The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) members to remain united, strengthen grassroots mobilization, and increase youth and women participation to ensure the party’s continued success.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Mahmoud praised APC’s leadership for solidifying its dominance and commended the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the FCT.
Special Adviser on Media to Austine Elemue quoted the minister to have also commended the achievements of the party, particularly in the FCT, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Mahmoud stressed that unity remains APC’s greatest strength, urging party members to put aside personal interests and resolve internal disputes through dialogue and respect for party supremacy.
“In the FCT, our party has made remarkable strides in governance. We have witnessed notable achievements in infrastructure development, security, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, among others.
“These achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of our party’s policies and the hard work of our elected representatives and Area Council chairmen,” she emphasized.
Mahmoud also highlighted the importance of strengthening grassroots mobilization, encouraging more active participation of youths and women in party activities.
She called for transparency and fairness in all party affairs to sustain the party’s dominance and credibility.
She reaffirmed her belief in APC’s ability to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians, stressing that the party’s collective resolve would determine its future success.
“Our collective resolve is key to sustaining the dominance of APC as the ruling party. We can continue to deliver dividends of democracy to our people and build a stronger, more prosperous nation,” she declared.
Speaking in the same vein, FCT Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman noted that the meeting served as a platform for party stakeholders to assess progress, review strategies, and strengthen internal democracy as APC looks ahead to future electoral challenges and governance responsibilities.
While acknowledging the tireless efforts of all members, he also harps on unity among party leadership at all levels-national, state, local governmen, and ward levels.
He said, “The dedication of all members has continued to solidify APC’s position as the ruling party and the preferred choice of the people.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja have been left in shock and frustration after government officials uncovered hoarded relief materials meant for their survival, exposing a disturbing case of neglect and mismanagement.

The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Ahmed, made the startling discovery during a visit to inaugurate a computer training center donated by the Brand Life Vision Foundation.
Instead of reaching the vulnerable IDPs, food and non-food relief items were found locked away inside classrooms, unused and out of reach of those who need them most.

For thousands of displaced persons struggling with hunger, poor healthcare, and harsh living conditions, the revelation has only deepened their sense of abandonment.

“We have been going to bed hungry, begging for food, not knowing that supplies meant for us were right here, hidden away,” lamented Aisha Musa, a mother of four living in the camp.

Another IDP, Mallam Sani, questioned the accountability of aid distribution: “If these materials were donated for us, why are they locked up? Who is benefiting from our suffering?”
Fuming over the discovery, Commissioner Ahmed condemned the act, describing it as “unacceptable and inhumane.” He vowed to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident and extend the probe to other IDP camps across the country.

“This is deeply disturbing. Aid is meant to alleviate suffering, not be stockpiled in locked classrooms. We will investigate, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that this does not happen again,” he declared.

He also assured IDPs that the federal government remains committed to their welfare and will strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent the diversion or hoarding of relief supplies.

While the discovery of hoarded aid has sparked outrage, experts say the issue goes beyond food and relief supplies. The long-term neglect of IDPs in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for structural reforms in humanitarian aid distribution.

Founder of the Brightlife Vision Foundation, Hajia Binta Sidi, called for better accountability and sustainable interventions, noting that IDPs need education and skills training to rebuild their lives rather than just short-term relief.

“Giving food is important, but what happens after that? IDPs need opportunities for education, skill-building, and employment. This is the only way to give them a future,” she said while announcing her foundation’s plans to train 1,000 IDPs nationwide.

The discovery at the Durumi camp is a wake-up call for both the government and humanitarian agencies to ensure that aid reaches its intended recipients without delay or obstruction.

With IDPs still living in harsh conditions despite millions of naira allocated for their welfare, activists are demanding an urgent audit of all IDP camps to identify similar cases of mismanagement.

As investigations unfold, the question remains: Who is hoarding relief meant for Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens, and when will they be held accountable?

A civil rights organization, the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alleged illegal detention of a Rwandan businessman, Benjamin Hassan Rulisa, who was reportedly held for over six months without trial by Nigerian police officers.

At a press conference in Abuja, INAHURAT’s Director, Chief Maxwell Chibuike Opara, detailed the circumstances surrounding Rulisa’s ordeal, describing it as a blatant violation of human rights. According to Opara, Rulisa met a Nigerian associate, Muhammad Abba, in Nairobi, Kenya, in March 2023. Following a business acquaintance, Abba invited Rulisa to Nigeria. Upon his arrival, Rulisa was lodged in a hotel in Maitama, Abuja, where officers from the Police Monitoring Unit reportedly arrested him without explanation.

Opara, a human rights lawyer, alleged that Rulisa was subsequently detained in an underground cell at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) facility. During his detention, he was allegedly subjected to inhumane treatment, including severe torture, being hung upside down by his legs, and denied access to his family or legal representation.

The civil rights group claimed that despite repeatedly asking for the reason behind his arrest, Rulisa was only told that he had “duped someone.” No formal complaint, evidence, or legal charge was presented against him. Opara further alleged that officers demanded money from Rulisa’s relatives, threatening that he would die in custody if they did not comply.

“When it became clear that neither the detainee nor his family would pay, he was completely abandoned in detention, with no access to due process as provided by the constitution,” Opara stated.

The group’s director noted that Rulisa’s situation only came to light when a fellow Nigerian detainee, after learning of his plight, informed higher police authorities upon his release. This led to a petition being submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who reportedly had no prior knowledge of the detention. The IGP then ordered the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to retrieve the case file and conduct an independent investigation.

The SIU’s findings, according to INAHURAT, confirmed that Rulisa had been unlawfully detained, subjected to gross human rights violations, and targeted in an extortion scheme orchestrated by officers of the IGP Monitoring Unit. When the implicated officers realized their misconduct had been uncovered, they allegedly rushed to file baseless criminal charges against Rulisa, supported only by statements from the same officers involved in his torture.

Describing the actions of the officers as an “abuse of power,” Opara called on President Tinubu to ensure a full and independent investigation is conducted to hold those responsible accountable.

“We are calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to order a comprehensive investigation into this case and ensure justice is served,” Opara said. “We are also urging the Inspector General of Police to identify, investigate, and discipline all officers involved in this illegal arrest, detention, and attempted extortion.”

INAHURAT further appealed to the Nigerian judiciary to ensure a fair trial for Rulisa, free from manipulation by corrupt officials. The group also called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and international human rights bodies to intervene.

“This case is a serious stain on Nigeria’s image and its commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” Opara emphasized. “It is even more concerning that a foreigner conducting legitimate business in Nigeria could be subjected to such treatment. If this can happen to a foreign investor, it raises serious concerns for the safety and security of other foreigners in Nigeria.”

INAHURAT concluded by demanding immediate justice for Mr. Rulisa and the prosecution of all officers involved in his alleged unlawful detention and abuse.