Three years after the horrific attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, that left dozens dead and shocked the nation, the Federal Government is set to arraign five men accused of carrying out the assault. The suspects — Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar — will appear today before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a nine-count terrorism charge. The June 5, 2022, attack occurred as Sunday Mass was ending. Gunmen stormed the church, opening fire on worshippers and hurling improvised explosive devices in a siege that lasted…
Author: National Update
Dan Magaji, a bustling community in Zaria, was thrown into mourning on Monday morning after a devastating fuel tanker explosion killed multiple people and left several others injured. Residents describe the tragedy as one of the most harrowing road disasters the area has witnessed in years. The incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. near Rochas Foundation School, along the Kaduna–Kano expressway bypass between Kwangila and Dan Magaji. According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the crash involved two fuel-laden tankers and two passenger-filled Volkswagen Golf cars. Eyewitnesses said the impact of the collision triggered five successive explosions, sending…
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the successful neutralization of a suspected notorious armed robbery gang leader, marking a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the state. The operation, conducted by the Command’s tactical team, targeted an armed syndicate responsible for multiple robberies and violent attacks in Ikot Ekpene and surrounding communities. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in a statement indicated that the operatives of the Command carried out a tactical follow-up operation after the arrest of Imoh Gavin Akpan ‘m’ of Ikot Uboh village, identified as the leader of a dreaded…
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s future will remain uncertain and troubled unless it embraces pragmatic, people-focused leadership. In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi painted a stark picture of the country’s reality: “Hunger in Nigeria is no longer an invisible shadow — it walks among us. Poverty is not a statistic — it is the struggle etched on the faces of millions of our people.” Citing United Nations data, he noted that 34 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity this year, while 63% of the population —…
Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a fiery warning ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, declaring that President Bola Tinubu could face a crushing defeat if a political “giant” rises from the opposition. In a video message posted on Facebook, the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church leader said the ruling APC is bleeding public trust and may be powerless against an awakened electorate. “If the giant will come out, one billion Tinubu can’t defeat him because Nigerians will just get tired of APC,” he said. “They are still sleeping and have to wake up.” Ayodele maintained that his earlier prophecy about two…
By Ehichioya Ezomon Many Nigerians – and certainly majority of Igbo, home and abroad – have followed the 10-year (since 2015) epic legal battle by the Nigerian government to link leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to an alleged treasonable felony and terrorism, resulting to deaths and destruction. Yet, many Nigerians are unaware that Friday, October 10, 2025, could be “freedom day” for Kanu, whose journey to a long detention stemmed from his agitation for a separate “State of Biafra” from Nigeria – an attempt to resuscitate the defunct “Republic of Biafra” that led to…
Nigeria’s non-oil exports surged to $3.225 billion in the first half of 2025, a 19.59% jump from the $2.696 billion recorded in the same period last year, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Executive Director/CEO Nonye Ayeni revealed the figures in Abuja over the weekend while presenting the council’s mid-year progress report. She noted that export volumes also climbed to 4.04 million metric tonnes from 3.83 million metric tonnes in H1 2024, buoyed by strong demand from markets including India, Brazil, Vietnam, and other African nations. “In the first quarter alone, non-oil exports were valued at $1.791 billion…
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta has issued a stern warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), threatening legal action and demanding an apology over a midnight raid that left guests injured. At about 2 a.m. Sunday, EFCC operatives from Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 stormed the OOPL’s Rounda Fun Spot during a “Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza,” arresting 93 youths and seizing 18 vehicles and mobile devices. The EFCC says the operation followed “credible intelligence” on suspected internet fraud activities. But OOPL Managing Director Vitalis Ortese condemned the action as a “Gestapo-style invasion” by over 50…
Former Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has dismissed reports linking him to a new African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, insisting he remains firmly committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement on Sunday, Ahmad Sajoh, Head of the Fayemi Media Office, described the claim—allegedly tied to ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi—as baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence. Sajoh said no verified video or reputable report confirmed Amaechi ever made such remarks, adding that it was possible he was misquoted. He stressed that Fayemi has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the APC, publicly endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election,…
By Umar Muhammed, Lafia The Lafia Old Students Association (LOSA) has passed a resounding vote of confidence on its National President, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, while inaugurating landmark projects aimed at restoring the glory of their alma mater, Government Science School, Lafia. The colourful ceremony, held at the newly remodeled Assembly Hall, attracted dignitaries including Governor Abdullahi Sule, who commended LOSA’s “unwavering commitment” to educational revival. He urged other alumni associations to emulate LOSA’s model in complementing government efforts in education. During the Annual General Meeting, members unanimously endorsed Dr. Shuaib’s leadership, citing his outstanding achievements in projecting LOSA’s name nationally…