Abuja

By Muhammad Abubakar

Abuja – Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, on Wednesday joined a distinguished gathering of diplomats, literary enthusiasts, and dignitaries in Abuja for the Nigerian tour of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest book, Dreams Count.

The event, which forms part of the global celebration of Adichie’s new release, attracted ambassadors and High Commissioners from various countries. Obi, who had earlier attended the book’s global launch on March 2 at London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall—an event that drew over 3,000 attendees—described Dreams Count as “deeply moving” and lauded Adichie for her continued impact on literature and cultural advocacy.

During the Abuja event, Obi praised the powerful spoken word performances by Nigerian poets, including Dike Chukwumerije, noting the impressive display of literary talent in the country. He commended Adichie for using her platform to uplift fellow Nigerian writers, giving them visibility and a voice on the global stage.

“Chimamanda remains an exemplary model for every Nigerian, old and young,” Obi said, urging continued investment in Nigeria’s creative industries. “The world is watching, and indeed, our dreams count.”

By Firdausi Abubakar

On Friday, May 10th, 2025, Abuja witnessed a tragic accident involving a fire truck and a car carrying four young boys. The scene was devastating, bodies sprawled, metal crushed, and flames smouldering. But even more disturbing was the crowd that quickly gathered, not with medical kits or a sense of urgency to save the lives of the victims, but with phones raised, recording, streaming, and snapping pictures. “Live on the scene”, some captioned, while actual lives slipped away.

This isn’t just an Abuja problem. It’s a moral crisis growing across Nigeria. From Lagos to Kano, Enugu to Port Harcourt, and others, a familiar sight follows whenever an accident or violent incident occurs: dozens, sometimes hundreds of people filming rather than helping.

In March 2025, during a brutal fight between cult groups at a university in the South-West, students stood around with their phones in hand. No one intervened. No one called for help. But the footage of the fight went to TikTok, Instagram, and X within minutes.

The question is haunting: has going live become more important than saving lives?

Moreover, it’s easy to point fingers at bystanders. But Nigeria’s systemic failures have created a dangerous environment where compassion is punished and apathy is rewarded.

In most parts of the country, there’s no reliable emergency line. Calling for help is often futile, lines don’t go through, operators are untrained, or help arrives late. Even the trauma centres, where they exist, are few, underfunded, and poorly equipped. Worst of all, those who try to assist victims often find themselves entangled with law enforcement.

In Nigeria, it’s a common habit for a Good Samaritan to be detained as a suspect, harassed, or extorted by the police. This fear is compounded by a lack of trust in the justice system and has led many to do nothing. Or worse, to choose content creation over human compassion.

We now live in a time where everything is content. People rush to be the first to post, the first to trend, the first to go viral. But this obsession with clout has come at the cost of our humanity.

The Abuja fire truck accident is a painful example. Witnesses say the four young men may have survived had they been pulled from the wreckage sooner. But instead of taking action, people stood by, filming, posting and watching. Their final moments were broadcast to the world while help was delayed.

Nigeria urgently needs to fix its broken emergency response system. We need working, responsive hotlines, trained emergency responders, and functioning trauma centres. The government must also create and enforce laws that protect those who help, so citizens won’t be afraid to do the right thing.

But beyond policy, we must confront a cultural shift. We must remind ourselves and our communities that no number of likes, shares, or views is worth more than a human life. Helping someone in need shouldn’t be optional; rather, it should be instinct.

Before you press record, ask yourself: Would I rather save a life or capture a moment?

Firdausi Abubakar, is a student of Information and Media Studies, Bayero University Kano. She can be reached via fizzyabubakar@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested eight suspects, including a husband-and-wife duo, and recovered three stolen vehicles in separate operations across Abuja.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on April 29, 2025.

According to the statement, operatives of the Scorpion Squad arrested one Yusuf Yunusa on April 19, following a report of a stolen gold Toyota Corolla (registration number ABC 570 FJ) at the Federal Secretariat.

Further investigation led to the arrest of his wife, Blessing Yusuf, on April 25 in the Kwali Area Council.

She reportedly confessed to purchasing Toyota master keys from the Jumia online marketplace, which her husband used to steal vehicles, while she acted as a distraction during the crimes.

In a separate case on April 28, police received a report from a car buyer in Life Camp regarding a suspicious black Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC E-400 (registration number AAA 07 KA).

Investigation revealed that the car had been stolen from Lekki, Lagos.

Five suspects—Idris Suleiman, Isiyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen—were arrested.

They confessed to stealing the vehicle from their employer, and the car was recovered.

Similarly, following a report by Mr. Chinwenze Chinaza that his driver had gone missing alongside his unregistered Toyota Hilux Adventure, operatives from Mabushi Division acted on credible intelligence and tracked the suspect, identified as George Idung, to his village in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He was arrested while attempting to sell the vehicle, which was also recovered.

The police confirmed that all eight suspects are in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, urged residents to install tracking devices in their vehicles, avoid isolated parking spots, and verify ownership before buying used cars.Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities by contacting the FCT Police Command Control Room via 08032003913, 08028940883, or 08061581938.

By Uzair Adam

Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas at peaceful demonstrators in the Maitama area of Abuja as citizens took to the streets demanding urgent government intervention on rising economic hardship.

The protest, organised by the Take-It-Back Movement alongside several civil society groups, coincided with the National Police Day celebrations at Eagle Square.

Authorities had cordoned off parts of the Three Arms Zone where high-ranking police officers gathered for the official event.

Participants, including human rights advocate and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, carried placards reading “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” in protest of what they described as growing authoritarianism in the country.

Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, highlighted worsening inflation, insecurity, and a “state of emergency” in Rivers State as key motivations for the protest.

Though the march started peacefully, tensions escalated after police operatives deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, prompting protesters to flee in different directions.

As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed casualties or arrests.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly complex, one of the protest’s intended destinations, remained largely empty due to the ongoing legislative recess.

Lawmakers are expected to resume on April 29.

Despite the disruption, organisers maintained that the protest was both lawful and timely, reiterating their call for immediate government action to address the nation’s deepening economic and security crises.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested no fewer than 133 individuals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme operating under the name Q University, also known as Q-Net, in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

According to the anti-graft agency, the institution was running a scheme that recruited young Nigerians, promising them unrealistic financial gains.

The suspects were reportedly enrolled in a program dubbed “Special Training for New Generation Billionaires,” where they were allegedly brainwashed into believing they would become wealthy by recruiting others into the system.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the suspects were required to obtain an “Independent Representative Application Form” with motivational slogans such as “I’m a Champion,” “I’m Unstoppable,” and “I’m Infinity.”

The operation was conducted in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army. Items recovered from the suspects include mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

The EFCC confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of inquiries.

By Uzair Adam 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Aisha Maikudi as Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University.  

Her dismissal was announced just hours after she presided over the institution’s matriculation ceremony. 

Maikudi’s tenure had been marred by controversy, with some lecturers alleging she held the position illegally.  

In her place, Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month term, with a directive that she would not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.  

Details later…

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued a young woman from a suspected armed robber and ritualist while launching a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.

The development was disclosed in a statement released by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

According to the statement, the incident took place at a hotel in the Wuse district of Abuja, where officers discovered a 25-year-old woman, Promise Eze from Ebonyi State, tied to a small chair with her mouth covered in plaster.

She was found unconscious and in distress when the police arrived at the scene on January 31, 2025, following an emergency call from the hotel staff.

The victim was rushed to Wuse District Hospital, where she regained consciousness.

The statement further revealed that the victim had checked into the hotel on January 30 with a man who introduced himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State.

However, investigations later showed that the suspect had initially contacted her online, using the alias Michael Prince and claiming to be an employee of an oil company based in Delta State.

The statement added, “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued a young woman from the clutches of a suspected armed robber and ritualist, launching an immediate manhunt for the fleeing suspect.

“On January 31, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Command received a distress call from a hotel in the Wuse area of the FCT, reporting suspicious activity in one of their rooms.

“Responding swiftly, police operatives arrived at the scene and discovered a 25-year-old woman, Promise Eze, from Ebonyi State, tied to a small chair with her mouth covered in plaster. She was found unconscious and in distress. Officers acted immediately, freeing her from captivity and rushing her to Wuse District Hospital, where she was resuscitated.

“Preliminary investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of deception and violence. The victim had checked into the hotel a day earlier, on January 30, 2025, at about 7:00 AM, in the company of a man who identified himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State.

“However, during police questioning, the victim disclosed that she had met the suspect online, where he introduced himself under the alias Michael Prince, claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State. Initially, he invited her to Delta, but after she declined, they agreed to meet in Abuja.

“Tragically, what was meant to be an innocent meeting turned into a harrowing ordeal. The suspect allegedly brandished a dagger, using it to threaten and subdue the victim before restraining her by tying her hands and legs and taping her mouth shut inside the bathroom. He then fled the scene, stealing her two mobile phones.

“Alarmingly, before escaping, the victim overheard him speaking to suspected accomplices over the phone, informing them that he was on his way to regroup before returning to the hotel to ‘finish the job.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Scavengers, beggars, petty traders and other vulnerable people have filed a suit against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights over their alleged arbitrary arrests by authorities.

Aside Wike, the others sued are: Inspector-General (I-G) of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as 1st to 4th respondents.

The suit was filed by legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively.

He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.The rights, he said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).

“A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.”

He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.

“An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”

Hikima, in the affidavit he deposed to, averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, while passing through Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he personally sighted a convoy of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars.

He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless.

According to him, in my presence, these individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims.

He said he went back to the place where these persons were arrested and was able to get contacts of some of the victims.

He said on Nov. 15, 2024, he organised a meeting with three of the victims namely, Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies were recorded and verily believed to be correct and true.

The lawyer said the minister gave a directive for the arrest on Oct. 22, 2024, and that it was in the guise of enforcing the directive that the joint task force was constituted to carry out the directive.

According to him, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria.He said the homelessness, begging and petty trading for which the trio of Abdullatif, Talatu and Judith were arrested, detained and humiliated was occasioned by the harsh and unbearable government policies being experienced all over the country.

Hikima also attributes their plights to government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.

When the matter was called, Usman Chamo, who appeared for the applicant, told the court that the matter was fixed for hearing.

Chamo said all the respondents had been duly served.A.P. Korobo-Tamono, who appeared for DSS, equally informed the court that a counter affidavit was filed and served on the applicant counsel.

However, no lawyer appeared for the minister, I-G, NSCDC, AGF and the FGN.Justice Omotosho, who ordered that hearing notice be issued and served on the respondents who were not represented in court, adjourned the matter until Feb. 4 for hearing.

By Adamu Abdullahi 

As Nigeria’s capital city, FCT Abuja needs a university other than the University of Abuja, established in 1988, to cater to the increasing number of people seeking university education within the territory and in Nigeria at large.

Establishing the Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji would provide the legal framework to close the knowledge gap in science and technology.

FCT is the fastest-growing city in Africa, with only one federal university and no single polytechnic. The FCT find it challenging to study, yet the federal government has only a name to change in the federal capital instead of commissioning the one that the weed snake has taken over. 

What reduction of congestion will change the educational sector of FCT? Will the rename accommodate our prospective admissions seeker seeking to study for their ambitious course? Has the renamed university had all the courses that will interact with the international community to study in Nigeria?

Universities can be viewed as brands, much like corporations. Just as corporate brands maintain their identities over time, educational institutions rely on stable branding for recognition and credibility. 

A troubling precedent is set when university names are changed impulsively—particularly to honour politicians. This practice undermines the integrity of these institutions and can create significant confusion, particularly in the global context.

For instance, renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University raises several important concerns. Many foreign employers and academic institutions may now struggle to recognise the new name, which could impact their perceptions of the institution’s legitimacy and reputation.

The sudden name change may also confuse prospective employers, who might not be familiar with the new name but have been aware of the previous branding.

Moreover, graduates of these renamed institutions face a unique dilemma. They are handed Certificates that no longer align with the name they are familiar with from their years of study. This disconnect between the institution they attended and the name that appears on their degrees can lead to questions about the validity of their education and qualifications. 

It can also complicate further academic pursuits and job applications, as they may confront scepticism from potential employers or institutions unaware of the name change.

In essence, this practice of renaming universities to immortalise political figures can have far-reaching consequences. It disrupts the continuity and coherence of an educational brand built over the years, potentially diminishing the value of the degrees it confers and creating unnecessary barriers for its graduates in the competitive global job market.

Adamu Abdullahi wrote via nasabooyoyo@gmail.com.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi 

The Inspector General of Police’s concerns and warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items that led to confrontation and stampede come at the right time. His calls on groups, individuals, and NGOs planning to distribute alms to the needy to ensure proper planning to avoid stampedes and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance are commendable.

During the two unfortunate events at Maitama, Abuja and Okija in Anambra state, several persons lost their lives. Many injured with different degrees of injuries receive treatment at other health facilities where the IGP reiterates the force’s commitment to supporting efforts to create a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.

To achieve a tragedy-free engagement, philanthropists should collaborate with relevant stakeholders in organising such gatherings. These include security organisations, religious groups, community leaders, and civil society organisations.They should also leverage technology to achieve a hitch-free and transparent selection of beneficiaries and relief distribution. 

Crowd management experts and safeguard specialists are very key in the actualisation of a seamless approach; these could be found in many government and private organisations such as the Nigerian Police as highlighted above, NEMA/SEMA, International relief organisations working at different IDP camps, decades involved in this special tasks in the country.

According to online resources on crowd management and safety, emergency preparedness and management are key, access control, crowd density, and surveillance are paramount, barrier fencing, communications and risk assessment, as well as post-events analysis, knowing your crowd and their dynamics, and positioning security personnel in strategic locations are key to achieving a safer and more effective event organisation.

Organisers of such events should choose spacious, open areas with minimal obstacles and should be scheduled when the crowd is likely to be smaller; this is where the religious and community leaders will come in by submitting the lists of the vulnerable people who primarily benefited from such relief.

The order by the Inspector General of Police to investigate the circumstances that led to the two unfortunate tragedies is commendable. This highlighted the command’s commitment to ensuring safer and better ways to avoid the sad incident in the future, 

Leadership at all levels needs to see the importance and urgency of developing policies and programs to cushion Nigerians’ hunger and poverty levels; this can go a long way in reducing the number of people from trooping to alms distribution events. It will enable them to tread cautiously and prioritise their safety to avoid unforeseen calamities, as the IGP emphasises.

The National Orientation Agency, established to communicate government policies, stay abreast of public opinion, and promote patriotism and national unity, should, as a matter of public interest, develop a sensitisation program, specifically on the Nigerian government’s health and safety measures. This could be achieved through Drama, Skits,and Jingles, leveraging the FRCN radio stations and civil society organisations nationwide to achieve the desired objectives.

Our condolences go to the families and relatives of those who lost their loved ones during the unfortunate incident and to those injured, wishing them a quick recovery.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi is the Bauchi State Coordinator for the Youths O’clock Nigeria.