A Nigerian man serving in the United States Army has stirred online reactions after directing a message at prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, following the confirmation of U.S. airstrikes on ISIS terrorist bases in Sokoto State.

The development comes amid heightened talks over U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts and renewed statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who vowed to eliminate threats against Christians and other civilians targeted by extremist groups.

Twitter/Horiyourme.

Sheikh Gumi opposes US military support

Sheikh Gumi had recently drawn public attention after openly condemning the U.S. strike, warning against foreign military involvement in Nigeria and criticising the federal government for not seeking assistance from countries such as Turkey and Pakistan instead.

His comments sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.

Nigerian-born US soldier reacts to Sheikh Gumi’s stance

Reacting to the cleric’s stance, the Nigerian-born U.S. soldier, identified online as @Horiyourme, shared a photo from a video message of Sheikh Gumi.

Sharing the photo, he captioned …

‘Update on @POTUS air strike:

First you deliver the baby, then you get the placenta.
Sheik Gumi, your days are numbered.”

His remarks quickly went viral, generating mixed reactions from Nigerians at home and abroad, with supporters and critics engaging in heated exchanges in the comment sections.

@0xjabdul noted: “Please remove that Sheik in his name. I don’t trust him to be a Sheikh.”

@damtosfashion pleaded: “Pls help us deal with this man ooo. He’s been a reason for more active activities of this people.”

@OloriSiji1 asked: “You still dey respect am,hand go touch him soon.”

@MichaelNavy_24 wrote: “Nah wetin I dey tell someone like this now wey be say Mr Ben don dey put eyes for the matter e don be for am.”

Check out post below …

SOURCE PAGE

Governor Alex Otti has expressed optimism that his re-election in 2027 would be smoother than previous outings.

Otti expressed his confidence at the 2025 Aro Day event held in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor allayed fear of the 2027 polls, stating that his administration’s achievements since taking charge of the state would give him a smoother ride.

According to the only Labour Party governor, he would not be selling promises to the people, but would only leverage what they are already seeing with their own eyes.

“Just like it happened in 2023, 2027 will even be smoother, I can assure you. Why am I so confident? I’m confident because in 2023, we were selling promises, but now there are one or two things we can point to,” he stated.

He further stressed that many people are already causing themselves stress over the 2027 polls, even though the election year is still far off.

SOURCE PAGE

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has released documents evidence he claims show that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, received ₦50 billion from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The documents were made public on Sunday following days of public exchanges between both politicians.

Fayose said the funds were approved as emergency support after the deadly explosion that rocked Ibadan in January 2024.

This development comes after Governor Makinde publicly denied receiving such an amount. He had challenged Fayose to provide concrete evidence to back up the allegation.

In response, Fayose released what he described as official financial records. He claimed the documents clearly show the approval and release of ₦50 billion to the Oyo State Government.

According to Fayose, only ₦4.5 billion out of the total sum was eventually disbursed to victims of the Ibadan explosion. He alleged that the remaining funds were diverted for political purposes.

The former governor accused Makinde of using the money to finance a presidential ambition.

He linked the alleged diversion to internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Makinde’s frequent criticism of President Tinubu’s administration.

In a personally signed statement, Fayose said he decided to release the documents to allow Nigerians judge the matter for themselves. He insisted that the records contradict the Oyo State Government’s public position on the issue.

Fayose also challenged Makinde to seek legal redress if any of the claims were false. He maintained that he is ready to defend his allegations in court.

Beyond the ₦50 billion claim, Fayose alleged that other financial interventions sent to Oyo State by the Tinubu-led government were never disclosed to the public. He said there are records to support this position.

The former Ekiti governor further claimed he is in possession of documents detailing the actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Oyo State.

According to him, the figures differ from what Governor Makinde has consistently announced.

He added that he deliberately withheld some documents for now but may release them if necessary.

Fayose said: “Meanwhile, only N4.5bn was released to victims of the Ibadan Explosion.

Rather, he diverted this fund and many others to his Presidential ambition, which is the reason for the crisis in the PDP and his attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his government.
‎
‎ “Also, there are documentary evidences on the actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Oyo State, as against Governor Makinde’s claim, but we will keep our gunpowder dry for now. My name is still Ayo Fayose, I don’t say what I can’t prove.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government has not issued a fresh response to the newly released documents.

SOURCE PAGE

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has warned that Nigeria must be careful about the kind of foreign support it accepts in its fight against insecurity.

He said the country needs help to tackle growing security threats.

However, such assistance must not come from countries or groups with questionable records.

Gumi made this position known in a public statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Sunday.

Reacting to ongoing conversations around foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security efforts, the cleric said the real concern is not about seeking help.

According to him, the issue is who the help is coming from.

He explained that no nation survives in isolation. He noted that even powerful countries rely on international cooperation to protect their people and territory.

“The argument is simple: do we need help? Yes, every nation needs help for its security,” he stated.

Despite this, Gumi cautioned against embracing support from what he described as criminal nations.

He listed racism, religious intolerance, disregard for international law, and involvement in genocide as red flags Nigeria must not ignore.

He argued that accepting help from such actors could worsen the country’s problems. He said it may deepen injustice, fuel resentment, and undermine Nigeria’s moral standing.

Gumi stressed that security partnerships must be built on ethics and respect for human rights. He added that Nigeria should align only with nations that value justice, fairness, and lawful conduct.

He warned that desperation should not push the country into dangerous alliances. In his view, long-term peace cannot be achieved through partnerships that contradict basic human values.

The cleric called for thoughtful decision-making by leaders handling national security matters. He urged them to consider both the immediate and future consequences of foreign involvement.

SOURCE PAGE

Nigeria’s banking sector has continued to impress in 2025, with some banks posting solid profits despite the economic headwinds.

At the center of this performance are the leaders steering these institutions, chairpersons whose vision, governance, and strategic decisions often determine how well their banks navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

For this feature, we looked at banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and focused on those with the highest asset for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.

This gives a clear picture of which leaders are driving real financial results, not just making headlines.

Our analysis highlights 10 chairpersons at the helm of Nigeria’s best-performing banks.

In this roundup, we take a closer look at the people behind the numbers, the chairpersons whose oversight and strategic direction have helped their banks grow deposits, expand lending, and strengthen balance sheets.

From shaping policy to driving innovation, these leaders are setting the pace for banking excellence in Nigeria, proving that strong leadership is just as important as strong financials. 

Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola- Chairman Wema Bank 

Asset: N3.9 trillion 

Dr. (Mrs) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola is an experienced supply chain and business management professional with a career spanning over 25 years across multinational organisations and business leadership roles. As the chairman she holds 3,178 direct shares.

She holds a B.Sc. in Education & Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, an MBA from the University of Liverpool, UK, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University, USA. Her expertise covers every aspect of the supply chain, including business and production planning, procurement, distribution, import/export, and logistics services.

Dr. Olorunshola is also a passionate advocate for education and small business sustainability, with widely cited publications in FEAcademia, Proguest.com, and Academia.edu. She is a Fellow of the International Institute for African Scholars and a Chartered Member of the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and she actively volunteers in community development initiatives.

She joined the Board of Wema Bank Plc in January 2022. Under her oversight, the bank’s balance sheet showed remarkable resilience, with equity attributable to shareholders nearly doubling to N512.02 billion, up from N256.42 billion.

With 13 directors, Wema Bank recorded N3.59 trillion assets in 2024, growing to N3.97 trillion by 9 months of 2025. Despite shareholding shifts due to retirements and ceased directorships, the bank maintains structural stability.

Oladipupo Jadesimi – Chairman FCMB GROUP PLC 

Asset: N7.2 trillion 

Oladipupo Jadesimi is the chairman of FCMB and currently holds 197,312,000 direct shares in the Group, reflecting his significant leadership influence and long-term commitment to the institution.

He has served as Chairman since 2018, guiding the organisation with strategic clarity and a strong governance mindset shaped by decades of experience across sectors. His profile combines legal expertise, finance knowledge, and entrepreneurial leadership, positioning him as a respected figure in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

Jadesimi earned an M.A. (Honours) in Law from Oxford University, where he was a Jurisprudence Scholar from 1963 to 1966. This academic foundation set the stage for his early professional journey, beginning as a Senior Partner with Coopers and Lybrand Lagos (now part of PwC) between 1966 and 1970. His background in law and corporate finance has remained a central pillar in his business career.

He is also the Founder and Chairman of Ladol Group, developers of Nigeria’s largest indigenous Free Zone Industrial Park, which supports major industrial and offshore operations. In addition, he chairs the board of Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc, one of the country’s leading indigenous oil and gas companies.

FCMB subsidiaries include FCMB Capital Markets, CSL Stockbrokers, FCMB Microfinance, and Credit Direct Finance Company. FCMB has 60 directors, with assets growing from N7.05 trillion (2024) to N7.23 trillion (9 months 2025), reflecting incremental expansion.

Sola David-Borha – Chairman Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

Asset: N8.3 trillion 

Sola David-Borha was appointed Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc in September 2024, following the retirement of Mr. Basil Omiyi and the completion of all regulatory approvals. Her appointment comes at a time of strong financial momentum for the group, underscoring the board’s confidence in her depth of leadership and institutional knowledge.

Mrs. David-Borha brings over 30 years of experience in financial services across Africa. She retired in 2021 as Chief Executive of Standard Bank’s Africa Regions, after previously serving as Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Stanbic IBTC Bank.

The group oversees multiple subsidiaries such as Stanbic IBTC Bank, Pension Managers, Asset Management, Capital, Insurance, Trustees, and fintech unit Zest Payments. Stanbic recorded N6.91 trillion in assets in 2024, rising to N8.38 trillion by 9M 2025, highlighting modest but steady growth.

An alumna of Harvard Business School and the Global CEO Program of CEIBS, Wharton and IESE, Mrs. David-Borha also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Standard Bank of South Africa and Standard Bank Group.

Mustafa Chike-Obi –Chairman Fidelity Bank 

Asset: N10.5 trillion 

Mustafa Chike-Obi has been the Chairman of Fidelity Bank since July 2020, bringing a wealth of experience from global investment banking and asset management. He holds a direct share of 39.5 million shares as at 2024.

Before joining Fidelity, he served as Executive Chairman at Alpha African Advisory and held senior positions at major institutions including Chase Merchant Bank, Goldman Sachs, Shoreline Group, Bear Stearns, and Guggenheim Partners.

These roles gave him deep expertise in capital markets, both in mature and emerging economies, including the development and marketing of fixed-income securities to institutional investors. Notably, he pioneered the concept of the Treasury Department in Nigerian banking, heading the first of its kind.

Chike-Obi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and an MBA from Stanford School of Business, and serves on the boards of several blue-chip companies.

Under his leadership, Fidelity Bank has demonstrated robust growth. Its structure includes Fidelity Bank UK and limited disclosed subsidiary operations. With 13 shareholders, Fidelity reports N8.82 trillion assets (2024) increasing to N10.55 trillion by 9 month 2025, indicating a growth trajectory.

Sulaiman Burau- Group Chairman Guaranty Trust Holding  

Asset: N16.6 trillion 

Suleiman Barau was appointed Group Chairman of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) earlier in the year, subject to regulatory approval, as part of the group’s long-term succession planning. The appointment was announced at GTCO’s fourth Annual General Meeting, marking a return to the boardroom for one of Nigeria’s most seasoned financial policymakers.

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Barau brings decades of experience spanning public service, merchant banking, commercial banking, and central banking.

He was a pioneering director of GTCO following its restructuring and is widely regarded for his deep understanding of monetary policy, financial stability, and institutional governance.

His public service career spanned over 18 years, including roles as Principal Economist at the Nigerian Mining Corporation, Special Adviser to the CBN Governor, Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc, and two-term Deputy Governor before retiring in 2017.

Barau assumes the chairmanship at a time of balance-sheet expansion for GTCO. For the nine months ended September 2025, the group reported profit of N699.64 billion, reflecting a decline from the prior year due to the absence of exceptional foreign-exchange gains.

The group spans multiple countries through subsidiaries including GTBank Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and asset management arms like GT Pension Managers and GT Fund Managers. GTCO lists 10 directors, managing N14.79 trillion in total assets in 2024, growing to N16.66 trillion by 9months 2025, suggesting sustained expansion and strong market positioning.

Olufemi Otedola- Chairman FIRST HOLDCO PLC 

Asset: N26.3 trillion 

FBN Holdings is chaired by Olufemi Otedola, now the largest shareholder with 1.69 billion direct and 2.54 billion indirect shares, gaining influence following appointments between August 2023 and January 2024.

He rose to prominence in the downstream oil and gas sector through Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, before acquiring African Petroleum Plc in 2007 and repositioning it as Forte Oil Plc. The company became a benchmark for strong governance and operational excellence prior to his full divestment in 2019.

He subsequently deepened his long-standing commitment to the power sector through Geregu Power Plc, where the rehabilitated 435MW plant contributes about 9% of Nigeria’s grid-available generation capacity.

The group includes major subsidiaries such as First Bank of Nigeria, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, First Securities Brokers, and the insurance arm under First Insurance Brokers Limited. With nine directors, FBN posted N26.52 trillion assets in 2024, with N26.39 trillion recorded as of 9-month 2025, showing relative stability during its restructuring and governance consolidation phase.

Jim Ovia- Chairman Zenith Bank

Asset: N31.1 trillion 

Jim Ovia, CFR, CON, MFR, is the founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest banks with over $24 billion in assets and shareholders’ funds exceeding $3 billion as of June 2022. A globally recognized financial institution, Zenith Bank is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Nigerian Stock Exchange, with major operations across Nigeria, West Africa, London, and Dubai.

Jim Ovia was appointed Chairman of Zenith Bank on July 16, 2014, following the CBN’s directive that limited CEOs’ tenures. Ovia currently owns 3.5 million direct  and 1.5 million indirect shares of the bank, making him the highest shareholder.

Ovia is also the founder and chancellor of James Hope University, Lekki, which was recently approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to offer postgraduate business degrees.

Through the Jim Ovia Foundation, he has championed education in Nigeria, providing scholarships to indigent students via the MUSTE initiative, producing a generation of professionals including accountants, lawyers, engineers, and doctors. He is the author of Africa Rise And Shine, capturing Zenith Bank’s journey and offering insights into doing business in Africa.

An alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM), University of Louisiana (MBA), and Southern University (B.Sc. Business Administration), Ovia is a member of the World Economic Forum Community of Chairpersons.

The bank’s group structure features subsidiaries across Africa including Zenith Bank Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, as well as the UK arm and non-banking entities like Zenith Pensions Custodian Limited and Zenith Nominees Limited. Zenith Bank reports 14 directors and N29.96 trillion total assets in 2024, rising to approximately N31.18 trillion by 9 months 2025, signaling balance sheet growth.

Tony Elumelu-Chairman UBA 

Asset: N32.4 trillion 

Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, stands among Africa’s most influential business leaders, combining large-scale enterprise building with a deeply rooted commitment to inclusive economic development. Elumelu sits on a board that consists of 15 directors. His closely held direct shares are 195.1 million and 2.3 billion indirect shares.

In 2010, he founded Heirs Holdings, an African investment company with interests spanning financial services, power generation, oil and gas, agribusiness, real estate, and hospitality. That same year, he established the Tony Elumelu Foundation, an Africa-based and African-funded philanthropy dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across the continent. He currently serves as Chairman of Heirs Holdings, UBA Group Plc, and Transcorp Plc, Nigeria’s largest listed conglomerate.

Elumelu first rose to prominence by transforming Standard Trust Bank, before leading its landmark 2005 merger with United Bank for Africa (UBA), creating one of Africa’s most geographically diversified banking groups. Today, UBA operates in 20 African countries, with an international footprint spanning New York, London, Paris, and Dubai.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, UBA Group reported a profit after tax of N537.5 billion, up 2.3% year-on-year.

UBA operates one of Africa’s largest pan-African networks with subsidiaries in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Senegal, Congo DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Mali, Mozambique and more, plus UBA UK. UBA posted N30.32 trillion in assets (2024), improving to N32.49 trillion by 9month 2025, reflecting the benefits of its international banking footprint.

Papa Madiaw Ndiaye- Chairman ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED 

Asset: N47.3 trillion 

Papa Madiaw Ndiaye is the CEO and Founding Partner of AFIG Funds, one of Africa’s leading private equity fund management firms, and was appointed Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) on June 6, 2024.

Under his leadership, AFIG Funds, the first major African-controlled fund manager, oversees $270 million in assets and focuses exclusively on investments in indigenous African companies. Ndiaye also chairs the firm’s Investment Committee, guiding strategic direction and investor relations.

Before founding AFIG Funds, he was Co-Founder and Investment Director at Emerging Markets Partnership (EMP, now ECP) in Washington, and previously served in the IFC’s investment department, where he played a key role in launching banks, insurance companies, and funds across Africa.

His early career included stints on Wall Street at Salomon Brothers and JP Morgan’s Emerging Markets Group.

He holds a joint MBA from Wharton and MA in International Affairs from the University of Pennsylvania’s Lauder Institute, as well as a BA in Economics from Harvard.

For the year ended September 30, 2025, the group reported a profit after tax of N711.92 billion. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) and its subsidiaries has presence in 39 countries and employed over 13,968 people as at 30 September 2025. The ETI board is controlled by 14 members.

AigbojeAig Imoukhuede- Chairman ACCESS HOLDINGS PLC 

Asset: N52.1 trillion 

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, is a distinguished investor, banker, and philanthropist whose influence spans Nigeria’s financial markets, public sector reform, and social development. As the chairman he holds 178.8 million direct shares of the bank and 4.8 billion indirect shares.   .

He is the co-founder of Tengen Family Office, where he oversees a diversified investment portfolio, while his philanthropic work is anchored by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, the Africa Initiative for Governance, and the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute. Through these platforms, he is focused on strengthening public sector leadership, improving governance outcomes, and expanding access to quality primary healthcare in Nigeria.

Aig-Imoukhuede is best known for his tenure as Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc from 2002 to 2013, during which he led the bank’s transformation into one of Nigeria’s top five financial institutions. Access Holdings Plc has a total of 11 directors on its board. As at the time of this report, Access Bank Plc, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, AccessARM Pensions Limited, Access Insurance Brokers Limited and Oxygen X Finance Company Limited are in operation as subsidiaries of the Company.

Subsidiaries within the group include Access Bank Plc, Access ARM Pensions, Hydrogen Payment Services, and Oxygen X Finance, representing diversified financial services. Access Holdings recorded N41.49 trillion in assets (2024), advancing to N52.19 trillion in 9-month 2025, a sharp rise highlighting its aggressive growth and acquisition strategy.

SOURCE PAGE

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed he is the most insulted politician in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu.

He made the statement on Saturday during a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The gathering was part of an end-of-year thanksgiving service organized by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, in his hometown.

Several party leaders and supporters were in attendance.

Why I Face Abuse – Wike

Wike explained that he faces criticism because he insists on enforcing agreements that protect the interests of his followers.

“After Tinubu, the next most abused politician today is me. Why are they abusing me? Because they know that agreement is agreement,” he said.

Insisting on Agreement Fulfillment

The FCT Minister stressed the importance of implementing agreements once made.

“When we have agreed on something, let’s implement it. If we can’t implement it, don’t even come for it,” he added.

Unwavering Support for Tinubu

Wike assured his supporters that his commitment to backing President Tinubu remains unchanged.

“For us, long before now, we have agreed that we must make sure that we will continue to support Tinubu. That is the position you took and that is the position we are going to still take,” he stated.

He added that his political moves are guided by ensuring that his followers are not left behind and that their interests are considered in all agreements.

SOURCE PAGE

Armed bandits have attacked Goron Dutse Village in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing one person, injuring two others, and stealing more than 40 cows.

A resident of the community, Muhammadu Commander, told our correspondent that the attack occurred at about 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Commander said the assailants stormed the village and targeted two houses during the operation.

“One man was killed, leaving his two wives widowed. They seriously injured an elderly man and shot another person in the same house. In the other house, they stole over 40 cows,” Commander said.

He added that the two injured victims have been rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

The resident further disclosed that five residents were still unaccounted for after the attack, raising fears that the fleeing bandits may have abducted them.

He, however, commended the swift response of security forces, saying their intervention helped repel the attackers.

“The military responded as soon as the attack happened. There was a fierce gun battle, and they overpowered the bandits, who ran away, leaving behind three motorcycles and several mobile phones,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Police Command has yet to confirm the incident officially.

However, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, told our correspondent that details would be made public once the attack was formally verified.

SOURCE PAGE

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency logo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 37-year-old ex-convict Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, along with three cargo agents, in connection with the attempted export of cocaine concealed in liquid starch sachets destined for the United Kingdom.

The arrests followed the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine, weighing a total of 1.50 kilograms, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) export shed in Ikeja, Lagos.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said three cargo agents—Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane—were detained on December 20 during the initial operation. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Nwobodo the following day at a relaxation centre in Ikeja.

Babafemi stated, “A notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Basil, previously convicted for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine in 2023, has again been apprehended following this seizure. He was located at a relaxation centre on a date with his girlfriend.”
Records show that Nwobodo had been convicted in May 2023 for methamphetamine trafficking and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine and one month of community service. He paid the fine and was subsequently released, returning later to drug trafficking activities, according to Babafemi.
In addition to the cocaine arrests, the NDLEA reported other operations across the country. In Gombe State, 65-year-old Sada’u Mohammed was detained while transporting 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 tramadol pills to Biu in Borno State. In Lagos, 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Egbochie, also known as Brown, was arrested following a seizure of 26 kilograms of cannabis at Tincan Port.
Between December 21 and 25, NDLEA operatives carried out raids in Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Abuja, Lagos and Taraba, destroying warehouses and seizing substantial quantities of cannabis. Babafemi noted that in Ara-Ekiti, 638 kilograms of cannabis were recovered, and warehouses were set ablaze. In Edo, 883.1 kilograms of compressed cannabis were intercepted from vehicles along the Igara-Auchi road, while in Cross River three suspects were arrested with additional quantities of skunk cannabis.
Babafemi said all suspects will face prosecution under Nigerian law, emphasising the agency’s continued focus on dismantling organised drug trafficking networks. He added that these operations form part of a broader strategy to curb the flow of illicit drugs and safeguard public health.

SOURCE PAGE

A mammoth crowd on Sunday welcomed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to Rumuche in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Wike visited Emohua Local Government Area for a special Christmas visit.

This is part of the Minister’s homecoming to mark the Yuletide season as the end of the year draws closer.

On Saturday, Wike was in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he attended the end of the year thanksgiving service, organized by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche.

During the visit, the Minister met with stakeholders of the People Democratic Party, PDP, in the area.

Addressing them, Wike pledged his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term while shading some new supporters of the president.

Video…

SOURCE PAGE

Former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, also known as Jalo, has dismissed allegations that he was involved in the assassination of former Minister of Justice, Bola Ige.

Speaking during an appearance on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, he disclosed that after the assassination of Bola Ige, he was apprehended and locked up in a dungeon cell.

He said his innocence led to his eventual discharge and acquittal by the courts after being made to pass through trauma.

Adesiyan, who was Minister during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, said God should destroy him and his family if he was involved in the assassination of Ige on December 23, 2001, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said: ‘I’m Jalo, and I fear nobody up till today, I pray to God, and each time I’m praying, I start by saying if I ever knew anything about the death of Uncle Bola or anybody for that matter, I will not come out of this alive.

“The theory was that when they removed his cap, he has been molested and killed spiritually, so they went and completed the thing physically in Ibadan, they are stupid and they will all suffer before we leave this earth.

“Anybody who has hands in the death of Uncle Bola that made people like me to suffer will suffer and those who still believe in that theory will suffer too.

“On December 2023, 2001, Bola Ige was assassinated and they arrested us and took us to Alagbon where we saw hell. We were locked up in a dungeon cell without light and I’m having problems with my eyes up till today because of that trauma.

“If I know anything about Uncle Bola’s death or if I have any inclination, plan or I was where they started murmuring it where I’m sitting, I pray to God to strike me, destroy my wife, destroy my children, destroy everything I stand for.”

SOURCE PAGE

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed strong support for recent United States air strikes against terrorist organisations in Nigeria, urging American forces to extend operations to major insurgent strongholds, including the Sambisa Forest, Goza axis in Borno State and the Lake Chad region.

The National President of the Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, stated this in an exclusive telephone interview with Sunday Telegraph in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

He said the intervention by the United States was timely and critical in addressing the persistent security challenges facing the country.

Dr. Pogu noted that Nigeria’s current security situation could have been avoided if terrorism had been decisively confronted earlier.

He commended the United States for deploying its advanced technology and resources to assist Nigeria, describing the reported strikes carried out on December 25 as a welcome development.

“We thank the Americans for coming to our aid with the technology they have and for spending their taxpayers’ money to help Nigeria become free from terrorism.

What happened on the 25th is a welcome development, and we pray that more will happen so that all parts of Nigeria will be free from terrorism,” he said.

The MBF leader criticised those opposed to decisive military action against terrorists, insisting that insurgents constitute a serious threat to national security and must be eliminated. According to him, any sympathy for terrorists amounts to condoning terrorism.

Dr. Pogu urged US forces to intensify operations by combing known flashpoints, including Sambisa Forest, Goza, Lake Chad and other areas where terrorists allegedly operate, including parts of the Middle Belt.

He stressed that flushing out insurgents from their hideouts remains critical to restoring lasting peace and enabling displaced residents to return to their communities.

He also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the courage to take decisive action in addressing terrorism, expressing confidence that the President’s efforts would ultimately yield positive results despite criticisms from some quarters.

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has re-arrested notorious drug trafficker Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, who was previously convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The arrest follows the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms, concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch, destined for the United Kingdom at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) export shed in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to a statement by NDLEA Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the operation also led to the arrest of three cargo agents Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane on December 20, 2025.

Subsequent investigations identified 37-year-old Basil as the mastermind, who was apprehended the following day at a popular Ikeja relaxation centre during a date with his girlfriend.

Basil had previously been arrested in May 2023 when 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized from powdered custard containers bound for London.

He was convicted at a Federal High Court (FHC/L/337C/2023) and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7,000,000 fine and one month of community service. After paying the fine, he returned to drug trafficking.

In separate operations, the NDLEA also arrested:

Sada’u Mohammed, a 65-year-old driver in Gombe State, transporting 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 tramadol pills along the Gombe-Biu highway.

Ignatius Egbochie (aka Brown), a 47-year-old Lagos businessman wanted in connection with the seizure of 26 kilograms of cannabis at Tincan Port.

Between December 21 and 25, 2025, NDLEA carried out raids across Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Abuja, Lagos, and Taraba, seizing large quantities of cannabis and arresting several suspects. Notable recoveries include: 638 kilograms of skunk cannabis from Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, alongside wooden warehouses set ablaze by NDLEA.

883.1 kilograms of compressed cannabis sativa from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted along Igara-Auchi Road, Edo State.

In Cross River State, raids at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, led to the seizure of skunk cannabis from three suspects: Freedom Jonah Akpama (671kg), David Itam David (89kg), and Nelson Arikpo Osam (148kg).

SOURCE PAGE

November’s gender matters highlighted the pervasive issue of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV), particularly the online abuse and exploitation targeting women and girls.

Beyond the rise of TF-GBV, other significant matters included the Ochanya Ogbanje family’s renewed call for justice, women’s participation in Anambra’s governorship election, the troubling abduction of schoolgirls, amongst others.

Here are some of the most important gender-related issues from November.

Anambra 2025: Over 50% of voters are women, but only 13% of candidates are

Ndidi Olieh of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Chioma Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress (AAC)

Anambra State held its governorship election on 8 November, with a notable disparity in female representation.

Despite women making up 58 per cent of new voter registrants, only 13 per cent of candidates were female, highlighting a significant gap in women’s participation in politics. Two female candidates, Chioma Grace Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress (AAC) and Ndidi Christy Olieh of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), ran for governor, while six others featured as deputy governorship candidates.

PREMIUM TIMES reporter selected for gender-responsive education fellowship

In November, Oluwakemi Adelagun, a reporter on the Health and Development Desk at PREMIUM TIMES, was selected among 14 journalists across Nigeria to participate in a special reporting fellowship on gender-responsive and accountable education in Oyo State.

The initiative, launched by DevReporting in partnership with Education as a Vaccine (EVA) and supported by the Malala Fund, aims to strengthen media coverage of girls’ education, education financing, and citizen participation in the sector.

Seven years on, rape victim’s family petitions IGP over failure to prosecute key suspect

Seven years after the death of Ochanya Ogbanje, a 13-year-old who suffered prolonged sexual abuse, her family petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to reopen her case and declare the prime suspect, Victor Ogbuja, wanted.

The petition, signed by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, urged the police to recall the case file from the Benue State Police Command and place the suspect on a watchlist.

Inside Nigeria’s prisons, where female inmates are left without menstrual care

Female inmates in Nigeria’s prisons face significant challenges accessing menstrual hygiene products, with many relying on donations from churches, mosques, and charity groups to manage their periods. At Suleja correctional facility, female inmates spoke out about the difficulties they face, highlighting the lack of government support and inadequate healthcare.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) denied these allegations, stating that sanitary pads and hygiene materials are distributed to female inmates monthly at no cost. However, advocates argue that the government’s allocation of billions of naira to correctional facilities has not translated to improved menstrual care for female inmates, with many forced to use newspapers, nylons, and rags during menstruation.

Technology-facilitated violence

The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technological tools is amplifying existing patterns of violence against women and girls, creating new forms of abuse and exploitation, the United Nations Women said.

The agency, in a statement to mark the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, said the statistics are alarming, with 90 to 95 per cent of all deepfakes online being sexualised images of women.

Also, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, emphasised the urgent need to tackle the escalating issue of online abuse, harassment, extortion, and exploitation of women and girls, describing it as a growing and often invisible threat.

The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), on its part, launched a research report titled “Digital Threats to Women in Politics in Nigeria: Experiences of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) and Political Parties’ Responses.”

At the event launch, policymakers, political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and development partners shared key findings on technology-facilitated gender-based violence in Nigerian politics and mobilised stakeholders to implement actionable recommendations.

How Nigerian women are reacting to abortion bill

In November, the suspension of a controversial abortion bill sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerian women on social media, many of whom described the proposed legislation as a misplaced priority.

Using the hashtag – SayNoToAbortionBill, some urged the lawmakers to re-evaluate their legislative priorities and, instead of focusing on restricting abortion, concentrate on enacting and enforcing stiffer penalties for perpetrators of rape and other matters that concern the citizens’ welfare.

Religious, traditional leaders push for united front against gender based violence

Religious and traditional leaders have renewed their commitment to ending sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through stronger interfaith collaboration, community engagement, and cultural reform.

The call was made at the Regional High-Level Faith and Cultural Leaders Dialogue and Prevention Impact Documentary Premiere in Abuja. The event brought together religious leaders, community gatekeepers, and advocacy groups to explore ways faith and cultural institutions can drive sustainable prevention of gender-based violence.

Oluremi Tinubu donates N250m to gender centre in Plateau

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, donated N250 million to support the newly established Gender and Public Policy Study Centre at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.

She described the project as “a lasting symbol of our collective resolve to build a just and prosperous Nigeria.”

“When women are empowered, the entire society prospers,” she said, noting that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Women’s coalition condemns Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction

A coalition of women’s rights advocates from North-central, North-east, and North-west Nigeria, Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), condemned the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.

The coalition called it a “brutal indictment” of Nigeria’s continued failure to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

READ ALSO: Reserved Seats Bill: Gender advocate frowns at media reportage of proposed legislation

Sexual Assault

A chief magistrate’s court in Ikeja, Lagos, remanded a 37-year-old man, Joseph Olasope, in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly inserting his finger into the private part of a three-year-old girl.

Mr Olasope faces one count of sexual assault.

In a separate court proceeding, the magistrate also remanded a 58-year-old man, Sesan Olabode, in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

The chief magistrate, C. M. Kushanu, did not take both defendants’ pleas.

Source link

• A young Nigerian man who is a resident of Sokoto spoke out against the US military attack on ISIS bases
• The young man asked the US president an important question at the beginning of his statement after the attack
• He mentioned the alleged plan of the US president and shared what he believes happened during the airstrike

A Nigerian man has shared his displeasure over the recent attack on alleged ISIS bases in Sokoto by the United States government, carried out on the order of President Donald Trump.

The individual condemned the attack while insisting that there is no evidence to prove the presence of ISIS in Sokoto State.

Sokoto resident says no ISIS in state. Photo Source: Facebook/Jamilu Umar Jabbi, Reuters, Punch Newspapers
Source: Facebook

Nigerian man condemns US attack

His reaction comes a few days after Donald Trump released a statement confirming that ISIS bases were bombed in Sokoto, a claim that has continued to generate widespread reactions.

Read also

Pastor accuses Sheikh Gumi of defending terrorists after US bombed ISIS base in Sokoto

Reacting to Trump’s statement, a Sokoto resident, Jamilu Umar Jabbi, spoke out in a Facebook post.

He claimed that the attack ordered by Donald Trump targeted innocent people in the middle of the night.

He said:

“Where is ISIS in Sokoto?“It is clear that Donald Trump has no regard for Sokoto. If he was truly fighting terrorism, he would have gone to Zamfara, Katsina, or eastern Sokoto—places that have recorded serious attacks. But instead, he chose to strike innocent people in the middle of the night in Jabo, a place without any history of terrorism.”

After stating that the area attacked by Trump has no history of terrorism in the state, he went further to explain what he believes is the former US president’s real intention.

His statement reads:

“Truly, our northern and Nigerian leaders must rise against this injustice. We also pray to Almighty Allah to defend us and judge between us and the oppressors.”

Read also

Breaking: Trump breaks silence on why he delayed ‘deadly’ strike in Nigeria, “A Christmas gift”

Sokoto man questions US attack on alleged ISIS bases. Photo Source: Facebook/Jamilu Umar Jabbi, Reuters, Punch Newspapers
Source: Facebook“No matter what, Muslims will never stop worshipping Allah. Many have tried before, like Pharaoh, and all returned to their Creator. If his aim is truly to protect Christians, why is he stating his war in Venezuela, which is 95% Christian? Or why didn’t he go to protect Palestine from Benjamin Netanyahu, where over 65% of the population are Christians? Clearly, this is part of a hidden agenda against Muslims. But God willing, no one can protect us except Allah.”

Reactions as man speaks about US attack

sky said:

“4He is fighting terrorism. All Muslim leaders cannot stop terrorists, now Trump has come to stop it for you all. Enjoy!.”

Efgiong shared:

“Shut up, Sokoto is their camp. When they were using Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook, they did not know US were watching and following them up. STOP CRYING. No innocent was killed.”

Dung stated:

“Just shutup ..why wud he visit the place when he has people he can send….what’s even the reason for him to visit…are u part of these criminals?…it’s good that he strike Sokoto to eliminate these criminals or you have better intelligence?”

Read also

Man refutes claims that Trump’s missile missed target in Nigeria: “They refused to share images”

Read the post below:

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a pastor reacted to comments made by popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi after the US bombed ISIS bases in Sokoto State.

Young man narrates encounter in Sokoto

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that many people have been reacting online after reports that the US attacked ISIS bases in parts of Sokoto State.

A young man also shared his own experience, saying armed men stopped the bus he was travelling in while going from Sokoto to Kebbi.

Source: Legit.ng

SOURCE PAGE

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has told Governor Seyi Makinde to explain how he utilised the N50 billion Relief Fund allegedly received from President Bola Tinubu in the wake of the explosion that rocked the Bodija GRA in January 2024.

LEADERSHIP recalls that a former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, recently alleged during a live interview programme on a Lagos-based television station on Friday that Governor Makinde got the money on behalf of the victims when he visited Tinubu to brief him on the incident.

Fayose accused Makinde of failure to either acknowledge the receipt of the enormous sum of money or utilise it for the purpose of providing succour to those who lost their lives and properties in the incident.

Reacting to the allegation, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, who berated Makinde for his remarks against Tinubu and Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, during a recent media chat, where the governor claimed that he turned down Tinubu’s request to organise the opposition APC in the state.

Makinde also declared that the Minister of Power lacked the capacity to organise the APC in Oyo State.

Sadare, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Ibadan, said, “Makinde claimed to have spent N4.5bn on the victims even without accountability or proper records to show who got what. Now that his close friend and fellow party man has disclosed that a whopping N50bn was actually paid into the coffers of the Oyo State Government as a Relief Fund by the federal government, Gov. Makinde should know that a flippant reaction by his media aide cannot be enough, as the whole world needs to know what he did with the money.

“And lastly, it should be on record that there was never a time that Oyo APC required reorganisation in the hands of Makinde, who has emerged ‘Chief Pall Bearer’ of the PDP, which gave the platform to be a governor for two consecutive terms.

“As it stands now, the least amongst the prospective gubernatorial aspirants in our party possesses greater capacity to be innovative, creative and successful as the state governor than the one who merely celebrates window dressing and inflicts hardship on property owners and other residents across the state,” APC said.

Sadare stated further that Governor Makinde “emerged as the new face of sleaze immediately after he assumed office as the governor of Oyo State in 2019, when he began reviewing existing government contracts and inflated their costs astronomically.”

He emphasised that the trend continued unabated with the alleged award of contracts without recourse to the due process provision of the law, as evident in the award of contracts for the renovation of Agodi Government House and the second phase of the Ibadan Circular Road Project, said to be awarded at the costs of N63.5 billion and N259 billion, respectively.

SOURCE PAGE