administration’s commitment to inclusion and merit-based appointments across the federation. Expressing confidence in the ambassador-designate, the party urged Omokri to uphold the values of hard work, humility, and patriotism that have characterised his public engagements over the years. The APC called on its members and Delta State residents to celebrate the development and extend their support as Omokri prepares to assume his new role.

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Nuhu Ribadu Visits Kontagora Diocese, Vows Safe Return Of Abducted Schoolchildren

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Tuesday visited the Kontagora Catholic Diocese to brief church leaders and families on the progress being made to rescue the abducted pupils and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri. Inside the cathedral, Ribadu told Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna that the missing children were safe, adding that “the children are doing fine and will be back soon”. Ribadu explained that security agencies had intensified operations around the area and beyond, working with foreign partners who had already offered technical support. He noted that both European countries and the United States were now assisting Nigeria to track and dismantle the groups behind the abductions. Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message, he admitted that the moment was painful for both the government and the affected families. He said the president suspended all engagements, including a planned trip, immediately he received updates on the incident. According to Ribadu, “This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us. However, we take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.” He called for unity, urging Nigerians not to allow the attackers to cause religious or ethnic divisions. He insisted that the government was ready to confront the perpetrators, saying “Enough is enough, we will not relent in our efforts. Let us not allow bad people to divide us.” Ribadu arrived with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro; the DSS Director General, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev Joseph Hayab. He assured the church leadership that the government stood firmly with them and appreciated Bishop Yohanna for remaining calm and cooperative despite frustrations from some quarters. He acknowledged the growing international support, saying countries such as France and the United Kingdom had joined efforts to curb the crisis. According to him, the global community now recognises the need to end the violence that has persisted for nearly two decades. Ribadu expressed confidence that the children would return unharmed, noting that “the children are where they are and will come back safely. Evil will never win.” Bishop Yohanna thanked President Tinubu and the NSA for personally coming to comfort the community. He handed over a detailed written report of the incident before both men stepped into a brief closed-door meeting. The school principal, Rev Sister Felicia Gyang, and a representative of the parents, Luka Iliya, also narrated how the abduction unfolded and described the emotional strain the families had endured since the incident.

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BREAKING: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar Resigns Amid Security Emergency

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health reasons, marking a significant shake-up in the nation’s security leadership. His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu. In the letter, Abubakar explained that his health could no longer sustain the demands of the position. President Tinubu accepted the resignation and thanked him for his service, while sources within the Presidency indicated that the Senate will be notified of his replacement later this week. Abubakar, 63, previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His departure comes at a critical moment, as President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency and is expected to outline its full scope in the coming days, adding weight to the search for a new defence chief.

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NNPP Crisis: Kwankwaso Camp Loses as Court Affirms Agbo Major Leadership

Party writes INEC, demands immediate enforcement of court orders The leadership crisis rocking the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has taken a decisive turn as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja issued fresh orders affirming Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major as the authentic national chairman of the party. The orders, delivered on 25 and 27 November 2025 by Justice Bello Kawu of High Court No. 14, restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or engaging with any faction other than the Agbo Major–led leadership. In the ruling of 25 November, the court granted the NNPP leave to apply for judicial review by mandamus and held that the leave would operate as a stay against any contrary action, recognition, or communication by INEC or the faction led by Dr. Ajuju Ahmed. The judge also ordered an accelerated hearing and abridged timelines, fixing 10 December 2025 for the substantive case. A follow-up ruling on 27 November authorised substituted service on 16 respondents via the NNPP National Secretariat in Abuja. The court further barred INEC from monitoring, attending, or participating in any congress or convention organised by the Ahmed-led group until the matter is resolved. Among the restrained respondents are Dr. Ajuju Ahmed, Hon. Abba Kawu Ali, Prince Nwaeze Onu, Hon. Aladipo Alayokun, Ladipo Johnson, Arc. Mohammed Abacha, and Mustapha Alkassim. Following the court directives, the NNPP’s legal team wrote to the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, notifying him of the binding orders. In the letter dated 26 November 2025, the party congratulated the chairman and reminded the Commission of several subsisting court judgments—including those from the Abia State High Court (HUZ/11/2024) and the FCT High Court (FCT/HC/CV/5518/2024)—all affirming the validity of the national convention that produced Dr. Agbo Major. The letter also faulted INEC for previously engaging the Ahmed faction despite these judgments, citing an “unauthorised and illegal” letter dated 31 October 2025 in which Dr. Ahmed and Dipo Olayoku purported to notify INEC of planned congresses and a national convention. The NNPP insisted that the individuals had “no authority, standing, or legal relationship” with the party. The party warned INEC that any further engagement with the factional group would amount to wilful disobedience of court orders and violate Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution. It cited the Supreme Court decision in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu to emphasise that no public authority may place itself above judicial orders. Justice Kawu’s rulings categorically bar INEC from recognising, publishing, or uploading any logo, communication, or document originating from the factional respondents pending the conclusion of the judicial review. The court ordered the NNPP to serve all processes on the respondents within five days, while the respondents must file their counter-affidavits within five days thereafter. The NNPP may reply within three days. The matter is scheduled for hearing on 10 December 2025 at High Court No. 14, Apo, Abuja. In a firm position following the rulings, the NNPP demanded that INEC—“as a matter of necessity”—must upload the Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major and Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday–led National Working Committee (NWC) on its official website and restore the party’s original logo and colours within 48 hours of receiving the enrolled order. The party stressed that there must be no vacuum in administration as it prepares for the next court date. The latest court orders deepen the long-running leadership tussle within the NNPP—a dispute that has resulted in multiple litigations since 2023 and pitted two major factions against each other, including loyalists of former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

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Obaseki Rejects Edo Assembly Summons As MOWAA And Radisson Probe Remains In Court

The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has declined to appear before the State House of Assembly’s Ad hoc Committee investigating the funding and ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu hotel. Obaseki, who was scheduled to testify on Thursday, said the matter is already before the courts, making the Assembly’s invitation unnecessary. The panel was set up following a request from Governor Monday Okpebholo to probe the projects, including the state government’s financial involvement in MOWAA and the Radisson hotel. Alongside Obaseki, the Committee, through a letter signed by Secretary Bekisu Wilson, invited several other key figures. These include former Edo Finance Commissioner Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney-General Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, and the Managing Director of Tilbury House Nigeria Limited. Other invitees included Pramod Thorat, Project Manager of the Hospitality Investment and Management Company; Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director of Afrinvest Capital Limited; and the Managing Directors of Meristem Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd. The Committee said their appearances were crucial for its investigative work. Obaseki, through his media aide Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the invitation as “offensive and laughable,” insisting it was inappropriate to summon him over a matter already being adjudicated. He added, “The Edo Assembly should understand how the law works. It is sub judice for the former governor to appear before the Assembly on an issue already in court. Why subject him to another round of questioning on the same issues?” MOWAA management has also refused to appear before the Committee. Its lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi, said the Assembly could only make recommendations, while the courts have the authority to resolve the issues conclusively. Tensions around the museum flared on November 9, when an exhibition intended for investors, artists, and foreign envoys descended into chaos. Protesters claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin stormed the venue, forcing the event to shut down. Viral footage showed foreign dignitaries, including ambassadors from the European Union and Germany, being evacuated under tight security after being trapped by the protesters, raising serious safety concerns.

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