NIGERIA NEWS
Abducted Kwara Monarch’s family cries out for help
Family of abducted traditional ruler of Bayangan-Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Sunday, cried out to the state government to ensure the safe release of the monarch from the kidnappers’ den.
However, reacting to the request of the community, the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, told DAILY POST in a phone chat in Ilorin on Sunday evening that, “all efforts by the police command to make the community disclose the phone number used in communicating with the armed bandits to demand for ransom proved abortive.
He said “the community refused to release the phone number used in communicating with the community by the bandits, claiming they don’t want police involvement in the matter.”
Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, the Spokesman of the Bayagan-Ile Royal Family in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, in a statement on Sunday, on behalf of the family, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate kidnap of the monarch, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile.
According to his account, the monarch was abducted by armed bandits on 29 November 2025, and since the incident occurred, the entire community has been thrown into fear, tension, and emotional distress.
He claimed that “despite numerous efforts made by the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community to gather information and support ongoing investigations, the Nigeria Police Force has not made any official declaration, update, or public statement concerning the incident.
“This silence has further heightened the anxiety of our people, who remain deeply worried about the safety and wellbeing of our monarch.
“It is important to state that, up to this moment, only the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community have been actively running around and making all possible efforts to ensure the safe return of our monarch from the hands of the bandits.
“We, therefore, humbly and passionately appeal to the Kwara State Government to come to our aid. The community alone cannot shoulder this burden, and we desperately need the intervention, support, and strategic involvement of the State Government to complement ongoing efforts.
“The Royal Family and the entire Bayagan-Ile community are earnestly pleading with the appropriate security agencies and the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts, provide timely updates, and take decisive action towards securing the safe release of our monarch.
“We remain hopeful that with swift intervention and coordinated action, this painful situation will be urgently resolved,” the spokesman added.
Kano Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named one of the recipients of the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS), earning national recognition for what organisers described as outstanding achievements across key sectors of governance.
The award was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who said the honour reflects “a clear endorsement of Governor Yusuf’s focused and people-oriented leadership.”
According to the statement, the administration has made notable progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, urban renewal, infrastructure, and social welfare since Governor Yusuf assumed office.
The governor was credited with initiating massive rehabilitation of public schools, recruiting new teachers and boosting funding for the education sector.
“In education, we made a commitment to rebuild what was neglected, and we are seeing the results,” he said.
The health sector has equally received significant attention through the renovation of primary healthcare centres, upgrades of general hospitals and expanded access to essential medical services.
“Health is the backbone of development, and we have prioritised it accordingly,” Governor Yusuf stated.
On agriculture, the administration has introduced multiple farmer-support programmes, strengthened extension services, and ensured timely distribution of inputs to enhance productivity.
Agriculture, he said, “remains a lifeline for our people, and we will continue to support our farmers with every resource available.”
Kano is also witnessing an ongoing urban renewal drive targeted at modernising infrastructure and improving liveability.
“Our vision is to rebuild Kano into a city that works for everyone,” the governor added.
Governor Yusuf received the NEAPS award alongside his counterparts from Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Enugu and Akwa Ibom States.
The ceremony, organised by the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by the SGF, Senator George Akume.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has dismissed as baseless and malicious the recent allegations made by Mr Jude Gbaboyor against the Administrator of the Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro.
In a video circulating on Facebook, which he purportedly recorded in the United States, Gbaboyor levelled grave and unfounded accusations against Dr Otuaro, including claims of murder, ritualism, and kidnapping.
However, the PAP in a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Mr Igoniko Oduma, on Monday, stated that the video in which he called for the Administrator’s removal, represents yet another desperate attempt by Gbaboyor to defame Otuaro’s character and undermine the credible work of the Programme.
The statement added that Gbaboyor now a fugitive committed the crimes of cyberstalking among others and decided to flee the country to evade arrest and prosecution.
The statement emphasized that the said Gbaboyor was dismissed from the PAP due to his unacceptable conduct some years back and should be discountenanced by the reading public.
The statement reads, ‘’This is not the first time Gbaboyor has made outrageous and unsubstantiated claims against the PAP boss.
His persistent campaign of calumny prompted the PAP Administrator to formally petition relevant security agencies, citing cyberstalking and criminal intimidation.
“When invited by the Nigeria Police Force to answer questions regarding these spurious allegations, Gbaboyor fled the country, effectively making himself a fugitive from justice.
‘’It is instructive to note that Gbaboyor’s relentless attacks on Dr Otuaro began only after the Administrator rejected his request for reinstatement at the Amnesty Office, from which he was previously dismissed several years ago due to his lack of character.
“Having failed to ingratiate himself with the PAP leadership and secure reemployment through proper channels, Gbaboyor has resorted to character assassination and the dissemination of false information.
‘’Particularly troubling is Gbaboyor’s appeal to the President of the United States to interfere in what is purely a personal matter under local jurisdiction.
This represents a profound insult to Nigeria’s sovereignty and a misguided attempt to internationalise personal grievances.
‘’The Presidential Amnesty Programme urges members of the public to disregard these irresponsible acts and baseless allegations in their entirety.
“If Gbaboyor genuinely believes in the veracity of his claims, he should demonstrate the courage of his convictions by returning to Nigeria to substantiate them before the appropriate authorities and courts of law.
‘’Instead, his flight from lawful police invitation and subsequent attacks from abroad reveal the true nature of his campaign: a calculated effort to malign a public servant from the safety of foreign shores, beyond the immediate reach of Nigerian law enforcement.
‘’Under Dr Dennis Otuaro’s leadership, the Presidential Amnesty Programme has remained focused on its mandate of fostering sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
“The Programme will not be distracted by spurious allegations from misguided and individuals pursuing personal vendettas.
‘’The Presidential Amnesty Programme reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law and will continue to pursue all legal remedies available to protect the integrity and reputation of the Administrator and the agency.”
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NIGERIA NEWS
Tinubu Hails Security Agencies as 100 Abducted Niger Students Regain Freedom — Akelicious
President Bola Tinubu has praised security agencies for securing the release of 100 students abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.
Mr Tinubu welcomed the return of the students and directed security agencies to ensure the swift rescue of the remaining 115 students and teachers still in captivity.
”I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State.
”I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.
”My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely, and we must account for all the victims.”
The president assured parents that the federal government, working with the Niger government, was committed to reuniting all abducted students with their families.
Mr Tinubu said the administration would intensify collaboration with states to strengthen school security nationwide.
”The federal government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.
”From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings.
”Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma,” Mr Tinubu said.
(NAN)
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The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a man believed to be a key member of a kidnapping gang operating in parts of the state.
The suspect, Aliu Abubakar, was arrested on Friday, December 3, at the Oro-Ago Motor Park in Ifelodun Local Government Area, following a tip from members of the community.
Police sources said the man first told officers he was on his way to visit a relative, but his story did not add up. When officers checked his phone, they found pictures of him holding a gun and posing with other armed men. They also found photos showing bundles of cash, which the police believe are ransom payments from kidnapped victims.
During questioning, Abubakar reportedly admitted taking part in several kidnapping operations and said the money seen in the pictures was shared among members of the gang.
In a related operation, police also arrested a courier linked to the same gang along the Gbugbu–Patigi road and recovered 100 rounds of live ammunition meant for the kidnappers in the forest.
The police said investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.
Armed bandits on Sunday abducted three members of a family in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State while they were returning from a condolence visit, marking the latest security breach in the increasingly vulnerable area.
The victims, all indigenes of the Agboro community, were reportedly seized by the bandits around 7:00 a.m. while heading back from paying respects to a deceased family member.
Vanguard gathered that the bandits were marching the victims toward the direction of Isanlu in Kogi State when the news broke.
Local sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, identified the abducted individuals as: Abiodun Abidemi (Brother of the deceased); Abiodun Olumide (Brother of the deceased); Ayomide Moses (Son of the deceased).
Residents expressed frustration, noting that Patigi Local Government has been highly vulnerable to bandit activities for months, with outlaws reportedly defying several existing security measures.
However, when contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, denied any knowledge of the attack, stating: “I am not aware.”
As of press time, authorities have yet to officially confirm the abduction or provide updates on efforts to rescue the three family members.
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
Political commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticized the Kebbi State Government’s plan to grant a N10 billion loan to intending Hajj pilgrims, describing it as a misplaced priority in a state grappling with severe poverty and infrastructural decay.
Posting on X on Monday, Shehu criticised the scheme.
“The intending pilgrims will do better to perform one of the Hajj rituals; stoning the devil by stoning the person deceiving them with this Hajj loan, who qualifies as the ‘bigger devil.’”
He added that the government is exploiting religious sentiment to mislead citizens, many of whom cannot afford basic needs.
“They just deploy religious sentiment to hoodwink senile people, the same people who can’t afford to eat are given loans to go for pilgrimage. This is simply daftly,” he wrote.
“In a state where poverty is at 75 percent, over 2 million children are out of school, hospitals and schools are dilapidated, township and feeder roads are poor, clean drinking water is lacking, gratuities are unpaid, youth unemployment is high, children are learning on the floor, essential drugs are unavailable, and primary health centres have collapsed, this is pure madness and illiteracy,” Shehu wrote.
Shehu’s criticism comes in response to Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris’ approval of a N10 billion intervention to assist intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj, following a shortfall in payments for allocated seats.
The Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro, disclosed on Saturday that the decision was taken because many prospective pilgrims in the state were unable to meet the payment deadline.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on December 17 over the escalating insecurity in the country, particularly the recent spike in attacks on schools.
This decision was reached during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Congress held in Lagos, with a communiqué jointly signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah.
The NEC condemned the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of a staff member during the incident, describing the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack as gross negligence.
The statement reads, “The surge in attacks on schools is alarming. The Federal Government must act urgently to secure all educational institutions, especially those in vulnerable and remote areas.”
The NLC said it would mobilise all its affiliates and state councils for the planned protest, which it described as peaceful but resolute.
The Congress is also demanding an immediate investigation into the Kebbi incident and the prosecution of those responsible for the security lapses.
The NEC warned that failure by the Federal Government to address insecurity and other critical issues could trigger widespread industrial actions across key sectors, including health and education.
“Workers’ safety and welfare remain a top priority. Continued neglect could threaten national stability,” the NLC stated.
The meeting also deliberated on other national and industrial concerns, including the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), challenges in the tertiary education sector, and the revival of the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).
The NEC further expressed concern about the Labour Party’s current state and called for a realignment with working-class values and integrity.
The NLC urged Nigerians to join hands with organised labour in demanding a safer country, while calling on state governments and security agencies to strengthen protection for schools and other vulnerable communities.
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said the constitution of the National Caretaker Committee announced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, purportedly for the PDP, is a contempt of court.
The PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Ini Emembong, disclosed that Justice J.O. Abdulmalik of Abuja High Court, did not only refuse to grant an interim injunction sought by Wike’s agents, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu seeking the nullification and non-recognition of the PDP convention and its outcomes, but cautioned against taking actions that could render the court’s eventual judgement nugatory.
The party stated that by proceeding to announce a fictitious National Caretaker Committee, the group has acted in contempt of the court “and have fundamentally altered the status of the two plaintiffs in that suit.”
PDP described the constitution of the fictitious caretaker committee as drama, which it said, will further deepen the “illegality they have been digging since 2023 in their bid to politically incapacitate the PDP and obstruct its role as the main opposition party in Nigeria.”
Said the party, “The public is already familiar with the comical spectacle that this group has become, with each new action overshadowing the last in sheer ridiculousness.”
It reassured PDP members and Nigerians that the party remains firmly on a path of rebirth, anchored on transparency, equity, honesty, and inclusiveness.
PDP stated that the purported constitution of a so-called National Caretaker Committee by Wike and his friends was designed to coordinate their personal political affairs.
“The activity they claim to have undertaken is one they clearly lack the authority to carry out, even if they were still members of the party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all organs of our party, particularly the National Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees, remain intact and under the legitimate leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
“These organs are led by dignified individuals, who cannot be procured or commodified in the manner that has become the signature modus operandi of this group of former members,” the party stated.
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- The remand of activist Harrison Gwamnishu has sparked split opinions online, as many revisited his ugly past, while some gave their verdicts on his alleged offence which led to his arrest
- A Nigerian man has stated on Facebook that the activist made a mistake, which he claimed VeryDarkMan capitalised on
- He rubbished the explanation provided in Harrison’s defence, saying no one removes N5 million from a ransom to implant chips
A Facebook user, Hon Roberto Chibueze, has reacted to the ongoing remand of activist Harrison Gwamnishu.
Roberto said Harrison made a mistake.
A man says Harrison Gwamnishu’s mistake was taking the money meant for the kidnappers.
Photo Credit: Hon Roberto Chibueze, Harrison Gwamnishu
Source: Facebook
Man points out Harrison’s mistake
According to Roberto, Harrison should not have taken from the ransom. He said the reasons given in defence of Harrison’s action do not hold water.
Roberto claimed that online critic VeryDarkMan took advantage of Harrison’s mistake and tried to pull him down. In his words:
“Harrison made a mistake, he took the money, those reasons flying are not sufficient enough to back it up. Then VDM saw the opportunity to use it and pull him down, he jumped on it.”
Read also
Man shares what people should learn from Harrison Gwamnishu’s case, asks 3 deep questions
He further said the explanation given by Harrison’s camp that he removed N5 million from the ransom to implant chips was unbelievable.
“Them no de commot 5 million from money to implant chip. Tell that story to kids,” he wrote in the comment section.
A man says Harrison Gwamnishu shouldn’t have taken the money he allegedly took.
Photo Credit: Hon Roberto Chibueze, Harrison Gwamnishu
Source: Facebook
See his Facebook post below:
Harrison Gwamnishu: Man’s remark triggers reactions
Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the man’s remark below:
Okorie Chukwuka Justice said:
“You’re right. VDM who claimed to have this Main Character Syndrome is always looking for a loophole to drag anyone doing well in Social Media because he wants to be the only one in the game. You hardly see him share or promote anything good news coming from any blogger? The boy is becoming petty lastly.”
Chigozie Iheanacho said:
“Vdm isn’t pulling anyone down, and he didn’t jump into the case uninvited, the family actually contacted him. These are exactly the kinds of issues he handles: scàmming, stèaling, intimidation, and similar matters. He basically operates like an online police!”
Amb Iwasam Agbong said:
Read also
Man explains why Harrison Gwamnishu should sack his lawyer immediately: “Who authorised it?”
“VDM is not pulling anyone down, he’s simply doing what he has always done without favoritism. He has consistently called himself an online police, and his role has always been to pursue cases like this. That’s exactly what he’s doing now. He has made it clear many times that he will call anyone out even his own brothers, if they ever misbehave. And it’s true: if VDM had kept quiet, people would still drag him for being biased. So in this situation, no one is pulling anyone down. Justice cannot be selective.”VDM and Harrison are not in competition. They are doing two completely different kinds of work. And the same way Harrison handles issues in his own lane, VDM handles his in his own lane. The day VDM does something wrong that requires Harrison to act, and Harrison steps in, I will support it fully and I will never call it “pulling down.” After all, nobody forced Harrison to take money that was meant for something else.”
Y’all Meet Philo Sopher II said:
“Na you understand that guy VDM. He’s been looking for opportunity to get him down & now the guy has presented him one.”I think he’s just working with one of the laws of the ‘48 laws of power’. VDM is not who people see him as. Lol.”
Jerry Uche Williams
“So the person that couldn’t resist the temptation to steal ransom money didn’t pull himself down but it is the person that called him out for theft that pull him down; una really dey intelligent for this social media.”
Read also
Nigerian man speaks out amid claims Harrison took #5.4 million from ransom
Gift Okedinma said:
“VDM is known for calling evil for what it’s. Say no to selective justice.”
Ex-SUG president’s bad experience with Harrison Gwamnishu
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a former SUG president had recounted his terrible experience with Harrison Gwamnishu several months ago.
Narrating his experience, he stated that Harrison allegedly stormed his Onicha Ugo community with more than eight boys and brutalised a youth named Victor because of a lady they were both interested in.
He said he visited Victor when he got wind of the incident and found him physically assaulted and his car seriously damaged, which required over N4 million to fix.
Source: Legit.ng
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday held confidential discussions with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The meeting also had in attendance the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru.
The engagement, held at the State House in Abuja, came against the backdrop of escalating political friction in Rivers State and ongoing uncertainties regarding Fubara’s standing within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Fubara arrived at the Presidential Villa at approximately 5:01 pm, where he was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer.
The session, which lasted until about 5:45 pm, was held entirely behind closed doors, with no official details released on the agenda or outcomes.
Governor Nwifuru’s meeting, which took place just before, similarly remained private, though it is believed to have addressed regional priorities such as infrastructure development and security concerns in the South-East.
The timing of Fubara’s engagement is particularly noteworthy, following the high-profile defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
This defection has dramatically altered the power dynamics in the state legislature, reducing PDP-aligned members supportive of Fubara to just three.