Tinubu Directs Defence Minister Matawalle to Relocate to Kebbi Over Schoolgirls Abduction

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday directed the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in the state.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga,
Matawalle, who was formerly governor of Zamfara State, was asked to remain in the state to monitor security efforts to secure the release of the abducted students.
Matawalle, who is expected to arrive in Birni-Kebbi on Friday, gained some experience in dealing with banditry and mass kidnapping during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.
On 26 February 2021, armed bandits abducted 279 female students aged between 10 and 17 at the Government Girls Science Secondary School, a boarding school in Jangebe, in Zamfara State. The bandits released all the hostages on 2 March 2021.
Gunmen abducted 24 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State, around 4 am on Monday.
President Tinubu had postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, as he awaited further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

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    Segun Awolowo, Grandson of Former Premier of Western Region, is Dead

    Segun Awolowo, Grandson of Former Premier of Western Region, is Dead

    Mr.. Segun Awolowo Jr., a grandson of the former Premier of Western Region. Chief Obafemi Awolowo is dead. He was aged 62.

    Announcing his death in a statement on Thursday, the family said: “He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.

    “He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.

    “A painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, he dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment.

    “He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being.

    “He loved his family. He loved his work. He loved his country. And he lived every day with purpose, humility, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

    “We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

    Born on September 27, 1963, Segun Awolowo, jnr., started his education at the Mayhill Convent School from where he proceeded to Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos State for his secondary school education. He completed his secondary school education at Government College, Ibadan. On completion of his secondary school education, he proceeded to the Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago Iwoye and graduated with a LLB degree.

    He worked with the law firm of Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and also with the law firm of GOK Ajayi & Co. after his call to bar in December 1989.

    He served as a Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence and Legal Matters in former President Olusegun Obasanjo government, and was later appointed by former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as Special Assistant. He worked with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Abuja as Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport from 2007 to 2011.

    Under President Goodluck Jonathan government, he served as Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun described the death of Olusegun Awolowo Jr., as a deeply profound personal loss.

    The governor, in a condolence message, said his death at 62 came as a rude shock. He described Awolowo Jr. as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant,” noting that he received the news “with utter disbelief” and will forever treasure memories of their acquaintance.

    According to Abiodun, the deceased was “affable, highly intelligent, and extremely easy-going,” traits which endeared him to many and made his demise even more painful.

    He said: “It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the will of the Almighty God, who has called him to His bosom. We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow.”

    The governor noted that although Awolowo Jr. was born two months after the death of his father and was acquainted with grief from childhood, he rose above life’s challenges to become an icon in his own right.

    “His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful,” the governor stated.

    Prince Abiodun commiserated with his wife and children, the entire Awolowo family, and Nigerians at large, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose,” he added.

    ​  

    Mr.. Segun Awolowo Jr., a grandson of the former Premier of Western Region. Chief Obafemi Awolowo is dead. He was aged 62. Announcing his death in a statement on Thursday,

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    Court Convicts ISWAP Leader as DSS Intensifies Terrorism Prosecutions

    Court Convicts ISWAP Leader as DSS Intensifies Terrorism Prosecutions

    Linus Aleke in Abuja

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted one of the leaders of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), Ismaila, popularly known as Mai Tangaran, on a four-count terrorism charge after he pleaded guilty.

    His conviction comes eight years after his trial commenced in 2017.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the Department of State Services (DSS), Favour Dozie, confirmed that Justice Emeka Nwite sentenced Ismaila to 15 years’ imprisonment on the first count, and 20 years each on counts two, three and four. All sentences are to run concurrently.

    Ismaila was charged under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 and was found guilty of coordinating the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano State, alongside assaults on other critical facilities that left several people injured.

    The DSS also provided updates on ongoing terrorism prosecutions across the country.

    Among the cases highlighted is that of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 26 August 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja.

    Al-Barnawi and four others are currently standing trial for their alleged involvement in the attack.

    In another case, five suspects are being prosecuted in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 for their alleged role in the 5 June 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

    The Service further announced that two internationally wanted suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (also known as Abu Baara), will return to court on 15 January 2026 when their trial resumes before Justice Nwite.

    Additionally, the DSS is prosecuting 10 suspects arrested over deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive that the perpetrators be tracked down and brought to justice.

    Among those scheduled for arraignment is recaptured ISWAP commander Abdulazeez Obadaki, known as Bomboy, who has reportedly confessed to masterminding both the Owo church attack and an earlier attack on the Deeper Life Church in Okene. Also due to face trial is Musa Abubakar, described as a major manufacturer and supplier of arms and ammunition, arrested in Plateau State.

    The DSS disclosed that on 19 November it filed terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja against nine key commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) linked to Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa.

    The suspects were charged in five separate suits for allegedly receiving funds and other material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based IPOB members.

    One of the accused, identified as an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Niger, is charged with terrorism financing.

    According to the DSS, he operated an unlicensed Bureau de Change and allegedly facilitated the movement of large sums of money to support IPOB operations in the South-East.

    The Service said the accused persons include IPOB commanders, arms couriers, Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters and foot soldiers who were allegedly funded and directed by Ekpa, who himself was recently convicted of terror-related offences and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in Finland.

    The DSS added that its Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, upon assuming office in August 2024, ordered a full review of all inherited terrorism cases and directed that forensic investigations be strengthened to ensure diligent and effective prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.

    ​  

    Linus Aleke in Abuja The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted one of the leaders of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), Ismaila, popularly known as Mai

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