Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has accused the Nigeria Police of robbing citizens instead of protecting them, The Niche has reported.

Badenoch, who has been trolling Nigeria prior to becoming leader of the UK opposition Conservative Party, made the comment during an interview with a UK journalist.

The British journalist asked her if she trusted the UK police. In response, she said: “I do. My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.

“The police in Nigeria will rob us (laughter). When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well…I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”

Interviewer exclaimed in shock. “They took his shoe and his watch?” Kemi continued: “It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things. So, giving people a gun is just a license to intimidate. But that’s not just the problem. That is not the bar we should use for the British Police. When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person. This was in 2004, that was 20 years ago.”

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Natacha Anita Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has opened up on the reason she decided to relocate abroad.

Tacha recently left Nigeria for the United Kingdom.

Speaking in a chat with British media personality Madame Joyce, Tacha disclosed that she relocated to the UK because she has “conquered” the Nigerian market.

Tacha said: “I relocated to the UK because I have conquered the whole of the Nigerian market. Relocating to the UK doesn’t mean I’m not going to do Nigerian deals. If the offer is good, why not?

“The influencing scene in Nigeria looks so beautiful, but behind the scenes, it’s not as beautiful as it seems because the money is poor. Someone would pay you N6 million, that’s around $3,000, for you to influence for six months and post two videos a month.

The fee was the same when I left the Big Brother Naija show in 2019, but it made sense then. At least, you could book a plane ticket with it. But right now, $3,000 is nothing. N6 million seems good, but when you have to convert it to dollars, travel abroad, and spend money to look good, there’s nothing left.”

In August 2021, Olufemi Adegoke, father of Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, praised Sunday Igboho, the Yoruba Nation activist, for his “bravery”.

Adegoke, who was the president of Voice of Reason (VOR) — a group of Yoruba professionals passionate about good governance in Nigeria — told BBC Yoruba that Igboho has the right to call for secession of the Yoruba ethnic group from Nigeria.

In the interview published in August 16, 2021, Adegoke said Igboho, however, crossed the line by allegedly advocating for the use of violence.

“One person can’t fight for secession. It is not possible. A true warlord is the one who knows when to retreat from the war front and when to intensify the war,” Adegoke said.

“It is true that Sunday Igboho is a brave man. He shouted and did his things (referring to the fight for Yoruba Nation). He has the right to let the youths know what is happening, the injustice in the country and that if we secede, it will benefit us.

“But this is not the way to fight for secession. It is not by cutlasses and sticks, it is by wisdom.

“Those who are supporting him are turning him to a god. They are the ones who made him pass his boundary. But there is nothing wrong in him running away from the country.”

During the interview, Adegoke advocated for restructuring and a new constitution for Nigeria.

“We are not talking about succession. What we are saying is that — what we have (resources) in this country is enough for everyone,” he said.

“Give regions the opportunity to protect themselves in their domains. It is not that someone will stay many miles away and dictate how we should govern and educate ourselves. Instead of self-determination, self-governance is our target.”

Adegoke died in January 2022.

gboho became prominent after he asked herdsmen from northern extraction to leave the south-west geopolitical zone of the country.

In July 2021, Igboho was arrested alongside his wife, Ropo, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and detained at the request of the Nigerian government.

He fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, after the Department of State Services (DSS) raided his residence in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

The DSS alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons, and subsequently declared him wanted.

Attempts by the Nigerian government to repatriate him to Nigeria after his arrest were unsuccessful.

Igboho was arraigned at the Court D’Apeal in Cotonou and was detained in a prison facility in the country.

In the last quarter of 2023, he was released from the prison custody and he returned to Nigeria in February 2024.

BADENOCH’S COMMENTS

Recently, Badenoch said she identifies more with the Yoruba ethnic group than the Nigerian entity.

The UK parliamentarian said she is proud of her Yoruba ancestry which has given her a “very strong identity”.

The Conservative leader said she “does not have anything in common” with Nigerians from the northern part of the country.

“I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba]. That’s what I really am,” she said in an interview with the Spectator.

“I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where the Islamism is, those were our ethnic enemies and yet you end up being lumped in with those people.”

Badenoch has stirred online conversation about her ties with Nigeria following her criticisms of the country’s governance terrain and society.

In one of her interviews, she described Nigeria as a “socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity”.

Badenoch’s criticism of Nigeria caught the attention of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who berated her depiction of Nigeria.

Shettima also advised Badenoch to change her first name if she no longer wants to identify with her homeland.

Despite economic hardship and suffering, some state governors have yet to reduce the cost of governance, particularly in the number of vehicles in their convoys, findings by PUNCH have shown.

The governors, who are the major beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy removal which resulted in more revenues from federal allocations, have yet to adjust their extravagant lifestyles.

Cutting the cost of governance by political officeholders has been emphasised as a way to mitigate economic hardship.

On October 24, President Bola Tinubu restricted ministers and heads of agencies of the Federal Government to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys.

The president also ordered them to have a maximum of five security personnel as part of measures to reduce the cost of governance.

Investigations by our correspondents showed that many of the ministers have complied with the president’s directive.

However, some state governors have not done much to cut down on the cost of governance.

The luxury lifestyles of governors are noticeable in their convoys, as many retain large numbers of expensive vehicles.

Also, the travel expenses, cabinets, and political appointments of some governors have raised concerns about their readiness to reduce expenditures.

NASARAWA

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has a convoy of 15 vehicles, including the latest models of Chevrolet Jeep, Lexus, Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado.

The price of a brand new 2023 Chevrolet Jeep in Nigeria ranges between $35,000 and $70,000, while a brand new Lexus 2023 model costs between $47,000 and $90,000.

At N1,050/litre, at least N85,000 worth of fuel will be needed to fill the 81-litre tank capacity of the Chevrolet SUV, while filling up the Lexus 2023 model with a tank of 87 litres requires about N91,000. The two vehicles therefore will need N176,000 worth of fuel.

If other vehicles have at least 70-litre tanks, it will take N73,500 to fuel each of them. For the 13 vehicles in the convoy, at least N955,500 of fuel will be needed. The entire convoy will then require at least N1.1m worth of petrol, which could last for a few days or a week.

A resident of Lafia Local Government Area of the state, Agatha Locombu, expressed dismay at the large convoy of the governor amidst prevailing hardship.

Agatha said, “The vehicles being used by politicians are too many. You can imagine a governor having a convoy of over 15 vehicles in this hard time. It is not the right thing to do.

“Here in Nasarawa State, our governor has numerous SUVs in his convoy, and sometimes, I imagine how much the state government spends to maintain the vehicles when the masses can barely afford three square meals a day.”

But the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, said the governor had been prudent with the state’s resources.

“He is one of the governors who have refused to travel on chartered planes, unlike other governors. All these are targeted at cutting the cost of governance,” he added.

ADAMAWA

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, maintains a convoy of 15 vehicles, including six Toyota Prado (2024 model) being sold between $62,830 and $100,665 each.

The fuel tank capacity of each of the Prado is between 87 litres and 150 litres. This means any of the brands will gulp between N91,350 and N157,500 worth of fuel at a time.

With at least 70-litre tanks in each of the other nine vehicles, it will take N73,500 to fuel each SUV and a total of N661,500 worth of fuel for the vehicles.

Some of the governor’s aides, who were contacted by Sunday PUNCH for comment, declined to speak on the grounds that they were not permitted to talk to journalists.

Besides, the governor also has 80 aides, with 24 commissioners and 57 heads of commissions.

Fintiri had earlier appointed 47 media aides, followed by 30 advisers, 45 senior special assistants, 37 principal special assistants and 21 special assistants in 2023.

ZAMFARA

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, uses a 2025 BMW 760i series being sold at N197,807,247.76 as of September this year.

The V-8 car has a fuel tank of 73.81553 litres (19.5 gallons). At N1,050 fuel pump price (in Abuja), it is estimated that the governor will use N78,000 to fill his car tank, paid for by taxpayers.

In the governor’s convoy are also Lexus and Toyota SUVs numbering about eight, and five Hilux in a video seen on by Sunday PUNCH.

The 13 other vehicles in the governor’s convoy will be fuelled at the cost of N949,000 at a 70-litre capacity per vehicle.

DELTA

Governor Sheriff Oboreveori of Delta State has over 15 vehicles in his convoy as sighted by Sunday PUNCH.

Our correspondent observed that the convoy included a Lexus SUV 2023 model, which the governor bought shortly after he assumed office.

The price of the governor’s official vehicle goes for between $47,000 and $90,000, depending on the trim.

With a litre of petrol being sold for about N1,050 per litre, it will cost about N155,000 to fill the 110-litre tank capacity of the SUV.

Besides, the governor also has a Mercedes 580 being used as a backup. This vehicle has a 76-litre tank and it takes N79,800 to fuel it.

The 12 other vehicles in the governor’s convoy will be fuelled at the cost of N822,000 at a 70-litre capacity per vehicle.

Findings from auto dealers revealed that the price of the car is between $147,441 and $198,300.

Other vehicles in the governor’s convoy include those for protocol aides, anti-bomb personnel, chief security officer, police, Department of State Services, two buses for media, and one medical bus, among others.

PLATEAU

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has a convoy of 12 vehicles in his convoy.

Mutfwang uses Lexus 600 2023 SUV and Range Rover 2023 models.

Other vehicles in his convoy include Toyota Land Cruisers and Prado, a pilot Hilux, an ambulance, and a bus for the press crew, among others.

The Lexus SUV goes for $90,815.

The prices of the other vehicles go for between $83,000 and $121,500.

With N1,050 per litre, the Lexus with 80-litre tank capacity will be fuelled at N84,000, while the Range Rover will gulp N94,500 worth of fuel.

If the 10 other vehicles have at least 70 litres tank each, it will take N735,000 to fuel them.

KATSINA 

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has 11 vehicles in his convoy, while his deputy, Faruk Jobe, has four.

Aside from his Lexus LX 570, the governor also has Prado, Toyota Land Cruisers, and two buses (for press crew and new media).

According to an online price survey, the price of the Lexus LX 570 ranged from $86,930 to $91,930, depending on the year and specs.

With a fuel tank capacity of 93.12113, it takes N98,000 to fill the tank at N1050 per litre.

The average fuel tank of a Prado is between 80 and 110 litres, meaning that between N84,000 and N115,000 will be used to fuel the vehicles.

In Jobe’s convoy are official Lexus CX. R, J560, Land Cruiser, and two Prados.

The prices of the Lexus CX. R, J560 ranged from $37,515 to $141,350, depending on the trim and options.

LAGOS

Findings by our correspondents showed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has 11 vehicles in his convoy, including his Land Cruiser 409 TT.

Among the vehicles in Sanwo-Olu’s convoy sighted at two different times while on official engagements are six SUVs, one ambulance, two Hilux vehicles (for security personnel) and two buses for the press crew.

Also, the governor’s convoy has two BMW motorcycles that usually lead the convoy.

According to a market survey, Sanwo-Olu’s Land Cruiser 409 TT is being sold for between $105,940 and $139,000 as of the time of filing this report.

The governor’s Land Cruiser has a 110-litre tank capacity and fuelling the vehicle at N1,050 per litre will cost N115,500.

OSUN

Findings revealed that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s convoy consists of 11 vehicles, including an ambulance and backup.

Adeleke uses two Lexus LX 600 SUVs, with a 2023 model costing $90,815 and a 2024 model costing $93,915, excluding destination fees.

The wife of the governor, Titilola Adeleke, usually has four vehicles in her convoy.

Also, a review of the budget performance documents in the state revealed that the state spent N527m on refreshments and meals between January and September 2024.

But the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in the state, Kolapo Alimi, said the amount was expended on transportation, accommodation and event organisation.

BORNO

Sunday PUNCH observed that the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, rides a 2021 Lexus LX 570, being sold between N90m and N120m depending on the location and specification.

The LX is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, with a fuel tank capacity of 93 litres that requires N97,650 to fill.

It was observed that the governor moves in not less than 11 vehicle convoy.

Zulum also has 19 commissioners and 168 aides comprising nine Senior Technical Assistants, 81 Senior Special Assistants and 78 Special Assistants.

OGUN

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has 10 vehicles in his convoy.

The governor uses two Lexus SUVs, three Hilux vehicles for security operatives, the press crew bus, one ambulance sometimes and a Sienna space bus for the aides.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the convoy of the deputy governor are not more than five with two SUV Lexus, while one serves as a backup, the press crew bus, and two Hilux vehicles for security and protocol.”

KANO

There are no fewer than 10 vehicles in the convoy of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.

Findings by Sunday PUNCH showed that there were five Toyota SUVs, three Hilux vehicles and two buses in the convoy.

The governor uses Lexus LX 570 being sold for between $86,930 and $91,930, depending on the trim. It has a 93.1 fuel tank capacity that requires N98,000 worth of petrol to fill.

SOKOTO

The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has five SUVs and other vehicles in his convoy.

Two of the SUVs are Lexus 2023 models with each of them costing between $49,950 and $90,000.

The governor also has in his convoy three Toyota Prado with each costing nothing less than N150m.

The Toyota Lexus SUVs consume about 180 litres while the Toyota Prado consumes about 100 litres of fuel.

Also, the Deputy Governor, Muhammad Gobir, has about three SUVs in his convoy.

Each of the 25 commissioners in the state also use Prados.

This is apart from another set of vehicles given to about 40 special advisers.

Meanwhile, the governor recently distributed the Toyota Corolla (2006) to some of his Senior Special Assistants as official vehicles.

ONDO

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has between five and eight vehicles in his convoy.

The vehicles include the governor’s bulletproof SUV, two pilot Hilux, another SUV for security, an ambulance and a bus for the media.

Aiyedatiwa usually attends functions with between five and eight vehicles within and outside the state.

EKITI

The convoy of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, is made up of between four and six vehicles.

The vehicles include the governor’s Toyota Landcruiser and other Toyota products being used by security operatives and the media.

BENUE

In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia spends huge amounts of money on frequent foreign trips, just as he keeps a large convoy, including the latest bulletproof 2023 Lexus Jeep which is reportedly worth N500m.

According to a government official, the governor has jetted out of the country three times in the last few weeks.

In the past few weeks, the governor has embarked on foreign trips thrice. First, was a trip to attend the United Nations General Assembly, though as part of the vice president’s entourage. But, he decided to have offside engagements which made him spend more days.

Barely a week after he returned, he jetted out to the United Arab Emirates to attend the 2024 Gitex Global Summit.

As of the time of filing this report, the governor is in China, attending the 136th session of China Import and Export Fair Exhibition.

However, the Technical Adviser to the governor on Publicity and Media Strategy, Solomon Iorpev, said all the trips of the governor in recent times were for the benefit of the state.

“The convoy of the governor is devoid of the usual luxury of a flashy and long convoy. The point is that the so-called long convoy was caused by the appointees of the governor who like to join him in any official engagement within the state,” he added.

BAYELSA

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has 29 commissioners, 109 technical advisers, and about 700 senior special assistants.

Some top government officials said the governor’s last two trips gulped huge sums of money.

Diri has a N1.134bn budget for food, refreshment/nourishment for his office in 2024.

KADUNA

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has maintained a large team of 80 aides and 14 commissioners, according to Sunday PUNCH’s findings.

Uba, who didn’t change the official vehicles left behind by his predecessor, Nasir el-Rufai, has in his fleet of cars, a Lexus 460 model (2022), and another that he “rarely” uses.

A Lexus 460 model goes for between $45,353 and $59,473 in the car market.

Other vehicles in the governor’s convoy include two BMW X5 motorbike outriders and several Toyota Hilux vans for police escorts and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives.

JIGAWA

The convoy of the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, consists of a minimum of eight vehicles, including for press, security, and other permanent entourage members.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the governor’s official vehicle is a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV 7th anniversary edition.

Market survey shows that the SUV goes for between $57,900 and $63,900.

GOMBE

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe state uses Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, while his commissioners and special advisers use GAC sport utility vehicles.

KWARA

Amid economic hardship, the Kwara State Government has spent a total of N922m on the presidential lodge and guest chalets.

A report on the budget performance of the state between January and September 2024 revealed that it budgeted N1bn for the lodge and guest chalets, while the government did not spend anything on water facility repairs and rehabilitation that has a N700m budget.

However, unlike most of his colleagues, the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, attends official and private assignments in a convoy of few vehicles, sometimes less than five.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that AbdulRazaq rides in a 2024 bulletproof Toyota Hilux, estimated at over N200m, while the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, rides a 2022 Toyota Prado estimated at N120m.

YOBE

In the first nine months of 2024, the Yobe State Government spent N2.6bn on honorarium and refreshments, according to a budget performance report.

The state also spent N1.2bn on the construction of chalets at a presidential lodge in the same period under review.

According to the report posted to the state’s website, a total of N600m was expended on three generators between January and September 2024.

Also, a sum of N1.1bn was used to purchase stoves and cooking gas for distribution to the public to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems, deforestation, and emission of GHGs.

TARABA

A total sum of N2.6bn was spent on office furniture and fittings by the Taraba State Government between January and September 2024, according to the budget performance report of the period.

However, the state spent N1.7bn on the rehabilitation/repairs of public schools, and N617m on the rehabilitation/repairs of agricultural facilities.

But Emmanuel Bello, the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to Governor Agbu Kefas, denied the report, saying it was untrue.

“Which office was furnished with such an amount? How much does the state get each month? How is the governor able to pay for free education? How have we kept our obligations to servicing loans and debts of the past?” he queried.

CROSS RIVER

According to the third-quarter budget performance of Cross River, the state spent N5.5bn on the procurement of vehicles between January and September 2024.

This means that the state spent 46.6 per cent of its N32.4bn Internally Generated Revenue on vehicles.

EBONYI

Even without a public zoo, the Ebonyi State Government claimed to have spent a sum of N1.1bn on wildlife conservation between January and September this year.

A total of N3bn was budgeted for wildlife conservation in the state.

However the state government denied the report, stating that the amount was for contingency, not wildlife conservation.

“First, the amount N1.1bn recorded against wildlife conservation is an amount meant for contingency items which the approved budget has coded under Margin for Increase in Cost and not wildlife conservation,” the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, said.

Report by:

A new per litre price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as fuel or petrol, has been noticed across retail outlets of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Journalists who visited various NNPCL retail stations in the nation’s capital city observed that the price of petrol had been lowered from ₦1,060 to ₦1,040 per litre, indicating a reduction of ₦20.

According to a filling station attendant at the NNPCL outlet along the Kubwa expressway, the price adjustment took place on Saturday morning, bringing the cost down to ₦1,040 per litre from the previous ₦1,060.

Motorist Ezekiel Njoku also verified this change to Daily Post on Saturday.

“The reduction of ₦20 is significant. We need further fuel price reductions in the coming days,” Njoku said.

Nigerians will now purchase petrol at ₦1,040 per litre at NNPCL filling stations.

Prices, however, at other filling stations are likely to vary as some outlets might sell the product for around ₦1,115 per litre, depending on the location.

This change occurred just three weeks after the state-owned Port Harcourt refinery commenced the production of petroleum products in November 2024.

The former Managing Director of NNPCL Retail, Prof. Billy Okoye, had previously indicated that a decrease in fuel prices was likely with the initiation of production at the Port Harcourt refinery.

Additionally, oil marketers, along with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), have suggested that the deregulation of the sector, in conjunction with operational changes, is influencing these developments.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a stringent penalty of ₦150 million on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) found guilty of supplying mint naira notes to currency hawkers.

This move is part of the apex bank’s efforts to curb the illegal trade and ensure the effective distribution of cash to the public.

The announcement follows the CBN’s clarification regarding the continued use of old ₦1000, ₦500, and ₦200 notes as legal tender.

A statement from Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali Hakama, reaffirmed that these denominations remain valid following a Supreme Court ruling on November 29, 2023.

The CBN also cautioned against the hoarding of cash.

In a circular signed by Acting Director of Currency Operations, Mohammed Olayemi, the CBN expressed concern over the rising prevalence of mint naira notes being sold by hawkers.

The bank described the act as a serious obstacle to efficient cash flow and access for citizens and businesses.

The circular, which referenced an earlier directive issued on November 13, 2024, revealed the CBN’s intensified efforts to address the illicit trade of the naira.

The directive warns that any DMB branch found culpable will face an initial fine of ₦150 million. Subsequent violations would attract even stricter sanctions, in line with the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

To ensure compliance, the CBN pledged to increase spot checks at banking halls and ATMs. It also announced plans to deploy “mystery shoppers” to identify and expose locations where naira hawking is taking place.

The circular read, “The CBN has noted with dismay the prevalence of illicit flow of mint banknotes to currency hawkers and other unscrupulous economic agents that commodify Naira banknotes, thus impeding efficient and effective cash distribution to banks’ customers and the general public.

“CBN will continue to intensify the periodic spot checks to the banking halls/ATMs to review cash payouts to banks’ customers, as well as mystery shopping to all identified cash hawking spots across the country.

“In this regard, any erring deposit money banks or financial institutions that are culpable of facilitating, aiding, or abetting, by direct actions or inactions, the illicit flow of mint banknotes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous economic agents that commodify Naira banknotes shall be penalised at first instance ₦150,000,000.00 (One hundred and fifty million Naira) only, per erring branch, and at later instances, apply the full weight of relevant provisions of BOFIA 2020.”

The CBN further urged financial institutions to strengthen their internal controls, processes, and procedures at Cash Management Centres, branches, and teller operations.

This, the bank said, would prevent banks from being exploited for illegal cash-related transactions.

The Director General of Media and Communication to Governor Abba Yusuf, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, has narrated how he took refuge in the Kano State Government House to avoid being arrested.

He stated this while delivering an address on Saturday at the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship in Kano, claiming that at least 40 officers of the Inspector General of Police monitoring team were deployed to Kano to arrest him about six days ago.

He revealed that he remained in the government house because of the constitutional immunity that disallows arrest on the premises except with the governor’s express instruction.

Tofa explained that he had a court order restricting the police from arresting him which was why he attended the event which he could not miss, adding that he was fortified against being arrested.

“For the last five days, I have been in the government house and could not come out. The nature of Kano politics is so much that there is a fight that you can even say is a federal versus state fight. And at some point, I have almost been behind almost everything of that nature.

“So there was this petition against me and nobody is handling the petition but the IGP himself. He deployed 40 IG monitoring team squad to Kano since Sunday with the sole aim of arresting me.

“So, I came out because of just three things, one, I don’t think I should miss this event even if I’m going to be arrested.

“The second issue is that I have gotten a court order which has not been served to the police but is viral, so I’m sure they must have seen it. And then the third one is that I came here well fortified to resist arrest if it happens.

Addressing the fellows, he advised them on the importance of mentorship as well as the benefits.

“So gentlemen, I will say media, communication, journalism, PR, is a very noble profession. You don’t need to be a graduate of mass communication to venture into it as much as you can get professional training and a mentor.

“In my entire life, I believe so much in maintaining a mentor. In the last 24 years, whatever I take as a decision to do in my life, I search for a mentor for that particular thing. In some areas, I get mentor 1, mentor 2 and mentor 3. Mentor 1,2,3 will give you an option. If you are so confused about something you can gather the three opinions and evaluate them and then pick the best that suits you” he advised.

Addressing newsmen the chief executive of PR Nigeria, Yusha’ Shu’aib said the program was initiated to nurture and mentor a new generation of communicators and equip them with the skills and tools to communicate.

“In the past people always thought about basic skills in communication but now with the advent of technology, we realize that the issue has to do with fact-checking.

“Therefore Artificial Intelligence and social media are very vital in communication these days” he stated.

Nigerian military troops have uncovered and destroyed camps of the newly-formed terrorist group, Lakurawa, in the Jibia area of Katsina State and Tsafe in Zamfara State, as part of "Operation Chase Lakurawa Out."

The specialised troops, deployed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, arrived in Sokoto State on Thursday to support ongoing operations.

Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2, Operation Fasan Yanma, shared the updates with newsmen in Sokoto State on Friday.

Ajose confirmed that "Operation Chase Lakurawa Out" which began a week ago, has yielded significant successes, including clearing several forests and destroying multiple terrorist camps.

To further solidify these gains, Ajose announced the deployment of the Defence and Special Operations Brigade by the Chief of Defence Staff. 

The specialised troops, selected and trained for the mission, have already joined forces with local units on the ground.

Captain Martins Miagamu, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Tangaza, Sokoto, revealed that recent clearance operations targeting Lakurawa terrorists had been successful. 

Since December 1, 2024, the operations have focused on areas like Sarma, Bouni, and Tona, where the terrorists often infiltrate. 

Miagamu noted, “On December 8, we successfully pushed them towards the general area of Gudu, marking the conclusion of our limited pre-causal operation. We are now preparing for the next phase, as directed by the Chief of Defence Staff.”

However, Miagamu acknowledged the difficulties posed by local sympathisers and informants who helped the terrorists evade capture. 

“Before we conduct any operations, these individuals often warn the terrorists about our movements,” he said. 

He further explained that some locals form bonds with the terrorists, even marrying women from nearby villages to gain their protection.

“The terrorists have convinced the locals that their jihad is against the military, security personnel, and government officials, not civilians,” Miagamu added.

Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of the 1 Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, highlighted the progress made in the campaign, noting that the terrorists’ increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a sign of their desperation. 

“The use of IEDs is a clear sign that they are on the brink of defeat. But this will not deter us; we will continue until we rid the entire North-West of them,” Opurum asserted.

Opurum also issued a direct warning to the terrorists, “Surrender or be neutralised. We are coming for you, and there is no place to hide.”

In Katsina, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, reported that more than 50 bandit groups, each with different motives and tactics, are operating in the state. 

He assured that the brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, is committed to addressing emerging threats and finding effective solutions.

Simon Ekpa, the remanded leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently incarcerated at Kylmäkoski Prison, one of the most secure and challenging prisons globally, according to findings by Saturday PUNCH.

The high security prison is in Vanhamaantie, Akaa, Finland.

The Finnish government had announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

The Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, who described himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.

According to local publication, Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

Saturday PUNCH reports that the Finnish government had frozen Ekpa’s assets, as well as those of companies associated with him and four of his accomplices, who are also in remand.

Yle, in a report, stated that Ekpa is being held in the Kylmäkoski vankila.

The Head of International Communications of Yle, Mika Ojamies, in response to enquiries from our correspondent, also confirmed that the suspect was in the prison.

Kylmäkoski vankila: Finland’s toughest prison

The Kylmäkoski vankila was built in 1993 for male prisoners.

The facility, which is known for accommodating people who have committed serious crimes, including violent suspects and s*x offenders, is the largest closed-unit facility in Finland.

The prison currently houses 113 prisoners, mostly convicts and remand inmates.

The Kylmäkoski vankila was featured in a 2023 Netflix documentary series, Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons.

A journalist, Raphael Rowe, entered the wards and interacted with some of the inmates, including the most dangerous criminals in Finland.

Among the inmates interviewed were Toni, Olli, Michael, Danny, and Jani, who had histories of violence and crime.

Two of the inmates, Toni and Olli, were notorious for their brutal actions, and did not show remorse for their crimes during the conversation with Rowe.

Another inmate, identified as Antti, told the reporter about the ‘lizard wing,’ a section created for dangerous inmates, particularly s*x offenders and informants.

The inmates warned that in prison, people mind their business—but not when it comes to s*xual offenders.

“If you’re some s*xual offenders, or something… paedophile, you get knocked the f**k out,” Jani stated.

In the documentary, one inmate was moved to a different wing after punching a new prisoner who had snitched on him years earlier.

Some prisoners recounted their violent acts, including one who shot his brother’s killer in the head, an 18-year-old boy who stabbed a man in the neck, and another inmate who ran over a person with a car before shooting the person with a bow.

In a different case, a 50-year-old prisoner stated that he had been convicted 11 times in Finland, six times in Sweden, twice in Denmark, and once in Norway, spending a total of 23 years in prison for various violent crimes, including two murders.

Power in the prison is often tied to the possession of drugs.

One prisoner confirmed that the man with the most drugs becomes the ‘king’ of the prison.

Most of the prisoners are heavily tattooed, with their massive, frames making them even more intimidating.

With their intimidating appearances and violent histories, the prisoners in Kylmakoski show no remorse for their crimes.

Most of the prisoners committed crimes while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, making them even more dangerous.

Around 90 per cent of new inmates arrive with drug problems.

Newcomers often smuggle in drugs, including subutex, cocaine and amphetamines, as well as cell phones. Subutex is a popular Finnish drug.

A prison officer confirmed the troubling trend in the video, noting that dealing with such violent, drug-affected prisoners was a major challenge for the prison system.

Prison issues

A first major problem with the prison is the persistent issue of drug smuggling, which has continued despite efforts to stop it.

Also, a female guard was sacked for having affairs with inmates. According to Yle, the officer was fired in May 2023 over an inappropriate “relationship with a number of male inmates.”

“In its dismissal notice, the prison argued that there were particularly compelling reasons for the officer’s dismissal, as information regarding her inappropriate behaviour was obtained from inmates as well as staff,” the report said.

Also, a prisoner was said to have tricked guards by using the personal information of another inmate that was due for release.

The incident prompted nationwide reforms on the release of inmates.

Finland closed prison

Unlike the open prisons in Finland where prisoners take vacation, go to work and own keys to their rooms, prisoners in closed prisons are restricted and denied freedom.

The cell doors are locked during the times determined in the daily schedule. When the ward is locked, prisoners must be in their cells or in other locations marked in the checklist of prisoners.

The times when the number of prisoners is checked are specified in the daily schedule. Prisoners are obligated to close and lock the cell doors when they leave their cells.

In the prison, a visitor and an inmate are not allowed to take notes or transmit written messages without the permission of the staff.

Also, the prisoner and a visitor may not touch each other during the visit.

“If a prisoner violates the terms of a meeting laid down in the prison rules, a disciplinary punishment may be imposed on the prisoner,” the Prison and Probation Service of Finland said.

Ekpa’s remand

Ekpa was remanded by the district court and is scheduled to face charges in May 2025.

A senior detective superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, had told Saturday PUNCH that Ekpa could not get bail due to the criminal procedure of the country.

“Our procedure is based on the case, remand or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offences to which such measures are applicable.”

A Finnish legal document obtained by Saturday PUNCH revealed that remand is not a punishment, but a coercive measure implemented during a criminal investigation and trial.

The document added that the purpose of remand imprisonment is to secure the criminal investigation, court proceedings, and enforcement of a sentence and to prevent the remanded person from continuing criminal activities.

“Remand imprisonment is ordered by a court that decides to remand a suspect of an offence. Remand imprisonment ends when a court, a prosecutor, or the police (or other official with the power of arrest) releases the remand prisoner.

“Remand imprisonment ends at the latest when the judgment of a district court becomes final. If the judgment of a district court is appealed, remand imprisonment continues until the judgment of a court of appeal is issued.

“However, if a remand prisoner is sentenced to imprisonment, the remand prisoner may consent to the enforcement and abide by the judgment as regards the sentenced imprisonment even before the judgment has become final. In that case, the sentenced person starts serving the imposed sentence of imprisonment and the person’s status changes from a remand prisoner to a prisoner,” it added.

In addition, remand prisoners cannot be placed in an outside institution or given permission for supervised activities outside prison