Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that disinformation was a major factor during the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970.

Obasanjo stated this at the Sixth Edition of Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium organised by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the theme of the symposium, which is “The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War”, was germane, especially in this era of asymmetric warfare.

According to him, disinformation, propaganda, psychological warfare and propagation of false narratives are means through which a weaker force attempts to discredit a superior force in asymmetric wars.

“Disinformation played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, exacerbating tensions and influencing public opinion.

“The same strategy is currently being employed by the insurgents in the northeast and other violent groups  in other parts of Nigeria.

“In line with the theme, the symposium will therefore highlight the importance of media and information operations in conflict resolution and nation-building,” he said.

The former president emphasised the need for Nigeria to be deliberate and diligent in the study of history, particularly military history, to bring out and apply valuable lessons.

He quoted a popular saying that “a child that does not learn history will be told history”, adding that understanding the past would help to better navigate the present and build a more equitable future for all Nigerians.

Obasanjo commended AWCN for the inclusion of the study of the Nigerian Civil War in its curriculum to enhance the capacities of operational-level leaders to effectively apply the lessons from past campaigns in operational planning.

“This fratricidal conflict left an indelible mark on our nation’s collective memory and continues to shape our identity.

“The war’s complex causes, consequences and lessons offer valuable insights for us all,” he added.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was presented by Maj.-Gen. PE Eromosele, described the symposium as a vital platform for nurturing intellectual capacity within the military.

Oluyede praised the theme’s relevance to current operations and reiterated the army’s commitment to building a combat-ready force guided by sound leadership and informed strategy.

Earlier, the Commandant of AWCN, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, said the symposium was designed to enhance the intellectual and leadership capacity of officers undergoing the AWCN Course 9/2025.

Alkali said the college deliberately included the study of the civil war in its curriculum to help participants dissect and draw practical lessons from historical campaigns.

He said the theme aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy ‘to build a combat-ready and professional force capable of delivering on its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment’.

“This symposium allows us to analyse past military operations at strategic, operational, and tactical levels.

“By understanding how disinformation shaped the Nigerian Civil War, we are better equipped to manage the information space in today’s battles,” he said.

The guest lecturer, Prof. Christopher Ogbogbo, who is the Vice Chancellor of Admiralty University, dissected the role of propaganda, media manipulation, and false narratives during the conflict.

He illustrated how misinformation often shaped public perception and policy decisions during the war.

Days after concluding his white wedding Juma Jux's ex-girlfrined, Karen Bujulu has called him out.

She alleged that he was the reason for the crash of their relationship.

Recall that Juma Jux recently tied the knot with Nigerian, Priscilla Ojo, daughter of actress, Iyabo Ojo.

Karen Bujulu and Juma Jux started dating in 2022 and parted ways in February 2024. 

In a recent Instagram post, she alleged that her relationship with Jux ended due to cheating.

See below

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has transmitted an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order.”

He send the bill to the House on Wednesday, 4th June, 2025.

The bill seeks to outlaw practices like money rituals (popularly known as okite), criminal bulletproof charms (odeshi), and the misuse of spiritual authority for unlawful gains.

This is coming in the wake of the shocking revelations surrounding Onyeka Obu, also known as Ezeani, the native doctor accused of burying victims including a pregnant woman alive for money rituals.

The Enugu State Government has now taken swift legislative action to clamp down on illegitimate spiritual practices and related criminality.

Under the proposed law, native doctors, herbalists, “ezenwanyi”, spiritualists, and other traditional practitioners must register with a designated state agency and failure to comply would attract fines ranging from N1 million to N5 million, or up to two years in prison or both.

The bill further prescribes that anyone caught administering charms or rituals to aid crime or acquire wealth supernaturally faces up to six years imprisonment or a N5 million fine even as the bill also places the burden of proof on anyone claiming supernatural powers during an investigation.

The legislation further criminalises the use of religious or spiritual sites for ritual killings, kidnapping, or any form of crime, prescribing penalties of up to 20 years in prison without the option of a fine while property used in such crimes will be forfeited to the state.

American President, Donald Trump has banned the citizens of twelve countries from entering the United States.

Naija News reports that Trump, in a proclamation on Wednesday, also declared that citizens of seven other countries would be partially restricted.

According to him, the move was needed to protect the U.S. against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats.

The countries placed on a full ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Similarly, citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will be partially restricted.

The proclamation is effective on June 9, 2025 at 12:01 am EDT (5:01am Nigerian time).

“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video posted on ?.

The U.S. President said the list could be revised and new countries could be added.

He said the countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbour a “large-scale presence of terrorists”.

He alleged others failed to cooperate on visa security and had an inability to verify travellers’ identities, inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the U.S.

“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump said.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has commenced the grounding of about 60 private jets across the country in a bold move to recover billions of naira in unpaid import duties.

The action, which took effect quietly on Monday, was confirmed on Wednesday by Customs officials, who said the enforcement is targeting both individually and corporately owned luxury aircraft.

Sources confirmed to Punch that private jet hangars at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja were sealed as part of the operation.

Among the affected aircraft are high-end models including the Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000, BD-700 Global 6500, and BD-700 Global 7500 series.

The move follows months of failed appeals to jet owners to validate their aircraft and settle their outstanding duties through a verification exercise initiated in October 2024.

Speaking to Punch, NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the operation and insisted that the service is simply executing its statutory duty.

He said, “Yes, enforcement has started. The aircraft are grounded for the non-payment of customs duty, and as soon as they come over to regularise their payment and give what is due to Nigerians, they will get it back.”

Maiwada recalled that the Customs had issued several warnings and extended the verification deadline multiple times before moving to enforce compliance.

He added, “We issued a statement when we started the verification, and we extended the period and even ‘over extended the period’, now that we are acting, everyone already knows our reason. We just have to enforce, we have to collect revenue for Nigerians so that it will be used for Nigerians.

“Now that we have grounded them, they will have to comply. We are hopeful and we know that they will comply,

Jet Owners Lobbying for Reprieve.”

Sources within the aviation and customs sectors disclosed that some aircraft owners, ranging from top bank executives to oil and gas magnates, have started lobbying the Presidency and other influential offices for intervention.

One commercial bank is reportedly committed to settling its dues by next Tuesday, while another institution is negotiating with Customs through intermediaries. An energy firm reportedly owning three jets has also made commitments to pay within the coming week.

The Federal Government had first revealed plans to ground the jets in October 2024. However, the operation was delayed due to multiple lawsuits.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has refuted claims that he consulted a native doctor to boost his re-election chances ahead of the November 8 governorship contest. A video circulating online appeared to show the governor meeting with a traditional healer, prompting widespread speculation.

In a statement released Thursday, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, labelled the footage “completely false and maliciously fabricated.” Aburime explained that the video was captured during an official engagement with Anambra-based content creators, organised by the governor’s Special Senior Assistant on New Media, Ejimofor Opara.

“During the interactive session, content creators were encouraged to present their talents and discuss the challenges facing the industry,” Aburime said. “One of the attendees performed a comedic skit involving a native doctor character—a common trope in Nigerian online comedy. This was purely an entertainment performance and not an actual consultation. The claim that Gov. Soludo sought the services of a native doctor is entirely false.”

Aburime criticised political opponents for distorting the skit to mislead the public. “It is disheartening that political opponents would distort an innocent artistic presentation to mislead the public.”

Reaffirming Soludo’s re-election strategy, Aburime noted the governor’s confidence in his performance record and the ongoing implementation of the “Solution Agenda,” his administration’s development plan. “Governor Soludo remains confident of victory based on his track record in economic and creative sector development.”

He pointed to the recently inaugurated Solution Fun City project—a new entertainment and tourism hub—as evidence of Soludo’s commitment to economic diversification. “This project reflects his administration’s dedication to empowering the entertainment and tourism sectors,” Aburime said.

A former chief judge of the Federal High Court, Daniel Abutu is dead.

Abutu’s death was announced by the chief registrar of the Federal High Court, Suleiman Hassan on Wednesday, June 4.

According to Hassan, the late former chief judge of the Federal High Court served the judiciary, the court and Nigeria with distinction and integrity.

Having served as a FHC’s chief judge between September 2009 and March 2011, Abutu was committed to justice for all.

“The federal high court regrets to announce the passing of our former chief judge, Honourable Justice D. D. Abutu, who served the court and the nation with distinction, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice,” Hassan said.

He also noted that all the divisions of the Federal High Courts have been directed to display Abutu’s portrait.

This gesture, Hassan said is in honour of Abutu’s unprecedented legacy as the chief judge of the Federal High Court.

According to him, the portraits are expected to be displayed in areas that are dignifying and visible within the courthouses.

In addition, a condolence register is also expected to be opened at all divisions of the Federal High Court immediately.

This will allow judges, staff and distinguished members of the bar the opportunity to eulogise the late judge.

Hassan also stated that all information concerning Abutu’s funeral arrangements would be communicated through the appropriate channels in due time

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling on Wednesday that affirmed his victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship race, calling on opposition figures to join hands in developing Ondo State.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Benson Ogbu, dismissed petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, for lack of merit.

The court also rejected challenges from Action Alliance (AA) and Abdullahi Olowokere; Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bamidele Akingboye; Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Kolawole Ogunfeyimi; and African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Adeyemi Nejo.

Addressing reporters shortly after the judgment, Aiyedatiwa said, “Some political parties thought that they can steal the mandate through the back door, but today, the judiciary has confirmed the decision of the majority of indigenes and residents of Ondo State. So, I am delighted and happy; I, myself, my deputy and the chairman of our party, we are grateful to God.”

The governor urged opposition leaders to contribute their ideas to the state’s development, saying, “I extend the hand of fellowship to our opponents. Their input will help move Ondo forward.”

With the tribunal’s decision now final, Aiyedatiwa will continue his administration’s projects without the cloud of legal challenges. His administration has prioritized road rehabilitation, healthcare improvements, and boosting agricultural value chains

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has dismissed growing speculation suggesting he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP.

“Governor Adeleke remains a bonafide member and leader of the PDP in Osun State,” Rasheed stated, describing recent media reports as baseless and misleading.

The clarification follows a high-profile visit by members of the Adeleke family to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meeting, which included Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke (Davido), Davido’s father, Chief Adedeji Adeleke, and Governor Adeleke himself, took place at the President’s Lagos residence on Tuesday.

The statement emphasized that the visit was purely a familial and courtesy engagement.

“The media speculation about likely or imminent defection is fake news. Governor Adeleke remains a member and leader of the PDP in Osun State. The visit by the Adeleke dynasty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a routine courtesy visit. Any reading of defection agenda into the visit is mere fake news,” Rasheed said

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday hosted Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, in a closed-door meeting in Lagos.

The meeting centred on national development and Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Bakare offered insights into his private conversation with the President, while choosing to keep much of the discussion confidential.

“Well, it’s not about just reservations. It’s about how the country will go well,” he said. “My life, personal vision, is to see a nation that walks in my lifetime. And those things I’ve discussed with Mr. President. They’re not hidden things, but I’ve learned that when you discuss with the person in charge, you leave it with him to do whatsoever he wills with what you have suggested. So I’ve had a private conversation with Mr. President, and I’m glad that he received me well. And I trust that God will help our nation.”

When pressed on the specific issues he raised during the meeting, the fiery preacher declined to offer details.

“I’ve just told you, what transpired in my discussion with him stays with me and with him,” he said. “God guiding him and giving him wisdom will help this nation not to slide or go down the drain, but to bounce back so that it can leave a mark that cannot be erased.”

The meeting comes weeks after Pastor Bakare publicly criticized the federal government’s handling of the country’s worsening insecurity and economic downturn.

In a sermon delivered in April at his Lagos-based church, the cleric issued a strong call for urgent national reforms, warning of the dire consequences of governmental inaction.

He had urged President Tinubu to embrace wise counsel and to “stop playing God,” warning that failure to act decisively could push Nigeria toward an irreversible collapse