President Bola Tinubu has ordered that ministers and senior officials must obtain presidential approval before requesting police escorts for official duties.

The directive was given at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

This is aimed at preventing security lapses caused by the uncoordinated redeployment of officers.

Tinubu instructed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Minister of Police Affairs to ensure compliance, stressing that officials should contact the IGP and secure his clearance through the presidency if they require special security arrangements.

“I have told the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and I hope the Minister of police affairs is here to implement the directive.

“If you have any problem with security, because of the nature of your assignment, please, contact the IGP and get my clearance,’’ the President said.

More insights  

President Tinubu also directed the Minister of Interior, in collaboration with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to address security gaps created when officers are deployed on special duties, ensuring communities and officials remain protected.

• He also tasked the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) with reviewing the country’s security framework and implementing necessary reforms.
• The President further stressed the importance of equipping civil defence personnel and forest guards to strengthen community protection.

Beyond security, he urged the Vice President and the National Economic Council to revive grazing reserves and develop ranches, turning salvageable lands into livestock hubs to reduce herder–farmer conflicts and boost economic development, with states leading land management.

Backstory 

The directive builds on earlier moves by President Tinubu to strengthen national policing.

In November, he ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide, redeploying them to core policing duties. VIPs requiring security protection are now mandated to request armed escorts from the NSCDC, a shift expected to free thousands of police officers for frontline duties.

• The presidency said the move addresses longstanding personnel imbalances that left rural and semi-urban communities under-policed.
• Tinubu highlighted the declining police visibility in remote areas and stressed the need for robust, community-level policing as the country grapples with banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and other violent crimes.

To support this goal, the President approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel, one of the largest expansions of the Nigeria Police Force in recent years. The drive will include upgraded training facilities, with federal and state governments collaborating to ensure modern, well-equipped academies capable of producing highly trained officers.

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The United States government is considering a major overhaul of its entry procedures for foreign travellers, including Britons, by introducing a mandatory five-year social-media history disclosure.

According to a notice published in the US Federal Register, visitors would be required to provide all social-media handles, email addresses, phone numbers, and detailed information about close family members before being allowed into the country.

Expanded screening could transform travel to the US

Currently, travellers from the UK and other Visa Waiver Programme nations can enter the US for up to 90 days using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for a nominal fee.

The proposed changes would drastically alter this process, making extensive personal data and online activity part of the standard screening.

The new requirements would also extend biometric collection during online applications, including facial recognition, fingerprints, iris scans, and potentially DNA, a level of scrutiny previously limited to in-person inspections at US entry points.

A selfie upload would also become mandatory for all applicants, whether entering on a visa or ESTA.

While the administration frames the measures as a security safeguard, critics point to previous instances where travellers were denied entry over content found on personal devices, raising concerns over privacy and civil liberties.

Privacy concerns and Biometric data collection

The proposed rules are now open for a 60-day public consultation period, giving individuals and organisations the chance to offer feedback before they are potentially implemented.

This move represents a significant escalation in border screening practices, highlighting tensions between national security objectives and personal privacy protections for international visitors.

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Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

A routine screening for ambassadorial nominees turned into a moment of embarrassment on Wednesday when one of President Bola Tinubu’s career picks, Emmanuel Adeyemi, failed to name all three senators representing his home state of Ekiti, prompting outrage from members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Adeyemi, a deputy director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a PhD holder with foreign postings in Hong Kong and France, had impressed the panel with his credentials, until he attempted to acknowledge “the two senators from my state”.

He correctly mentioned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, then abruptly stalled.

Committee members pressed him to name the third senator, reminding him that each state has three representatives in the upper chamber. 

The moment worsened when a member of Adeyemi’s delegation was seen hurriedly searching online for the missing name—Senator Cyril Fasuyi.

A visibly displeased Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) said the incident reflected a deeper national concern about public office nominees.

He said: “Much as one man can’t know everything, an ambassadorial nominee should at least know the three senators from his state.

“At a time when Nigeria’s international image needs repair, competence must not be negotiable.”

Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Seriake Dickson echoed his concerns.

But Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Senate Leader Bamidele, pleaded for forgiveness, asking the panel to overlook the lapse. 

Still, he expressed disappointment at the frantic “Google search” that unfolded before the committee.

Adeyemi is one of three nominees from Ekiti, alongside Mrs Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.

The Senate panel also screened several other career nominees, including Ahmed Sulu Gambari, Maimuna Besto, Monica Enebechi, Kingsley Onaga, Ahmed Monguno, Magaji Umar and Aminu Nasir.

In a surprise appearance, former Ondo governorship aspirant, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, though not originally listed, was invited to “take a bow and go”.

President Tinubu had last week forwarded a sweeping list of 65 ambassadorial nominees, both career and non-career, to the Senate, invoking Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution and urging their accelerated confirmation. 

The list includes seasoned diplomats such as Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara), Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno) and Maimuna Ibrahim (Adamawa), as well as prominent political figures like former presidential aide, Ita Enang, former Naval Chief Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) and ex-Army Chief Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd.).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the list to the Foreign Affairs Committee, giving it one week to complete the exercise.

Wednesday’s session marked the second phase of the screening. An earlier batch, Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo), had appeared before the panel, with Oke using the opportunity to respond to longstanding allegations.

The staggered screening process, insiders say, forms part of a wider strategic restructuring of Nigeria’s foreign service as the administration prepares for a significant overhaul of diplomatic missions worldwide.

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By Dickson Omobola

Mr Segun Martins, a suspected stowaway, has been caught at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, which confirmed the incident, said Martins, in an attempt to flee to the United States of America, gained unauthorised access to the foot of an Overland aircraft that was about to taxi for takeoff.

Spokesperson for the NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, however, stated that ground security at the airport apprehended him and handed him over to the airport police for further investigation.

Achimugu stated on X: “At approximately 1502 hours, a male, identified as Segun Martins, gained unauthorized access to the foot of an Overland aircraft that was about taxi for takeoff and attempted to conceal himself between the aircraft tyres.

“Ground security apprehended the individual. He was immediately handed over to the Airport Police for further investigation.

“Mr Segun Martins stated that he believed the aircraft was bound for the United States of America and intended to escape by hiding on the aircraft.”

The post Stowaway caught clinging to aircraft tyres at Ilorin airport appeared first on Vanguard News.

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A research report of the Harvard Law School’s Centre for the Study of African Economies and Societies (CSASE) has revealed a troubling pattern of structural income loss, threatening the future of the industry.

Afrobeats is one of the world’s most influential musical forces as Nigerian artists sell out global arenas, dominate streaming charts, and shape global pop culture.

However, Africa captures only a small fraction of the wealth generated by the Afrobeats booms.

The report which will be unveiled in Lagos on Thursday, showed that in 2023, Afrobeats generated around $100 million globally, but only a tiny fraction of that income reached African creators.

“Despite being one of the fastest-growing music markets, Africa remains the lowest royalty-earning region worldwide. The report from Harvard points out that the gap is not accidental, but structural,” it stated.

Professor Olufunmilayo Arewa, who authored the report, stated that Afrobeats rose to global prominence at a period when the music industry was undergoing major changes.

“Streaming reshaped revenue models, shifting power to three major global labels, namely Universal, Sony, and Warner. Digital platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok also increased in their leverage over musicians and artists. These players collectively control distribution, data, royalties, metadata, and intellectual property norms.

“African artists enter this system from a position of disadvantage: weaker bargaining power, limited legal resources, and little control over downstream monetisation.The acquisition of African labels by global majors—most notably Universal’s majority stake in Mavin Records—shows the industry recognises Afrobeats as its new growth engine. But without policy safeguards, these acquisitions risk recreating old extractive patterns: Africa produces the cultural value, while others capture the profit.

“Meanwhile, Nigeria’s highly informal economy complicates revenue collection. Up to two-thirds of the economy operates outside formal systems. For years, informal circulation boosted artist visibility, but it also weakened data systems, copyright protection, and revenue tracking. Even massive cultural events like Detty December, drawing more than a million visitors in 2024, remain under-measured.

“Astrategic session hosted by the Harvard Law School CSASE and Lagos-based Rise Interactive Studios will be taking place in Lagos on Thursday 11th November. The exclusive event will examine strategic responses that industry, policymakers, and creatives themselves can take to help turn the tide of royalty loss.”

The report further said, “Leaders in Artificial Intelligence, such as Dr. Toyosi Akinrele-Ogunsiji, Founder and CEO of Rise Interactive Studios, top artists, senior policymakers, and academics will join the Harvard-trained author of the CSASE Report, Professor Arewa, to discuss the Report’s recommendations. Afrobeats sits at a strategic turning point. Its cultural influence is secure. The economic question is what Africa will choose to do next.

“The CSASE Report, which is the first one written by an African for African creatives, is an important instrument to help guide our way forward.The world is already dancing to African music.
The question is whether Africa will build the systems to profit from it,” the organisers added.

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A Kano business tycoon, convicted on Wednesday of forgery and the diversion of three loaded containers worth several million naira, has been sentenced to three years in prison.

In a count charge filed by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the convict was found guilty of offences including the forgery of official documents, the diversion of containers, and the attempted sabotage of the national economy.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Musa Saleh Shuiab of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kano, the court convicted Abdulrahman Sani Adam and ordered immediate forfeiture of the three containers to the Federal Government.

The Judge subsequently adopted the plea bargain agreement, jointly agreed to by both prosecution and defence counsels, imposing a fine of N3 million on the convict.

Addressing journalists shortly after the judgment, the prosecution counsel who doubles as Director of Legal Services, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Smart Akande, expressed satisfaction with the verdict.

Akande insisted that the court’s ruling will serve as a deterrent to perpetually criminal-minded business operators who specialise in defrauding the Federal Government, thereby sabotaging the nation’s economy.

The director, Customs legal services explained that the option of plea bargain was adopted to accelerate the delivery of justice to all parties involved in the matter. He maintained that the service will continue to tackle sabotage of revenue leakages to meet the nation’s revenue target.

In other news, the Delta State police command has announced it arrested a suspected serial killer and a prison escapee who has been linked to multiple violent crimes in the past.

The suspect, Michael Ezenwai, was apprehended by the Agbor Police Division of the state on the 24th October 2025 while attempting to sell a stolen phone.

Meanwhile, further checks revealed the phone belonged to a woman who was later found dead in her apartment.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to murdering her during a robbery at her residence on 23rd October 2025.

Ezenwai has been linked to multiple violent crimes, including a 2020 rape and murder case involving a university student.

Commenting on the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, said the command swiftly took action after receiving a distress call.

“On the 24th of October 2025, the DPO Agbor received a complaint that one Michael Ezenwai was trying to sell a suspected stolen phone.

“The DPO swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene and immediately arrested the suspect. Upon interrogation, the suspect claimed that he brought the phone from Libya,” Edafe said.

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The Nasarawa State Police Command has taken over the Lafia Local Government secretariat following a crisis that rocked the council over the suspension of the Local Government Council Speaker by the state House of Assembly on Tuesday.

The police also arrested some protesters who took to the streets of Lafia in protest against the suspension of the local government council chairman, Mohammed Haliru-Arabo.

Recalled that the crisis rocking the legislative Arm of the Lafia local government Area depen overnight when the Legislative Arm of the Local Government suspended the deputy Chairman, Uba Arikua and Acting Chairman of the council, for three months over allegations of lying on Oath and abuse of office in difiance to the directives by the state house of Assembly to oversee the affaris of the local government council after the house suspended the chairman.

But, in a dramatic turn, the legislative arm reconvened and suspended the Acting Chairman for allegedly lying on oath and abuse of office, and directed the Deputy Speaker, who doubled as the Acting Speaker, to oversee the affairs of the council.

New Telegraph reports that the deputy speaker convened an emergency meeting of the counsellors during which he declared himself as the acting Chairman of the local government amid a crisis.

When the Correspondent visited the Lafia local government secretariat at about 8 am, the police had already sealed the manned every entrance leading in and out of the secretariat to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

New Telegraph reports that some of the protesters were also arrested by the police.

It was gathered that both administrative and legislative activities at the Lafia local government Area were paralysed amid depending crisis rocking the council.

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Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has dismissed as false allegations of being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for terrorism financing and operating 46 bank accounts.

Malami, who was recently mentioned by an online medium for financing terrorism, in a statement from his Media Assistant, Mohammed Doka, said he has not been investigated by any security agency locally or internationally for such an allegation or any other.

He therefore called on the media and Nigerians to stop the media trial of his person.

Exonerating Malami from the allegations, the Media Aide said, “The Office of the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, wishes to categorically refute recent allegations circulating in parts of the media regarding terrorism financing, the existence of purported 46 bank accounts linked to Malami, and other unfounded insinuations, all of which are false, misleading and baseless.

“We state without equivocation that there is no allegation, investigation or charge of terrorism financing against Abubakar Malami, SAN, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or by any other security, intelligence or law-enforcement agency, whether in Nigeria or abroad.

“Similarly, claims suggesting that Mr Malami operates or controls “46 bank accounts” are entirely fictitious, unsupported by facts, official records or lawful findings, and merely form part of a coordinated media trial aimed at character assassination.

“At no time has Mr Malami been questioned, investigated or confronted with issues relating to terrorism financing or any alleged multiple bank accounts. Even the retired military officer cited in recent reports explicitly clarified that he never accused Mr Malami of financing terrorism, a crucial clarification that was irresponsibly overshadowed by sensational headlines and mischievous framing.

“Mr Malami’s public service record directly contradicts such insinuations. During his tenure as Attorney-General, he played a leading role in strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework, including the establishment of an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

“We urge Nigerians of goodwill to disregard the concocted allegations, sensational reporting and ongoing media trial designed to malign the person and record of Abubakar Malami, SAN.

‘We sincerely thank all right-thinking Nigerians for their concern, prayers, support and steadfast confidence. Your messages of encouragement reaffirm our belief that truth, law and reason will always prevail.

“We remain confident that Abubakar Malami, SAN, will emerge stronger and better, and that together, we shall triumph against all forms of political witch-hunt, misinformation and intimidation.”

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja said the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was not negotiable, admonishing all ministers to ensure immediate compliance.

Speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber, the President warned against non-compliance.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.

President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun, to follow up on the implementation of the order.

The President noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, and the protection of a select group of VIPs and VVIPs was not their responsibility.

President Tinubu said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.

“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he added.

The President noted that the police would be mobilised appropriately to tackle the country’s security challenges.

He said the entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities.

“We face challenges here and there of Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,” the President stated.

President Tinubu said ministers should meet the Inspector General of Police and get his clearance for special assignments that require police protection.

“NSA take this very seriously,” he added.

The President also urged the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.

President Tinubu directed the Minister, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence the mobilisation process, with particular emphasis on areas facing conflict.

“The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable.

“The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it. You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state,” he added.

The President said villages and communities facing conflicts must be salvaged.

The President noted that implementing ranching will reduce conflicts between herders and farmers and attacks on the most vulnerable members of society.

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Operatives of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a 36-year-old suspected drug trafficker at his warehouse.

DAILY POST reports that the suspect, identified as Stanley Obasuwa, was arrested on December 4, 2025 at the warehouse located in the Isiefve community, Uhunwonde Local Government Areas.

The NDLEA Commander in the state, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

Ofoyefu added that eight bags of cannabis sativa seeds weighing a total of 315.8 kilograms, stored in a simple structured warehouse on the outskirts of the community were seized.

He also disclosed that a 56-year-old driver identified as Dada Adedara Babawibi was arrested for allegedly conveying 341 compressed packages of illicit substances weighing 217.5 kilograms.

The driver of a Honda vehicle marked ABC-678kk was intercepted and arrested by operatives on December 2, 2025 at Agho Forest in Akoko Edo local government area, after which illicit substances were seized.

The NDLEA official further stated that another driver with a vehicle numbered GGE-772FB escaped arrest while 361 compressed packages weighing 230 kilograms were also seized.

According to him, the total seizure from the two raids amounted to 763.3 kilograms.

He described both seizures as impressive efforts towards ridding the state of illicit drugs during the end-of-the-year festive season.

According to him, the agency remains resolute in its commitment to curbing the production, trafficking, and distribution of illicit drugs in the state.

“These arrests and seizures demonstrate our unwavering dedication to eradicating drug-related crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities, especially as we are approaching the end of the year festive season,” he said.

He said investigations are ongoing as operatives continue to track other suspects and dismantle drug networks operating within Edo State.

Ofoyefu urged members of the public to cooperate with the NDLEA by providing credible information that can aid in the war against drug trafficking.

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