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Internal Security: Police Arrest 13 Kidnappers; Recover 11 Rifles, 89 Rounds of Ammunition
In a remarkable display of operational proficiency , operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have carried out multiple diligent operations underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to enhancing internal security and combating criminal activities across the nation. On March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were on a special assignment en route to Edo State when they encountered an ambush set by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a boundary area between Kogi and Edo States. Demonstrating exceptional tactical skills, the operatives overpowered the armed assailants, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The suspects, identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna, were found in possession of significant weaponry, including one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one new Israeli pump action rifle with 4 cartridges, two pump action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single barrel shotgun with 2 cartridges, and two operational motorcycles. In a separate operation on January 27, 2025, IRT operatives acted on credible intelligence to arrest Yakubu Musa, 30, and Usman Musa, 25, both from Kaduna State. These suspects were linked to series of kidnappings and cattle rustling activities in the Soba and Ikara regions of the State. During their arrest, three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, further substantiating their involvement in criminal activities. Additionally, on January 21, 2025, three suspects—Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26), were apprehended for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping. The suspects confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping incidents across Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States. Recovered from them were one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of their gang. These successful operations highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s relentless dedication to safeguarding lives and property. Citizens are urged to support the police by providing timely and accurate information, as their cooperation is vital in the fight against crime. To those who choose a life of crime, the Force is resolute in its mission to attain justice. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Nigeria. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the operatives for their bravery and dedication, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining law and order. The Force remains resolute in its mission to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law and assure the public that it will continue to take decisive action against criminal elements.
EFCC Arraigns One for Suspected Internet Fraud in Uyo
The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) before Justice Maurine A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for alleged internet fraud to the tune of $1,500 ( One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars). He was arraigned on Thursday, March 20, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation, possession of fictitious messages and obtaining by false pretence through a fictitious Facebook account: “Kolor Cabiek Ye”. One of the charges reads, “That you Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) Sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage fraudulently presented yourself as Kolor Cabiek Ye on social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the scime Act”. Count two reads “That you Chigozie Omereonye Solomon (aka Kolor Cabiek Ye) sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take possession of the sum of $1500 (One Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) while impersonating Kolor Cabiek Ye on Facebook which you reasonably ought to have known forms proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”. Chigozie pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Enobong Ubokudom prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand him in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Ikwere Davies did not oppose the prayers. Justice Onyetenu adjourned the matter to May 22, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Uyo. Chigozie was arrested in Uyo on October 3, 2024 on credible intelligence regarding his suspicious activities on the internet. Investigations showed that he impersonated foreigners to defraud his victims across the world.
US-Russia Talks On Ukraine Begin In Saudi Arabia
US and Russian officials opened talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday on a partial ceasefire in the Ukraine war, a day after delegates from Washington and Kyiv had their own discussions. US President Donald Trump is pushing for a rapid end to the three-year war and hopes talks in Riyadh could pave the way for a breakthrough. Both sides have proposed different plans for temporary ceasefires, but cross-border attacks have meanwhile continued unabated. Originally planned to take place simultaneously to enable shuttle diplomacy — with the United States going back and forth between the delegations — the talks are now taking place one after the other. Russia’s TASS news agency said at around 0730 GMT that the US-Russian talks had begun. The meeting between the Ukrainian team, led by defence minister Rustem Umerov, and the Americans finished up late Sunday night. “The discussion was productive and focused — we addressed key points including energy,” Umerov said on social media, adding Ukraine was working to make its goal of a “just and lasting peace” a reality. Valentyna Guk searches for pieces of glass for mosaic fragments among debris of a heavily damaged building in Kharkiv on March 7, 2025, amid the Russia invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Ivan SAMOILOV / AFP)Trump envoy Steve Witkoff voiced optimism that any agreement struck would pave the way for a “full-on” ceasefire. “I think you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that you’ll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire,” he told Fox News. But the Kremlin on Sunday downplayed expectations of a rapid resolution. “We are only at the beginning of this path,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state TV. He said there were many outstanding questions over how a potential ceasefire might be implemented. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian call for a full and immediate 30-day pause, proposing instead a halt in attacks only on energy facilities. Local resident walk among the debris near a damaged house, a day after a Russian strike on a suburb of Odesa, southern Ukraine on March 7, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Oleksandr GIMANOV / AFP) Peskov said the “main” focus in its talks with the United States would be a possible resumption of a 2022 Black Sea grain deal that ensured safe navigation for Ukrainian farm exports via the Black Sea. “On Monday, we mainly intend to discuss President Putin’s agreement to resume the so-called Black Sea initiative, and our negotiators will be ready to discuss the nuances around this problem,” Peskov said. Moscow pulled out of the deal — brokered by Turkey and the United Nations — in 2023, accusing the West of failing to uphold its commitments to ease sanctions on Russia’s own exports of farm produce and fertilisers. A senior Ukrainian official previously told AFP that Kyiv would propose a broader ceasefire, covering attacks on energy facilities, infrastructure and naval strikes. Both sides launched fresh drone attacks on the eve of the negotiations. Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone attack overnight Saturday killed three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father. AFP reporters in the capital saw emergency workers treating the wounded early Sunday in front of damaged residential buildings hit in the strike. Deadly strikes on the well-protected city are rarer than elsewhere in the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his country’s allies to put fresh pressure on Russia. “New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war,” he posted on social media on Sunday. Moscow heads into the Saudi talks after a rapprochement with Washington under Trump that has boosted confidence in the Kremlin. Peskov said Sunday that the “potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide variety of spheres between our countries cannot be overstated”. “We may disagree on some things but that does not mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefit,” he added.
LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Gets CBN Approval to Appoint Eight New Directors
Living Trust Mortgage Bank Plc has secured approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to appoint eight new directors to its board. This strategic move aims to strengthen the bank’s leadership structure and drive its long-term growth and expansion plans. In a statement released by the bank, the newly appointed directors include two executive directors, three non-executive directors, and three independent non-executive directors. Their collective expertise spans across banking, law, accounting, public administration, and strategic management, positioning the bank for enhanced operational efficiency and market competitiveness. New Executive Directors New Non-Executive Directors New Independent Non-Executive Directors Strategic Impact of the Appointments According to the statement, the appointments reflect LivingTrust Mortgage Bank’s commitment to enhancing its governance structure and driving operational excellence. The new board members’ diverse expertise and experience are expected to position the bank for sustainable growth and increased market presence in Nigeria’s financial sector. The bank’s management expressed confidence that the newly constituted board will strengthen its mortgage services, deepen customer engagement, and drive financial performance. “These appointments are strategic and align with our long-term growth objectives,” the statement read. “We are confident that the collective expertise of our new board members will enhance our capacity to deliver innovative mortgage solutions and create value for our stakeholders.”
Excessive’, Soyinka Faults Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers
Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as “excessive” and a dangerous overreach of executive power. Soyinka’s criticism follows the political turmoil in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly by President Tinubu. The President also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator — a decision that has sparked widespread controversy and backlash. Soyinka’s Response In a statement released on Sunday, Soyinka argued that Tinubu’s action was disproportionate and undemocratic, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria. “I find the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State excessive and unjustified,” Soyinka said. “Political conflicts are not new in Nigeria, but resolving them through measures that sideline constitutional order and democratic processes is deeply troubling.” Soyinka stressed that Nigeria’s constitution provides clear guidelines for handling political disputes and that appointing a sole administrator undermines the will of the people and the integrity of the electoral process. “The solution to a political crisis cannot be the removal of an elected governor and the appointment of an unelected administrator,” Soyinka stated. “It is an insult to the democratic process and a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.” Violation of Democratic Principles Soyinka warned that Tinubu’s action threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He argued that the crisis in Rivers State should have been resolved through dialogue and political engagement rather than executive force. “Democracy is not about the absence of conflict but about the ability to resolve conflict through dialogue, compromise, and adherence to the rule of law,” Soyinka said. “By bypassing these principles, the President has weakened the democratic structure.” Legal and Political Backlash Soyinka’s statement aligns with the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has also declared the state of emergency unconstitutional. NBA President Afam Osigwe argued that the constitution does not recognize the appointment of a sole administrator and called for Fubara’s immediate reinstatement. Soyinka echoed these concerns, warning that the President’s action could trigger a constitutional crisis and further destabilize the political environment in Rivers State and beyond. “The danger of this action is not limited to Rivers State,” Soyinka said. “If left unchecked, it could become a template for resolving political disputes across the country — through executive overreach rather than democratic engagement.” Call for Reversal Soyinka urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision and work towards a political solution that respects the constitutional rights of Rivers State’s elected officials and citizens. “The path forward is not through imposition but through negotiation and respect for democratic norms,” he stated. “Governor Fubara’s mandate comes from the people, and any attempt to undermine that mandate must be resisted.” Conclusion Soyinka’s remarks have added weight to the growing opposition to the state of emergency in Rivers State. His call for dialogue and political resolution reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic stability and the potential for executive overreach to undermine constitutional governance.
Tinubu Should Reinstate Fubara, Administrator Appointment Unconstitutional – NBA
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its stance that the removal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by President Bola Tinubu is unconstitutional. The association has called on the President to reverse the decision and restore Fubara to office. On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly due to the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. He subsequently appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator. Speaking on Sunday Politics, NBA President Afam Osigwe condemned the President’s action, insisting that the constitution does not recognize the appointment of a sole administrator. “That is our position and what we expect the President to do — restore Fubara to power, as his removal was unconstitutional,” Osigwe stated. “We do not recognize a sole administrator as the legitimate authority in Rivers State because the appointment itself is unconstitutional.” Osigwe also questioned the legitimacy of the oath of office taken by Ibas. “When I saw him taking the oath, I wondered what kind of oath it was because it’s not one recognized by the constitution,” he said. He compared the President’s response to using a sledgehammer to treat a headache, calling the measures “overreaching, excessive, undemocratic, and above all, unconstitutional.” According to Osigwe, the problem in Rivers State is political and requires a political solution. No Constitutional Gap Some have argued that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution provides a basis for the President’s action, but Osigwe firmly rejected this claim. “I do not believe Section 305 is unclear; I believe we are simply refusing to apply it correctly,” he said. Although the National Assembly has approved the state of emergency in Rivers State, Osigwe argued that this does not validate the President’s actions. “The National Assembly’s approval is like placing something on nothing,” he asserted.
Buhari mourns Gov. Radda’s mother demise
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the government and the people of Katsina State in mourning the demise of Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari, the mother of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. In a message to the governor, the former President said, “It is with profound sadness that I convey my deepest sympathies on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u. “No matter how old a person becomes, they need their mother. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and your family during this difficult period as we remember her life and service to women and the community at large. “May Allah reward her good deeds, and may her legacy be an inspiration to her descendants and future generations. May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.”
FG flags off Benin–Asaba Expressway
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Africa Plus Partners, has officially flagged off the 125km Benin–Asaba Expressway Project in Edo State—an ambitious, dual-carriage, solar-lit superhighway that is fully financed by the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr. Wale Edun described the project as a milestone in infrastructure financing. “What you see on the front page of the pamphlet will be delivered—because the cash is there,” he affirmed. “This is not reliant on direct federal funding. Africa Plus Consortium, backed by credible investors, has put forward the full capital commitment under the enabling policies of President Bola Tinubu.” This flagship initiative is part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can unlock long-term value for the economy. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi described the project as a cashless model. Governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo, standing in for Mr. President, lauded the financing structure. “This is a legacy project. For private investors to risk their capital, it shows belief in the president’s vision and the future of our economy.” HM Wale Edun reiterated that this model will be replicated nationwide: “This is just one of many projects that will be delivered week after week, month after month, through sustainable financial frameworks that ensure transparency, efficiency, and speed.” The Benin–Asaba Expressway is more than a road. It is a statement—that with innovative financing and investor confidence, world-class infrastructure is not only possible but imminent.