CLAIM OF ARMY RESCUE OF THREE KIDNAPPED PASTORS FALSE, N2M RANSOM PAID

CLAIM OF ARMY RESCUE OF THREE KIDNAPPED PASTORS FALSE, N2M RANSOM PAID A shocking revelation has emerged contradicting the Kogi State Government’s claim that the Nigerian Army rescued three pastors abducted in the state. According to a reliable source, the gunmen released the pastors after a ransom payment of N2 million The pastors were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Ejule in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident occurred shortly after they ministered at a crusade in the town. The attackers reportedly ambushed the pastors along Ejule-Ofakaga-Anyigba Road around 11 pm on Monday, January 20, 2025, while returning from the crusade ground. One of the abducted pastors, identified as Evangelist Gabriel Onaji, was a guest minister at the three-day crusade-themed “Ejule Gospel Crusade,” hosted by Evangelist Sunday Oguche, President of God’s Care Missions, Okpo. Their vehicle was later found abandoned in Ofakaga village along the Ejule-Anyigba Road. The kidnappers also demanded a N20 million ransom for their release, according to a resident who attended the crusade and is familiar with one of the abducted pastors. A statement issued by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the State Deputy Governor on Wednesday announced the rescue of these pastors and other victims by the Nigerian Army and other security operatives. The government claimed that no ransom was paid to free the victims from the custody of their kidnappers. Emmanuel wrote: “The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu has praised the gallantry of men of Nigeria Army and other sister agencies in the state for the safe release of the victims of kidnapping in the state. “Comrade Joel made the statement when he received a call that sixteen victims of a recent kidnap incident, including three pastors in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area regained their freedom, following the intervention of the security personnel. “According to him, the men of the Nigeria army were alerted immediately the dastard act was carried out on Monday, prompting the security men to go after the abductors with a thorough search which lasted for two nights before they could locate them in a forest. “After a two-hour gun duel, the kidnappers scampered for safety with varying degrees of injuries, leaving behind their victims.” However, a source privy to the situation, disclosed that the Kogi State Government’s assertion that the army rescued the pastors was entirely false. Instead, the families of the abducted pastors were forced to pay a hefty ransom to secure their release. “It was gathered that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for the release of the three men of God. The senior pastor was said to have engaged in a serious prayer session with his pastors. “At the same time, the negotiation was ongoing with the kidnappers as the men of the Nigerian Army were also making relentless efforts in the search for the kidnapper’s hideout. Eventually, N2 million was paid to secure their release,” the source said. A news platform based in the state, Holi Magik TV also disclosed that “the victims were released after a suitable negotiation of the ransom was arrived at by both parties”. “It was gathered that the sum of approximately N2 million was paid for the three men of God,” the report added.

POLICE RESCUE KIDNAPPED RETIRED AIG’S WIFE, KILL KIDNAPPERS

POLICE RESCUE KIDNAPPED RETIRED ASSISTANT INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE’S WIFE Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued the wife of the former Assistant Inspector General, Hakeem Odumosu. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed this on his official X handle on Thursday morning. Adejobi added that the abductors of the former AIG’s wife were killed, and ransom was recovered from the culprits. Adejobi said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the police operatives and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, for a good job. Mrs Odumosu was abducted last Thursday at the entrance of her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State.

MILITARY KILLS BANDIT LEADER BELLO TURJI’S SECOND-IN-COMMAND, YOUNGER BROTHER FATALLY WOUNDED

MILITARY KILLS BANDIT LEADER BELLO TURJI’S SECOND-IN-COMMAND YOUNGER BROTHER, FATALLY WOUNDED The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of Aminu Kanawa, the second-in-command to terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji along with several key commanders and close allies. This was stated in a press statement released by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations. The army said the terrorist commanders were killed in recent operations carried out between Monday and Tuesday in the Northwestern region. “Troops successfully neutralized Aminu Kanawa, the second-in-command to Bello Turji, and inflicted terminal injuries on Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo, one of Turji’s closest allies. Additionally, several commanders, including Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, were neutralized,” the statement read. The statement added that the operation also resulted in the elimination of over 24 fleeing terrorists from Turji’s camp in the Gebe and Isa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State, as well as the Gidan Rijiya area in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State. In a separate encounter around the Fakai high ground, troops neutralized Suleiman, a loyalist of the late terrorist leader Halilu Sububu. Suleiman, who was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Turji’s camp, was killed during a firefight. Major General Buba described the neutralization of Turji’s second-in-command, his close allies, and several key commanders as a significant setback to the terrorist network. He noted that the group had been responsible for numerous kidnappings and attacks across the Northwest, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto states. “Troops remain resolute in their mission to completely dismantle these terrorist groups and create an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens,” the army statement added. Aminu Kanawa’s death came 10 days after his principal led an attack to invade Birnin Yaro village, Zamfara State. An unspecified number of locals in Birnin Yaro village, Zamfara State were kidnapped by notorious bandit Bello Turji during a brazen attack on a mosque. The assault occurred on Friday night during Isha prayers, with Turji and his armed men storming the mosque, disrupting the congregation, and abducting worshippers. According to a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, “Turji and his armed men stormed the mosque, disrupting the congregation and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers”. The victims were reportedly herded into the forest, but the exact number of those kidnapped could not be ascertained. Zagazola further disclosed, “Turji may be planning to use the people as a shield against an attack on his enclave by the Nigerian troops of Operation FANSAN YANMMA.” Ground and air forces under Operation Fansan Yanma had in their coordinated offensive military strikes against Turji in Zamfara State had reportedly sent the bandit leader fleeing after the military forces dismantled his key hideouts in Fakai, which was said to be his stronghold in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state. The operation followed a series of military strikes in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state, where multiple bandit camps were destroyed.

EFCC DIRECTS ZONAL COMMANDS TO AUDIT EXHIBITS IN THEIR POSSESSION

EFCC DIRECTS ZONAL COMMANDS TO AUDIT EXHIBITS IN THEIR POSSESSION The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directed all its commands to audit exhibits in their possessions,. The directive followed reports of recent theft cases in Lagos and Kaduna states. It was further gathered that Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency had launched a manhunt for an officer who allegedly stole over $30,000 and other valuable exhibits from Kaduna Zonal office. The officer involved, identified as Polycarp, reportedly fled when he could not account for the money and other exhibits. According to Daily Nigeria, among other exhibits missing are gold bars worth over N1 billion as well as over $180,000 and about GBP 140,000. Also, a significant amount of cash and valuables had disappeared from the Lagos Zonal Command of EFCC. It was further gathered that between $350,000 and $400,000 had gone missing, along with expensive jewellery and other valuable items. Prior to reports, the commission had dismissed 27 officials for misconduct and fraudulent activities. According to a statement issued by the agency, the dismissal followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were ratified by Chairman Ola Olukoyede. Following the theft of exhibits, the agency announced that 10 officers in Lagos State Command had been detained over theft of operational items they could not account for. Sources, however, revealed that following the recent theft cases, the authorities of the commission have directed all zonal commands to carry an extensive audit of the exhibits in their care. “All zonal heads have been directed to carry out an evaluation of exhibits in their custody and report back to the National Headquarters,” one of the inside sources said on Wednesday. The source revealed that some properties recovered from a suspect in Enugu had been stolen at the state zonal office of the agency. “For instance, EFCC operatives seized vehicles and money from one Mr Patrick Shanchi Nwokike, owner of Let’s Partner With You, a financial institution. He was accused of operating without a license. After confiscating his property and money, sued him at the Federal High Court. “Sometime last year, the court discharged and acquitted him but up till today, EFCC could not produce the cars seized from him. EFCC took some money. They even went to people who had some money from him based on records they have and took away the money but did not record same when they (EFCC) sued.” “The EFCC operatives also went to his in-law and collected several millions of naira from him and some other people. They even went to the bank and forced the bank to give them money. At the end of the day, the money and vehicles disappeared,” the source said. “That’s how bad EFCC operatives have become. I hope someday the man would be able to muster the courage to tell his story. I am not holding brief for him.” Efforts to reach the EFCC spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, on his mobile phone for comment failed as his line suggested it was not available to receive calls. ‎

NIGERIA’S BALANCE OF TRADE COULD WORSEN UNDER TRUMP – ECONOMIST

NIGERIA’S BALANCE OF TRADE COULD WORSEN UNDER TRUMP – ECONOMIST President Donald Trump on Monday became the 47th president of the United States, marking his second time as the country’s top leader. The President has also taken sweeping steps to reimagine the country’s relationship with immigration, its economy, global health, among others. Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, a don at Lead City University in Ibadan, spoke to DAILY POST in an exclusive interview on Monday, discussing how these will affect Nigeria’s economic and health sectors. Excerpts:President Trump announced the US will start drilling oil again, and Nigeria majorly relies on oil for its foreign exchange earnings, any implication for Nigeria?The US decision to ramp up oil production could significantly impact Nigeria, as oil constitutes over 80% of its foreign exchange earnings.Increased US production would add to the global oil supply, likely depressing prices. This would reduce Nigeria’s oil revenue and worsen foreign exchange constraints, given its dependence on crude oil exports.Also, US shale oil often competes directly with Nigeria’s light crude. A higher supply from the US could lead to reduced demand for Nigeria’s oil in the global market, potentially worsening Nigeria’s trade balance.Does this extend to the implementation of the 2025 Nigeria’s budget?Nigeria’s 2025 budget is likely based on projected oil revenue and price benchmarks. If oil prices fall due to US production increases, Nigeria could face revenue shortfalls and increased borrowing. This could affect the implementation of critical infrastructure, social welfare programs, and debt servicing commitments.The government may also resort to further borrowing, exacerbating Nigeria’s already concerning debt profile.There’s also an executive order by Trump ending birthright citizenship in the country, some argue it will benefit Nigeria against corrupt politicians, how true is this?If Trump ends birthright citizenship, its direct impact on Nigeria would revolve around curbing the “birth tourism” trend among wealthy Nigerians, especially politicians who seek US Citizenship for Children. Ending automatic citizenship may discourage corrupt politicians and elites from using national wealth to facilitate expensive deliveries in the US.In the long term, it could encourage investment in Nigeria’s healthcare sector as fewer Nigerians seek birth tourism.However, it may also harm the diaspora community, as Nigerians already in the US might face increased immigration challenges. Furthermore, ordinary Nigerians seeking better opportunities might feel the brunt of stricter immigration rules.Last year, the US spent about $1b in Nigeria through USAID. Now Trump has said the US will reevaluate and realign its foreign aid, what’s your take on this?The US spending $1 billion in Nigeria last year highlights its commitment to supporting sectors like health, education, and security. However, a potential revaluation under Trump could mean reductions in aid. A scaled-down foreign aid budget could negatively impact critical programs such as health campaigns (e.g., polio eradication), educational initiatives, and anti-terrorism support.While challenging, Nigeria may need to find alternative funding sources or develop more sustainable domestic solutions to address key developmental issues.The realignment could also mean a shift in priorities, such as focusing aid more on security cooperation rather than health or education, depending on US strategic interests in the region.How would you react to the US withdrawing from WHO and What are the possible implications on Nigeria’s health sector?The US’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) could have ripple effects on Nigeria’s health sector. Key concerns include funding gap, and weaker health infrastructure.The US is one of the largest contributors to the WHO. Its withdrawal could reduce global health funding, potentially affecting programs in Nigeria supported by the WHO, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS eradication efforts.Nigeria relies heavily on international aid and technical assistance to combat health challenges. Reduced funding from WHO could slow progress in tackling major diseases and health emergencies.Opportunities for Nigeria:In addition, Nigeria may need to increase budgetary…

CAPITOL RIOT PROTESTER REJECTS TRUMP’S PARDON, SAYS IT’S INSULT TO RULE OF LAW

CAPITOL RIOT PROTESTER REJECTS TRUMP’S PARDON, SAYS IT’S INSULT TO RULE OF LAW A Capitol riot protester has rejected US President Donald Trump’s pardon, criticising him for trampling on the law. Pam Hemphill partook in the January 6, 2021, riots that sought to overturn former President Joe Biden’s victory in the elections. The South Carolina resident was later sentenced to two months in prison and a three-year probation. She has since become a vocal Trump critic. After his inauguration on Monday, Trump issued a blanket pardon for all protesters who were serving time in prison, fulfilling a promise he made during his campaigns. “Every one of them gaslight you and try to have you feel sorry for them that the Capitol police attacked them, that they were the victims that day. They were not the victims. They were the perpetrators. It was an insurrection. They know exactly what they were doing,” Hemphill told CNN on Tuesday. “It’s just so difficult to wrap around my head right now that Trump could let these criminals out, some of them had criminal records before January 6.” In a separate video, Hemphill said she would refuse the presidential pardon. “I will not accept a pardon because that would be an insult to the Capitol police officers, to the rule of law and to the nation,” she said. The now-activist said she was not afraid of being a target for Republicans, adding that she was already the subject of smear campaigns. Following the attack, congress established a committee to investigate and report on the facts, circumstances, and causes of the insurrection. Nearly 1,600 suspects were charged, 1,270 convicted, and only two were acquitted. In the final hours of his presidency, Biden pardoned members of the investigative committee, fearing a reprisal from Trump. The former president said his actions were not an admission of guilt.

TRANSFER MY CASE TO SOUTHWEST – NNAMDI KANU TELLS CHIEF JUDGE

TRANSFER MY CASE TO SOUTHEAST – NNAMDI KANU TO CHIEF JUDGE The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday insisted that Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court will not handle his case. Kanu ordered his lawyers to ensure that Justice Nyako stays off his case following her recusal. On September 24, 2024, Kanu had asked Justice Nyako to ‘hands off’ his trial on grounds of lack of confidence. Following the call, the trial judge stepped down from Kanu’s case and transferred his case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho. However, during his routine meeting with his legal team led by lead counsel Aloy Ejimakor at the Department of State Services, DSS, facility in Abuja, Kanu said Justice Nyako would be disobeying her own order by restarting the case. This was contained in a statement issued by Ejimakor on Wednesday. According to the statement, Kanu’s case should be transferred to the Southeast if no judge in Abuja is willing to take up his trial. Ejimakor said: “The routine visitation to Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu continues unabated, as the legal team just concluded a crucial visitation today. “The central issue arising at today’s visitation is the upcoming court date for the continuation of MNK’s case. “Due to its constitutional implications, Onyendu instructed the legal team to take certain prompt steps to ensure that his case is not handled by the same Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako who had withdrawn from the case by virtue of the order of recusal entered on 24th September 2024. “The point was stressed that should the case still lie with Justice Murtala-Nyako, it would mean that the same court is disobeying an order that it made. “We are therefore looking forward to going to court as long as another Judge of the Federal High Court is assigned to the case. “If no other judge in Abuja is willing to handle the case, the Chief Judge is free to transfer the case to Umuahia, Awka, Enugu, Asaba, Port Harcourt or any other Federal High Court within the former Eastern Nigeria where the offenses were alleged to have happened or allegedly had impact.”

HND GRADUATES IN LIMBO OVER EXCLUSION FROM NYSC

HND GRADUATES IN LIMBO OVER EXCLUSION FROM NYSC Thousands of fresh Higher National Diploma graduates in Nigeria have been thrown into confusion over their current plights in the hands of the Federal Government which has now excluded them from participating in the mandatory one-year national youth service scheme. The polytechnic graduates noted that they were surprised to discover that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a federal government paramilitary organisation, which is in charge of the scheme, now denied them registration just because they did their ND programs as part-time students. They said this development was not only strange but alien to the NYSC scheme since its inception 53 years ago. The young graduates based on this development went on peaceful protest in Lagos early this month when they discovered that their mates who had both their ND and HND programs on full-time were being mobilised for the current Batch ‘C’ Stream 2, 2024 scheme across the country. They went to Lagos State secretariat of NYSC in Surulere to register their concern and urged the organisation as well as President Bola Tinubu to look into their matter and mobilize them for service without further delay as their mates have been directed to report to camps for their three-week orientation course. They said they were baffled that NYSC could deny them registration despite they had already regularised their admission with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which issued them admission letters as direct entry students for their HND programmes in the years of their admissions. During the Lagos protest, the Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Salwang Christiana, addressed the protesters, most of whom were from Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, through a representative Ehimuenma Itoha, an Assistant Director. She pacified them and assured them that NYSC leadership in Abuja was looking into their matter and would communicate with them as soon as possible. When the students now waited for many days and observed nothing positive was coming forth as a response from the NYSC headquarters and that the registration for mobilisation was almost closed, they sent a six-man representative to Abuja last week for direct conversation with the NYSC leadership. One of them on the trip, Mr. Kayode Timileyin, narrated their experience when enquiry was made by the Nigerian Tribune on the latest about their concern. He said, “We went to Abuja last week and met with the Director-General of NYSC, who told us that NYSC is not responsible for our not being mobilised for service but our school and NBTE, which regulates polytechnic education in the country. “He said once YABATECH for example, sends our list to the organization, NYSC will attend to us. “We were surprised to hear NYSC boss exonerating the organization from the trouble and we then went to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) where we were told we are qualified for service and that our concern had already been officially tabled with the NYSC leadership justifying why we should be mobilised for service. “The NBTE even showed us a letter written to the NYSC DG to explain that the only consideration to qualify fresh polytechnic graduates for national service is HND and not ND since inception of the scheme. “We were also informed by the NBTE to have escalated the matter to the House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic Education and other relevant stakeholders with the advice to resolve the matter amicably without delay. “So, we were confused more at this point. But we didn’t stop here as we equally went to the Federal Ministry of Youths and Development as well as the Federal Ministry of Education to register our concerns. “At the Ministry of Youths and Development, we met with the Chief of…

DAMAGUM WILL REMAIN CHAIRMAN TILL DECEMBER 2025 – PDP, AS ANYANWU, UDE-OKOYE CONTINUE TO DIVIDE PARTY

DAMAGUM WILL REMAIN CHAIRMAN TILL DECEMBER 2025 – PDP AS ANYANWU, UDE-OKOYE CONTINUE TO DIVIDE PARTY Elected deputies of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) have declared that all members of the party contributed to the current crisis rocking the main opposition party.This is as they declared support for Umar Damagum and maintained that he would remain in office as the PDP Chairman until December 2025.The PDP chieftains, led by the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Comrade Timothy Osadolor, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, added that anyone who is not okay with the declaration can exit the party.According to Osadolor and his colleagues, no single individual can be blamed for the current situation in which the party has found itself, adding that it is time to stop the blame game and work for the restoration of the party’s fortunes.He also challenged party members to stop using court orders and media interviews to distract the party and join hands with Damagum to move the PDP forward.On the leadership crisis rocking the PDP regarding the National Secretary position, which two persons are laying claim to, Osadolor said the party would wait for the court’s decision.He said, “From 2013 to date, personal ambitions have driven us to heights of pure mischief and arrogant use of power.“This has led to agreements not being kept and the ambiguities in our Constitution being exploited by those in position, even through the courts.“We are all complicit by being perpetrators, supporters, or silent. No one is coming to save us; we must stand up and become heroes; we brought ourselves here.“This is no longer the time for a blame game; all have sinned. From the BOT chairman, who endorsed an opposition governor, to candidates that negotiated and supported other party candidates in promises to get their return support, to NWC members and leaders that lost their polling units.“We must all come down from our high horses, forget pride for now, and join hands with the party as led by Amb. Illya Damagum to reposition this party back to winning ways.“Court distractions and media demarketing of the PDP must stop forthwith. You do not need to like the officers, but the party is more important.“If you want to resign and go, be a proper opposition; do not be here and go from TV house to radio house abusing the party.“The case of the acting national chairman is settled till December 2025, and on that of the National Secretary, we wait on the courts. Let’s learn to love and support PDP first and always.”He listed issues such as distrust, insincerity, lack of firm enforcement of agreements, self-serving interests, and unnecessary eye service that is laced with smooth tongues as some of the factors responsible for the PDP crisis.Osadolor added that the PDP is also dealing with the tyranny of the All Progressives Congress-led federal government against the party and Nigerians in general.“This behaviour is apparently self-serving on their part, as it is not in the interest of the PDP in any way. It is ethically and morally wrong for members of the party to move around creating confusion instead of exploring our internal mechanism for peace,” he added.Those present at the press briefing were the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi, Deputy National Financial Secretary Ndubisi Eneh, and National Deputy Organising Secretary Pascal Adigwe.Meanwhile, the crisis over the National Secretary position persists, as conflicting claims from Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye highlight deep divisions in the party.Despite a court order to maintain the status quo, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declared Ude-Okoye as the recognised National Secretary. Anyanwu, citing a recent…