The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has smashed a notorious tricycle robbery gang that has long terrorized residents of Uyo and its environs, recovering 72 stolen phones and arresting five suspects linked to the violent crimes. Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, who announced the breakthrough during a press briefing at the State Command Headquarters, Uyo on Friday described the arrests as a major stride in the Command’s onslaught against criminal elements in the state. According to Azare, the operation followed a petition filed by one Mr. Aniekan Dan, who reported that on July 3, 2025, he and his…
Author: National Update
The Federal Government has dragged the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, on a five-count charge of criminal defamation, over what it described as a “vile and coordinated smear campaign” against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. The charges, marked CR/547/2025, were filed by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). According to the charge sheet dated September 11, 2025, Nwebonyi — a 44-year-old lawmaker representing Ebonyi North — allegedly…
In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has decisively defeated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a legal battle over party autonomy and candidate recognition. On Friday, 17 October 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, led by Justice Banjoko JCA, upheld the Federal High Court ruling of August 2025, affirming that the party’s Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar (Gombe), and National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, have the constitutional authority to make binding decisions on behalf of SDP. The case, which has captivated political observers, began earlier…
After widespread public backlash, the Federal Government has announced a review of the recently publicized presidential pardon list, signaling a U-turn from its earlier declaration to grant clemency to over 170 Nigerians. President Bola Tinubu had initially approved pardons for 175 individuals, including the late nationalist Herbert Macaulay, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband. The list also included more than 50 individuals convicted of drug-related offences. The exercise, recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy chaired by Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was…
The Senate plunged into procedural chaos on Thursday when Senate President Godswill Akpabio overruled his deputy and ordered the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 to be stepped down, citing the shocking absence of the bill’s text for circulation. The bill, aimed at reforming federal, state, and FCT elections, was listed for second reading but hit a roadblock when lawmakers discovered the proposed amendments had not been circulated. The drama escalated after it emerged that the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters had already conducted a public hearing on the bill — a move critics say defied parliamentary norms. “It’s like holding…
***Ooni, Jonathan, Lawan extol NILDS DG’s reform record ***Institute under Suleiman reviewed 1,300 bills, trained 700 stakeholders Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has raised concern over what he described as Nigeria’s deepening leadership deficit, insisting that the nation’s progress depends on leaders who govern with integrity, empathy, and a sense of public duty. He made the remark at the public presentation of a book titled Transformative Leadership in Practice: NILDS under Professor Abubakar Suleiman, held in Abuja, where he praised the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for…
Nigeria’s economic prospects received a major boost as foreign investors expressed strong confidence in the ongoing reforms of the Federal Government at the Nigeria Investors Forum, held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank Group/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. Leading the Nigerian delegation, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to deepening reforms and unlocking sustainable investment opportunities that will drive inclusive economic growth. The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, joined the CBN Governor at the high-level event, underscoring the determination of the President…
From Umar Muhammed, Lafia A combined team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Nasarawa State has foiled a kidnap attempt in Lafia, killing two suspected kidnappers and arresting two others believed to be part of a notorious gang that has been terrorising residents of Shabu, Sabon Pegi, Azuba, Bakan Ari, Kurkyo, and adjoining communities. Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Lafia on Thursday, the State Commandant, Brah Samson-Umoru, said one member of the gang escaped with bullet wounds and is currently on the run. Samson-Umoru, who assumed office on September 18, 2025, said the…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has honoured Mr. Beanard Oluwashina Ajewole, a renowned event and operations strategist, with the “Distinguished Alumnus Award” for his remarkable contributions to the university and society. The award was presented by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, during the university’s 9th Convocation Ceremony at the Felele Campus, Lokoja. Prof. Akinwumi said the recognition celebrates Ajewole’s pivotal role in the establishment of the Student Union Government (SUG) and his promotion of campus unity and engagement during his time as a student. Ajewole, who holds both BSc and MSc degrees in Political Science…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja AS the world marks the International Food Day, Kogi Government state government has restated its resolve to boost food production by according priority to empowerment of Women in Agriculture and small scale businesses. The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah disclosed this at the 2025 World Food Day Celebration with the Theme: “Hang in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.” The event was organized by Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture with support from ActionAid Nigeria. Ojomah assured that the state government…