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Tension, Fear as Police Raid Homes, Destroy Properties in Bayelsa

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

Fear and confusion swept through Amarata, a bustling suburb community in Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital yesterday following reports that a police officer was allegedly killed in the area, sparking a violent reprisal raid by security operatives.

Eyewitnesses said armed policemen stormed the Ompadec and Punch area of Amarata in the early hours of the morning, breaking into houses and shooting sporadically and spraying tear gas.

Terrified residents, including women and children, reportedly fled their homes to escape the gunfire, leaving the neighbourhood deserted.

Mr. Priye Julius, a broadcaster with Radio Bayelsa, and Mr. Forsbray Inegha, a retired police officer, who confirmed the incident, said their own homes were damaged during the raid.

“They smashed our windows. Everybody is living in fear now because nobody knows what will happen next,” Julius said.

Some of the residents who spoke with our correspondent described the scene as horrifying and chaotic as children going to school were not spared by the rampaging policemen, stating that families had fled their houses to escape the gunfire.

Our correspondent, who resides in one of the mini estates at Ompadec attacked by the police noted two people identified as Osigwe Chibeueze Valentine and Micheal Edward, were forcefully taken away from the estate, adding that houses were broken into by the policemen, while men and women were taken into custody by force.

He said: “These young men forcefully taken from my mini estate today at Ompadec Street. One is a businessman and his wife a banker with Access Bank, the boy works at the new Bayelsa park.

“A neighbour’s house window opposite my house was broken with gun butt, a POS stand was vandalised, many innocent people were arrested, houses destroyed, spread tear gas everywhere even school children were affected while residents run helter skelter for their safety.”

While residents continue to flee the scenes, community leaders who have earlier refused to stop the daylight robbery and cult killings in the area are now calling for restraint, urging both residents and security personnel to avoid further confrontation. They warned that any escalation could lead to widespread unrest in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The latest incident has, again, placed Amarata in the spotlight, raising urgent questions about security and governance in Yenagoa, the state capital

Amarata has, over the years, earned a reputation as one of Yenagoa’s most volatile neighbourhoods after Swali, another suburb of the state capital, notorious for clashes between cult groups, rival gangs, and law enforcement officers.

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Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Fear and confusion swept through Amarata, a bustling suburb community in Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital yesterday following reports that a police officer was allegedly killed in
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Yoruba Elders, Statesmen Tasked to Intervene in Alaafin, Ooni Feud

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A non-governmental organisation(NGO), the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), has called on Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to rise above partisan or parochial leanings and intervene decisively on the current feud between Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

A feud has come up between the two monarch over the installation of an Ibadan business mogul, Engineer Dotun Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yorubaland by Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi.

A statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara state capital yesterday by the PeacePro, signed by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, said that the intervention of the Yoruba elders and statesmen became imperative as the matter goes far beyond traditional rivalry and touches the very essence of Yoruba civilisation.

According to him, “the current dispute presents a unique opportunity to reorganise and reorder Yoruba leadership by establishing a global cultural leadership model with multiple layers of function, responsibility, and authority.”

Such a model, the group maintained, would redefine the relationship between major Yoruba thrones, prevent recurring conflicts, and reposition the Yoruba nation as a global cultural powerhouse with structured leadership.

Hamzat further noted that “Ife, as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, cannot be replaced or prevented from playing its cultural leadership role, neither can Oyo’s Alaafin be relegated from its historic political leadership and heritage.

“Both thrones, and others like them across the world, must be accorded their rightful place in Yoruba global leadership to foster growth, peace, and unity,” he said.

Hamzat described the Yoruba as a cross continental nation with significant influence across Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, and beyond.

“Such a global cultural nation must have a clear order and hierarchy to preserve unity, heritage, and identity,” he said.

He argued that a sovereign court in Nigeria should not be burdened by cultural issues of history and heritage it cannot adequately resolve, since the dispute concerns not merely local traditional institutions but a global cultural order with deep historical and international dimensions

‘Ife and Oyo maybe small towns in South West Nigeria under their respective local government areas, but what they represent in global culture is far bigger,” Hamzat said.

PeacePro therefore, called on Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to rise above partisan or parochial leanings and intervene decisively.

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Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A non-governmental organisation(NGO), the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), has called on Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to rise above partisan or parochial leanings and intervene
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Benue Gov Urges Journalist to Embrace Agric for Better Tomorrow

George Okoh in Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has presented improved Tenera oil palm seedlings to journalists in the state under the Benue Alia Palm Project, even as he urged journalists to go into agriculture for their future benefits.

The governor described the initiative as a sustainable economic intervention that will create jobs, boost industrial growth, and strengthen household incomes.

He made this known during the Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, in Makurdi. Governor Alia, while speaking at the event, reiterated his administration’s commitment to laying solid foundations for Benue’s development through infrastructural renewal, access to clean water, improved electricity, modernised schools, and stronger health facilities.

He emphasised that sustainable growth requires long-term investment in agriculture.

According to him, “These seedlings are not just gifts. They are the foundations of an economy that will feed industries, create jobs for our youth, and generate wealth for our families. Every palm tree planted today is a seed of prosperity for tomorrow.”

The governor announced several interventions for the NUJ, which included the settlement of the union’s outstanding N12 million dues to its national body, renovation of the NUJ House in Makurdi, with provision of a utility bus to ease the union’s mobility challenges, and also the consideration of weigh-in allowances for journalists in government-owned media organisations.

He further urged journalists to uphold truth and objectivity in their reportage, stressing that while constructive criticism is welcome, it should always point to solutions.

Governor Alia concluded by reaffirming his administration’s vision of transforming Benue from the “food basket of the nation” into the “industrial basket of Nigeria,” assuring the journalists that his government remains open to partnership with the media in shaping the state’s success story.

In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, expressed gratitude to the governor for empowering journalists with palm seedlings, describing the initiative as a bold step in wealth creation, food security, and agricultural diversification.

Ugber also applauded the administration’s infrastructural renewal, digital governance reforms, and efforts to restore security and dignity to displaced persons.

He, however, appealed for further support in renovating the NUJ House, provision of official vehicles, and approval of weigh-in allowances.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Agweye Agbenu, lauded the project as a sustainable path to economic independence, noting that the planned planting of six million hybrid palm trees will, in the near future, position Benue as a leading hub for palm oil production.

“This project has the potential to reduce dependence on federal allocations and lift thousands out of poverty. In years to come, other states will come to Benue to learn from this model,” Agbenu stated.

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George Okoh in Makurdi The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has presented improved Tenera oil palm seedlings to journalists in the state under the Benue Alia Palm Project, even as
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NASS Seeks Distinct Salary Structure, Job Security for Legislative Aides

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The National Assembly has called for a distinct salary structure for legislative aides serving lawmakers in both chambers, while also seeking safeguards against arbitrary termination of their appointments by their principals.

The call was made yesterday in Abuja by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, at a three-day capacity-building training for legislative aides.

Ogunlana explained that although legislative aides are political appointees, their conditions of service are currently tied to the template of career civil servants, which does not reflect the peculiarities of their work.

“We are not unaware of the challenges you face. Unlike career civil servants, your appointments do not guarantee job security, tenure is largely dependent on your principals, and ranking is often not based on qualifications or competence,” Ogunlana said.

He noted that there was no comprehensive law or guideline defining the duties and responsibilities of the various cadres of legislative aides, a gap which, according to him, exposes them to arbitrary decisions and unfair treatment.

He said: “The present management believes it is time to address these systemic issues.

“We are advocating that the National Assembly Service Commission and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission should consider developing a distinct salary structure and conditions of service that reflect the unique nature of your work.

“We also believe the qualifications for appointments should be reviewed to attract competent and experienced personnel. Equally important is the need for mechanisms to prevent arbitrary termination of appointments by principals,” he stated.

Also speaking at the training, the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Saviour Enyiekere, urged the aides to equip themselves with knowledge and skills that would make them more resourceful than their principals.

He said doing so would strengthen the quality of legislative outputs from both chambers of the federal legislature.

The training, organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with Research Enterprise Systems (RES), drew participants from various categories of aides, including Chiefs of Staff to the presiding officers, Special Advisers, and Senior Legislative Aides (SLAs) attached to lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives.

The federal legislature currently engages aides for all 469 lawmakers in both chambers, with the numbers running into several thousands.

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Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The National Assembly has called for a distinct salary structure for legislative aides serving lawmakers in both chambers, while also seeking safeguards against arbitrary termination of their
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‘Nigeria’s $10bn Food Import Bill Unsustainable’

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has declared the country’s annual $10 billion food import expenditure unsustainable, calling for urgent diversification into agricultural exports to achieve food sovereignty.

Speaking at the FirstBank 2025 Agric and Export Expo in Lagos, Kyiari warned that Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil revenues leaves the economy vulnerable to global market shocks.

The minister, who was represented by Ibrahim Alkali, said: “When oil prices shake, Nigeria trembles. When the Naira slides, food and fuel costs climb. But when agriculture thrives, Nigeria breathes easier.”

Kyari, who described the expo’s theme of building a non-oil export-driven economy as “a survival strategy for our nation,” highlighted the paradox of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which contributes 25 per cent to GDP and employs 35 per cent of the workforce, yet accounts for less than 0.5 per cent of global agricultural exports while the country imports basic commodities like wheat, rice, sugar, fish, and tomato paste.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reinforced the urgency of economic diversification, stating that Nigeria must “move away from dependence on oil and build a resilient economy anchored on productivity, value addition, and competitiveness in the non-oil sector.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Jumoke Oduwole, represented by the Mrs Nonye Ayeni of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, emphasised the need to prioritise value addition and agro-processing to transform raw produce into globally competitive products.

FirstBank, which organised the expo, was commended for its agricultural finance leadership, with its portfolio growing by over N11.65 billion recently and accounting for more than 23% of participation in the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme.

The event showcased agricultural produce ready for export, with the Niger State governor announcing his state’s commitment to partner with FirstBank and Lagos State in driving agricultural productivity and value addition.

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Omojuwa Named Jaiz Bank Ambassador After Rebrand

Writer and digital strategist, JJ Omojuwa is the new brand ambassador for Jaiz Bank Plc. The announcement was made on Tuesday on X, following the bank’s rebranding reveal on Monday.

At that rebranding event, Managing Director Haruna Musa called the transformation “a defining milestone” and said, “It is about who we are, what we stand for, and the future we are building.”

Company Secretary Mohammed Shehu added the refreshed logo and colors reflect “a renewed commitment to empowering individuals, businesses, and communities with smarter financial solutions.”

Meanwhile, prior to the announcement of his ambassadorial role, Omojuwa had earlier hinted at the partnership when he switched his display picture to yellow on Monday. The move quickly caught on, with hundreds of his followers doing the same in what could be described as a wave of yellow vitality across X.

In his own post on X on Tuesday following the announcement, Omojuwa reacted with modest pride, celebrating the announcement with his followers.

Reactions on X have been swift. Many users praised the choice, describing it as a masterstroke. Posts under the announcement thread also revealed a wave of new customer pledges, with several young professionals and entrepreneurs sharing that they had opened accounts or planned to do so. The platform buzz reflects how strongly his influence resonates with younger, digitally active Nigerians.

In a separate announcement, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa was also announced as another brand ambassador.

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Writer and digital strategist, JJ Omojuwa is the new brand ambassador for Jaiz Bank Plc. The announcement was made on Tuesday on X, following the bank’s rebranding reveal on Monday.
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Nigeria’s ₦4 Trillion Electricity Bailout: Lifeline or Recurring Cycle?

By Ugo Inyama

Nigeria’s approval of a ₦4 trillion ($2.61 billion) debt refinancing plan for its troubled electricity sector is both bold and necessary. The intervention seeks to clear nearly a decade of arrears owed to 27 power generation companies—debts that have crippled liquidity and discouraged investment since 2015 (Reuters, 2025a). By issuing bonds through the Debt Management Office, the government hopes to ease immediate pressure and restore confidence. Yet the deeper question is whether this bailout signals genuine reform or simply extends a recurring cycle of debt and rescue.

The electricity sector’s challenges go far beyond unpaid bills. Eleven years after privatisation, generation remains stuck at an average of 4,000 megawatts daily—barely enough to power a mid-sized city, let alone a nation of over 220 million people. Gas shortages, grid collapses, and vandalism persist. Distribution companies, expected to be the commercial backbone of the sector, are financially distressed, with more than half currently under receivership (Reuters, 2025b). For businesses, the outcome is an overreliance on costly diesel generators; for households, it is erratic supply that undermines quality of life.

The government has presented this bailout as part of a broader reform package. Alongside the refinancing comes a 35% reduction in subsidies and tariff adjustments for urban consumers. These measures are projected to save more than ₦1.1 trillion annually and create conditions for financial sustainability (Reuters, 2025c). The logic is straightforward: a sector dependent on subsidies cannot attract serious private capital. Yet the risks are evident. Nigerians, already squeezed by inflation, currency depreciation, and high living costs, will expect tangible improvements in electricity supply as we move towards cost-reflective tariffs, without progress, reforms risk being viewed as added hardship rather than meaningful solutions.

History also tempers optimism.
• In 2017, the ₦701 billion Payment Assurance Facility (PAF) was launched to cover GenCo debts.
• In 2019, another ₦600 billion intervention followed.
• In 2020, a ₦1.5 trillion CBN power sector intervention was rolled out during the COVID-19 recovery programme.
• In 2021, an additional ₦140 billion loan was announced, targeted at mass metering.

Each of these efforts provided temporary relief but failed to address fundamental weaknesses: weak regulation, policy inconsistency, and poor enforcement. The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) reports that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) owe distribution companies over ₦200 billion in unpaid electricity charges, undermining liquidity and weakening reform efforts (ANED, 2023; Punch, 2024). The result was predictable—arrears piled up again, dragging the sector back into crisis. This culture of MDAs and other politically protected entities failing to pay their electricity bills sends the wrong signal to consumers and discourages compliance across the system. Unless today’s much larger bailout is anchored by credible reforms and stronger governance, it risks becoming yet another temporary patch.

The broader development stakes make success imperative. Reliable electricity is not simply a utility but the backbone of growth. It powers factories, drives innovation, and keeps hospitals and schools functioning. Every blackout inflates the cost of production and undermines competitiveness. The World Bank (2021) estimates that Nigeria loses $29 billion annually due to unreliable power. No serious diversification or industrialisation agenda can succeed under such conditions. For Nigeria’s economy to grow beyond oil, stabilising the power sector is indispensable.

For the Federal Government, this bailout is both opportunity and test. It signals seriousness in addressing a long-standing obstacle, but it also raises expectations among citizens, investors, and international partners. Success could unlock long-delayed investment and mark a turning point in Nigeria’s reform trajectory. Failure, however, would deepen public cynicism and reinforce the perception that the power sector is trapped in cycles of bailout and relapse.

Ultimately, the ₦4 trillion bailout should be seen as both lifeline and warning. It offers critical relief, but it cannot be mistaken for a solution in itself. Nigeria must pair this intervention with stronger governance, stricter regulation, and transparent accountability. Without these, the cycle of crisis and rescue will persist. What the country needs is not another patch, but a sustainable path forward that finally delivers the electricity to power its economy and transform lives.

Ugo Inyama writes from the African Digital Governance Centre, Manchester, UK

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By Ugo Inyama Nigeria’s approval of a ₦4 trillion ($2.61 billion) debt refinancing plan for its troubled electricity sector is both bold and necessary. The intervention seeks to clear nearly
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Gov Eno Sets New Leadership Standard

By Anietie Usen

Forget about the multiple awards given to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State by leading media organisations in Nigeria and beyond. For a moment, forget also about the recent ‘Governor of the Year Award 2025’, presented to Governor Eno by the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF.

For now, let’s go back to the basics to catch a glimpse of how this Governor drives his massive and ambitious developmental projects and programmes in his ever-rising sub-national on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Perhaps if there is any government structure in the Executive branch of Eno’s Administration more important than the State Executive Council, it must be the monthly State Project Delivery Committee meeting. It is an informal structure, created from out of the blue by Governor Eno himself to suit his hands-on style of leadership.

For two days every month, Governor Eno locks up, nearly round the clock, his entire Cabinet, Delivery Officers along with key political stakeholders inside the premium Banquet Hall of the Government House. Only a brief lunch break is permitted and served on the spot. The duty of the Project Delivery Committee meeting is to critically evaluate the status of each project and programme being executed by the Administration.

It is usually a tense and sometimes unfriendly meeting. No jokes. Every Commissioner, Delivery Officer or project supervisor must be on top of his game to meet the high standards and demands of the Governor. He must also be able to convince the gathering, with facts, figures, pictures and videos that satisfactory progress and time lines are being made in each project and programme of the government.

Each Commissioner, sometimes in collaboration with the Delivery Officer, takes turns to make a PowerPoint presentation beamed on a massive HD digital screen for everyone to see. Often, it turns out to be the platform where the capacity and competence of the project and programme leadership is tested.

The presentation shows the status of the project or programme the previous month, the progress accomplished during the month under review, next steps, timeliness and challenges, if any. The contract sum of the project, mobilisation, project start and end dates, milestones and deadlines must not be left out. The purpose is to transparently plan, coordinate, monitor and track progress together with stakeholders over a specific period of time.

It is innovative. It has succeeded extensively in carrying along a cross section of the State leadership on the aggressive infrastructural development that Governor Eno is spearheading. It has also won the hearts of key stakeholders for Governor Eno, who is perceived as a transparent and inclusive leader that emphasises shared decision-making, participation and teamwork.

“We have never seen governance at this detailed and high level in this State and I have been around long enough to know”, Senator Effiong Bob, the Political leader of Uyo Senatorial District said in the July 2025 Project Delivery Meeting. It was the view that virtually all stakeholders shared at the July meeting.

“This is clearly one of the best ways to harvest knowledgeable inputs into project governance, keep project administrators and contractors on their toes and accomplish your project targets in time for the people who elected you into office. This is why Akwa Ibom State will continue to make quantum leaps in all indices of development”, Assam Assam, SAN, former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, said also in the July 2025 stanza of the State Project Delivery Meeting.

But no one foresaw that the August edition of the State Project Delivery Committee would take a strange dimension. Instead of gathering stakeholders inside the Government House Banquet Hall as usual, Governor Eno surprisingly moved the all important meeting to project sites across the State. It was time to see first hand the projects that most stakeholders had been seeing as pictures on screens and publications.

For two hectic days, August 14 and 15, 2025, stakeholders led by Governor Eno, dressed in jeans, casual shirts and facecaps, rolled up their sleeves, jump into several buses that cut down the number of vehicles on the convoy and traversed the length and breadth of the State to inspect and evaluate first hand the actual status of many multi-billion naira projects.

“This is management by working around, MBWA”, the Governor told journalists who for two days trailed him to all 23 sites of major projects. By MBWA, he was referring to a management style popularised by David Warren, the former CEO of Motorola, where leaders intentionally spend time outside their offices to engage with the workforce rather than relying solely on formal communications channels.

In two days of MBWA with key stakeholders, Governor Eno, his cabinet, Delivery Officers and key stakeholders visited the sites of the Medical Village, Ibom International Hospital, the Elderly Citizens Centre, the CNG/Citi Bus Terminal, ARISE Shopping City, Ibom International Convention Centre/Hotel, Judiciary Village, the Security Command & Control Centre, AKBC House, Ibom Model Farm, Ibom Equipment Leasing Company, Ibom Aviation Village, International Terminal of Victor Attah International Airport, Airport Clinic, and the Incredible ARISE Resort, described by many as a “Wonderland”, where a ravaging erosion devastated landscape has been “miraculously” turned into a world class resort and tourism trap.

“You must be able to physically see your projects on the ground, beyond the briefings you are receiving in the office… So, we have visited 23 project sites in two days, and we have not even reached half of the projects we need to see. But the truth is, this gives us an on-the-spot idea of the actual progress we are making”. Governor Eno told journalists at the end of the two-day project inspections.

With the entire State virtually turned into a massive construction site, the ripple effect was noticeable everywhere the Governor and his team went. “In all the sites we have visited, what excited me so much, as you saw it yourselves, is the number of young people that these projects have engaged and impacted positively. Everywhere we went, we were received by crowds of young men and women working on construction sites, be they engineers, skilled workers or unskilled workers. In fact, there is a site where we have female civil engineers as Managing Directors of their respective companies. This gives me that joy that we are simultaneously and gainfully employing our youths, while embarking on many legacy projects…I feel very happy”.

According to the Governor: “These projects and the employment they generate… are my rewards to Akwa Ibom people…They are my gifts to the 354,000+ people who voted for me to provide good leadership to Akwa Ibom State… And that’s what we are doing”.

The recent Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of ARISE Agenda, published last month, with the Minister of National Planning and Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in attendance, indicates that a total of 49,901 persons have so far been employed in the last two years of Umo Eno Administration. Skilled and unskilled labour employed at various project sites stand at 26,950 jobs, representing 85% employed persons between May 2023 and July 29, 2025.

The innovation of a high level Project Delivery Committee meeting that has increased the pace of project delivery in the State has not only been beneficial to the unemployed youths alone. The entire Cabinet of the Governor as well as the heads of government departments and agencies have gained enormously from the project delivery meetings.

For one, the project delivery meetings have become the veritable leadership training and mentorship venue for most members of the project delivery committee. Opportunities where aides understudy their leaders abound. The way the project delivery meetings are run include several key scenarios and roles that enhance leadership development and organizational continuity.

Equally important, the project delivery meetings provide the opportunity for peer review mechanism, whereby members of the committee assess the work or performance of their colleagues or peers, which helps them to improve and control the quality of work they handle thereafter.

In this milieu, the leadership style of Governor Eno is pivotal and to many, predictable. He is firm and fair. In other words, he is strict and consistent in upholding rules and expectations, but also considerate and accommodating, earning loads of respect in the process. Said one new Commissioner: “This man is good. I have learnt a lot about leadership in my few months here than all my academic life. He is unique and effective. He breaks the mold. Certainly, a new era of our State is in the making before our eyes. Can you imagine Akwa Ibom landscape when all these projects are completed in a few years’ time?”

*Aniete Usen writes from yo

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By Anietie Usen Forget about the multiple awards given to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State by leading media organisations in Nigeria and beyond. For a moment, forget also
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NHRC: Swift Trials of Arrested Leaders of Ansaru Sect Must Start

• NUJ, IOM hail security forces, applaud FG for operation expansion to N’west, N’Central

•DSS tells court Owo Catholic church attackers had links with foreign terrorist groups

•Refutes claim alleged human rights violation suit triggered defendants’ arraignment

•Court okays shielding of prosecution witnesses’ identity

•Bandits kill 13 worshipers during morning prayers in Katsina

Michael Olugbode, Linus Aleke in Abuja, James Sowolein Abeokuta and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government to swiftly put every machinery in place to ensure swift trial of the arrested leaders of the notorious terrorist group, Ansaru, ensuring that they were held to the highest form of accountability befitting their heinous crimes.

The call was made yesterday by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, at the presentation of July 2025 Human Rights Dashboard in Abuja.

This was as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the government and its security forces for the recent successful operation that led to the capture of two high-ranking members of the Ansaru terror group.

In the same vein, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has also applauded the government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, a model for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant ex-Boko Haram fighters, especially the expansion of the programme beyond the North-East to the North-West and North-Central regions.

Nevertheless, the Department of State Services (DSS), has cautioned a Federal High Court in Abuja against granting bail to the five men being prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in view of their alleged link with foreign terrorist groups.

The DSS also refutes claim that alleged human rights violation suit triggered defendants’ arraignment, just as the court has okayed the shielding of prosecution witnesses’ identity against likely harm.

Meanwhile, despite successes recorded by the nation’s security agencies, no fewer than 13 people have been killed during morning prayers in Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The National Security Adviser, MalamNuhuRibadu had at a press briefing, weekend, disclosed that two terrorists, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka MallamMamuda), both leaders of Ansaru sect and on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, UK and UN were captured in an operation conducted between May and July 2025.

However, Ojukwu, while lamenting the increase in killings of security personnel and auxiliary members of vigilante group, said there was urgent need to ensure that all needed apparatus were put in place to tackle insecurity, particularly terrorism in the country.

Ojukwu said: “From our observatory, we are gravely concerned by the resurgence and escalation of deadly violence in different parts of the country.

“In Sokoto, 15 men were killed in a reprisal attack by suspected members of Lakurawa. In Kebbi, a similarly tragic pattern emerged, with three police officers losing their lives in a failed abduction attempt.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the month of July represents the deadliest for vigilante groups in the country with a fatality of almost a hundred deaths. The role of vigilante in supporting our security and armed forces in the field of battle should not be lost on us.

“Their decimation portends danger for our collective security and the enjoyment of our liberties. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a failure of security, justice and accountability.

“We are seeing an increase in targeted killings of law enforcement agents; frequent kidnappings and killings by bandits; brazen acts of violence by cultist groups and widespread violations of the right to life, particularly in communities already vulnerable due to conflict and poverty.

“It is in this regard, that the National Human Rights Commission welcomes the arrests of the leaders of Ansaru, a deadly terrorist organisation which is responsible for gross human rights violations of Nigerians.

“We commend the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces and the Office of the National Security Adviser for this feat. There is much we can achieve in safeguarding our citizens and human rights if agencies collaborate and adopt human rights-based approaches.

“We call on the authorities to swiftly put every machinery in place to ensure swift trials of the terrorist leaders and ensure that they are held to the highest form of accountability befitting their heinous crimes.

“As we salute the courage and gallantry of our intelligence and armed forces, we call on other sectors of our security and law enforcement to rise up to the responsibility of safeguarding the human rights of Nigerians currently facing attacks in Benue, Plateau, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto and Borno states all of whom, based on our dashboard for July are facing dire security situations.”

Ojukwu, therefore, asked security agencies to reaffirm their commitment to professionalism and human rights in their operations; government actors to address the root causes of these violations – poverty, impunity, and weak institutional responses.

He equally asked civil society and the media to continue raising awareness and putting pressure where needed; and all citizens, he called, to speak out and stand firm against violence, injustice, and indifference.

He disclosed that in the month of July, a total of 331,035 complaints were received by the commission across the nation.

“The most prevalent issues this month relate to law enforcement and human dignity, freedom from discrimination, and economic, social, and cultural rights. These are not new issues, but their persistence underscores systemic problems we cannot normalize.

“When dignity is undermined by those tasked with upholding the law, the social contract begins to erode. When people are denied equal treatment or suffer indignities due to who they are, we all suffer a loss in our collective humanity,” he said.

NUJ: Success is Evidence of Security’s Professionalism

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has commended the Nigerian government and its security forces for the recent successful operation that led to the capture of two high-ranking members of the Ansaru terror group, linking the success to security’s professionalism.

The arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Abu Bara’a) and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (alias MalamMamuda), as announced by the National Security Adviser, MalamNuhuRibadu, the NUJ said was a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

NUJ’s commendation was contained in a statement by its President, AlhassanYahyaAbdullahi.

It states that Ansaru, a dangerous splinter faction, had been responsible for many of the country’s most brutal attacks over the past decade.

“This breakthrough, which was the result of sustained intelligence efforts, shows the bravery and professionalism of our security agencies.

“The digital evidence recovered from this operation is a valuable resource for dismantling terror networks and preventing future attacks. It also reflects a more advanced security strategy that prioritizes precision, intelligence, and long-term national security.

“The NUJ salutes the men and women who risk their lives daily to keep our country safe. “We urge the government to continue supporting our security institutions and ensure that justice is served quickly and transparently.

“Terrorism threatens our peace, development, and democratic values. As journalists and defenders of the public interest, the NUJ stands in solidarity with all efforts to restore lasting peace and security in Nigeria.

“We encourage all Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security efforts, and resist narratives that seek to divide us. Together, we will overcome.”

IOM Hails FG for Expanding Operation Safe Corridor to N’West and N’Central

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has applauded the federal government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, a model for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant ex-Boko Haram fighters, especially the expansion of the programme beyond the North-East to the North-West and North-Central regions.

Deputy Director of General Operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), MrsOgechi Daniel, gave this applause when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

A statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General TukurGusau, said the visit provided an opportunity for both parties to deepen discussions on strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, migration management, and countering violent extremism across Nigeria.

She affirmed IOM’s readiness to deploy experts on Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) in new areas such as Zamfara State.

The IOM Deputy Director-General also highlighted the importance of improving data for disaster risk reduction and working in a coordinated manner with national stakeholders.

She noted that IOM provides technical support in border management and early warning systems and maintains a field presence in all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

She further disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to commence Phase 4 of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration.

While appreciating the federal government for creating the space for IOM to operate in Nigeria, Mrs Daniel reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons with a focus on development.

She stressed that joint research collaboration would be critical in ensuring the sustainability of peace and reintegration approaches across Nigeria.

In his response, the CDS welcomed her to the Defence Headquarters and acknowledged IOM’s long-standing partnership, particularly in the North-East.

He emphasised the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with IOM and other stakeholders in advancing peace and stability despite the challenges of limited funding.

“We support everybody that makes our work easier,” General Musa noted.

He said the visit underscored the shared commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to deepen collaboration in addressing insecurity, displacement, and migration challenges while promoting sustainable peace and development.

Owo Catholic Church Attackers Had Links With Foreign Terrorist, DSS Tells Court

The Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned a Federal High Court in Abuja against granting bail to the five men being prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in view of their alleged link with foreign terrorist groups.

The DSS, in a counter-affidavit to the defendants’ bail application, also raised concern about their capacity to interfere with prosecution’s witnesses if granted bail in view their alleged antecedent and propensity for violence.

The five were IdrisAbdulmalikOmeiza (25 years), Al QasimIdris 20 years), JamiuAbdulmalik (26 years), AbdulhaleemIdris (25 years) and MomohOtuhoAbubakar (47 years).

They were arraigned on August 11 on a nine-count terrorism charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 filed by the DSS).

In the counter-affidavit, the DSS stated that the offences for which the defendants were standing trial were very serious, with capital punishment if convicted.

It added that the defendants were standing trial for acts of terrorism, which led to the death of about 40 persons and caused grievous injury to over 100 worshipers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State on 5th June, 2022.

“There is very high likelihood of defendants evading trial in view of their connection to foreign fighters linked to Al-Shabab terrorist group.

“The defendants’ accomplices are still at large and have been making frantic efforts to monitor their trial, intimidate witnesses and free the defendants from lawful custody,” it stated.

The DSS disclosed that it was “currently investigating the leads with a view to apprehending those individuals, planning to intimidate witnesses and compromise the trial in the interest of the applicants.

“The prosecution witnesses have expressed fears of attacks by defendants’ cohorts and have stated that they will not attend court sessions except their fears were allayed.

“This necessitated the filing of an ex-parte application for witness protection.

“The prosecution has demonstrated readiness for speedy trial of the substantive charge. That defendants have not presented any evidence to show that they have credible sureties.

“It will not be in the interest of justice and security of prosecution witnesses to grant the application for bail,” the DSS said.

Defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad had, while moving the bail application on Tuesday, noted that his client’s had been in custody since they were arrested in 2022.

Mohammad said his clients were ready to present credible and reliable sureties to demonstrate their willingness to stand trial.

Prosecuting lawyer, Dr. CalistusEze, urged the court to reject the bail application for being unmeritorious.

Eze stated that there were ongoing threats to would be witnesses of the prosecution, which the defence lawyer was aware of.

After taking arguments from both lawyers, Justice EmekaNwite adjourned till September 10 for ruling on the bail application.

Earlier at the commencement of proceedings, Eze told the court that although the case was scheduled for Tuesday for the prosecution to open its case, it would not be able to proceed because the DSS has handed the case to a senior lawyer, AyodejiAdedipe, SAN to lead the prosecuting team.

Eze prayed the court for an adjournment to a later date before which the DSS would have processed the necessary fiat from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to enable Adedipe to fully take over the handling of the case.

Mohammad did not object to Eze’s request for an adjournment. He also did not object to another application by Eze, seeking the protection of the identity and other personal particulars of the prosecution’s witnesses.

In the application, the prosecution prayed the court to issue an order to protect the identity and other personal particulars of the prosecution witnesses and an order allowing the prosecution witnesses to testify while hooded and veiled off from the view of all other individuals except the counsel on both sides.

The prosecution also urged the court to issue an order to prevent the mentioning of the real names of prosecution’s witnesses in its orders, judgments or records which are accessible to the public, and an order allowing witnesses should be identified with a combination of some alphabets.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite granted the application.

While exiting the court, Mohammed told journalists that although he has not had the opportunity to see his clients in custody, he was told by them that they were well attended to.

Bandits Kill 13 Worshipers During Morning Prayers in Katsina

No fewer than 13 people have been killed during morning prayers in Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. NasirMu’azu, confirmed the death of the worshipers in a statement yesterday.

Mu’azu, who did not mention the date of the incident, said it occurred when the criminal elements launched a reprisal attack on the community.

“The Katsina State Government today announced immediate security reinforcements and support measures following a tragic incident in the UnguwanMantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area, where 13 residents lost their lives during morning prayers.

“The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during the Fajr prayer when the criminal element started shooting sporadically in the mosque.

“The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier. The people of UnguwanMantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them.

“They rescued victims taken from RuwanSanyi village, seized 3 motorcycles, and 2 AK 47. The security agencies are now on the ground in UnguwanMuntau to restore normalcy.”

He, however, said the air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force had been deployed to “clear those bandits because during the rainy season, bandits hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts.”

While reiterating the state government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state, Mu’azu said “We are working towards bringing the bandits to book.

“As Government, we salute the gallantry disposition of the people ofunguwarMantau, and we are committed to fighting these bandits and ensuring safety across our communities.

“The State Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected and reaffirms its unwavering support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region.”

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• NUJ, IOM hail security forces, applaud FG for operation expansion to N’west, N’Central •DSS tells court Owo Catholic church attackers had links with foreign terrorist groups •Refutes claim alleged
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Court Freezes Bank Accounts Linked to Ex-NNPCL GMD, Kyari, over Suspicious Transactions

Alex Enumahin Abuja

Justice EmekaNwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, ordered a temporary freezing of four bank accounts of the immediate past Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MrMeleKyari.

The freezing of the four accounts in Jaiz Bank, was sequel to ongoing fraud investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The order to freeze the said accounts was issued in a ruling on an exparte application argued by the lawyer, who represented the anti-graft agency, OgechiUjam.

The ex-parte application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1641, though dated August 8, was filed August 11, and specifically sought for the court’s order freezing the bank accounts listed in the schedule.

The applicant persuaded the court to order the temporary freezing of the said accounts, so that the commission would be able to conclude its findings, as investigation was still ongoing.

It was the claim by the EFCC that the four bank accounts belonged to Kyari, “who is currently being investigated in a case involving conspiracy, abuse of office and money laundering, pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

In a short ruling, Justice Nwite held that there was enough reason as shown by the applicant to warrant granting the motion.

“I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached. I found that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed,” he said.

He subsequently adjourned till September 23, to enable the EFCC conclude and report back to the court.

The affected accounts were Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724 with account name: MeleKyari; Jaiz Bank account number 0018575055 with account name: Guwori Community Development Foundation; and Jaiz Bank account number 0018575141 with account name: Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

The anti-graft agency said the application was brought on three grounds, arguing that the bank accounts under investigation were linked to misappropriation of funds and criminal breach of trust.

It added that preliminary investigation revealed that the accounts were linked to Kyari, who allegedly took advantage of the complainant as a contract facilitator and laundered proceeds of unlawful activities.

“That there is need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution,” the EFCC stated.

In an affidavit attached to the motion, Amin Abdullahi, an EFCC investigator attached to the Special Investigation (SIS) Unit, said the agency received a petition dated April 24 from the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law against Kyari.

He said he was part of the team assigned to investigate the matter.

“That upon receipt of the petition referred to in Paragraph 4 above, my team carried out several investigation activities which included seeking and obtaining bank records from commercial banks,” he said.

Abdullahi said the probe also involved obtaining corporate details from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) concerning bodies linked to the case, as well as inviting and interviewing individuals and company representatives.

The investigator revealed that about N661,464,601.50 suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities were traced to four different accounts.

He added that the funds were traced to Kyari, who allegedly opened multiple accounts in Jaiz Bank used to receive suspicious inflows from the NNPC and various oil companies.

According to him, records further revealed that the accounts were controlled by Kyari through family members acting as fronts.

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Alex Enumahin Abuja Justice EmekaNwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, ordered a temporary freezing of four bank accounts of the immediate past Group Managing Director (GMD) of
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