Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), has revealed that he and other aductees had a terrifying experience in the hands of terrorists and kidnappers.

Naija News recalls Tsiga was abducted on February 5, 2025, in his hometown of Tsiga, the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina state and regained his freedom after spending 56 days in kidnappers’ den.

Speaking on Thursday after meeting with National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Tsiga said they were held in a dense forest surrounded by hills, teeming with dangerous animals in search of human beings.

The 72-year-old described his survival as nothing short of divine intervention.

He said, “We were kept with dangerous animals—hyenas, snakes, and scorpions. A day before I was released, just the day before yesterday, while on the mountain where I was staying, we suddenly noticed a hyena circling us, looking for food. And what kind of food? Us, human beings.

“Throughout our time there, we constantly lived with snakes and scorpions. But the most terrifying experience was how they treated those of us whose ranks they knew. Whenever troops attacked them, they would bring us out and use us as human shields, hoping to get us killed by the military strikes. They wanted us to be hit by the aircraft. But God is merciful.”

“The National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) have said it—the good ones will survive, and ultimately, the bad ones will meet their end.”

Tsiga also recalled an experience involving an unexploded rocket, saying, “During an airstrike, a rocket was fired at the terrorists, but it didn’t explode. Instead, they carried the unexploded rocket and placed it where I was sleeping, hiding it in a way that if I touched it, it would detonate. Yet, by God’s mercy, I survived.”

According to Tsiga, the kidnappers’ belief that military officers have access to government funds led them to attack his home.

Tsiga, on behalf of the 18 other rescued victims, expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff. He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility.

He said, “They believe that those of us in uniform are given money by the government. That’s why they tried to break into my house. They couldn’t, so they went to my home in Kaduna and used explosives to destroy it, including the gates.

“We must not assume that the government can do it all alone. Everyone must contribute by providing intelligence and information. The NSA and the CDS are not magicians; they need timely and accurate reports to act upon.”

The political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has tendered his resignation.

Sources within the presidency confirmed to Daily Trust that Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), submitted his resignation about two weeks ago. However, as of the time of reporting, it remains unclear whether the presidency has formally accepted his resignation.

Baba-Ahmed was appointed Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023. Throughout his tenure, he represented the presidency at various public events, including the national conference themed: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” held in January 2025 in Abuja.

Resignation Amid Criticism

Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s role within the presidency had attracted occasional criticism. A notable point of contention arose in April 2024, when Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, criticized northern appointees, including Baba-Ahmed, for failing to defend the administration amidst accusations of misrepresentation.

Matawalle took aim at Baba-Ahmed’s criticisms of the NEF, particularly Baba-Ahmed’s response to Matawalle’s dismissal of the group as a “political paperweight.” Baba-Ahmed had suggested that Matawalle should focus on highlighting his own achievements as a minister rather than attacking the NEF.

In response, Matawalle insisted that government appointees, including Baba-Ahmed, had a duty to support and defend the administration.

“Every appointee of President Tinubu, including Dr. Baba-Ahmed, owes the government a duty to promote, elucidate, and advance its good works and commendable efforts across all sectors,” Matawalle emphasized.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed: A Glimpse into His Career

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed (born September 11, 1955) is a seasoned public servant with extensive experience in Nigeria’s governance and civil service. He hails from Kaduna State and is a practicing Muslim.

Baba-Ahmed holds a PhD and has studied at institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex. He began his career as a lecturer before transitioning to the civil service, where he served in various capacities, including as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

He held prominent positions throughout his career, including Secretary to the Kaduna State Government and Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Baba-Ahmed’s contributions to governance earned him the national honor of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Before his appointment as Special Adviser to the President, Baba-Ahmed was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), a position where he frequently voiced his opinions on policies affecting the North and the broader Nigerian populace.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, says she will present evidence to support her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking on Thursday during her appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, the Kogi senator said the evidence would be presented “at the right time”.

“At the right time and at the right space, I will present the evidence that I have (against Akpabio),” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comments come after weeks of controversy surrounding her allegations against Akpabio.

The lawmaker was suspended on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.

Afterwards, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the senate president of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom state on December 8, 2023.

The senator alleged that Akpabio implied she should “take care” of him if she wanted favourable treatment in the red chamber.

On March 1, Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the senate president, filed multiple lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged defamatory comments made against her husband.

On March 5, Akpabio denied sexually harassing Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said distinguished senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter,” Akpabio had said.

“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother, who died in 2000, through very difficult times. And I therefore have the highest regard for women.”

During the show, Akpoti-Uduaghan also dared Akpabio to press charges over the allegation of death threat she levelled against him.

“I am hearing that the senate president wants to sue me for that; I will tell him to go ahead. We will meet and cross that bridge,” she said.

When asked to substantiate her allegation, Akpoti-Uduaghan responded, “Let us get to that bridge”.

•Cancels all pending procurement, tender processes by suspended state govt

•Rivers women urge Tinubu to annul Fubara’s suspension, seek peace in state

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), has said an appropriation bill for 2025 was being articulated to provide for critical development in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

Ibas has therefore cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes by the suspended state government.

Meanwhile, hundreds of women, under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), have urged President Bola Tinubu to cancel the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officers of the state.

Addressing the appropriation bill, Ibas said the anticipated budget would cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advance delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.

He disclosed this yesterday, when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt.

The delegates, who were mainly loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on the visit included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Godwin Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu and Victor Obuzor

Ibas said he had been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, with support from the security agencies, saying the environment has been created where Rivers residents feel valued and safer.

The administrator stated that the commitment was to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.

“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.

“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.

“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”

In his speech, Senator Mpigi, said they were dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that would bring development to the State.

Also, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibibia Worika, Ibas has cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes by the state government.

“In adherence to the Supreme Court judgement upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024 and in the absence of an Appropriation Law, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (RTD.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, wishes to notify the general public that all procurement and tender processes that were carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during the period are hereby cancelled.

“Accordingly, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices are, by this special announcement, mandated to refund such tender fees to the respective contractors immediately, pending the approval of a spending plan by the State, which shall be notified in due course.”

Meanwhile, the hundreds of women who came as a group from across the 23 local government areas of the state, convened by Sotonye Toby Fulton, made the call during their weekly prayer for peace and progress in the state, held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

A participant at the prayer session who spoke with THISDAY, said there was no war in the state that required the declared state of emergency.

They also insisted that the state needed Fubara to continue his official work he was elected for.

An administrative manager with Port Harcourt Water Cooperation, Gloria Akor-Okocha, said, “We are praying for restoration, we are praying that Nigeria will come to truth, we are praying that God will install truth in the country and restore our governor back.”

President of Ijaw Women Connect, Dr Vivian Elenwo, said, “Rivers State with governor Siminalayi Fubara is peaceful. Our youths are not on the streets, they are peaceful, you can see the women are praying. God is the highest court, is above the supreme court, so, we have brought our complaint to God today.”

Saudi Arabia authorities have denied issuing a viral memo notifying travellers of visa restrictions and an entry ban.

The memo named Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, and Algeria among the countries facing the restrictions.

Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh were also listed as restricted from applying for new short-term Saudi visas, including visas for business, visits (single/multi-entry), tourism, and family visits.

The restrictions are scheduled to take effect April 13, the memo claimed.

The document added that citizens from the listed countries would not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia from the effective date even if they hold valid visas.

“Non-compliance may result in a 5-year ban from entering KSA,” the statement said.

However, the Saudi Tourism Centre debunked the document as unofficial when contacted by TheCable.

The agency told TheCable that the only circular issued by the Saudi authorities were guidelines around hajj travels.

“Anyone holding a Tourist visa is not permitted to perform Hajj, enter or stay inside Makkah during 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (29 April to 11 June 2025 AD),” the Saudi agency said on Thursday.

The Saudi hajj visa is granted exclusively for the hajj pilgrimage and is valid only during the Muslim holy period.

Muslims seeking to visit Saudi Arabia are required to apply for a hajj visa other than a tourist visa.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that he is in support of a planned rally purported to be in support of him slated to hold today 4th April 2025.

The rally is said to be organised by an association tagged, Progressive Peoples’ Resolution (PPR) and led by one Ubong Idemudo, a known controversial character.

However, speaking via a statement signed on Thursday by his Special Assistant, Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President called on the Police and other security agencies in the state to ensure that such a satanic rally was not allowed to hold, as such did not get his approval.

The statement is titled, ”Disregard any rally in Akwa Ibom purported to be in support of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, GCON.”

The statement read, “The attention of the office of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has been drawn to a planned rally purported to be in support of the Senate President and organised by an unknown association by name; Progressive Peoples’ Resolution (PPR) and led by one Ubong Idemudo, a known controversial character, slated for tomorrow 4th April, 2025.

“The President of the Senate is not aware of any rally organised in his support at any venue in Akwa Ibom and therefore urges his supporters and the peace loving people of Akwa Ibom State to disregard such rally and go about their lawful duties.

“The planned rally, from information pieced together, is the handiwork of fifth columnists trying to use the name of the Senate President to achieve their devilish goal.

“The Police and other security agencies in the state are by this statement directed to ensure that such satanic rally is not allowed to hold, as such has no approval of the Senate President.”

The Edo chapter of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service of some corps members by 90 days.

The punishment, TheCable understands, was approved by Frances Ben-Ushie, the Edo state coordinator of NYSC.

The affected corps members were penalised for protesting their unpaid N77,000 allowance in a social media group.

 

The NYSC management in Edo sanctioned the corps members with a 90-day service extension without pay.

The sanctioned corps members, it is understood, were originally scheduled to complete their service year on March 17, 2025.

However, the punishment has drawn criticism from social media users, with many arguing that the penalty does not match the offense.

Among the critics is Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate under African Action Congress (AAC), who said the action is “unacceptable and therefore, will not stand”.

“NYSC in Edo is punishing corps members with a 90-day extension—without pay—for simply demanding their rightful ₦77,000 allowance?” a user of the microblogging site X asked.

“Instead of addressing the non-payment, they resort to oppression. This is exploitation, not service to the nation! Unacceptable!”

Another user argued that the corps members deserved to be punished for their actions.

“Well, it serves them right. But I 100% know the new @officialnyscng, as a regular will temper justice with mercy by releasing them,” the post read.

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has maintained that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, won the 2024 Edo State governorship election.

This is as the party rejected the verdict of the Edo governorship tribunal, which upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP, in a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the verdict of the tribunal is a violation of judicial impartiality and a betrayal of the trust of Nigerians in the judiciary.

The PDP said it came to the conclusion after a thorough review of the tribunal’s verdict.

The statement added that despite the verdict, the PDP and its candidate are proceeding to the Appeal Court and believe the higher court would deliver justice.

“The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after a thorough review of the judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal asserts that the verdict is an absolute miscarriage of justice and a complete betrayal of the trust Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo State invested in the Election Tribunal.

“The PDP insists that with the avalanche of evidence as properly presented and also duly admitted by the Tribunal, it was clear that its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo won the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, having scored the highest number of valid votes cast in the election.

“It is very disturbing that despite the overwhelming evidence and findings by the Tribunal that the PDP was robbed of its clear victory at the election through manipulations including wrongful allocation of votes to the All Progressives Congress (APC), arbitrary and illegal cancellation of valid votes won by the PDP, the Election Tribunal contradicted itself by coming to a conclusion that is at variance with its own findings.

“More distressing is that this judgment by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal constitutes a major threat to the confidence Nigerians have in democracy and adjudication of electoral matters.

“It is instructive to note that democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of adherence to the Rule of Law and adjudication of issues which can only be accepted by the people when indeed a tribunal of such nature impartially apply the law, the facts and body of evidence made available to it at proceedings

“However, consistent with PDP’s avowed belief in the capacity of the judiciary to, in appropriate cases, ensure that justice is done, our Party and candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo are proceeding to the Court of Appeal where we believe that there will be a conscientious judicial review of the matter to give justice to the people of Edo State.

“In the meantime, the PDP calls on the people of Edo State to remain resolute and not allow the verdict of the Election Tribunal to dampen their confidence in the institution of the Judiciary and democracy in Nigeria as they await the restoration of the mandate they freely gave to our Party and candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo at the election,” the statement read.

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo, and four other Nigerians, have been named among the World’s Black Billionaires for 2025 by Forbes Magazine.

In its annual World’s Billionaires list released recently,  Forbes said out of 3,028 billionaires around the world, only 23 are Blacks.

“Twenty-three of them are Black—just 0.8% of the list—but they’re a wealthy and impressive bunch,” the report said.

“Overall, these 23 have amassed $96.2 billion in wealth, mainly from the finance, energy, and technology sectors.”

Forbes said out of the 23 billionaires, only six of them are Nigerians.

Based on the magazine’s ranking, Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, topped the list with a net worth of $23.9 billion.

Forbes said the billionaire’s fortune skyrocketed after the Dangote refinery finally began operating in early 2024, boosting businessman’s fortune by $10.5 billion since last year’s list.

With $6.8 billion net worth, Forbes said Mike Adenuga, owner of Globacom, a telecommunications firm, is the second Nigerian, ranking fifth on the list.

Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, is ranked sixth on the publication’s world Black billionaire list. With $5.1 billion net worth, the billionaire is the third Nigerian on the list.

Another Nigerian on the list is Adebayo Ogunlesi, chief executive officer (CEO) of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) with $2.2 billion net worth.

In October 2024, GIP was acquired by BlackRock for $12.5 billion in cash and shares. Ogunlesi is said to be the 11th Black billionaire in the world according Forbes.

Following closely in the 12th position is Otedola, chairman of Geregu, with a net worth of $1.5 billion.

Forbes said the billionaire “made his first fortune in commodities before selling his shares in Forte Oil to invest in the energy business”.

“Today, he is the chairman and majority owner of Geregu Power, a power generation business whose other investors include the Nigerian government and the State Grid Corporation of China,” Forbes said.

The last Nigerian on the World’s Black Billionaires 2025 list is Tope Awotona. 

Forbes said Awotona in 2013, founded Calendly, a scheduling software startup, which private investors valued at $3 billion in 2021.

The media company said Awotona, ranking 14th on the list, has a net worth of $1.4 billion

A private hospital located in Iwerekun 1, Ibeju/Lekki, Lagos, As Salam Convalescent Centre, has denied claims that it demanded an upfront payment of ₦500,000 before treating a pregnant woman, Kemi, who later died from complications related to her pregnancy.

Kemi’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, made the allegations in a viral video, accusing the hospital of refusing to provide medical treatment to his wife due to his inability to make the upfront payment. In the video, Folajimi is seen desperately trying to keep his wife conscious as she lay weak inside a car.

In his emotional post, Folajimi recounted the tragic events that led to his wife’s death. He claimed that after being turned away by the private hospital, they were referred to a general hospital in Epe, where Kemi passed away.

He stated, “The doctor told me to deposit ₦500,000, and I begged him to start doing whatever was needed to save my wife while I ran around for the money. But they drove us out like they didn’t care. Unfortunately, they blindly rejected us and asked me to take her to the General Hospital at Epe, even though the doctor knew that Epe from Lakwe is way too far for her condition. Before we rushed her to Epe, she was gone.”

Folajimi’s emotional video sparked widespread condemnation, with many demanding reforms to ensure medical institutions are held accountable for such alleged neglect.

However, in a telephone interview with Punch on Thursday, the founder of As Salam Convalescent Centre, Rauf Salami, denied the allegations. He stated that the hospital never demanded any payment and that the primary concern was the patient’s critical condition.

Salami explained, “On the day in question, a pregnant woman was brought to our centre. My colleague on duty reported that she had convulsed twice at home before arrival. Upon examination, it was clear that she required immediate blood transfusion and surgical attention. Given the complexity of the case, we advised the husband to take her to the Epe General Hospital, which is better equipped to handle such emergencies.”

Salami further clarified that Kemi was not a registered patient at the hospital and had never visited the facility before the day of the incident.

“We referred her to a more suitable facility immediately after she was brought in, without even transferring her from the wheelchair used to bring her in,” Salami stated.

He also expressed his frustration over the false claims made by the woman’s husband on social media, particularly on TikTok.

Addressing the backlash, Salami expressed frustration over the allegations, stating, “Going by the reactions to what happened, it may frustrate one to the point of contemplating suicide because it was deeply frustrating. But that notwithstanding, people have been telling me to sue him. I could do that because I have my evidence.”

He reiterated that Kemi’s condition was critical upon arrival and that the hospital lacked the resources to handle her case.

Salami said, “The woman was not registered in the hospital. We didn’t know her. When they brought her in, we discovered it was something we could not handle. If we had given her just one drip that day, she could have died because there was no blood left in her body.”

Salami speculated that Kemi might not have been receiving proper antenatal care before the incident, stating, “I don’t think the woman was registered in any hospital because if she had been receiving treatment during her antenatal period, she wouldn’t have been in that condition.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, Salami concluded by placing his trust in God, saying, “I am a Muslim, and whatever comes a Muslim’s way, the best thing to say is ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’ (Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return).”

He also expressed confidence that the community members who have used his hospital’s services will help restore his integrity.