Abuja

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 48-year-old man, Paul Okechukwu, to 20 years in prison for membership of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the sentence on Thursday after Okechukwu pleaded guilty to the first of two charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

The prosecution alleged that Okechukwu, a native of Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, belonged to IPOB in Imo State in 2021, in violation of Section 16 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the second charge, which accused him of participating in an attack that claimed the lives of two security operatives.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who led the prosecution, subsequently withdrew the second charge, prompting the court to strike it out.

Following an amendment to the charge, the prosecution called a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, identified as “ABC” to protect his identity during the trial.

The witness, who said he was part of the team that investigated Okechukwu, identified him as an IPOB member and alleged that he participated in terrorist activities, including attacks on security personnel. The court admitted the investigation report presented by the witness as Exhibit A.

Fagbemi urged the court to convict Okechukwu, arguing that the law prescribes a minimum prison term of 20 years for the offence.

“We therefore urge my lord to impose the maximum sentence, at least to serve as a deterrent to others and to also show that the nation cannot condone any act of terrorism,” the Attorney-General said.

Okechukwu reportedly broke down in tears in the dock and pleaded for leniency after the prosecution requested the sentence.

In her ruling, Justice Yilwa found him guilty of the offence and imposed a 20-year prison term. She said the court had considered the charge and “the ripple effect it has on the nation”.

The judge directed that Okechukwu be remanded in a correctional facility designated by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. His sentence is to run from the date of his arrest.

She also ordered that he undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation after completing his prison term.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man identified as Zayyanu Halilu for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl inside a vehicle at Airport Bridge Taxi Park in Abuja.

The girl was reportedly found to be about three months pregnant after the alleged abuse, while the suspect remains in police custody.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to the police, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were on routine patrol around the taxi park on October 2 when they noticed a navy blue Volkswagen with registration number KMC567LQ parked with its windows wound up.

The officers reportedly noticed that the vehicle was shaking and approached it to investigate. They then opened the vehicle and allegedly found Halilu sexually abusing the minor.

“However, the vehicle was shaking. The officers, suspecting foul play, approached the vehicle and opened it, only to see one Zayyanu Halilu raping a twelve (12) year old minor,” the statement said.

The suspect was immediately arrested, while the girl was rescued by the officers.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had allegedly taken advantage of the victim on several previous occasions at the same location.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had, on several occasions, lured and sexually abused the underaged victim in the said vehicle parked at the same location, with threats to ‘deal with her’ if she reveals the abuse to anyone.”

A medical examination subsequently revealed that the victim was approximately three months pregnant.

“The victim is currently receiving medical care and assessment, while the suspect remains in Police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the police said.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the whereabouts and welfare of children under their care.

The command also advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has come under criticism after a video surfaced in which he allegedly told residents who would not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council.

The remarks have drawn condemnation from civil society organisations and political analysts, who described them as a threat to residents’ constitutional rights and freedom of political choice.

In the video circulating on social media, Shekwolo was heard saying: “I have said in my area council, it’s either you’re doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you.”

He linked his position to development projects undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The council chairman said residents should support the APC in return for the interventions attributed to the Federal Government and the FCT administration.

“I cannot have the minister and president doing for us what they are doing. Then, on the day of election, you now come and say you want to match me. I will not do it,” he said.

The comments have generated concern ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly over whether political affiliation could become a condition for residents to remain in a community.

Amnesty International, through its country director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the reported remarks and called on security agencies to investigate the matter.

The organisation said no Nigerian should be compelled to link the right to reside in a community with support for a political party.

“Authoritatively saying that those who will not vote APC must leave Kuje area council is a direct threat to lives and an attack on freedom of association and liberty of persons,” the organisation said in a statement.

Amnesty International also urged the police and other security agencies to prevent violence against residents because of their political choices.

“Security agencies must not look the other way, and must ensure that Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo face justice for these reckless and irresponsible threats to the people,” Sanusi said.

The organisation called for accountability if the remarks were established to have been made by the council chairman.

A political and public affairs analyst, Associate Professor Babayo Sule of the University of Namibia, also described the reported statement as a serious matter with implications for citizens’ constitutional rights.

Sule said the warning attributed to Shekwolo, that residents who would not support or vote for the APC and President Bola Tinubu in 2027 should leave Kuje, was “unfortunate” and “disastrous”.

“The recent video clip that is circulating in which the chairman of Kuje local government in the FCT council in Nigeria is busy around issuing a very serious existential threat to any Nigerian citizen that is not ready to support or vote for APC and Tinubu government in 2027 is unfortunate, is disastrous,” he said.

He said the statement raised legal and constitutional concerns, particularly with regard to freedom of movement and political participation.

Sule cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees Nigerians the right to move freely and reside in any part of the country.

He also noted that citizens aged 18 and above have the right to participate in political activities and vote for candidates of their choice.

“What this man did is an expression of extreme ignorance, arrogance, lack of understanding of the diversity and complexity of Nigeria’s political environment and socio-cultural context,” Sule said.

He called on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and said the chairman should be held accountable if it was established that he made the statement.

Sule further warned the APC against ignoring the controversy, saying the remarks could have consequences for the party’s relationship with voters.

Council Clarifies Chairman’s Remarks

The Kuje Area Council administration later moved to explain the chairman’s comments, saying they had been misunderstood and should not be regarded as an instruction for residents to leave the council.

In a statement issued by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Musa Samson Adayilo, the council said it remained committed to serving residents regardless of their political affiliations.

“We wish to clarify that the administration of Kuje Area Council remains committed to serving all residents without discrimination on the basis of political affiliation,” Adayilo said.

According to him, the chairman’s comments were intended to encourage residents to support President Tinubu because of development projects carried out in the FCT under the leadership of Wike.

Adayilo appealed to residents and supporters of different political parties not to interpret the comments in a way that could create division.

“Political differences are natural in a democratic society, but they should never become a barrier to peaceful coexistence, development and good governance,” he said.

The council maintained that Kuje belongs to all its residents and urged them to work together despite political differences.

Similar Political Threats In Previous Elections

The controversy has also brought renewed attention to previous statements by political figures and traditional authorities that were perceived as threats against voters because of their political choices.

In the build-up to the 2019 election, Oluremi Tinubu was reported to have criticised Igbos in Lagos and said they were ungrateful after being “accommodated” in the state.

She said: “We will entreat all the deities of Lagos to chase Igbo people out. Igbo who didn’t marry Yoruba, we will inherit them. Given how much we love Igbo, you now want to spoil everything.

“You are not the only tribe in this place, Hausa are here, we accommodate them, Calabar are here, we accommodate them. But Igbos are proving difficult. We will inherit you. Despite the love, we have for you… others are here and we accommodated them.”

In 2015, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, also made controversial remarks while addressing Igbo leaders ahead of the Lagos governorship election.

He warned those who failed to support the APC candidate at the time, Akinwunmi Ambode, of consequences.

“On Saturday, if anyone of you goes against Ambode who I picked, that is your end. If it doesn’t happen within seven days, just know that I am a bastard and it is not my father who gave birth to me.

“On Saturday, if anyone of you, I swear in the name of God, goes against my wish that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos state, the person is going to die inside this water.

“I’m not ready to beg you. Nobody knew how I picked Ambode. Jimi is my blood relation and I told him that he cannot be governor in Lagos for now. The future belongs to God. I am not begging anybody, but what you people cannot do in Onitsha, Aba or anywhere, don’t do it here.”

He later assured Ndigbo that they would prosper in Lagos if they supported Ambode at the polls.

“If you do what I want, Lagos will continue to be prosperous for you. If you go against my wish, you will perish in the water.

“I am for the progress, growth and development of Lagos. Ambode is highly cerebral, he’s a symbol and he is going to deliver the message which I, the Oba of Lagos, have said. And he will govern the state for another eight years.

“He is going on a mission and God will give him the wisdom and knowledge to fulfill that mission. Almost a year ago, I declared that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos and it will not change.”

MC Oluomo’s 2023 Remarks

In 2023, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, who was then Chairman of the State Parks Management Committee in Lagos, was also reported to have warned Igbo voters against going to polling units if they would not vote for the APC.

In a video circulated on social media, Akinsanya addressed a gathering and urged Igbo voters who would not support the party to remain at home.

He said, “It is not a fight. It is not a problem. What do we want to correct? Our PVC. And we will stand there. Yoruba should get there first and should vote first. When we finish voting, we will be watching because we have begged you and you said you have heard. If you make a mistake, you will understand. Please tell them, we have begged them.

“If they don’t vote for us, it is not a fight. Tell them that, Chukwudi’s mother, if you don’t (vote) for us, sit down at home. Do you understand? Sit down at home.”

Osun Senator’s Warning

More recently, two weeks before the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, was reported to have issued a death threat against members of the Accord Party found in Ilesa.

“It is animal that kills. Have you ever heard that APC killed anyone? Are those being killed not your people?” Mr Fadahunsi said.

“So, we have come to tell you, up till the day of the election, if we see them, it is killing.”

The statement came a day after three people were killed in a shooting in the Imo area of Ilesa amid heightened political tension.

The latest controversy over the Kuje council chairman’s remarks has therefore renewed concerns over the use of political rhetoric that could intimidate voters or undermine citizens’ freedom to choose political parties and candidates during elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A growing number of public primary schools in rural communities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are battling severe infrastructural decay, a situation that has forced many pupils to learn on bare floors, under leaking roofs and beneath trees.

Findings first reported by TheCable revealed that several schools in communities such as Yangoji East, Kigbe, Ebo, Gbagbalagbe and Makanima lack basic facilities needed for effective learning.

At LEA Nomadic Primary School in Yangoji East, pupils attend classes under makeshift shelters made from dried palm fronds and weak tree branches. The school, which was established in 2020, reportedly has no proper classroom structures, chairs or desks.

Nine-year-old Badiku Saliu, one of the pupils, said the harsh learning conditions discourage him from attending school regularly.

“I don’t feel comfortable during rainy seasons, but there is nothing I can do, so I skip school,” Saidu said in Fulfulde.

The pupil explained that the lack of infrastructure has weakened his interest in formal education despite his ambition to become a teacher.

The report stated that nearly 100 pupils in the school face similar conditions daily. During rainfall, classes are often disrupted because there are no secure structures to shield the children and their teachers.

Adamu Bauchi, a parent whose children attend the school, appealed to authorities to provide learning facilities.

“I ensure that my children go to school every day, even though learning occurs under trees. I want the government to provide boreholes, chairs, desks, tables, buildings, and other important things to aid learning,” Bauchi said.

The head teacher, Ladi Danlami, also described the school environment as unsuitable for teaching and learning.

“We demarcated the school into two classes because of a lack of structure and seats. The students sit on the bare floor, and some who can provide sacks sit on them while the teacher sits on these benches,” she said.

“The children and parents are discouraged, and they complain. We have also complained and written to authorities like the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and the Nomadic Commission.”

She added: “The school has nothing – no chairs, tables, or structures – and if rain falls, we cannot come to school, or we have to run home.”

At LEA Primary School, Kigbe, many pupils reportedly sit or lie on dusty classroom floors until they reach primary five before gaining access to chairs and desks.

“There are no chairs until primary 5. When I was in primary one, the pupils in primary 5 and 6 had chairs,” a pupil, Ibrahim Sheyemi, said.

“We are only managing the chairs,” she added.

Another pupil, Abdulrasak Aliyu, recalled that he spent years writing while lying on the floor.

“I started writing on the desk in primary six,” he said.

Teachers at the school also lamented the shortage of facilities. Dauda Dogara, the school’s desk officer, said both teachers and pupils struggle daily because of the poor learning environment.

“I share the chair with my students, and we don’t even have a table,” Dogara noted.

He said many pupils leave school before lessons end because of discomfort and health challenges linked to sitting on the floor.

At LEA Primary School in Ebo, over 50 pupils reportedly share only a few chairs with their teachers inside a mud-walled building.

“There are more than 50 pupils in the school, but many of them don’t come because we don’t have enough seats,” teacher Muhammed Dauda said.

“As you can see, the environment is not conducive. If not because it is government work, no one would leave the comfort of their home to come and sit here,” he added.

The situation at LEA Primary School, Makanima, was also described as unsafe after parts of the roof and ceiling reportedly collapsed due to poor maintenance.

“I am not happy to see our community school like this. The ceiling, the zinc, and the entire roof are damaged. Even if the children arrive by 7 a.m., once it starts raining, they have to return home,” a parent, Michael Monday, said.

The school’s head teacher, Alfred Katunga, warned that both pupils and teachers face danger whenever they enter the classrooms.

“It is not only the roof that is bad. The ceiling is also in a terrible condition and could fall at any time. We continue to teach while praying that none of the materials will fall and injure the children,” Katunga said.

“Whenever there is any sign of rain, the only precaution we take is to close the school. Even if the children resume by 7 a.m. and rain starts 10 minutes later, we have to send them home because we cannot risk their lives,” he added.

According to the report, several schools in rural parts of the FCT also lack toilets, perimeter fencing and adequate classrooms. Teachers and pupils reportedly resort to nearby bushes to relieve themselves.

TheCable reported that efforts to obtain comments from the spokesperson of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCTUBEB), Patience Agonsi, were unsuccessful.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The cost of liquefied petroleum gas, popularly known as cooking gas, has started dropping in several parts of Nigeria after weeks of price increases linked to supply shortages.

Findings at some cooking gas outlets in Abuja showed that the product now sells between N1,450 and N1,500 per kilogram at stations operated by AA Shafa and Ranoil in areas such as Dutse and Gwarimpa.

Retail outlets in Kubwa, Dawaki, Bwari, Lugbe and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory were also found to be selling cooking gas between N1,650 and N1,700 per kilogram, depending on the location. The prices had earlier climbed to about N2,000 per kilogram in some areas.

The latest development indicates that cooking gas prices have dropped by between N200 and N350 per kilogram in recent weeks.

Checks further revealed that depot owners currently sell LPG between N1,065 and N1,100 per litre for a kilogram.

Despite the recent reduction, the price of cooking gas remains higher than the N1,000 to N1,200 range recorded before May 27, 2026.

Industry operators had earlier called for an increase in LPG imports to improve supply across the country.

Spokespersons of the Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, NOGASA, and Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc, NIPCO, Chinedu Ukadike and Taofeek Lawal, attributed the earlier increase in cooking gas prices to seasonal factors, rising demand and supply shortages.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging over his involvement in the 2014 bomb attack at Nyanya Motor Park, Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment during the conclusion of a mass trial involving terrorism suspects in the Federal Capital Territory.

Garba faced a five-count charge related to terrorism, which was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. He was convicted after pleading guilty to the charges.

The Nyanya explosion occurred in April 2014 on the outskirts of Abuja. The attack claimed at least 70 lives and left many others injured. It remains one of the deadliest terrorist incidents recorded in the nation’s capital.

In the judgment marked FHC/KNJ/CR/985/2026, the court handed different punishments to the defendant on the five counts.

Justice Omotosho sentenced Garba to 35 years imprisonment each on counts one and two. The court also sentenced him to life imprisonment on count three and death by hanging on counts four and five.

The judge ruled that the defendant’s guilty plea, alongside evidence presented before the court, confirmed his role in the attack, which led to heavy loss of lives and destruction.

The conviction is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to prosecute individuals linked to terrorism offences and provide justice for victims affected by attacks across the country.

By Uzair Adam

At least five people have been confirmed dead and 11 others are receiving treatment after a three-storey building under construction collapsed in the Gudu area of Abuja in the early hours of Saturday.

Emergency officials said a total of 16 persons were rescued from the rubble, while search and rescue operations were still ongoing as responders continued to comb through the debris for possible survivors.

The structure, located behind Gudu Market near Gaduwa Estate in Durumi 3, reportedly gave way around 3:30am while workers, mostly labourers, were still on site.

The sudden collapse left several people trapped beneath the wreckage.

Victims who survived the incident were rushed to different medical facilities, including the Federal Medical Centre, Asokoro District Hospital, and Maitama District Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Authorities confirmed that five others were brought out dead.

Multiple emergency response agencies were deployed to the scene, including the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal and FCT Fire Services, as well as the FCT Police Command.

They were supported by medical personnel and volunteers, while anxious residents gathered near the cordoned-off area.

The FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who visited the site, said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had directed that all injured persons be treated free of charge.

Confirming the development, the Head of Public Affairs at FEMD, Nkechi Isa, said rescue efforts were still underway.

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing as teams work tirelessly to ensure that anyone still trapped is reached in time,” she said.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the collapse as investigations are expected to commence after the rescue operation is concluded.

By Anwar Usman

President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of plots of land to Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners-designate in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed on Wednesday.

The minister made the announcement while receiving the envoys on a courtesy visit at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.

The delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, as part of an induction programme for the newly appointed ambassadors.

According to the minister, the president’s decision was driven by the need to give Nigeria’s overseas representatives a permanent foothold in the capital for when they return for periodic briefings.

“The President believes that most of you do not have a place in Abuja… he will encourage you to see how you will put up where you can stay. Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja,” Wike said.

The minister further used the occasion to charge the envoys with the responsibility and urged them to defend and project Nigeria’s international standing. “You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” he said.

He tasked them with reinforcing the economic diplomacy work that President Tinubu had been conducting through extensive foreign engagements.

Mr President has travelled extensively to attract investment and partnerships. It is now your role to reinforce that effort by building confidence in Nigeria as a viable destination for investment,” the minister stated.

Wike also drew attention to development opportunities in the FCT, pointing to infrastructure expansion across the six area councils — Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali — as evidence of Abuja’s growing stature as a global capital.

Wike also announced ongoing partnership talks with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to develop key sectors, as well as plans to engage the European Commission on development cooperation.

He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s near-term prospects, saying: “I remain confident that by 2027, Nigeria will be more peaceful, more united, and stronger as a nation.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A woman believed to be mentally ill has delivered a baby girl by the roadside in Kwaita village, located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to Daily Trust, the incident happened in the early hours of Saturday at about 12:30 a.m. The woman was said to have given birth without assistance.

A local resident, Saidu Musa, explained that the situation came to light after a neighbour spotted the woman, who is often seen around the roadside, and raised an alarm.

“It was my neighbour who first saw her. She usually stays around the road. When he realised she had delivered a baby, he immediately alerted the police patrol team,” Musa said.

Security operatives responded shortly after the report. They moved the woman and her newborn to the General Hospital in Kwali for treatment.

The FCT Police Command also confirmed the development. Its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said officers on patrol from the Rapid Response Squad first reported the case at about 12:30 a.m.

She noted that the Gender Unit of the Kwali Division acted quickly after receiving the information and proceeded to the scene.

“The mother and her newborn were safely rescued and immediately conveyed to General Hospital, Kwali, where they received medical attention and were subsequently discharged in stable condition,” she said.

Adeh added that the authorities followed due process by informing the Welfare Officer of Kwali Area Council, Mr. Sadiq Kwali. She said both mother and child were later taken to the FCT Children’s Home in Gwako, within Gwagwalada Area Council, where they will receive proper care.

She further stated that the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, praised the officers for their prompt response. He said they showed compassion and professionalism in handling the situation and ensured the safety of the woman and her baby before the arrival of the Gender Unit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a dangerous outburst directed at a journalist during a live television appearance.

The condemnation followed comments Wike made during an Arise TV broadcast, where he reacted angrily to a line of questioning. During the exchange, he said: “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…”

The minister’s remark targeted Channels TV presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, and has drawn strong reactions from rights groups and media advocates across the country.

The incident took place during a media chat in Abuja on April 3. Wike addressed ongoing political tensions. He spoke on concerns about a possible one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments came in response to views earlier expressed by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, where opposition worries, including those linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were discussed.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, Amnesty International described the minister’s words as reckless and capable of encouraging violence against journalists.

“Apart from inciting violence, Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing,” the organisation stated.

The group warned that such statements from a senior government official could create a climate where attacks on media professionals become more likely. It added that the comment risks portraying journalists as targets for simply carrying out their duties.

“This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable. Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” the statement added.

The development has also renewed scrutiny of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission. Critics have questioned why the regulator has not taken action, despite its record of sanctioning media organisations for perceived violations.

Wike’s time in office has been marked by several controversies. Observers say the latest incident signals growing tension between public officials and the media.