President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Friday, October 3, 2025, joined prominent Nigerians in celebrating the 60th birthday of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor (Rtd), and the unveiling of his new book, “SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum.” The event, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, had the Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar representing the President as Special Guest of Honour. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, chaired the occasion, which drew an impressive roll call of dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Sultan of Sokoto,…
Author: National Update
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja The Kogi State Government has announced strict enforcement of its ban on trailer parks across the state beginning October 29, as part of measures to curb criminal activities. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said on Thursday that intelligence reports linked some trailer parks, particularly those in Zariagi and Osara, to criminal hideouts. “From October 29, the state will begin full enforcement of the ban. Intelligence at our disposal shows that some of these parks harbor criminals who threaten the peace and security of our people. This is a proactive and preventive measure,” Fanwo…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports that he plans to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of a younger aspirant. His spokesman, Paul Ibe, clarified on Thursday that Atiku’s remarks in a BBC Hausa Service interview were misrepresented. “After reviewing both the video and transcripts of the interview, it is clear that at no point did the former Vice President state or imply he would step down for anyone,” Ibe said. He explained that Atiku merely reiterated that younger politicians and other aspirants are free to contest the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary. According to…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed a popular businessman, Aloysius Eze, after abducting him in Abugi, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the town on Tuesday evening, shooting sporadically and seizing Eze from his spare parts shop. His body was later found in the outskirts of the community, sparking widespread grief. Residents described the deceased, known as “Aloy,” as a peace-loving entrepreneur who established the first petrol station and pure water factory in the town, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. “This is devastating. If someone like Aloy…
The body of a 15-year-old boy, Sunusi Abubakar, has been recovered from a pond in Gabari village, Garki Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa Command, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday in Dutse. He said the teenager’s shoes and trousers were found abandoned on the riverbank on September 30, sparking concern. According to the boy’s father, Sunusi had gone to swim in the pond, locally called Mahayin gidan Toro, around 5:00 p.m. but never returned. His body was later discovered around 9:00 a.m.…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s March 18 proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Justice James Omotosho, delivering judgment on Thursday, held that the five plaintiffs led by Belema Briggs lacked the legal standing to challenge the declaration, noting that only the Supreme Court could entertain such a case. The court further ruled that the plaintiffs neither suffered any injury beyond that of ordinary citizens nor had the consent of the Rivers State Attorney General to sue. Justice Omotosho also upheld Tinubu’s justification that the emergency rule…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says he is willing to drop his 2027 presidential ambition if a younger, vibrant, and widely accepted candidate emerges under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking to BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Atiku stressed that his interest in the 2027 race is not driven by personal ambition but by the need to offer Nigerians a credible alternative. He urged young Nigerians to take active roles in politics, pledging full support for any younger aspirant capable of uniting the opposition and winning public trust. “My being in the 2027 race does not prevent anyone from contesting.…
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 others remain missing after a boat carrying about 80 people capsized on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, while the vessel was en route from Onugwa community to Olushi village. NEMA said its Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, activated the Abuja Operations Office immediately after receiving the distress report. A joint search-and-rescue mission involving federal and state agencies, security operatives, the Red Cross, local divers, and community…
Kogi East Senator, Isah Jibrin (Echocho), has condoled with families of victims of the boat accident in Ibaji Local Government Area that claimed 26 lives. In a statement from his media office on Thursday, Senator Echocho described the incident as a devastating loss not only to the bereaved families but to the entire Kogi East senatorial district. “I am deeply saddened by this unfortunate tragedy in Ibaji. My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and the good people of Ibaji Local Government. I pray God to repose the souls of the departed and grant their loved ones the strength…
***Demand Kanu’s Release A coalition of U.S.-based advocacy groups has faulted President Bola Tinubu for likening the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Boko Haram, warning that such remarks are prejudicial and risk undermining judicial proceedings. The joint statement, signed by Ambassador Sylvester Onye on behalf of Advocates for Victims of Injustice and Discrimination (AVID), Rising Sun, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, described IPOB as a non-violent self-determination movement. “It is deeply unfortunate that a sitting president would make such an inflammatory statement while IPOB’s appeal is still pending before Nigeria’s Supreme Court and as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu struggles for his…