Police confirm abduction of Kebbi deputy speaker, launch rescue operation

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, by suspected bandits in Bagudo Local Government Area. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi. According to him, the attack occurred
Police confirm abduction of Kebbi deputy speaker, launch rescue operation

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, by suspected bandits in Bagudo Local Government Area.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi.

According to him, the attack occurred on Friday night around 8:20 p.m. when armed men invaded Bagudo town and whisked away the lawmaker shortly after he observed the Isha’i prayer and was returning home.

Abubakar said a joint security team comprising police tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes had been deployed to track down the assailants and rescue the victim.

“The joint team is currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the lawmaker unhurt and arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” the PPRO said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, had reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

Sani also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation and sustain peace in the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the abductors had yet to make contact or state their demands.

Police confirm abduction of Kebbi deputy speaker, launch rescue operation

In Tanzania, the law means electoral flaws can’t be challenged

The world is watching an election that is not being decided by the voters, but by a constitution designed to preserve a one-party state.Read More

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EFCC begins investigation on Oladip’s extortion allegation against operatives

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has begun investigation into the N10m extortion allegation against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips. It added that the accused officers have been suspended of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation. EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale
EFCC begins investigation on Oladip’s extortion allegation against operatives

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has begun investigation into the N10m extortion allegation against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips.

It added that the accused officers have been suspended of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday said the commission was alarmed by such allegation and would ensure that truth was unravelled.

Recall that Oladips had accused some operatives of the Commission of extorting the sum of Ten Million Naira from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.

Reacting, the EFCC Spokesperson insisted that the picture painted by Oladips was not a true reflection of the anti-graft agency.

“We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly. It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the Commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.” He added.

He, therefore, urged the public to await the outcome of the investigations and continue to keep faith with the commission.

EFCC begins investigation on Oladip’s extortion allegation against operatives

Champion Breweries posts 9 month pre-tax profit of N3.14 billion despite Q3 loss 

Champion Breweries Plc recorded a strong performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, posting a pre-tax profit of N3.14 billion, compared to the N178.2 million in the same period in 2024. The post Champion Breweries posts 9 month pre-tax profit of N3.14 billion despite Q3 loss  appeared first on Nairametrics.

Christian genocide: Ted Cruz reveals fresh move against blasphemy, sharia laws in Nigeria

United States Senator Ted Cruz has announced new legislative efforts aimed at countering the enforcement of blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria. The development comes after President Donald Trump’s designation of the country as one of particular concern over religious freedom violations. Cruz, in a post on X on Friday, said he was gratified by
Christian genocide: Ted Cruz reveals fresh move against blasphemy, sharia laws in Nigeria

United States Senator Ted Cruz has announced new legislative efforts aimed at countering the enforcement of blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria.

The development comes after President Donald Trump’s designation of the country as one of particular concern over religious freedom violations.

Cruz, in a post on X on Friday, said he was gratified by Trump’s decision, noting that he had long advocated measures to address the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

He described the designation as a critical step toward holding accountable Nigerian officials who have enabled or tolerated violence and persecution based on religion.

According to him, his proposed legislation would reinforce the US government’s stance by targeting individuals responsible for implementing blasphemy and sharia laws, adding that he would work with the administration and Congress to advance the bill and ensure its full implementation.

Cruz said, “I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today.

“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behavior of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures. Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership.”

Christian genocide: Ted Cruz reveals fresh move against blasphemy, sharia laws in Nigeria

US remains Nigeria’s close ally despite Trump’s ‘Country of Particular Concern’ designation — FG 

The Federal Government has maintained that the United States remains one of Nigeria’s closest allies despite President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged killings of Christians.  The post US remains Nigeria’s close ally despite Trump’s ‘Country of Particular Concern’ designation — FG  appeared first on Nairametrics.

Govt Teargasses protesters, romances terrorists’ – Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted as President Donald Trump of the United States, US, designates Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern, CPC. Ejimakor said designating Nigeria as CPC was inevitable because the government allegedly teargassed peaceful protesters but romanced terrorists publicly. He
Govt Teargasses protesters, romances terrorists’ – Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted as President Donald Trump of the United States, US, designates Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern, CPC.

Ejimakor said designating Nigeria as CPC was inevitable because the government allegedly teargassed peaceful protesters but romanced terrorists publicly.

He disclosed this while posting a video of himself receiving oxygen on his X page.

According to Ejimakor: “The aftermaths of taking 2 direct teargas hits for expressing my legal right to peaceable assembly.

“When a nation tear-gasses peaceful protesters but romances terrorists in full glare of the public, being slammed as a Country of Particular Concern becomes inevitable. #FreeMNK.”

Last month, Ejimakor and some few others were arrested by the police in Abuja over the free Nnamdi Kanu protest.

The protest convened by activist politician, Omoyele Sowore was meant to be staged at the presidential Villa where protesters will demand Kanu’s release from President Bola Tinubu.

Following their arrest, Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel, Sowore and others were arraigned before a Kuje Magistrate Court who initially demanded them before they were finally granted bail.

In the process of moving them, Ejimakor and the other protesters were said to have been punished with teargas shot at them.

While in remand, Ejimakor collapsed but was promptly attended to by medical team in Kuje prison.

Govt Teargasses protesters, romances terrorists’ – Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer

Police bust kidnappers’ hideout in Nasarawa, rescue 23 foreign victims

A major anti-kidnapping operation in Ado-Mararaba, Nasarawa State, has led to the rescue of 23 foreign nationals and the arrest of 14 suspected kidnappers, in what authorities describe as a breakthrough against transnational human trafficking and kidnapping rings operating across West Africa. The raid, carried out by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command’s Scorpion
Police bust kidnappers’ hideout in Nasarawa, rescue 23 foreign victims

A major anti-kidnapping operation in Ado-Mararaba, Nasarawa State, has led to the rescue of 23 foreign nationals and the arrest of 14 suspected kidnappers, in what authorities describe as a breakthrough against transnational human trafficking and kidnapping rings operating across West Africa.

The raid, carried out by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command’s Scorpion Squad, took place at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, a riverside settlement on the outskirts of Ado-Mararaba, a border community between Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Residents of the area told reporters that the community had long been known for suspicious activities, with unfamiliar faces frequently seen moving in and out of secluded compounds near the riverbank.

“We didn’t know what was happening inside those houses,” said a local vigilante member who assisted police in the operation.

“We thought they were just foreigners doing business. Nobody knew they were being kept as hostages,” he added.

According to SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, the victims, mostly from Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, were lured into Nigeria with promises of high-paying jobs, only to be kidnapped and held for ransom in Nasarawa.

The syndicate, police say, was coordinated by a notorious international criminal identified as Abubakar Jigiba, who operates across Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria.

His brother, Sougule Zoubere, allegedly handled the recruitment and smuggling of victims through illegal border routes before transferring them to the hideout in Ado-Mararaba.

Investigations revealed that the gang demanded ₦10 million (four million CFA) for each captive, confining them in two fortified apartments under inhumane conditions.

Acting on intelligence, the Scorpion Squad stormed the compound, rescuing all 23 victims — including 14 men, eight women, and a child. Only one victim sustained a minor ear injury and was taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment.

The Nasarawa State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, assisted in securing the area and transporting the victims for profiling and medical checks.

The suspects arrested include: Bubakari Cisse (40), Karamogo Dembele (25), Musa Kamsoko (23), Amadou Traore (25), Sareba Traore (24), Zoumana Diara (23), Umar Koulibaly (26), Alasgara Sagara (20), Berthe Saidu (23), Abdullahi Napo (32), Isah Goita (26), Lorita Traore (22), Mohammed Siaaibe (23), and Haruna Dembele (37).

CP Miller G. Dantawaye, the FCT Commissioner of Police, commended the inter-agency collaboration that made the operation successful, describing it as a warning to criminal groups exploiting border communities.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Jigiba and Zoubere, who are currently on the run.

Police bust kidnappers’ hideout in Nasarawa, rescue 23 foreign victims

Don’t let foreign interests divide us – Baba-Ahmed on Trump’s blacklisting of Nigeria

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to President Bola Tinubu and a prominent northern elder, has cautioned Nigerians against internal division following unconfirmed reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians. Baba-Ahmed, in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, said if
Don’t let foreign interests divide us – Baba-Ahmed on Trump’s blacklisting of Nigeria

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to President Bola Tinubu and a prominent northern elder, has cautioned Nigerians against internal division following unconfirmed reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

Baba-Ahmed, in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, said if the speculations turn out to be true, it would mark a troubling move by the American leader, who appears to have been misled by distorted narratives about religious killings in Nigeria.

He stated that the reported decision, allegedly tied to claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, ignores the complex reality of insecurity in the country, which affects both Muslims and Christians alike.

“If these reports are true, then we can only say Bismillah, because it means foreign interests are being stirred up against us,”

Baba-Ahmed wrote. “The truth is that those killing Nigerians do not distinguish between Muslims and Christians. Ethnic and communal conflicts in Nigeria have claimed the lives of both.”

He accused Trump and his allies of harboring ulterior motives, suggesting that the United States has long been uncomfortable with the rise of strong, populous, and resource-rich African nations like Nigeria, Sudan, Libya, and South Africa.

“America and its partners have never felt at ease with African countries that have large populations and resources,” he said. “They see nations like Nigeria as potential threats because we refuse to submit to foreign control.”

Baba-Ahmed also linked the alleged move to Nigeria’s position on international issues, including its criticism of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and its demand for a permanent seat for Africa at the United Nations Security Council.

“Our only crime,” he wrote, “is that we spoke the truth — that what Israel is doing to Palestinians in Gaza is worse than what Nazi Germany did to the Jews during World War II. We also asked that Africa and the black world be given a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.”

He accused some local actors of exploiting religious tensions for political gain and alleged that Trump’s reported position enjoys the support of “those who never want Muslims and Christians in Nigeria to live in peace.

“The Nigerian government has done its best to dismiss these falsehoods,” he noted, “but the United States insists it must ‘save’ Nigerian Christians at all costs, while turning a blind eye to the killings of Muslims.”

Baba-Ahmed warned that any sanctions or hostile actions by the U.S. would only worsen the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, irrespective of religion.

“America will not fight a war for Nigerian Christians,” he cautioned. “It will only deepen the hardship of both Muslims and Christians alike.”

He called on religious leaders to rise above division and educate their followers on the dangers of external manipulation, urging the government to intensify efforts to protect all citizens.

“We must not fight each other and destroy our own lives,” he said. “Our Christian and Muslim leaders must unite to enlighten their followers about this grave threat. The government, too, must strengthen security for all Nigerians.”

He concluded with a call for national prayer and unity in the face of external pressure.

“Let us continue to pray,” Baba-Ahmed wrote. “May Allah protect us from the evil and plots of our enemies.”

Don’t let foreign interests divide us – Baba-Ahmed on Trump’s blacklisting of Nigeria

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