NYSC Member Musa Usman Abba Reportedly Killed Despite N10 Million Ransom Payment

Musa Usman Abba, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and graduate of Plant Science and Biotechnology from Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, has reportedly been killed by his kidnappers, even after his family paid a N10 million ransom. Abba was abducted on January 9, 2026, while travelling from Gusau to Sokoto State. His captors initially demanded N10 million for his release. During his captivity, the kidnappers released a video showing Abba in distress, pleading for his life. In the video, Abba could be heard crying: “Please help me, for God’s sake, please help my life. I may soon die in this situation.” He repeatedly appealed to his captors using religious references, saying, “For the sake of Allah, please help me. For the sake of Prophet Muhammad, please help me,” but his appeals were ignored. With assistance from relatives and well-wishers, the family managed to raise the N10 million ransom. However, after the payment, all communication from the kidnappers abruptly stopped, prompting fears that Abba had been killed. Sources close to the family said the abductors had also demanded additional items, including motorcycles, but the family refused further negotiations after losing contact. “Since receiving the N10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” a source said. The family has made arrangements to hold his Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) on Friday, March 6, in accordance with Islamic rites, despite the body not being recovered. They expressed deep appreciation to those who supported them during the ordeal, saying: “We are grateful to everyone who offered prayers, donations, and moral support during this difficult period. May the Almighty reward your generosity abundantly.” The family added that they continue to pray for Abba, saying: “If he is still alive, we pray for his safe return. If he has passed, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.” As of now, police authorities in the state have not commented on the incident.

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Nasir El-Rufai Files N15.6 Billion Suit Against ICPC Over Alleged Unlawful Detention And Violations

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has filed a pre-action notice and petition with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), seeking N15.6 billion in damages over what he claims were unlawful detention and other violations. The petition, dated March 4, 2026, was submitted to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja by a law firm led by Ubong Akpan. El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) granted him bail on February 18, 2026. This is not his first legal dispute with the anti-graft agency; he previously filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit following a raid on his residence by ICPC operatives. In the latest petition, El-Rufai is claiming damages for alleged defamation, abuse of office, forgery, uttering false documents, malicious prosecution, contempt of court, and violation of his fundamental rights. Akpan described a recent ICPC statement about El-Rufai as reckless, defamatory, and legally untenable. The petition reads in part: “It is with profound regret, yet resolute determination, that we address you. The Commission, established to combat corruption and uphold integrity, has descended into what can only be described as a circus of chicanery, theatrical posturing, and media trial. Your press statement is not a communication from a law enforcement agency; it is the frantic scribbling of an organisation caught in illegality and attempting to justify the unjustifiable. “We place you on notice: this letter is a formal pre-action notice, the final courtesy before we unleash the full weight of the law for the catalogue of crimes, torts, and constitutional violations detailed below.” The damages breakdown is as follows: Compensatory damages: N5,000,000,000 Exemplary/Punitive damages: N5,000,000,000 Aggravated damages: N5,000,000,000 Damages for injurious falsehood: N500,000,000 Cost of action: N100,000,000 Total: N15,600,000,000.

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Nigeria Police Removes Force PRO Benjamin Hundeyin Six Months After Appointment

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed Benjamin Hundeyin from his role as Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), just six months after he assumed the position. Hundeyin, appointed FPRO in September 2025 as a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), succeeded Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who had been promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police. During his tenure, Hundeyin played a key role in shaping the public image of the force, leading efforts to rebuild public trust, strengthen accountability, and modernize police communication through digital platforms. The removal comes as part of a wider restructuring within the NPF, shortly after Olatunji Disu was inaugurated as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Tinubu. Disu was appointed IGP on February 24, 2026, replacing Kayode Egbetokun, who had held the position since 2023. The identity of Hundeyin’s successor as Force PRO has not yet been announced. Originally appointed FPRO by former IGP Egbetokun, Hundeyin had also recently been promoted from Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) on February 3, 2026.

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Cross River Lawmaker Dickson Agbor Suspended Indefinitely Over Domestic Abuse

The Cross River State House of Assembly has indefinitely suspended Dickson Agbor, the lawmaker representing Obubra I constituency, following allegations of violent conduct. The decision was made on Thursday after a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo. Etta described Agbor’s alleged actions as unbecoming of a legislator and inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of members of the assembly. “We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people,” Etta said. After discussion, the assembly resolved to bar Agbor from all legislative activities pending the outcome of an investigation. An ad hoc committee has been set up to probe the allegations and report back to the house for further action. In compliance with the resolution, Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms. Speaker Elvert Ayambem emphasized the assembly’s commitment to discipline and integrity, noting that misconduct that undermines the legislature will not be tolerated. “Members must always reflect the trust reposed in them by the people. The dignity of this institution must be upheld at all times,” he said. The suspension will remain in effect until the committee concludes its work. Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, also condemned Agbor’s alleged behavior, calling it irresponsible. Meanwhile, Agbor’s wife, Glory, issued a public statement apologizing to her husband and their family. She requested privacy, announced her withdrawal from the legislators’ wives association, and said the matter had been resolved within the family. “There is no doubt some have tried to tarnish my family’s name, but I want to make it clear that my husband and I are at peace. While disagreements arose, we have amicably resolved them. No marriage is perfect, and I ask that my family be left alone,” she said. Glory added, “I wish to apologize to my husband, Hon. Ovat Agbor, and our family over the misconceptions surrounding him. Please forgive me, as this will not happen again.”

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Kemi Badenoch Recalls Harsh Boarding School Experience in Nigeria, Compares It to Prison

Kemi Badenoch Urges UK To Support US In Taking Early Action Against Iran To Protect Forces And Regional Stability

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition and head of the Conservative Party, has called on the United Kingdom to back the United States in taking decisive military action against Iran as tensions in the Middle East escalate. Her remarks came after reports that Iran allegedly attacked British military bases in the region, sparking renewed concerns about security and stability. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Badenoch stressed that Britain must act swiftly to prevent further assaults on its forces and allies. She emphasised the importance of working closely with international partners and responding to the concerns of regional countries who feel unsupported by the UK. “We need to do everything we can to stop these attacks from happening,” she said. The Conservative leader highlighted that some regional allies are disappointed with Britain’s current approach, warning that waiting for a direct attack on the UK could heighten risks. She argued that early intervention could help safeguard British interests and maintain stability in the region. Badenoch also addressed concerns that her stance might escalate into a wider conflict, clarifying that her aim is to prevent a prolonged crisis rather than encourage war. She suggested that, in some cases, taking prompt action to resolve a threat can reduce tensions more effectively than inaction. Her comments come as tensions between Iran and Western allies continue to intensify following recent military exchanges in the Middle East.

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EFCC Arrests Man For Allegedly Mutilating Naira Notes During Birthday Party

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Iziga Ikechukwu, popularly known as “Easy-money,” for allegedly mishandling naira notes during his birthday party. The commission revealed the arrest in a statement posted on X on Thursday. Ikechukwu, a 24-year-old palm kernel trader, was apprehended by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate after a viral video surfaced online showing him abusing naira notes in a hotel room. The act is said to contravene Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007. Following the receipt of actionable intelligence, a preliminary investigation was conducted, which led to Ikechukwu’s identification and arrest. He was taken into custody on February 28 at his residence in the Timber Market area of Enugu‑Ezike, Enugu State. During the arrest, operatives recovered N81,700 suspected to be part of the currency he allegedly mutilated. The EFCC confirmed that Ikechukwu will face charges in court upon the completion of investigations.

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Former Kano Commissioner, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago Passes Away

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has mourned the passing of former Commissioner for Finance and respected academic, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago. Dandago reportedly died on Wednesday at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital following a brief illness. In a condolence message released by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf praised the late professor as a committed public servant and distinguished scholar, whose contributions to education and governance made a lasting impact on Kano State.

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Terrorists Attack Military Base And IDPs Camp In Borno, Kill Soldiers, Abduct Over 100 Women And Children

A violent attack by suspected terrorists has left several soldiers and civilians dead in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, after gunmen stormed a military base and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in the area. Residents and security sources said the incident occurred on Wednesday evening shortly after Muslims broke their Ramadan fast. The attackers, described as heavily armed, reportedly invaded the community in large numbers and launched coordinated assaults on both the military formation and the displaced persons camp. According to a security source, the militants first targeted a military base belonging to the 82 Division Task Force Battalion before extending the attack to the nearby IDPs camp. The source explained that the troops stationed at the base were overwhelmed during the confrontation, allowing the attackers to pursue residents who attempted to flee. The assailants also combed through the community and surrounding bushes during the raid. While the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed, sources disclosed that at least nine soldiers’ bodies have been recovered, with several civilians also feared killed. The attackers reportedly set fire to armoured tanks and military vehicles and escaped with an unknown quantity of ammunition. Local sources further revealed that the gunmen entered parts of Ngoshe community where they killed the Chief Imam and abducted more than 100 women and children. The attack triggered panic among residents, many of whom fled to the nearby town of Pulka for safety. One resident described the situation as devastating, especially as some displaced persons had recently started returning from Cameroon to resettle in the area. The source also suggested that the attackers might have received information from insiders within the community, saying such an operation would have been difficult to carry out without local intelligence. Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, confirmed that both soldiers and civilians were killed in the attack. He urged the military to intensify operations in Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains to confront insurgents operating in the region. Ndume added that the insurgents may have carried out the assault because they oppose the government’s efforts to resettle residents in the area, noting that several houses and businesses in the town were also set ablaze during the attack.

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