TUESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Kachikwu: FG Must Insulate NNPC, NUPRC,

from Political Interference to Restore Confidence in Oil Sector

Seeks massive deployment of technology in crude production Wants end to multiple taxes, inflated project costs Expresses concern over overlapping mandates of sector regulators Advocates increase of NCI fund from $450m to $1bn

A former Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Prof. Ibe Kachikwu, has said

that if the Nigerian oil industry must witness a significant leap, the national oil company must be weaned from political interference. Kachikwu, who spoke at the

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CVR: Over 3.5m Nigerians Registered in Three Weeks... Page 36

N149.39trn Debt: Abbas Clarifies Remarks, Says Tinubu Ensuring Responsible Borrowing, Edun Upbeat

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday, clarified his earlier comments on Nigeria’s N149.39 trillion debt, stressing President Bola Tinubu was committed to ensuring that borrowing remains responsible and tied to productive investments.

Also, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun,

expressed optimism about the country’s fiscal outlook.

NUPENG Strike: FG’s Peace Meeting with Dangote, Oil Workers Ends in Deadlock

PENGASSAN, NOGASA, NARTO, PETROAN join action Labour minister says negotiations may continue today NLC, TUC express solidarity, may declare dispute Nigerians face hardship, shutdown of downstream facilities begin

Emmanuel Addeh and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Downstream oil workers under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) yesterday night failed to reach a peace deal with Dangote Refinery over their demand for unionisation of staff of the Followingcompany. the deadlocked talks, NUPENG said that it will continue with the nationwide industrial action, which had already taken its toll in some states, following the shutdown of filling stations in several parts of the Alsocountry.yesterday, the Petro- leum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria

Continued on page 32

HONORARY FELLOWSHIP OF NIgERIAN ACAdEmY OF LETTERS ON THE OBI OF ONITSHA...

L-R: Independent Non-Executive Director, International Breweries Plc, Mrs. Awuneba Ajumogobia; Obi of Onitsha, HRM, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; Company Secretary, International Breweries Plc, Mrs. Temitope Oluwatosin; and Secretary of Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Prof. Olakunmbi Olasope, during the conferment of Honorary Fellowship, NAL on the Obi of Onitsha at the 27th Convocation and Investiture of New Fellows in Lagos… recently

FOURSQUARE CHURCH NIGERIA PLATINUM ANNIVERSARY...

L-R: National Director of Home Missions, Foursquare Church Nigeria, Rev. Henry Obiolor; National Treasurer, Elder Felix Omofuma; National Secretary, Rev. Samson Alawode; The General Overseer, Rev. (Dr.) Sam Aboyeji; Chairman, 70th Annual Planning Convention Committee, Rev. Hakeem Ogunniran; Chairperson, Public Lecture Planning Committee, Deaconess Nireti Adebayo; and Vice Chairman, 70th Annual Convention Planning Committee, Pastor (Dr.) Charles Fashola, at the media briefing on the Foursquare Church Nigeria Platinum Anniversary and highlights of the Church’s impact over the past 70 years held in Yaba, Lagos, yesterday

Ecobank Seeks Noteholders’ Consent on $875 Million Debt

Nume Ekeghe

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) yesterday announced that it was seeking noteholders’ approval to modify the terms and conditions of its outstanding notes totaling $875 million.

Specifically, the bank initi- ated consent solicitations for holders of its $525 million 10.125% Notes due October 2029 and $350 million Fixed Rate Reset Tier 2 Sustainability Notes due 2031, according to a statement.

The announcement, which was made on the London Stock Exchange, covered the bank’s $525 million 10.125 per cent notes due October 15, 2029, and its $350 million Fixed Rate Reset Tier 2 Sustainability Notes due 2031.

Under the plan, ETI is seeking the consent of noteholders through an Extraordinary Resolution to amend certain provisions of the notes. The

bank wants to simplify its reporting obligations across its network of subsidiaries, ensuring that only those entities deemed material to its ability to service the notes are subject to strict compliance requirements.

Explaining the rationale for the proposed changes, ETI stated: “The amendments we are seeking will provide the group with greater flexibility in managing its obligations, while continuing to ensure that noteholders are protected by the financial information most relevant to the performance of the group.”

To secure investor support, Ecobank has introduced financial incentives for participation in the process. According to the disclosure, investors who deliver their consent early will receive a cash fee of $1.25 for every $1,000 of notes held, while those who submit instructions later but before the final deadline will be entitled to $0.25 per $1,000

of notes.

A virtual meeting of note- holders has been scheduled for September 30, 2025, where the proposed changes will be formally presented and put to a vote.

The bank stressed that the proposed amendments would not affect the core economic terms of the notes, such as interest payments or maturity dates. Instead, the focus is on reducing the administra-

tive burden associated with reporting across its numerous subsidiaries, which span more than 30 countries in Africa.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Ecobank added: “We believe these amendments will allow us to reduce unnecessary administrative complexity, enhance efficiency across our operations, and maintain a strong covenant framework for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

NIM President: No Meaningful Development Can Occur in Chaotic, Insecure Atmosphere

James Emejo in Abuja

President/Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Manage- ment (Chartered), Abimbola Ayuba, yesterday, declared that no meaningful development could take place in a chaotic and insecure atmosphere.

Ayuba called for a united front to salvage the country.

Speaking at the opening of this year’s Annual National Man- agement Conference, with the theme, “Leveraging Emerging

Achonu: National Assembly Working on Bill to Legalise Cannabis for Medicinal, Economic Purposes

Says Nigeria wasting trillion-naira opportunity

Former Senator and Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 Imo State election, Athan Nneji Achonu, yesterday disclosed that the National Assembly was already working on a bill aimed at legalising cannabis for medicinal and economic purposes.

The LP chief, therefore, urged the federal govern- ment to embrace the move to legalise and regulate the cultivation and processing of crops for both medicinal and

industrial purposes.

He warned that Nigeria was “sleeping on a multi-trillionnaira opportunity,” while other countries race ahead.

Achonu, who stated this while addressing journalists in Abuja, described cannabis, often demonised in Nigeria, as “green gold.”

The Labour Party chieftain said, “I sponsored a similar bill when I was in the Senate, but it was not passed because Nigerians chose to demonise its usage.

“In my recent interactions with some members of the

current National Assembly, I discovered that there is a bill in the Senate seeking legislative backing for the usage of Can- nabis for both medicinal and economic purposes, with strict regulations to avoid abuse.”

He said legalising it could drive economic diversification, create jobs, attract foreign investments, and strengthen medical research if brought under strict regulatory oversight.

He said, “The global legal cannabis market is projected to exceed $100 billion before the end of this decade. Urges

Technologies to Drive Innovation, Creativity and Productivity,” in Abuja, he said, “For Nigeria to move forward, there must be a break from the past.”

Ayuba called for conducive and peaceful operating environ- ment to support the envisioned growth and development of the country.

He also urged Nigerians to join hands with the President Bola Tinubu administration to move the country forward.

He further encouraged mem- bers of the institute to continue their giving best to support the country’s advancement.

Ayuba urged them to, “Endeavour to be the leading light and change agents in your different areas of calling and influence.”

He said, “We must all

resolve to bring discipline, ef- ficiency, effectiveness, integrity, accountability, probity, equity and transparency, which are some of the values the institute holds dear and shares, to our individual lives, the workplace and our nation.

“It is only when we give our best that we can help to drive the aggregates of national development.

“You must shun self-aggrandisement,corruption, greed and other social vices inherent in our workplaces and nation today which have threatened our efforts at setting Nigeria on the path of greatness.”

Ayuba pointed out that the conference provided a platform for extensive brainstorming on important contemporary issues and suggestions on the way

forward for both government and key decision-makers. He stated, “The choice of the theme of the Conference was arrived at because the institute realised that technology, especially the emerging ones, is the new normal and the fad. “Technology is everything and every forward-looking nation and organisation that wants to go the distance must leverage emerging technologies to drive innovation, creativity and“Atproductivity. the end of the day, the outcomes of our discourse are expected to form our observations, strategies and recommendations which the Institute will pass on to govern- ment and other stakeholders to drive a technologically viable nation and organisations.”

Presidency Announces Sack of Tinubu’s Aide ‘with Immediate Effect’

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The presidency on Monday disengaged forthwith the Senior Special Assistant on Digital and Creative Economy to President Bola Tinubu, Fegho Umunubo.

In a public notice titled, “Disengagement of Fegho John Umunubo,” signed by State House Director

of Information and Public Relations, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the presidency notified stakeholders and constituents of the digital and creative economy, at home and abroad, as well as the general public that Umunubo, who hitherto had served as the Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy (Office of

the Vice President), had been disengaged with immediate effect.

The notice stated, “Kindly note that he no longer repre- sents this administration in any capacity.

“Henceforth, anyone who interfaces with him in the name of President Tinubu’s administration does so at his or her own risk.

CONVERSATION ON NIGERIA’S FUTURE...

L-R: Managing Director, Financial Derivatives, Mr. Bismarck Rewane; Dean, Lagos Business School (LBS), Prof. Yinka David-West; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria and Vice President, Francophone Africa, MTN Group, Mr. Karl Toriola; Group Executive, Technology and Digital Innovation, First Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Callistus Obetta; Head, Communications and Shareholder Engagement, FBN Holdings, Mrs. Simisola Salami; and Strategy Associate, Industry and Competitor Intelligence, First Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Onyema, during the Lagos Business School Breakfast Session held at Oriental Hotels, Lekki, last Friday

TUC Threatens Nationwide Strike Over 5% Tax on Petroleum Products

Issues 14-day ultimatum

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has asked the federal government to stand down within two weeks, plan to introduce a five percent tax on petroleum products, or it will embark on nationwide industrial action.

A statement signed by TUC’s president Festus Osifo and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, described the policy as a reckless proposal, adding that, “it is nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.”

“Let it be clear: workers and citizens are still reeling from the pains of subsidy removal, skyrocketing fuel prices, food inflation, and a collapsing naira.

“To now introduce another levy on petroleum products is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into “Governmentpoverty. cannot continue to use Nigerians as sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments. Instead of offering relief, jobs, and solutions, it has chosen to further squeeze citizens dry.

This is unacceptable!

“The TUC hereby urges the federal government to immediately stop this anti-people’s plan in its entirety. Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilise Nigerian workers and the masses for a total nationwide resistance.

No Casualties as Thunderstorm Cuts 132kv

“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy,” the statement added.

Otukpo-Nsukka Transmission Line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday announced that a thunderstorm that occurred late in the evening of September 3, 2025, caused the snapping of the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line.

A statement by TCN spokes- person, Ndidi Mbah, said the cut conductor fell to the ground near Tower 97 along the route.

Although there was no loss of human life, the high- voltage discharge from the fallen conductor, TCN said, torched a house built under the transmission line, close to the tower, burnt a car parked under the transmission line right-of-way and killed two

cows along the “Immediatelyroute.following the incident, the Regional Manager of TCN, Enugu Region, Tom Inugonum and his team visited the site of the incident for an on-the-ground assessment of the incident.

“TCN’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team has also been deployed to the site and has since commenced dismantling the damaged section of the line in preparation for restringing a new conductor,” the statement added.

Despite the disruption, TCN stated that there has been no load loss to the Nsukka area, which is normally supplied through the affected transmis- sion line, disclosing that it has implemented a temporary

alternative power supply ar- rangement by diverting bulk electricity through the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for onward distribution to the Nsukka axis.

“TCN appreciates that no human casualties occurred as a result of the incident. However, this serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to avoid building, parking, or engaging in any activities within the transmission lines’ Right of Way (RoW). The company emphasises that such encroach- ments are extremely dangerous and pose serious risks to lives and“Weproperty. urge the public to always respect the integrity of power infrastructure and

Ogun is Nigeria’s Top Investment Destination, Abiodun Tells AfCFTA Panel in Algiers

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has told the international community that Ogun State is actively breaking trade barriers through bold initiatives designed to attract investment and deepenAbioduntrade.stated this while

participating in a high-level panel session titled “Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African & Caribbean SubSovereigns” at the ongoing IATF25 in Algiers, Algeria.

Reaffirming Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s leading investment destination, Abiodun highlighted the pivotal role of subnation-

als in driving the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He noted that despite Africa’s enormous potential, intra-continental trade still accounts for only about 15 percent of total trade, largely due to weak infrastructure, cumbersome regulations, and fragmented value chains.

comply with safety guidelines around transmission facilities. TCN remains committed to maintaining a stable and secure national grid while ensuring public safety,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Com- mission (NERC) has called on electricity consumers in Anambra State to report any instances where officials of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) request payments for transformers, cables, or poles.

This appeal was made during a town hall and

complaints resolution meeting held in Awka, Anambra State, organised by NERC to engage with electricity customers, a statement posted by the power sector regulator on its social media handles stated.

Speaking at the event, NERC Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mrs Aisha Mahmud, represented by Head of Consumer Protection at NERC, Dr Zubair Babatunde, emphasised that maintenance of such infrastructure is the responsibility of Distribution Companies (Discos), not consumers.

Accordingly, the TUC directed all its State councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain vigilant, watchful, and wait for further communication that may culminate into a decisive action should the government dare to further ignore the collective will of the people.

The TUC also called on its allies, civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and all patriotic Nigerians to support it in the struggle.

“Together, we must resist policies that seek to further impoverish citizens and mortgage our future.

Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment,” it added.

APA Honours Alake as African Champion of the Year

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The African Professionals of Australia (APA) has conferred the title of African Champion of the Year on Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the mining sector and commitment to diaspora engagement. The award was presented at the Australia-Africa Diaspora Investment Forum on September 5, 2025, held alongside the

Africa Down Under (ADU) Mining Conference in Perth.

The forum brought together prominent leaders, investors, and professionals from across Africa and the diaspora for an evening of dialogue and networking at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

APA WA President, Dr. Toyosi Craig, and APA Chairman, Mr. Tommy Adebayo, jointly presented the Certificate of Recognition and the 2025 African Professional Champion of the Year Award to Dr. Alake.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Ambas- sador Anwar Muktar and Ambassador Dr. Jane Adams, Consul Generals of Ethiopia and Nigeria, respectively. Delivering the Minister’s keynote on his behalf, Mr. Martin Imonite, Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, reaffirmed Dr. Alake’s commitment to deepening reforms in the solid minerals sector and strengthening engagement with African professionals globally.

UK GOVERNMENT DELEGATION VISITS INTERSWITCH...

L-R: His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa, Mr. Ben Ainsley; British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter; UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Mrs. Florence Eshalomi; Founder/GMD, Interswitch Group, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe; MD, Payment Processing and Switching, Interswitch Purepay, Mr. Akeem Lawal; and Director General, Investments for the UK Department for Business and Trade, Ms. Ceri Smith, during the delegation’s visit to Interswitch Group Headquarters in Lagos… recently

AU, EU Urge African Countries to Harmonise Data Protection Governance Frameworks

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) have urged African countries to harmonise data protection frameworks for the continent’s dataThesecurity. two bodies made the call on Monday at the opening ceremony of a five-day data governance study trip for some Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Africa, hosted by Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in Abuja.

Delegates from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Botswana and Nigeria were in Abuja to carry out a study tour of data protection in Africa.

Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Massimo de Luca said, “Emerging technologies could drive efficiency and empowerment, but cannot be sustained without strong rights-based governance frameworks.

“Data protection is a key pillar in promoting trust from citizens and businesses in the digital economy, driving strong economic growth.

“Data protection authorities not only safeguard citizens’ privacy, but attract investment and facilitate data flows for regional prosperity.

“They are needed to realise the African digital single market in line with the goals of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union data policy framework.”

Luca assured that their ap- proach to digital partnership at the EU was anchored on values, human dignity, privacy, openness and inclusion, adding that EU is ready to support data protection authorities to achieve same.

A representative of the German Embassy in Nigeria, Felix Reinhold, said they believed African data should remain in Africa.

Reinhold stated, “We believe that Africa’s data should remain in Africa’s

hands and this means not only protecting the rights and privacy of citizens, but also ensuring that the value gener- ated from data contributes to local innovation, sustainable development and the wellbeing of African societies.

“We must also guard against data monopolies because our shared vision

is to foster a trusted and equitable digital environment where countries maintain control over their data while benefiting from regional and continental cooperation.”

According to him, Africa’s future digital economy will be strongest if built on trust, transparency and cross border collaboration.

In his address, National Commissioner, NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said although 36 African countries had enacted data protection laws, only 26 had established dedicated data protection authorities.

Olatunji also stated that it was not enough to establish data protection laws, adding

NEITI, CISLAC Partner to Deepen

that data protection requires implementation of laws and cross-border cooperation of countries.

He stated, “Africa’s population of over 1.4 billion people presents immense opportunities for a thriving digital economy under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Transparency, Drive Reforms in Nigeria’s Extractive Sector

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) yesterday pledged to deepen their relationship to ensure more transparency in Nigeria’s extractive sector. Speaking in Abuja during a visit to the leadership of CISLAC, the Executive Secretary

Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

of NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, who called for a new agenda for civil society, explained that across the world, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have proven indispensable in shaping governance outcomes.

Orji stressed that aside from amplifying citizen voices, defending transparency norms, and catalysing reforms that governments and companies alone cannot deliver, globally, CSOs have influenced the direction of international aid, the design of poverty alleviation programmes, and the building

of institutions.

According to Orji, within the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), civil society has remained the conscience of the process—demanding disclosures, safeguarding civic space, and ensuring that reforms translate into meaningful impacts for citizens.

Besides, Orji emphasised that civil society has elevated debates on tax justice, climate accountability, illicit financial flows, and debt transparency issues central to sustainable development.

“But as we enter a new era defined by the energy transition, digitalisation, and fiscal pressures, the question before us is not whether civil society matters, but how civil society can redefine and strengthen its role to remain impactful in the years ahead.

“This new agenda calls for civil society to lead in energy transition accountability by developing scorecards that track government and company commitments, and by shaping community transition plans so that no one is left behind.

Nasarawa State has emerged as the pioneer host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a landmark project under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which signalled the country’s resolve to address air pollution while unlocking new socio-economic opportunities. The centre, jointly facilitated by the federal government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected to not only curb harmful vehicular emissions but also generate employ- ment, boost revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.

Representing Minister of Environment at the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari, described the facility as a strategic intervention to safeguard lives and advance sustainable development.

He said, “Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, rich, poor and even unborn generations.”

He emphasised that the project aligned with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reaffirming Nigeria’s global environmental commitments.

Onikoyi Royal Family Protests Fafunwa’s Installation as New Onikoyi

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Onikoyi Royal Family of Ikoyi and Imoba land in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State Monday protested against the installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the new Oba Onikoyi. The protesters, armed

with placards, demanded that the state government halt Fafunwa’s installation.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Adesoji Onikoyi expressed the family’s dissatisfaction, insisting that Fafunwa’s installation was not only disappointing but also insulting. He explained that the “unlawfully” enthroned

king, was from Fafunwa branch and son of the immediate past Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba Land. Adeaoji maintained that the crux of the family’s argument hinges on the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006 Gazette, which stipulates the throne must rotate among the ten branches of the royal family.

LAWYER

Blasphemy Killings: One too Many

LAWYER

Blasphemy Killings: One too Many

Effect of Failure to Raise Objection to a Confessional Statement Timeously

Page IV

Lagos Judiciary Unveils Guidelines on Non-Custodial Sentencing to Tackle Prison Congestion

Page V

Quotable

‘My position has always been, the only repentant bandit is a dead one. Let’s kill them all.’ - Malam

Nasiru El Rufai, former Governor, Kaduna State

NBA Sues Police Over Tinted Glass Permit Policy, Cites Rights Violations

Page V

Court Orders

British Airways to Pay Nigerian Passenger N53m Over Lost Luggage

Page V

Extremism, Mob Justice and State Complicity

Iwas just thinking about how it has become part of Nigerian culture to not only observe the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (the Constitution) in its breach, but to do so simply to gain votes, even if such breach is clearly detrimental to Nigeria, her development and her citizens. And, breaching the Constitution isn’t restricted to Government alone; the citizens are also guilty of the same. The recent mob killing of one Ms Amaye in Niger State, on allegations of making a blasphemous statement, reaffirms this assertion, as Amaye was deprived of her right to life and was tortured and treated inhumanly by those who meted out jungle justice to her, contrary to Sections 33(1) & 34(1)(a) of the Constitution. It is true that freedom of expression guaranteed by Section 39(1) of the Constitution isn’t at large (see Section 45 of the Constitution which derogates from this right), but there are laws in place to punish a person who abuses their right to freedom of speech.

The Essence of Section 10 of the Constitution

During the military days, there was no Section 10 of the Constitution, prohibiting the adoption of a National or individual State religion, but, it appears that even without such a provision, religious extremism wasn’t tolerated. During the regime of General Sani Abacha, Gideon Akaluka was beheaded by a mob in Kano, on what is said to have been a false allegation of blasphemy against the Holy Quran; his killers were said to have been apprehended and executed. And, when the Military were leaving, they bequeathed Decree No. 24 aka the 1999 Constitution, and inserted Section 10 therein. The essence of a provision like Section 10, is to separate the State from religion - this allows Government to make policies based on reason, instead of religious doctrine or beliefs; it ensures that citizens enjoy freedom of thought, conscience and religion - see Section 38(1) of the Constitution; it makes certain that citizens are tolerant of each other. If there is a State religion, it is likely that those who do not practice the State religion would suffer discrimination and persecution - see Section 42(1) of the Constitution. Additionally, religious laws may clash with other fundamental rights of citizens. For example, Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of association, which means two consenting adults can choose to commit adultery or fornication. On the contrary, Christianity (see Exodus 20:14, 1 Corinthians 6:18) and Islam (see Quran 24:2) forbid adultery and fornication. In 2002, Amina Lawal was sentenced to death by a Katsina State Sharia Court for adultery; her pregnancy outside wedlock was used as the evidence of her adultery. There was a global outcry against her conviction. And, even though Amina Lawal’s conviction was subsequently quashed by the Sharia Court of Appeal, it wasn’t on the ground that the Sharia Court lacked criminal (penal) jurisdiction, but on other grounds bordering on the invalidity of her confessional statement. See the case of Madukolu v Nkemdilim 1962 2 SCNLR 341. Again, despite Section 41(1) of the Constitution which provides for freedom of movement, on a news programme that I watched recently, it was revealed that Katsina State Hisbah Police arrest people at night for being out late, thereby breaching their right to freedom of movement.

Nigerian State’s Active Participation in Unconstitutionality

Section 1(1) of the Cons titution provides that it is supreme and binding on all in Nigeria, while Section 1(3) thereof provides that any law that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency, be

onikepo braithwaite

onIkepo BraIThwaITe

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

The Advocate

“….when the Military were leaving, they bequeathed Decree No. 24 aka the 1999 Constitution, and inserted Section 10 therein…. religious laws may clash with other fundamental rights of citizens. Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of association, which means two consenting adults can choose to commit adultery or fornication. On the contrary, Christianity…and Islam…forbid adultery and fornication…. The consequence of the breach of Section 10, is the fuelling of religious extremism and intolerance that we see today…. For Nigerians to still be burning people alive in 2025….shows how backward and savage we are…. this isn’t Medieval times of the 5th century….”

it Christian or Islamic law, or the laws of the Federation or a State. Instead of the Federal Government to have gone to court to have the adoption of Sharia Law in the 12 Northern States declared unconstitutional as it should be, that is, aside from the areas that have to do with marriage and inheritance, and the limits of its jurisdiction clearly restated, the Sharia States have been left to observe Section 10 in its breach. The so-called leaders prefer to turn a blind eye and not rock the boat, so as not to lose the votes of the Muslim North.

Sharia Courts even exercise penal jurisdiction which they do not have, because it hasn’t been conferred on them by the Constitution, going as far as sentencing people to death for blasphemy. In 2000, in Zamfara State, Bello Garki Zangebi’s right hand was amputated in a State Hospital, having been convicted by a Sharia Court for stealing. The Penal Code (PC)(applicable in the North, though now the individual Northern States have enacted their own Criminal Laws stemming from the PC) provides for the offence of theft, prescribing a punishment of up to 5 years imprisonment (see Sections 286-287).

In 2020, Musician, Yahaya Sharif Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging by a Kano State Sharia Court for allegedly using derogatory expressions against Prophet Muhammad

(PBUH) in a song. Imagine! A court that has absolutely no powers to do so, purporting to hand down the death sentence in the name of a sacred religion that doesn’t even ask them to do so. See Quran 6:68, 6:108, 73:10, 41:34-36 - these Surahs talk about withdrawing from those who speak ignorantly; bearing what they say patiently; and leaving evil doers to God’s judgement; there’s no mention of murdering blasphemers. See also Aladejobi v NBA (2013) LPELR-20940(SC) per Stanley Shenko Allagoa, JSC on lack of jurisdiction. And, the Nigerian State/Legislature/Politicians look away, so that when the elections come they will not lose the votes of these lawbreakers! In the circumstances that the Nigerian State permits the practice of criminal Sharia Law, it shows its tendency to be a State that prioritises political gains over the primary purpose of government, that is, the security and welfare of its citizens (see Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution), and this doesn’t augur well for democracy. On the contrary, it undermines it, and not only erodes democratic institutions, but can lead to the State’s decline and instability. For one, the protection of the fundamental rights of citizens is one of the cornerstones of democracy, and this is sometimes incompatible with religious doctrine. When this

contradiction occurs, the provisions of the Constitution must prevail. Nigerian State’s Complicity in Mob Justice

The consequence of the breach of Section 10, is the fuelling of religious extremism and intolerance that we see today, particularly in the Sharia States. This has further led to mob justice, stoning and burning to death, usually for so-called blasphemy. The punishment for insult to religion (blasphemy) under the Criminal Code (CC)(applicable in the South, though now the individual Southern States have enacted their own Criminal Laws stemming from the CC) is stricter than that of the PC, because though both prescribe a punishment of two years imprisonment, the PC gives an option of a fine which the CC doesn’t.

The Nigerian State has become complicit in the perpetuation of mob killing for alleged blasphemy by Muslim extremists, who actually have no understanding of Islam or knowledge of the teachings of the Quran, and also criminals who also seize such opportunities to unleash violence on victims.

When people are killed in the name of blasphemy, the killers, even when they are known, suffer absolutely no punishment. For instance, when Mrs Bridget Agbahime was killed, again on a false charge of blasphemy fuelled by someone who coveted her shop in Kofar Wambai Market, some of her killers were known because they also had shops in the market; they were apprehended and prosecuted, but, shockingly, the then Attorney-General of Kano, misused his prosecutorial discretion and entered a Nolle Prosequi (unwilling to pursue)! And, the matter ended there. Kano State Government was obviously complicit in this injustice; how could the State Government be unwilling to prosecute suspected murderers, in light of the evidence stacked against them?

The fact that anybody can be framed and killed in such gruesome circumstances by a mob, is also frightening. Similarly, people in Sokoto went on a rampage when they tried to bring the killers of student, Deborah Samuel to justice. What will be the outcome of the case of Amaye who was stoned to death and her body set ablaze a few days ago in Kasuwan Garba area, Niger State, for allegedly making blasphemous remarks? People are already saying nothing will come out of it! This is an opportunity for the Nigerian State to make an example of those responsible for Amaye’s gruesome murder, to show that going forward, jungle justice will not be tolerated in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Though Leviticus 24:16 in the Old Testament of the Bible prescribes death for those who blaspheme in the name of the Lord, today, for example, in Italy, the home of Catholicism, the punishment for the different types blasphemy offences is fines - public blasphemy attracts a fine of between €51 and €309. Italy has moved with the times - it is no longer a monarchy or religious State; it is a democracy.

Despite the fact that Nigeria is in the third decade of this Fourth Republic, it appears that the Politicians prefer for us to regress into the dark ages instead of maturing, because this is exactly what the destructive and divisive tools which they have chosen to utilise to maintain political control, like religion and tribalism, have done - we are reversing instead of accelerating. For Nigerians to still be burning people alive in 2025 for any reason whatsoever, shows how backward and savage we are; for the State to turn a blind eye to it, standing by and doing nothing, is deplorable and unacceptable. After all, this isn’t Medieval times of the 5th century or during the Inquisition (12th - 19th century) or Spanish Inquisition (15th - 19th century) where burning at the stake for heresy, witchcraft, treason and the like were State-sanctioned punishments. This is 2025, the 21st century!

Effect of Failure to Raise Objection to a Confessional Statement Timeously

Facts

The case against the Appellant was that on 27th June, 2007, the Appellant and his confederates, under the pretence of rendering taxi-cab services, pounced on PW1 (Esther Osimen), beat her, and dispossessed her of her rings and cash, before dumping her on the expressway. They fled with the taxi, but soon had an accident with the car. The Police recovered the cab, and took the Appellant to the hospital. Unknown to the assailants, PW1’s phone had dropped into the cab. When PW1 later called the line, the Police answered, enabling her to recount her ordeal. She identified the Appellant’s co-accused as one of the attackers, who in turn led Police to arrest the Appellant.

The Appellant, alongside another accused person, were charged before the Ikeja Judicial Division of the High Court of Lagos State, on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery. In proof of its case, the Respondent called three witnesses, including the victim - PW1, and tendered exhibits, including the Appellant’s confessional statements admitted as Exhibits E–E1. The Appellant testified for himself, but called no witness. On 14th March, 2013, the trial court convicted the Appellant of the lesser offences of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery simpliciter, having found that the use of arms was not proved. The Appellant was thereby sentenced to twenty-one (21) years imprisonment.

The Appellant’s appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed on 20th May, 2016, with the lower Court affirming the trial court’s findings. Dissatisfied, the Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issue for Determination

The Appellant raised three issues for determination of the appeal, while the Respondent formulated a sole issue. The Apex Court adopted the sole issue of the Respondent as encompassing for determination of the appeal, thus: Whether the Court of Appeal was right to have affirmed the decision of the trial court, that the Prosecution proved its case against the Appellant beyond reasonable doubt.

Arguments

Counsel for the Appellant argued that there was doubt as to the ability of PW1 to recognise the Appellant, and contended that given that the alleged offence occurred between 10:00–11:00 p.m., at a poorly lit bus stop, and within the dimly lit interior of the vehicle, those circumstances must have impaired PW1’s ability to accurately identify her assailants. Counsel contended further that the identification process was compromised, and an identification parade ought to have taken place. He argued that the circumstances described, raised reasonable doubt regarding the Appellant’s involvement in the alleged crimes. Counsel submitted further that, inconsistencies existed between the testimonies of PW1 and PW2. Whereas, PW1 claimed she called her lost phone and a Police officer answered, PW2 stated the call was made by PW1’s father. Counsel submitted that this contradiction undermined the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses, and urged the Court to resolve the doubt in favour of the Appellant. Finally, Counsel argued that the Appellant had denied making the confessional statements admitted in evidence (Exhibit E-E1),

Honourable

Sadiq Umar, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 21st day of February, 2025

Before their lordships adamu Jauro

Moore aseimo abraham adumein Habeeb adewale Olumuyiwa abiru Jamilu yammama Tukur abubakar Sadiq umar Justices, Supreme Court SC. 1416/2019 Between

eMMaNueL aMeH aPPeLLaNT And

1. THe PeOPLe OF LaGOS STaTe ReSPONdeNT (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Abubakar Sadiq Umar, JSC)

and, as such, the lower courts ought to have sought corroborative independent evidence, as the trial court was in error relying on the unreliable account of PW1 as corroborative evidence. He urged the Supreme Court, to resolve the issue in favour of the Appellant.

In response, Counsel for the Respondent raised a ‘preliminary point’ with complaints bordering on incompetence of ground 3 of the Appellant’s Notice of Appeal. On the substance, the Respondent’s Counsel submitted that the trial Judge properly and thoroughly evaluated the evidence at trial

“The law has now crystallised that, the appropriate avenue to raise any complaint about an extra-judicial statement is at the point of tendering it, whether the complaint is about involuntariness or outright denial of the statement”

afflicted with the incompetence. There is no room for a Respondent to make a Preliminary Point or a Preliminary Observation, short of a duly ventilated Preliminary Objection in the appeal. Having failed to comply with the known or recognised mode of challenging competence of an appeal or any part thereof, the Supreme Court accordingly discountenanced the preliminary point for its failure to comply with the appellate practice and procedure. On the substance, the Apex Court examined the offence and ingredients of robbery which are that (i) there was indeed a robbery or series of robberies; (ii) the robbery was carried out with the threat, or actual use of violence on the victim; (iii) that items of the victim which were capable in law of being stolen, were stolen and (iv) the accused person was the robber or one of the robbers. Their Lordships noted that only the fourth element was in dispute, that is, the identification of the Appellant as one of the robbers. In resolving this issue, the court held that the circumstances of the arrest of the Appellant, coupled with the eyewitness account of PW1, dispelled any conclusion that the Appellant was not one of the robbers who attacked PW1. As such, the contention that the Police officers ought to have conducted an identification parade because the Appellant was not arrested at the scene of the crime was misguided. Similarly, for the contention regarding the contradiction between the testimony of PW1 and PW2, the Supreme Court found that neither of the testimonies invalidated the fact that PW1’s phone was found inside the car that the Appellant was arrested - just a short while after PW1 was robbed. As such, Their Lordships held that the alleged contradiction, did not materially alter the prosecution’s case. For a contradiction to affect the case of the prosecution, it must be one that touches on one of the elements of the offence charged.

before coming to the right decision, and this was affirmed by the Court of Appeal. Regarding the Appellant’s argument for conduct of an identification parade, Counsel for the Respondent referred to the evidence on record wherein the Respondent stated that she recognised the Appellant because she looked at the Appellant’s face out of her habit of looking at people’s faces when taking public transport, and was further aided by the street light when the Appellant and his confederates dropped her along the street. In conclusion, Counsel urged the court to adopt its practice of not interfering with concurrent findings of lowers courts and accordingly dismiss the appeal.

Court’s

Judgement and Rationale

First, the Supreme Court addressed the preliminary point raised by the Respondent, holding that where a Respondent to an appeal is desirous of challenging the competence of an appeal, or of any ground or issue thereof, the proper avenue to do so is to file either a preliminary objection directed against the appeal to terminate the appeal in limine, or a Notice of Motion directed against a ground or an issue alleged to be

Regarding the Appellant’s argument that he had denied making the confessional statement admitted in evidence, the Supreme Court held that the Appellant neither raised the issue of involuntariness nor denial of the statement, when it was tendered by the Respondent. The law has now crystallised that, the appropriate avenue to raise any complaint about an extra-judicial statement is at the point of tendering it, whether the complaint is about involuntariness or outright denial of the statement. On this note, the Supreme Court held that “although the denial of a statement when raised at the point of tendering will not be taken as an objection to the admission of the statement and will not warrant a trial-within-trial or any form of ruling at all, but will be on record and a foundation for the accused person to give further evidence about his connection or lack of same with the statement in his examination in chief during his defence. Otherwise, the accused person will be deemed to have accepted making the statement voluntarily.”- OLUGBEMI v STATE (2023) LPELR-60331(SC). The Appellant in this case failed to raise the objection timeously. Their Lordships held further that, the Appellant’s confessional statement alone was unequivocal and cogent enough to ground the conviction of the Appellant. Consequently, the court resolved the issue for determination against the Appellant, and in favour of the Respondent.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Dr Emeka Akabogu for the Appellant. Ibrahim Lawal for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

Lagos Judiciary Unveils Guidelines on Non- Custodial Sentencing to Tackle Prison Congestion

Stories by Steve Aya

The Lagos State Judiciary has introduced a new Practice Direction on NonCustodial Sentencing, aimed at deepening criminal justice reform and easing the burden of overcrowded correctional centres. The framework, launched in Ikeja, provides uniform guidelines for Judges, Magistrates, Police, and other justice sector agencies, on the application and enforcement of alternative sentencing options such as community service, probation, and fines.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, said the initiative would promote consistency in sentencing and strengthen coordination across institutions. “This compendium has come at

a very appropriate time as a guide to all of us. Judges at all levels, now have the opportunity to bring our pronouncements into uniformity, in accordance with the law”, he noted.

Justice Alogba stressed that proper enforcement of non-custodial measures would benefit both society and justice administration, describing the move as a step

towards a fairer and more efficient system.

The Senior Programme Officer at the MacArthur Foundation, Yvonne DarkwaPoku, commended Lagos for sustaining leadership in criminal justice reform. “To see our grantees take on the hard task of nationwide adoption and implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, including

this compendium being launched today, gives us great hope”, she said.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, represented by the Head of the Legal Department, Charles Akinrosoye, described the framework as vital in addressing persistent prison congestion. “The Command has been involved in prison

audits for over 20 years, and congestion has remained a major issue. This development is therefore very welcome, and we congratulate Lagos State for once again living up to its reputation as a trailblazer”, he said.

The launch which was supported by the MacArthur Foundation and the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative (RULAI/Partners

West Africa Nigeria), drew participation from senior members of the Judiciary, law enforcement, and civil society groups. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the guidelines would improve justice delivery, enhance the credibility of sentencing, and reduce pressure on correctional facilities across Lagos State.

NBA Sues Police Over Tinted Glass Permit Policy, Cites Rights Violations

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force, challenging the controversial tinted glass permit policy introduced earlier this year by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The litigation, instituted through the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), seeks judicial interpretation of the policy, which requires motorists to apply for permits and pay prescribed fees before using vehicles with tinted windows.

Confirming the suit, NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Professor Paul Ananaba, SAN, said the Association was determined to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion. He urged the Police to respect the judicial process, and

suspend enforcement of the policy until the courts make a pronouncement.

The tinted glass directive was first announced in April, with enforcement slated for June 1, but later shifted to October 2. Despite the extension, reports of harassment

Ex-NNPC GM Faces U.S. Sentencing Over $2.1m Bribery Conviction

A U.S. District Court in California has fixed December 1, 2025, for the sentencing of Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), who was convicted of accepting a $2.1 million bribe from a Swiss oil firm.

Okoronkwo, 58, was indicted in January 2024 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California on multiple charges, including three counts of unlawful monetary transactions, one count of tax evasion, and one count of obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors said the former NNPCL executive received $2,105,263 in October 2015 from Addax Petroleum, a Swiss subsidiary of Chinese oil giant Sinopec. The payment, funnelled through his Los Angeles

law firm and presented as consultancy fees, was described by the U.S. Department of Justice as a bribe intended to secure favourable drilling rights in Nigeria. Court filings revealed that Addax executives misrepresented the transaction, misled auditors, and dismissed officials who raised

concerns about the deal.

Okoronkwo allegedly used nearly $1 million of the funds as a down payment for a home in Valencia, California, while failing to declare the income in his 2015 Federal tax return.

In 2022, during a Federal probe, he further obstructed justice by falsely claiming the funds

belonged to a client. After a four-day trial, a jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts.

Judge John F. Walter, who presided over the case, noted that Okoronkwo could face up to 25 years in prison: 10 years each for the unlawful monetary transactions and obstruction of justice, and five years for tax evasion.

Okoronkwo, once a practising Lawyer in Los Angeles’ Koreatown district, is currently out on a $50,000 bond while awaiting sentencing.

The NNPCL dismissed him in 2024 following his indictment, according to former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, who confirmed the Corporation had severed ties with him.

Court Orders British Airways to Pay Nigerian Passenger N53m Over Lost Luggage

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered British Airways to pay N50 million in general damages to a Nigerian passenger, Mr Stephen Osho, for the loss of his luggage and unfair treatment, with an additional N3 million awarded as legal costs.

Delivering judgment on August 21, Justice Ibrahim Kala held that Osho had successfully proven his case that the airline breached its obligations under an international contract of carriage, by failing to deliver

his checked baggage on Flight BA307 from Paris to London on December 2, 2022.

The court found that the airline’s failure caused the passenger undue hardship, inconvenience, and financial loss. “The Plaintiff is entitled to substantial compensation for the distress occasioned by the Defendant’s negligence”, Justice Kala ruled.

British Airways had argued that the mix-up occurred because Osho’s luggage still carried an old Air France tag, which

allegedly contributed to its misplacement. However, Justice Kala dismissed the defence as “weak and unconvincing”, describing it as an afterthought designed to evade liability under Article 17(2) of the Montreal Convention. The Judge further stressed that the airline failed to establish that Osho contributed in any way to the loss, and therefore, could not exonerate itself from responsibility.

Court records show that Osho filed the suit, FHC/L/ CS/1754/2023, on August

31, 2023, and supported his claims with documentary evidence, including his boarding pass and baggage tag BA741520.

In his judgement, Justice Kala concluded that British Airways had failed to meet its burden of proof, and was liable for the passenger’s losses. The ruling adds to the growing number of passenger rights cases in Nigeria, reinforcing the obligations of international carriers to uphold global aviation standards in their operations.

and extortion by Police officers citing the new regulation have continued nationwide.

Critics, including the NBA, argue that the policy infringes on citizens’ rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution. “This is a classic example of administrative overreach that must be tested in court”, a senior NBA official said.

The Association has also faulted the reliance on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, a military decree issued in 1991, insisting that the legislation may not survive constitutional scrutiny in a democratic system.

The case, filed on September 2 before the Federal High Court, Abuja, is registered as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/ CS/182/2025, with the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA as Claimant and the Inspector General of Police as Defendant.

As at press time, the suit had not yet been assigned to a Judge, but observers say the outcome could redefine the balance between law enforcement powers and citizens’ constitutional rights.

Blasphemy Killings: One too Many

The nation has witnessed a spate of senseless ‘religious’ mob killings, as a result of allegations of blasphemy against Islam or the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBuH). The allegations against the victims have sometimes been shown to be false, or have been unsubstantiated, yet, their lives have been taken under gruesome circumstances of stoning and burning to death. examples are Gideon Akaluka and Bridget Agbahime in Kano; Deborah Samuel and Usman Buda in Sokoto; and Amaye, a food seller in Niger State, who all suffered this cruel fate. This unholy practice which is incomprehensible and cannot be defended under any law of the land, has been on the rise since the inception of the Fourth Republic. The prevalence of religious mob justice is in the Northern part of the country, where Sharia Law was adopted following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, and worries have been expressed as to whether the Government is not complicit in these extra-judicial killings. This is because in a number of the incidents, the culprits were either not apprehended, or when they were, they were subsequently let off the hook. For instance, in the case of the mob killing of septuagenarian, Mrs Bridget agbahime, the then Kano State attorney-General entered a Nolle Prosequi, despite the glaring evidence against the accused Persons in the case. In this discourse, Lawyers examine the causes of mob justice in Nigeria, the unconstitutionality of adopting a State religion, and how to stop this barbaric practice. These are the submissions of Kunle Edun, SAN; Jonathan Gunu Taidi, SAN; Ayoade oluwasanmi and Emmanuel onwubiko

Killing in the Name of Religion: Murder of Amanye by a Mob

Kunle Edun, SAN

Introduction

Few days ago, it was reported that a young food vendor named Amanye was burnt to death by a mob in Niger State, on the allegation that she made a blasphemous comment against the Holy Prophet Muhammed. It was also reported that a witness at

the scene stated that a man proposed to the young lady, and her response was considered blasphemous by some people in the area. Before, the security personnel or any form of help could arrive, she had

“All these mob attacks for alleged blasphemy have occurred, since some Northern States introduced Shari’ah Law after the return to democratic rule…. Mob action, does not bring justice….This is not how a just society is built….What it does, is that it creates a perception that some people are above the law and can get away with anything, and causes others to live in fear of being at the end of a mob action”

already been set ablaze. Till this moment, no arrest has been made and considering how similar incidents were handled in the past by government, I doubt if any arrest will be made.

In 2022, a young promising Nigerian student, Deborah Samuel was beaten and burnt alive in public in Sokoto State after being accused of blasphemous comments. Last year, a butcher, Usman Buda was stoned to death in a Northern State under the same circumstances. The recurring incidents of mobs taking people’s lives on allegations of making blasphemous comments against Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammed, is now getting heightened and very concerning. The fact remains that, whenever incidents like this happen, the security agencies seem un-interested in arresting the culprits, and getting justice for the victims of such mob actions. It is therefore, no surprise that in the case of Deborah Samuel, one of the culprits was arrested and charged to court but, it was reported that the charge was later withdrawn and the accused person discharged. Is this how we value life in Nigeria?

A minor argument or disagreement, a refusal to accept a romantic proposal, envy and any other reason may lead to accusations of blasphemy and then instant mob action, which in most cases lead to taking of life,

destruction of properties and a breakdown of law and order. The cheapening of human lives in Nigeria, in the name of religion should be a matter of great concern to governments at all levels. Unfortunately, it does not seem so. The apparent nonchalantness or indifference of government whenever such mob actions occur, actual does more to fuel it, and guess what, the poor are usually the victims.

Islam: A Religion of Peace

Islam is a religion of peace. It is a religion that stresses the importance of social justice, the pursuit of truth and protecting the vulnerable are core attributes of Islam. Islam strongly condemns hostility, but promotes peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance. There is nowhere in the Islamic religion where mob action is sanctioned, or anyone is authorised to carry out death sentence on a person alleged to have blasphemed. Islamic religion and tenets enjoin that whenever accusations are made, same must be properly investigated and go through a due process of law. No one is allowed to make himself the accuser, prosecutor, Judge and enforcer of the sentence. If this is allowed, it will be a clear invitation of chaos that will ultimately lead to a breakdown of law and order, and more death.

In as much as no system or government or

Blasphemy Killings: one too Many

individual should encourage blasphemy of any religion, there are processes that must be followed whenever there are such infractions. It is only a duly constituted court or tribunal that can determine whether a blasphemous statement has been made. This is to prevent a situation where any person who bears grudges against an individual may resort to self-help by accusing a person of making a blasphemous statement, which may later turn out to be not true. In the case of Amanye, no one can actually say what she said that amounted to blasphemy. But, she is now dead, without being heard.

Section39 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, guarantees all Nigerians the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas. In the case of DIN v African Newspapers of (Nig) Ltd (1990) LPELR-947(SC) (Pp. 25 paras. D) the Supreme Court of Nigeria re-echoed this fundamental right when it stated through Karibi-Whyte, JSC (of blessed memory) that

"The right to comment freely on matters of public interest is one of the fundamental rights of free speech guaranteed to the individual in our Constitution. It is so dear to the Nigerian, and of vital importance and relevance to the rule of law which we so dearly treasure for our personal freedom. It is conceded that the right to discuss matters of public concern, does not confer liberty to make defamatory statements; however honestly made". Also see Aviomoh COP & Anor (2014) LPELR-23039(CA) (Pp. 15-17 paras. F).

The killings of Amanye, Deborah Samuel, Usman and others by mobs was jungle justice, and this is unlawful. The duty of the Nigerian government, is to provide for the welfare and security of all Nigerians. Security agencies also have the constitutional duty, to ensure that the lives of all Nigerians are protected and safe from such hazards. They have all failed in this regard as it relates to the murder of Amanye, Deborah, Usman and other victims of religious mob attacks. No Country should allow that, Civil remedies under the law of defamation and libel are available for any aggrieved person to resort to, instead of resorting to jungle justice. This was the admonition of the Supreme Court in the case of Kaza v State (2008) LPELR-1683(SC) (Pp. 66 paras. E) coram Tobi, JSC (blessed memory) that "An accused person cannot, in principle, be convicted without being heard. And what is more, a hearing must be before a judicially recognised adjudicatory body; not a collective body of local persons out to do jungle justice; a kangaroo Court".

Stopping the Menace of Jungle Justice

The menace of jungle justice and efforts to stop it, requires the sincere intervention of governments at all levels. The need for continuous aggressive enlightenment of the local populace not to take laws into their hands and to be tolerant of religious views, should be embarked on. Politicians should also stop playing politics with the lives of Nigerians. Every Nigerian life of all tribes, religions and creed matters. Government should not be selective in its application of the criminal laws, whenever there is an infraction. If the killing of Deborah Samuel had been followed up with the appropriate criminal actions meted to the culprits, probably Amanye, Usman and others would have still been alive. Citizens should be more concerned about the state of their welfare, and how their governments are managing their resources, instead of killing themselves for reasons bordering on religion. The rich in the North, West and East of Nigeria do not quarrel or fight over religious differences, and they still remain the best of friends and business partners. It is always the masses who have been subjugated to suffering, poverty and economic depression, that are always the ones quarrelling over religious differences. The weaponisation of the masses for nefarious purposes, should stop.

I end this piece with the admonition of My Lord, Hon. Justice Adah, J.C.A in Fabiyi v State

(2013) LPELR-21180(CA) (Pp. 48-49

paras. D) where he stated:

"In Nigeria, the maintenance of Law and Order is part of the statutory responsibilities of the Police. It is the civic duty of all the citizens to enhance the flourishing of Law and Order. This therefore, demands that no one takes law into his hands and engage in self help that could lead to a breach of law and order, such as will enthrone or justify jungle justice. The path of civility is the path that gives the citizen the leeway to take his complaints of any assault to his rights to the Police, whose duty it is to investigate such complaints diligently and be convinced that there is the need to move into action before they set out in furtherance of the complaint".

To Amanye, Deborah, Usman and others, who are the unfortunate victims of jungle justice, may their blood help in bringing the much-needed unity and tolerance Nigeria needs. Rest in peace.

Kunle Edun, SAN, Past National Publicity Secretary, NBA

Blasphemy-Labelled Mob Killings in Northern Nigeria

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, SAN

Nigeria has experienced a recurring pattern of mob violence triggered by accusations of “blasphemy,” in Northern States, (notably Sokoto, Kano, Katsina) and most recently, a lynching in Niger State. These incidents are not isolated criminal acts: they operate at the intersection of weak rule-of-law, punitive local statutes, politicised religious enforcement and social-media amplification. The lawenforcement and prosecutorial response, has repeatedly failed to secure accountability: arrests are sometimes made, but prosecutions collapse (prosecutors are often “no-show”), or matters are discontinued via prosecutorial discretion (nolle prosequi), producing an appearance and often the reality of impunity. Amnesty International and HRW document systemic law-enforcement failures that embolden mobs.

The legal architecture (State Sharia provisions and vague “insult to religion” offences), coupled with political incentives to placate conservative constituencies and weak institutional safeguards, create a perverse environment where vigilantism is tolerated and sometimes indirectly enabled. The ECOWAS Community Court has recently found aspects of Kano’s blasphemy law incompatible with regional human-rights obligations.

Overview of Recent Incidents

In Sokoto State on the 12th of May, 2022, a student, Deborah Samuel (Yakubu), was beaten, stoned and burned on campus after a WhatsApp remark was labelled blasphemous. Two suspects were arrested; prosecutions later faltered (charges of incitement/public disturbance; reported non-appearance of prosecution Lawyers were rampant). Rights groups criticised the failure to prosecute. Similarly in Sokoto, June 2023, Usman Buda, a market trader (butcher), was stoned to death in a marketplace after allegations of blasphemy, another episode that attracted international concern about the spread of mob justice.

Several incidences have occurred in other States. For instance, Kano State has seen several blasphemy-related prosecutions (e.g. Yahaya Sharif-Aminu sentenced by a Sharia court in 2020; later appeals and retrials). There are also documented cases where suspects in lynchings were arrested and later freed or acquitted, fuelling the perception of selective justice. As already noted, the ECOWAS court has found parts of the State's blasphemy provisions incompatible with free-expression guarantees.

The most recently reported of these incidents is the Katsina/Niger State scenario. A foodseller known as Ammaye/Amaye (reported as a Katsina resident) was lynched and set on fire in Mariga, Niger State after making allegedly blasphemous remarks; security was overwhelmed and Police say investigations/ arrests are ongoing. This is the latest iteration in a pattern of similar killings.

Root-Cause Analysis

“….a Sokoto butcher, Usman Buda, was stoned to death in a bustling market after an argument spiralled into a blasphemy allegation….This was not an attack on a religious minority— Buda himself was Muslim—underscoring that blasphemy mobs are not “defence of the faith”, but naked lawlessness”

1. Legal enabling environment legitimises “blasphemy” as a criminal category Twelve Northern States operate Sharia courts and retain statutory provisions criminalising insults to religion and tagged as ‘’blasphemy’’ (some provisions prescribe harsh penalties). Worse, vague definitions (what counts as “insult”) create low evidentiary thresholds and politicise enforcement. The ECOWAS court explicitly criticised key Kano provisions, as incompatible with freedom-of-expression obligations. The law becomes a force-multiplier for extra-legal actors, who claim they are enforcing religious norms. Criminal law that singles out “insult to religion”, provides rhetorical cover for mobs and reduces the practical distance between accusation and violent sanction.

2. Operational failure of security and justice institutions → impunity loop Amnesty International documents systematic failures: slow Police response, inability to protect

victims (or overwhelmed units), inadequate investigation, and weak prosecutions (including non-appearance of prosecutors), all of which create an expectation that perpetrators will escape meaningful sanction.

When arrests are made but prosecutions collapse (or the AG’s office discontinues actions), the deterrent effect evaporates and future mobs draw confidence from prior impunity.

3. Prosecutorial/political calculus (nolle prosequi and the appearance of intervention)

The Attorney-General’s constitutional power to institute or discontinue prosecutions (nolle prosequi), is broad and un-reviewable in many practical respects; this is intended for legitimate State reasons (insufficient evidence, public interest). But, its opaque exercise can be weaponised politically, or used to avoid confronting powerful or large constituencies. Legal scholarship warns that, arbitrary use of “nolle prosequi’’ undermines public confidence. Even where courts and Police do their nominal jobs, a late-stage discontinuation can functionally free suspects and signal State tolerance.

4. Quasi-State religious enforcers and community actors

Institutional actors (e.g., State Hisbah/“religious police”, local vigilante elements, influential clerics), often operate in the same ecosystem as formal authorities. They can escalate accusations into mass action, or act as gatekeepers; their ambiguous statutory footing complicates accountability. Cases show Hisbah involvement in arrests and public pressure on Police.

Parallel enforcement structures blur responsibility, and can accelerate and legitimise the transition from accusation to extrajudicial punishment.

5. Social drivers (Information dynamics, demography and political signalling)

Viral videos and mobile messaging radicalise rapid response; unemployed/underemployed youths are often the executing foot soldiers; politicians sometimes avoid strong condemnation, for fear of losing votes or provoking clerical backlash. Analysts point to a broader social-political economy where religious identity is political capital. Rapid social amplification and low social cost, often leads to more frequent and more violent vigilantism.

The “Complicity” Question (Direct vs Structural Complicity)

This is usefully framed as (A) commission, (B) omission, and (C) structural enabling. Commission (direct State collusion): Fewer well-documented instances of active State agents ordering murders; more commonly, non-State actors carry out killings. Direct orders from State leadership, are not the dominant pattern in public reporting. (No credible open-source evidence that Governors or Federal Ministers formally direct lynchings.)

Omission (failure to act/deliberate inaction): Strongly backed by evidence. Patterns include

Blasphemy Killings: one too Many

delayed/weak Police response during attacks, failure to secure suspects, prosecutors failing to appear, and prosecutions discontinued or weakened. Amnesty and HRW highlight these omissions and link them to impunity. The appearance of State non-action often looks like complicity to victims and communities.

Structural enabling (legal and institutional architecture): The clearest, most pervasive form of complicity. When State laws criminalise “insult to religion” ambiguously, and State-recognised religious institutions (like some Hisbah Boards) operate with thin oversight, the State creates an environment where mobs can rationalise violence as enforcement of normative order. The ECOWAS judgement is a juridical recognition, that some State laws are incompatible with human-rights commitments.

In practice, the States implicated show systemic omission and structural enabling, rather than (predominantly) explicit instruction to kill. But, omission and enablement have functionally the same result, which is widespread, low-risk mob violence and inadequate accountability.

Effects: Measured and Normative

Rule-of-law erosion: Victims do not receive protection; perpetrators enjoy de-facto impunity. Human-rights impact: Targeted minorities (religious/ethnic) bear disproportionate costs; chilling effect on freedom of expression and conscience.

Communal polarisation and cycles of reprisal: Attacks spark counter-violence, property destruction, and deepen mistrust.

International legal and reputational consequences: Regional courts and rights bodies have ruled against draconian blasphemy provisions; continued impunity invites diplomatic pressure and potential sanctions.

Practical, Accountable and Workable Remedies

Law and Policy

Immediate legislative reform: Repeal or narrowly re-draft State blasphemy provisions to meet international standards (per ECOWAS judgement) by removing capital or vague penalties; codify higher evidentiary thresholds for any offence touching religion.

Regulate prosecutorial discontinuation: Require the Attorney-General’s office to publish reasoned decisions, when entering nolle prosequi in high-profile or mass-violence cases, and to refer matters for independent review where dismissal appears arbitrary (Statutory/regulatory transparency mitigates abuse).

Justice and Security Operations

Rapid-response protocols for accusation spikes: Dedicate trained rapid-deployment teams (Police and community liaisons) for market/campus flashpoints; standard operating procedures for holding suspects safely.

Professionalise evidence/prosecution chains: Digital forensics for video evidence; witness protection and fast-track prosecution units for mob killings; ensure prosecution counsel are resourced and present.

Institutional accountability

Independent prosecutorial oversight: Strengthen an independent DPP or internal oversight, to audit AG decisions in systemic mob cases (not to remove constitutional AG power, but to create checks on opaque exercise).

Oversight of religious enforcement actors: Clarify the statutory limits of Hisbah and similar bodies; require registration, code of conduct, and accountability channels (disciplinary tribunals; parliamentary review).

Social Measures

Clerical & community engagement: Fund interfaith rapid-response peace committees and

train Imams/Priests to publicly denounce extrajudicial violence; tie clerical incentives (e.g. community grants) to public-order commitments.

Counter-misinformation campaign: Platform takedowns, verified rapid-response rebuttals, and local media literacy to blunt viral accusation dynamics.

Civil Society and International Legal aid for victims’ families: Provide pro bono prosecution support; civil suits where criminal justice fails.

Use of regional mechanisms: Pursue/ remind States of ECOWAS obligations, and use the Court’s rulings as leverage for domestic reform.

Conclusion

name of Amaye was burnt by a mob in Kasuwan-Garba area of Niger State. Her offence? She was allegedly attacked and killed for the offence of blaspheming the Prophet Muhammed.

However, according to a BBC News report on the incident, eyewitnesses claim she was attacked for another reason altogether. According to the news report, eyewitnesses told local media that a man proposed to her. Her response to the marriage proposal, was allegedly considered blasphemous by those who heard it. She was lynched and burnt to death, before the Police could rescue her. According to the Police, they are conducting their investigations, and the perpetrators of the heinous crime will be brought to book and prosecuted. I personally won’t hold my breath at the possibility of the perpetrators being arrested, let alone prosecuted.

Similar Incidents

The pattern, where mob killing is frequently disguised as punishing “blasphemy”, is predictable and preventable; vague laws, political caution and shaky policing engenders recurring mob murder. The practical fix requires coordinated legal reform (which includes the removal or clarification of blasphemy offences); operational upgrades (Police/prosecution capacity and transparency on nolle); and social interventions (engagement with religious leadership an rapid counter-misinformation). Without systemic change, each new lynching reinforces the impunity equilibrium and risks cascading communal violence.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, SAN, former General Secretary, NBA

Blasphemy, Human Nature and a Lack of Justice

Ayoade Oluwasanmi

Background

According to news reports, on Saturday the 30th of August, 2025, a food vendor by the

“On June 21, 2025, the ECOWAS Court of Justice held that Kano State’s Sharia Penal Code provisions criminalising blasphemy violate the African Charter and ICCPR, ordering their repeal and finding that blasphemy is not a permissible restriction on freedom of expression”

According to an online BBC News report of the incident, there have been several incidents of this nature, where people have been accused of blasphemy leading to a mob attack and their eventual death at the hands of the mob.

We all remember the story of the late Deborah Samuel who was accused of uttering blasphemous statements in 2022, and was attacked and killed by a mob in Sokoto. Then last year, a butcher by the name of Usman Bodo was killed also in Sokoto, using the excuse of him having made blasphemous statements. A quick Google search will reveal other instances. In 2016, a Christian teacher was murdered by a religious mob in Bauchi State, for confiscating a Quran. The incident resulted in the deaths of over 20 Christians, and the burning of churches. In 2007 in Kano State, nine Christians were attacked and killed and churches and homes were burnt, after some children allegedly drew a picture of Prophet Muhammed. In 2012, a riot occurred in Bichi, Kano State due to allegations of blasphemous statements made against certain individuals. All these mob attacks for alleged blasphemy have occurred, since some Northern States introduced Shari’ah Law after the return to democratic rule.

Philosophy

Thomas Hobbes was a 17th century English philosopher, who was one of the proponents of the social contract theory of government. According to him, individuals give up some of their God-given rights and freedoms to a sovereign in exchange for order and security, because life in its natural state would otherwise be poor, nasty, brutish and short.

John Locke, another English philosopher born in the 17th century and another proponent of the social contract theory posited that the social contract is the agreement people have to form a government in order to protect their rights to life, liberty and freedom which

are inherent in every person and not given by government. He also believed that people gave up some of those rights and in return, they could expect protection. He however, believed that the people had a right to overthrow tyrannical governments. Therefore, both men believed that the people gave us some rights to a government in return for security, peace and order. All over the world, there is a crisis of confidence in institutions such as marriage, religion and government. People have different reasons as to why this is. While I do not intend to go into a dissertation on the reasons for this, one common thread runs through them all. While we believe that these institutions were given to us by God, they are all run, controlled and administered by human beings. While these institutions were given to us for the regulation of life and society and to ensure our happiness, human beings by their actions have somehow managed to ruin things. This has in turn, broken people’s faith in these institutions. The desire for money, sex, control and power by those entrusted with the leadership of these institutions has resulted in people turning their backs on these institutions, and doing as they please to the detriment of society at large. While the lack of faith in these institutions could be attributed to factors unique to each institution, the two common factors that lead to the erosion of trust in all of them is a lack of transparency on the part of the leaders, and a failure by these leaders to hold themselves and others accountable.

Government: Corruption and Lack of Accountability

Most Nigerians believe those in government are corrupt, and appropriate government funds to themselves. A lot of Nigerians know people who went into government as normal, ordinary, everyday people who at times struggled to pay their house rent or children’s school fees. Then these same people left government afterwards, as multimillionaires or even billionaires. We have all seen or heard the stories about the trials of former Governors, accountant generals and other high profile government officials by the EFCC, ICPC and other agencies and bodies. There are hardly any that have either been punished or punished sufficiently in people’s eyes, for the act of being corrupt while in office. Therefore, there is the sense that there is a lack of justice, and that people are not being held accountable. There is also a lack of transparency on the part of government, as to why people are not been held accountable.

Where those who are considered as elites are not being held accountable on whatever issue, it creates a sense of resentment on the part of the rest of the populace. What follows thereafter, when people feel there is no justice in the land, is that people do not trust governmental institutions and they take the law into their own hands and mete punishment, not on those government officials, but on their fellow citizens who are not part of the

Blasphemy Killings: one too Many

elites, for any perceived offence. Their wrongdoing in this instance, then gives the government the opportunity to mete out punishment to those who have used government’s failure to hold people accountable as an excuse to carry out crimes. Most times, government fails at this too. Why?

The aim of government, is implementing policies that will benefit the greatest number of people. However, because government is made up of people, a lot of times, those in power are moved by other considerations other than the good of the people. For instance, most times they are moved by self-interest. Those in government want to perpetuate themselves in power and win elections by any means necessary, so they can continue to have access to the people’s commonwealth while in power and hold on to their elite, untouchable status when they leave government. One of the ways they do this, is by seeking to use any means to control the people. They exert control by using the media, religious, tribal or thought leaders or what other instruments make themselves available for use. When one lives in a dysfunctional society that is highly illiterate like Nigeria, at times, unfortunately, these leaders are those people look to for guidance as to what is right or wrong, instead of the laws or government. Therefore, because these leaders are in cahoots with the government with the aim of controlling the people for their own reasons, at times, these leaders excuse wrongdoing by the people, because they know a large swathe of the population are in support of the wrong act done. They do not want to lose their control over the people, so they refuse to condemn the wrong actions of the people and look for reasons to justify them. In turn, they put pressure on those in government to not hold anyone accountable as this would erode their popularity and standing with the people who are sadly in support of the wrong act. Therefore, because government feels beholden to these leaders as the ones who help to keep them in power, offenders are allowed to go scot-free. Hence, sadly the cycle continues. A country where there is no accountability or transparency in governance, especially in the justice system, will always be susceptible to mob action, and leads to the unravelling of the social contract. According to the online BBC News article, the Supreme Court has previously said that cases of blasphemy must be proven in court. True justice is said to be built on two pillars. The two pillars are encapsulated in two Latin maxims. The first is, Nemo judex in causa sua which translated means "You cannot be a judge in your own case". The other Latin maxim is, Audi alterem partem which means "You must hear both sides". Mob action totally negates these two principles of justice. Hence, mob action is not justice. Again, there must be justice for the accused and justice for the accuser, for there to be true justice. Government needs to uphold its part of the social contract, and protect people’s lives, liberty and property.

Conclusion

Mob action, does not bring justice. It only makes the accuser feel good, that he or she has taken the law into their own hands. This is not how a just society is built. No society can thrive, in this way. What it does, is that it creates a perception that some people are above the law and can get away with anything, and causes others to live in fear of being at the end of a mob action. It also only encourages the vicious cycle to continue, as some will believe that is the only way to get justice. Neither the government nor the people, should support or encourage this.

Nigerians need to raise their voices and demand for transparency and accountability from the government, regardless of whoever is affected.

“Make

Also, come election time, Nigerians also need to elect people with good values, especially those with a track record of integrity and a vision for the good of the people, into positions of authority in government, or the vicious cycle will continue or probably get worse.

Ayoade Oluwasanmi, Partner, Gbenga Biobaku & Co., Author of Lost, But Found; Let Me Love You and The African Prince (How to Get Power, Hold on to It, and (Mis-) Use It in Africa), a Satire about governance in Africa

Rise of Blaphemy Killings in Nigeria

Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko

killings have remained unresolved by the law enforcement agencies and the justice sector in Nigeria, due to inherent compromises on the altar of religious sentiments and loyalty to individual religious ideologies as against compliance to the rule of law, Nigerians of different religious affinity are free everywhere but in reality are in chains. Life in some parts of Nigeria, most especially in Northern Nigeria, has become short, brutish, uninteresting, and intolerably harsh, because the mobs who see themselves as the defenders of their religion, have been let loose to do according to their whims and caprices.

that accusers reframed as “blasphemy.” The suspects were arrested and arraigned. Then, in a move that still stings the conscience, the Kano State Attorney-General entered a nolle prosequi—a formal notice of discontinuance—freeing the accused. Outrage rang across Nigeria, because the message to would-be lynch mobs was unmistakable: even when Police do their job, politics may erase accountability.

Katsina has its own scars. In July 2023, national and international media again reported a blasphemy-linked mob killing, feeding a grim ledger of similar incidents across the Northwest and North-East. The picture is tragically consistent: rumours in a market; a shout of “blasphemy!”; then, instead of the rule of law, the rule of the loudest and most violent.

There is no gainsaying the existential fact that Nigeria, a Country which in Section 10 of her Constitution or the Grundnorm is identified as a secular State, by virtue of the clear prohibition of the recognition of any religion as a State religion, is however, bedevilled and confronted by the hydraheaded monster of the confusion between the strict application of the laws of the country, and the contradiction of the State officials paying Supreme loyalty to their religious sentiments.

This scenario of clearly seeing government officials preferring to adore their religious sensibilities, rather than give their absolute loyalty to the nation's Constitution and the extant laws, is demonstrated in the lackadaisical attitudes of heads of security agencies that allow for religious fanatics to always have their way in enforcing their brute force, and the primitive dastardly act of mob killings of citizens whom they arbitrarily perceived to have committed blasphemy particularly against the religion of Islam.

And, because these cases of blasphemy

accountability visible and inevitable…. Draw a bright line around nolle prosequi…. Civic and religious leadership, must preach law. Sermons and civic education, need not become culture-wars….anger is not a defence to murder….When a rumour of “blasphemy” erupts, true leaders calm crowds and steer them toward the courts, not the petrol can”

Blasphemy related killings in Nigeria have therefore, constituted a serious epidemic that must be treated to a satisfactory and legitimate conclusion, and the way to do that is to adhere strictly to the due process of the law and follow the rule of law, not the rule of the disorderly religious mobs.

Distressing Acceleration in Mob Justice

As aforementioned, it is historically correct to state that, in the last decade—and with distressing acceleration in the past few years—Nigeria has been scorched by a pattern of mob violence sparked by allegations of “blasphemy.” The script is numbingly familiar: an accusation (often contested, often trivial, frequently sparked by ordinary disputes) spreads in minutes; a crowd gathers; stones, sticks, and petrol appear; and a human being is extinguished in a frenzy of presumed piety. Police too often arrive late, or are overwhelmed; arrests, if any, wither into silence; and the cycle begins again. This is not merely a public-order problem. It is a direct assault on the Nigerian Constitution, on our courts, on our plural democratic identity, and on God’s gift of life itself.

Think of the names that have become shorthand, for this national shame. In Sokoto, on 12 May, 2022, college student Deborah Samuel was lynched and burned, after classmates accused her of “blasphemy” in a WhatsApp group. The murder shocked the world; yet, the justice that followed was halting and painfully incomplete. Rights monitors and analysts cautioned that impunity would encourage repetition—and they were right.

A year later, on 25 June, 2023, a Sokoto butcher, Usman Buda, was stoned to death in a bustling market after an argument spiralled into a blasphemy allegation. He died in daylight, in public, among fellow traders; rights groups documented how weak deterrence feeds the boldness of mobs. This was not an attack on a religious minority—Buda himself was Muslim—underscoring that blasphemy mobs are not “defence of the faith”, but naked lawlessness.

In Kano, the tragedy bears a particularly bitter legal aftertaste. On 2 June, 2016, Mrs Bridget Agbahime, a Christian trader, was killed in Kofar Wambai market after a quarrel

And, most recently, Niger State: in August 2024, a mob in the Suleja area beat a man to death after an allegation of blasphemy. The Niger incident is crucial for what it reveals about proximity: this was at the nation’s capital’s doorstep. If lynch mobs can snuff out life within commuting distance of Abuja, then no one should pretend this is a “far-away” problem. Reports detailed how quickly the crowd formed, how Police failed to deter the violence, and how the language of religious outrage became a license for murder.

The Constitution, Laws and International Charters

To be clear: no Nigerian law permits a crowd to try, convict, and kill. In the North, the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act defines culpable homicide and punishes intentional killing with death; any member of a lynch mob who participates in killing is, in law, a murderer, not a “defender of the faith.” Section 221 is unambiguous: culpable homicide is punishable with death. The idea that religious feeling can mitigate an unlawful killing, is a fiction our courts do not recognise. Nor can “blasphemy” be invoked as an all-purpose gag on life and liberty. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, and our 1999 Constitution (as amended) enshrines the fundamental rights that mob justice destroys: Section 33 protects the right to life; Section 34 prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment; Section 36 guarantees fair hearing; Section 38 secures freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and Section 39 secures freedom of expression. These clauses are not decorative. They are binding commands to Government—and by extension, to every agent of the State—to protect, not to shrink from, those under threat. When Police allow a crowd to snatch suspects from their custody—as in the Bauchi case of Talle Mai Ruwa, dragged out of a Police outpost in 2021 and burned to death—State failure is not incidental; it is causal. International law points the same way. Nigeria is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In General Comment No. 34, the UN Human Rights Committee states

Blasphemy Killings: one too Many

plainly that prohibitions on displays of lack of respect for a religion, including blasphemy laws, are incompatible with the Covenant, except in the narrow case of incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence under Article 20(2). Put differently: the ICCPR protects people, not ideas; it protects believers, not beliefs, from violence and persecution. Using “blasphemy” as a catch-all to punish mere dissent, flips human-rights logic on its head.

Critically, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights—which Nigeria domesticated as Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004—is part of our municipal law. In Abacha v Fawehinmi (2000), the Supreme Court affirmed that the domesticated Charter has real force in our courts. The Charter reinforces rights to life, dignity, fair trial, conscience, and expression. Mob killings annihilate each of these.

Recent jurisprudence has also moved decisively against “blasphemy” provisions that criminalise expression. On June 21, 2025, the ECOWAS Court of Justice held that Kano State’s Sharia Penal Code provisions criminalising blasphemy violate the African Charter and ICCPR, ordering their repeal and finding that blasphemy is not a permissible restriction on freedom of expression. That landmark judgement does two things: it underscores that international and regional human-rights standards are not abstract; and it deprives political leaders of the excuse that “our local law” compels the punishment of speech. It doesn’t—and cannot—when higher binding norms say otherwise.

So, what is driving these illegal killings? The causes are layered:

First, impunity. When the Kano Attorney-General entered nolle prosequi in the Agbahime case, a public lesson was taught—that even in high-profile murders, political discretion can erase prosecutions. The Attorney-General’s powers under Sections 174 and 211 of the Constitution to institute, take over, or discontinue criminal proceedings (the last, by entering nolle prosequi) are real; the Supreme Court in State v Ilori (1983) recognised their breadth. But, they are not a license to undermine justice. The Constitution itself makes clear that those powers must be exercised in the public interest, in the interests of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process. Where nolle is used to free accused murderers without persuasive public reasons, it erodes deterrence and signals to mobs that the State’s zeal to protect life is negotiable.

Second, weaponised rumour and failure of first responders. Many of these killings erupt from arguments over money, trade, or personal slights that suddenly acquire a religious gloss. In several cases, victims were in Police custody and still “rescued” by mobs—an unforgivable lapse that transforms Police stations into waypoints on a march to murder. The Bauchi case of Talle Mai Ruwa is a textbook example.

Third, a misreading of faith that confuses vengeance with reverence. The Qur’an and the Bible are both replete with injunctions to justice, patience, and the sanctity of life; yet, time and again, “defenders of the faith” torch a body and broadcast the spectacle. That is not religion; it is idolatry of rage.

Fourth, legal ambiguity exploited by extremists. Some Northern State codes still maintain “blasphemy-like” offences, and while ECOWAS has now condemned such provisions, local officials sometimes invoke them to placate crowds. The result is perverse: the more government signals that “blasphemy” is a crime, the more crowds feel empowered to execute it themselves, pre-empting any trial.

Fifth, political cowardice. Elected leaders sometimes issue sterile condemnations, then retreat, calculating that firm prosecutions will cost votes. But, it is not “leadership” to hide behind crowds. It is abdication.

To those who say, “But you cannot deny that insulting a Prophet or trampling on a faith

“….detain

wounds public peace”, the answer is that our law already addresses incitement to violence and disorder without criminalising dissent or authorising murder. The question is not whether we value religious harmony—we do. The question is whether we will defend harmony, by law or by lynch mob.

The path out is legal, institutional, and moral

One: Make accountability visible and inevitable. Every blasphemy-linked lynching must be investigated as murder under the Penal Code; accomplices, abettors, and funders must be charged. Prosecutors should start from culpable homicide punishable with death, and proceed without fear or favour. Where Police failed to protect detainees, internal disciplinary processes should be swift and public. Naming and shaming is not enough; convictions must follow.

Two: Draw a bright line around nolle prosequi. The Attorney-General’s discretion exists to vindicate the public interest, not to compromise it. State v Ilori affirms the breadth of the power—but, its rationale is justice, not convenience. Where there is credible evidence of homicide by a mob, discontinuance should be exceptional. Attorneys-General who enter nolle in such cases should issue reasoned, public statements rooted in the constitutional criteria; without transparency, the power corrodes the rule of law. Legal scholarship across Nigeria has urged reform—guidelines, legislative oversight hearings, and a culture of judicial review when nolle appears to be deployed in bad faith.

Three: Repeal and replace “blasphemy” offences. The ECOWAS Court ruling against Kano’s blasphemy provisions is a watershed; States should comply, revising their laws to target true incitement (as defined by international standards) rather than protecting ideas from criticism. The UN’s General Comment 34 should be domesticated in training for Magistrates, Prosecutors, and Police.

Four: Harden the front line—Police stations and patrols. No mob should again pry open a station door to “retrieve” a suspect. Commands must adopt crowd-control protocols tailored to blasphemy flashpoints: rapid reinforcement, secure transfer of detainees, and evidence-preserving video. Where Police lack manpower, Governors owe them the resources—and the political backing—to

the ringleaders, charge them properly, resist pressure to abandon the case, and argue it to conviction... Every time a crowd kills in the name of God, it insults God and mutilates the Republic. Every time the State blinks, it invites the next atrocity”

prevent “rescue” lynchings. The Bauchi debacle should never repeat.

Five: Civic and religious leadership, must preach law. Sermons and civic education, need not become culture-wars. They should stress what every honest Imam and Pastor already knows: anger is not a defence to murder; faith does not fear debate; and Nigeria’s Constitution binds us all, Muslim and Christian, believer and sceptic. When a rumour of “blasphemy” erupts, true leaders calm crowds and steer them toward the courts, not the petrol can.

Six: Support victims’ families and protect witnesses. Mobs do not merely kill; they intimidate anyone who might identify them. Confidential hotlines, relocation options, and witness-protection funds are essential, if prosecutors are to prove cases beyond reasonable doubt.

There is a deeper argument here about the kind of country we are struggling to become. Section 10 of the Constitution prohibits the adoption of a State religion. But, that is not a sterile secularism. It is a recognition that the public space belongs to all, and that the State may not pick a faith—or an interpretation within a faith—and elevate it above the rights of citizens. When a mob claims to enforce doctrine by fire, it is, in effect, attempting to supplant the State and its courts. Tolerating that is not “respect” for religion; it is a capitulation to theocracy by street decree.

Some will object that the Sharif-Aminu case (the 2020 Kano musician sentenced to death by a Sharia court for a song) shows that “blasphemy” has legal pedigree. It does not—not anymore. That sentence was later set aside and retrial ordered on procedural grounds, and the ECOWAS Court has since declared such blasphemy offences incompatible with Nigeria’s binding human-rights commitments. The lesson is not that we cannot regulate speech; it is that we must regulate it within constitutional and international limits—penalising only the narrow category of incitement to violence or discrimination, not mere offence to religious feelings.

If the jurisprudence still feels abstract, return to the grim concreteness of Niger, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, and Bauchi. In Bauchi, the mob dragged Talle Mai Ruwa from a Police station, pooled money to buy petrol, and burned him while chanting. In Sokoto, Usman Buda was killed amid traders and stalls—no judge, no jury. In Kano, Bridget Agbahime was slain, and her alleged killers walked when nolle prosequi was entered. In Niger, a man was beaten to death within reach of the Federal capital. These are not isolated meteor strikes; they are connected failures—of policing, prosecution, politics, and public ethic.

There is also a cautionary comparative lesson. Scholars and rights bodies show

that blasphemy laws are counter-productive; they attract false accusations to settle scores, embolden violent actors, and chill legitimate debate. The UN’s General Comment 34 captured this hard-won insight after decades of global experience: you do not secure public order by criminalising disrespect for ideas; you secure it by protecting people from violence and only sanctioning speech that truly incites harm. Nigeria’s multi-religious reality demands nothing less. Finally, a word about courage. Politicians often say, “We condemn the killing”, and then, when the cameras are off, ask security chiefs to “avoid escalation”. That is the opposite of leadership. Leadership is escalation in defence of the Constitution: detain the ringleaders, charge them properly, resist pressure to abandon the case, and argue it to conviction. Leadership is telling every community that, if a rumour of blasphemy arises, the only lawful destination is a courtroom—and that any attempt to deliver “instant justice” will be treated, instantly, as murder.

We are not helpless. Our Constitution, our Penal Code, our courts, our regional obligations, and our moral tradition all point in the same direction: protect life, punish murder, and preserve a civic space where we can disagree, even deeply, without lighting a match. The choice is not between reverence and rights; it is between law and lawlessness. Every time a crowd kills in the name of God, it insults God and mutilates the Republic. Every time the State blinks, it invites the next atrocity.

On behalf of citizens of conscience—and in fidelity to the oath sworn by those who govern—I call for immediate, visible steps:

Announce and publish charging decisions in all pending blasphemy-linked killings within 30 days, with timelines for trial. Issue binding prosecutorial guidelines that limit nolle prosequi to transparent, exceptional circumstances in homicide cases; where nolle is entered, publish the reasons.

Table State-level Bills to repeal “blasphemy” offences and replace them with narrow, ICCPRcompliant incitement provisions.

Equip and audit Police commands in known flashpoints, with specific metrics: response times, station hardening, and anti-mob drills.

Fund witness protection and victim support, in lynching cases; without witnesses, no law can stand.

Do these things, and we begin to break the cycle. Fail again, and the next name— another Deborah, another Bridget, another Usman, another anonymous trader on a hot afternoon—will be added to a roll of the dead that indicts us all.

Nigeria is better than a crowd with stones. Our law already says so. It is time our leaders, and all of us, did too.

Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, Founder, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA); former National Commissioner, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 04 September 2025, unless otherwise stated.

NECA Champions Business, Digital Economy at Africa Employers’ Summit

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association will be part of a summit hosted by the Federation of Kenya Employers, BUSINESS Africa Employers’ Confederation, International Labour Organization (ILO) & the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and meant to champion business growth and digital economy in the continent.

This high-level event brings together business leaders, policymakers, and global experts to shape the future of work in Africa. The Summit is the premium gathering of Employers

in Africa and arguably the biggest investment and networking platform for all African nations.

Speaking at the summit, the President of NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, mni, noted that African businesses need to continue to innovate in order to reposition for the ever changing workplace.

Also speaking at the Summit, the DirectorGeneral, NECA, Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde stated that digital economy and skills development will be a fundamental factor in driving enterprise sustainability and competitiveness. Governments across Africa must be deliberate

and focused on providing a hospitable environment for digital entrepreneurs to thrive.

Key takeaways at the opening ceremony include the need for African businesses to take advantage of its comparative advantage to drive growth and sustainable development; the imperative to upscale the conversation on productivity through focused and strategic vocational training interventions and the need to proactively leverage the opportunities of the platform economy through growthfocused legislations and regulations for the greater good of Africa.

Professionals Charged to Upskill for Career Growth

Amid concern over skills mismatch between workforce abilities and market demands, Shekinah Institute is setting out to bridge the gap through its leadership camp initiative.

The organisers stated that the exercise themed ‘Vision Methodology Workshop’ would sharpen career foresight, and equip professionals with proven strategies to accomplish their goals. Lead facilitator, Dr. Abbey Adenigba stated that evolving workforce demands urgent upskilling, noting

that many professionals lacked essential practical, digital, and critical thinking expertise to thrive.

Economically too, report estimates that the country loses around $14 billion to skills gap annually.

“The need to scale up in one’s career cannot be overemphasised. Leaders who want to thrive must embrace foresight, innovation, and methodology that position them for global relevance,” he said.

He added that beyond training session, the camp offers an opportunity for

participants to unleash leadership potential and step into New Year with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

He encouraged professionals to join the programme, assuring that first 20 registrants will get a discount in demonstration of the institute’s priority to make the programme accessible.

“Participants will also receive Continuing Development Programme (CDP) certificates, making the camp not only transformational but also professionally rewarding,” he stated.

KCHAqua Consortium Holds Meeting with Aba Drug Market Leaders

The management of KCHAqua consortium, a construction, infrastructure, and property development firm, held a meeting with the leadership of drug markets in Aba, the commercial city of the Abia State to foster collaboration.

The Head of Media and Communications of the consortium, Chigbu Nwaobia, said in a statement that the meeting was called by management to inform off-takers who are

major stakeholders about the approval granted it by the Abia State Government for the execution of project and keep them abreast with the way forward.

In his remarks at the meeting, former Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Abia State chapter, Chief Victor Amuta, said it was cherry news for drug marketers to be operating in a regulated environment because it confers legitimacy to their businesses.

Amuta, however, emphasised that the federal government through the National Agency for Foods and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is determined to end open drug market in Nigeria, and urge the drug marketers to take advantage of the opportunity to align with government policy on pharmaceutical products marketing by identifying with the project.

Lagos Commends Fir’s Milestone in Tackling Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Lagos State Government has commended the management of Alaro City in their recent delivery of additional 48 apartments to new home owners bringing the total to 200 units in one year within the Lekki Free Zone.

Speaking at the third handover of keys to new homeowners in Alaro City recently, the Commissioner for Housing, Lagos State,

Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, commended Alaro City’s immense work in tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit.

For the Managing Director of Alaro City and Chairman, West Africa for Rendeavour, Yomi Ademola, Alaro City, in partnership with Universal Homes, has officially completed the third handover of keys to homeowners, delivering another 48 apartments at Universal One.

“Delivering 200 homes

in such a short time reflects not only the demand for quality housing but also the confidence people have in our vision of building a truly integrated city,” Ademola said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mrs. Kaosarat Folasade AmbroseMedebem, said that “the synergy between residential and industrial development in Alaro City affirmed its role as a magnet for global investment and local economic growth.”

Stock Market Adds N262bn on Demand for Transcorp Power, 40 Others

KayodeTokede

Following the demand for Transcorp Power Plc and 40 others, the stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday began the new trading week on a positive note as investors’ investments rose by N262 billion

As Transcorp Power appreciated by 9.60 per cent

to close at N314 per share, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index up by 227.68 basis points or 0.24 per cent to close at 96,205.85 basis points from 138,980.01 basis points it closed for trading last week

Also, market capitalisation appreciated by N262 billion to close at N88.199 trillion from N87.937 trillion it opened for trading this week.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 41 stocks gained relative to 18 losers. PZ Cussons Nigeria and University Press emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent each to close at N35.20 and N5.50 respectively, while Ellah Lakes followed with a gain of 9.94 per cent to close at N14.27, per share.

Legend Internet rose by

9.90 per cent to close at N5.44, while NCR Nigeria advanced by 9.84 per cent to close at N13.95, per share. On the other side, Industrial & Medical Gases Nigeria, Nigerian Enamelware, Thomas Wyatt Nigeria and Union Dicon Salt led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent each to close at N33.30, N35.10, N2.70 and N10.80 respectively, per share.

Academy Press followed with a decline of 9.95 per cent each to close at N8.60, while Eterna declined by 9.36 per cent to close at N31.00, per share.

The total volume of trade decreased by 47.50 per cent to 947.871 million units, valued at N17.972 billion and exchanged in 36,036 deals. Transactions in the shares of FCMB Group led the activity with 460.949 million

FEaturEs

The Carnage at Darajamal and a Nation’s Debt to Its Soldiers

On September 5, 2025, Darajamal in Borno State was thrown into mourning when ISWAP fighters stormed the resettled community, killing more than 50 villagers in a night of terror. Yet, amid the carnage, Nigerian soldiers stood as a shield, fighting through an ambush to save hundreds of others from certain death. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that while five of the soldiers paid the ultimate price, their sacrifice has etched a permanent debt in the nation’s conscience, carrying both grief and gratitude for the heroes who refused to let the resettled community be erased

Darajamal in Borno State had been a symbol of resilience. Only months earlier, displaced families had resettled in the community after years in camps scattered across Maiduguri and neighbouring towns. With the support of different rehabilitation programmes, villagers began planting crops, rebuilding huts, and sending their children back to school. For many, it was the first taste of normal life after nearly a decade of running from conflict.

Night of Terror

But on Friday, September 5, 2025, that fragile peace was shattered. Fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) stormed the village in a ferocious night raid that turned joy into terror.

The terrorists arrived at about 8pm, descending on Darajamal in large numbers. They came on motorcycles, guns blazing, their mission clear: to wipe out the community in one night.

House by house, they moved in a calculated slaughter. By the time the first bursts of gunfire subsided, more than 50 innocent civilians, including children, women, the elderly, and even the men, had been gruesomely killed.

Rescue Operation

For survivors who fled into the bush either alone or clutching loved ones, they prayed desperately for rescue of any sort before the danger could reach them. While the call for help was swift, and the response was said to have been even swifter.

Troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component had mobilised towards Darajamal but unbeknownst to them, the terrorists had carefully planned an ambush, expecting to overwhelm the Army before it could reach the villagers.

What followed was a fierce battle that tested courage, training, and sacrifice as the soldiers courageously pushed their way into the heart of the village despite the heavy fire. For some of the survivors who recounted their ordeal, the soldiers stood between them and death as they tried their best to resist the heavy gunfire from the terrorists.

While scores of terrorists were neutralised in the clash, others fled into the forest but not before they had caused pain and anguish for the resilient people of Darajamal. With the resistance from the Army, Darajamal was saved from being completely overrun.

The Price of Victory

But that victory came at a painful cost. Five gallant soldiers of the 151 Battalion laid down their lives in defence of Darajamal when the battalion refused to retreat despite the assault by the terrorists.

In a statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience, and tactical discipline. He expressed condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and civilians who lost their lives, assuring Nigerians that the Army remained unwavering in its mission to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity.

“Those we lost will never be forgotten,” the Army Chief said. “Their sacrifice is the price of our survival and the foundation of

our future peace.”

A Mix of Grief and Gratitude

For the survivors, it’s been a mix of gratitude and grief: the former for surviving and the latter for the loved ones lost.

Already, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, alongside senior military officials, visited Darajamal to console families and assess the destruction while Humanitarian agencies quickly deployed to the area, offering food, medical care, and psychosocial support.

Undoubtedly, the scars, whether physical and emotional will take years to heal. Still, amid the ruins, Darajamal endures because the people understand that they live because soldiers fought, and some died.

Amidst the Sorrows, a Glimmer of Hope

While the Darajamal tragedy underscored the immense sacrifices made by the Nigerian Army, yet in the days that followed, it became clear that the fight against terror is not all doom and despair. Across different theatres

of operation, the Army has recorded significant successes that demonstrate its enduring resilience and effectiveness.

On September 6, 2025, troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with the Defence Special Operations Force and the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched a major offensive in Pauwa village, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The joint force encountered terrorists entrenched on Pauwa Hill, sparking a fierce firefight. Supported by aerial intelligence and artillery fire, troops neutralised 23 terrorists and rescued 26 captives (12 women and 11 children) among them. The operation also led to the recovery of five motorcycles, spare parts, food supplies, and other logistics, which were destroyed on the spot to deny the terrorists any future advantage.

On the same day, four family members of ISWAP/JAS fighters, two women and two children, surrendered to troops of 192 Battalion in Gwoza, Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that they had fled from Lekshe village. They remain in custody for profiling and

possible reintegration.

In Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of 19 Brigade arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier attempting to move items from Cross Kauwa to Dawoshi village. Recovered from him were a mobile phone, wristwatch, N55,000 in cash, and other items. He remains in custody.

In Adamawa State, troops of 232 Battalion raided a criminal hideout in Muva village, Mubi North Local Government Area, arresting five suspected thieves and drug peddlers. They have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution.

The Army’s vigilance also extended to the Federal Capital Territory. Troops of 102 Guards Battalion at Dei-Dei Quick Response Group arrested three suspects involved in phone snatching and related crimes around Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Zuba. Recovered items included four mobile phones and a smart watch. The suspects have been handed to the police for further action.

Meanwhile, troops on patrol in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State rescued three kidnapped locals after engaging terrorists near Shaiskawa village. The swift action prevented the victims from being taken deeper into the forests.

A Nation’s Debt to Its Soldiers

Although Darajamal is still mourning, it is also standing tall in gratitude as it witnessed both the worst of human cruelty and the finest of human courage. To them, the soldiers who fell in Darajamal are more than statistics.

Meanwhile, the victories recorded across Katsina, Borno, Adamawa, and the FCT are also not just operational tallies, but they are testaments to a military that refuses to relent despite the challenges as these coordinated operations highlight not only the Nigerian Army’s tactical adaptability but also its commitment to the government to make communities safer.

In the end, Darajamal’s survival is Nigeria’s survival. And the story of that silent night of horror turning into a dawn of heroes reminds us of one unshakable truth that while peace is costly, it is won by the bravery of those willing to pay the ultimate price for the nation they swore to protect.

ECOWAS Expands Anti-trafficking Response to Address GBV, Violence Against Children

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and e

r egional

e sther Oluku

Focal institutions against trafficking in persons across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have begun implementation of an expanded framework to address anti-trafficking and other related crimes such as Gender Based Violence (GBV) and violence against children.

This was the action point of the 17th Annual Review Meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Network of National Focal Institutions against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNN—TIP+) which began in Lagos, on

Monday.

The 5-day long meeting aimed to assess the implementation of antitrafficking measures across member states, address root causes of trafficking, examine rehabilitation strategies to support victims and strengthen capacity building for coordinated action.

Chairman of the 17th Annual Review and Executive Director, Anti-trafficking in Persons Agency, Sierra Leone, Mr Dehunge Shiaka, speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, explained that the implementation of this

expanded framework will strengthen response to trafficking crimes across the region while also addressing gender based violence and strengthening child rights protection.

"In the past, we have been dealing with trafficking in persons alone. Now, we have added plus which means there are other offenses which must be considered in the fight against human trafficking. That is what we are targeting and that is what we are also strategizing for," he said

Meanwhile, Senior Project Manager, International Center for Migration Policy

Development (ICMPD), Isabelle Wolfsgruber, opined that the implementation of Trafficking in Persons Plus (TIP+) is a major step forward in addressing the root causes of trafficking in the African sub-region.

She said: "Trafficking is a trans national crime and these networks are very strong. That is what meetings like this have to mirror and be ahead of them. That is what this meeting is about.

"The TIP+ is a major push forward because there are so many related crimes which make people vulnerable to trafficking.

With TIP+, it can be caught

much early before they get to the point of trafficking."

On his part, representative of the ECOWAS Commission and Head of Programme, Trafficking in Persons, Mr. Tunde Olayemi speaking at the closing ceremony explained that key resolutions from the meeting include the need for capacity building, identification of victims of trafficking, strengthening coordinated law enforcement response to trafficking in persons, sexual based violence and violence against children.

He added that the action plan "is for member states

to go back in line with their national action plans and identified priorities which they expressed to implement those plans.

"We expect that between one meeting and the next, there is an implementation plan at the regional level and they would come back in a year to asses the work that has been done on those broad priorities from other stakeholders.

"One of the things that is coming out from this meeting is that we have assessed to a degree how member states are working collaboratively towards these different functions to protect children."

Adire Teems Represents Nigeria at CANEX 2025 in Algeria

Adire Teems, the Lagos based African fashion brand founded by Ebuka Ebuziem will represent Nigeria at the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025, taking place from 4 - 10 September 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.

CANEX (Creative Africa Nexus), organized under the broader Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), has become one of the most important convenings for Africa’s creative industries. With the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World,” CANEX 2025 promises to be the largest gathering of creatives from across Global Africa. It will bring together leaders, businesses, governments, and investors to celebrate African talent, and build the networks and opportunities that will

sustain its growth.

For Adire Teems, this event is a chance to tell Nigeria’s story through fabric, and textile innovation. Known for merging traditional Adire dyeing techniques with contemporary design, the brand has carved out a space for itself as a bridge between heritage and modernity.

“Adire is a living archive of our history, a creative language that speaks of our artistry, beauty, and identity,” says Ebuka Ebuziem, Founder of Adire Teems. “To showcase this on a global stage like CANEX is both a responsibility and an opportunity, one we are proud to carry on behalf of Nigeria.”

CANEX at IATF 2025 will host businessto-business and business-to-government

Adire Teems, it is also a space to connect with other creators, explore crosscontinental collaborations, and attract investors who believe in the power of culture as an economic driver.

Adire Teems’ presence in Algeria highlights a broader narrative: Nigeria’s creative industries are exportready. From fashion and film to music and visual arts, Nigerian creatives are shaping the global trends and platforms like CANEX are ensuring they have the stage to do so. As the world gathers in Algiers this September, Adire Teems will stand as a cultural and business ambassador for Nigeria, weaving stories of culture, artistry and modern African creativity into the global conversation.

TRIBUTE

Buba Marwa, A Man of Uncommon Grace at 72

By Femi Babafemi

Ihave had the privilege of knowing Brig

Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) for about 30 years. As a young reporter, I observed from a working distance the metamorphosis of a military administrator who was unlike any other—an enigma committed as much to his work as to becoming a paragon of excellence in public administration. In an era when military governments were often distant from the people, he ironically became a man of the people in Lagos State, the very cauldron of anti-military sentiment.

Quite luckily, twenty-five years later, I found myself working with him as my direct boss. Then, and even now, he remains the quintessential beacon of leadership and inspiration. Certain men are legends: larger than life by their achievements. Gen Marwa is undoubtedly one of them. Around him, there are never-ending stories of his goodness, drive, and accomplishments. Wherever you go—from New York to Washington; from Borno to Lagos; from Kaduna to Abuja and from Lagos to Owerri—if you meet someone who has worked with him or knows him in a leadership or personal capacity, the encounter is certain to reveal new perspectives of Marwa. Each fresh recollection adds another dimension to his multifaceted personality. Despite knowing him for years, I still hear new details by the day.

Working closely with him at Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency over the past 56 months has afforded me the opportunity to reflect on his character, distil his qualities, and identify what stands him out. In that way, I also have my own stories to tell about him in a work context. I can say this without any iota of doubt or contradiction: wherever he works, the place feels the pulse of change, and he leaves a legacy that continues to echo for generations, long after his departure.

One such story comes from his tenure as Defence Adviser in New York. He

had previously served briefly as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington before his recall home. His second tenure in America, as Defence Adviser at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, resonates to this day. Through his foresight and effort, he was able to secure permanent accommodation for future occupants of that role—a privilege that had not existed before him. His predecessors had been left to solve accommodation challenges on their own, but he deemed it fit that there should be an official residence for the office and was committed to make it a reality. Today, that is a lasting legacy of the office. There was a strong sense of déjà vu earlier

in February this year, when he stood with dignitaries to commission the first-ever barracks for the 35-year-old National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). What he accomplished decades ago in New York was repeated at NDLEA, where he currently serves. That is the vintage MB Marwa. His life and legacy follow a familiar arc. At DICON, he transformed what did not exist into tangible structures and systems.

In Lagos, his achievements were legendary; in recounting them, he is often elevated to an Olympian. Lagosians remember his impact vividly and with nostalgia, reveling in his legacies. The famous ‘Keke Marwa,’ now ubiquitous across the country, remains a

reminder of his extraordinary administrative acumen in Lagos. His other imprints, such as restoration of security through Operation Sweep; Operation 250 Roads; the construction of many housing estates; Lagos University College of Medicine; and Eko Tourist Beach Resort, to name but a few, stand in bold relief in the state’s history. Indeed, his transformative influence extends back to his time in the old Borno State (now present day Borno and Yobe states), which is still recalled with admiration by the generation that experienced him. The establishment of State Ministry of Water Resources in Nigeria began in Borno, and its creator was the State Military Governor, the then Colonel Mohamed Buba Marwa. Now, at NDLEA, his four and half years of leadership have been equally transformative. His vision and guidance have woken a sleeping giant by introducing reforms that are both foundational and forward-looking. Today, NDLEA’s service resonates not only nationally but regionally and globally. For Marwa, there is no magic wand—that is my summation. Yes, leadership and vision are traits he embodies, but these alone cannot adequately capture the essence of the man. In my final conclusion, I always say: he is a man of uncommon grace, imbued with the capacity to touch lives, shape institutions, and leave an indelible mark. In that way, his name has found its place in our national book of exploits for services of enduring impact. As he celebrates his 72nd birthday today 9th September, I am delighted to join others in wishing him a long and fulfilling life. He is a celebrated hero: with two national honours, CON and OFR, scores of chieftaincy titles across Nigeria, and four Honoris Causa, his record is a testament to a life of recognition. Our celebration of him, and his new age, is an acknowledgment of how his unwavering dedication and keen sense of service have shaped countless lives, livelihoods, and institutions across our nation.

•Femi Babafemi is the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Abuja

DSS Writes Facebook, Demands Deletion of Disparaging Posts against Tinubu

The Department of State Services (DSS) has also notified Facebook of disparaging posts made

against Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, by Omoyele Sowore, demanding in writing that the offensive posts be taken down within 24 hours.

The Director General of the Service, Oluwatosin Ajayi, in a letter signed by Uwem Davies, noted that the agency had detected and monitored, with

dismay and consternation, a widely circulated publication by Omoyele Sowore on his Facebook page, on August 26, 2025, which disparaged

IOM Unveils €5.1m Project to Foster Peace, Socio-economic Stability in Katsina, Zamfara

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The International Organisa- tion for Migration (IOM) has unveiled a €5.1 million Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project in Katsina and Zamfara States to foster peace and socio-economic stability in the states.

The 18-month European Union-funded project seeks to

tackle the root causes of conflict through strategic interventions to strengthen governance, promote social cohesion, and enhance community resilience in the two states.

In collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and Mercy Corps, the community- driven project was launched yesterday, in Katsina by the

state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda.

Presenting an overview of the CPCRR project, the IOM Programme Manager, Peace Building and Reconciliation, Kutumbakana Jean Nahesi, said it would be implemented in eight Katsina local governments and three in Zamfara State.

He said the project would reinforce peace and socio-

economic stability in the states through integrated interventions to enhance community resilience in the face of violent extremism and climate change.

He stated that the project would also foster conflict prevention and social cohesion mechanisms by empowering local communities and governance structures to resolve disputes in the States.

and ridiculed the President.

The letter was captioned: “Re: Misleading Information and Wilful Intention to Further an Ideology Capable of Serious Harm, Incitement to Violence, Cybercrime, Hate Speech to Discredit/Disparage the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Cause Serious Threat to National Security of the Federal Republic of ItNigeria.” read: “This criminal @ official ABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The DSS averred that the post remains in circulation and has attracted widespread condemnation from a majority of Nigerians.

It added that the post was fuelling both online and offline tension across the country, thereby creating political unrest and threatening national security.

The Service also stated that this is in addition to the damaging effect the post has had on the reputation of the President and the image of Nigeria before the international community. According to the letter: “The post in question has crossed the boundaries of decency and acceptable behaviour. The government strongly condemns this extremely dangerous and false violation of privacy, which manipulates and negatively impacts the person of the President and the image of the country.

BUSINESS WORLD

RATES AS AT S E p TE mb ER 8, 2025

LPG Prices Ease, Kerosene Soars Beyond Reach of Nigerians

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The average prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), otherwise known as cooking gas, eased marginally in July this year, while the amount which Nigerians buy kerosene, once the fuel of the poor and underprivileged, continued to rise uncurbed, new industry data has shown.

Latest figures from the

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed a contrasting picture in the domestic energy market, indicating that while the average retail price of LPG, recorded a mild decline, household kerosene costs continued their relentless climb, stretching the finances of many Nigerian households. According to the NBS data, the average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of LPG dropped by 0.96 per cent month-on-

month, from N8,323.95 in June 2025 to N8,243.79 in July. But on a year-on-year basis, prices were up by a steep 37.98 per cent compared to N5,974.55 in July 2024.

A breakdown showed that the South-south region posted the highest average retail price at N8,511.26, while the South-west recorded the lowest with N8,073.92.

For the larger 12.5kg cylinder, the average price

decreased by 1.91 per cent month-on-month to N20,609.48 in July 2025 from N21,010.56 in June. Still, year-on-year data indicated a sharp 44.51 per cent rise from N14,261.57 in July 2024. Adamawa recorded the highest state price at N22,528.39, while Yobe had the lowest at N19,030.

In stark contrast, kerosene, a fuel still relied upon by many low-income earners for cooking and lighting,

became even more expensive. The average retail price per litre of household kerosene rose to N2,196.19 in July 2025 from N2,192.63 in June. Compared with N1,769.86 in July 2024, the year-on-year increase stood at 24.09 per cent. On a zonal basis, the South-south bore the highest cost burden at N2,339.26 per litre, while the Southwest reported the lowest at N2,069.59.

For consumers who purchase in bulk, the pain was even sharper. A gallon of kerosene averaged N8,695.90 in July 2025, up from N8,684.15 in June, much higher than N5,762.10 recorded a year earlier. Edo recorded the highest state average at N10,285.57, while Abia posted the lowest at N6,746.89.

OPSN Expresses Concerns over Incessant Summons of Private Companies by National Assembly

The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) comprising of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association(NECA), Nigeria Association of Small Scale

Industrialists (NASS), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) in collaboration with Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ATCON), the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees (AFBTE), and other 25 sectoral Employer’s Associations

have expressed deep concerns over incessant invitations, summons by committee of the National Assembly on the activities of private companies.

The concern was conveyed through an open letter sent to President Bola Tinubu.

According to the group, the practice has continued unhindered despite judicial pronouncements, including a pending appeal before

the Supreme Court, which affirms that the powers conferred on the National Assembly in line with sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution do not extend oversight powers to private companies. Citing judicial precedents, it stated that the case of DHL International Nigeria Limited vs Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ORS(FHC/ABJ/

CS/261/2018) comes to mind.

It stressed that the members of the National Assembly must understand that there are constitutional limits on legislative oversight. The provisions only empower them to investigate matters connected with the administration of laws and the disbursement and management of public funds by public sector agencies. It explained that the incessant summons by the Committees of the National Assembly has created duplication of regulatory activities, thus usurping the statutory roles of the Executive arm of Government through the Ministries, agencies, and Departments.

Nigeria, China Strengthen Ties on Marine, Blue Economy Devt

In a move to deepen cooperation in blue economy sector, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Welcoming the envoy,

Oyetola commended the long-standing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China, describing it as mutually beneficial and pivotal to the economic growth of both nations.

He noted that Nigeria, with its extensive coastline and rich maritime resources, is strategically positioned to become a hub for marine trade, logistics,

Foundation Partner to Transform Literacy in Rivers

Peter Uzoho

In commemoration of World Literacy Day 2025, Heirs Energies Limited, Nigerian integrated energy company, and the World Literacy Foundation (WLF), a global non-profit dedicated to eradicating illiteracy, have announced the launch of the Sun Books Literacy Initiative in Rivers State.

The initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 500 pupils at Central State Primary School, OmuohiaIgwuruta, and Umuebulu Primary School, Umuebulu, both located within Heirs

Energies’ oil mining lease (OML) 17 host communities.

Heirs Energies disclosed the launch in a statement issued yesterday, revealing that pupils will receive solar-powered Sun Books tablets, preloaded with culturally relevant, curriculum-aligned literacy content and interactive learning modules.

Under the initiative, solar panels will also be installed in the schools to ensure uninterrupted power for the devices and classrooms, creating sustainable access to education in resourcelimited environments.

Commenting on the

and investment in Africa.

Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s maritime endowments, stating that the country’s 853 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, its vast inland waterways spanning over 10,000 kilometres, and the abundant marine biodiversity that supports aquaculture, fishing, and other blue economy activities holds immense

potential for shipping, port operations, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure development.

According to him, the marine and blue economy sector is a frontier for wealth creation, job opportunities, and sustainable development if properly harnessed.

“Our Ministry is determined to create

the right framework for investment and partnership, and we believe that Nigeria has a lot to learn from China’s marine and blue economy development model,” Oyetola stated.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Yu Dunhai noted that his visit to the Ministry was in furtherance of the strong partnership between China and Nigeria.

He recalled that it has

been exactly one year since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. That visit, he emphasised, has produced significant economic benefits for both nations, including deepened cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and industrial development.

U.S. oilfield services provider, Halliburton, has been cutting staff in recent weeks, according to two sources familiar with the matter, marking the latest workforce reduction in the U.S. oil industry as it faces rising costs and a period of lower prices and volatility.

Global benchmark Brent crude oil prices have dropped more than 10 per cent this year amid uncertainty over global trade policies and as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting

Countries (OPEC) and allies raise output.

U.S. oil company ConocoPhillips earlier announced it would cut up to 25 per cent of its staff to reduce costs. The scope of Halliburton’s layoffs was not immediately clear, Reuters said.

Halliburton has rolled out the cuts over several weeks, according to the sources, who were directly involved in layoffs but not authorised to speak publicly. At least three business divisions had lost between 20 per cent and 40 per cent of employees, the sources said.

Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies known (OPEC+) has agreed to further raise oil production from October as the organisation pushes to regain market share, while slowing the pace of increases compared with

previous months.

OPEC+ has been increasing production since April after years of cuts to support the oil market, but the Sunday decision to further boost output came as a surprise amid a likely looming oil glut in the northern hemisphere winter months.

Eight members of OPEC+ agreed in an online

meeting to raise production from October by 137,000 barrels per day, it said in a statement, much lower than the monthly increases of about 555,000 bpd for September and August and 411,000 bpd in July and June. The deal also means OPEC+ has begun to unwind a second tranche of cuts of about 1.65 million bpd by eight members

more than a year ahead of schedule. The group has already fully unwound the first tranche of 2.5 million bpd since April, equivalent to about 2.4 percent of global demand.

“The barrels may be small, but the message is big,” an analyst at Rystad and a former OPEC official, Jorge Leon, told Reuters.

Izili Lifts 425,000 Nigerian Households with

Izili Group, formerly known as Baobab+, has successfully lifted over 425,000 Nigerian households from the era of darkness through connecting 80 customers to the company’s limitless affordable solar solutions since entering the country.

Unveiling the new brand

identity, Izili reaffirmed its role as a last mile distributor dedicated to extending affordable solar power and digital connectivity to underserved communities across Africa.

Speaking at the event in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Izili Group, Mr. Kolawole Osinowo, explained that the change

in identity follows BioLite’s acquisition of a majority stake in April 2025 and signals a renewed focus on delivering end user impact.

Osinowo stated that the new name embodies innovation in distribution, steadfast inclusion and tangible impact.

“As Izili, we pledge

to deepen our reach in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar and Nigeria by bringing reliable energy and digital services directly to homes, small enterprises and remote markets. Our agile network of field agents ensures that products and support arrive where they are needed most.

Nigerian independent energy company, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited has announced plans to increase its oil production to 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2030.

The Ademola Adeyemi-Bero-owned company is also preparing a fully developed midstream gas business and is targeting 1 billion standard cubic feet per day (1bscf/d) of gas processing and supply capacity by the end of the decade.

The General Manager, Exploration and Development, FIRST E&P, Segun Owalabi, made the announcement during a pre-conference at the Angola Oil & Gas 2025 in Luanda.

The session sponsored by FIRST E&P, focused on “Unlocking Value in the Shallow Water:

From Exploration Success to ClusterBased Development in Nigeria’s Shallow Waters session.” “We have consistently delivered transformational milestones, driving growth through safety, speed, efficiency and responsibility,” Owalabi stated.

ROCK OF aGEs CHRisTiaN assEMBLy PassOVER CONFERENCE…

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State (left), being received by the President and Founder, Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, Pastor Charles Osazuwa, during the 2025 Passover Conference of the church in Benin City…recently

Suspected Bandits Kidnap APC Chairman’s

Hammed shittu in Ilorin

About five suspected bandits have kidnapped the wife and daughter of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji

Muhammad Swasun. Already, palpable tension hasgripped the people of the local government council.

The latest attack came just days after bandits struck at Esanti and Lalagi villages in the same Patigi axis, killing

House Confirms Discovery of Dead Body around N’Assembly Complex

The House of Representatives has confirmed the discovery of a dead body around the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

The Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi, in a statement issued yesterday said the leadership of the House considers it a duty to keep the public properly informed in order to prevent speculation and misinformation.

He said this clarification follows the official report issued by the Nigeria Police Force, which remains the lead investigative authority

on the matter.

Rotimi added: “The House of Representatives is clarifying a development concerning the discovery of the body of an unidentified individual around the National Assembly Complex on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

“According to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), National Assembly Division, the deceased, suspected to be a labourer at a construction site within the complex, was found at about 09:00 hours inside a red Peugeot 406 vehicle (Registration No. BWR-577 BF).

Winners Emerge in LearnHistory Africa Kids Essay Competition

sunday Ehigiator

LearnHistory Africa has announced the winners of the fourth edition of its annual African Kids History Essay Competition, a contest designed to nurture creativity, historical awareness, and critical thinking among young learners across the continent. The announcement was made on August 4, 2025, through the organisation’s online platforms. This year’s edition ,with the theme: ‘Has Africa’s Natural Resource Wealth Been a Net Positive Influence on the Evolution of African Societies or Economies?’, attracted hundreds of entries from pupils and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe,, and Kenya, representing an 80 per cent increase in participation compared to the previous year.

Wife,

Daughter in Kwara

a driver and abducting another resident.

Also, in a separate incident last Saturday, armed men invaded Shthe agbe community in Ifelodun Local

Government Area, attacked the palace of the monarch, killed some residents, and abducted others.

However, on late Sunday night, another

attack happened in Sakpefu community in Patigi LGA of the state.

Sources close to the community told journalists yesterday in Ilorin that the suspected

bandits were said to have invaded the community of the APC chairman around 11 p.m., shooting sporadically before heading straight to the chairman’s residence.

Women Group Demands End to Killing of Igbo Youths

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in umuahia

An advocacy group, the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), has raised the alarm over the alleged killings and disappearances of youths going on across Igbo communities in the Southeast zone, saying that the carnage is “appalling and

unprecedented.”

In a statement signed by its President of the group, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, which was made available to the media in Umuahia yesterday, IWA expressed horror at the senseless killings being perpetrated as the authorities appear helpless to arrest the ugly situation.

The women group,

especially, decried the spate of violence and senseless killings that have been going on in Okigwe and other communities in Imo State, including Agbobu, Umulolo, Aku near Ihube, Umuowa in Mbato,whichht have all been deserted. It also noted that “it’s the same story (of killings and disappearances) at Isieke,

Awomanma, Akokwa, and parts of Anambra State, where many communities have been deserted.

“Our greatest shock is that these barbaric attacks and senseless killings have continued to fester unchallenged despite the heavy presence of security operatives and multiple checkpoints on our roads.”

Oyebanji: Ekiti Teachers Critical to Our Shared Prosperity Agenda

Gbenga sodeinde in ado ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has stated that teachers in the state are critical agents in the actualisation of the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ado- Ekiti when he received the new leadership of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) led by its Chairman, Lawrence Egbeyemi, accompanied by the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kolapo Olusola.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Oyebanji hailed the teachers for their remarkable contributions to the human capital development agenda of the administration, assuring them of more welfare packages.

The governor said their overall well-being would have a multiplier effect on the government’s drive for quality education for students in the state.

RSUTH Seek Collaboration for a Sustained Global Health Priorities

Blessing ibunge in port Harcourt

The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has called for the collaboration of other teaching hospitals and universities within Nigeria, as well as government ministries

and donor organisations to expand its capacity and align their work with national and global health priorities.

The Chairman, Governing Board of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Sampson Parker, made the call yesterday during

the inauguration of the new governing board of the Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt.

In his address, Parker stated that they are set out on a journey of renewal and responsibility to reimagine healthcare delivery in Rivers State

to strengthen the university’s role in producing globally competitive health professionals, and to make the teaching hospital a shining example. Parker expressed that: “At the heart of our mandate is service to the people of Rivers State and beyond.”

PIND Arts, Culture Initiative Promotes Peace in N’Delta

Communities across Bayelsa and Delta States are embracing arts and culture as tools for peace building, following a weeklong series of inter-communal solidarity events organised by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in

the Niger Delta (PIND) from August 18 to 23, 2025.

The initiative created inclusive spaces for dialogue and cultural exchange, enabling communities to confront shared challenges such as oil bunkering, artisanal

refining, and cult-related violence—persistent issues that undermine peace and stability in the region.

Speaking at the event in Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Peacebuilding Manager, PIND, Dr. David Udofia, who represented the Executive

Director, Sam Ogbemi Daibo, explained the programme’s focus.

“The central objective is to utilise art and culture as unifiers and peacebuilding tools to address violence and criminality in Bayelsa and Delta communities,” he said.

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

EYES ON THE BALL

Governor Uba Sani is not politicalEl-Rufai'screation, argues JEREMY DAN USMAN

See page 21

IN PRAISE OF MU’AZU JAJI SAMBO

ATIKU JAFAR pays tribute to Sambo, former Minister of Transportation

See page 21

EDITORIAL

ECOWAS AND THE COUNTERTERRORISM BRIGADE

See page 22

The practice of gifting houses and cars to judges is a threat to judicial independence, contends CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

MINISTRY OF JUDGES WELFARE

When the House of Lords, as the upper chamber of the UK Parliament is called, debated the Courts Bill introduced by the government of Edward Heath in December 1970, Lord Hailsham was in the Woolsack as the Lord Chancellor. His father, the first Viscount Hailsham, had served his first tour of duty in the same position a mere 42 years earlier. As the debate proceeded on the bill, Lord Hailsham reminded the prospective judge to “approach the Bench with the enthusiasm of a bridegroom approaching marriage, or of a priest approaching priesthood.”

In the British system, the relationships entailed between a groom and his spouse or a priest with his Bishop, excluded multiple partners or patrons; but just as alimentary wellbeing has always been celebrated as the key to the heart of a spouse, politicians intent on cultivating intimate relations with the judiciary disregard judicial independence and invest financially in the appurtenances of judicial wellbeing

In 1992 Matthew Ngulube became the Chief Justice of Zambia, the first to be appointed since the country transitioned from one-party rule. The president was Frederick Chiluba. Ngulube arrived the Chambers of the Chief Justice with credentials that looked impeccable. One and a half decades earlier, he had served as President of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the country’s Bar Association.

Ngulube served as Chief Justice for one decade, presiding over some momentous decisions and transitions in Zambia’s judicial and constitutional history. During this period, he became well known around the Commonwealth as a spokesman for judicial integrity. Outside public view, his record stank.

On 28 June 2002, President Levy Mwanawasa, successor to President Chiluba and, himself also a former president of the LAZ, accepted the resignation of Chief Justice Ngulube. The facts that emerged were shocking.

As Chief Justice, Ngulube was in fact in the payroll of President Chiluba and “received thousands of dollars from a special account managed by Xavier Chungu, former intelligence chief and expresident Frederick Chiluba's top security adviser”, amounting to over $168,000. This was a lot of money in a poor country at the time and indeed more than the “equivalent to the Zambian government's annual funding to a single government department.” From the proceeds of this financial intimacy, Chief Justice Ngulube separately built “a nearly-completed mansion on the eastern fringes of Lusaka,

whose cost is estimated at about 700 million kwacha (about 149,000 dollars).”

These payments enabled the government of President Chiluba to buy favorable decisions from the court of Chief Justice Ngulube. The investigations reportedly revealed that the government used him “to subvert the course of justice in all cases involving Chiluba and his aides during the past ten years of his administration.

Some 52 years earlier, in the debate on the High Court and County Judges Bill in the United Kingdom House of Commons in May 1950, Mr. Marlowe, a member of parliament, explained that it was impossible “for a High Court judge to discharge his functions properly if he knows that during the day, he will sit on the Bench with a prisoner in the dock before him and later in the evening may be sitting side by side with the prisoner in the bus.”

When they are not concerned about gifting houses to judges, politicians in Nigeria, for instance, seem overly concerned with the cars that the judges drive. On the last day of July 2025, Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, gave away 23 sub-urban utility vehicles (SUVs) to judges in the state as an expression of his “unwavering commitment to strengthening the justice system.”

Governor Fintiri was the latest governor to advance this practice of conducting executive intimacy with judges on four wheels. In this he was merely following in the footsteps of his peer in neighbouring Borno State, Babagana Zulum, who had “donated” 19 cars to judges and Khadis in the state in January 2025 “to enhance the judicial sector and ensure that our citizens have access to justice as we continue to recover from 16 years of insurgency.”

In one month between July and August 2024, Kogi State’s Governor Ahmed Ododo donated 25 SUVs in two instalments of 14 and 11 respectively to the Chief Judge, Josiah Majebi, for use by judges in the state “with assurance to supply more soon so that it can go round all the Judges and

magistrates operating in the state.” A mere eight months earlier, in December 2023, Governor Ododo’s benefactor and predecessor, Yahaya Bello, on the eve of his departure from office as Governor, had donated 40 SUVs to be shared equally between judges and legislators in the state.

When Catholic priest-turnedgovernor, Hyacinth Alia, gifted six new SUVs to judges in Benue State in May 2024, he claimed that he did it to enhance “judicial service delivery.”

Eight months earlier, in September 2023 his counterpart in Abia State, Alex Otti, handed over five SUVs to judges of the State High Court because they were reportedly in their fourth year of service in the role without official cars.

In July 2023, Anambra State Chief Judge, Onochie Anyachebelu, received 11 SUVs from the state government, “the first batch of official vehicles the Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo pledged to allocate to the Judicial Officers.” The Chief Judge thanked the governor “for being timely in commencing the fulfillment of his promise to the Judiciary to that effect, noting that the Judiciary expectations on him for the remaining vehicles are high.”

In August 2022, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, presented 13 SUVs to judges in the state “to enhance their welfare.”

In September 2020, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, handed over 51 SUVs and eight houses to judges in the state “as part of his vision to build a strong judiciary.”

In this, Governor Sanwo-Olu bettered his counterpart in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who the previous month, in August 2020, gave 41 SUVs to judges in the state. Three months earlier, in May 2020, his counterpart in neighboring Owerri, Hope Uzodinma, handed 20 to judges in Imo State to “motivate” them. He added 10 more in July 2024.

In February 2020 then Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, gifted 24 SUVs to judges in Kaduna State.

In five years since 2020, advocacy group, Citizen Gavel, reckons that eight governors gifted at least 237 SUVs to judges in their respective states. This is a gross undercount.

The Nigerian Bar Association has complained that the practice of gifting cars to judges demeans the judiciary, impoverishes judicial office, and hollows out judicial independence.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu

Governor Uba

Sani is not El-Rufai's political creation, argues JEREMY DAN USMAN

EYES ON THE BALL

Until September 7, many people believed the recent claim by the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai that his successor in office, Governor Uba Sani is his mentee. Nothing could be further from the truth. Governor Uba Sani, in just two sentences, has put an end to the spurious claim by stating the correct narrative. While stressing the necessity of not responding to the claim by El-Rufai, Uba Sani, firm stressed instead that his political leaders are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

El-Rufai, a man who courts controversy, had during a recent appearance on a national television, described the Kaduna governor as one of the many people he mentored. El-Rufai had declared that “Uba Sani is one of my mentees. I developed many of them. My biggest pride in life is that I’ve elevated many people. I’ve encouraged and mentored many people to greatness. Some even greater than me, and I’m very proud of it.”

But reacting during an interview recently, Governor Sani was emphatic that he would not be drawn into personal exchanges, insisting rather to focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kaduna State. “I don’t think it is necessary for me to respond to that comment because for me it is something I think I have no time to respond to,” he declared. “I have so many people that I’ve worked with in my life. Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu I met him in 1994 at the house of Beko Ransom Kuti, and I still regard him as my leader. Chief Gani Fawehinmi is a leader, a father to me because during the era of struggle, I lived in his house,” Sani stated, insisting that he would not be distracted by individual remarks.

“If someone is speaking about me, I will not comment. But what I can say here is that I’m focusing on Kaduna. I don’t talk about individuals, my focus is Kaduna. I don’t get distracted, my eyes are on the ball,” he stressed.

El Rufai’s narrative suggests that Sani's political ascent owes much to his guidance. However, this claim crumbles under just a little scrutiny. Governor Sani, a seasoned human rights activist with

roots back to the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s, has a career that predates and transcends any purported mentorship from El-Rufai.

To understand why El-Rufai's claim rings hollow, one must first delve into Governor Uba Sani's illustrious background. Long before entering the corridors of elective politics, Sani was a frontline warrior in Nigeria's fight for democracy and human rights. His activism dates back to the dark days of military rule under General Sani Abacha in the 1990s, when he was an active member of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), a pivotal organization that mobilized against authoritarianism. The CD, founded in 1991, was instrumental in challenging the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. Governor Sani's involvement placed him with icons like the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the fiery human rights lawyer whose relentless advocacy earned him the title "Senior Advocate of the Masses." Chief Fawehinmi, who passed away in 2009, was a profound influence on Governor Uba Sani, imparting lessons in legal activism, social justice, and unyielding opposition to tyranny.

Governor Sani's commitment to these causes was no mere footnote; it was a defining chapter of his life. As a young activist from Northern Nigeria, he vocally opposed the military's excesses, risking imprisonment and persecution. He was detained multiple times for his pro-democracy stance, including during the struggle to validate Abiola's mandate. In tributes to Fawehinmi on the 16th anniversary of his death just days ago, Governor Sani reflected on how the late lawyer served as a "father figure" who taught him the intricacies of civil rights advocacy and the courage to stand against corruption and impunity. Uba Sani has consistently credited figures like Fawehinmi and the late Alhaji Balarabe Musa for positively influencing him as a pro-democracy activist. His activism extended to organizations like the Civil Rights Congress and the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria, where he championed causes ranging from workers' rights to anti-corruption campaigns.

Dan Usman, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja

ATIKU JAFAR pays tribute to Sambo, former Minister of Transportation

IN PRAISE OF MU’AZU JAJI SAMBO

There are leaders who make noise, and there are leaders who make a difference.

Mu’azu Jaji Sambo belongs, unmistakably, to the latter.

We celebrate him not only for his stints twice as Nigeria’s Minister, but as a statesman whose humility and resultsoriented service have left indelible marks on our ports, our roads, our rails, and our collective sense of what capable public leadership can look like.He is a hero because he reminds us that power can be exercised with grace; that competence can speak softly and still move mountains. A trained builder and a builder in every sense of the word - of infrastructure, of institutions, of men, of hope - Sambo epitomises the quiet dignity of leadership that delivers results without the theatrics of power; the steady hand that guides change even when the spotlight shifts elsewhere. For a nation that is used to the politics of grandstanding, a quiet and unassuming style like Sambo’s is rare as a unicorn. He is neither loud nor flamboyant, but beneath the surface, real forces of change were moving because of him. This tribute is not only a celebration of his public service but also a salute to the man behind the titles, and the hero whose life continues to inspire us.The Measure of a Man born in Jalingo in 1959 and educated at Ahmadu Bello University as a builder, Sambo’s path cut across public institutions that formed the backbone of Nigeria’s infrastructure space.

That journey was, to say the least, an apprenticeship in how systems really work, the kind that forges leaders who can deliver under pressure.When President Muhammadu Buhari first swore him in as Minister of State for Works & Housing in December 2021, and then, a few months later, redeployed him as Minister of Transportation, it felt less like a promotion and more like a homecoming. He knew the sector, its people, its pain points, and he moved with the urgency of someone determined to make limited time count.

One of his earliest instincts was to identify and pursue the proverbial low-hanging fruits, and through that he delivered quick, visible wins for the nation’s transport and maritime ecosystem.I remember sitting before him, having instinctively sat on the carpet out of respect, only to be gently but firmly brought back to my feet: “Please, either sit with me or you may kindly take your leave,” he’d say, closing the distance, leveling the moment. Everyone close to him would have witnessed this firsthand. That gesture, small but profound, sums him up: genuine, simple, and profoundly respectful. He declines titles.

Even as a minister, he would smile softly and say, “No Engineer, no Honourable - just call me Mu’azu.” This simple request spoke volumes: respect without ceremony, honor without pretense. That

was him. A man whose presence makes you feel seen, and whose laughter disarms even the most guarded.

Sambo’s tenure heralded one of the most consequential modern port developments in West Africa: the commissioning of Nigeria’s first deep sea port and first fully automated port, the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port. He shepherded critical inter-agency delivery, then stood on the quay in January 2023 as the nation marked a turning point for maritime trade capacity and job creation. Beyond Lekki, he also championed reforms tied to the “Deep Blue Project,” the multi-agency security architecture that has been credited with sharply reducing piracy and kidnappings in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea, and ultimately creating the environment for commerce to thrive. He pressed on modernization: commissioning enforcement boats and ferries for NIMASA to strengthen law enforcement and safety; urging reforms like the unbundling conversation around the Nigerian Railway Corporation; commencing the $2bn Kano - Maradi rail project; and pushing the ecosystem toward greener, globally aligned maritime practice.

None of this makes for noisy headlines. All of it compounds into capacity and unparalleled success. Policy is often a relay, not a solo sprint. Under Sambo’s watch, processes advanced that matter to the backbone of indigenous shipping and investment confidence, notably the longawaited disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

To investors and operators, that single policy signal read like a door finally opening, and that Sambo did against all odds. He also backed compliance with international standards that make Nigeria a credible maritime player, and supported initiatives like offshore waste reception facilities in line with MARPOL, thereby keeping our flag respectable in global corridors.

Sambo is a man of consequence, but what I celebrate most is the man behind the portfolio: the reputation for humility, the bias for listening, and the constant refusal to grandstand.

Jafar, a lawyer, writes from Abuja

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ECOWAS AND THE COUNTER-TERRORISM BRIGADE

The commission should rise above division and embrace unity to fight together

At the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Touray, announced plans to activate a 260,000-strong rapid deployment counter-terrorism force, with an annual funding requirement of $2.5 billion. The fund, according to Touray, would be used to activate the brigade, provide logistics, and offer financial support to frontline states battling terrorism. He noted that the Sahel had become the epicentre of global terrorism, accounting for 51 per cent of related deaths worldwide in 2024 and warned that the growing threats demand an urgent and coordinated continental response. While ECOWAS is committed to also raising its 5,000-man brigade for the Continental Standby Force, he stated that the activation of the rapid deployment force had become crucial given the asymmetric security dynamics in the region. This is a bold and commendable initiative. There is no doubt that the subregion is experiencing moments of deep uncertainty. Like many other regional blocs on the continent, the ECOWAS region is being ravaged by all manner of organised crime - from banditry, terrorism, to deadly insurgencies. Former Minister of External Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari, affirmed that Africa is currently contending with a surfeit of insurgent groups - about 1000 of them, while the United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, noted similarly that the continent has become the epicenter of global terrorism deaths, and attacks in West Africa's coastal states have surged by 250 per cent in two years. Besides, the region is struggling with growing political instability and military coups which undermine its ability to foster stability and prosperity. “These challenges recognise no borders,” admitted Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. “They are resilient and demand a response that is equally dynamic, unified,

and strategic.” The enormity of the challenge requires a well-trained and better equipped standing army that can respond to emergencies across the region’s large swathes of land and coast. But a standing army of 260,000 is not a walk in the park. Touray indeed admitted that this bold initiative requires good financial resources and capabilities to make it a reality. According to the United Nations Peacekeeping Organisation, it is immensely costly to have a force of several thousand people on permanent standby.

The enormity of the challenge requires a well-trained and better equipped standing army that can respond to emergencies across the region’s large swathes of land and coast

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

Despite its half-century of existence, the regional body is yet to forge a robust economic union. The economies of the individual states are nothing to write home about. Nigeria that largely contributed the resources used by ECOMOG - a formal arrangement for separate armies to work together to restore peace in Liberia, and other countries in the subregion - is not in good shape. Beyond the fact that its economy is down, it is also spending huge resources on a regular basis to fight insurgency and other cocktail of crimes. Its army is stretched to the limits. As Gambari rightly said, it will help greatly for nations to first secure their various states before securing the region and the continent at large.

In addition, infrastructure and air connectivity is still a major problem in the region as it is on the continent. Besides, the unity within the bloc was weakened with the recent exit of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. It is therefore instructive that Mali and Burkina Faso did not bother to attend the summit in Abuja or send representatives. The commission must rise above division and embrace unity to fight together. There is also the need for a bold and serious approach that prioritises inclusivity and political commitment to finally realise ECOWAS's promise of a standby force. We also hope that the United Nations will redeem its pledge made under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 of December 2023 to fund 75 per cent of African-led peace support operations.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

THUGS, TOUTS, AND THE NIGERIAN SYSTEM

For many people, it takes tragedy and the profound sense of pain and regret it brings to make lifelong changes. Given that in the immediate aftermath of tragedy, people may be too numb to react. But usually, once they can gather themselves together, they go ahead to make the changes they must, often to prevent a reoccurrence. Not so in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, tragedy often hits people square in the jaw and packs an overwhelming measure of pain, which quickly spreads. However, experience has shown that many Nigerians process tragedy poorly and quickly move on without bothering about the changes that can prevent a recurrence.

A couple of days ago, touts within the Federal Capital Territory chased a man and his wife to their death as

they went about their business in the heart of Nigeria’s capital. The touts, operating on their usual lawless and rudderless frequency, which unfortunately has some imprimatur of authority, fought for the control of the couple’s vehicle. The struggle that ensued led to an accident that instantly killed the couple. An irate mob promptly burnt two of the touts to death.

The Incident confirmed conclusively that Nigeria remains a vast field of needless, preventable deaths. Every other day, Nigerians die carelessly in circumstances that lend credence to the fragility of life in the country. The fact that many of these deaths are preventable but are never really prevented speaks volumes.

It explains Nigeria's ever plummeting life expectancy. It explains the fact that insecurity ravages the land, de-

stroying the confidence of investors and sentencing locals to a life of constant fear and uncertainty.

Nigeria has always had a problem with touts and thugs. The Nigerian landscape is indeed littered with touts and thugs. Empowered by the powerful to tighten their grip on power, these touts are used to rig elections, intimidate opponents, or serve as informal state actors. The fact that they blur the lines between state actors and criminals shows the multifaceted threats they pose.

Many times, they behave like criminals. At other times they are actual criminals who do what they want to while acutely aware that there are too many cracks in the Nigerian system that they can escape through.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Katsina Peace Deal Amid Renewed Bandits’ Attacks

Despite the numerous security strategies adopted and N36 billion injected into the security sector by Governor Dikko Radda, the security situation in Katsina state has seemingly crumbled amid the peace deal. Francis s ardauna writes.:

In his maiden speech upon inauguration as Governor of Katsina State on May 29, 2023, Dikko Umaru Radda had vowed to restore peace in the state by crushing bandits who were terrorising farming communities in the state. He also promised to lead security agencies’ operations to bandits’ enclaves.

It was a hope-inspiring and instilling statement for the people of the state, particularly those living in Jibia, Batsari, Kankara, Faskari, Safana, Sabuwa, Danmusa, Kurfi and Dandume Local Government areas, who had suffered terrible atrocities orchestrated by the marauders.

During the inaugural address, Radda said: “Over the next four years, our task as government is to provide peace and prosperity for the people of Katsina state. We will deploy all available resources to end banditry and criminality across the state.

“We will also engage communities in this fight to ensure that security is sustained. To the bandits, I say abandon your cause and reintegrate into society or face the full wrath of the law.”

But more than two years after, the joy the statement elicited is fleeting because the bandits have since intensified their deadly attacks on communities, leaving dozens of citizens, including security personnel, either dead or severely injured in the eight frontline local governments.

These malefactors are so brazen that they launch onslaughts on communities in broad daylight. They often notify some communities ahead of attacks and impose illegal tolls on farmers seeking to gain access to their farms in some communities.

The nefarious activities of these criminal elements appear to be threatening to bring down the socio-economic and well-being of the people of the state despite efforts by the state government and security operatives to quench the scourge which has ravaged many communities in the state.

Residents of the state, especially those in the frontline local government areas, have denoted a deep inarticulate sound conveying pains, despair, agony and misery, thereby forcing them to abandon their ancestral homes and farmlands in the hands of these marauding rogues.

While dozens of kidnapped victims in the state have lost their lives in bandits’ den, even after their families, friends and associates had struggled to pay millions of naira as ransom amid economic-meltdown, scores are still in captivity.

For instance, over 130 farmers who were recently kidnapped by the bandits in Dankurmi, Gamji, Tsaunin Jino, Unguwar Goje, Unguwar Sani and Zagi-Zagi communities in Sabuwa Local Government Area of the state, are still in custody of their abductors.

The three-day bandits’ house-to-house operations in the aforementioned communities and villages, has led to the death of at least six people and dozens left with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

Also, the August 19, 2025 attack on Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state which claimed over 50 lives, left 60 other innocent farmers, including women and children, in the hands of the marauding bandits, but some were later released.

For hours, the hoodlums reportedly operated in the agrarian community without hindrance or intervention from security agencies, thereby forcing scores of women into sudden widowhood and children orphaned.

Although Governor Radda said he got an intelligence report that bandits were going to attack the community and informed security agencies 15 hours before the invasion, there was no action taken by them to prevent the deadly attack on the community.

But it is pertinent to note that the victims of the Gidan Mantau massacre died in a reprisal attack after members of the community had earlier attacked the bandits, killing and injuring many of them.

Similarly, the bandits killed eight persons, including a security officer, and injured six others in a fresh onslaught on Magaji Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area of the state on September 5, 2025.

The bandits, who carried out the invariably coordinated attack in the night, set ablaze the operational vehicle of the state-owned security outfit, Katsina Community Watch Corps, and injured some of the officers.

Notwithstanding the nefarious activities of the bandits in the state, residents of Safana, Batsari, Jibia, Kankara, Musawa, Danmusa and Kurfi Local Government Areas (LGAs), have struck peace deals with the men of the underworld.

The peace deal has restored peace and farmers have returned to their farmlands in the seven LGAs, but pundits termed it peace of the graveyard, because the criminals are still in possession of their sophisticated firearms.

With their operational networks and enclaves yet to be dismantled, the bandits who are in peace agreements with communities in the seven LGAs, have shifted their heinous operations

to other local governments that have not signed the deal, with renewed killings and kidnappings.

Not minding who is championing it, the peace deal has emboldened the bandits to move freely with their firearms in communities across the seven LGAs. They launch attacks in communities in other local governments and return to their hideouts.

Clad in military uniform and police camouflage with AK-47 rifles, the bandits are now celebrities in communities across the local government areas where they struck peace deals.

They snap pictures with residents, including top government officials and security operatives in markets, shops, schools and even in residence of some politicians in the affected local governments.

This, perhaps, is giving them ample time to regroup and rearm themselves in order to invade communities in local governments where there is no peace deal, underscoring the dangers of the blanket peace between communities and the hooligans.

However, Governor Radda, who has been feigning ignorance of the ongoing peace deals at the local government level, has adopted revolving and strategic security approaches to tackle the scourge for peace to rein in the state.

His administration has invested over N36 billion into the security sector and procured 43 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), armoured

Governor Radda is in a serious dilemma of whether to negotiate or not with the bandits because despite the n 36 billion injected into the security sector, the security situation in the state is apparently deteriorating. Worse still, with a fragile state system and waning public confidence in police, military and state security institutions, the allegiance of defenceless rural communities is gradually shifting towards informal, armed groups and local vigilantes.

Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo pick-up trucks, recruited and trained personnel of the stateowned security outfit.

He purchased and distributed 65 Hilux vehicles, 700 motorcycles, surveillance cameras and other security gadgets and has also been doling out billions of naira as financial assistance to victims of banditry, including security personnel.

Approvals were also granted during the state’s 12th executive council meeting, for the procurement of additional 700 motorcycles, 20 Hilux vehicles, security arms, machines, tools, clearing kits and operational manuals.

The sum of N560 million has also been used in purchasing security equipment for personnel of the state’s security outfit to augment the efforts of conventional security agencies in the ongoing onslaught against terrorists.

The Radda-led government has promised to construct a hospital and a primary school in the banditry-infested Mantau community and rehabilitate houses and a mosque destroyed by the assailants.

Radda, who shortened his three-week medical leave to visit the community, announced an immediate relief of N500,000 to each household affected by the attack and construction of a road from Karfi to the community.

Despite Radda’s effort in taming the raging security challenges in the state, security pundits said, under his administration the security of the state has crumbled because of the pervasive killings and kidnappings of innocent citizens, including security personnel by the bandits.

Analysts argued that thousands of citizens are roaming the streets as internally displaced persons, with scores of children turned orphans, while many women have become widows due to the villainous activities of the bandits.

They added that Governor Radda is in a serious dilemma of whether to negotiate or not with the bandits because despite the N36 billion injected into the security sector, the security situation in the state is apparently deteriorating. Worse still, with a fragile state system and waning public confidence in police, military and state security institutions, the allegiance of defenceless rural communities is gradually shifting towards informal, armed groups and local vigilantes.

French Government Collapses, Prime Minister Ousted after 9 Months

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja French lawmakers yesterday voted to oust Prime Minister François Bayrou, plunging the country into a new political crisis and leaving it without a government at a time of increasing economic strain and geopolitical tensions.

A total of 364 MPs voted against Bayrou and 194 voted for him after he called the vote in a bid to push through an unpopular €44 billion ($51 billion) savings plan that included scrapping two public holidays and freezing government spending, CNN

reported.

Bayrou will now be forced to step down after just nine months in office, following in the footsteps of his prede- cessor Michel Barnier, who lost a no-confidence vote last December. Bayrou’s departure leaves French President Emmanuel Macron with few palatableInvestorsoptions. have been rattled.

Yields on French government bonds – or the interest rate demanded by investors – have risen above those of Spanish, Portuguese and Greek bonds, which were once at the heart of the eurozone debt crisis.

stream oil workers have argued that if Dangote is allowed to massively import and put his trucks into operation, many of its members will be thrown into the labour market or rendered redundant.

A possible downgrade of France’s sovereign debt rating review Friday would deliver another blow to its economic standing in Europe, the CNN report added.

“You have the power to bring down the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality,” Bayrou told lawmakers on Monday ahead of the vote.

“Reality will remain relentless: expenses will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly.” “We broke the social contract” with younger generations, Bayrou

added.

The political instability can be traced back to Macron’s own dramatic decision last year to call a snap election. Piqued by the remarkable results of the far-right National Rally in the European Parliament elections of May 2024, the French president forced a vote in which his party lost seats to the far right and far left, leaving France with a splintered parliament.

Even before the vote, the prospect of Bayrou’s downfall sparked calls for the president to step aside, though he has vowed to serve out his term.

Far-right doyenne Marine Le Pen has demanded he dissolve parliament, but fresh elections would almost certainly strengthen her party and fracture the French parlia- ment further.

Another path would be for Macron to appoint a caretaker government while looking for a new prime minister, with Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin among the frontrunners for what is likely to be a poisoned chalice.

The trouble for Macron is that, after three failed

centrist prime ministers, the opposition parties are in no mood to give another one a chance. Both the far right and far left have signaled they would immediately call for a vote of no confidence if another such premier were appointed.

N upe N g S T r I ke: fg ’ S p e AC e m ee TIN g w ITH D AN go T e, oI l w orker S eNDS IN De AD lo C k (PENGASSAN), Natural Oil & Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) an- nounced that they were joining the strike action in solidarity with NUPENG.

NUPENG is currently locked in a major dispute with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, over the company’s decision to recruit thousands of drivers for its new fleet of compressed natural gas-powered trucks under a condition it says bars them from belonging to any existing trade union.

In the same vein, the down-

Both officials delivered their remarks at the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), hosted by Nigeria’s House Public Accounts Committee, under the theme: “Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Public Debt.”

The National Assembly recently approved President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious external borrowing plan for 2025–2026, which included $21.19 billion in foreign loans, €4 billion, ¥15 billion, a $65 million grant, and about N757 billion in domestic borrowing.

This borrowing plan, endorsed by both the House and Senate Committees on Local and Foreign Debt, was also made up of a proposal to raise an additional $2 billion through a foreign-currency bond issued in the domestic market.

Abbas noted that public debt, if well utilised, could engender growth and development in anyHecountry. said Nigeria could lever- age responsible borrowing for sustainable development as demonstrated by the Tinubu administration.

“Indeed, public debt, when managed prudently, can be a tool for growth and prosperity. Yet, when left unchecked, it

Besides, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened to mobilise their members across the country to join the strike in solidarity with NUPENG if matters were not amicably resolved.

But at the reconciliatory meeting brokered by the fed- eral government on Monday both Dangote and NUPENG negotiating teams failed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the issues in dispute.

becomes a burden that erodes economic stability and threatens the welfare of future generations,” Speaker Abbas noted.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, noted that the Speaker’s remarks were not a call to reject borrowing outright but reflected a responsible approach to debt management—one that ensures that borrowing translates into real value for Nigerians.

This, the statement noted, aligns squarely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises fiscal discipline, prudent resource management, and channeling funds into critical areas like infrastructure, education, green energy, and social welfare.

Last week, Tinubu announced during a meeting with the stakeholders of The Buhari Organization in Abuja, Nigeria, had met its revenue target for 2025 ahead of schedule and would no longer rely on borrowing to fund its budget.

The President also said his administration’s non-oil revenue drive had yielded enough to meet this year’s projections by August, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on external loans.

At the WAAPAC event, the Speaker emphasised the “need for stronger oversight, transpar-

After several hours of negotiation brokered by the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, both parties failed to agree on terms and conditions for the unionisation of the employees of Dangote Refinery.

While the Dangote team agreed to allow some categories of the staff to join the union, NUPENG insisted that all workers must be given a chance to register with industry unions. Speaking to journalists at the end of the meeting that lasted till 11 pm last night, Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, said that there was no deal, expressing hope that the talks will continue today.

ent borrowing practices, and a collective resolve to ensure that tangible economic and social returns match every naira borrowed.”

He added, “When we examine the sources of Africa’s external financing, it becomes clear that the weight of debt on our continent is shaped by whom we borrow from and on what terms. Today, Western private lenders hold about 35 percent of Africa’s government debt through banks, asset managers, and oil traders.

“Multilateral institutions, such as the World Bank and the IMF, account for another 39 percent, while bilateral loans from other governments comprise 13 percent. Chinese creditors, despite much of the public debate, hold only 12 percent.

“To place this in sharper focus, in 2019, bondholders alone represented 27 percent of Africa’s external debt, making them the single largest creditor group, ahead of China at 13 percent.”

Speaker Abbas stated that if Africa was to grow stronger, the countries must not only negotiate fairer terms of bor- rowing but also rethink their dependence on external finance.

“We must channel more energy into mobilising domestic

“The issue is that we have not been able to reach a final agreement on this matter because we had a stalemate and we are trying to resolve the issues but it was getting late and we had to call off the meeting.

“We are confident that maybe by tomorrow (today) we will be able to resolve these issues. I want to appeal to everybody to please maintain the peace. By the grace of God, by tomorrow we will be able to get both parties to be able to agree on something that will ensure the strike is called off,” Dingyadi stated.

Also, President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, said the union was opposed to any

resources, fostering intra-African trade, and creating financial instruments that serve the continent’s own development priorities. Only then can we move from vulnerability to resilience, and from dependency to true economic sovereignty,” he said.

The Speaker stated that the conference could not have come at a more opportune time, “as our nations face mounting fiscal pressures that demand stronger legislative oversight of public debt and borrowing.”

He also noted that the theme “speaks directly to the urgency of safeguarding our financial future,” stressing that it “goes to the very heart of democratic governance and sustainable development.”

Speaker Abbas said, “There- fore, oversight of public debt is a democratic duty and a moral responsibility of the legislature. Our parliaments must ensure that every borrowing decision reflects prudence, transparency, and the collective interest of our citizens.

While noting that the impli- cations of this debt structure are far-reaching, the Speaker said a “significant share of our national revenues is tied to debt servicing rather than being invested in the things our people need most: roads, schools, hospitals, and

attempt to monopolise the resources of the country and use them as an instrument of enslavement of the people, insist- ing that the union’s action was for the interest of the country.

“We cannot stand to see an investor whose main purpose is to enslave Nigerians. It cannot take us back to the dark days of slavery. Nigerians have wished him so well than for him to enslave them.

“So it’s unfortunate that at this point in time we are having an investor whose main purpose is to say that there can’t be a union in the establishment. He wants to monopolise the whole system and even the workers, but we say it can’t happen during our time,” he said.

Head of Information and Publicity of the NLC, Mr. Benson Upah, accused the representative

Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Business Mentorship Series 2025, which was held online, also opined that regulatory agencies as well as persons appointed to head them must be picked on the basis of Thenonpartisanship.

former Executive Vice Chairman of Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN), posited that overcoming Nigeria’s many challenges in the sector requires a clear vision, disciplined execution, and strong political will.

Besides the depoliticisation of the NNPC and the sector regulators like the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Kachikwu stressed that technology deployment must be taken seriously, including investment in automation, digital twin modeling, and artificial intelligence for exploration and production.

In the same vein, Kachikwu, who was minister between 2015 and 2019 under later President Muhammadu Buhari, called for the use of real-time pipeline monitoring to curb oil

of Dangote group of arrogance for walking out on the minister and organised labour.

“So there was no agreement. Even when we bent backwards to his uncompromising behav- iour. So we were left with no option than to continue with our strike action,” he said.

On whether there is a pos- sibility for another dialogue to resolve the impasse, Benson said it was not only in the hands of organised labour to decide.

“That is not for labour to decide, it takes more than a party to reach a resolution. Whenever the representatives of the Dangote Refinery group see the need for amenable dialogue, we are ready. We are ready even tonight if he changes his mind,” he noted.

Before the meeting started,

theft as well as the application of predictive maintenance to extend the life of aging infrastructure.

“(There’s also a need to) reduce one of Africa’s highest operating costs per barrel by streamlining regulatory pro- cesses, cutting multiple taxation, and clustering marginal fields to achieve economies of scale (and) implement transparent procurement systems to eliminate inflated project costs.

“(Also) Provide certainty for investors by adhering to frameworks in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Avoid frequent fiscal policy changes. Ensure licensing, royalties, and taxes remain predictable rather than driven by political expediency.

“ Depoliticisation of gover- nance: Insulate NNPC Limited and regulatory agencies from political interference. Appoint leaders based on competence, not patronage. This will improve accountability and institutional performance,” Kachikwu suggested.

He also stated that grievances by people from the Niger Delta must be addressed while

OGUN STATE HIGHLIGHTS INVESTMENT PROSPECTS AT AFCFTA PANEL...

L-R: Her Excellency, Ms. Phophi Constance Ramathuba, Premier of Limpopo Province, South Africa; Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria; and Alhaji Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria, at the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers

Withheld LG Funds: Osun Tackles CBN, Others, Says CJ Siding with AGF’s Position

Alex Enumah in Abuja

There were legal fireworks yesterday at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, where the Osun State Government is challenging the transfer of a suit from the Osogbo division in Osun State to the Abuja Division.

Osun State had resisted all efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Accountant

General of the Federation and Attorney-General of the Fed- eration (AGF) who are 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendant respectively, to get expeditious hearing in the matter by a vacation court.

The suit originally filed in Osun State by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, is asking the court to restrain the CBN from opening accounts for the chairmen elected on the

platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022 whom the state government affirmed have been sacked by the same Federal High Court, Osogbo.

The Federal High Court, Osogbo had earlier this year ordered parties in the case to maintain the status quo, while the case was adjourned till November 2025.

But following a request by the AGF, the case was moved

to Abuja for “expeditious hear- ing” by a vacation judge, a move the plaintiff argued is not in the interest of justice.

At Monday’s proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite, a vacation judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, plaintiff’s lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN) informed the court that the plaintiff filed two motions on notice, challenging the jurisdiction of

Wike Imposes N5m Fines on Ganduje, Idiagbon, Oyinlola, Others for Illegal Conversion of Land

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has approved the imposition of N5 million fines on a former Chairman of the All Progres- sives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and several highly placed persons for illegal use of their property in Abuja. Specifically, the sanctions covered both living and deceased individuals as well as public and private institutions for converting their properties to other uses without approval, in violation of the conditions under which the right of occupancy of

First Lady

such properties were granted.

In an advertisement placed in some national newspapers, Wike ordered the affected allottees to pay the penalty violation fee in 30 days by September 10, 2025.

The order was in respect of the approved review of Land Use/ Purpose Clause for properties for 15 streets in the upscale parts of Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2, Garki 1 and Garki 2 of the FCT.

Under this exercise, the minister also approved the issuance of new title documents in favour of the affected property owners, reflecting the updated land use

to Govt:

of the property for a fresh term of 99 years upon fulfilling all necessary conditions.

The FCT administration alleged that Ganduje, without approval, redesigned an ap- proved residence at Adetokunbo Ademola in Wuse 2 into a banking hall.

Also a residential property at Gana Street, Maitama, registered in the name of the former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, under the Babangida adminis- tration, the late General Tunde Idiagbon, was sanctioned for being converted to Serendib Hotel and Suites without approval.

Empower Women, Youth and Underprivileged With Tools to Excel in a Digital World

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has canvassed the need for all tiers of government to empower women, youth and underprivileged with the necessary tools for them to excel in a digital world.

In a message to mark the 2025 International Literacy

Day on Monday, Mrs Tinubu stated, inter alia: “This year’s theme for International Literacy Day 2025 with the theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,” challenges us to empower youth, women, and the underprivileged with the tools to thrive in a digital world.

“As a lifelong educationist, I believe a literate population

is the foundation of boundless opportunities, and in today’s world it must include digital skills.

“When we as a people work together, we can close the gap of digital exclusion and open doors to a brighter, inclusive future for all Nigerians.

“Happy International Literacy Day 2025.”

Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyin- lola was also fined for illegally converting land approved for residential purposes at Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro to ZhouyiOthersHotel.accused by the FCT administration of violation of the terms of grant of right of occupancy were two former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams and Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.

the FHC, Abuja to hear the suit transferred from the Osogbo division on the orders of the Chief Judge (CJ) of the FHC, Justice John Tsoho.

Specifically, the state govern- ment is asking the court to set “aside the purported fiat said to have been given at the instance of the Chief Judge of the court contained in a letter dated August 21, 2025 signed by one Joshua Ibrahim Aji, a Special Assistant to the ChiefAmongJudge”.the grounds upon which the motion was predicated is the claim that the FHC CJ failed to obey his own directive on how and where vacation cases would be heard.

Citing a May 28 vacation notice issued by the CJ, the plaintiff pointed out that the Court will not be completely shut down during this period, as such, the three core Divisions of the Court will be open to the general public to attend to only matters of extreme urgency.

“Consequently, the litigating public will be at liberty to ap-

proach only the under-listed functional Courts located nearest to them. i. Abuja; ii. Lagos; iii. Port-Harcourt” Obvious from the above is that the only vacation Judge who could have heard this suit is the vacation Judge who is sitting in Lagos and not Abuja,” the plaintiff argued. The plaintiff submitted that the AGF “who caused the case file of this suit to be forcefully moved to Abuja”, and the the CJ cannot claim ignorance of the said Vacation Notice of May 28, 2025, adding that the attention of the CJ and AGF were drawn to this fact in the Plaintiff’s solicitor letter dated August 14, 2025.

“The Honourable Chief Judge, who at his instance the said letter of August 21, 2025 was written, is not just a judicial officer of this Honourable Court but the number 1 judicial officer of this Honourable Court. Thus, His Lordship’s oath of office demands that he should, at all times, hold the scale of justice evenly between parties across the divide.

NOA, Civic Groups Warn of Literacy Crisis, Demand Digital Skills Push

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

National Orientation Agency (NOA) warned that Nigeria risked deeper poverty, social disunity, and democratic setbacks unless urgent steps were taken to raise literacy levels and equip citizens with digital skills.

Speaking in yesterday in Abuja at an event to mark the 2025 International Literacy Day, NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said literacy must be treated as a national survival issue.

Issa-Onilu said, “Literacy is not just about reading and writing - it is the gateway to knowledge, innovation and meaningful participation in the democratic process, a literate Nigeria is a stronger Nigeria. Together, let us make reading and learning a culture that defines us as a people.”

He said Nigeria could not achieve sustainable development if large sections of its population remained locked out of knowledge and digital skills, stressing that literacy is central to poverty reduction,

improvement of civic participation, and preparation for the global knowledge economy.

“If we do not equip ourselves with digital skills, we risk being left behind,” he warned.

Issa-Onilu urged state governments, parents, teachers, and community leaders to treat literacy as a collective responsibility

He called for the strengthening of public libraries and the removal of barriers to education for women, girls and other vulnerable groups.

GLOVO NIGERIA STARTUP CAMPUS AWARD PRESENTATION...

L-R: Sales Manager, GITEX, Jessy Fula; General Manager, Glovo Nigeria, Lamide Akinola; Representative of the GITEX Nigeria Supernova Challenge Winner/Vice President, Commercial, Curacel AI, Abduljahab Momoh; and the Honourable Commissioner, Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State, Olatunbosun Alake during the Special Glovo Nigeria Startup Campus Award presentation at the grand finale of the GITEX Nigeria Supernova Challenge held in Lagos… recently

El-Rufai Petitions PSC, Alleges Misconduct by Kaduna Police Commissioner, Senior

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC) about alleged gross misconduct by senior officers of the state police command.

In a letter dated September 8, 2025, el-Rufai accused the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State of abusing his office.

He urged the PSC to im- mediately launch an impartial investigation into what he described as “unlawful and unconstitutional conduct” by authorities of the command.

The former governor stated, in the petition, “I am writing as a citizen of Nigeria and former governor of Kaduna State to formally lodge this complaint and demand an immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation into the unlawful and unconstitutional conduct of the Commissioner of Police and some officers of the Kaduna State Police Command.”

Of late, there had been a face-

off between El-Rufai and the Kaduna State Police Command.

On August 30, the former governor and other opposi- tion politicians were attacked by suspected political thugs during a meeting in Kaduna. El-Rufai subsequently ac- cused the police of collusion with the thugs, and said the officers merely watched while the meeting was being attacked.

Last week, the command invited El-Rufai, along with six senior members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for questioning over allegations relating to criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief and causing grievous hurt.

The former governor had earlier threatened to petition the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the PSC over the attack on the opposi- tion supporters and members of ADC by suspected hoodlums at a political meeting he was billed to attend.

THISDAY gathered that the suspected hoodlums, who were armed, stormed

the Conference Hall of NUT Endwell in Magadishu, Kaduna, shooting sporadically in the air while attacking attendees of the meeting.Several individuals were injured in the attack, despite presence of police officers at the event, which was later confirmed to be a transition meeting of ADC and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The Kaduna State Police Command had in a statement

issued after the incident blamed El-Rufai for the attack, with preliminary investigation alleging the hoodlums who carried out the mayhem were linked to the former governor.

While El-Rufai had kept mum over the incident but later opened up on the attack while speaking on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics programme.

El-Rufai labelled the police allegation against him as evidence of the collapse in

FG Begins

Officers

Nigeria’s policing system, as he questioned how he could invite thugs to disrupt an event organised by him.

He accused the police officers of providing cover for the hoodlums who he alleged to be sponsored by the Kaduna State government.

According to the former governor, “The police were there. I don’t know what they were investigating. They know what happened. They

provided cover to the thugs to do what they did. Those thugs were government-sponsored. We know them. We know the police officers that were there.

“I had earlier this year or last year submitted a petition to the IGP on the conduct of some police officers in Kaduna that are being used by the state government to kidnap opposi- tion figures and critics and I’m waiting for the outcome of that investigation.

Distribution of N2.9bn Health Commodities to 10 States

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government on Monday flagged-off the distribution of Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) commodities worth N2.9 billion to 10 states in Nigeria.

The management of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) which is handling

Panel Uncovers 4,251 Finger Blends, 190 AI Cheats in 2025 UTME

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has received a report from its Special Committee on Examination Infractions (SCEI), exposing how technology-driven malpractice is undermining Nigeria’s admission process.

Presenting a report in Abuja on Monday to JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Chair- man of the committee, Dr. Jake Epelle, revealed that the team uncovered 4,251 cases of “finger blending” and 190 instances

of AI-assisted impersonation through image morphing, during its investigations into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The panel, inaugurated on August 18, was tasked with probing rising infractions, reviewing JAMB’s systems, and recommending reforms.

Epelle described the assign- ment as more than administrative, but a moral obligation, a national service, and a fight for the soul of meritocracy in Nigeria.

Beyond finger blending and AI impersonation, the committee documented 1,878 false disability claims, forged credentials, multiple National Identification Number (NIN) registrations, and collusion between candidates and examination syndicates.

In order to reclaim integrity in admissions, the committee urged JAMB to adopt a multi-pronged response that included deploying AI-powered biometric anomaly tools, realtime monitoring, and a central Examination Security Operations Centre.

the distribution said initiative is to help reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in the country.

It said that 60 percent of the commodities will be distributed to states in the Northwestern part of Nigeria based on health indices.

While speaking at event, Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, explained the distribution is part of the government’s efforts to improve the health of mothers and newborns.

“This is actualisation of the President’s agenda to save the

lives of our mothers and our newborns to reduce mortality in that population.

“The commodities will be distributed across four zones, with the Northwest zone receiving 60 percent of the commodities and the Northeast zone receiving 34 percent,” he said.

Aina said the initiative was a collaborative venture between the government and partners, and that the federal govern- ment is providing support to states to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare.

According to him, the NPHCDA has identified 10 states and 80 local govern- ments as priority areas for the distribution as he also disclosed that the agency is working with states to ensure sustainability of the program, and that states are expected to commit resources to support the initiative.

He also noted that 21 states are currently implementing the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program, and that the agency is working to expand the program to other areas.

Unlock Your Future: Don Urges Students to Embrace Vocational Skills for Self-reliance

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

In a bid to empower students and prepare them for the challenges of the modern job market, Dr. Maria Abdullahi, a lecturer in the Economics Department at Sokoto State University, has urged students to acquire vocational skills. Speaking to students of the department, Dr. Abdullahi

emphasized the importance of self-reliance and the need for students to look beyond white-collar jobs. She stated it is high time when the Nigerian economy is facing significant challenges, including high unemployment rates. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate in Nigeria stands at over 33%, with youth unemployment

being particularly high. Abdullahi said by embracing vocational skills and training, students can gain practical ex- perience, build their confidence, and increase their chances of success in the job market. Moreover, acquiring vocational skills can provide students with a sense of purpose and direction, helping them to navigate the challenges of the modern economy.

STRATEGISING ON LAGOS TOURISM SUPPORT SERVICES...

L-R: Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe; Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye; and General Manager, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Dr. Ifalade Ajasa Oyekan, during a meeting with Lagos State Enforcement Agencies at Alausa… recently

Shettima Pledges Enhanced Military Operations Against Terrorists, as Abbas Condemns Killings in Kaduna, Other States

Army neutralises scores of bandits, rescues 2, recovers arms in Kogi VP expresses confidence in armed forces’ capacity to overcome security challenges Northern CAN: Tinubu should do more to address hardship, insecurity

Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Borno State over the recent terrorist attack that claimed many lives in Darajamal

Community, Bama Local Government Area.

Shettima reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the armed forces to review security operations, including the deployment of advanced military hardware and surveil- lance equipment to eliminate terrorist groups across the country.

Equally reacting to the is- sue, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, lamented the series of recorded attacks in Kaduna, Borno, Katsina, Plateau, Kwara and other states over the weekend, resulting in the killings of innocent citizens. Abbas, in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser

on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, described the killings as gruesome and unfortunate. Abbas called for decisive action against criminals and criminality by the security forces, warning of the impli- cations of insecurity for the socioeconomic stability of the country.

In a related development,

Finally, Gov Radda Confirms Negotiation with Katsina Bandits in Frontline LGAs

Says peace truce ongoing in two additional LGAs Decries killing of children, closure of schools, markets

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has confirmed negotiation with bandits terrorising farming communities in his state after two years of debates on whether to seal a peace deal with the hoodlums or not.

Radda, who at different times distanced himself from ongoing negotiation with bandits in the state, however, said on Monday that the peace deal has restored

peace in four frontline local governments.

Unveiling an 18-month European Union-funded project, Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) in Katsina, Governor Radda said negotiation was ongoing in additional two frontline local governments of the state.

The CPCRR project is being implemented by International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Centre for Democracy and

Development (CDD) and Mercy Corps in Katsina and Zamfara states to foster peace and socio-economic stability.

But Radda said: “This project is not a top-down intervention. It is community owned, locally-led and culturally sensitive. From the onset, we have ensured that community voices, especially those of women, youths and persons with disabilities are central to planning and implementation. So, the state government has already gone

Guber Poll: No Vacancy in Anambra Government House, Says Group

Ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, a group, Umueri General Assembly, has declared that there is no vacancy in the government house. The President-General of Anambra East Local Government Chapter of the group, Dr. John Metchie, said the people

of Anambra have collectively resolved to re-elect the governor, Charles Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to enable them to continue and consolidate their developmental strides.

Speaking with journalists during the 2025 Umueri New Yam Festival over the weekend, Metchie reiterated his position, stating that no serious contender

was challenging Soludo in the election.

Metchie, in a statement issued Monday, argued that the governor’s achievements in just three years have exceeded the expectations of the people.

He noted that the entire Omambala region would vote en masse for Soludo, adding he personally stands firmly behind the governor.

far in this.

“I can assure you that due to this locally made community peace initiative, we are able to resolve crises in four of our frontline local governments out of the eight that we already have, and negotiation is going on in two additional frontline local governments.”

operatives of the Nigeria Army,12 Brigade, in an op- eration tagged Egwua Atite, neutralised scores of bandits, rescued a father and his son, recovered ammunitions and motorcycles in the sustained efforts to root out criminal elements from Kogi and neighbouring states.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Hassan Abdullahi, a Lieutenant, and Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, and made available to journalists in LokojaAddressingyesterday. the security situ- ation, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. Yakubu Pam, said President Bola Tinubu meant well for the country but he must do more to ease the grow- ing hardship and insecurity in thePam,country.who spoke in an interview during a condolence visit in Kaduna over the week-

end, stated that the president inherited a difficult situation, but warned that citizens were running out of patience.

“There is hardship. Whoever says that there is no hardship, I think that person is not speaking the truth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Saturday, visited Darajamal community to condole with the families of the victims, civilians and soldiers alike, who were killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night.

In his condolence message on Monday, Shettima described the incident as a profound loss to both the state and the country. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Zulum, the people of Borno State, and the Nigerian military over the loss of their compatriots.

“These deaths have left the entire nation in collective grief, but we are confident that justice will be served for the bereaved families,” the vice president said.

Violent Extremism: CSOs to Petition NHRC Over Inflammatory Comments

As part of efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism in Nigeria, civil society organisations (CSOs) have expressed their willingness to petition the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate politicians, clerics, monarchs, and other citizens who use their positions to incite violence.

The CSOs, operating under the banner of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network – PCVE-KIRH, explained the outcome of the

NHRC’s investigation would lay the groundwork for legal action against individuals who make inflammatory comments, as part of broader efforts to counter violent extremism in theThecountry.Chair of the National Steering Committee of the PAVE Network – PCVE-KIRH, Jaye Gaskia, expressed this willingness while inaugurating the PAVE Network’s FCT Chapter.

He stated: “When it comes to the question of indictment or inflammatory comments, regardless of who is responsible for the

incitement, whether politicians or others, including religious or traditional institutions - I believe we have sufficient laws that outline how harmful these actions are, as well as the penalties attached to them.

“Another issue is the lack of willingness to implement these laws. Those responsible for enforcing them are often the same individuals who violate them, and it is not in their interest to act otherwise. That is why I believe we need much greater vigilance from civil society and citizens.”

CVR: Over 3.5m Nigerians Registered in Three Weeks

As INEC Bayelsa set for voter

its voter education road show.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that a total of 3,544,850 Nigerians have registered online for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) within three weeks.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement issued Monday noted the commission would start presenting the combined figures of the completed online pre-registration and the physical (in-person) registration in a single graphic.

In a related development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bayelsa State, through its Voter Educa- tion, Publicity and Gender Department (VEPGD), has fixed September 11, 2025, as the official date for the flag-off of

The announcement was made by the Head of Depart- ment, Mr. Christian Utong, during a strategic engagement with accredited Voter Education Service Providers (VESP) in Yenagoa.Meanwhile, INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun said: “In continuation of our weekly update on the ongoing nationwide voter registration, the Commission is pleased to publish the data at the end of the third week of the online pre-registration and second week of the physical (in-person) option.

“As at Sunday 7th September 2025, a total of 3,544,850 Nige- rians have now pre-registered online in three weeks since the commencement of the exercise on 18th August 2025.

“The figure at the end of Week Three shows that 1,709,933 (48.24 per cent) are male and 1,834,917 (51.76 per cent) are female. In terms of age and occupation, the majority

education road show September 11

2,291,809 (64.65 per cent) are between the ages of 18 and 34 while 882,441 (24.89 per cent) are students.

“The cumulative figure since the physical (in-person) registration commenced on 25th August 2025 is 288,614 as of Thursday, 4th September 2025 of which 132,634 (45.96 per cent) are male and 155,980

(54.04 per cent) are female.

“In terms of age and oc- cupation, 215,414 (74.64 per cent) are between the ages of 18 and 34 while 114,150 (39.55 per cent) are students.”

Olumekun stressed that the distribution of both online and completed registrations by State, gender, age, occupa- tion and disability have been

uploaded to its website and other official platforms for public information.

He added that the Commission appreciated the positive response of citizens and organisations that have mobilised civic participation for the exercise.

The commission reiterated that voter registration is only

open to citizens who are 18 years or older at the time of registration. He emphasised it is illegal for anyone to encourage under- age registration or those below 18 years of age to register in anticipation that they will attain the legal age of voting by the time the general election holds in 2027.

Bolaji Abdullahi: We Have Completed our Documentations with INEC

Solomon Dalung: ADC is ready for 2027

The African Democratic Congress, ADC yesterday affirmed the coalition political party has successfully completed its documentations with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The National Publicity

A distinguished professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Manage- ment and Wall Street Journal (WSJ) bestselling author, Loran Nordgren, has endorsed Dakuku Peterside’s new book ‘Leading in a Storm’

The book seeks to equip leaders in government, business and civil society to act with clarity and conviction in times of disruption, the author of ‘Leading in a Storm’

had said. Peterside was the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) from March 2016 to March 2020.

Among others, Nordgren, the founder of Aerocept, a leading behavioural design agency, and a Poets & Quants’ Best 40 Under 40’ Outstanding Business School Professor, called the book ‘a must-read for any leader who wants to navigate the storms on the horizon.’

Nordgren said: “‘In technology, politics, and the environment, we are undeniably living through times of disruption and upheaval. This moment calls for leaders who have the skills and strategies to navigate crises.

“Based on both research and years of practical experience, this book provides a timely blueprint for those criti- cal moments—a must-read for any leader who wants to successfully navigate the storms ahead.”

Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi told THISDAY the party has successfully met all aspects of the documentation with the regulatory electoral body.

According to Abdullahi in a chat with THISDAY, “We have successfully completed our documentations with INEC. In fact, we were able to meet the outstanding documentations as at Thursday last week.”

INEC had alerted the coalition party is yet to complete its

documentation with the ADC.

It was gathered some of the issues outstanding were the submission of the principal officers of the party, particularly, the signatories of the National Chairman, Senator David Mark and the National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

Also, the former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has said that the ADC is fully prepared for the 2027 general elections, Speaking as a guest on

Arise TV’s Morning Show on Monday, he dismissed fears that procedural issues could affect the party’s readiness for the polls.

According to Dalung, “The ADC is a registered political party in Nigeria and has been in existence for over 19 years. “The party is undergoing a transition where coalition elements have been incorporated, and this process is ongoing, so it is incorrect to assert that it is an association,” Dalung said.

Olu of Warri Intervenes in Itsekiri Graduates’ Tuition Backlog

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has offered to pay the tuition and clearance fees of students of Itsekiri extraction who graduated from Novena University, Ogume, in the Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The students were spon- sored under the Presidential

Amnesty Programme but denied their certificates due to the reported failure of successive administrators of the PAP.

The sole representative of the Olu of Warri to NNPCL and its JV Partners, Collins Edema, disclosed the cheering gesture, over the weekend, in a statement.

He said the gesture was in line with the Warri monarch’s

passion and unwavering commitment to the growth, development, and empowerment of Itsekiri youths. Edema explained the affected students were to complete a Google Form to submit their details between September 7 and September 30, assuring that payment of the tuition and clearance fees of the affected graduates will be made.

2025 AFIAOLY FESTIVAL NKWO TRIANGLE IN NNEWI...

L-R: Portfolio Manager Mainstream, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Olaoluwa Babalola; Zonal Business Manager, East, Chinwe Ude; Marketing Director,

Plc, Sarah Agha; Representative of Igwe KON Orizu III, Crown Prince Obi Orizu; Obi Afam Charles

Maduakor, at the 2025 Afiaolu Festival, Nkwo Triangle, Nnewi... recently.

Wipe Crocodile Tears, Return Smart Schools’ Money, Enugu Patriots Replies Sujimoto

Disputes

Sujimoto’s N4bn expenditure claim on projects Ugo Chime, Asogwa, other bulk contractors delivering on target and schedule.

The Enugu State Patriots, a group of leaders cutting across political and professional backgrounds, has thrown its weight behind the efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Enugu State Government to recover the total sum of N5.7bn so far paid to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited for the construction of 22 out of the 260 Smart Green Schools embarked upon by the government.

The group also disputed the claim by Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, Sujimoto’s CEO, that his company

N149.39

He added that the high cost of commercial loans, coupled with the burden of repayment in foreign currencies, leaves many African economies vulnerable to market shocks.

“This narrows fiscal space, constrains domestic policy choices, and slows the pace of sustainable development,” he said.

However, in his presentation, Edun presented a more optimistic assessment, saying Nigeria’s economy was recovering under the reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Edun noted that in 2024, the ratio of debt service-togovernment revenue had declined to about 60 per cent, while the debt-to-GDP ratio had fallen to 38.8 per cent, which he described as acceptable by global standards.

He also said government revenues rose by 34.7 per cent in the first half of 2025, showing signs of fiscal improvement.

Edun acknowledged Nigeria’s shared struggles with other West African nations, including high debt service costs, limited revenue streams, and increasing pressure on public spending.

He argued that Nigeria was

had already spent N4bn on the projects before the termination of the contract at the expiration of the agreed completion time in February 2025.

It said that pictures and videos of the sites as of May 2025 and a report it sourced from the Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure showed that Sujimoto could not have spent up to N600m on the “shambolic work he did at the entire 22 sites before they were recovered by government.”

Enugu Patriots made its position known in a statement by its spokesperson, Prof. Mathiine

making a positive turnaround, with reforms boosting investor confidence, reducing fuel import expenses, enhancing energy independence, and encouraging local value addition.

He credited these gains to difficult but necessary reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate liberali- sation, and a broad tax reform initiative aimed at improving compliance and gradually increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio.

According to Edun, these reforms are laying the ground- work for a stable macroeconomic climate that encourages private sector investment, which constitutes around 90 per cent of the nation’s economy.

He stressed that the government’s borrowing was now targeted at specific projects that generate returns, adding that the administration was avoiding inflationary practices like excessive money-printing or unsustainable financing methods.

Edun also pointed to global challenges such as declining development aid, shrinking global trade, and higher international interest rates, which he said complicate fiscal management in developing nations.

Anikwe, on Monday, also faulting the attempt by Ogundele to blame inflation and profit margin since many contractors had already delivered their own projects.

It equally faulted the Sujimoto CEO’s claim that his company got only N5.2bn instead of N5.7bn, describing it as an attempt to discountenance the company’s VAT/tax obligations.

“The fact that education was over 30 per cent in the 2024 budget and 33 per cent in 10 2025 underscores the priority the Mbah Administration places on the sector. That is massive and has to do with the 260 Smart Green

He argued that these global constraints make it even more critical for African countries to embrace reforms, digital innovation, and technologydriven revenue systems to boost domestic income.

The minister maintained that parliamentary scrutiny was vital for upholding fiscal responsibility and further urged lawmakers to actively hold the executive accountable for borrowing and spending decisions, asserting that transparency and accountability must form the backbone of fiscal policy.

“A credible fiscal plan isn’t just an executive responsibility, it requires strong collaboration and oversight, especially from finance and public accounts committees like yours.”

He described Nigeria’s current fiscal path as a key inflection point, where recent reforms are paving the way for long-term stability, global competitiveness, and inclusive development.

Edun, however, concluded by stressing the importance of responsible borrowing, clear reporting, and vigilant legislative oversight to secure the country’s financial future.

Earlier, at the conference

Schools.

“No one can blame the government for awarding the contract to Sujimoto, given its projects in Lagos. But having failed to show value for money here, we advise Ogundele to clean his crocodile tears and return the money to Ndi Enugu. Period,” Prof. Anikwe added.

Meanwhile, other contractors handling multiple Smart Green School Projects for the state have expressed satisfaction with the system put in place by the government, saying that they were delivering the projects in line with government’s standards

yesterday, Abbas, who was represented by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, stated that as of the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N149.39 trillion (about $97 billion), a steep rise from N121.7 trillion in the prior year.

Abbas raised concern about Nigeria’s escalating debt, stating that it reached N149.39 trillion (approximately $97 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, from N121.7 trillion the previous year.

Abbas cautioned that Nige- ria’s debt-to-GDP ratio had hit 52 per cent, exceeding the legal ceiling of 40 per cent, and called on parliaments throughout West Africa to intensify their scrutiny of government borrowing to protect their citizens’ futures.

He noted that the debt-toGDP ratio had soared to 52 per cent, well above the 40 per cent legal threshold.

He warned that the debt escalation had pushed Nigeria beyond its legal borrowing limits and placed considerable strain on its fiscal stability.

Abbas said the trend underscored the pressing need for enhanced parliamentary oversight, improved transparency in the borrowing process, and a unified effort to ensure

The contractors, in separate interviews on Sunday and Monday, commended the huge investment by the government to migrate Enugu State children from outdated structures and learning to modern infrastructure and experiential learning to equip them with requisite knowledge and skills to compete in the emerging global economy.

Managing Director of Testimony Enterprises, Surv. Ugo Chime, said his company was awarded ten of the 260 Smart Green School projects.

“We handled 10 units of the

every borrowed naira delivers measurable economic and social benefits.

He further warned that Africa was facing a continent-wide debt crisis, with many nations spending more on debt servicing than on essential sectors like healthcare.

Highlighting Africa’s debt composition, Abbas said that 35 percent was owed to private Western lenders, 39 percent to global financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, 13 percent to bilateral partners, and 12 percent to China.

The Speaker stressed that loans should be channeled into sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and industries that generate employment, warning against irresponsible borrowing that fuels corruption or unproductive consumption.

He added that oversight efforts must involve the public, suggesting that major loan proposals should be open to public hearings and that debt reports be simplified and made publicly accessible to ensure transparency and citizen awareness.

Smart Green Schools. The government is collecting keys for those fully completed units starting from this week,” he said.

Also, the MD/CEO of Intasog Limited, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, said, “Intasog was awarded 12 sites, which we have done well and we are happy and grateful for the opportunity,” he stated.

In the same vein, MD/CEO of Alubond Nigeria Limited, Chinedu Nwobodo, said, “Alubond was awarded 10 schools. And the good thing is that you do not even need to know anybody to get multiple contracts, so long as you have a proven capacity.”

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, also called for stronger legal frameworks across West Africa to empower finance and public accounts committees, ensuring better debt transparency and sustainability. Represented by Senator Osita Izunaso, Akpabio warned that unchecked borrowing could endanger citizens’ futures and weaken democratic institutions throughout the region.

He argued that sound debt management, underpinned by rigorous oversight, could be a powerful tool to finance infrastructure, spur growth, and support sustainable development.

The House Public Accounts Committee Chairman, Hon. Bamidele Salam, revealed that his committee had recovered more than N200 billion in lost government revenue over the pastSalamyear.said these recoveries were part of ongoing reforms to improve financial accountability in HeNigeria. noted that this WAAPAC meeting, which Nigeria is host- ing for the first time since the group’s founding in 2009, is particularly timely in light of Africa’s escalating debt crisis.

AKPABIO HOSTS 11-YEAR-OLD TEENEAGLE BRONZE MEDALLIST...

L-R: Mrs. Edu Antai; Medallist, Miss Cara Antai; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and Executive Director, Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr.

presented her Bronze Medal won at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Final 2, held at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, to the Senate President in Ukana,

while welcoming the parties, the minister expressed optimism that the issues in dispute will be resolved amicably.

“We are here to try and reconcile our labour unions in the oil industry and the employers in Dangote Group. This is not the first time we are having this kind of dispute and we believe that by the time we sit down with parties involved we should be able to settle them, we should be able to resolve the issues within the limits of what is possible”

The minister appealed to all parties concerned to be peaceful, and to be as accommodating as possible.

“What we are discussing today is very important to the peace and stability of the country and our economy. The oil industry is not a sector that we will play with and it is very important for our country and

host communities must be engaged genuinely. Similarly, he argued for the management of the Host Community Development Fund (HCDF) transparently with a clear monitoring framework.

While urging the authorities and oil industry players to invest long-term in education, health, and infrastructure to build trust and reduce militancy, Kachikwu noted that to ensure security, satellite surveillance, drones, and modern security systems should be deployed.

He also advocated strengthening of judicial processes for swift prosecution of oil theft and partnering with local communities to enhance intelligence gathering.

To re-attract foreign and domestic capital, the former minister emphasised that there was a need to encourage industry players through tax holidays for frontier basin projects, ease of profit repatriation, and risk capital guarantees.

Kachikwu further explained that Nigeria should leverage international green financing mechanisms to support energy transition goals and proactively diversify by investing in renewable energy.

Tracking the decline in the

our people. Please I want to appeal to all of us to try as much as possible to have a listening ear and be ready to contribute to the settlement of this matter.

A representative of the Dangote Group, Sayyu Dantata, could not be reached for his comments as he didn’t wait for an interview with journalists after the However,meeting. as the strike by the oil workers gain traction, the TUC has expressed solidar- ity with NUPENG, urging Dangote Refinery to address PENGASSAN and NUPENG’s complaints fully and stop the harassment of their members without delay.

TUC alleged that there were disturbing reports from its af- filiate, PENGASSAN and its industry sister union, NUPENG, of persistent anti-labour practices, intimidation, and humiliation

oil and gas sector, Kachikwu stated that the period from 2015 onwards has been marked by production decline, revenue volatility, and new global challenges.

Between 2017 and 2023, Nigeria’s oil production, he said, fell from over 2.1 million barrels per day to below 1.4 million bpd and in 2022 failed to meet its OPEC quota for 12 consecutive months.

“Several interrelated factors contributed to this stagnation. First, pipeline vandalism and oil theft reached unprecedented levels. The Niger Delta region saw renewed militant activity, including attacks on major infrastructure by groups such as the Niger Delta Avengers. Oil theft was estimated to cost the country over $2 billion annually according to data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

“Second, the industry suffered from chronic underinvestment. Many international oil companies began to divest from Nigeria’s onshore assets, citing security risks, litigation threats, and environmental obligations. These divestments created operational gaps that local companies were not immediately ready to fill.

of workers within the Dangote Group.

In addition, it said that some other affiliates — the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CANMPSSAN) and the Textile, Garment and Tailoring Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (TGTSSAN) — have also raised serious complaints of the denial of workers’ rights to unionise, harassment, and continued assault on the dignity of “Weemployees. put it on record that the labour movement will not fold its arms while Dangote and its companies treat Nigerian workers as slaves in their own country. No employer, no matter how wealthy or powerful, will be allowed to trample on the rights and dignity of labour,” the TUC stated.

Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt branch of PENGASSAN has di-

“Third, regulatory uncertainty created a difficult investment climate. For over a decade, the Petroleum Industry Bill faced repeated delays. Investors became reluctant to commit long-term capital in the absence of a clear legal and fiscal framework. Although the Petroleum Industry Act was eventually signed into law in 2021, its delayed implementation left a legacy of distrust.

“Fourth, infrastructure decay also played a major role. Many of Nigeria’s pipelines, flow stations, and terminals were more than 40 years old. Poor maintenance led to frequent shutdowns, leakages, and losses. Refineries operated at less than 10 per cent capacity for most of the period and were eventually shut down for rehabilitation.

“Finally, the global transition to clean energy posed a structural threat. As the world moved toward renews and net-zero emissions, fossil fuel projects came under intense scrutiny, financial institutions began withdrawing funding from oil and gas projects, Nigeria found itself in a race against time to extract maximum value from its reserves before global demand declined,“ he recalled.

However, despite the

rected its members at Cameron/ Onesubsea Offshore Systems Nigeria Ltd to commence an indefinite strike from 12:00am, Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The association said their action followed what it described as management’s refusal to en- gage in good-faith negotiations. In a directive issued by the Assistant General Secretary, Port Harcourt Zone, Sere Nwikiabeh, the union accused the company of rebuffing all genuine efforts to resolve grievances related to the 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. “We have exhausted all avenues of negotiation and dialogue, and it has become clear that the Management is not willing to engage with us in good faith. In light of this, we have decided to take a more decisive action to protect and defend our members’ rights,” the union said.

challenges of recent years, the former NNPC GMD said that Nigeria’s oil industry is experiencing a transformation in structure and ownership, with the emergence of domestic players being one of the most significant developments.

According to him, companies such as Seplat, Aiteo, Oando Energy Resources, and Heirs Oil and Gas have taken over assets formerly held by multinationals and are becoming increasingly influential in the upstream sector.

However, he pointed out that the rollout of the PIA has been inconsistent as regulatory institutions are still finding their footing, and there are concerns over overlapping mandates and limited“Politicalcapacity.interference remains a risk, especially in licensing, project approvals, and disburse- ment. There have also been fiscal policy shifts that have discouraged investment. Issues such as multiple taxation, currency instability, summersaults, including fuel subsidy retum under a different name and ad hoc import restrictions, have further undermined investor confidence.

“Nonetheless, opportunities remain. The commissioning of the Dangote Refinery promises

Equally, the Natural Oil & Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) have announced that they will, from midnight yesterday, join the strike action declared by NUPENG.

NUPENG began an indefinite nationwide strike yesterday. Although it had yet to have much impact in Abuja and Lagos as of yesterday, since the leadership was expected to meet with officials of the federal government, but in some states, the strike action crippled commercial activities.

According to the national PENGASSAN, should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, it would be left with no option but to join in shutting

to reduce dependence on imported refined products and conserve foreign exchange,” he explained.

Kachikwu also canvassed that the $450 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund) be increased to $1 billion, to cater for the funding of mega oil and gas projects, setting up of pipe mills and manufacturing of other critical equipment needed in the oil and gas sector.

He recommended that oil and gas producing companies be asked to provide timelines for developing oil and gas blocks, the same condition for firms that win industry contracts based on commitments of investments.

Kachikwu stated that a larger NCI Fund will provide seed capital for developing blocks, accessing technology, skill sets and equipment, stressing that the fund should include contributions from operators, and other investors in the sector and not just government resources. Besides, he regretted that many awardees of oil blocks in Nigeria treat them like certificates of occupancy for land, causing huge losses to the nation. He advised the federal government to cancel oil blocks that are not developed after

down the refinery operations as a last resort to “protect our members’ rights and interests.”

A statement signed by PEN- GASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, stated that the right of workers to organise and collectively bargain was not only a fundamental hu- man right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices.

“We are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, NU- PENG, in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery. We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery’s management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the association since its inception,” it added.

Continues online

a prolonged period.

He said: “We need to find a way to force performance in the industry. Some companies get contracts to import pipelines with proviso to invest locally. We need to begin to produce those equipment. You have to show the joint venture that you are setting up to produce pipes, where is the foreign partner with the funds and technology? You need to give a timeline.”

Commenting on the global investments space and how Nigeria can attract funding to the energy sector, the former minister argued that “there is a lot of money waiting to be tapped, however it is only going to countries where there is a perception of regularity.”

He opined that Nigeria’s image needs to improve, add- ing that the government needs to create the right investment climate to attract investment.

“There is enough investment money out there if you have a holding of hands. They need to portray Nigeria as the place where you can put money and get good returns”, Kachikwu stated.

He also argued that the government should consider co-investing with private companies if there are good prospects of returns.

Chelle: Super Eagles Ready for Great Game against S’Africa Today

Ekong insists Nigeria will approach clash with confidence

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, is unperturbed that FIFA is yet to do the needful against South Africa that fielded an ineligible player against Lesotho last March. His focus today is for his wards to beat Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein to keep alive Nigeria’s quest to win the Group C ticket to the mundial to be hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada next year.

Speaking ahead of this allimportant cracker against group

leaders South Africa, Chelle insisted that the Super Eagles are ready to play a great game despite the unavailability of star boy, Victor Osimhen, who got injured in last weekend clash with Rwanda in Uyo.

“This is a big game, I am really happy to play this game, like my players,” Chelle stated in a pre-match media briefing yesterday in Bloemfontein.

“This is the moment to do a great game against a very

good with a lot of good play- ers,” stressed the Franco-Mali born gaffer.

He admitted that injured Osimhen is a big loss for the Super Eagles but he equally have other capable players to get the job done today.

“Osimhen is a big star, a very good player, but I also have a big group and they want to play a great game,” he stressed with confidence.

Chelle has picked seven points

out of nine in his three games with the squad and believes the group he has been working with has the capacity to turn things on its head and leave Bafana Bafana in the ditch.

Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong, similarly enthused the confidence expressed by his coach, assuring Nigerians that South Africa will fall at the end of 90 minutes.

“South Africa is a good team that we respect but we just have to go on the pitch and play our game. Our objective has

Oborevwori Demotes Executive Assistant after Delta Dethroned at NYG

A backlash has trailed the poor outing of Delta State at the recently concluded National Youth Games, as the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori is said to have instantly demoted his Executive Assistant (EA)

on sport and the immediate past Director-General of the sports commission, Mr Festus Owhojero for not living up to

Joshua, Wilder to Grace Independence Day

‘Chaos in the Ring’ Boxing Night in Lagos

Kunle Adewale

Two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua and former champion, American Deontay Wilder, are some of the big names in the game that have indicated their presence at the biggest boxing event in Africa since the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, slated for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

Tagged “Chaos in the Ring”, and billed for October 1-Nigeria’s Independence Day- would be headlined by Anglo-Nigerian rising star, Moses Itauma.

In a chat with THISDAY,

the CEO of Balmoral Group, Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, confirmed that Joshua, Itauma, and several global boxing stars will be in attendance at the Independence Day showpiece which would be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

“High-profile names like Deontay Wilder, Lawrence Okolie, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, and representatives of the Don King family, have also expressed interest in attending the boxing extravaganza.

“Anthony Joshua said he would definitely support, Moses Itauma confirmed he is coming,

and Lawrence Okolie too. Wilder called and said he’ll try to make it, and Big Baby Miller confirmed he’ll be here. It’s going to be a star-studded event and history in the making for Nigeria and Africa,” Dr Adamu said.

For the Balmoral CEO, it is the biggest boxing event in Africa, since Muhammad Ali and George Forman took Zaire by storm in 1974.

“Our ambition is to organize a boxing tournament capable of rivalling Saudi Arabia’s recent boxing spectacles, while showcasing Nigeria’s unique energy and passion,” he expressed.

expectations.

Delta State was dethroned by Lagos State at the NYG which was hosted in Asaba.

It was gathered that an ostensibly irked Governor Oborevwori, summoned an emergency meeting with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) immediately after the closing ceremony to establish the factors behind the state’s failure to maintain its traditional position as the best state in the last eight editions of the games.

At the meeting, the dismal outing did not sit well with the governor, who expressed his total disappointment at the results of the game and was categorical that the state’s second position placing was totally unacceptable to him and sports loving people of Delta State when considered that he provided all that was requested by the sports commission and the LOC in the execution of the games.

not changed; we want to go to the FIFA World Cup finals next year,” observed Ekong who was voted Man of the Competition at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Al Kholood defender in the Saudi’s Pro League recalled that Nigeria defeated Bafana Bafana at the last AFCON but that is immaterial now as it is in the “Wepast.defeated them at the Africa Cup but that is in the past and some changes have been made to both teams since then.

Our approach (today) will be devoid of arrogance; we will play with level heads and go all out for victory. There will be no arrogance but we will not be diffident either.

Super Eagles who are chasing to win all remaining three games of the qualifying series, after

falling behind South Africa, Rwanda and Benin Republic in the Group C log. The win over Amavubi at the weekend has however leapfrogged Nigeria over the Rwanda but are still six points behind leaders Bafana Bafana.

Kenya v Seychelles

Namibia v São Tomé

S’Leone v Ethiopia Tanzania v Niger

Zimbabwe v Rwanda

B’Faso v Egypt

C’Verde v Cameroon

D.R. Congo v Senegal

S’Africa v Nigeria Togo v Sudan Angola v Mauritius

Benin v Lesotho

Gabon v Côte d’Ivoire

Gambia v Burundi

Mauritania v S’Sudan

....Unbeaten Tunisia Join Morocco at the World Cup

Tunisia qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time 1-0 winner away against Equatorial Guinea on Monday evening.

The North Africans came under pressure for most of the game in Malabo, with the hosts needing victory themselves to keep alive their own hopes of reaching the finals.

Tunisia had goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to thank for a string of saves in the second half as he acrobatically kept out efforts from Saul Coco, Emilio Nsue and Alejandro Masogo.

With Equatorial Guinea pushing forward in search of a goal, the Carthage Eagles won the match from a counter attack in the last of four added minutes. Firas Chaouat dispossessed Coco, advanced into the box and unselfishly squared for Mohamed Ben Romdhane to score past Jesus Owono. Tunisia are assured of top spot in Group H with two games to spare, and have reached Canada, Mexico and the United States without conceding a goal in their eight qualifiers to date.

Erhunwmunse Bags Fresh Mandate as Gymnastics Federation President

Olawale Ajimotokanin Abuja

Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse over the weekend made history following his re -election for the third consecutive term as President of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) by delegates from 32 of Nigeria’s 37 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The election, held in Gwarinpa, Abuja, was con-

ducted under the watchful eyes of observers from the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), international gymnastics bodies, and other key stakeholders.

Erhunwmunse emerged victorious via unanimous votes after he secured all 33 votes cast. Alhaji Mohammed Abba Inuwa emerged as the new Vice President, polling 32 votes.

ConFERmEnT oF ThE SoCiETY’S FELLoWShip AWARD on KinGSLEY oBioRA...

L-R: Former DG, NISER and Fellow, NES, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye; Former Alternate Executive Director, IMF Washington DC and former DG, Economic Policy, Dr. Kingsley Obiora; Former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo and Fellow, NES, Prof. Akpan Ekpo; and Head, Economics Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Amaka Metu, at the conferment of the Society’s Fellowship Award on Dr. Obiora during the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society… recently

TUESDAY

abati1990@gmail.com

WITH REUBEN ABATI

Our Man in France

“So, where is President Tinubu, my brother?”

“What do you mean where is President Tinubu? He told you and everyone else that he is travelling to France and the UK on a working leave.”

“What else is he doing? What work is he doing? “

“Don’t be rude my friend? Who are you to ask the President what he is doing?”

“We are the people. We have the right to know.”

“This thing you people call democracy. Nigerians actually think that it is a form of madness. If the President says he is going on a working leave, and he is taking part of his annual leave, what is your problem?”

“He says it is a working leave. We just want to clear our suspicion. What exactly is the work? He cannot be away for almost a week, and we cannot know what he is doing”

“Okay, he is just taking time off, and spending time off with his wife. Do you have a problem with that?”

“Which wife? No man needs a time off to work on his wife. He can do that here. And let me tell you, having a wife is not a job. We all have wives, and we know how it works.”

“It is not the same thing. You cannot compare that your wife that you married with two tubers of yam and your in-laws told you not to bother about bride price out of pity. You cannot compare her with a delectable, elegant, fashionable, tasty, classy, woman like Mrs. Tinubu.”

“A wife is a wife. My wife is also classy. When the lights are off, every wife is a first lady. What I hear is that each time our President travels to France and UK, it is mainly for medical reasons. What is he always looking for in France and UK? He should stay at home. And be careful. You can’t g about saying those things about the President’s wife. The EFCC may arrest you.”

“I don’t even know why you are bothering yourself. When a Fulani man was Nigerian President, he said his doctors were in England. His spokesperson told you people, his saviours lived in England. He even went away for about six months at a stretch. One other President from the North almost died in Saudi Arabia. He was rushed home at

the last minute. It is now a Yoruba man in charge, you are asking him to go to a Nigerian hospital. I have always told you, you do not like Yoruba people despite everything that Yorubas have done for you. You have a Yoruba wife. You live in Lagos. Your children are half-Igbo, half-Yoruba. I know your girlfriend. She is Yoruba. I know your landlord. He is Yoruba. But when it comes to politics, you are Obidient, that is when you remember that small percentage of Igbo that is still in you. You are a very disloyal person. The way I am looking at you, when you grow old, you will die in this Yorubaland, and you will be deposited in Ikoyi Cemetery.”

“I will wake up! Nobody will dare bury me in a foreign land. I am a Prince of my town, in case you don’t know. I will go back to my “Myancestors.” friend, leave that ethnic matter. After making all your fortune in Yoruba land, you want to carry your carcass to some unknown ancestral land. You alone will go alone.”

“Stop this kind of talk. I am not planning to die. What we are asking is where is President Tinubu? What work is he doing since he travelled?”

“He is working, he has issued birthday messages. I saw one message he issued greeting Owelle Gilbert Chikelu on the occasion of his 95th birthday. A super Perm Sec who served this country diligently. Owelle of Ichida, Owelle of Aniocha. Knight of St.

Paul, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), former Chairman of GT Bank, author of a biography at 95.”

“And you call that work?”

“He has also sacked an aide in the office of the Vice President, a Special Assistant on Digital and Creative Economy, Fegho Umunubo”

“And that is what you call work?

“The President has spent just about four days only abroad. This is Presidential work, not your kind of work that you and I do. Stop comparing yourself to the President of the biggest nation in Africa. I think this is the mistake that you all make. In a democracy, there is class. There is status. There is hierarchy.”

“There is something called citizens’ rights. There is participation, accountability and integrity. My problem is that when we discuss Tinubu, you always sound like one of those Governors and Ministers who go to the airport to see him off on every trip. When he returns, they can also be found at the same airport, receiving the President. Those Governors have become part of Tinubu’s welcoming party. That is all they do. Sycophants in high places. Idle Governors disgracing the people who voted them into power.”

“Please, please, I take exception to that. You cannot compare me to those jobless Governors. No. Please. I voted for Tinubu in 2023, but have you ever seen me anywhere near Aso Villa or any APC event? Those Aso Rock Governors are different. I hear that in some of these states, files have to be taken to Abuja for the Governor’s signature. The people are the ones who pay for the to-ing and fro-ing. In fact some of these Governors have relocated their wives and children to Abuja. Others have standby concubines in Abuja. They have become flying objects. In Tinubu’s case, you at least know where he is. One of these days, one of these Governors will be kidnapped by bandits. I will be the first person to congratulate the bandits.”

“Jobless Governors. May the bandits kidnap them!”

“Exactly my point.”

“Let’s be fair though. Nobody should be kidnapped. At the end of the day, we are all citizens”

“I hear you. You are a citizen. Tinubu is a citizen. Atiku is a citizen. Peter Obi is a citizen. Kwankwaso is a citizen. Who else is

a citizen out there? Keep deceiving yourself.”

“But seriously, you may not like the politicians and their ways, but there are people in this country who are citizens and who are trying their best to uplift this country. For example, the Super Eagles. They are out there in Bloemfontein, South Africa today, to fight for Nigerian glory. Last week in Uyo, they beat Rwanda. They kept hope alive.”

“Too late. In Uyo, they were scrappy. They were saved by Tolu Arokodare in the 51st minute. Now, in South Africa, they won’t have Victor Osimhen in the front. He is nursing an injury. He is out of action. South Africa is leading Group C with 16 points. Forget it. Too late. We are not going to World Cup 2026. Nigeria would have to win all the three remaining matches against South Africa, Benin and Lesotho. I don’t see that happening.”

“Miracles till happen. Our God can do a magic. It is not over until it is over.”

“Leave God out of it. Football is an exact science.”

“God is above science.”

“Oh. Nigerians always remember God when they have messed up thoroughly. A few days ago, one contractor called Sujimoto was weeping on social media calling on God in a matter that has nothing to do with God. Enugu State government gave him N5. 7 billion to build 22 smart schools and deliver between July 2024 and September 2025. He collected the money and failed to deliver. When they started looking for him, he absconded. Now they have taken his matter to the EFCC, he is telling stories and weeping. Really, what is wrong with Nigerians?”

“EFCC has declared him wanted. Enugu state says they just want their money back because this is a case of premeditated fraud.”

“I don’t think the matter should have ever reached this stage. This is a commercial transaction. If a contract goes wrong, you can always re-negotiate. You also have the option of arbitration. You can have lawyers on both sides to help with matters. But you cannot just abscond with other people’s money, after making false promises. Contractors who behave like that spoil business for other business people. They cause so much problem, even foreign investors will not want to come here.’