Daredevil terrorists, who are locally dubbed as bandits, are said to now receive ransom through bank electronic transfer in Zamfara State.

SaharaReporters reports that some of the terrorists were paid N2million ransom through a moniepoint virtual bank account on October 3, 2024.

A money transfer instrument seen by SaharaReporters showed that N2million was paid into a Palmpay virtual bank account number 7026353728, owned by one Musa Muhammad, believed to be a bandit in Zamfara State.

This was reported by a conflict and crisis journalist in Nigeria's Northwest, Bakatsine on his X social media handle.

Bakatsine, disclosed that after the N2 million bank transfer, the bandits instructed that additional millions be delivered to a specified location according to a credible source.

The incident, reportedly happened in the Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

"Bandits in Zamfara State received ransom through bank transfer. After transferring N2million to their bank account as requested, they later instructed that additional millions be delivered to a specified location according to my source the incident happened in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State," Bakatsine posted.

The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has advised President Bola Tinubu against releasing allocations to states that have failed to conduct credible local government elections.

Naija News reports that on October 5, states such as Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Jigawa conducted their local government elections.

However, most states are yet to conduct their grassroot elections.

Speaking on the development, SERAP described the action as wrong.

In a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, SERAP asked Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, to withhold federal allocations of states that have failed to conduct credible local government elections.

The organization also asked the President to ensure that any allocations from the Federation Account are paid only to democratically elected local government councils and no other body or institution

The statement read in part, “Your government has the obligation to enforce the Nigerian Constitution and to prevent public wrong, including by state governors.

“A democratically elected local government council does not and should not exist at the pleasure, whims and caprice of governors or their political godfathers.

“Your government also has the constitutional obligation to ensure accountability for the spending of federal allocations and immediate compliance with the judgment by the Supreme Court and the rule of law.”

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, a group of Nigerian and foreign students protested outside the Nigerian High Commission in London, calling on President Bola Tinubu to reverse his "anti-poor policies" and drop all charges against those arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The demonstration was organized by a group of socialist students under the banner of ‘Fight for Socialism’.

The protesters who comprised Black and White students displayed placards with inscriptions such as "Drop all charges and release protesters" and "Reverse all anti-poor policies."

In a video clip obtained by SaharaReporters, the protesters are seen chanting repeatedly, "When I say Tinubu, you say thief," as they voiced their discontent with the government's treatment of #EndBadGovernance protesters.

The group's demands include not only the release of detained protesters but also bring an end to the policies they believe harm Nigeria's poorest citizens.

The protest took place at the Nigerian High Commission in WC2N 5BX, London.

“When I say Tinubu, you say thief. Tinubu, thief; Tinubu, thief,” they chanted multiple times.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has revealed that his negotiations with bandits consistently take place in the presence of police and government officials.

When asked in an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH why he has taken the matter of speaking to terrorists seriously, Gumi said, “I am in the eye of the storm, and I am a full-fledged Nigerian. I also have an interest in peace and tranquility. I cannot wait for the official narrative because I have been in the army and I know how things go.

“Today, 90 per cent of our intelligence is garbage. What we have left is just about 10 per cent. That is why we have coups because intelligence does not have a way to identify these people.

“They also killed their leaders because no intelligence picked them up. Can we wait until we get a government that understands, then, we can make plans to intervene and see if it can calm nerves to achieve peace. No, as individuals, we have to do our best. Then I can advise the government on what we have seen.

“One thing Nigerians should understand is that I have never been to any den of these people without officials of the government. I go with the police because one cannot go alone; you must go with them.

“Only that they will tell you there is a perimeter—don’t come with some of them. Sometimes, I also go with traditional institutions and state government officials. My plan is only to broker peace with them. They open their doors for us to sit and discuss issues.”

This revelation comes as killings and kidnappings continue to rise in northern Nigeria, despite the government’s heavy expenditure on security.

Gumi criticised the government's reliance on military solutions, likening it to administering the wrong medicine for an illness.

“No matter how many expensive drugs you give to patients, if they are not the right drugs, they will not get cured,” he explained, stressing that the banditry problem is rooted in social issues.

He further noted that most bandits are young, and the situation demands dialogue rather than military intervention.

“When a society is neglected until it becomes harmful, like the military, the next line of action is dialogue,” Gumi said.

He questioned the government for insisting on military action when the bandits are open to negotiation, urging a change in approach.

“It is really useless when we spend our money on modern gadgets, intelligence gathering, and all that; we are going astray,” Gumi remarked, suggesting that expanding the police force would be a more effective solution.

Gumi also warned that using the military in guerrilla warfare is counterproductive.

“Using the military to fight a guerrilla war is like punishing the military,” he said.

He elaborated on his negotiation strategy, noting that approaching bandits as a preacher opens their hearts to discussions.

“When one approaches them as a negotiator or a preacher, they open their hearts,” Gumi added.

He expressed concern over the bandits’ increasing religious motivations, citing their chants of “Allahu Akbar” as a worrying sign.

Addressing allegations of political sponsorship of terrorists, Gumi firmly denied such claims, saying, “No politician is sponsoring these people. We are all victims.” He attributed the violence to longstanding neglect and deprivation.

Motunrayo Olaniyi, a 30-year-old Nigerian man, is now cooling his heels in police custody for allegedly stabbing his wife and setting her body on fire in their apartment at Amazing Grace Estate, Elepe community, Ikorodu area of Lagos.

The newlywed couple was engaged in a disagreement that degenerated into a fight at about 1 p.m., on Friday.

The man was said to have accused his six-month pregnant wife, Olajumoke, of infidelity, alleging that one of his brothers was responsible for the pregnancy. But she denied it

Before Friday’s tragedy, neighbors told Vanguard that he had attacked her earlier in her mother’s presence.

A neighbor, who pleaded anonymity, said: ‘They did their traditional marriage three months ago when Jumoke was three months pregnant. Then, all of a sudden, problems started.

“He was accusing his wife of being promiscuous. He said the pregnancy she was carrying was not his, but his younger brother’s.

“Earlier in the week, he attacked Jumoke in the presence of her mother, who came visiting. She (Jumoke’s mother) took him to church for deliverance prayers because they suspected he was possessed and needed deliverance.

“This second attack happened after Jumoke’s mother left.'”

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin, confirmed the arrest and explained:“On Friday, October 4, a distress call was received at the Ikorodu division that Olaniyi and his 25-year-old wife, Olajumoke, allegedly engaged in a domestic scuffle in their apartment.

“In the process, the husband stabbed the wife to death, locked her in the room, and set it ablaze, while he inflicted wounds on himself.
“Based on the report, a team of detectives visited the scene, where the fire was put out, and the lifeless body of the wife was found lying on the floor with wounds on her abdominal part.

“The husband was rescued with injuries, rushed to a nearby hospital, treated, discharged, and taken into police custody.

“Upon interrogation, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect stabbed his wife during an altercation between them and gave himself mild stabs.

“Meanwhile, the corpse has been deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Investigation is in progress.”

Popular Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun, is mourning the tragic loss of his daughter, Zeenat Balogun.

The actor announced her passing on Saturday through his verified Instagram account, sharing a poignant image of a candlelight surrounded by flowers, accompanied by heartbroken emojis.

The news of Zeenat’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of condolences and tributes from fans and colleagues alike.

Fellow actress Ronke Oshodi Oke later confirmed the heartbreaking news on her own Instagram account, expressing her sorrow over the loss.

Posting an image of a candle, she wrote, “No words can ease the pain of losing someone so precious. My heart goes out to you @saidibalogun during this incredibly difficult time. May you find strength in the love and support surrounding you.”

Also mourning the death, popular actress, Fathia Balogun, who is a stepmother to the late Zeenat, posted on Instagram, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”

Other actors and well-wishers, including Kunle Afod and Adeniyi Johnson, have also expressed their condolences over the death.

As of the time of this report, the cause of Zeenat Balogun’s death remains unknown.

Media personality, Daddy Freeze launches heavy criticism against the practice of paying tithes in church.

In a video making rounds online, Daddy Freeze reasoned how a church would demand 10% of a person’s income. Providing examples, he averred that if a person earns N100K monthly, he is expected to return N10K and so is someone who earns N40K, expected to return N4K.

According to Daddy Freeze, tithing is a fraud (Yahoo). He asked why people would give money to pastors cruising in private jets.

He further urged people to use their money to feed the poor and needy rather than paying tithes.

Watch the video below:

Nigerian activist, Verydarkman has taken to social media to vent after a lady informed him that she was pregnant a few months after they engaged in coitus.

In a video on Instagram, the controversial media personality revealed that he had intercourse with the lady, gave her money and went on to remind her to take contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. However, it appears his warning fell on deaf ears as the lady recently called him to tell him that she is pregnant.

Verydarkman who claimed that he and his family stand against abortion noted that he has no other option than to become a father unexpectedly. 

Venting, VDM further argued that a lady’s deliberate attempt to have a child for a man who’s not ready should be considered a criminal offence.

He further outlined some problems that could be associated with this; which may include the man dodging responsibilities because he’s not ready.

Sharing the video, VDM wrote:

“Got a girl pregnant which is not our agreement, now one has to be an unprepared father which is not fair at all, forced responsibility.”

See the post below:

Strong indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu has finalized the list of names and designations for his reshuffled cabinet.

Multiple sources within the Presidency disclosed to Saturday Punch that the president has completed the selection process, identifying which ministers will be retained and which will be dropped.

The much-anticipated announcement is expected to be made on Thursday night, shortly after Tinubu arrived in the United Kingdom for his two-week annual leave.

The looming reshuffle comes in the wake of significant economic hardship and nationwide protests experienced last August.

President Tinubu has faced mounting pressure from both within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the broader public to remove underperforming ministers.

Despite periodic warnings from the president regarding performance standards, his cabinet had largely remained intact, with the only notable change being the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in January 2024.

During a three-day retreat for cabinet members and presidential aides last November, Tinubu established a Central Delivery Coordination Unit, led by his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman.

This unit is tasked with evaluating the performance of ministers and other senior government officials, using periodic reports to inform decisions about cabinet membership.

“If you are performing, there’s nothing to fear. If you miss the objective, we’ll review it. If no performance, you leave us. No one is an island, and the buck stops on my desk,” the president emphasized during the retreat.

Following a year since his cabinet’s inauguration in August, the anticipated reshuffle promises to bring about more than just portfolio changes.

Sources indicate that some ministries, such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, may be abolished, while others could be split or merged to enhance efficiency.

Although officials who spoke to our correspondent remained cautious and requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to discuss the matter, they confirmed that the president initially planned to release the new cabinet list on Thursday but opted to take more time to finalize his decisions.

“We are just waiting for the go ahead. All I know is that we are waiting for him to send the new names of those he wants to drop and those he wants to appoint.

“We have been expecting them since yesterday (Thursday). I am not sure of any specifics regarding names for now.

“The last I know, he (the President) said he wants to sleep over the list again before he releases it. Maybe he still wants to change his mind about some names,” a source said.

Another source, who asked not to be named, said, “I’m surprised the list did not come out yesterday (Thursday). That thing is almost finalised already.”

Similarly, another official debunked reports that lobbyists crowded the President’s residence in the UK.

“That’s not true. You know there would be speculations all over the place. Do they know where he is? Even if they know where he is, can they access him?

“Some say lobbyists are just visiting him from left, right and centre. But on this trip, he will likely undergo medicals, too. The way he is resting now, no one can see him just like that. They won’t allow people to access him like that. I can guarantee that,” said the source.

Renowned Nigerian singer and presenter, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has called out the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, following his recent apology on tithing.

Naija News reports that Pastor Adeboye’s name has been trending on social media after the revered clergyman tendered a public apology over his sermon of many years ago, in which he declared that people who do not pay tithe would not make it to heave.

Pastor Adeboye tendered this apology during his church’s Internation Youth Convention (IYC) at the Redemption City of God, Mowe, Ogun State.

“I’m apologizing for saying,’If you don’t pay tithe, you won’t make it to heaven.’ I’m sorry, that’s wrong, and it’s not in the Bible. What the Bible says is, ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God,” Adeboye had said.

The apology has elicited mixed reactions on and off social media.

Reacting, in a post via his social media account, Charly Boy said Adeboye’s apology does not mean anything until he returns the tithes he collected from his congregation.

The entertainer said: “I truly believe that a lot of the fakest people are found in churches, my opinion not yours. Your apology doesn’t mean shit unless you promise to return the tithe money they give you for mumu people wey wan bribe dia way to heaven.

“Stop giving ur CONGREGATION ridiculous Lamba’s Sometimes the nicest people you meet may have bodies covered with Tattoos, the most bitter, judgemental, envious and wicked people all go to church on Sundays. Since your announcement decades ago, that people should trow away their TVs, I had always known that your way no pure as person wey dey “drink tea with God”

“There is nothing worse than a fault finding finger pointing Pastor who is as fake as the blings of a wanna be artist. Apology? when you know exactly what you’re doing. Nonsense Dia Father’s.”