NIGERIA NEWS
Two Years After, DSS Nabs Suspects in 2023 Abduction and Killing of Prof. Ekanem Ephraim — Akelicious
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday arrested the leader of the gang that kidnapped and murdered a prominent professor of neurology, Ekanem Philip Ephraim, in 2023, a credible security source has confirmed.
The gang leader, Patrick Essien Etim, 23, and his accomplice, Bassey Antiha Asuquo, 40, were apprehended at a medical facility in Cross River State while planning to kidnap another medical bigwig.
According to the source, the DSS had been tracking the kidnap ring since Ephraim’s killing in July 2023, when gunmen posing as patients abducted her.
The duo have confessed to the crime, admitting that they killed the professor after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family, the source disclosed.
‘It has been two years of torment for her loved ones, not knowing what happened to the Professor. I believe that, with this arrest, her family and loved ones will be able to finally have some peace and the much needed closure that they deserve, the source disclosed.
The suspects, alongside one Isaac Ekpeyong who was also arrested by DSS operatives, also owned up to kidnapping other victims and vandalizing electricity cables.
Recall that Professor Ekanem was abducted on 13th July, 2023 by unknown gunmen who posed as patients at her private clinic at Atimbo Road, Calabar. Her kidnap sparked statewide protests by the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). The medical association had embarked on an indefinite strike, which crippled the health sector for over a week, in a bid to prevail on government to rescue the Professor.
“This huge breakthrough underscores the commitment of the DSS in reverting to covertness in its operations and restoring public safety across the country,” declared the source.
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NIGERIA NEWS
‘Nigeria not governed from village square’ – Lagos APC hits ADC over Tinubu’s Europe trip
Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday tackled the African Democratic Congress, ADC, spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s latest trip to Europe, stressing that “Nigeria is not governed from a village square.”
Spokesman of the party, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said when faced with serious governance, strategic leadership, and results-driven diplomacy, the ADC predictably resorted to “noise, misinformation, and pedestrian politics.”
In a statement he signed, Oladejo said: “In an interconnected world, serious leadership entails constant engagement with global partners, investors, development institutions, and strategic allies. President Tinubu’s Europe trip is firmly rooted in this reality.
“It is about advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthening bilateral relations, attracting investment, and reinforcing Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations-not embarking on sightseeing excursions, as the opposition would like Nigerians to believe.
‘Only the intellectually lazy would assume that leadership is confined to physical presence within national borders. President Tinubu governs with intent, structure, and continuity. The machinery of government remains firmly in motion at all times, driven by clear policy direction, delegated authority, and institutional strength. Nigeria does not grind to a halt simply because the President is engaging the world on behalf of her people.”
Oladejo said the ADC’s fixation on travel once again exposes its chronic lack of ideas, noting that “Having nothing concrete to offer Nigerians-no roadmap, no credible economic alternative, no security blueprint-it has resorted to monitoring flight schedules and issuing press releases rooted in envy and ignorance. This obsession betrays a party still struggling to understand the demands of modern governance.”
He added: “Ironically, many of those now feigning outrage were silent, complicit, or enthusiastic cheerleaders during years of wasteful foreign trips that yielded little or nothing for the nation. Today, however, under President Tinubu, international engagements are clearly aligned with Nigeria’s economic recovery agenda, foreign direct investment drive, energy transition goals, infrastructure financing, and renewed global relevance.”
Reminding the ADC that “Nigerians are not deceived,” he said “They can clearly see the difference between a President working tirelessly-both at home and abroad-to reposition the nation, and an opposition permanently trapped in the politics of distraction and cheap headline-chasing.”
Oladejo stressed that as the year winds down and Nigerians look positively to a new one with renewed hope and cautious optimism, the opposition must be advised to urgently up its game.
“Empty, meaningless noise-making has reduced it to a caricature and a running joke in the public space. Serious times demand serious alternatives, not recycled outrage and shallow theatrics.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan; it is an unfolding process that requires bold domestic reforms and purposeful international engagement. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly in charge-decisive, deliberate, and globally engaged-for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians,” he added.
- A Nigerian man who is an engineer watched the viral video of a popular Islamic scholar and issued a warning to him
- He heard the things Sheikh Ahmad Gumi said in the viral clip just days after the US military bombed ISIS terrorists in Sokoto
- The engineer’s statement also contained advice he gave to the president of Nigeria on what he should do to Gumi
Since the US military bombed ISIS terrorist bases in Sokoto State on the order of President Donald Trump, there have been many reactions from Nigerians over the targets of the US missiles and the locations hit.
As the news continued to trend, a notable Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, condemned the move by the US military and openly voiced his opinion about it.
Engineer reacts to Gumi after US bombing in Sokoto. Photo Source: Twitter/FestusBrave, Premium Times, Punch Newspapers
Source: Twitter
Man slams Gumi over comments
A young engineer who came across one of the viral videos of the Islamic scholar, however, spoke his mind. He offered advice to Sheikh Gumi and also urged the president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on what to do.
Read also
Man predicts fate of popular bandit after US bombed ISIS bases, mentions his name: “Very soon”
In his post, @FestusBrave advised the Islamic scholar to keep his opinions to himself and stop speaking for the North or commenting on the activities of bandits in the country.
He mentioned that as Gumi continues to speak, people might begin to see the US mission as a bad thing.
Man tells Sheikh Gumi to stop talking after US strike. Photo Source: Premium Times
Source: Twitter
He said:
“Sheikh Gumi should stop louding this whole thing. Bola Ahmed Tinubu should stop him now. The more he keeps talking, the more Northerners might start seeing the US Army intervention as a bad thing.”“He should be quiet and allow the Commander in Chief to act. Terrorists can never be anyone’s friend, except you’re a part of them. So he should stop speaking for the entire Northerners. Those are just his opinions.”
Reactions as engineer speaks about Gumi
@Proudly_Naija01 noted:
“Since our own commander in chief isn’t saying anything. Let someone speak for him then.”
Read also
US attack on ISIS in Sokoto: soldier flaunts military kits, shares plan against deadly terrorists
@kryptobiony stated:
“Maybe Gumi thinks he’s the real Commander in Chief. Silence isn’t his strong suit, clearly.”
@veried001 shared:
“We don’t need any more of Sheikh Gumi’s nonsense. Let’s focus on strengthening our army with some help from the US. That’s how we keep our families safe and tackle the real issues.”
@OnyeonuChr82021 Wrote:
Omo everything about Nigeria is just so tiring.”
@__sina__1 stressed:
“Why is her still walking freely.”
@puss_babyy noted:
“Which security dey him back?”
@diamondhighbee1 said:
“This man is just painting Muslim bad photo. He dey shame me.”
Read the post below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng recently reported that a pastor sparked reactions online after condemning comments made by Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi following the US airstrike on alleged ISIS bases in Sokoto State.
Nigerian soldier backs US strike on ISIS
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian soldier stirred reactions online after openly supporting US President Donald Trump’s airstrikes on alleged ISIS bases in Sokoto State.
The soldier shared photos of his military kits and revealed plans to head north to protect communities and support fellow troops, stressing that there should be no hiding place for terrorists in Nigeria.
Source: Legit.ng
A Nigerian man has reacted strongly to Pastor Chris Okafor’s apology video following the controversy involving Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who accused the cleric of having a long-term affair with her before marrying someone else.
Viral Video Triggers Reactions
After the allegations went viral, Pastor Chris Okafor released a video apologising to his church members.
However, while some viewers praised him for speaking out, others questioned the sincerity of his message.
X User Says Apology Lacked Sincerity
An X user identified as @bissiriyu shared his thoughts, insisting the apology appeared more like an attempt to emotionally sway church members rather than take full responsibility.
He argued that the pastor seemed to be seeking sympathy instead of openly admitting his alleged faults.
Claims of Emotional Manipulation
According to the critic, the apology did not show genuine remorse. Instead, he said it looked like a strategy to ensure church members do not abandon him or his ministry amid the scandal.
“He Should Own Up,” Critic Says
The man further faulted the pastor’s explanation, insisting that trying to justify alleged wrong actions only made the apology weaker.
He stated that Pastor Chris Okafor should accept responsibility instead of “guilt-tripping” the congregation.
He wrote; “He was only out to guilt-trip his church members not to abandon him and his church. So because he saw his wife having sexx with another man, it affected his own behaviour that he had to also have sexx carelessly outside? Does this even make sense? He should own up his shitss without manipulating anyone.”
See below;
Speculation has intensified over the possible defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This followed public declarations by some of his aides and local government party leaders for the APC.
The development has sparked debate within the state’s political space, particularly over whether such a move would have the approval of Yusuf’s political mentor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Although Governor Yusuf has not made any official statement on the matter, a viral video circulated on Sunday in which the Governor’s Director of Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, announced that political stakeholders in Rogo Local Government Area had resolved to follow the governor to the APC.
Rogo, who was flanked by party leaders from the area, said key figures within the Kwankwasiyya movement in the local government had agreed that both Kwankwaso and Yusuf should defect to the APC in the interest of the people.
“We at Rogo Local Government, under the leadership of Speaker Jibrin Ismail Falgore, myself, the council chairman, caucus leaders, elders, women and youth leaders, have resolved that Kwankwaso is our leader, and that he and Governor Yusuf should take us to APC,” he said.
He added that the resolution was taken in the best interest of the people, the country and Kwankwaso’s political future, noting that stakeholders had also agreed to shun abusive politics.
Rogo stressed that while they remained loyal to the Kwankwasiyya ideology, joining the APC was in their view, the best option for now.
In a related development, the Director-General, Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, also publicly supported the decision of his Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area caucus to follow Governor Yusuf to any party he chooses.
This followed a meeting of NNPP caucus members in Dawakin Tofa LGA, where the council chairman, Anas Danmaliki declared that he and all councillors in the area would align with Governor Yusuf.
Reacting to the declaration, Tofa said, “I, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, as one of the caucus of the party in the LGA, am with whatever Danmaliki said 1,000 percent.”
As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Yusuf nor Senator Kwankwaso has issued an official statement on the speculation, leaving the political direction of the NNPP in Kano a subject of growing public interest.
Concerns over the future of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections have intensified following allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is working with powerful political actors to weaken opposition parties.
The controversy followed INEC’s refusal to recognise the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The commission based its decision on existing court judgments and unresolved legal disputes within the party.
However, critics say the move goes beyond legal issues and is aimed at destabilising the PDP ahead of the next presidential election.
Civil rights groups and opposition figures have accused INEC of acting in concert with the Presidency, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
They argue that the alleged plan is designed to weaken opposition structures and give President Bola Tinubu an easy path to re-election in 2027.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) described INEC’s position as contradictory. The group noted that the same commission monitored the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the Turaki-led leadership emerged.
According to HURIWA, it was inconsistent for INEC to later question the legitimacy of a process it observed.
HURIWA further alleged that the development was part of a broader and coordinated effort to cripple the PDP and prevent it from producing a strong presidential candidate capable of challenging the ruling party.
The group also called for a thorough investigation into claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that Wike was actively working to destroy the PDP from within.
The association’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused INEC of allowing itself to be used as a political tool to suppress opposition voices.
He warned that weakening opposition parties poses a serious threat to democracy and urged President Tinubu to halt what he described as a deliberate agenda to undermine political pluralism.
Amid these concerns, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule dismissed fears that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party state.
Speaking to journalists at the weekend, Sule argued that the country had experienced similar political dominance in the past without losing its multi-party structure.
He recalled a period when the PDP controlled nearly 29 states while also holding power at the federal level. According to him, Nigeria did not become a one-party state at that time, and the current situation should not be viewed differently.
Sule’s comments come against the backdrop of recent defections by several opposition governors to the APC.
Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau have all reportedly joined the ruling party. Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, is also expected to formally defect in January.
The APC has also recorded an influx of lawmakers from opposition parties, strengthening its numbers in the National Assembly. The ruling party now enjoys more than a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Despite these gains, Sule insisted that political dominance does not automatically translate to the collapse of opposition parties.
He maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system remains intact and capable of sustaining multiple political voices.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, has criticised what he described as the late intervention of the international community in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Sowunmi speaking in an interview while reacting to recent United States airstrikes on militant groups in north-western Nigeria.
According to him, global powers with advanced security and surveillance capabilities ought to have acted much earlier.
“I felt the world came in a little too late. The security resources available globally suggest that there have been eyes in the sky for a long time, and many countries have the capacity,” he said.
He noted that while countries such as Britain and China remained silent, the United States eventually intervened when the situation worsened.
“You have to thank the United States that when the chips were really down, Britain, which ordinarily should have a bigger interest, did not say anything.
“China, which has also been active here with various projects, said nothing. America spoke up, and Donald Trump said, ‘This is getting too much; we are going to do something,’” Sowunmi added.
Describing the situation as painful for Nigerians, he likened the killing of terrorists to watching wayward children being lost.
Sowunmi also commended the United States for working with Nigerian security agencies, warning that unilateral military action without consultation would have raised serious concerns.
“Thankfully, he did not just come into the country without our security infrastructure. If missiles had been fired from the Gulf of Guinea without consulting the Nigerian government, it would have raised serious questions about our deterrent capacity,” he said.
He stressed that the development was not one to celebrate, urging Nigerians across religious divides to see terrorism as a national tragedy.
Sowunmi further advised that Nigeria would be better served by addressing terrorism as criminality rather than framing it along ethnic or religious lines.
Politics Nigeria earlier reported that on Christmas Day, United States President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out strikes against Islamic State militants in north-western Nigeria, warning of further action if attacks persisted.
Trump justified the strikes as a response to what he described as genocide against Christians in Nigeria, claiming the violence had reached alarming levels.
NIGERIA NEWS
Atiku seeks fresh legislative consideration of Tinubu tax laws over gazette controversy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a fresh legislative consideration of the Tinubu administration’s tax reform laws.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday night, said this is the only lawful path following confirmation by the Senate that the gazetted version of the Tax Act does not reflect what was duly passed by the National Assembly.
The call comes amid plans by the Federal Government to implement the remaining tax reform laws from January 1, 2026.
Atiku said the issue raises a serious constitutional concern that cannot be resolved through administrative shortcuts or rushed re-gazetting.
What Atiku is saying
According to Atiku, any law published in a form that was never approved by the National Assembly is legally invalid.
- He stressed that under Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, the lawmaking process requires passage by both chambers, presidential assent, and only then gazetting.
- Atiku argued that gazetting is purely an administrative act and cannot amend, validate, or correct a defective law.
- He maintained that any post-passage insertion, deletion, or modification without legislative approval amounts to forgery, not a clerical error.
“The only lawful path is fresh legislative consideration, re-passage in identical form by both chambers, fresh presidential assent, and proper gazetting,” Atiku said.
Opposition to rushed re-gazetting
The former Vice President criticised reported attempts to fast-track a re-gazetting of the tax laws while legislative investigations into the alleged alterations are ongoing.
- According to him, such an approach undermines parliamentary oversight and sets a dangerous constitutional precedent.
- He warned that illegality cannot be cured by speed or administrative directives from the leadership of the National Assembly.
- Neither the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, nor the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, he said, has the authority to validate laws that were not properly passed.
How the controversy emerged
The controversy began after members of the House of Representatives alleged that the gazetted versions of some tax reform laws differed from the versions passed by the National Assembly.
The affected laws include the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act, which are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Following investigations, the Senate confirmed that discrepancies exist between what lawmakers approved and what was gazetted, giving credence to the concerns raised by the House.
This confirmation has intensified calls for corrective legislative action.
Why this matters
The Tinubu administration’s tax reforms are a core part of its economic agenda, aimed at reducing the tax burden on low-income earners and small businesses while improving long-term revenue through economic growth and better compliance.
However, unresolved constitutional flaws could expose the laws to legal challenges and delay implementation.
Fresh legislative consideration, as proposed by Atiku, could help restore confidence in the reform process, safeguard the rule of law, and reduce the risk of future court disputes.
However, going this path would mean the government would have to defer the implementation of the laws.
What you should know
Four tax reform laws have been enacted under the Tinubu administration. Two of the laws took effect in June 2025, while two are scheduled for January 1, 2026.
Despite the controversies surrounding the two laws, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, told journalists on Friday that the implementation will proceed as planned from January 1.
Oyedele welcomed the House Committee’s engagement on the alleged alterations and said the Federal Government was willing to work with the National Assembly if any remedial action is required.
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Ecobank Nigeria has warned customers to be on alert with increased scam activities during the festive period while assuring them of seamless access to banking services through its digital platforms.
The bank said, customers will continue to enjoy uninterrupted banking services throughout the year end holidays despite adjusted working hours at physical branches in line with public holidays.
Speaking on the development, Ecobank’s head of Products and Analytics for Consumer and Commercial Banking, Victor Yalokwu said, the bank has strengthened its digital infrastructure to meet customers’ needs during the yuletide.
He said services will remain fully available through Ecobank cards, the Ecobank Mobile App, USSD code 326, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, ATMs, PoS terminals and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point agency banking locations nationwide.
Yalokwu noted that, customers will be able to carry out local and international funds transfers, bill payments, airtime top ups, merchant and QR payments, balance enquiries, account statements and cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs throughout the festive season.
According to him, customers are encouraged to rely on the bank’s digital channels for safe and convenient banking during the period. “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential. While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours, our digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times,” he said.
He added that, the bank remains committed to delivering innovative financial solutions and quality customer service, wishing customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year. Yalokwu, however, cautioned customers against fraudsters and scammers who often exploit increased online activities and end of year distractions.
“December brings online sales, travel and year end activities and this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe,” he said.
He advised customers to transact only on trusted websites, avoid sharing their PINs, passwords or one time passwords, refrain from banking on public Wi Fi networks, be cautious of urgent messages and regularly monitor their accounts for suspicious activities.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, AND LASTMA, has cautioned motorists against indiscriminate parking and unlawful obstruction of roads during cross-over night celebrations across the state.
The warning was issued on Sunday by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement released in Lagos.
Bakare-Oki stressed that access roads around places of worship, markets, nightclubs, event centres and other major gathering points must remain unobstructed, noting that violations would not be condoned.
He explained that cross-over night usually comes with a sharp increase in vehicular and pedestrian movement, often compounded by poorly coordinated activities such as carnivals, roadside festivities, street parties and spontaneous celebrations.
“While recognising the cultural, religious, and communal value of these activities, LASTMA condemns the misuse of public roads, including their conversion into improvised parking spaces or informal event venues,” Bakare-Oki said.
“Such acts are egregious violations of traffic regulations with far-reaching implications for public safety, emergency response, and urban mobility,” he added.
The LASTMA boss therefore urged motorists to desist from abandoning vehicles on carriageways, road shoulders, medians, pedestrian walkways and critical access routes leading to churches, mosques and social centres.
He also warned organisers and participants of carnivals, street parties and other festive gatherings against blocking highways, inner roads or access points without proper authorisation and coordination with relevant authorities.
Addressing anticipated traffic challenges, Bakare-Oki disclosed that the agency had activated an enhanced traffic management, monitoring and enforcement framework to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety during the celebration.
According to him, trained traffic officers, supported by rapid response units and advance surveillance teams under the “LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gangs” initiative, will be strategically deployed to identified traffic flashpoints across the state.
“This will ensure seamless vehicular mobility, rigorously enforce parking regulations, and swiftly neutralise any unlawful obstructions to traffic flow,” he said.
He further warned that traffic offenders would be sanctioned strictly in line with existing laws, without exemptions.
Bakare-Oki appealed to religious bodies, market associations, nightclub operators and event organisers to act responsibly by providing adequate parking arrangements and implementing internal traffic control measures to prevent congestion from spilling onto public roads.
He also called on residents and visitors to cooperate with traffic officials, comply with all traffic directives and exercise patience and restraint as Lagos residents usher in the New Year.
A cousin of former Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, Don Pedro Obaseki has narrated how he was stripped naked by suspected political thugs.
In a video shared by Africa Independent Television on Sunday, Obaseki stated that the incident occurred around 11:30 am while he was playing football with members of the Uwa All Stars at Uwa Primary School, Benin.
He lamented that the assailants who were armed, abducted him and dragged him through several streets in the city under the claim that they were acting on the orders of the Oba of Benin’s Palace.
He said, “I was physically abducted, in short, physically kidnapped, some of them holding guns… and they hauled me through the streets of Benin under the guise that they’ve been sent to come and abduct me by the palace of the Oba of Benin.
“I begged them to show me some form of ID, of course not, I was dragged, beaten severely, manhandled and dragged through Igbisawan Street up to Akpapava, which is the main thoroughfare in Benin and up to Ring Road, where I was stripped naked and taken into the palace of the Oba of Benin and where I was meant to kneel publicly.
“I’ve never been so humiliated because I am who I am because of my nativity, my Beninness.”
He further disclosed that he was later taken to a police station along Oba Market Road, where the Commissioner of Police intervened and ordered his release.
Obaseki said he was traumatised by the incident and claimed he was told his offence was making a public statement in London in which he said, “May Edo people live long and prosper,” instead of referencing the Oba of Benin.
“I hear that my sin was that I went to London and in a public statement I said May Edo people live long and prosper, that I should have said May the Oba live long and prosper, that my saying may Edo people live long and prosper is a cardinal sin in Benin… for me who has elevated the culture of the Benin race in my 35 to 40 years as the pioneer of the present Nollywood,” he stated.
One person was shot when armed bandits attacked Baidi village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident was contained in a post shared on X on Monday by security analyst Bakatsine.
According to the post, the attack happened on Sunday night during the Isha (night) prayer.
Bakatsine said the gunmen stormed the community, shot one resident, and went on to loot several shops. They also raided a phone-charging point in the village.
“Yesterday, during the Isha (night) prayer, armed bandits attacked Baidi village, located about 3km from Tangaza town in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. One person was shot during the attack, several shops were looted, and a phone-charging point was raided. Fearing a possible return by the attackers, residents fled their homes,” Bakatsine wrote.
Baidi village is located about three kilometres from Tangaza town.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security authorities on the incident.
NIGERIA NEWS
“I’ve Been to Heaven Three Times” – Pastor David Ogbueli Scolds Church Instrumentalists
- Pastor David Ogbueli has sparked online reactions after a video showed him reprimanding his church instrumentalists during a live service for disrupting the flow of worship.
- He cited personal experiences of visiting heaven to emphasize the need for order, humility, and reverence in God’s presence.
Pastor David Ogbueli, the Senior Pastor of Dominion City Churches worldwide, has gone viral after a video emerged showing him scolding his church instrumentalists and choristers during a live service.
The cleric expressed visible frustration over the team’s inability to follow the flow of the service, specifically their failure to stop playing when required.
Ogbueli used his personal spiritual experiences to highlight the gap between the church’s performance and what he described as the divine order of heaven.
“You need to see how heaven operates, I’ve been there three times, you don’t see this nonsense. At that moment, everybody is on the floor, including the twenty four elders.”
He further emphasized the humility required in the presence of God by describing a vision of Christ himself.
“You know what’s shocking? Jesus, who sits on the right hand of God, comes down, he’s on the floor, prostrated.”
No fewer than three people lost their lives following a clash on Saturday between security operatives and suspected drug peddlers at Koraman Nayalle, Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters in Katsina metropolis.
The incident was said to have begun when security operatives attempted to arrest one of the peddlers, called Uzairu, popularly known as ‘Kuda’ and confiscated his mobile phone and suspected illicit drugs.
As Kuda mobilised his friends to retrieve his phone from the operatives, the situation escalated into chaos, during which he was shot, and later confirmed dead.
The confrontation sparked anger and unrest in the area, causing the violence to intensify and eventually leading to the deaths of three people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an outpost of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and some motorcycles were set ablaze.
The neighbourhood remained tense, with the residents living in fear of further violence, while the authorities were making frantic efforts to restore calm.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Katsina, Buhari Hamisu, who confirmed the incident, said that the situation was now under control.
He said that after the earlier incident, friends of the deceased attempted to destroy another NSCDC and police outposts at Filin Kanada, but were dispersed.
ALSO READ: Nigeria customs intercepts N700 million illicit drugs in Katsina
According to Mr Hamisu, the investigation is ongoing to ascertain the main course of the clash, calling on residents to remain calm.
Also, the police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, saying that it escalated during the funeral procession of the deceased on Sunday.
He further urged the public to always exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking the law into their hands.
(NAN)
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday arrested the leader of the gang that kidnapped and murdered a prominent professor of neurology, Ekanem Philip Ephraim, in 2023, a credible security source has confirmed.
The gang leader, Patrick Essien Etim, 23, and his accomplice, Bassey Antiha Asuquo, 40, were apprehended at a medical facility in Cross River State while planning to kidnap another medical bigwig.
According to the source, the DSS had been tracking the kidnap ring since Ephraim’s killing in July 2023, when gunmen posing as patients abducted her.
The duo have confessed to the crime, admitting that they killed the professor after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family, the source disclosed.
‘It has been two years of torment for her loved ones, not knowing what happened to the Professor. I believe that, with this arrest, her family and loved ones will be able to finally have some peace and the much needed closure that they deserve, the source disclosed.
The suspects, alongside one Isaac Ekpeyong who was also arrested by DSS operatives, also owned up to kidnapping other victims and vandalizing electricity cables.
Recall that Professor Ekanem was abducted on 13th July, 2023 by unknown gunmen who posed as patients at her private clinic at Atimbo Road, Calabar. Her kidnap sparked statewide protests by the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). The medical association had embarked on an indefinite strike, which crippled the health sector for over a week, in a bid to prevail on government to rescue the Professor.
“This huge breakthrough underscores the commitment of the DSS in reverting to covertness in its operations and restoring public safety across the country,” declared the source.
A former Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified that he does not need to officially join the Africa Democratic Congress, ADC.
According to Obi, he has always been a member of the ADC and was part of the coalition from its inception.
He stated this while speaking during an X Space on Sunday night.
Obi also made it clear that he will always have respect for ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar.
“I am not joining ADC. I can’t re-join what I am already a part of,” Obi said.
“I’ve been part of the coalition from day one.
“Nobody is stepping down for me in ADC.
“We have all agreed to work together and Atiku remains my respected leader.”