Oyebanji unveils senate leader’s projects, commends developmental strides
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has lauded the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, for his passion for the development of the state and enhancing the welfare of his constituents. Oyebanji spoke at Igede Ekiti and Aramoko Ekiti on Monday while inaugurating two ultra-modern markets with solar-powered lights constructed by Bamidele for the use of people in
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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has lauded the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, for his passion for the development of the state and enhancing the welfare of his constituents. Oyebanji spoke at Igede Ekiti and Aramoko Ekiti on Monday while inaugurating two ultra-modern markets with solar-powered lights constructed by Bamidele for the use of people in
Edo killings: Akpabio demands justice for victims
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday condemned the murder of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing it as a senseless act of violence that has no place in society. Akpabio also called on relevant authorities to conduct a proper investigation into the incident and bring the culprits to book to assuage the pain.
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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday condemned the murder of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing it as a senseless act of violence that has no place in society. Akpabio also called on relevant authorities to conduct a proper investigation into the incident and bring the culprits to book to assuage the pain.
US transfers more gang members to El Salvador’s maximum security prison
The United States deported more alleged Venezuelan MS-13 gang members to El Salvador’s maximum security prison over the weekend. According to Reuters, the US State Department said on Monday that 17 people that were transfered to El Salvador were foreign criminals. The group of alleged violent criminals which includes murderers and rapists, tied to Tren
US transfers more gang members to El Salvador’s maximum security prison
The United States deported more alleged Venezuelan MS-13 gang members to El Salvador’s maximum security prison over the weekend.
According to Reuters, the US State Department said on Monday that 17 people that were transfered to El Salvador were foreign criminals.
The group of alleged violent criminals which includes murderers and rapists, tied to Tren de Aragua and MS-13 was transported by the US military on Sunday night.
This is coming less than a week after President Donald Trump’s administration asked the US Supreme Court to allow his use of a 1798 law to swiftly deport alleged Venezuelan gang members.
Just last week, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited a prison in El Salvador where many of those being deported have been sent.
Noem said the Trump administration would continue to send criminals there.
US transfers more gang members to El Salvador’s maximum security prison
Police foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi
The Ebonyi State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt in Abakaliki, the state capital. Spokesperson Joshua Ukandu in stated that on March 30, 2025, at approximately 8:30 pm, the command received information regarding a kidnapping incident near Mile 50 in Abakaliki. Operatives from the command were dispatched to pursue the kidnappers. The statement disclosed
Police foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi
The Ebonyi State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Spokesperson Joshua Ukandu in stated that on March 30, 2025, at approximately 8:30 pm, the command received information regarding a kidnapping incident near Mile 50 in Abakaliki. Operatives from the command were dispatched to pursue the kidnappers.
The statement disclosed that the operatives tracked an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with reg no: SKA 828 AA, which was used by the kidnappers, to Tina Nweze Street at Mile 50, Abakaliki.
Under pressure from the operatives, the kidnappers abandoned the victim, the Toyota Corolla, and a Toyota Sienna vehicle belonging to the victim.
The operatives successfully recovered the vehicles, which are now at the command headquarters for identification by their owners.
Police foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi
Nigerian lawyer accuses Kenya of complicity in FG’s ‘abduction’ of Nnamdi Kanu
An Abuja based lawyer, Christopher Chidera has accused the Kenyan government of complicity in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s abduction and rendition of Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu in 2021. The human rights activist alleged that the Kenyan government failed in its duty to protect Kanu in the unlawful abduction and torture of the leader of
Nigerian lawyer accuses Kenya of complicity in FG’s ‘abduction’ of Nnamdi Kanu
An Abuja based lawyer, Christopher Chidera has accused the Kenyan government of complicity in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s abduction and rendition of Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu in 2021.
The human rights activist alleged that the Kenyan government failed in its duty to protect Kanu in the unlawful abduction and torture of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB.
In a statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the lawyer alleged that Kenya acted in disregard for her Constitution, the Extradition Act and international treaty obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Mutual Assistance Within the Commonwealth Act, and the London Scheme on Extradition within the Commonwealth.
The statement is entitled ‘How the Government of Kenya Failed In Their Duty to Protect Nnamdi Kanu’.
According to the lawyer, the incident not only jeopardized Kanu’s rights but also damaged Kenya’s reputation as a rule-of-law state within the Commonwealth and global community.
Parts of the statement read, “The case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), highlights significant concerns regarding the Kenyan government’s alleged involvement in his abduction, torture, and illegal rendition to Nigeria in June 2021.
“An outline of the role played by the Kenyan government showed its apparent disregard for the Constitution of Kenya, the Kenyan Extradition Act, and international treaty obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Mutual Assistance Within the Commonwealth Act, and the London Scheme on Extradition within the Commonwealth.
“Nnamdi Kanu, a dual citizen of both United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria who entered Kenya on a UK passport, was abducted on June 19, 2021, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi while picking up a friend.
“He was seized by armed individuals, believed to be Kenyan and Nigerian security officials, without an enforceable warrant or judicial order.
“The Constitution of Kenya (2010), under Article 29, guarantees freedom and security of the person, prohibiting arbitrary detention, torture, or inhuman treatment. Kanu’s abduction without legal justification or presentation before a court contravenes these protections.
“The Kenyan Extradition (Commonwealth Countries) Act of 1968 mandates that extradition requests be formally processed, with the individual given an opportunity to contest the transfer in court. No such process was followed, as Kenya has denied initiating extradition proceedings, suggesting an extrajudicial operation.
“Kanu was detained for eight days in a secret location within the perimeter of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, because he could hear the take-off and landing noise of aircrafts.
“He was chained to the floor, beaten, and subjected to degrading treatment, including being denied access to sanitation facilities, denial of access to his medications and tortured to the point of unconsciousness.
“Article 25 of the Kenyan Constitution explicitly prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, rights that are non-derogable. If Kenyan officials participated in or acquiesced to such acts, this constitutes a direct violation.
“Kenya, as a signatory to the ICCPR, is bound by Article 7, which prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The actions also breach Article 9, which protects against arbitrary arrest and detention, as no legal basis for Kanu’s detention was established.
“On June 27, 2021, Kanu was forcibly handed over to Nigerian officials at the airport and flown to Abuja on a private jet, bypassing Kenyan immigration protocols and legal extradition processes.
“This act on its own is illegal under Kenyan municipal laws.Section 6(3) of the Kenyan Extradition Act requires that extradition comply with due process, including judicial oversight and adherence to the “Doctrine of Specialty” (limiting prosecution to offenses specified in the extradition request). No extradition request from Nigeria was processed, and Kanu’s transfer lacked judicial sanction, rendering it illegal.
“The London Scheme for Extradition within the Commonwealth, which governs extradition between Commonwealth states like United Kingdom, Kenya and Nigeria, mandates formal requests, judicial hearings, and respect for the political offense exception (Article 12). Kanu’s advocacy for Biafran secession could qualify as a political offense, potentially barring extradition. Kenya’s failure to adhere to this framework suggests a deliberate circumvention.
“This act facilitates legal cooperation amongst Commonwealth countries (UK, Kenya and Nigeria) and does not authorize extrajudicial transfers. Kenya’s actions appear to contravene its obligations to ensure mutual assistance aligns with domestic and international law.
“The Kenyan government, through its High Commissioner to Nigeria and other officials, has denied any role in Kanu’s arrest and rendition, claiming no records exist of his detention or extradition. This contradicts Kanu’s detailed account and evidence of his presence in Kenya (e.g., passport stamps).
Constitutional Duty: Article 238(2) of the Kenyan Constitution subjects national security actions to the rule of law and human rights.
“The government’s apparent acquiescence to or participation in an illegal rendition undermines this principle.
“Beyond Articles 7 and 9, Kenya’s actions may violate Article 13, which protects against arbitrary expulsion of aliens lawfully present in a state. Kanu entered Kenya legally on a British passport, yet was expelled without due process.
“Kenya is a party to the 1984 Convention Against Torture, which prohibits transferring individuals to states where they face a real risk of torture. Kanu’s prior treatment in Nigerian detention (2015-2017) and subsequent reports of mistreatment post-rendition suggest Kenya ignored this obligation.
“The Mutual Assistance Within the Commonwealth Act and London Scheme emphasize cooperation within the bounds of legality and human rights. Kenya’s apparent collaboration with Nigeria to bypass these frameworks undermines its Commonwealth commitments.
“The Kenyan government’s role in Nnamdi Kanu’s abduction, torture, and illegal rendition to Nigeria reflects a troubling disregard for its own Constitution, the Kenyan Extradition Act, and treaty obligations under the ICCPR, Mutual Assistance Within the Commonwealth Act, and the London Scheme.
“Whether through direct involvement or acquiescence by rogue agents, Kenya’s actions—or inaction—enabled a breach of domestic and international law. The lack of formal extradition proceedings, coupled with official denials despite credible allegations, points to a deliberate effort to evade accountability, potentially for political or diplomatic gain.
“This incident not only jeopardized Kanu’s rights but also damaged Kenya’s reputation as a rule-of-law state within the Commonwealth and global community.”
Nigerian lawyer accuses Kenya of complicity in FG’s ‘abduction’ of Nnamdi Kanu
Lagos: Nigerian Govt to shut Independence Bridge for 2 months
The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina-bound) starting from April 1 for vital maintenance and rehabilitation works. Mrs Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, confirmed the closure in a statement on Monday, emphasizing that the bridge will remain closed until May 2025. This closure will impact
Lagos: Nigerian Govt to shut Independence Bridge for 2 months
The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina-bound) starting from April 1 for vital maintenance and rehabilitation works.
Mrs Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, confirmed the closure in a statement on Monday, emphasizing that the bridge will remain closed until May 2025.
This closure will impact traffic traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan by Zone 2. Motorists are advised to plan their routes carefully and consider using alternative roads to avoid significant traffic delays.
Kesha extended her apologies for any inconvenience this may cause and thanked the public for their patience and cooperation as the government works to maintain the safety and integrity of the infrastructure.
Lagos: Nigerian Govt to shut Independence Bridge for 2 months
Burkina junta leader pardons 21 soldiers for 2015 failed coup
The head of the junta in Burkina Faso has pardoned 21 soldiers convicted of involvement in a failed coup in 2015, according to an official decree seen by AFP on Monday. The troubled west African country has been run since September 2022 by military leaders following a coup headed by Captain Ibrahim Traore. Traore announced
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The head of the junta in Burkina Faso has pardoned 21 soldiers convicted of involvement in a failed coup in 2015, according to an official decree seen by AFP on Monday. The troubled west African country has been run since September 2022 by military leaders following a coup headed by Captain Ibrahim Traore. Traore announced
Okpebholo meets Senate deputy president over Edo travellers killing
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, over the killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The governor was at the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Monday. A
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Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, over the killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The governor was at the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Monday. A
Osun threatens to dethrone monarchs over communal clashes
The Osun State Government has warned traditional rulers in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communities of stern consequences, including dethronement, should communal clashes persist in their domains. Governor Ademola Adeleke issued the warning on Monday following reports of renewed tensions in the conflict-prone areas. A statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, cautioned against any
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The Osun State Government has warned traditional rulers in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communities of stern consequences, including dethronement, should communal clashes persist in their domains. Governor Ademola Adeleke issued the warning on Monday following reports of renewed tensions in the conflict-prone areas. A statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, cautioned against any
JIBWIS to sue journalist Dan Bello over alleged defamation
The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatissunnah (JIBWIS) of Nigeria has announced plans to take legal action against investigative journalist Dan Bello, accusing him of defaming its leader, Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, and the organization as a whole. In a statement published on its official Facebook page, JIBWIS denied allegations made by Bello, who claimed that
JIBWIS to sue journalist Dan Bello over alleged defamation
The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatissunnah (JIBWIS) of Nigeria has announced plans to take legal action against investigative journalist Dan Bello, accusing him of defaming its leader, Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, and the organization as a whole.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page, JIBWIS denied allegations made by Bello, who claimed that the organization received funds from the Federal Government to build classrooms but failed to execute the projects.
According to JIBWIS, the projects in question were actually constituency initiatives spearheaded by Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, a member of the Federal Assembly.
The organization also rejected claims that Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau employs thirty accountants and owns an office in Lau town, Taraba State, labeling these allegations as “complete lies.” JIBWIS challenged Dan Bello to provide evidence to substantiate his claims.
Expressing disappointment over the accusations, JIBWIS accused Bello of spreading falsehoods and relying on unverified information. It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Islamic values and education in Nigeria and vowed that it would not be swayed by attempts to tarnish its reputation.
JIBWIS has now vowed to take the matter to court, where it expects Bello to present proof of his allegations. The case is expected to spark widespread discussion in Nigeria, where debates over free speech, media freedom, and defamation laws remain contentious.
As legal proceedings unfold, the case will be closely watched for its implications on press freedom, transparency, and accountability in the country.
JIBWIS to sue journalist Dan Bello over alleged defamation