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Federal High Court Jails Ansaru Commander for 15 Years Over Terror-Financing Mining Operations

Fola Badmus1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mahmud Usman, a senior commander of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, to 15 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in illegal mining used to fund terrorism and kidnapping operations. Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Thursday, ordering that Usman remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while facing trial for 31 additional terrorism-related charges. The court fixed October 21 for the continuation of the trial. Usman, alongside his associate Abubakar Abba, is being tried on a 32-count charge that includes acts of terrorism committed in 2022. Among the most serious accusations are involvement in the deadly attack on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, and coordinating the high-profile Kuje prison break in July 2022, which led to the escape of over 600 inmates. According to court filings and DSS investigations, the two men are also accused of undergoing weapons and tactical training in Mali, fabricating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and plotting attacks on critical infrastructure — including a planned assault on a uranium facility in Niger State. The DSS further alleges Usman masterminded a series of high-profile abductions, including the 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp and the 2019 abduction of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, the Magajin Garin Daura. The charge sheet also includes allegations of armed robberies, targeted assassinations, and funding terror cells through illegal resource extraction. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who confirmed their arrest earlier this year, described Usman as the “self-styled Emir of Ansaru” and the operational head of terrorist sleeper cells embedded across Nigeria. Ribadu also identified Usman’s close associate, Mamuda, as the “chief of staff” of the Mahmudawa cell, which has operated extensively around Kainji National Park. Ansaru, a splinter group that broke away from Boko Haram in 2012, is notorious for carrying out sophisticated attacks and kidnappings for ransom. The group has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and remains one of the most dangerous extremist factions operating in the region. While Thursday’s conviction marks a significant win for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, security analysts note that the broader network remains active, with several other members still under investigation or on the run. The trial continues next month, with the government expected to present evidence on the remaining charges, including acts of treason, conspiracy, and further breaches of national security.

Tinubu Orders Swift Action to Lower Food Prices, Launches New Agriculture Reforms

Fola Badmus1 week ago1 week ago05 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate implementation of measures aimed at reducing food prices across Nigeria, in a renewed push to tackle the nation’s worsening food insecurity. The directive, which includes the formation of a Federal Executive Council committee, was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents in Abuja. According to Abdullahi, the primary focus of the presidential order is to ensure the safe and unhindered transportation of agricultural produce across the country’s road networks—an intervention aimed at slashing the high logistics costs that continue to drive up food prices. “The President has given a matching order with a federal executive council committee already handling it on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi stated. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been grappling with rising food costs exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies, surging transport expenses, and security threats along key supply routes. Despite a series of policy interventions, millions of Nigerians still find basic food items increasingly unaffordable. The minister reiterated that the current strategy aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of food sovereignty—one that extends beyond simple availability to include affordability, access, and nutrition. To support this agenda, Abdullahi announced the forthcoming launch of two major initiatives: the Farmer Soil Health Scheme, which is expected to improve agricultural yields through better land management practices, and a revamped Cooperative Reform Programme, aimed at empowering rural farmers through enhanced access to resources and financing. “Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation, and to improve the livelihood of members,” the minister added. The Abuja event, themed “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities,” was also attended by Senate Media Committee Chairman Senator Yemi Adaramodu, former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang, and Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman. President Tinubu had previously emphasized the importance of food security in his June 12 Democracy Day address at the National Assembly. He highlighted Nigeria’s progress toward achieving food sovereignty, calling for a national shift toward self-sufficiency in food production and market-driven growth. “We must learn to produce and grow most of our food, and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty,” the President said during his speech. The new efforts come as Nigeria continues to confront the economic aftershocks of policy reforms and the impact of global supply chain disruptions, with food security now central to the administration’s medium-term development agenda.

EFCC Interrogates Former NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari

EFCC Grills Former NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari Over Multi-Billion Dollar Refinery Spending

Fola Badmus1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday interrogated Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over the controversial spending of billions of dollars on Nigeria’s long-idle refineries. Kyari, who arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja early Wednesday morning, had his international passport confiscated and was still being questioned as of 8:30 p.m., sparking speculation that he could be detained overnight. At the centre of the investigation is over $2 billion disbursed for the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, which continue to underperform despite years of public investment. According to EFCC sources, key focus areas include the $1.55 billion allocated for the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740.6 million for Kaduna Refinery, and $656.9 million for the Warri facility. Officials are also scrutinizing more than N4.8 trillion in operating costs reportedly incurred during Kyari’s leadership from 2019 to April 2025, despite the refineries running at minimal or no capacity. Contracts awarded during his tenure are also under review, as investigators try to trace funds allegedly misappropriated. While some former top executives are reported to have refunded portions of the funds voluntarily, Kyari has maintained his innocence and transparency in handling refinery projects. In a prior statement titled “Hard Questions, Honest Answers,” he said: “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty – without fear or favour, with honour, respect and commitment – Nigeria moves forward.” Kyari’s invitation by the EFCC comes amid renewed public scrutiny of the nation’s oil sector and longstanding failures to restore refinery operations, despite more than $18 billion having been invested since 2010. Nigeria’s four refineries — two in Port Harcourt, and one each in Kaduna and Warri — have a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have operated far below capacity for over a decade. During Kyari’s tenure, the Port Harcourt Refinery was ceremoniously reopened in November 2024 after extensive repairs. However, operations were abruptly suspended just six months later, in May 2025, by his successor Bayo Ojulari, who cited unsustainable losses and serious technical setbacks. The EFCC noted that the current phase of the investigation will prioritize the forensic review of TAM-related expenditures before turning attention to what it described as “humongous contracts” approved during Kyari’s administration at NNPCL. The outcome of the probe could set a precedent for accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector, long plagued by allegations of waste, mismanagement, and corruption.

VP Shettima Urges National Council on Skills to Embrace Unity, End Fragmentation in Skills Development

Fola Badmus1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

By: Kamal Yalwa: September 10, 2025 Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the National Council on Skills (NCS) and all relevant stakeholders to work collectively in advancing the federal government’s skills acquisition drive, declaring that the era of working in silos is over. Speaking during the 7th meeting of the NCS held Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima emphasised that building a future-ready workforce requires unified action across government agencies, ministries, and the private sector. He described skills development as a core pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “Let me be clear about what this means. The era of operating in silos is over. We must move towards a new streamlined workflow that embeds collaboration directly into the process of curriculum development and funding,” the Vice President stated. He noted that the ongoing “skills revolution” is a national commitment and must be driven with purpose and synergy to unlock opportunities for Nigerian youth and workers nationwide—from the aspiring artisan in Kaura Namoda to mid-career professionals in Ebute-Metta. Shettima lauded Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for establishing and chairing the state’s first Council on Skills, calling it a model for other subnational governments to emulate. “We cannot build a future-ready workforce on a foundation of division,” Shettima stressed, urging the council to enforce a unified structure and eliminate institutional friction within the country’s skills ecosystem. He further emphasized that sustainable funding and implementation of the national skills agenda depend on strong inter-agency collaboration, not isolated action. Earlier in the meeting, Governor Uba Sani revealed that over 30,000 students were recently admitted into the Kaduna Vocational and Skills Development Institute. He thanked the Vice President for his continued support and dedication to job creation and skills development. Also speaking, Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa praised the Kaduna State Government’s efforts and announced that technical colleges have been directed to focus solely on relevant, practical courses for the upcoming academic year—aligning with the administration’s skills acquisition strategy. The council meeting reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to building a coordinated and inclusive framework to equip Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy.

Nigerian National Arrested in New Orleans for Fraud-Related Offences

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago01 mins

New Orleans, USA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed the arrest of a Nigerian national, Rotimi Oladimeji, in New Orleans for fraud-related crimes. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, ICE identified Mr. Oladimeji as a “criminal alien” and shared a photograph of him wearing a grey shirt and headwear. According to ICE, Oladimeji has a prior criminal record that includes charges of mail and wire fraud. He was previously ordered to pay over $1.1 million in restitution linked to those offences. “ICE New Orleans arrested him following his fraud conviction,” the agency said in the statement. Mr. Oladimeji now faces potential jail time and may be deported to Nigeria upon completion of his sentence.

NAS Demands Increased Funding, Digital Inclusion, Accountability in Education Sector

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago06 mins

The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has described Nigeria’s worsening literacy crisis as a “national emergency,” warning that millions of out-of-school children are being condemned to lives of poverty, exclusion, and crime unless urgent action is taken. In a statement issued on Sunday to mark this year’s International Literacy Day themed “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era: Bridging the Gap,” NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, said the scale of Nigeria’s challenge was unprecedented. “Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria harbours the world’s highest number of out-of-school children. UNICEF puts the figure at 10.2 million children of primary school age, while UNESCO estimates it rises to 18.3 million when adolescents are included. In real terms, one in every five out-of-school children worldwide is Nigerian,” Oteri stated. He noted that this crisis undermines the country’s ability to meet global development benchmarks, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to quality education, poverty reduction, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. According to him, persistent obstacles such as insecurity, poverty, child labour, gender discrimination, and poor infrastructure continue to push millions of children out of school and into risky environments where they are exposed to drugs, crime, exploitation, and even trafficking. “Literacy in the 21st century must be holistic, inclusive, and digitally empowered. Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development while millions of its children remain uneducated, digitally excluded, and socially disenfranchised,” Oteri stressed. The NAS leader also raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing digital divide. He explained that while children in urban centres increasingly benefit from technology-enabled learning, millions in rural communities remain locked out due to lack of affordable internet, digital devices, and ICT centres. “This uneven access is widening inequality and could create a generation of digitally illiterate citizens in a world driven by knowledge and innovation,” he warned. To reverse the trend, NAS unveiled a six-point rescue plan for Nigeria’s education sector. First, Oteri called for greater public investment, with at least 20 percent of national and state budgets earmarked for education and closely monitored to prevent diversion of funds. He demanded the strict enforcement of the Universal Basic Education policy, ensuring free, compulsory, and quality schooling for every child, free from hidden costs. Thirdly, he pressed for digital inclusion, urging government to provide affordable broadband, digital learning devices, and community ICT hubs to bridge the technological gap. NAS also advocated expanded social protection measures, including larger school feeding schemes, scholarships, and conditional cash transfers to keep children from dropping out due to economic hardship. The fifth proposal stressed partnerships for change, with government collaborating more effectively with NGOs, civil society, faith-based organisations, and the private sector to mobilise resources and expertise. Finally, Oteri insisted on accountability and governance, demanding that anti-corruption safeguards be extended to the education sector to ensure resources actually reach classrooms and students. “Every child left uneducated today becomes a burden on society tomorrow. The cost of inaction is dire,” he warned. As part of its own contribution, Oteri announced that NAS would launch a month-long National Back-to-School Advocacy and Humanitarian Project from September 8 to October 8, 2025. The campaign, to be carried out by NAS chapters across Nigeria and abroad, will combine advocacy with direct support to children and families. According to him, this builds on existing initiatives such as the NAS Street Child Project and its Back-to-School Tuition Support Programme, which provide scholarships, educational materials, and community outreach to vulnerable children. The NAS Cap’n appealed to government at all levels, civil society, private sector, communities, and international partners to act decisively. “Literacy is more than the ability to read and write; it is the passport to economic participation, resilience against crime, and empowerment for citizenship. Together, we can bridge the gap. Together, we can secure a brighter future for every Nigerian child,” he concluded.

Dozens of people killed in assault on village in Nigeria’s Borno State

Dozens Killed in Boko Haram Attack on Borno Village Amid Security Lapses

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago05 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: BORNO STATE, NIGERIA – September 6, 2025 At least 55 people, including six soldiers, have been killed in a brutal attack on the village of Darul Jama in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State, as concerns mount over renewed Boko Haram activity and the government’s policy of returning displaced civilians to vulnerable areas. Eyewitnesses and local officials said the assault occurred late Friday night when suspected Boko Haram fighters stormed the village on motorbikes, opening fire on residents and torching homes. The attack targeted a community near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, where many families had only recently resettled after years in displacement camps. Estimates of the death toll vary. While a government-aligned militia commander, Babagana Ibrahim, confirmed 55 fatalities to AFP, the village’s traditional leader told Reuters that at least 70 bodies had been recovered by Saturday morning, with more residents missing in the surrounding bush. “They went house to house, killing men and leaving women behind. Almost every household is affected,” the traditional leader said, speaking anonymously for security reasons. Over 20 houses and 10 vehicles were destroyed in the assault. According to survivors, the military was warned three days in advance about the gathering of Boko Haram fighters in the area but failed to act. “They overwhelmed the soldiers, who fled with us to Bama,” said Babagana Mala, a resident who escaped the attack by fleeing 46km to the town of Bama. Many of the victims were among recently relocated families from a displacement camp at Bama’s Government Secondary School, which the authorities had shut down earlier this year as part of a broader resettlement policy. “The government told us we would be safe here,” said Hajja Fati, a mother of five who lost her brother in the attack. “Now we are burying our people again.” The massacre has reignited debate over Nigeria’s strategy of closing internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and relocating civilians back to rural communities—areas that remain targets for militant groups. Boko Haram has been waging an insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast since 2009, seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate. The conflict has killed over 40,000 people and displaced more than two million, mostly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. A splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), broke away in 2016 and has been increasingly active. According to Good Governance Africa, a nonprofit tracking insecurity in the region, there were approximately 300 attacks in the first half of 2025, mostly by ISWAP, resulting in around 500 civilian deat A security source told AFP that the Darul Jama assault was likely led by Ali Ngulde, a notorious Boko Haram commander believed to operate in the region near the Cameroon border. Despite intensified military operations in Borno State, including airstrikes and ground patrols, communities continue to face high risks from armed groups operating across forested terrain and porous borders.

Lagos APC Slams Peter Obi Over Criticism of Tinubu’s Vacation, Urges ‘Responsible Opposition’

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, urging him to adopt a more constructive approach to opposition politics and refrain from what it described as “habitual knee-jerk reactions” to national developments. The warning was contained in a statement released by the APC’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, in response to Obi’s recent remarks questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s short private vacation and its alleged impact on national security. Oladejo criticized Obi’s frequent public comments on national issues, accusing him of seeking “cheap relevance” and portraying himself as a moral authority while offering little in the way of substantive policy contributions. “Must Peter Obi comment on everything?” Oladejo asked. “Nigerians are not deceived. His constant moralising of the President’s every move is less about patriotism and more about political desperation.” He described Obi’s approach as reactionary and populist, reducing complex governance issues to “social media talking points,” rather than engaging in serious, solutions-oriented discourse. The APC spokesman also defended President Tinubu’s decision to take a brief vacation, insisting that the president remains fully in charge of the country’s affairs. “In modern governance, leaders remain in constant communication with their security and intelligence teams, regardless of location. Mr. Obi knows this, but prefers posturing over pragmatism,” Oladejo stated. He further cautioned Obi’s aides to carefully assess the former governor’s public engagements, warning that his pattern of criticism may harm his image as a credible opposition figure. “Leadership requires knowing not only what to say, but also when and how to say it. Constant agitation and reflexive commentary do not equal leadership—they undermine it,” Oladejo said. The APC reiterated its commitment to delivering on national priorities including economic recovery, national security, and public sector reforms, while dismissing Obi’s contributions as lacking depth. “Peter Obi’s comments amount to noise, not leadership or patriotism,” Oladejo concluded. “If he has meaningful contributions to make, let him present them responsibly. Otherwise, silence is an honourable option. For us in the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our focus remains on governance, not political theatre.”