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A Federal Government witness has told the Abuja Federal High Court that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu admitted smuggling the Biafra Radio transmitter into Anambra State in 2015.
The witness made the statement in Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial.
The witness codenamed PWCCC, an operative of the Department of State Service (DSS), said that Kanu while being interrogated confessed to setting up the radio station at Ubuluisiuzor, in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
At the resumption of the trial on Wednesday, the DSS witness also informed the court that Kanu admitted that he established Radio Biafra to advance the self determination cause of the people of South-East region of the country.
The DSS had earlier in the month tendered audio recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts from the radio station as exhibits in which the defendant was heard calling for the killing of several prominent Nigerians.
A DSS officer also told the court that Kanu’s broadcasts incited many of his supporters to carry out attacks on some prominent Nigerians and institutions.
The PWCCC, a third prosecution witness, told the court on Wednesday that Kanu on November 4, 2015, in an interview with his colleagues, admitted smuggling a radio transmitter into Nigeria.
The video clip of the November 4, 2015 interview session with DSS officers where Kanu admitted inspecting the radio transmitter he installed in Ubuluisiuzor, Anambra State, was played in court and admitted as exhibit.
Drama however ensued when the Federal Government through its lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, tendered one of the statements made by Kanu.
In the unfolding drama, Kanu after being shown the statement by his lead lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, claimed that he made it under duress and not voluntarily.
He also claimed that the statement in which he severely indicted himself on some unlawful actions of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB was made without the presence of his lawyer.
Based on the allegations, Justice James Omotosho ordered that trial within trial be conducted to ascertain the genuineness of Kanu’s allegations.
Among others, Kanu said the coercion started from Lagos when they were transporting him from Lagos to Abuja, where a DSS officer struck him, chained and blindfolded him.
During cross-examination by Awomolo, Kanu maintained that his detention at the DSS in 2015 was without any court order, and that his interview were taken without his lawyers, and the atmosphere was not conducive.
The PWAAA however debunked Kanu’s allegations, saying the interviews were conducted in the most conducive and harmonious atmosphere.
He urged the court to dismiss the allegations for being baseless, unfounded and an afterthought.
After the argument, Justice Omotosho asked Awomolo and Agabi to prepare their written addresses and file same tomorrow May 29 for their adoption by 12 noon on Friday and for ruling to be delivered by 2:00 pm, on whether to admit the statement or not.
The judge subsequently adjourned further proceedings to May 29.
The United States Government has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately address insecurity ravaging all parts of Nigeria.
This is according to a statement by the United States Embassy in Nigeria, on Wednesday.
The US govt said acts of violence are increasingly being witnessed across the country.
US Embassy, in a statement on its ? handle, noted that Plateau, Imo, Borno and Benue State are recording increasing rise in insecurity.
The statement said the threats faced by Nigerian communities at the hands of bandits and terrorists are troubling.
“The United States Embassy in Nigeria is deeply saddened by and condemns recent acts of violence in Borno, in Imo, and most recently in Benue and Plateau. The ongoing threats faced by communities and community leaders in Nigeria are deeply troubling,” it read.
The United States consoled families affected by the killings from bandits and terrorists.
The statement further called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to tame insecurity and hold perpetrators accountable.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by these senseless acts. We look to Nigerian authorities to conduct thorough investigations to hold those responsible accountable,” it stated.
The US assured its support in promoting peace, security and human rights in the country.
“The United States stands with Nigeria in its efforts to promote peace, security, and respect for human rights across the country,” it added.
Sule Lamido, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has shed light on the behind-the-scenes developments that led to the eventual construction of the ministry’s permanent office complex during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration (1999–2007).
Lamido’s account of an incident involving the award, suspension and lifting of the suspension on the building contract is contained on pages 197- 202 of his autobiography, “Being True To Myself,” unveiled to the public on May 13.
He recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had at a meeting presided over by President Obasanjo, approved the contract for the building.
According to him, a firm – C. Cappa came highly recommended for the job by members of the council, including the then Minister of Defence, Lt. General TY Danjuma, and his Finance counterpart, Adamu Ciroma.
Both based their recommendations on the company’s solid reputation and the fact that it built the Federal Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in Lagos. In fact, the defence building was rated the best edifice at the time.
However, when he left the country for a foreign assignment two days later, Obasanjo suspended the contract.
The then minister said he learnt of the President’s decision when he returned and was upset with what Obasanjo wrote on the council memo.
Lamido said, “Before I left the office to the Villa, I had gone home at the Ministers’ Hill in Maitama, where some of the ministers had their official houses. It was during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
“The sun had set, yet I could not eat very well, because I was in pain. After the Isha prayer, as I was about to leave for the Villa, I performed two raka ‘at prayer and made a sincere plea to Allah, the Almighty God, saying:
‘Well, I am going out now to meet Obasanjo, the Nigerian President. I am leaving this house as a Minister in government, but do not know if I will come back still as a Minister after meeting the President.
‘Oh Allah, give me the strength and courage to stand up to whatever he says. Don’t allow me to fear losing my position and abandon my principles. Please, Ya Allah, strengthen my faith.
‘I’m leaving this house as a Minister; I may not come back as a Minister. I have no problem with that, but God guide me, save my faith. ‘ That was how I left home for the meeting with the President.’”
After registering his displeasure, Lamido told the President, “’…Something wrong must have happened. Sir, the Chairman of the company that awarded the contract is your friend, Shonekan. He is your townsman and also former Head of the Interim National Government. There is no way I could have accepted money from him.
‘So, sir, if you feel I am beginning to fail you, as a Minister, that you have lost faith and all confidence in me, please don’t disgrace me in public like that. Call me and tell me directly; and I will instantly leave your government.
‘But so long as I remain your Minister, I must in character and action be seen to be one, exercising the full functions of that office. I should have the full authority, because I cannot be just a shadow. I will not, sir. I must be able to serve as your Minister with full conviction and commitment, while commanding your trust and total respect. Otherwise, I shall not be there anymore, sir.
‘Whatever you might have heard about the contract, you should have called me to explain. Instead, you went to the same Council and announced that the contract had been suspended. How would you expect my other colleagues in council to see me now?'”
In response, President Obasanjo said, “’Okay, Sule, tomorrow at the Council meeting, I will lift the suspension on the contract. And it will go ahead. Are you happy now?’ I said, ‘I am happy.’
“Obasanjo, in his characteristic manner, replied, ‘Stupid boy, get out of my sight.’ I ran out laughing but full of gratitude to Allah for answering my supplication.”
The contract subsequently went ahead and was completed.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the National Assembly to turn down the Bola Tinubu administration’s $24 billion loan request, warning that approving it would further deepen Nigeria’s already critical debt burden.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the advocacy group said the new borrowing plan would raise Nigeria’s total debt stock to an estimated N183 trillion — a level it described as “clearly not sustainable and not in the public interest.”
“The National Assembly must immediately refuse to approve the Tinubu administration’s request to borrow $24bn,” SERAP said. “The growing national debt is not sustainable and not in the public interest.”
The organisation expressed concern that the burden of debt servicing was already consuming a substantial portion of government revenue and not sustainable.
Vanguard earlier reported that Nigeria’s total public debt is projected to exceed N180 trillion, following President Bola Tinubu’s fresh request to the National Assembly for approval to secure additional external and domestic loans amounting to N34.15 trillion.
In separate letters addressed to both chambers of the National Assembly, President Tinubu is seeking approval for an external borrowing plan of over $21.5 billion, equivalent to N33.39 trillion at the official exchange rate of N1,590 per dollar. He also requested the approval of a domestic bond issuance of N757.9 billion to offset outstanding pension liabilities.
The president said the 2025–2026 borrowing plan covers critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, agriculture, education, water supply, security, and employment generation, and is intended to cushion the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
According to Tinubu, the loan package includes $21.5 billion, €2.19 billion, and 15 billion Japanese Yen, along with a €65 million grant. He assured lawmakers that the funds will be deployed toward nationwide development projects across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a focus on rail, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
On pensions, the president said the proposed bond issuance aims to settle backlogs under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), citing years of non-compliance due to revenue constraints. The plan, he explained, has received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval and is expected to boost retirees’ welfare, restore confidence in the pension system, and inject liquidity into the economy.
Nigeria’s public debt has grown significantly in recent years, rising by 48.6% in 2024 to N144.66 trillion, up from N97.34 trillion in 2023, with the Federal Government responsible for 95% of the total.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, has stated that his greatest challenge are those who do not want to pay taxes in the nation’s capital.
He disclosed this on Wednesday while inspecting projects in Abuja.
Wike frowned at Nigerians who want to enjoy infrastructural development without paying taxes.
According to him, the Federal Capital Territory Administration plans to increase ground rent in the coming days.
“The challenges of people refusing to pay their taxes. People want facilities and infrastructure, but nobody wants to pay taxes.
“We have not increased the ground rent, but we are working toward that. We will do that. The president has given a window of two weeks.”
Recall that FCTA sealed the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party and other offices over non-payment of ground rent for years.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Kano Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction and sentencing of social media influencer Murja Ibrahim Kunya before Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano.
Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano.
She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira.
She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano. However, when it was time for her court appearance, she absconded in her bid to evade the legal processes.
However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday March 16, 2025. She was subsequently arraigned on 20 May 2025 where she pleaded guilty to the one count amended charge.
The charge against Kunya reads: “You Murja Ibrahim Kunya on the 28th of December, 2023 at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court whilst dancing in one of the rooms at Tahir Guest Palace tampered with Naira notes issued by Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying and matching on same in the said occasion and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007”.
Following her guilty plea, counsel for the prosecution, Musa Isah reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict her accordingly.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Amobeda convicted Kunya and sentenced her to six months imprisonment with an option of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira only) fine.
In a significant and rehabilitative dimension to the sentencing, Justice Amobeda also issued a consequential order appointing her as an Ambassador of EFCC and CBN in online advocacy campaigns against Naira Abuse due to her substantial following across various social media platforms.
This order mandates Kunya to utilize her social media reach to educate her followers on the importance of respecting the Nigerian currency and the legal consequences of its abuse or mutilation.
Nigerian influencer and brand ambassador, Priscilla Ojo, and her Tanzanian singer husband, Juma Jux, are officially sealing their union with a lavish grand finale in Tanzania.
The couple, who kicked off their wedding festivities in February, are currently hosting the final leg of their celebration.
Priscilla took to Instagram to share a dazzling video of their coordinating outfits, captioning the post with a heartfelt declaration, “Forever with my boo.”
From their intimate wedding introduction in Tanzania with close family and friends, to their star-studded civil wedding on the eve of Valentine’s Day, which featured the likes of Toyin Abraham, Chioma Good Hair, and Enioluwa, their love story has unfolded like a glamorous dream.
In April, the couple tied the knot traditionally in Nigeria, with the event drawing in a galaxy of stars and dignitaries.
The guest list included Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, music legend, Chief Ebenezer Obey, and Nollywood icons such as Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Abraham, Sola Sobowale, Ruth Kadiri, and Femi Adebayo.
Just two days later, the couple held a white wedding ceremony on a picturesque beach in Lagos, opting for a more intimate affair.
Media
The Federal Government’s N300 billion Series VII Sovereign Sukuk that was offered earlier this month has recorded an overwhelming subscription of N2.205 trillion, representing an excess of 735 percent, according to a statement issued by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Wednesday.
DMO said the massive interest shown in the Sukuk issuance is clear evidence of the growing investor appetite for the non-interest, ethical investment instrument, which was first introduced in 2017.
The borrowing instrument was introduced as an innovative financing tool to broaden the nation’s investor base and encourage wider public participation in the capital market.
“This is clear evidence of the huge investor-appetite for the ethical instrument introduced by the DMO in 2017 as an innovative strategy to expand the nation’s investor-base and provide opportunities for all Nigerians to participate in the activities of the capital market,” the DMO said in a statement.
According to the debt office, an analysis of the subscriptions revealed strong interest from a broad spectrum of investors, including retail buyers, non-interest banks, conventional banks, pension fund administrators, fund and asset managers, and other financial institutions.
As with previous issuances, proceeds from the Sukuk will be deployed by the Federal Government to finance infrastructure projects across the country.
Specifically, the funds will go into the construction of new roads, rehabilitation of existing ones, and the building of bridges across all six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Like the previous series, funds realised from the issuance will be used by the FGN to construct new roads and rehabilitate existing ones, as well as build bridges in the six (6) geo-political zones of the country and the Federal Capital Territory,” the debt office stated.
The DMO said the successful outing aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, under which infrastructure development is a key priority for driving economic growth and national development.
Reiterating its commitment to offering safe and liquid investment options to Nigerians, the DMO pledged continued support for the Federal Government’s development objectives through sustainable and inclusive financing mechanisms like Sukuk.
[Leadership]
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has contradicted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the cause of the explosion that occurred in front of the Mogadishu military barracks in Abuja, on Monday.
The agency had said the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber.
But responding to questions from journalists during the inspection of some road projects lined up for commissioning to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office, Wike said the briefings he got on the issue shows that NEMA position is incorrect.
The minister said, ”The security never said it was a suicide bomber. So don’t go and create an impression and put fear in people. NEMA is not the head of security. Security agencies are there.
”What happened was that there was somebody that went to where we have these quarries, where they blast all these rocks. The person took the explosive and put it in his pocket. Of course, some of them may not even understand the implication of that and so, it exploded on him.
”So that does not mean that it is a suicide bomber. We should be careful in the story we are planting; let’s not send the wrong message to the residents.”
Daily Trust had reported an explosion near a checkpoint opposite the Mogadishu barracks in Abuja.
A man was reportedly killed during the incident.
While NEMA revealed the outcome of its findings, but both the military and the police are yet to disclose the cause of the incident, saying investigation is ongoing.
[DailyTrust]
The Nigerian Senate, Wednesday passed the Rivers State 2025 budget for second reading.
The budget which stood at N1,480,662592,442 trillion was passed for second reading after it was read by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Bamidele Opeyemi.
Opeyemi said the Senate has since assumed the powers of legislating for Rivers State having been under the State of Emergency.
In his contribution, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan said, there was a need for the budget to be legislated immediately so that the people of Rivers could feel the presence of government.
He said, “Mr President, I don’t know under what topic this document is christened but I could see it is about a budget of the state of emergency.
I hereby support that the budget be passed for second reading so that the people of Rivers can feel the presence of government.
In absence of opposition to the bill, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio passed the budget through voice vote and referred it to the Ad-hoc Committee on overseeing Rivers State of Emergency.
[DailyPost]
More...
The Senate on Wednesday adopted the harmonised conference committee report on the four tax reform bills.
The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of the recommendations of the conference committee of both chambers set up to harmonize the Bills.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and leader of the Senate delegation in the conference committee, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, presented the report.
The four tax reforms Bills which were transmitted to the National Assembly in November last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu include: The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 583); Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 584); Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025 (SB. 585); and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 (SB. 586).
Details shortly…
[TheNation]
As Nigerians continue to battle inflation and rising cost of living, the political arena is heating up for the 2027 election.
President Bola Tinubu, who came into power in 2023, now faces growing opposition from influential political figures seeking to block his bid for a second term.
Amid widespread public dissatisfaction and perceived policy failures, a broad coalition of political stakeholders is already taking shape, united by a common goal: to unseat Tinubu.
Critics of the president accuse him of implementing policies they describe as anti-people, failing to alleviate economic hardship, and allegedly attempting to steer Nigeria toward a one-party state.
In their view, the current administration has not only fallen short on promises but is pushing the country further into distress.
PUNCH Online has gathered a list of some of the prominent figures and groups positioning themselves against Tinubu’s re-election bid below:
Peter Obi
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to run again in 2027. Obi remains vocal about his commitment to changing Nigeria’s political landscape and has hinted at various coalition arrangements.
In March, Obi joined forces with other top politicians, including Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, to form a coalition aimed at mounting a formidable challenge against Tinubu in the upcoming election cycle.
Reports have also surfaced suggesting the possibility of Obi accepting a vice-presidential slot under Atiku in a one-term, power-sharing deal—although neither camp has confirmed this officially.
Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who contested under the PDP in 2023, has shown no signs of stepping back from the political stage. Like Obi, he has thrown his weight behind the emerging coalition intended to displace Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku has reportedly proposed a one-term presidency with Obi as his running mate, fueling speculation about a strategic alliance to consolidate the opposition vote.
Their March announcement of the coalition, however, sparked debates about the effectiveness of such political unity.
Seyi Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has not ruled out his own presidential ambition.
In April, he confidently stated that he possessed the competence to lead Nigeria, though he emphasised that any decision on contesting would align with the wishes of Nigerians and his party.
Makinde remarked, “I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land… but what I want to do right now, is it what Nigerians are asking for?”
His rising profile within the PDP has prompted a group, the Brave New Vision Support Group, to begin lobbying for his candidacy. Campaign posters bearing his image and the slogan “To Move Nigeria Forward 2027” have appeared in key locations across Kano State.
Nasir El-Rufai
A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been one of the most outspoken critics of Tinubu’s administration.
El-Rufai recently confirmed that discussions are ongoing to form a powerful opposition alliance to oust the President in 2027.
Speaking in May, El-Rufai boldly declared, “Anybody that thinks it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria… I don’t see a pathway for him, no matter how disorganised the opposition is.”
According to El-Rufai, the economic and political situation has eroded Tinubu’s support base to the point of no return.
Babachir Lawal
Another prominent voice in the anti-Tinubu bloc is Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Lawal has been actively involved in coalition talks and is reportedly playing a key role in strategising for 2027.
Rotimi Amaechi and Liyel Imoke
Two former governors, Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River), are also significant players in the anti-Tinubu movement.
They have been tasked with defining the platform for the coalition, whether it involves forming a new party or fusing with an existing one.
[Punch]
FORMER President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, and transport minister for the two terms of his administration on the attainment of the milestone of 60 years.
The former president described Governor Amaechi as a “golden fish,” an asset to his administration.
Buhari in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, was quoted as saying: “Amaechi shared with me the aspiration of
strengthening infrastructure, bridging the nation’s long-delayed gaps through the railway, a vital component, leading to its revival from a comatose state, completion of abandoned projects, turning them into major transit hubs, and initiating major ones across the country, some of which were driven to completion before he left office.
“The railway system which used to be the heartbeat of several towns and cities, killed and buried for decades opened a new chapter under his leadership, faithfully serving millions of Nigerians by increasing network capacity for passenger and freight services, helping to address demand, introducing new services and rolling stock, and improving safety.
“Under him, the nation witnessed a new era of railway infrastructure. I wish him and his family many happy years ahead.”
[Vanguard]
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has declared his decision to boycott all meetings of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and others he described as impostors are expelled from the party.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, was noticeably absent at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held Tuesday, May 27, in Abuja. The NEC, the party’s highest decision-making body, includes current and former presidents, governors, party officials, and other prominent stakeholders.
Speaking to journalists, Lamido accused Wike of undermining the PDP, despite being a major beneficiary of the party's platform. “Wike is a disaster. He is a product of the PDP, made relevant by the party, nurtured and celebrated by the party. But today, he turns around to destroy it,” Lamido said.
The former governor expressed discontent over the continued inclusion of Wike in PDP affairs. “I cannot sit in the same meeting with impostors. Until the party removes these people, I will not attend PDP meetings. I am still a loyal member, but I won’t dignify this rot,” he stated.
Lamido also condemned the recent sealing of the PDP national secretariat in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), attributing the action to Wike’s influence. “To seal the PDP secretariat, an institution that gave you life, is un-African, un-Nigerian, and a total abuse of power,” he said.
He criticised the party’s national working committee (NWC) for what he described as a failure to act decisively against members who had allegedly breached party rules. “What exactly is the NWC afraid of? Why hasn’t Wike been expelled? Why is Samuel Ortom still on the board of trustees after publicly endorsing Tinubu? These are fundamental breaches. If this party is to survive, it must cleanse itself,” he said.
Lamido praised President Bola Tinubu for issuing a 14-day ultimatum to FCT ground rent defaulters, while alleging that Wike ordered the closure of the PDP headquarters in an attempt to gain favour from the president. “Ironically, the man Wike is trying to impress was the one who called him to order. That tells you everything. Even Tinubu is beginning to see that Wike is unreliable, without tradition and pedigree. And I assure you, he will soon abandon him too,” Lamido said.
He also warned against the threat of a one-party system in Nigeria, calling it “state-sponsored sabotage,” and blamed internal sabotage for the deepening crisis in the PDP, which has lingered since 2022.