Nigeria and Mali Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Security Collaboration

Nigeria and Mali have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional security challenges. This development followed a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, to Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, during his participation in the inaugural International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2025) held in Bamako, Mali. The visit marked a key diplomatic moment, with Badaru leading the Nigerian delegation at BAMEX 2025, a platform designed to foster security collaboration and highlight innovations in defence technology across Africa. In a statement issued on Friday by the Minister’s Media Aide, Comrade Mati Ali, Badaru described the reception in Mali as “warm and exemplary,” praised the country’s hospitality, and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation to tackle shared regional security threats. Badaru said, “I bring the goodwill and warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Government and people of Mali. Nigeria is committed to deepening our ties and working closely with Mali to tackle challenges that threaten peace in our region.” He further emphasized that Nigeria views Mali as a strategic partner, with shared security interests making defence collaboration a top priority. In response, Prime Minister Maiga expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s commitment and participation in BAMEX 2025, calling it “a testament to our enduring friendship and mutual respect.” He added, “The Government of Mali values Nigeria’s ongoing support and partnership, especially as we confront various security issues together. Such unity remains critical in safeguarding our nations against current and future threats.” The statement also noted that top military officials from both countries attended the meeting, signaling a shared determination to leverage their resources and experience to enhance security and stability across West Africa. As BAMEX 2025 concluded, both nations pledged renewed efforts to strengthen ties and cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.

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Wike Denies Calling Naval Officer a ‘Fool’, Says Comments Were Misrepresented

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied reports claiming he verbally insulted a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, during a confrontation over a disputed plot of land in Abuja. Addressing journalists in the nation’s capital on Thursday, Wike dismissed the allegation as false and accused commentators of spreading inaccurate accounts of the incident. “So those who are writing and talking junks should go and find out what really happened,” the minister said. “Some people said I told the boy, ‘you’re a fool’. What I meant is this: you cannot be carrying out an illegal order. That’s what I meant. I didn’t tell him, ‘you’re a fool’. I wouldn’t have said that.” The minister’s clarification comes amid ongoing public debate following his face-off with the naval officer at the disputed Gaduwa District land, where armed personnel were reportedly deployed.

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Federal High Court Halts PDP Convention Amid Conflicting Oyo Court Order

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its national convention, initially scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, also directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise or recognize any PDP convention held without including Lamido as a contestant. The court found that Lamido was unfairly denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of PDP National Chairman, a violation of the party’s constitution and internal regulations. Justice Lifu emphasized that the party has a duty to ensure fair access for members to pursue leadership positions. Accordingly, the judge ordered that the convention be put on hold to allow Lamido to obtain the nomination form, campaign, and mobilize support. “Before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff. The convention is hereby put on hold for the plaintiff to campaign and mobilize supporters,” Justice Lifu stated. This decision follows a similar ruling by Justice Lifu on November 11, which also restrained the PDP from holding the convention. Lamido, through his lawyer Jephthah Njikonye (SAN), had filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to prevent the event, arguing that moving forward without him would violate the party constitution and deny him the chance to contest for the chairmanship. Justice Lifu noted that Lamido’s application had merit and referred to an earlier October 31 ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which also halted the convention and restrained INEC from participating. However, the PDP faces a contradictory order from the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. Justice A. L. Akintola had approved the party’s convention in response to an ex parte application by PDP member Folahan Adelabi, instructing INEC to attend and monitor the election of new national officers. The conflicting court orders have created uncertainty over whether the PDP convention can proceed as planned.

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TCN Announces Three-Day Power Outage in Parts of Lagos

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a three-day power disruption affecting parts of Lagos due to scheduled maintenance on the Aja/Alagbon 330 kV transmission line. According to a notice issued on Friday, the maintenance will take place from 26 to 29 November 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah explained that the exercise is necessary to install wave traps on the 330 kV line bays at the Aja and Alagbon Transmission Substations. The maintenance is expected to impact areas under the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, as well as parts of Ogun State, including Ojo, Festac, Ijora, Mushin (including Orile), Apapa, Lekki (including Ibeju), Lagos Island (including Ajele), and Agbara. During the maintenance, supply from Alagbon Substation will be diverted to the Ijora 132 kV line, while supplies to Akoka and Oworo Transmission Substations will be rerouted to the Ikeja West 132 kV line. TCN assured residents that brief load disruptions may occur, but power supply will generally continue during the exercise. The company apologized for any inconvenience and said the maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability and efficiency of Lagos’ electricity transmission network. It was noted that parts of Lagos had also experienced outages in July and October 2025 due to earlier maintenance activities by TCN.

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Nigerian Christians Protest, Call on Donald Trump to Intervene in Attacks by Armed Groups

Nigerian Christians Protest, Call on Donald Trump to Intervene in Attacks by Armed Groups

A group of Nigerian Christians took to the streets to protest what they described as ongoing attacks by armed groups targeting Christian communities. Demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans, urging former United States President Donald Trump to “save Nigerian Christians” from what they referred to as Islamic bandits. The protesters accused the Nigerian government of failing to provide adequate protection and called for international intervention to stop the violence. Photos from the scene showed large crowds and banners appealing directly to Trump and the U.S. government. The demonstration reflects growing frustration among some Christian communities over repeated incidents of banditry, kidnappings, and attacks in parts of northern and central Nigeria.

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Tinubu Reappoints Buba Marwa As NDLEA Chairman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term. Marwa was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, after serving as the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to December 2020. The reappointment means the Adamawa-born former military officer will remain at the helm of the NDLEA until 2031. Marwa, a former military governor of Lagos and Borno States, is a graduate of the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA. After his commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1973, Marwa served as brigade major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Theophilus Danjuma, and academic registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He also served as Deputy Defence Adviser in the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, and later as Defence Adviser to the Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations. He holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh (1983–85) and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University (1985–86). His tenure in the NDLEA has been remarkable for many drug busts, including the arrests of 73,000 drug mules and barons and seizures of over 15 million kilogrammes of various hard drugs. Under his leadership, the agency has also launched nationwide campaigns to address drug abuse. “Your reappointment is a vote of confidence in your onerous efforts to rid our country of the menace of drug trafficking and drug abuse. I urge you not to relent in tracking the merchants of hard drugs, out to destroy our people, especially the young ones”, President Tinubu stated.

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Paystack Suspends CTO Ezra Olubi Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Paystack has suspended its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate. In a statement to TechCabal, the Stripe-owned fintech confirmed that it has launched a formal investigation into the accusations. “Paystack is aware of the allegations involving our Co-founder, Ezra Olubi,” the company said. “We take matters of this nature extremely seriously. Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties and responsibilities pending the outcome of a formal investigation.” The company added that it would not provide further updates until the inquiry is complete, citing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the process and respecting all parties involved. The suspension comes after several of Olubi’s tweets from 2009 to 2013 resurfaced online, drawing criticism for sexually explicit content about colleagues and disturbing references to minors. Some posts included remarks about photographing a colleague’s thighs, while a 2011 tweet that went viral read: “Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.” Following the resurfacing of the tweets, Olubi has deactivated his X account. The incident has sparked widespread discussion about workplace conduct and accountability in Nigeria’s tech industry.

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FG Warns That Ponmo Consumption Threatens Nigeria’s $5 Billion Leather Industry

The Federal Government has raised alarms over the growing consumption of hides and skins, commonly known as ponmo, warning that it threatens Nigeria’s $5 billion leather industry. At the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo held on Thursday in Abuja, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, highlighted how diverting hides for food deprives local industries of crucial raw materials needed for leather production and export. “The Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.96 billion by 2033,” Ikemounso said. “The continuous diversion of hides for ponmo consumption weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sector and diminishes Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.” He described cowhides as one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials, with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP. Globally, the leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion, and with the right policies, infrastructure, and raw material supply, Nigeria could significantly expand its share. Ikemounso clarified that the campaign is not aimed at opposing cultural practices or personal dietary choices but is intended to channel hides and skins toward productive industrial use for the nation’s benefit. “This campaign is a strategic intervention to prioritise the industrial use of hides and skins, particularly for leather production, which holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and export diversification,” he said. The DG also warned of serious health risks associated with ponmo, noting that it offers little nutritional value, being mostly collagen with negligible protein or micronutrients. He further cautioned that many hides used for consumption are treated with harmful chemicals such as formalin and diesel, which can cause organ damage and increase cancer risk. “From a nutritional perspective, ponmo offers very little value. More worrisome, many hides processed for consumption are subjected to harmful substances such as formalin and diesel, posing serious health risks, including organ damage and higher cancer risk,” he added. The government’s campaign aims to protect both public health and the long-term growth of Nigeria’s leather industry.

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