Category: Nigeria

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Your children are Nigerians, Falana corrects Badenoch on citizenship claim

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has faulted United Kingdom Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, over her claim that she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children because of her gender.

During an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on Sunday, Badenoch asserted that she cannot pass on her Nigerian citizenship to her children because of her gender. She suggested that it is easier for Nigerians to acquire British citizenship than for foreigners to become Nigerians.

She said, “It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents. I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman.

“Yet loads of Nigerians come to the UK and stay for a relatively free period of time, acquire British citizenship. We need to stop being naive.”

Reacting in a statement issued on Monday, Falana described Badenoch’s statement as “a display of utter ignorance” and accused her of misinforming the British public to score political points.

Falana said, “In her desperate attempt to impress the British electorate, Kemi Badenoch keeps running down Nigeria.

“Contrary to her misleading claim, her children are Nigerians because she is a Nigerian. Her assertion that she cannot give Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman is not in consonance with Section 25(b) and (c) of the Nigerian Constitution which provides that every person born in Nigeria after independence, either of whose parents or grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria, or any person born outside Nigeria to a Nigerian parent, is a citizen.

“Furthermore, by virtue of Section 42(2) of the Constitution, no citizen shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of circumstances of birth, gender, or class. Therefore, her two children are Nigerian citizens. The fact that she may not want them to claim it is irrelevant. For now, they are dual citizens of Britain and Nigeria.”

Falana also faulted her assertion that Nigerian citizenship is impossible for foreigners to obtain, noting that “Sections 26 and 27 of the Constitution clearly state that foreigners can acquire Nigerian citizenship through naturalisation or registration once they meet the legal conditions.”

He, however, acknowledged gaps in the law, saying that “A woman married to a Nigerian man can be registered as a citizen, but the same privilege is not extended to a man married to a Nigerian woman, which reflects the patriarchal nature of the law. This should be urgently amended.” (Punch)

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Police kill suspected kidnapper, arrest 5, rescue victim in Enugu

The Police Command in Enugu State has killed a suspected kidnapper, arrested five suspects and rescued a victim in multiple operations in the state.

The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Friday in Enugu, said that police operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle with two rounds of live ammunition.

Ndukwe said that other items recovered included a Toyota Corolla car, ₦10 million in cash obtained as ransom and other incriminating exhibits.

He said that the command achieved the feat through series of intelligence-driven operations conducted from July 5 to July 16.

According to him, the command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its sustained fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping.

“On July 16, at 3p.m, operatives attached to Okpuje Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters, swiftly responded to a distress call regarding suspected armed kidnappers.

“The armed kidnappers were sighted in a forest at Okpuje-Ani community in Nsukka Local Government Area.

“Upon arrival, the armed suspects engaged the team. The operatives returned fire, neutralising one of the suspects while others escaped.

“An AK-47 rifle loaded with two live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the neutralised suspect,” he said.

The spokesman said that in a separate operation on the same day at about 4.00p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Aliyu Adamu, 23, at Ugwu-Onyeama axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings and stated that he had been invited from Awka, Anambra, by another suspect now at large for criminal operations in Enugu State,” he said.

Ndukwe said that on July 15, at about 2:20p.m., the Commands Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad apprehended two female suspects – Juliet Chukwu, 39; and Nancy Chukwu, 40; – in an intelligence-led operation.

“The suspects, who are sisters and claimed to be law enforcement officers, were apprehended while sharing a ransom of ₦10 million.

“The ransom was obtained from their kinsman, whom they had conspired to kidnap on July 14, 2025, after initially demanding ₦50 million.

“The victim was rescued unharmed, and the operatives recovered the ransom cash and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to one of the suspects,” he said.

The spokesman said that earlier, on July 5, at about 5:30p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested two suspects – Usman Musa, 20; and Musa Zaria, 24; both from Kogi State.

He said that the two suspects were apprehended during a tactical operation at Okemmou, 9th Mile Corner in Udi Local Government Area.

“The suspects were found in possession of clothing and a wristwatch belonging to two male victims kidnapped on July 4, 2025.

“The victims later identified both the items and the suspects as those involved in their abduction.

“The detained suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded. Efforts are ongoing to detain other suspects at large,” he added.  (Vanguard)

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Police nab notorious bandit Tambaya, recover N11m in Kwara crackdown

The ongoing offensive against criminal elements in Kwara State has resulted in another mass arrest of several outlaws who were involved in recent security breaches in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of the state.

A government House statement released on Thursday said that more than 15 criminals, including an outlaw criminal named Tambaya, have been arrested in the new security clampdown in the area.

“Tambaya was the major mastermind of the recent attack on security forces and vigilantes in Gada, Lafiagi. Tambaya and eight others were arrested in one encounter with the security forces, while several of his gang members were eliminated.

“During the operation, we rescued two victims of their criminality and recovered N11m, which is apparently proceeds of the crime,” the official said.

The crackdowns on the criminals were at the instance of the state government in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser, state security commanders, and local vigilante.

It would be recalled that the state commissioner of Police Mr Adekimi Ojo while addressing journalists in Ilorin on Friday, July 11, 2025 or so said the Command’s renewed focus on intelligence-led operations and tactical fieldwork is yielding results in curbing insecurity across the state.

In another twist, three women were arrested on June 25 at Babanla Motor Park in connection with arms smuggling. The police recovered an AK-47 rifle with 31 rounds of ammunition hidden in a passenger’s bag.

Interrogations revealed links to a kidnapping syndicate operating out of the Baba-Sango forest. One of the women admitted she was on her way to join her husband, a known kidnapper hiding in the forest. A fourth female suspect fled and is currently at large.

Also alarming was the arrest of Suleiman Jamiu and Mumini Mohammed on July 6 in Share. The duo were found in possession of ₦11.3 million during a late-night stop-and-search. The CP revealed that Jamiu was linked to a February 2025 kidnapping case where ₦20 million ransom was demanded. Investigators believe the cash may be proceeds from ransom payments.

On May 30 and June 1, suspected kidnappers launched deadly attacks in Oro, abducting six people and killing one during raids on a cashew factory and a residential community. Three men, including Mohammed Olaiya Dende and Mohammed Dende, have been arrested and charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, and culpable homicide.

Six other suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Alhaji Abbass and Abubakar Issa in Lafiagi. Acting on intelligence, police and local vigilantes stormed Gbugbu and apprehended the men, recovering two firearms. The suspects confessed to being part of a syndicate operating between Kwara and Niger States and working under a wanted ringleader known as Tambaya.

In another case, one Buba Lawal was caught in Oko, Ifelodun LGA, with an AK-47 magazine loaded with eight rounds. Police say the suspect is linked to multiple kidnapping attempts and is being profiled for further investigation.

Ojo assured that operations would intensify until all criminal hideouts are uncovered. “These arrests and recoveries are proof that no part of Kwara is safe for criminals,” he said. “We will continue to disrupt their networks and bring every last accomplice to justice.”

In Amoyo on July 4, officers uncovered a locally-made double-barrel pistol after three young men fled from an uncompleted building during a patrol. One of the suspects, known as Olamide alias “Bold”, a notorious drug dealer in the area, is now being sought.

Perhaps the most daring encounter occurred in Okuta, Baruten LGA, where a reported case of kidnapping on June 22 sparked a counter-operation by the police and local security groups.

According to the CP, “One of the suspects was neutralised, another arrested, and the victim found abandoned in the bush.”

An AK-47 rifle and 13 rounds of ammunition were recovered, alongside a red Golf car believed to be used by the kidnappers. One suspect, Idirisu Sariki, is in custody and has confessed to multiple kidnappings in the border region.

(Punch)

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Benue uncovers 4,000 substandard schools

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has said that about 4,000 mushroom schools have been discovered in the state.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, while briefing journalists about his achievements in the educational sector in the past two years on Thursday, the governor said that the mushroom schools were not conducive for learning and they do not have qualified teachers.

While he declined to comment on the next step the government would take, Tersoo stated that 9,700 qualified teachers have been recruited into primary schools across the state.

The governor further said that in 2023/2024, the government paid the external examination fees for about 19,000 students who sat for the West Africa Examination Council, the National Examination Council, and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board.

He further stated that the present administration had cleared the backlog of 38 months of earned allowance for staff of the Moses Adasu University, formerly Benue State University.

He said, “The present administration has stabilised the educational sector in the state with its various interventions, which is the reason our tertiary institutions have been having uninterrupted sessions since this administration came into office.

“For instance, the backlog of 38 months of earned allowance owed to staff of the State University has been cleared.

“It will also interest you to know that the present administration has recruited 9700 qualified primary school teachers to reposition our schools.

“Also, the government has identified 4,000 schools that are substandard and not good for learning and do not have qualified teaching personnel.

“In the 2023/2024 academic session, this administration paid the WAEC fees for 8,119 students, NECO fees for 8,979 students, and also NABTEB fees for 1,547 students.

The governor said that his administration had successfully secured a license to establish a State University of Technology at Ihugh in the Vandeikiya local government area of the state. (Punch)

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Buhari left his boots in corridors of power – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday paid tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of discipline and integrity who left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s leadership.

Speaking during the special session of the Expanded Federal Executive Council meeting held in Buhari’s honour, Akpabio said the former president may not have been perfect, but he stood firmly for discipline, honour and patriotism.

“President Buhari did not merely pass through the corridors of power. He left his boots and his imprints in them. Buhari was not perfect. No leader is. But he was principled. He stood for something.

‘In a world where it is easy to chase headlines, he chose instead to chase honour. Where others sought glory, he sought duty,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President, who once served as a minister under Buhari’s administration, described the late leader as austere and unflamboyant, yet driven by a deep sense of duty and patriotism.

Akpabio said, “As a minister in his cabinet, appointed by him, I saw President Buhari unplugged. He was not flamboyant—far from it. His voice was measured. His steps, deliberate. His public demeanour, austere.

“But beneath that calm exterior beat the heart of a patriot—unyielding, unbending, and utterly uninterested in personal comfort when duty called.”

He added that Buhari’s legacy was not only in his achievements but also in the moral standard he upheld in governance.

“He believed that discipline mattered. That integrity mattered. That leadership, even when lonely, must be anchored in something greater than power,” he stated.

Akpabio acknowledged that Buhari’s style may have attracted criticism but maintained that even his critics could not question his moral uprightness.

He said, “Let us be honest—he was tough. He was a soldier who did not flinch under fire, a leader who did not flee from responsibility, and above all, a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation was never up for sale.

“And yes, some disagreed with him. That is the nature of democracy. But even his fiercest critics will admit: he did not pilfer the nation’s purse, nor pander to its pleasures. He remained, to the very end, a sentinel of Spartan simplicity and austere integrity.”

Akpabio concluded that Buhari’s name would be remembered in history not for flamboyance or fanfare, but for his resolute commitment to national duty.

“Let it be said by generations to come, that a man once walked this land with a firm gait, a steady gaze, and an iron sense of duty. His name was Muhammadu Buhari,” he stated. (Punch)

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Ekiti court restrains herders from farmland over crop damage

A farmer and owner of MAO Organic Farms, Mr Dele Okunoye, has expressed excitement over the ruling of an Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court, which restrained some herders from encroaching on his farmland.

The farmer hailed the state government for responding to the situation when his farmland was ravaged by herds last year and for the legal support he received to seek court redress.

Okunoye had dragged a Fulani herdsman, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakili, and others associated with him before the court over alleged destruction of his crops by their herds last year.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, in a ruling on the matter on Wednesday, granted “an order restraining the Fulani herder, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakili, prohibiting him and other herdsmen associated with him from further encroaching on MAO Organic Farms or any farmland within the state”.

Responding, Wakili pledged that he would never return to the said farmland or any of its surrounding areas.

The herder also vowed that “we (he and other herders under my supervision) will not trespass on the property again under any circumstances.”

Wakili expressed his commitment to peace and assured the court of his willingness to abide by the laws of the state.

Okunoye, in a chat with journalists after the court proceeding, explained how over 100 acres of his crops, including rice, maize, cassava, and high-grade Malaysian oil palm valued at over N30m, were destroyed in a series of attacks in August 2024.

He said, “I am excited. I commend Governor Biodun Oyebanji and key agencies of the state government for the justice done following the destruction of my farmland by the cattle belonging to the herders.”

The farmer also praised the prompt and coordinated response of government officials and security agencies, including the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade; the Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.); Amotekun Corps Commander, Brig. Gen. Olu Adewa (retd.); Agro Marshal Commander, ACP Olamide Oni (retd.); and the Ekiti State Police Command Rapid Response Squad led by CSP Marcus Ogundola.

PUNCH Metro recalls that the Ekiti State Government is intensifying efforts to resolve clashes between farmers and herders through dialogue, enforcement of grazing regulations and support for legal redress for victims of farm invasions. (Punch)

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Lagos LG Polls: APC wins all 57 chairmanship, 375 councillorship seats

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 57 chairmanship seats and 375 councillorship seats in Saturday’s Lagos State Local Government election .
 
The Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, said this on Sunday while declaring the results of the exercise at the commission’s headquarters in Sabo Yaba, Lagos.
 
She said APC also won 375 of the 376 councilorship seats, losing one councilorship seat to PDP in Yaba LCDA.
Okikiolu-Ighile commended the peaceful conduct of residents, especially voters,  during the exercise.

The LASIEC boss also said the enthusiasm displayed by residents before and during the exercise was commendable.
 
She said that the enthusiasm displayed through active participation reinforced the shared belief in the importance of local governance in service delivery and grassroots development.
 
The commission’s boss also commended security agencies and the media for their professional conduct before, during, and after the polls.
 
“Their presence was a significant factor in maintaining a conducive, congenial atmosphere across the polling units.
 
“We are pleased to announce that no major cases of electoral violence or ballot snatching, voter intimidation or general breakdown of law and order were recorded,” she added.
 
Okikiolu-Ighile said that the commission “was pleased to report that the election was generally free, was fair, was peaceful, was orderly, was transparent, credible, and devoid of significant obstructions.”

According to her, electoral officers and ad hoc staff discharged their duties with commendable diligence and integrity.

Stating that no electoral process was without its challenges, the chairman said that the late arrival of electoral personnel and materials in some areas was due to some logistical issues.
 
“We acknowledge that voter apathy remains a concern and we are committed to strengthening our voter education and stakeholders’ engagement strategies relentlessly,” she added.
 
Okikiolu-Ighile said that the results of the elections had been collated and announced by the law across various wards and local council areas by returning officers.
 
She said that the presentation of certificates of return to duly elected chairpersons and councillors would follow soon at the commission’s headquarters.
 
The LASIEC boss also commended observers, civil society organisations, youth groups, women advocacy groups, traditional and religious institutions, market men and women, and other stakeholders for their support and active participation throughout the process.
 
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15 political parties participated in the election. (Vanguard)

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Sanwo-Olu, Otti, Kefas mourn Buhari, recount legacy

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Alex Otti of Abia, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba have expressed grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.

In a condolence message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described Buhari as a transparent, courageous and honest leader who dedicated his life to Nigeria’s growth.

“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the people and government of Lagos State, I mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, one of Nigeria’s most prominent military and political leaders.

“He was a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader.

“His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor recalled Buhari’s long record of service, noting that he served as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and ultimately President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“He sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear country… and served passionately,” he said.

He extended condolences to Buhari’s family, President Bola Tinubu, members of the All Progressives Congress, and the people of Katsina State.

In Taraba, Kefas also paid tribute, describing Buhari’s death as a monumental national loss.

A statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, noted Buhari’s lifelong dedication to public service, national unity, and the anti-corruption fight.

“Taraba State joins the rest of the country in mourning a leader who, despite criticisms, remained steadfast in his convictions and love for Nigeria,” the statement said.

Kefas praised Buhari’s austere lifestyle, discipline, and devotion to integrity and national security, urging Nigerians to uphold his legacy through unity and selfless service.

Otti, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said he received the news of the former president’s death with sadness.

Otti extended condolences to the Federal Government, Tinubu, and the family of the deceased.

“Governor Otti, on behalf of his family and the good people of Abia State enjoins the ex-President’s family and loved ones to bear his demise with fortitude, while praying that God grants his soul eternal repose,” the statement read.

(Punch)

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Buhari’s Kaduna home wears solemn look

The Kaduna residence of Nigeria’s former President, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) wore a solemn and deserted look on Sunday following news of his death in London.

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president between 2015 and 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, died at about 4:30 pm in a London clinic, according to a statement issued by his former spokesman, Garba Shehu.

When our correspondent visited the former president’s home located on Sultan Lane, along Sultan Road in Kaduna, there were no signs of mourning sympathisers trooping in or out of the premises.

The usually quiet street remained subdued, save for the presence of security operatives.

Two military trucks were stationed in front of the house at the time of filing this report. Armed personnel on guard duty politely turned away journalists who had thronged the area, directing them to move further down the main Sultan Road.

Efforts by reporters to catch a glimpse of any family member were futile, as the heavy security presence kept all non-residents at bay.

The late Buhari’s Kaduna residence is located in a neighbourhood known for its association with Nigeria’s political elite.

Among his neighbours are the family of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, former Chief of Staff, Supreme Military Council, and former Minister of Finance and Labour Party chieftain, Nenadi Usman.

General Buhari’s political journey remains remarkable. He was first Nigeria’s military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985 following a coup d’état.

Decades later, after several unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, he was elected as Nigeria’s democratic president in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2019. He handed over power in 2023. (Punch)

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Awujale of Ijebuland, Adetona, dies at 91

The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has passed away at the age of 91.

The respected monarch reportedly died on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of his longtime friend and former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Mourning his passage, a prince of Ijebu, Prince Adedoyin Alatishe wrote on X, “Baami Ogbagba agbatewole 💔. Erin wo. Omo anikilaya saagbu.”

Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and widely revered for his contributions to the sociopolitical development of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large. (Punch)