PREMIUM TIMES’ reporter, Falmata Daniel, was one of the three Nigerian journalists honoured on Wednesday, in Abuja, by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at the 30th anniversary of the International Human Rights Day.

The others are Michael Olugbode of ThisDay and Emeka Amafor.

NHRC also honoured the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Dorothy Njemanze for their contributions to human rights in the country.

Speaking at the occasion, the commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, said it is pursuing its mandate with renewed commitment, and in doing so has recognised some exemplary practices by some media professionals who have dedicated themselves to exemplifying human rights in Nigeria through their works.

He said such practices align with the commission’s goals.

Mr Ojukwu said Miss Daniel is renowned for her professional, ethical, and detailed pieces.

“For instance, her special report, ‘When Nigerian Police Fire Teargas, they Break not just Crowds,’ exposed the psychological, health, and economic impact of teargas use on citizens.

“Her reportage reflects a deep understanding of human rights principles and the workings of Nigeria’s justice system. Her writing style is detailed, balanced, and profoundly human-centered, and has earned her an affectionate nickname, ‘small but mighty.’

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu SAN, and the awardees

“In spite of her soft spoken demeanour, she is renowned for her depth of analysis, boldness in confronting sensitive issues and her ability to break down complex human rights challenges in ways that inform, engage and provoke thoughts among leaders. She is also known for her professionalism and ethics,” he said.

The ES also noted that the award represents a tribute of courage and consistency to the cause of human rights by those awarded.

He further stated that “As Nigeria’s National Human Rights Institution, we recommit ourselves today to the mandate that has guided us for 30 years to protect, promote, and enforce the rights of all persons in Nigeria”.

About Miss Daniel

Miss Daniel is a member of PREMIUM TIMES Judiciary, Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Desk, and assigned to cover NHRC and other related beats.

She has reported stories on human rights violations and other judicial proceedings since joining this newspaper as an intern last year.

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu SAN, and the awardees

Her published reports primarily address human rights violations against children, education gaps, and law enforcement excess.

Some of her impactful works include an analysis of the prevalence of rape of minors in Nigeria, 2025, and the story of an Abuja resident, who attempted suicide because of the economic reality in 2024.

She has also participated in a year-long joint development project in collaboration with the CJID. The initiative covered issues such as gender, agriculture, and health, and often involved engaging in community programmes.

A key component of her role is interacting with Nigerians about population-level issues, aiming to proffer practical solutions, clearly expose policy gaps, and achieve lasting change.

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• A young Nigerian bride has gone viral on social media after showing off her singing skill at her wedding venue
• In a video, she was seen holding a microphone and singing at the top of her voice while guests listened to her
• Social media users who came across the video on TikTok did not hesitate to share their various opinions in the comments

A young lady became a social media sensation after a video from her wedding circulated online, showing her attempt at performing a song for her guests.

The short clip captured the bride taking hold of a microphone at her wedding and raising her voice with full confidence as family, friends and well-wishers watched her.

Nigerian bride shows off her singing skills on her wedding day.
Photo credit: Tinaj463/TikTok.
Source: TikTok

Bride sings on her wedding day

Within a short time, the video circulated on TikTok, sparking a lot of reactions from people who found it both hilarious and memorable.

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The clip, originally uploaded on TikTok by @tinaj463, showed the bride fully focused on the performance.

She was so determined to create a solemn atmosphere, throwing her energy into the song even as some of the attendees laughed in the background.

Her energy and eagerness to entertain her guests seemed to be one of the reasons the clip went viral so quickly.

Nigerian bride goes viral after singing on her wedding day.
Photo credit: @Tinaj463/TikTok.
Source: TikTok

Reactions as bride sings on wedding day

As the clip circulated, on TikTok viewers took to the comments to express their opinions about what they had seen.

Many found her performance heartwarming and believed it was amazing to step forward to sing in front of everyone.

Others, however, focused on her voice, claiming that her voice lacked the refinement expected at such an occasion.

A separate group of commenters insisted that she struggled with the lyrics and appeared unsure of the words at certain points.

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@dave_wearz said:

“I first think say she dey recite Quran, nobody should bring me back here.”

@Joy Jeremiah said:

“Singing was funny then the person that shouted haba, with othe people talking and laughing in the background made me to laugh.”

@Tiana Wunmi said:

“She no get bridesmaids wey fit collect microphone from her? Make nobody bring me back abeg.”

@Dee’s collection said:

“Hahahhahahahahah love can bring out ur hidden talent menhhhhhh,go gurl go gurl.”

@Ellaris commented:

“This is what happens when you don’t tell your friends the truth, Una don hype her into oblivion.”

@FRAGZIE SCENTS said:

“Awwwwwwwwww. So romantic, na she know wey her eye see for street. Na the werey wey record I get talk with. Why you Dey laugh.”

@Ama Ablorde reacted:

“Awwww Alhaji is so supportive. He’s swaying to her singing. But Ameriya why?”

@ThriftMaven by Henny said:

“For the first person wey Dey spray money he just Dey talk make I run spray wetin I wan spray finish commot for here abeg.”

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@Mag-gie Fashion Home said:

“Is like her ex is there oo, so she wan pass message to him, abi na only me hear let go from that song.”

@living wonder 01 reacted:

“Her friends no try sha, bcoz I sure say she gist dem say “see d song I’ll sing dah day” nd dey no fit stop am. Nd na dem go laugh pass o.”

See the post below:

Bride sings out her heart

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Chinwo’s song titled “Obinasom” never sounded sweeter than when it came from the mouth of a Nigerian bride who sang it beautifully.

The bride could be seen in a viral video singing with so much joy and in obeisance to God during her wedding reception.

Source: Legit.ng

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of making false claims regarding his meetings with lawmakers.

The allegation comes in response to Governor Fubara’s comment on Wednesday, in which he dismissed speculations of a rift between him and federal or state lawmakers from Rivers State, insisting that reports of strained relations are unfounded.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Speaker Martin Amaewhule stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, convened a meeting between the lawmakers and the governor on the directive of President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of the state of emergency.

According to Amaewhule, members of the Assembly have met with Governor Fubara twice since the emergency rule was lifted.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Amaewhule said the first meeting took place at the Abuja residence of the FCT Minister.

According to him, the statement of the Governor on Wednesday is the reason for the press conference, saying they need to set the record straight.

He described the governor’s recent remarks as “unnecessary, condemnable” and potentially capable of triggering “another round of crisis in Rivers State.”

“It’s important I make this clarification. First and foremost, the governor lied when he said he hasn’t been able to meet with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Amaewhule said.

“Shortly after the State of Emergency was called off, the FCT Minister called a meeting with the governor and principal officials of the Assembly. I can confirm I was in that meeting.”

On the presentation of the budget, Amaewhule said, “The Governor has not come to us to present the budget of the state; he hasn’t.

“In 2024, he spent without an appropriation law. In 2025, he was spending. Even after the emergency rule, we discussed with him in the meeting.

“We said, look, bring your budget so that we can take care of all you intend to do for the remaining part of 2025.

“There, in that meeting, the Governor told us blatantly that he would not do it, that he will not bring the budget. God is my witness. As I speak here, God is here.”

He added, “Where the Governor is, he knows I’m not lying against him.”

He accused the Governor of awarding contracts to his cronies, particularly those who allegedly masterminded the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Despite the tensions, the Assembly reiterated that the FCT Minister wants peace and progress in the state.

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Fresh tension has resurfaced in Rivers State as lawmakers in the House of Assembly openly accuse Governor Siminalayi Fubara of making “false claims.”

The lawmakers say the governor’s latest remarks are capable of reopening political wounds that the state is still trying to heal.

The reaction followed Governor Fubara’s comments at a road commissioning event on Monday, where he suggested that he had not met with the lawmakers since the political crisis that rocked the state months ago.

His statement immediately drew sharp criticism from the Assembly, which described the remarks as misleading and “completely unnecessary.”

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, said the governor’s public claim was inaccurate.

He insisted that Governor Fubara met with the lawmakers twice—first at the Abuja residence of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and later at the home of businessman Ferdinand Alabraba.

According to him, both meetings were part of a peace directive issued by President Bola Tinubu after the political tension threatened to engulf the state last year.

Amaewhule said the governor’s denial was “surprising” and capable of undermining the fragile peace achieved so far. He added that the Assembly had expected the governor to maintain a united front rather than reignite old hostilities.

The lawmakers also accused Governor Fubara of attacking the personality of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, despite the former governor’s role in resolving the political standoff.

They further alleged that several contracts were being awarded without legislative approval, describing the actions as a violation of due process.

Another claim raised by the lawmakers involved the finances of the state. They insisted that the outgoing Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service left a balance of about N600 billion, contrary to what they say the governor has been insinuating in public.

Additionally, they alleged that Governor Fubara was attempting to influence lawmakers with financial inducements, a move they described as an attempt to weaken the Assembly’s independence.

Despite the heated accusations, Amaewhule maintained that the Assembly remains committed to serving the people of Rivers State.

He stated that the lawmakers would continue to support the peace process initiated by President Tinubu, adding that stability in the state must be prioritised over political interests.

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Ifeanyi Ejiofor, former lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu, has urged senators of Igbo extraction to oppose the confirmation of Reno Omokri as an ambassador.

Ejiofor said he would call on voters in the south-east to mobilise ahead of the 2027 elections if Omokri is cleared by the senate.

He said no Igbo senator should expect re-election if the ballot is transparent and every vote counts.

He said the lawmakers should “prepare for a well-deserved retirement” if they fail to act in the interest of their constituents.

He added that there was a limit to what he described as political cowardice, saying “Enough, quite frankly, should be enough.”

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A heartbreaking video has emerged online showing a young man named Mogaji Adebanjo, an employee of Vine Crest College in Ogun State, pleading desperately for help after being kidnapped by armed men along Kabba Road while traveling from Iperu to Abuja.

In the disturbing clip circulating on social media, he was seen visibly weak, frightened, and tied up as he begs Nigerians, security authorities, and the government to intervene urgently.

“I was taken along Kabba Road. Please help me. I don’t want to die. I have a pregnant wife, a 4 year old son, and an aged father. Please help me. I don’t want to die. I was taken yesterday. I am from Imo Arigidi, Ondo State,” he said.

Abductors have demanded a massive ₦100 million-naira ransom for his release. Adebanjo emphasized that his family, including his pregnant wife, young son, and elderly father, depend on him.

His emotional plea has sparked widespread concern as insecurity continues to worsen along major highways in Nigeria.

The kidnappers have reportedly issued strict conditions and are allegedly threatening to harm him if the ransom is not paid on time.

This incident adds to the growing number of kidnapping cases along Nigerian road corridors, raising urgent questions about safety, intelligence operations, and the need for stronger security presence on vulnerable routes.

Watch video below…

WATCH: Kidnappers Demand N100 Million As Abducted Vine Crest College Employee In Ogun Begs For Help pic.twitter.com/mA1kum6v5I

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 11, 2025

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The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday opened its case against five men accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, an assault that left more than 40 worshippers dead and over 100 others injured.

Appearing before a Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS commenced trial by presenting its first prosecution witness after the court granted an application for accelerated hearing.

The defendants, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47), are being prosecuted in connection with the deadly attack that shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation.

The trial opened with testimony from a Catholic priest who presided over the Pentecost Sunday service on the day of the incident. His name was withheld for security reasons.

The witness told the court that the attack occurred toward the end of the service, which had drawn a large congregation. He recounted hearing a sudden loud noise, immediately followed by sporadic gunshots, triggering panic and chaos inside the church.

According to his testimony, worshippers scrambled for safety as the assailants opened fire indiscriminately.

Led in evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the witness said said June 5, 2022 remained a memorable day for him “because it was the day when the violent attack was launched on us – myself and all the worshiping community of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo Ondo State.

“It was an incident which led to the death of over 40 persons among us, while some of us became maimed; some of us, till this point, have permanent physical injuries.

“I recall that the attack was towards the end of the worship that day. I was the priest assigned to lead the community in worship, which is known as the holy mass.

“Towards the end of the mass, I was performing the last rite and the people of God have started singing the recessional hymn, the closing hymn. Suddenly I heard a loud sound. I looked into the congregation, facing them.

“There was already a commotion, which for me, I thought somebody had fallen. But, I sighted two men from our congregation, these men were members of our community.

“They quickly locked the main entrance door and another elder in the church came to me in the sanctuary and said to me, father, we are under attack.

“From this point, I heard the sporadic shooting of guns. This was still outside the church. This elder told me, father you have to leave. At first, I was reluctant to leave the sanctuary. If not for anything, but at least, because of those children, who call me father.

“So, taking my leave from the sanctuary, I and some adults moved some of these children into a safe place. This is an attachment to that church.

“When I was in this place (the safe place), I continued to hear the continuous shooting of guns and the use of about three explosives.

“The third explosive landed very close to the safe place, where I was with the children, with the effect which looked like the opening of the ground. The effect was like the ground opening to swallow us immediately.

“So, the attack continued. After a while, some of our church members came into this place (safe place) and notified us that those, who came to attack us have left.

“Moving out with the children, I saw my choir master shot at the chest. He called me to pray for him. I did, but I told him I have to move him to the hospital.
When I got out, I saw some already dead on the floor.

“So, I shouted that if there is any of us, who could still drive, let us begin to move our brothers and sisters to the hospital,” the witness said.

On whether he counted the number of the dead, said it was impossible for him ascertain the number of those killed given the level of chaos that the attackers unleashed the church environment on that day.

The priest said: “It was with that violent attack that I understood that proverb that the one struck or hit by a vehicle does not wait to take note of the vehicle’s number. So, I could not immediately count the number of those dead.

“Personally, I went two times to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo to take the casualties to the hospital. By the time I came the second time, there were already ambulances, both from FMC Owo and St Louis Catholic Hospital Owo, also moving the casualties to these two hospitals.

“The second time when I got to FMC, the emergency ward was filled up with these casualties.
The casualties were those that were killed and injured. With the wailing, weeping and crying from people, I couldn’t even drive again. The care and healing of those injured continued,” the witness said.

The priest said he was later invited to the DSS office in Akure, Ondo State where he made a statement.

Under cross examination by defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness said he could not ascertain the number of those who carried out the attack.

He said: ” With the commotion in the church, and my desire to rescue, especially the children quickly as possible, I could not and I did not identify or recognise those who carried out the attack.
Therefore, I don’t know their number.”

On how it was possible for him to rescue the children, the witness said the children were at the foot of that sanctuary, where he was standing when the attack started.

He added: “And, I said with some adults, I moved with the children to a safe place. This safe place is the restroom, attached as a building to the sanctuary. From that building that is attached, you can move into the sanctuary and out of it.”

Earlier at the commencement of proceedings, Adedipe told the court that the charge has been amended to correct some minor errors.

He applied that the amended charge should be ready to the defendants, which was done and the defendants all pleaded not guilty.

Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned till January 13 and 14, 2026 at 12noon each day for the continuation of hearing

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons dropped one spot in the latest women’s ranking released by the Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA, on Thursday.

Previously ranked 36th, the Super Falcons dropped to 37th but remain the top team of the continent.

The Super Falcons were inactive during the last FIFA women’s international break which contributed to their current position in the monthly ranking.

South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Morocco complete the top five highest-ranked countries in Africa.

Globally, Spain retained the highest-ranked team, with the United States of America, Germany, England and Sweden completing the top five. (NAN)

The post FIFA rankings: Super Falcons drop to 37th, remain top in Africa appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued a kidnapped victim in Yaja Village, Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to a statement by the Brigade’s acting spokesperson, Lt. Umar Muhammad, the operation was carried out on 11 December 2025 after soldiers stationed at Maraba Apawa received credible intelligence about the movements of suspected kidnappers. The tip-off came from local good samaritans.

“Acting on the tipoff, the troops launched a quick-response pursuit, applying sustained pressure that forced the abductors to flee and abandon their captive.

The victim was identified as 40-year-old Alhaji Shuaibu of Yelwata community in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, who had been abducted two days earlier on 9 December,” the statement read.

Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for the timely, professional, and resilient operation, describing it as a demonstration of the Brigade’s commitment to securing communities across Taraba State.

General Uwa emphasized that the Brigade remains fully prepared to deny criminals any safe haven, warning that kidnapping, banditry, and violent crime will continue to be met with swift military action.

He also assured residents of a peaceful and secure festive season and urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

Through Brigadier General Uwa, the Nigerian Army expressed appreciation for the cooperation of local communities and reiterated its resolve to maintain stability and peace across Taraba State.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army on Thursday arrested five “persons of interest” at a checkpoint after six AK-47 rifles were found on them along Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects concealed six AK-47 rifles in a sack full of charcoal hidden in a Golf saloon car on Thursday afternoon.

A top security aide (names withheld) said: “They were intercepted by the Nigerian Army team on patrol,” adding that: “The five suspects are undergoing interrogation.”

Our reporter recalls that their arrest came a day after six people suspected to be couriers for kidnappers were arrested around Babanla, also in Ifelodun, with a large consignment of bread and petrol.

“They have been transferred to the police headquarters in Ilorin for further investigation,” according to a source.

Earlier on Tuesday, some criminals were reported killed in a coordinated assault by government vigilante forces in Omu Aran-Eruku.

Six motorcycles, assault rifles, and many loaded magazines were recovered from their hideouts.

Four women and two young men, all suspected to have been abducted, were rescued and handed to the police divisional post in Omu Aran.

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…as Renewed Hope ambassadors visit monarchs

The Ona of Abaji, Dr. Baba Yunusa Ugbada, has hailed the developmental strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through the Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing the Minister as a true ambassador of the President.

The Monarch, who is also the Chairperson of FCT Royal Chiefs, spoke when Hon. Adamu Abdullahi led members of the FCT Renewed Hope Ambassadors to pay him a courtesy visit on Thursday.

The visit was aimed at familiarising the ambassadors with the traditional rulers, strengthening relationships and seek their support for the administration of President Tinubu, as well as seeking their blessings and guidance of the traditional rulers.

The Ona of Abaji, Abaji Area Council of the FCT, who praised the FCT Minister for his efforts at developing the FCT, especially the satellite towns called for more infrastructure and interventions in the education sector to liberate the people.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors also visited Gwargwada, Rubochi, Yaba, Wako, Pai, and Zuba chiefdoms.

The Chief of Pai, in Kwali Area Council, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Pai, commended the administration for the extensive road network, which he said has made it easier for farmers to bring their produce to the capital.

Also, the Agora of Zuba, Engr. Muhammad Bello Umar, expressed confidence in the ambassadors’ ability to serve the FCT and pledged continued support for the progress and unity of the territory.

Speaking during the visits, Hon. Adamu Abdullahi, the FCT Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, assured the traditional rulers that their pleas would be documented and presented to President Tinubu, saying the President is committed to listening to the people.

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