By Muhammad Abubakar

Momodou Taal, a British Gambian pro-Palestine activist and former Cornell PhD student, has left the United States due to deportation threats. Following his lawsuit against the Trump administration over executive orders targeting pro-Palestinian activism, Taal faced mounting pressure, including visits from ICE agents and visa revocation.

In a statement on social media, Taal expressed gratitude to his supporters but voiced his loss of faith in the U.S. legal system, stating, “I have lost faith I could walk the streets without being abducted.” He criticized both the government’s actions and the silence surrounding the situation in Palestine.

Taal remains committed to the cause, declaring, “As sad as I feel right now, I do not despair. History will absolve us.” He is confident that the fight for justice will lead to the liberation of Palestine.

By Haroon Aremu

No doubt, this outgoing month (March 2025) has witnessed a troubling escalation of banditry, kidnappings, and overall insecurity across Nigeria. Despite relentless efforts by security agencies, the wave of violence continues to rise, posing a severe threat to national stability. 

The series of abductions and deadly attacks in Zamfara, Niger, Imo, and Katsina states underscore the urgent need for more aggressive and strategic security measures. This trend is particularly concerning as the country enters a festive period, historically marked by heightened criminal activity.

While the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), has made progress in intelligence gathering and security coordination, a more technology-driven approach is necessary. 

In the same vein, ONSA’s strategic partnerships with the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in tracking illicit financial flows and curbing arms smuggling are commendable. However, dismantling criminal networks before they strike requires a more proactive and intelligence-led response.

On the other hand, the DSS has played a crucial role in safeguarding internal security throughout March, tackling numerous threats and reinforcing its commitment to national safety. However, its reputation has come under scrutiny following multiple reports of officer misconduct and press intimidation. 

For instance, a widely circulated incident in Abia State showed a DSS officer physically assaulting a police officer, raising concerns about discipline and inter-agency cooperation. Such conflicts highlight the need for structured conflict resolution mechanisms within security forces.

Another pressing issue is the DSS’s handling of journalists. While national security remains paramount, officers must operate within the boundaries of press freedom. The harassment of journalists in Abuja during the Nnamdi Kanu court proceedings and the controversial detention of a reporter in Jos have sparked concerns about press repression. In a democracy, the public’s right to access information must be upheld, and security agencies must balance national security interests with the protection of journalistic freedoms.

Despite these concerns, the DSS has taken commendable steps to defend its integrity. Major newspapers, including Punch, Blueprint, The Guardian, and Tribune, recently issued public apologies for misreporting the Lagos State Assembly invasion, reinforcing the agency’s stance against misinformation. 

However, while protecting its credibility, the DSS must ensure that its officers uphold professionalism in their interactions with the media, fostering a balanced relationship between security and press freedom.

Subsequently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensified its anti-corruption campaign throughout March, securing multiple arrests, arraignments, and asset forfeitures. The agency has cracked down on major financial crimes, exposing fraudulent schemes and recovering stolen funds. 

However, its operations have also faced criticism for alleged human rights violations. A recent raid in Lagos, which left schoolchildren stranded after EFCC operatives stormed their neighborhood, sparked national outrage. While enforcing anti-corruption laws is crucial, operations must be conducted in a way that does not unduly disrupt the lives of innocent citizens.

A growing concern is the infiltration of foreign fraud syndicates, particularly those involving Chinese and Filipino nationals, who have been implicated in elaborate financial crimes within Nigeria. The EFCC must intensify its collaboration with international anti-fraud agencies to dismantle these networks and prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for global financial criminals, a concern previously raised by the EFCC chairman.

One of the most notable developments in March was the government’s decision to use recovered looted funds to finance the student loan scheme. While widely applauded, stringent accountability measures must be implemented to prevent mismanagement. As this policy offers much-needed relief to students facing financial burdens, transparency must be prioritized to avoid repeating past mistakes.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has also been active in the fight against corruption, securing key arrests and launching several investigations into public sector fraud. Its recent probe into fraudulent procurement contracts worth billions of naira reinforces its commitment to exposing corruption at the highest levels. However, to maximize impact, the ICPC and EFCC must strengthen their partnership, ensuring a more coordinated and formidable approach to tackling corruption.

Another alarming revelation in March involved the mismanagement of public funds within government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Investigations exposed how billions meant for public projects were misappropriated, depriving citizens of critical services. While the ICPC’s swift intervention in these cases is commendable, Nigerians demand more than just arrests—they want convictions and asset recoveries that send a strong message to corrupt officials.

Notwithstanding, March 2025 has been a defining month for Nigeria’s intelligence and anti-graft agencies. As the nation moves into April, Nigerians expect these agencies to reinforce their commitments, refine their strategies, and uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability. The battle against insecurity and corruption is far from over, but it must be fought with precision, fairness, and an unwavering dedication to national progress.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is an author and a fellow of PRNigeria. He wrote via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Secretary to  Ekiti State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, has called on Muslim faithful to sustain the spirit of giving and compassion beyond the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking on Sunday during the Sallah prayer at the Central Mosque Eid Praying Ground in Odo Ado, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Adubiaro emphasized that acts of kindness and generosity should not be limited to the fasting period alone.

She urged Muslims to make charity a continuous practice, extending support to the less privileged throughout the year. 

According to her, the essence of Ramadan encompasses self-discipline, piety, generosity, and values that should be upheld even after the fasting season concludes.

“Our obligations to humanity do not stop after Ramadan. Giving to the needy should not be seasonal but a lifelong commitment. Let us continue to support one another and uplift the less privileged in our communities,” she stated.

Prof. Adubiaro also commended the Muslim community for their dedication to prayers, fasting, and charitable acts during Ramadan. She urged them to uphold the principles of peace, love, and unity, which are essential to Islam.

The annual fasting prayers at the Central Mosque Eid Ground attracted a large gathering of Muslim faithful, clerics, and community leaders who came together to seek divine blessings and guidance. The event featured fervent prayers for the state and the nation as a whole.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to publicly parade the perpetrators behind the killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

Yusuf made the demand when Okpebholo led a delegation to Kano to condole with the families of the victims, most of whom were from Kano.

He described the attack as brutal, noting that many were “maimed, burnt, and murdered in cold blood.”

While commending Edo’s swift response and the arrest of 14 suspects, Yusuf insisted that justice must be seen to be done.

“We appeal that the perpetrators be paraded publicly so the world sees those behind this heinous crime,” he said.

Okpebholo assured that the suspects were being transferred to Abuja for further investigation, adding that President Bola Tinubu had ordered a thorough probe.

He emphasized that the attack did not represent Edo’s values and pledged to uphold harmony between communities.

Both governors condemned reprisal actions, calling for unity and stronger security measures to prevent future violence.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap’s tenure as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) until December 31, 2026.

Nandap, who began her career in the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to expire on August 31, 2025. Under her leadership, the NIS has seen significant progress in border management, immigration modernization, and national security.

In a statement on Monday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said President Tinubu commended Nandap’s leadership and urged her to remain committed to the Service’s strategic priorities under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the NIS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and promoting legal and orderly migration.

By Uzair Adam  

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has visited the Kano State Government and the families of 16 hunters burned to death by criminals in Uromi, Edo State, to offer condolences.  

Speaking at the Government House, Okpebholo expressed shock over the incident and confirmed that 14 suspects had been arrested.  

The Daily Reality reports that the governor assured justice for the victims’ families.  

Similarly, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, urged Okpebholo to ensure the culprits are punished.  

Yusuf also called on the federal government to disclose the identities of those arrested and urged the Edo government to compensate the families of the deceased.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state following the brutal killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the government disclosed that the tragic incident occurred on March 27, 2025. As part of the swift response, the state has also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.).

Preliminary investigations revealed that the vigilante group responsible for the killings was operating illegally, as it had neither been profiled nor registered under the Edo State Security Corps. The government emphasized that their actions do not reflect the values or objectives of the state’s security framework.

Authorities have so far arrested fourteen suspects in connection with the attack, while a special police team, set up by the Inspector General of Police, is conducting a manhunt for others involved.

Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of all citizens to move freely and engage in lawful business across the state. The Edo State Government is in contact with the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, as most of the deceased reportedly hailed from there.

“We urge all parties to remain calm as we ensure justice is served in a transparent and proactive manner,” the statement added.

This tragic event has sent shockwaves across the country, with calls for stricter regulation of local security groups. Meanwhile, security operatives continue investigations into the incident to bring all perpetrators to justice.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State government has set up a high-powered delegation to engage with the Edo State government following the mob killing of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, disclosed this, stating that the delegation’s mandate is to collaborate with the Edo State government in identifying the perpetrators and ensuring justice for the victims.

Waiya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing justice, describing the incident as tragic and deeply concerning.

“The Kano State Government is deeply saddened by the recent incident in Edo State, which claimed the lives of innocent travelers, most of whom were from Kano.

“This development has caused great distress among the government and the people of the state,” Waiya said.

He further revealed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the delegation’s immediate visit to Edo State.

The team will not only engage with Edo authorities but also meet with the Hausa community leadership in the state to discuss the situation and explore possible resolutions.

“The victims, who were on a lawful journey from Port Harcourt through Uromi, deserve justice, and the Kano State Government is committed to ensuring their rights are protected,” he added.

The government urged citizens to remain calm and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions.

It assured the public that necessary diplomatic and legal measures were in place to address the situation while maintaining communication with Edo State officials and security agencies.

Additionally, the Kano State Government extended its condolences to the victims’ families, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.

Waiya stated the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting its people and ensuring that justice prevails.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish “Renewed Hope Cultural Villages” across all 36 states to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage and strengthen the creative industry.

Speaking in Ilorin, Abiola Jagunlabi, Special Assistant to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, revealed that the initiative is part of the “Renewed Hope Cultural Project,” designed to preserve historical sites, enhance tourism, and drive economic growth.

According to Jagunlabi, the project will be executed in collaboration with state governments to transform historic landmarks into creative hubs, fostering job creation and economic opportunities in the arts and entertainment sectors.

“The project focuses on restoring and conserving monuments, palaces, and artifacts while promoting cultural education and capacity building in traditional crafts,” he stated.

Jagunlabi noted that the success of the initiative depends on active participation from state governments, local communities, and industry stakeholders.

He noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to generate significant employment opportunities while boosting revenue through tourism and creative enterprises.

He further disclosed that the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the initiative, paving the way for its nationwide implementation.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, has strongly condemned the killing of 16 northern travelers in Edo State, describing the act as a gross violation of human rights.  

In a statement issued on Monday, the chairman of the branch, Ahmad A. Gwadabe, expressed deep concern over the tragic incident, calling it “gruesome and unacceptable.”  

“We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the murder of innocent travelers who were simply passing through the state. This act goes against the principles of humanity and decency,” Gwadabe stated.  

He called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to swiftly investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. 

“We demand immediate and decisive action to hold those responsible accountable,” he added.  

The association also urged the government to provide compensation to the families of the victims and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.  

“As lawyers, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or place of origin,” Gwadabe emphasized.  

The statement concluded with a call for calm, urging the affected families to remain law-abiding while seeking justice.