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My Mother Seized My International Passport, Stopped Me From Signing $320,000 Deal – Frank Edwards
AFOLABI
Gospel singer, Frank Edwards, has disclosed that his mother once stopped him from signing a $320,000 deal that would have given a group control of his music catalogue.
Edward explained that his mother warned him against signing the deal and confiscated his international passport to prevent him from finalising it.
Speaking via a social media post, Edwards said he didn’t understand his mother’s reasoning, but he has since come to appreciate her discernment.
He mentioned how she had given him ₦150,000 naira to start a studio, and her instincts proved correct.
The singer expressed gratitude for his mother’s selfless love, guidance, and unwavering support.
He thanked her for being a source of wisdom and strength, always providing guidance and protection.
Edwards wrote: “Thank you for everything, this space is not enough to write about you. Thank you for an impenetrable wall of fire! Thank for always telling me the mind of God about the things I’m doing, Non of your words fell to the ground because you truly hear from God ..
“The very first time in my life years ago I was to close $320,000 deal from a group that wanted to almost own my entire catalogue.
“You said NO ! And I quote you. “ The 150,000 naira gave you to start that studio is bigger than that money, just give it time . They are not of God.
“Infact you took my international passport away from me Just to ensure I don’t travel to close that deal , and I was laughing because I didn’t need to travel to close it but then I listened to you !
“After u said that I was thinking How is 150,000 Naira bigger than $320,000 .. BUT NOW I UNDERSTAND.
“There is so much to say !! But like I said .. this space is not enough!! Happy Mother’s Day mum!!!”
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye, has officially changed the name of the RCCG Apapa Family to The Favoured Family.
Naija News reports that this renaming took place on Sunday during his second visit to Trinity Towers, the headquarters of the RCCG City of David parish, which oversees the Apapa Family.
Accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, he shared that he received a divine directive to rename this prominent family within the RCCG community.
While preaching from 2 Kings 2:19-24, Pastor Adeboye articulated the need for the Apapa Family to experience a new outpouring of grace, symbolized by the introduction of salt and a new cruse.
He highlighted that the salt represents God’s restoration of flavor and vitality, the elimination of bitterness, the prevention of demonic influences, and the promotion of swift progress.
The new cruse, he explained, symbolizes a new beginning, the recovery of lost glory, and a renewed commitment to reignite spiritual passion.
“If anyone had once been hot and had grown lukewarm, they would now burn brightly again,” Pastor Adeboye stated.
Naija News reports that the RCCG Apapa Family boasts a rich heritage that began in 1991 at Roxy Cinema, Apapa, with approximately 50 members under the leadership of Pastor Tony Rapu.
In just five years, the congregation expanded to over 45 parishes both within Nigeria and internationally, supported by a dedicated workforce of more than 500 individuals.
The family’s mission is to reach heaven and bring as many people as possible along, while also nurturing leaders and fostering a community that exemplifies excellence, faithfulness, character, and integrity.
Their objectives include evangelism, establishing God’s governance, and showcasing the significance of Christianity through innovative and contemporary expressions of their beliefs.
Throughout the years, the RCCG Apapa Family has experienced considerable growth and transformation, with various pastors playing pivotal roles in its development.
Following Pastor Tony Rapu, Pastor Eskor Mfon took the helm and furthered the expansion of the Apapa Family Churches.
After Pastor Mfon’s passing, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade was appointed as the new leader of the Apapa Family.
On September 1, 2024, Pastor Kayode Pitan succeeded Pastor Iluyomade as the Head of the Apapa Family
Akpabio Is Afraid Of Something, If Tinubu Says He Wants A Third Term, National Assembly Will Vote For Him’ – Dele Momodu
AFOLABI
chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dele Momodu, has submitted that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is no longer the same person he used to know as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Momodu, who spoke on Monday during a Channels TV interview, said though they were never close, he admired what Akpabio did as Governor for the people of his state, but the Akpabio who is the current Senate President of Nigeria is afraid of something.
Speaking along the lines that the current crop of lawmakers is a rubber-stamp National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Akpabio, Momodu submitted that the federal lawmakers would approve a third term speedily if President Bola Tinubu moves for it.
The veteran journalist suggested that Akpabio is most likely afraid of the presidency, adding that the Nigerian presidency is a powerful institution.
“The good side in Akpabio was that he delivered as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. I don’t know what became of him after. You know what usually happens is that today people say he is leading a rubber-stamping Senate, perhaps out of fear of the presidency.
“The Nigerian presidency is the most powerful president, maybe after Donald Trump, if not on equal level.
“Nigeria’s presidency is so powerful that one Minister, Chief Alex Akinyele, once told me under Babangida government that a Nigerian president can turn a man into woman and a women into man. So what I see in Akpabio today is a man who is afraid of something. A man who will do anything.
“If Tinubu says tomorrow I want a third term, I can bet you in five minutes, they will vote for him, so I don’t know what happened but as Governor you know he had executive powers and with executive powers, there is much more you can do for your state and that was my admiration for him,” Momodu said during the interview monitored by Naija News
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
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“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has appointed gospel artist Asu Ekiye as the Izon Language Ambassador.
Naija News reports that this announcement was made during Ekiye’s musical concert and album launch, titled “Ebikamo Experience,” which took place on Sunday in Yenagoa.
Governor Diri highlighted that this appointment acknowledges Ekiye’s dedication to preserving the Ijaw language through his music, aligning with his administration’s goal to prevent the language from becoming extinct.
He praised the musician’s commitment to language preservation and mentioned that his administration has already trained Ijaw teachers, with plans for further initiatives to promote the language.
Diri said: “I would have been here earlier but was told that the place was not ready. When it started raining, I told the Chief of Staff and SA Religion to represent me. But immediately I made that decision, the rain stopped.
“On behalf of our government of Assured Prosperity, I want to say a big thank you to you and your team. They say a prophet is not recognised in his hometown but here you are acceptable. When you are blessed by God, nobody can take it. Haa Izon! is a call for unity and not a call for war.
“I am happy with your success story as an Ijaw gospel musician and I have, therefore, appointed you as Ambassador of Ijaw Language. My office will write you.
“I challenge everyone, particularly parents, to teach their children our language and urge them to join hands with the government in our drive to preserve the language from extinction.
“My dear people of Bayelsa, our state is peaceful because Ijaw people are peaceful. Let us support the state government and the Federal Government.
“We have started proving that the best place to live in is Bayelsa. The way we have given Nigeria oil and gas, Bayelsa is also the cradle of marine and blue economy and this is what Nigeria is missing in Bayelsa. So, we thank the federal government for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.”
Ekiye captivated the audience with his vibrant songs and dynamic dance moves, drawing the governor onto the dance floor.
Present at the event were notable figures including the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, the representative for Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the House of Assembly, Ayibanegiyefa Egba, the Chief of Staff at the Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, along with other esteemed Ijaw music artists such as Barrister Smooth and Alfred Izonebi, among others.
President Bola Tinubu and Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas have been summoned by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
The court summoned them over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The suit, marked FHC/PH/CS/45/2025, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Peoples Life Improvement Foundation, Precious Elekima, and Inanna Wright Harry.
The plaintiffs are challenging the legality of the emergency rule and seeking the court’s interpretation of its constitutionality.
Among those named in the lawsuit are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the National Assembly, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
Also joined in the suit are Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Revenue and Fiscal Mobilisation Commission, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The plaintiffs argue that President Tinubu’s March 18, 2025, declaration of emergency in Rivers State is unconstitutional, null, and void.
They claim it violates Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement Act) and Section 305(3)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
They are seeking a court order to prevent the Rivers State Administrator from appointing caretaker committees for the 23 local government councils, forming a state executive council, and awarding contracts or making any financial transactions from the state treasury.
The plaintiffs are also demanding the restoration of democracy in Rivers State by reinstating the suspended executive and legislative arms of government.
Additionally, they are asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining President Tinubu from further suspending elected officials in the state.
The court has given the defendants 30 days to respond to the summons, warning that failure to do so could result in the case proceeding in their absence.
‘We’re Witnessing Something Worse Than Dictatorship, Please Don’t Kill Democracy’ – Dele Momodu Begs Tinubu
AFOLABI
Veteran Nigerian journalist cum chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has asserted that Nigeria is witnessing something worse that dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu.
Naija News reports that Momodu made this known while berating Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as anti-democratic.
Recall that Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months in addition to the state of emergency owing to the political crisis in the oil-rich state and the move have generated backlash from many political elites.
In an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Dele Momodu pleaded with President Tinubu not to kill democracy in Nigeria.
Momodu claimed that some people are deceiving Tinubu and warned him to watch his back.
He said, “I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very, very, very well. Though I’ve not been in the same party [with him] and all that, we were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy. So a lot of us, co-comrades at that time, are actually very embarrassed that we have a pro-democracy leader in government, and yet what we are witnessing is worse than dictatorship.
“I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’ Everybody who loves him will tell him this. I don’t; I’ve not asked him for anything or anything, but we love him for his contributions to the motivation in the back, which is what is going down the drain.
“I’m saying it now openly to millions of Nigerians that people are deceiving President Tinubu, and he should not allow people to deceive you.
“He should just do his job. The only thing that can guarantee a second time is to do your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody.”
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has said he would report former Minister, Obiageli Ezekwesili, to the Igbo traditional leadership.
Naija News reported that Senator Onyekachi and the former Minister of Education, Ezekwesili, clashed during the Senate Committee on Ethics sitting constituted to hear sexual harassment allegation brought by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking on Monday with AIT, Onyekachi accused Ezekwesili of describing him as a hooligan. The Ebonyi North Senator stated that he respects women and has championed women’s empowerment and rights.
His words: “As a person, I can’t talk to my wife like that in public. I can’t talk to my driver like that in public. I can’t talk to any woman that way in my life. I’ve never done that in my life. I respect women. I’m one of the people that have been championing the rights and privileges of women.
“As a legal practitioner, I’ve won so many cases in favor of women that were denied the right of inheriting their father’s property because their father had no male child. I’ve won so many cases pro bono. The facts are there. If you go to Ebonyi State, you will see them. I’m one of the leaders from the South East that have a program of building houses for widows, sponsoring their children in school. I have over 300 of them. All these are to show the respect and regard and love I have for women.
“But for a woman to get up in public and tell me to shut up my mouth and call me a hooligan, a red cap chief in Igbo land that has made my mark, that has made my contribution, has stood for election. I have a vote of over 500 people to be in the Senate and somebody who has never won a ward councilor to come to my office and tell me to shut up my mouth and call me a hooligan. This is unacceptable. And I’m going to take that up within the Igbo traditional leadership because it never happened.”
The political crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly remains unresolved as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa continues to push forward with his lawsuit against former Speaker Mojisola Meranda and other lawmakers, despite President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, Naija News has learned.
According to sources familiar with the matter, confusion and concern are growing among APC leaders in Lagos over Obasa’s refusal to withdraw the legal case.
“The truth is that there is uncertainty among the party’s leadership regarding why the Speaker is still in court.
“Honestly, we don’t know why. After President Tinubu’s intervention and their meeting in Abuja, everything about the leadership crisis seemed to have been settled,” a source revealed to SaharaReporters on Monday.
The source further noted that Meranda had already stepped aside in line with the party’s resolution, making Obasa’s persistence puzzling.
“If you know Meranda very well, you will see that she is an easygoing person, not someone who wants the speakership ‘do or die.’ Since the leaders told her to step down in the interest of the party, she relinquished her ambition and did not pursue it further. This is why we don’t know what Obasa wants from the court again. But everyone is observing the situation,” the source added.
Meanwhile, Obasa’s lawyer, Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), has dismissed any speculation that his client is considering dropping the lawsuit.
A former majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, has revealed how he was approached with ₦5 billion to facilitate the impeachment of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Ehie, who currently serves as the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor Fubara, said he still has the evidence of the offer on his phone.
Speaking on a Channels Television programme, Sunday Politics, he disclosed that he has printed the evidence and shared it in case those who approached him with the bribe want to use it against him in the future.
He said, “I can also open my phone to show you, in the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone.
“It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it and I have printed it and distributed it, incase in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother.”
Ehie, who was the factional speaker of the Rivers Assembly until January 2024, said the offer to facilitate Fubara’s impeachment was made to him at a time he was still the Majority Leader of the House.
Naija News had earlier reported that Ehie also vehemently denied claims that he played any role in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on October 29, 2023.
The allegations, made by former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, accused Ehie and Fubara of masterminding the fire that destroyed the state’s Assembly Complex.
However, Ehie refuted the claims, stating he was not involved in the incident.
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Lawal Idris, a former Senior Special Assistant to the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has described his former boss administration as a failure.
He lamented that Matawalle tenure was filled with political upheavals, economic stagnation, insecurity and confusion.
According to him, his former principal could not pay the then minimum wage of ₦30,000 but paid ₦7000 to civil servants.
Idris, stated this while reacting to a factional All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary in the State, Yusuf Idris Gusau, who said that the payment of the much awaited ₦70,000.00 minimum wage by Gov Dauda Lawal was a deceit to hoodwink civil servants that he is an action governor who has their welfare at heart
He argued that APC is envious of the achievements of Gov Lawal in barely two years in office, which according to him, surpassed the four years of the immediate past APC-led government of Matawalle.
According to him, the APC is still groaning over its defeat in the 2023 governorship election.
Writing on behalf of Zamfara Rescue Movement, Idris said, “To state that the governor is working hard, particularly in the implementation of the minimum wage to civil servants as a ‘deceit’ to gain their support is a deliberate distortion of [truth].
“To distort facts and try to incite citizens against the government they overwhelmingly voted into office and still support is unpatriotic and counterproductive.
“Partisan politics should be set aside as the government strives to provide dividends of democracy to citizens.
This is what APC failed to understand. Politics of bitterness has no place in Zamfara State, which was why the people voted out the party in the 2023 gubernatorial election and why the party also remains factionalized in the state without direction and future.
“The government of Bello Matawalle of APC could not pay then minimum wage of N30,000.00, instead he paid N7000.00 to civil servants for a month salary.
“Civil servants were demoralised and impoverished which grossly affected their potentials and productivity essential in charting economic growth and prosperity.
“Despite this meagre salary workers and pensioners were equally owed months of their wages and pensions; promotion, human capital development trainings etc, were suspended due to lack of initiatives and strategic management of scarce resources.
“It was this atmosphere of despondency and insecurity that compelled the good people of Zamfara State to vote out a sitting governor, Bello Matawalle of APC.
“For the people of Zamfara, the dark days of political upheavals, economic stagnation, insecurity and confusion in governance is over.
“All benefits to former members of the State House of Assembly were settled, funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state withheld for two years by the Matawalle’s administration were released.”
The Labour Party (LP) has cleared George Muoghalu and John Nwosu for the party primaries slated for April 5, ahead of Anambra state governorship election, in November.
Naija News reports that the Screening Committee led by its chairman and the Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, George Ozodinobi, screened the two aspirants, on Friday.
In his speech, Ozodinobi lauded the two aspirants for being true party members and also commended them for their track records and loyalty to the leadership of the party.
He assured them of the party’s non partisan approach towards its selection process and its commitment in ensuring that the best aspirant emerge.
“We will work according to the laid down rules and we want to assure you of highest level of transparency throughout the process of the selection.
“We will work to ensure that we approach the election as a united house, without rancour. It is going to be a brotherly context where everyone in the party will join our flag-bearer in the onerous task of campaigning and winning the November governorship election for the salvation of Anambra State,” he said.
Muoghalu was the first National Secretary of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), and a former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Similarly, Nwosu was also a Director at the 2023 Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed Presidential Campaign Council.
The United Kingdom has hosted its first major summit to fight illegal migration, bringing together representatives from over 40 countries and organizations.
The summit, which takes place on Monday, March 31st, aims to tackle people smuggling gangs and improve border security, with outcomes expected across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America.
According to the UK Home Office, this summit marks a significant step in a global effort to disrupt people smuggling operations.’
A number of countries joined in addressing the complexities of illegal migration, ranging from small boat smuggling to online trafficking and illicit financial networks.
The summit also features discussions with social media companies like Meta, X, and TikTok to explore ways to stop the online promotion of irregular migration.
Global cooperation against smuggling gangs
The summit is designed to create concrete outcomes by strengthening international cooperation. Over 40 countries are working together to improve intelligence sharing, strengthen partnerships, and target organized crime networks.
- The UK government emphasized the need for coordinated action to address the entire smuggling route, from source countries to final destinations.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed the importance of global collaboration in disrupting smuggling networks.
“Smuggler and trafficking gangs make their money crossing borders, so law enforcement needs to work together across borders to bring them down,” she said.
“Only a coordinated international response, across the whole irregular migration route, can effectively dismantle these networks.”
New funding and resources for enforcement
As part of the summit’s outcomes, the UK government has committed substantial funding to support operations against people smuggling.
- A £30 million fund will support high-impact operations, targeting supply chains, illicit finances, and trafficking routes across various regions. Additionally, £3 million will be directed to the Crown Prosecution Service to help increase its capacity to prosecute international smugglers.
- Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, noted the need for cross-border cooperation, drawing from his experience as Director of Public Prosecutions.
“This vile trade exploits the cracks between our institutions, pits nations against one another and profits from our inability at the political level to come together,” he said.
“When I was the Director of Public Prosecutions, we worked across borders throughout Europe and beyond to foil numerous plots, saving thousands of lives in the process. We prevented planes from being blown up over the Atlantic and brought the perpetrators to justice.”
“I believe we should treat organised immigration crime in the same way,” Starmer said.
International commitments to border security
Details inform that several countries have made commitments to strengthen their border security efforts. France, for example, has agreed to deploy mobile, specialized officers to prevent small boat launches, while Germany has pledged to tighten laws against those facilitating smuggling to the UK.
Furthermore, a new task force between the UK and Italy will target the financial operations of smuggling networks.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has been actively involved in seizing boats and engines used for illegal immigration. Since July, the NCA has seized 600 boats, as part of its broader strategy to dismantle smuggling rings.
Criminal networks and global impact
The summit also highlighted the scale of organized immigration crime, which spans multiple countries and involves sophisticated tactics. The global income from migrant smuggling was estimated at $10 billion in the past year.
Criminal groups are increasingly using social media platforms, legitimate goods, and illicit financial networks to facilitate illegal immigration, which jeopardizes border security and puts lives at risk.
The UK government is also working with international partners to address the challenges posed by maritime illegal immigration. The Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) is using space-based surveillance technology to monitor and combat illegal activities in waters near Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Recent arrests and progress in tackling smuggling networks
Reports inform that several high-profile arrests have taken place as part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling gangs. These include arrests related to a Syrian organized crime group that smuggled 750 migrants, as well as the arrest of a Turkish national involved in supplying small boats for smuggling operations.
In addition, six men were arrested in Belgium in connection with a major people smuggling ring, and authorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have assisted in the arrests of three individuals linked to Kurdish smuggling networks.
The UK government continues to build on these efforts, using law enforcement partnerships and cutting-edge technology to disrupt illegal immigration operations and improve border security.
[Nairametrics]
Edo gov suspends security chief, vigilante groups • Kano govt deploys delegation to Edo
•PFN condemns killing, calls for justice
Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has urged authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for the killing of Kano indigenes in Uromi, Edo State.
He also stressed that justice must be served to uphold peace and stability in the country.
He made the call during his Eid-el-Fitr sermon at the Kofar Mata Eid ground in Kano on Sunday, speaking on the need for swift and firm measures to prevent further violence.
While acknowledging statements from some government officials regarding the incident, the Emir insisted that mere condemnation was not enough, but that concrete steps must be taken to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Addressing youths in Kano, the monarch urged them to avoid any acts of retaliation, reminding them that revenge is prohibited in Islam.
He emphasized that peace and justice must be pursued through lawful means.
The gathering was attended by thousands of worshippers, including the state governor and his deputy.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) would work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the killing.
In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the CDS condemned the killing in strong terms, noting that it could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities had been notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.
According to the statement, Gen. Musa condoled with President Bola Tinubu and the families of the victims, and urged Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands.
He also warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups must register with the police, DSS, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms.
In a related development, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly condemned the killing of the 16 northern travelers in Uromi, and called for thorough investigation.
In his Facebook post, Senator Kwankwaso described the incident as barbaric and emphasized the right of all Nigerians to travel freely without fear of harassment or intimidation.
Also, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, also strongly condemned the killing.
In a statement issued in Kano, Senator Musa described the incident as a heinous act that demands an unwavering response from security and judicial institutions.
He emphasized that all individuals found complicit in the atrocity must be brought to justice, including law enforcement personnel who may have neglected their duty.
Senator Musa urged Nigerians to live in harmony, regardless of their differences.
Edo gov suspends security chief, illegal vigilante groups
The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.
He also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (rtd.).
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the action followed a review of the preliminary report on the killing of travellers in Uromi on Thursday.
The statement reads in part:“It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.
“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.
“Investigations into the killings are ongoing and fourteen (14) persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police.”
The Edo State government reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.
Kano sends delegation to Edo
Meanwhile, the Kano State government has concluded arrangement to deploy a powerful delegation to engage with the Edo State government and the Hausa community in the state on the incident.
The delegation, set to depart for Edo on Monday (today), is expected to ensure that justice is served and those responsible for the heinous act are brought to book.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made this known in a live broadcast, where he condemned the barbaric act, describing it as “uncalled for.”
He assured the people of Kano that his administration would leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
“We will ensure that all those affected are fully compensated,” Governor Yusuf stated. “I have spoken with the Edo State governor, and he has assured me that most of the suspected culprits have been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing,” he said.
He urged the people of Kano to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Governor Yusuf also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Kano State.
PFN condemns killing of travellers in Edo, calls for justice
The National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop David Bakare, has strongly condemned the killing of 16 travelling hunters in Edo.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Kaduna, Bakare called for thorough investigations into the ungodly act to ensure that the perpetrators are fished out and brought to justice.
The cleric also appealed against reprisal attacks, pointing out that two wrongs cannot make a right.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the authorities to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.
“We strongly condemn this barbaric and ungodly act. Even if they were kidnappers, that does not warrant taking the law into our own hands; the right thing was to hand them over to law enforcement agents for proper investigation and legal action.
“We urge that thorough investigation must be carried out on this matter to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, no matter who they may be,” he said.
Arrest culprits, Reps spokesman tells security agencies
Spokesman for the House of Representatives and lawmaker representing Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency, Akintunde Rotimi, has called for the arrest of the perpetrators of the killing.
He made the call at the weekend in Ayede-Ekiti, IkoleLocal Government Area of Ekiti State, during the second Ramadan Annual Lecture he organised in honour of the national vice president of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Aare Sulaiman Ogunlayi.
The lawmaker stressed that Nigerians should be able to coexist peacefully regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
“On behalf of the people of Ikole/Oye-Ekiti Federal Constituency, we condemn the violent mob attack on those travelers in Edo State.
“We call on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice,” he said.
In his lecture entitled ‘Build the Family to Build the Nation’, a Navy Captain and the Chief Imam of the Defence Headquarters Mosque in Abuja, Dr. Taofeeq Miqdad, identified family instability as a major factor contributing to national insecurity and political instability.
He emphasized that Nigeria would not be in crisis if families raised peaceful and responsible children before they ventured into politics.
Another high point of the event was a presentation of an award to the lawmaker by the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Ekiti North Senatorial District, in recognition of his unwavering support to the Muslim community.
In his remarks, Aare Sulaiman Ogunlayi urged the Muslim community to embrace the lessons learnt in the holy month to spur them to rise up to the challenges of developing their families, Ekiti State and Nigeria generally.
[Nigerian Tribune]