FEATURES

FEATURES

Barely a week after killing two police officers, terrorists belonging to Lakurawa group have killed three staff of a leading telecommunication firm.

The insurgents were said to have invaded a construction site at Gumki village in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

It was gathered that the deceased were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service in the area when the terrorists struck and killed them and one other person who is yet to be identified.

Though the police report said three of the deceased were Airtel staff, the locals said they were immigration staff.

A staff of Sir Yahaya Specialist Hospital who spoke to our correspondent said three of the deceased brought to the hospital were immigration staff.

But police public relations officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, said four persons lost their lives, one indigene and three staff of Airtel.

He said on receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani alongside with the Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kebbi State Command, CIS Muhammad Bashir Lawali mobilized their men to the scene to evacuate the corpses to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi.

He added that the Commissioner of Police had deployed additional tactical teams to the area and charged them to decisively deal with the suspected bandits operating in the area.

 

He said the CP also had meeting with people in the area and appealed to them to always assist the police and other security agencies with relevant information for their prompt response.

[DailyTrust]

NATIONAL Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has accused some medical centres and personnel of indulging in organ harvesting in what has become a booming trade in Akwa Ibom state.

 
 

The State Zonal Coordinator of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, made the startling allegation Saturday in Uyo as stakeholders marked the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025 themed, “Strengthening Communities by Connecting the Dots”

Represent by Eme Inionong Ukpabio, Head, Public Enlightenment NAPTIP, Akwa Ibom, Awhen captured that approximately 750,000 to one million children were abducted in Akwa Ibom for trafficking and other exploitative purposes between 2021 and 2024.

Awhen further disclosed the agency’s arrest of one suspect for organ harvesting, having secured 60 convictions of human trafficking offenders under the period in review with 15 cases pending in court.

He said, “The arrest we had on organ harvesting, the person involved is not an Akwa Ibomite. So when we have such a case, we refer to the mother state the suspect comes from. Ours is just do the job and do a referral to the command that covers the person’s state where justice will take it course.

“Organ harvesting is one thing that is very high now. You may not notice it, some clinics in this town, with due apologies to doctors who are carrying out legitimate businesses, there are hospitals in this town (Uyo) that are involved in organ harvesting.”

“Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 750,000 to 1 million children have been abducted for trafficking and other exploitative purposes. These often involve victims being forced, coerced, deceived, or manipulated into providing sexual services or labour through abuse of trust, power, or authority.

“The key elements of human trafficking include recruitment, transportation and transfer of victims to different locations. This heinous act can be carried out by individuals, gangs, or organised criminal networks.

 

“We have had arrests, I cannot count. The arrest we do, we bring them to the office and when we realize most of these cases are not really human trafficking cases, we send them away. The ones that are arrested and put in our centres and charged to court are many. We have had over 60 convictions.”

The state Coordinator, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Peace Edem, highlighted the emotional and phycological dangers of human trafficking, calling on continuous sensitization of communities against the dangers

He said, “Different forms of human trafficking have been mentioned -sex trafficking, labour trafficking and organ trafficking and others. The associated dangers are, first, physical danger, violence and abuse, force labour and rest of them.

“Then there is the emotional and psychological dangers. So, we need to also sensitize our communities against these dangers because some of them innocently go into it without knowing”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Eno Ime Akpan commended the collaborative efforts of NAPTIP and NACTAL in the fight against human trafficking in Akwa Ibom.

 

She acknowledged Governor Umo Eno for establishing the ministry which she noted has enhanced the fight against human trafficking, saddled with the responsibility of improving the dignity of humans.

Interswitch is driving the call for a developer-led approach to fintech innovation.

As a platinum sponsor of the 2024 Google Developer Groups (GDG) DevFest Ibadan, Interswitch reaffirmed its commitment to empowering developers with the tools and opportunities they need to innovate and shape the future of financial technology.

The event, hosted at the Aweni Arena in Ibadan, brought together a diverse audience of tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, and developers to explore cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and mobile app development. This year’s DevFest emphasised collaboration and practical solutions, aligning with Interswitch’s mission to foster a developer-centric ecosystem.

“At Interswitch, we recognise the pivotal role developers and tech communities play in driving innovation across the continent. Sponsoring GDG DevFest Ibadan 2024 aligns perfectly with our mission to equip these communities with the tools, platforms, and opportunities they need to innovate, collaborate, and succeed. We are committed to promoting a vibrant ecosystem that accelerates Africa’s digital transformation while nurturing the next wave of innovators shaping the future of fintech in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

The event afforded Interswitch the opportunity to make significant contributions to the Developer Community.

Developer ecosystem executive, Interswitch, Elizabeth Okaome, delivered an insightful presentation on the company’s robust suite of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and their use cases, supported with live demos. Cutting across payments integration, transfers, bill payments and airtime recharge, identity verification or lending services, Interswitch APIs equip developers with tools to enable secure and seamless online and offline payment acceptance).

 

Another highlight at the event was the introduction of the Quickteller Business Referral Programme, also known as the ‘5 for 5’ Initiative, which offers developers or any referrer an opportunity to earn five percent commission on Interswitch’s share of every transaction charge, for five whole years, while enabling businesses to thrive.

The Interswitch Developer Community and Quickteller jointly hosted an engaging booth featuring educational product videos, customer testimonials, and one-on-one consultations. Attendees enjoyed interactive activities, including a lively ‘Spin the Wheel’ game, and received branded merchandise, enhancing the event’s vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Through this sponsorship, Interswitch reinforces its commitment to empowering Africa’s tech community by providing innovative solutions, fostering strategic partnerships, and creating platforms that accelerate digital transformation and economic growth. The company continues to solidify its position as a catalyst for innovation and a hub for developer support in Nigeria.

[Leadership]

The presidency on Saturday insisted that President Bola Tinubu will fulfill the agenda of reducing Nigeria’s inflation to 15% by December 2025.

The Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said agriculture and food security is one of the ways the President intended to achieve his aim.

Speaking via a statement on his X account, Olusegun said several mechanisms have already been put in place to achieve the agenda.

 

Recalls  that President Tinubu had, during the presentation of the ₦47.9 trillion 2025 budget to the National Assembly, stated that the budget projects a decline in inflation from the current 34.6% to 15%. He also reiterated it in his 2025 New Year message.

His projection has, however, elicited pessimism from certain quarters. But the presidency, on Saturday, insisted that the aim would be achieved.

The media aide disclosed that part of the steps put in place to achieve the dream include the delivery of 2,000 tractors, 4000 disc ploughs, ⁠1000 disc ridges, ⁠1200 tractor trailers and other assorted spare parts to Nigeria in the next few weeks.

He added that an agricultural manufacturing firm, JohnDeere, is also expected to set up assembly/maintenance plants for these equipment in Nigeria.

“On food security, I can categorically confirm that agriculture will be a major priority for the administration in 2025 as President Tinubu has set an ambitious agenda of reducing inflation across the board to 15% by December.

“To achieve this, several mechanisms have been put in place including the delivery of farm equipment which will begin soon.

“It’s not just the 2,000 tractors mentioned by President Tinubu in his new year speech;

– 4000 disc ploughs
– ⁠1000 disc ridges
– ⁠1200 tractor trailers and other assorted spare parts are set to be delivered to Nigeria over the next few weeks as part of a major mechanization project under the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme (NAMP).

 

“@JohnDeere is also expected to set up assembly/maintenance plants for these equipments in Nigeria as they will be replicating the supply successively over the next five years,” Olusegun noted in the statement.

He added that several states would also receive support through the Special Agro Processing Zone program and several zonal commodity exchanges are expected to come on board in the all-inclusive approach.

Olusegun promised that 2025 will be a great year for Nigerians.

“Several states will also be supported via the Special Agro Processing Zone program which is spearheaded by the Africa Development Bank. This is an entirely different agricultural development scheme as the administration seeks to make the challenge of food security a thing of the past in the country by institutionalizing programs that will maximize our potentials as a major food producing nation.

“On storage and commodity boards, several zonal commodity exchanges are expected to come on board just as much as many state governments have started the process of floating the same to mitigate the effects of hoarding and middlemen-induced inflation.

“It’s an all inclusive approach aimed at correcting the wrongs of the past and there are a lot of reasons to be optimistic. 2025 promises to be a great year because “joy is coming,” he concluded.

The Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, has declared that while the devil fears prayers, he does not fear poor people.

Fatoyinbo made the statement while preaching to his congregation in a viral video online.

 

The clergy emphasised the importance of financial success and stability alongside spiritual growth.

 

He recounted a story of a man who went to preach the gospel but was chased away by another man who questioned his appearance, asking, “Has God helped you? Look at the way you look.”

According to him, the devil wants people to stay behind and make noise even though “Jesus became poor for our sake that through the grace of God we might become rich.”

Fatoyinbo encouraged his members to pursue spiritual and material wealth, stressing that financial resources can effectively help spread the gospel.

Media

No fewer than 7,228 inmates were pardoned by federal and state governments, chief justices and nongovernmental organisations between January 2022 and December 2024, as part of efforts to decongest the nation’s overcrowded correctional centres.

The figures were obtained from media reports and compiled by our correspondent on Saturday.

 According to recent data from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the total inmate population stands at 79,125 exceeding the system’s capacity of slightly more than 50,000.

 Of this number, 52,903 inmates are awaiting trial. Most of these individuals face serious charges such as armed robbery, murder, and culpable homicide, which require lengthy investigations and prosecutions. 

In 2022, 707 inmates were pardoned. The figure rose significantly in 2023 to 4,678, with another 1,843 pardoned in 2024.

A major release occurred on November 18, 2023, when 4,068 inmates were freed across the country due to their inability to pay fines.

The gesture initiated by the Federal Government was made possible through N585m raised by corporate organisations as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, who recently spoke to our correspondent in an interview, attributed the overcrowding primarily to delays in the dispensation of justice.

To address these challenges, the NCoS adopted several measures, including facilitating judicial access for inmates by ensuring their timely appearance in court.

Non-custodial measures, such as community service and probation, have also been introduced to ease pressure on correctional centres.

The agency is collaborating with state governments to grant clemency to reformed inmates and has partnered with state judiciaries to conduct regular jail delivery exercises.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old US returnee, David Segun, and two others for allegedly killing an Uber driver in the Obalende area of Lagos State.

The Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olanrewaju, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the state command headquarters on Saturday.

Olanrewaju disclosed that Segun and his friends, Emeka Akwara (19) Samuel Ariori (21) and Lukman Ariori (19) ordered an Uber ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende at midnight on Thursday, January 9.

He said upon arriving at a lonely area in Obalende, the suspects allegedly robbed and killed the Uber driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck.

 

According to him, the suspects were unable to snatch the vehicle, and two among them were apprehended on the spot by members of the community.

He said, “On January 9, 2025, at about midnight, a case of conspiracy, armed robbery and murder was reported. One Emeka Akwara 19yrs, David Segun, 21yrs, Samuel Ariori, 21yrs and Lukman Ariori, 19yrs  ordered an Uber at Chevron in the Lekki area – en-route to Obalende. On getting to Obalende in a lonely area, they robbed and killed the Uber driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck, unfortunately, they were unable to snatch the vehicle.

“With the intervention of good Samaritans within the environs, two suspects were immediately arrested and were handed over to police operatives attached to Lion Building. “

The Police chief further stated that two other fleeing suspects were arrested in the Chevron area of the state, adding that the deceased’s corpse was deposited in the morgue at Mainland Hospital, Yaba.

Olanrewaju who explained that an investigation had begun into the incident described Segun as a US returnee as well as the gang’s leader.

While pointing at him, Olanrewaju said, “This is their team leader. He was sent home from America by his father. The mother at home could still not handle him. The failure of society is placed on the police. We are not complaining, it is a job we signed up for. They will be facing criminal prosecution right from Monday.

“I wonder the value of what this vehicle will fetch in the market that made them snuff the life out of the owner. Probably the man even took the vehicle on hire purchase,” he added.

Other suspects were paraded for kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, carjacking and other various acts of criminalities.

The CP also noted that the command had intelligence-led policing during the yuletide season which resulted in a peaceful celebration.

“During this period, we had intelligence-led policing that resulted in the peaceful yuletide season that we had in Lagos. It is on record that Murtala Muhammed airport received nothing less than 500,000 diasporan Nigerians and ninety percent of whom did not go outside of Lagos for celebration,” he added.

The Transmission Company, TCN, of Nigeria has clarified that the National Grid did not collapse but rather tripped off on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

The spokesperson of TCN, Ndidi Mbah, made this clarification in a statement on Saturday.

This comes as it emerged that the National Grid recorded its first collapse in 2025 on Saturday, which plunged parts of the country into darkness.

However, TCN clarified that the Benin-Omotosho line tripped off at around 13:41 pm on Saturday.

TCN, however, confirmed that the tripping off affected the bulk supply of electricity to the Lagos axis.

According to TCN, electricity generation at the national grid stood at 2,573.23 megawatts after the tripping.

“Benin-Omotosho Line Tripping, Not System Collapse The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, hereby states that the nation’s grid did not experience any collapse today (Saturday).

“Earlier today, at about 13:41 hrs, the Osogbo-Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line. These consequently affected bulk supply to only the Lagos axis alone.

“It is important to clarify that at about 13:00 hrs today, just before the tripping, total generation on the grid was 4,335.63 MW. After the trippings, however, generation was 2,573.23 MW, showing clearly that the grid did not experience a collapse.

“The transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras, but these have all been restored except for the Benin Omotosho 330kV line, whose restoration is ongoing,” TCN stated.

DAILY POST reports that in 2024 alone, the national grid collapsed at least 12 times.

National grid collapses, vandalisation, and other challenges the nation’s electricity supply industry faces.

 [DailyPost]
 
 
 
 

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has urged unknown gunmen still in hiding to lay down their arms and join society in contributing positively to the progress of the state.

Uzodinma made the appeal at the funeral of the slain former Imo APC Woman leader, Orlu zone, Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, who was murdered in 2022 by suspected hoodlums

 

He promised that the government would help in providing financial aid in any kind of business the bandits choose to go into to be useful to themselves and society.

 

Addressing the mourners at the country home of the late APC woman leader in Ogberuru, Orlu LGA , the Governor condemned the conditions under which the woman leader was assassinated, insisting that the Party and the State lost a gem in her.

Uzodinma prayed for the repose of her soul and the souls of the four other women assassinated with her and proceeded to approve the sum of ₦10 million for each of the deceased families.

He also promised that the government will be willing to employ any of their children who is employable or in the alternative train them if they are willing to learn a trade or skill.

He said, “She was one of the best organizers and mobilizers, not only in Orlu Local Government but in Imo State in general. A very committed party woman, who worked, suffered, served the Party and the government, and because of her commitment, political opponents assassinated her.

“When Rachael was assassinated alongside four others, the senseless political violence and gruesome killings in the area was not known. Those who are behind the political killings in Orlu zone are still at work but very soon the wrath of God will catch up with them.”

Uzodinma hinted that strangers were recruited by unscrupulous politicians to kill and assassinate their own brothers and sisters in the name of politics.

He, however, said with the help of God, Orlu people are beginning to see that those behind the killings in the LGA and other areas do not mean well for the state.

The Governor, called on all affected by the death of late Okonkwo to take heart and remain committed to the Party and the state.

A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, is leading the northern elite to woo southern bigwigs for an alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections, Sunday PUNCH reports.

Sources said former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, are among supporters of the group.

Our correspondents gathered that Shekarau, a leader of the League of Northern Democrats, had been discussing coalitions with political leaders in the South-West, South-East, and South-South.

The Convener of the LND, Dr Umar Ardo, had on January 5, declared the group’s readiness to transform into a political party, citing the need to create a unified and credible national political platform. 

According to Ardo, the LND plans to transform into the League of National Democrats to provide Nigerians with a viable alternative for leadership and governance.

“This new political platform seeks to provide a credible alternative by institutionalising meritocracy, promoting accountability, and ensuring the emergence of leaders with proven competence and integrity,” Ardo stated.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that Obasanjo and Gowon advised the group’s leaders to make it a national platform and incorporate southern politicians.

Obasanjo had late October 2024 urged the LND to consider changing its name to the National League of Democrats because the ideals the group espoused should cut across the nation.

The former president, who received the 20-member delegation of the LND led by Shekarau at his penthouse, inside Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, said he would not mind being the group’s patron.

“It is high time we began working for the national interest. Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats, but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats, because where you come from should not be a problem,” he stated.

Umar Sani, a former spokesperson for ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, who is a pioneer member of the LND, told Sunday PUNCH that both Obasanjo and Gowon were among the backers of the group.

Sani confirmed that Shekarau was leading discussions with prominent southern politicians.

He said, “We’re talking with some southern politicians, but I don’t know who they are. Shekarau and others are making the moves and doing the talking.

“But when we met Baba Obasanjo, he said the initiative should be made national. General Gowon also said it should be national, and other influential Nigerians gave similar advice.

“When we engaged politicians in the South-East, South-South, and South-West, they began suggesting that this movement be turned into a political party. While we were briefed in meetings, the leaders didn’t disclose the names of the southern politicians they were speaking to.”

Sani clarified that the LND had not yet been registered as a political party, as consultations were still ongoing.

The spokesperson for the group, Dr Ladan Salihu, said discussions were ongoing with southern leaders, including former governors, senators, and ministers.

According to him, even before they set out to approach the politicians, the LND had already been contacted by key political clusters from the South-East.

“We’ve been contacted by notable politicians from the South, especially from the South-East, who indicated plans to form the League of Southern Democrats.

“Similarly, respected politicians from the South-West have shown interest in joining the LND if it becomes a national platform, or they may even form the League of Western Democrats.

“This is a political metamorphosis that will culminate in the creation of what will eventually become the League of Nigerian Democrats,” he stated.

While declining to name southern politicians the LND leader had been in contact with, Salihu confirmed that the group was in regular communication with “respected southern leaders”.

“We are in constant, almost daily contact with them because they share our vision of rescuing Nigeria. This is not just a rhetorical platform; it’s a serious movement based on real action,” he stated.

 

The LND’s move comes amid political manoeuvres by many leaders aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Opposition leaders have intensified efforts towards major political realignments, including potential mergers of political parties, to challenge the All Progressives Congress in the next general elections.

On November 26, 2024, it was reported that the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, had concluded plans to either form a new party or adopt an existing one to establish a coalition ahead of 2027.

Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, later confirmed that Atiku and Obi had been engaging in discussions to form a united front against the APC.

Similarly, the Peoples Redemption Party and African Democratic Congress confirmed initiating discussions about a potential merger ahead of the elections.

On December 14, 2024, Obasanjo hosted former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to Kwankwaso, the discussions centred on “significant national issues, including the future of politics and governance in Nigeria.”

We’re not threatened – APC, PDP

Meanwhile, the APC has said it is not threatened by the potential political alliance, asserting that it will not lose sleep over the proposed mega party being considered by northern and southern political bigwigs.

The APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, told Sunday PUNCH that the party was aware of the political moves, warning that Nigeria’s governance should not be left to desperate politicians.

However, he expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure a second term as Nigerians began to reap the benefits of his administration’s economic reforms.

He said, “The APC and the President are very much aware of the shenanigans of the opposition. But it will be almost impossible for someone from outside, particularly an outsider who has previously failed the country, to think of defeating the incumbent.

“We expect to start seeing the fruits of these reforms around the time of the election—2026 and 2027. By then, people will begin to appreciate the party and the President.

“That does not mean the party and the President are complacent. No, we are strategising. When we get to the bridge, we will see who has the strongest stride to cross it. I assure you, the APC will not falter or be caught napping.”

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party stated that the LND’s attempt to transform into a political party did not pose a threat to its prospects in future elections.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said no coalition or merger could defeat the APC without the PDP.

In response to LND’s move to transform into a party as an alternative to the PDP and APC, he said the character and consistency of the group’s members should be scrutinised.

“They are no threat to the PDP. There is no merger or coalition whatsoever, that can defeat the APC without the PDP’s input.

“We saw it in 2023. The Labour Party, NNPP and what came out of it? All forms of coalition are welcome to defeat the All Progressives Congress, but characters like Shekarau should first tell themselves or ask themselves some further questions; are they consistent, are they credible, do they still have electoral value?,” he queried.

The PDP leader also stated that Shekarau could not drive any meaningful change.

“Shekarau himself knows that as of today, his position is over and above his weight, and he lacks the capacity to reallypush anything significant.

“In the last five to six years, how many parties and groups have Shekarau belonged to? These people are not the type that should lead any move. Unless we are a people that don’t learn. If we don’t learn, we will be condemned to repeat the mistakes of history,” he added.

[TheCable]