NIGERIA NEWS
Tragedy in Edo as man allegedly kills childhood friend who returned from abroad for Christmas
What was meant to be a joyful Christmas homecoming has ended in tragedy in Oben Village, Benin city, Edo state.
A young man simply identified as Didi, who reportedly returned from abroad to celebrate the festive season with his family, was brutally killed under disturbing circumstances.
According to reports shared by @ChuksEricE on X (formerly Twitter), Didi was allegedly lured into a bush by a longtime childhood friend identified as Amadin William, also known as Old Soldier.
On getting there, he was reportedly attacked and murdered, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Following the incident, the suspect was said to have fled the area. However, it was later confirmed that Amadin William was arrested in Benin City, where he had reportedly been hiding.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread anger and disbelief among residents and social media users, particularly due to the alleged involvement of a trusted childhood friend.
The killing has cast a dark shadow over Christmas celebrations in Oben Village, serving as a painful reminder of how trust can sometimes be fatally misplaced.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full details surrounding the murder.
Watch the video below…
Tragic Christmas Visit Ends in Mûrder in Edo State
A young man identified as Didi, who returned from abroad to celebrate Christmas with his family in Oben Village, Edo State, has been k!ll£d by allegedly childhood friend “Amadin William”
According to reports, Didi was allegedly… pic.twitter.com/TkVo06Mjjj
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 27, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.”
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.
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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).
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.
NIGERIA NEWS
US Attack: Sokoto Resident Accuses Trump of Targeting Innocent People in Alleged ISIS Airstrike
- 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
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.
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has declared that he will soon dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Action People’s Party (APP).
Ugochinyere, who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, spoke at the weekend at his country home in Akokwa, Ideato north local government area of Imo state, when hundreds of constituents paid him a solidarity visit.
He said his days in the PDP were numbered, citing what he described as the party’s intractable leadership crisis.
Ugochinyere said efforts to rescue the PDP had failed, blaming the situation on the party’s immediate past National Working Committee led by Umar Damagum.
He alleged that the PDP leadership was incompetent and deliberately working to destroy the party.
The lawmaker also said Matthew Nwoguala, member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala federal constituency, and Mathew Chima Amadi, founder of the Mazi Organisation, have decided to join the APP.
Ugochinyere said although many of his supporters were already displaying APP insignia, he would formally announce his new political platform in the coming days.
“It’s time to sever relationship with PDP, unless something magical happens. If not, in the next few days, we will be packing our bags to say bye-bye to PDP,” Ugochinyere added.
He recalled his disqualification days to the PDP primary ahead of the 2023 general election and alleged that party members testified against him in court.
Ugochinyere accused security agencies in Imo state of targeting him, alleging that billboards approved for erection in Ideato South were pulled down.
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Faruruwa have rescued a kidnap victim following a security operation along the Kano–Katsina border.
Major Zubair Babatunde, spokesperson of the Nigerian Army’s 3 brigade in Kano, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement.
Babatunde said the operation followed credible intelligence received at about 1:00am on the movement of armed bandits from the Daurawa and Kira areas of Katsina state towards Kano.
He said troops deployed from the forward operating base (FOB) Yankwada immediately mobilised a fighting patrol to intercept the suspects along the Kano–Katsina border.
“On arrival at Ungwan Dogo/Ungwan Tudu, the troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle,” Babatunde said.
He said the bandits were overpowered and forced to flee in disarray towards Matazu local government area of Katsina state.
Babatunde said one kidnap victim, Rabiu Halilu, aged 38, was rescued during the encounter.
He said Halilu sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during captivity and was evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa medical centre for treatment.
The army spokesperson said three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits were recovered during the operation.
He added that troops also recovered an undisclosed number of cattle believed to have been rustled by the suspects.
Babatunde said troops remain on high alert and have intensified patrols to prevent further criminal activities and ensure sustained security along border communities.
Outbound flights from Africa to Europe emerged as the continent’s largest travel corridor in December 2025, accounting for the highest share of international seat capacity.
This data was obtained from the OAG Africa Aviation Market, which shows Europe as the top destination for African travellers, far ahead of other regions.
Airlines operated about 9.62 million seats on Africa–Europe routes, an 8.7% increase from 8.85 million in December 2024.
What the OAG report is saying
According to OAG’s December 2025 data, Europe continued to dominate Africa’s international air travel. The increase of 769,918 seats year-on-year confirms strong and sustained demand between the continent and Europe.
Intra-African travel remained the second-largest market. Seat capacity on routes within Africa rose from 3.99 million in December 2024 to 4.11 million in December 2025, marking a 2.8% increase.
The Middle East followed, with airlines operating 4.45 million seats, up 8.2% from 4.11 million in December 2024. The region continues to serve as a major transit and destination hub for African travellers, especially through Gulf airports like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
“Capacity to Europe remains the largest international destination region with 9.6 million seats, 769,900 additional seats vs December 2024.
“Capacity to the Middle East increased by 338,400 seats compared to last year,” the report read in part.
Asia-Pacific routes recorded 688,289 seats in December 2025, up 13.2% from 607,991 in December 2024, showing notable growth even though the region accounts for a smaller share of outbound traffic.
The Americas saw capacity rise from 428,225 seats in December 2024 to 493,014 seats in December 2025, a 15.1% increase, reflecting a growing but still limited market for African travellers.
What you should know
The dominance of Europe in African air travel is mirrored in Nigeria’s outbound patterns.
According to the latest available IATA 2023 data, European cities appeared two times in the top 10 destinations for Nigerians, collectively accounting for approximately 481,100 passengers, the highest among all regions. This includes London with 421,300 passengers and Manchester with 59,800 passengers.
Within Africa, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cairo carried about 204,900 passengers in total, showing that regional travel remains significant but smaller than Europe.
- North American cities—including Toronto, New York, and Washington D.C.—handled around 150,500 passengers, while Middle East cities Jeddah and Madinah together had about 137,600 passengers.
- In 2023, international flights accounted for 23% of Nigeria’s total departures, equal to 2.1 million passengers. Europe led with 780,700 passengers (38%), Africa followed with 485,400 passengers (23%), and North America had 373,000 passengers (18%).
Nigerian outbound flights represented 0.1% of global international traffic and 2.9% of regional traffic, with cumulative growth over the last decade at -7.2%.
Securing a second passport is becoming increasingly attractive for enhanced global mobility, expanded business opportunities, and long-term security. While citizenship laws differ from country to country, some nations offer relatively simple pathways through investment or ancestry.
Based on accessibility, processing speed, and overall requirements, here are six of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship:
1. Dominica
Dominica runs one of the world’s most affordable and efficient citizenship-by-investment programmes. Applicants can qualify by making a contribution to the government’s Economic Diversification Fund or by investing in approved real estate projects.
Processing is usually completed within a few months. Dominican citizenship grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone. There is no residency requirement, and dual citizenship is allowed.
2. Ireland
Ireland offers a straightforward citizenship route for people with Irish ancestry. Individuals with an Irish-born parent qualify automatically, while those with an Irish-born grandparent can apply through the Foreign Births Register.
An Irish passport provides full European Union rights, including freedom of movement across EU member states. Ireland permits dual citizenship and does not require a language test for applicants applying by descent.
3. Turkey
Turkey provides a fast-track citizenship option through investment. Foreign nationals who purchase qualifying real estate valued at a minimum of 400,000 dollars can obtain citizenship within a few months.
The programme does not require residency or renunciation of an existing nationality. Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, with the government continuing efforts to expand travel agreements.
4. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme remains one of Europe’s most attractive residency-to-citizenship routes. After five years of legal residence and compliance with programme requirements, applicants can apply for citizenship.
Eligible investments include venture capital funds and other approved assets. Successful applicants gain an EU passport, access to the Schengen Area, and the right to hold dual citizenship, subject to passing a basic Portuguese language test.
5. Vanuatu
Vanuatu operates one of the fastest citizenship programmes globally. Through its Development Support Programme, qualified applicants can receive citizenship in as little as two months after making a required financial contribution.
The country offers visa-free access to more than 100 destinations and imposes no tax on global income or capital gains. With minimal residency obligations, the programme appeals to those seeking rapid citizenship with limited bureaucracy.
6. Italy
Italy grants citizenship by descent to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent, following a 2025 legal update that tightened eligibility rules. Applicants must submit official documentation proving a direct family link to an Italian ancestor.
Italian citizenship provides full EU rights, broad visa-free travel, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations. Dual nationality is permitted, and no language test is required for descent-based applications.
NIGERIA NEWS
Spark-ED Trains 2,543 Lagos Students In Financial Literacy As Experts Seek National Policy
As Nigeria continued to battle youth unemployment rates exceeding 30 per cent, a Lagos-based pilot project, Spark-ED (SPAR-ED) Financial Literacy Programme, is demonstrating that early exposure to money management skills could become a critical pillar of economic preparedness for young people.
The Spark-ED Project, implemented by Worden HCD Ltd/GTE with support from Access Holdings, has trained 2,543 secondary school students across Lagos State in financial management and digital literacy, offering what experts describe as a scalable model that can inform national education policy.
Despite several curriculum reforms over the years, Nigerian secondary schools remained largely focused on academic subjects, with little attention to practical life skills such as budgeting, saving and basic financial planning.
Executive Director of Worden HCD Ltd/GTE, Ifereke Brendan, said, “We’re producing graduates who can solve quadratic equations but can’t create a household budget, This isn’t a criticism of our teachers or schools; it’s a systemic gap that requires policy intervention”
Through a blended learning approach that combined classroom teaching with practical exercises, students were introduced to budgeting, expense tracking, book-keeping and the use of digital financial tools.
Education experts have posited that such programmes should not be isolated initiatives but should shape national policy reforms. Even as they insist that financial literacy can be embedded into existing curricula, teacher training institutions incorporate financial education modules to ensure consistency nationwide.
Access Holdings’ backing of the initiative underscores what stakeholders described as a growing private sector understanding that financial inclusion goes beyond infrastructure to building financially informed users.
“The partnership between Worden HCD and Access Holdings demonstrates what’s possible when policy goals align with corporate social responsibility, “This model could be replicated across Nigeria with appropriate government support and private sector investment,” Brendan said.
In its design, the programme deliberately targeted schools from different socioeconomic backgrounds across Lagos, ensuring that financial education was not restricted to privileged communities.
According to the organisers, the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 8 on decent work and economic growth, and 10 on reduced inequality, showing how targeted educational interventions can contribute to national development.
Meanwhile, Worden HCD is currently engaging Lagos State education authorities on how Spark-ED’s curriculum and methodology can be integrated into the state’s official education framework, with a view to possible adoption in other states.
“We’ve proven the concept works, “Now the question is: do we have the political will and institutional capacity to scale this from 2,500 students to 2.5 million?” Brendan said.