AFOLABI

AFOLABI

The adopted son of Nigerian billionaire, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, Chidi, has taken action on his TikTok page following the mixed reactions that trailed his now viral ‘next of kin’ video.

Naija News reports that Chidi caused a stir after sharing a video on TikTok claiming to be the billionaire’s next of kin.

He captioned the video, “Nothing do my shoulder, I just realize say I be next of kin.”

In response, Obi Cubana posted a picture with his biological first son, Alex, on his official Instagram page, stating that he is his rightful next of kin.

However, Obi Cubana’s clarification sparked outrage online, with some netizens arguing that the socialite was right to address the misinformation, while others contended that the businessman should have handled the issue privately.

Amid the mixed reactions online, Chidi has not only taken down the video but has also locked his comment section on his TikTok page to avoid further comments on the issue.

Meanwhile, Obi Cubana, recently reprimanded his son for disrespecting the Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his 50th birthday party.

Naija News reports that the event, which was held in Abuja, was attended by notable figures, including Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kennedy Okonkwo, Cubana Chief Priest, Comedian AY Makun, E-Money, Daddy Freeze, Pastor Jerry Eze, Jowizaza a, Zubby Michael and many others.

In a viral video online, Peter Obi was seen approaching Obi Cubana while his son remained seated.

When Peter Obi extended greetings to the son, Obi Cubana scolded his son for not standing up to greet the former Governor of Anambra State.

The General Overseer of the Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has reiterated that Christians should not associate with the poor because Jesus detests poverty.

Naija News reports that Ibiyeomie recently earned backlash online after advocating for the rich and belittling the poor.

Despite the criticism, Ibiyeomie, in a follow-up statement, claimed that the Holy Spirit confirmed his stance on poverty, citing scriptures to support his view that poverty is a mentality.

The clergy advised believers to help the poor but not associate with them, likening it to avoiding sinners.

He said, “Some persons called me and said internet was on fire. I wasn’t interested, but out of curiosity, I checked. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to tell me if I’m wrong and I would take the blame.

“He was dictating God’s word to me verbatim in the bathroom, he said ‘you’re not wrong, you’re right.’ I said how? he said ‘I became sin for humanity, true?’ I said yes. He said ‘do you like sin’? I said No. He said you can only lead people to Christ, but you cannot be a friend to a sinner. He said if a believer is mixing with sinners, everybody gets angry. So if a believer mixes with the poor, everybody should be angry.

“He said, ‘I was made poor. so you can be rich’. So poverty is not of me.

“He said, ‘you can help the poor but don’t associate with the poor’. You don’t have money does not mean you’re poor. Poverty is mentality. And he gave me scriptures. He said ‘I paid a price for sin, poverty and sickness’. Why will you reject sin and accept poverty. And those who rejects poverty in line with God’s word, these three things will never be identified with you.”

A Chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has condemned the approved ₦10 billion solar grid for the State House.

Naija News reported that the Presidency, through the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, defended the approved ₦10 billion to power the State House with solar, citing the United States’ White House.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, the former spokesman of former Vice President Namadi Sambo argued that the President’s decision to power the State House with solar would remove him from the realities of Nigerians on issues of electricity.

He decried that the President, rather than tackling issues of epileptic power supply in the country, has chosen to give himself energy security while Nigerians remain in darkness.

The 2019 spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization noted that the ₦10 billion approved for powering the State House with solar could be used to upgrade the nation’s power infrastructure, which would benefit every Nigerian.

He said: “At a time when the Nigerian government is urging citizens and public institutions to cut costs, the decision by the State House to spend N10 billion on a solar energy project raises serious questions about priorities and leadership.

“Yes, electricity costs are high but this is a problem that affects every Nigerian, not just the presidency. The real issue is not the cost of power in Aso Rock, but the chronic failure of the national power system: generation remains stuck at around 4,000MW, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria cannot expand the infrastructure needed to wheel more power across the country.

“Rather than leading systemic reform, the presidency appears to be opting out of securing energy for itself while leaving ministries, agencies, businesses, and citizens to struggle under the weight of erratic supply and exorbitant tariffs. If everyone follows Aso Rock’s example and migrates to solar independently, what then becomes of the Ministry of Power, the national grid, and the billions allocated annually to improve them?

“This N10 billion could have been used to upgrade national transmission lines or fund community-based power projects that would benefit millions, not just one complex. It sends the wrong signal: that governance is about isolating those in power from the very problems they are elected to solve.

“Instead of being a model for sustainable energy, this project may end up being another example of a government building comfort for itself while the rest of the country remains in the dark.”

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mandated the immediate detention of officers suspected of extorting ₦5.2 million from a traveler, following an instruction from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Naija News reports that this directive was communicated in a statement issued by NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, on Wednesday, April 23.

The incident, which attracted attention through a widely circulated social media post, allegedly involved officers extorting this sum from a young man journeying from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State.

In a prompt reaction, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, denounced the officers’ conduct, describing it as unprofessional and a breach of the Corps’ Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedure.

The statement indicated that Audi has ordered the officers to be taken to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja for detention, and a disciplinary committee has been formed to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Commandant General further stated that any officer found culpable following the investigation would face penalties in accordance with the Public Service Rules.

He emphasized that under his leadership, the Corps would not condone any form of misconduct, highlighting the importance of accountability.

“Following the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Corps, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has ordered the immediate detention of the alleged officers.

“He further directed that the culprits be whisked down to the Corps national headquarters, Abuja for detention, to pave the way for the disciplinary committee set up to carry out a full-scale investigation into the alleged extortion report as directed by the Minister of Interior.

“The Corps helmsman hinted that the management of the Corps awaits the outcome of the investigation and promised to deal decisively with the officers according to the Public Service Rules if they are found guilty of the alleged offence,” the statement read in part.

Audi urged the public to maintain their collaboration with the Corps by providing pertinent information, emphasizing that citizens need not fear intimidation or extortion.

He reiterated his dedication to integrity and transparency within the service, vowing not to protect any officer engaged in corrupt activities.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has taken a swipe at some governors of the party purportedly planning to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described the act as a betrayal of the platform that gave them their political relevance.

George’s comments come in the wake of reports that three to four PDP governors are preparing to defect to the APC to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.

While Akwa-Ibom state Governor, Umo Eno, has publicly declared support for Tinubu, others, including Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Enugu’s Peter Mbah, and Rivers’ suspended Governor, Sim Fubara, are reportedly weighing their options without officially decamping.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, George frowned at the actions of the governors who are abandoning the party that backed their rise to office.

He questioned what the APC presented to them to consider switching allegiances mid-term.

He said, “We are running a system here that is very despicable, very disheartening. A platform that gave you all the necessary tools, the opportunity to represent your constituency—now, halfway into your tenure, you’re jumping ship? I’m very disappointed with these governors. Very disappointed.

 “The electorate in their states supported them because of the programmes of the party. Now you want to go back? What is it that they [the APC] have presented? 24 hours in politics is a long time; who knows what will happen?”

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom state police command have arrested an 18-year-old identified as Amanam Bassey Abraham, for the unlawful possession of a locally made pistol.

Disclosing this to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, in a statement released, said the arrest was made following credible intelligence.

According to the statement, during interrogation, the suspect claimed that the firearm belonged to his landlord, who allegedly gave it to him as collateral for a loan of N5,000.

“On April 18, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, acting on credible information, operatives of the Command apprehended one Amanam Bassey Abraham, an 18-year-old male from Akpautong Village.

A search conducted on the suspect at the time of arrest resulted in the recovery of a locally made pistol.

During the initial interrogation, the suspect claimed the firearm was given to him by his landlord—name yet unknown—as collateral for a N5,000 loan. He also stated that he intended to hand the pistol over to his father for safekeeping.”


DSP John further disclosed that an investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the said landlord for questioning.

A Police Inspector, identified as Maxwell Zabu, has committed su!cide in Rivers State.

Zabu allegedly shot himself d3ad in his room at the Eagle Island residence of a former Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Ihunwo.

The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

It was gathered that the incident was reported at the Police post at Eagle Island, under the Azikiwe Police Division, and detectives from the division visited the scene as part of preliminary investigation procedures.

Until his d3ath, Zabu served as an orderly and close aide to Ihunwo.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that it is suspected that the Police officer k!lled himself.

However, the command said it is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Port Harcourt, for a detailed investigation.

Maxwell Zabu

 

The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has announced the revocation of institutional houses and plots of land sold in Kaduna State by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai‘s administration.

Naija News reports that the revoked properties and lands include those within Alhuda-huda College, Zaria; Queen Amina College, Kaduna and Government Commercial College, Zaria.

 

In a statement on Tuesday from the Secretary to the State Government, AbdulKadir Mu’azu MeyereGovernor Sani said the decision was taken in line with overriding public interest and common good.

 

He disclosed that efforts were on to ensure that all payments made to the government coffers, in respect of the sold houses, were refunded.

It read: “In line with its commitment to human capital development and to ensure conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in schools, the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, had revoked all previous sales of institutional houses and land allocations within Alhuda-huda College, Zaria, Queen Amina College, Kaduna and Government Commercial College, Zaria for overriding public interest and for the common good.

“The revocation was approved last year and the revocation order has been conveyed to all allottees, while steps are being taken to refund amounts paid in respect of the sold houses as directed by His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State.

“As one of the key pillars of His Excellency’s Human Capital Development, Uba Sani noted that effective learning can best take place in a conducive atmosphere without distractions and sundry interferences.

“The governor has always argued that education is not just a leveler but also a ladder for upward mobility which can transform lives and improve livelihoods.

“To secure the future of our children, the Governor has been expanding access to education in the last two years, by bridging the infrastructural deficit at both primary and secondary schools across Kaduna State.

“In fact, one of the first decisions that His Excellency took upon assuming office was the slashing of the school fees of Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions on August 21, 2023.

Apart from tertiary institutions, the Senator Uba Sani administration has also improved access by building new primary and secondary schools as well as blocks of classrooms since he became Governor of Kaduna State.

 

“Indeed, the Sani-led administration has built over 2,336 new classrooms, renovated more than 707 others and provided 3,704 and 30,742 furniture, for teachers and pupils.

“Similarly, Kaduna State Government, has sunk 51 boreholes, provided 918 cubicle toilets for both pupils’ and teachers’ use in all the Local Governments to make learning more conducive.”

A Finnish court has approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, to Nigeria, where he faces serious charges including incitement, terrorism, and conspiracy.

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti granted Nigeria’s long-standing request on Thursday, with the extradition set for July 15, according to reports.

 

Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been accused of orchestrating unrest in southeastern Nigeria from abroad. His arrest in November 2024 followed months of surveillance by Finnish authorities.

 

Although often linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in media reports, the separatist group has distanced itself from Ekpa. “Ekpa operates independently. Linking him to IPOB is misleading and dangerous,” said an IPOB spokesperson. “His actions are not part of our struggle.”

Instead, Ekpa is said to lead a splinter group called “Autopilot,” which is allegedly connected to a militant organization known as the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA). Authorities claim the group is responsible for violent “sit-at-home” orders, kidnappings, and targeted killings in Nigeria’s southeast.

Vanguard reports that Nigerian officials presented evidence under the Rome Statute—ratified by both Finland and Nigeria—to support the extradition request. Finnish authorities emphasized that the court’s decision followed due process and international legal standards.

In a statement, the Nigerian government welcomed the ruling, calling it “a major step for justice” and a strong signal to those “who seek to destabilize the country from foreign shores.”

A new terrorist group, Mahmuda, has escalated its attacks across Kwara and Niger States, raising alarm in several communities.

On Sunday night, suspected members of the group launched an assault on Ilesha Baruba and Kemaanji, Baruten, and Kaiama local government areas in Kwara State, leaving several dead and others wounded. The violence comes just days after more than 50 farmers were killed in similar attacks in Ukum and Logo local councils. 

Reports suggest the assailants, dressed in military camouflage and riding motorcycles, stormed a market square at 9:30 p.m. and opened fire on residents before fleeing the scene. Among the casualties were four Fulani individuals, a vigilante, and a 19-year-old who was hit by a stray bullet. The attack is believed to be part of a series of reprisal attacks by the terrorists targeting local vigilantes.

 

According to Daily Trust, residents suspect that the motive behind the attacks is to displace local farmers and occupy their land. One local source described how the attackers fired at the Fulani individuals at close range, particularly targeting the vigilante who was armed with a dane gun. The violence also spread to Kaiama, where another vigilante was killed in a similar assault.

Terrorist Group Mahmuda’s Growing Influence

The Mahmuda group has been linked to an increasing number of violent incidents across the region, including kidnapping and killings in villages such as Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, as well as in parts of Yashikira District of Baruten Local Government Area. The group’s activities have extended into the Babana and Wawa districts of Borgu LGA in Niger State, prompting concerns over the spread of terrorism within these areas.

Despite previous claims from the federal government about successes in containing the violence, security experts believe the rise of Mahmuda suggests that more needs to be done to combat terrorism. Some experts have criticized the country’s intelligence system for failing to anticipate and prevent the emergence of such a group.

Governor AbdulRazaq Leads Delegation to Assess Situation

In response to the worsening situation, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led a high-level delegation that included military and intelligence chiefs to visit Kaiama and assess the security concerns. The delegation held a “strategic security interface” with the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar, and other key stakeholders. During the meeting, the governor confirmed that the recent attacks were a reprisal targeting vigilantes.

Governor AbdulRazaq assured the public that the state government is collaborating with the military and other relevant agencies to bring peace to the affected communities and dismantle the terrorist group. He expressed confidence that the ongoing efforts will lead to a resolution of the security challenges.

In the wake of the attacks, the Kwara State Police Command reassured residents that adequate security measures were in place to prevent further violence. Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi urged citizens to go about their lawful activities while remaining vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement. She warned that any individual or group attempting to destabilize the community would be dealt with decisively.

Fear and Tensions in Affected Communities

The Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umaru Seriki, expressed growing concern for the safety of his subjects, who are living in fear of the frequent attacks by the Mahmuda group. The violence is not confined to Kwara alone but has spilled over into neighboring Niger State, with incidents like the recent destruction of a security vehicle purchased by locals for vigilante operations.

Experts, including Abdullahi Garba, an intelligence and counter-terrorism specialist, have questioned the failure of Nigeria’s security agencies to anticipate the rise of the Mahmuda group. Garba pointed to the need for more proactive intelligence gathering, urging the Department of State Services (DSS), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to better address emerging threats.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Garba said, “I think the DSS, DIA, and NIA have questions to answer regarding how the new terror group penetrated the country. Why do we have intelligence agencies if we can’t determine this type of scenario in our country?” He emphasized that countering terrorism effectively requires intelligence agencies to be more proactive and thorough in their efforts.

Security Agencies’ Response

While the police spokesperson directed inquiries to the military, a source within the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) confirmed that both the police and DSS are working around the clock to curb the activities of the Mahmuda group.

The source stated, “It is not an external threat; it is already an internal issue, and the police as the lead agency in maintaining internal security have taken over. The results will be obvious soon.”