Category: Daily Trust

A witness, Markus Nathaniel, said the incident happened around 5:48am on Wednesday and involved a J5 Peugeot bus with registration number JJN 605 ZY and another Peugeot bus without a registration number.

He said one of the buses, fully loaded with bananas, pineapples and oranges, was travelling at speed from the Lokoja end when it allegedly overtook dangerously, resulting in a head-on collision with the other bus coming from the opposite direction.

He said one of the buses, which was loaded with fruits, suddenly went up in flames, adding that all four occupants, including the driver, were burnt beyond recognition.

He said the corpses of the passengers were deposited at the Kwali General Hospital morgue by rescue officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

An official of the FRSC, who was part of the rescue team but preferred anonymity, also confirmed the incident, saying four people, including a driver, were burnt to death after the two buses collided.

He disclosed that the corpses were deposited at the Kwali General Hospital morgue, attributing the accident to wrongful overtaking and speed limit violation.

The FRSC official further disclosed that three persons died in another accident following a head-on collision between a vehicle and a trailer near Government Secondary School (GSS) Yangoji, along the same highway.

He said the accident also happened on Wednesday, around 8:15am, and involved a Toyota Highlander Jeep without a registration number and a Howo trailer with registration number GWL 292 YM.

He said the Jeep, which was travelling at speed from the Lokoja end, overtook another vehicle and subsequently collided with the trailer, killing three male adults in the Jeep on the spot.

He said two other occupants of the Jeep sustained injuries and were taken to Kwali General Hospital for treatment, while the three corpses were deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

He also attributed the accident to speeding and road traffic violations, saying the Jeep had been towed to the police station in Kwali, while the trailer was moved to the Yangoji FRSC Unit Command.

The FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Iliyasu Tijjani, also confirmed the two accidents to our reporter on telephone but declined to comment further.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested four suspected collaborators of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in separate intelligence-led operations in Yobe and Borno states.

The military also said troops intercepted 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists fleeing their enclave in Borno following sustained military offensives.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said troops of the 159 Battalion under Sector 2 conducted a cordon-and-search operation in Geidam town, Yobe State, on August 3, following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of two suspected terrorist collaborators.

According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly supplied hard drugs and other logistics to Boko Haram fighters.

Goni said in a separate operation conducted at about 3:30 p.m. the same day, troops of Sector 3 Garrison, in conjunction with the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers in Monguno, Borno State.

He said the suspects allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation to supplying food items and other materials to ISWAP fighters operating in Kwatan Dowoshi village in Kukawa Local Government Area.

In another development, the military said troops of the 222 Battalion intercepted 20 suspected family members of JAS terrorists during a routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The group comprised nine women, two men, eight female minors and one male minor.

According to the military, the individuals told investigators they fled Gezuwa following sustained military offensives against the terrorist settlement.

The inauguration and strategic media briefing, held in Abuja on Tuesday, officially commenced mobilisation across the five South-East states for what organisers describe as one of the largest gatherings of women in the region.

The event, themed, ‘One Region, One Vision, Victory for Tinubu 2027,’ is expected to receive First Lady Oluremi Tinubu; Minister of Women Affairs; APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele; South-East Governors and their First Ladies; wives of federal and state legislators; members of the National Assembly; ministers; party leaders; traditional rulers; professionals; market women; youth organisations; civil society organisations; and thousands of women from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.

The event will also serve as a grand South-East reception in honour of the First Lady in recognition of her unwavering commitment to women’s economic empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Enugu State, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, will serve as the host state for the regional gathering. The Governors of the South-East, led by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, together with their First Ladies, are joining hands to welcome the First Lady in a collective demonstration of the region’s commitment to women’s empowerment, unity and inclusive development.

The programme will combine large-scale women’s empowerment initiatives, policy dialogue, health outreach and leadership development, while also serving as a platform for grassroots mobilisation in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in 2027.

Speaking at the briefing, the APC South-East Zonal Women Leader and Convener of the programme, Hon. Dr. Oby Ajih, described the initiative as a defining moment for women in the region.

‘For too long, the voices, numbers and capacity of APC women in the South-East have not been matched with visible platforms and resources. This Mega Rally is our answer. It is a statement that South-East women are organised, united and ready to take centre stage in shaping the political and economic future of our zone and our party. When you empower South-East women, you secure votes, you secure communities, and you secure the future.’

She said the rally would not only empower women economically but also demonstrate the unity and political strength of South-East women as they mobilise in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda and President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The programme, she added, will feature grants and start-up capital for traders, farmers and SMEs; skills acquisition kits; healthcare outreach, including maternal health education and health insurance enrolment support; as well as leadership and political capacity-building programmes for women.

Former Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Dr. Uche Ekwunife, CON (Iyom), commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what she described as his administration’s commitment to women’s empowerment and called on women across the South-East to mobilise massively in support of the President’s re-election.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated genuine commitment to improving the lives of Nigerian women through the Renewed Hope Agenda. South-East women recognise these efforts and are prepared to reciprocate with stronger grassroots mobilisation. On August 18, we will speak with one voice in support of the President and the future of our region.’

Also speaking, Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Organising Secretary of the Tinubu Torch Bearers, described the rally as a strategic platform for strengthening grassroots mobilisation and expanding women’s participation in national development.

‘The Renewed Hope Agenda continues to create opportunities for Nigerian women. This gathering is a demonstration that South-East women are united, organised and committed to advancing the President’s vision because empowering women ultimately strengthens families, communities and the nation.’

Responding to questions from journalists on the level of preparedness, the Abia State Representative on the National Coordinating Committee and Chairman, Media, Protocol and Publicity Committee, Hon. Mary Ikoku, expressed confidence that preparations had reached an advanced stage.

‘From the reports of our various committees, I can confidently say that preparations are well on course. Mobilisation across the five South-East states is strong, coordination is seamless, and every committee is working with a clear sense of purpose.

We look forward to welcoming Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, whose Renewed Hope Initiative continues to put resources, opportunities and renewed hope directly into the hands of Nigerian women.

In the South-East, the August Meeting has always been a symbol of unity, purpose and the strength of our women. On August 18, we will write a new chapter in that proud tradition-bigger in scale, richer in impact and stronger in purpose. We are ready. Enugu is ready. South-East women are ready.’

The Head of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr. Amos Dangut, disclosed this on Wednesday while announcing the release of the examination results in Lagos.

According to him, of the 1,950,726 candidates who sat the examination in Nigeria, 1,834,695, representing 94.05 per cent, had their results fully processed and released.

He added that 116,031 candidates, representing 5.95 per cent, still have one or more subjects being processed due to issues that are currently being resolved.

Dangut assured the affected candidates that efforts were being intensified to complete the processing and release the outstanding results within the next few days.

Giving a breakdown of candidates’ performance, he said 1,687,378 candidates, representing 86.50 per cent, obtained credit passes in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics.

He further disclosed that 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 per cent, obtained credits in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has advocated community policing as a key strategy for tackling insecurity across the country.

The Sultan said sustainable peace could only be achieved through collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Represented by the Chiroman Kano, Alhaji Adamu Lamido Sanusi, the Sultan spoke on Wednesday at the Arewa Awareness Summit on Unity Against Insecurity, held at Arewa House, Kaduna.

He said community members, particularly youths, possess firsthand knowledge of their environment and should be actively involved in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

‘I personally believe in community policing. To fight crime, we have to work with the people,’ he said.

The monarch said he had consistently worked with imams, religious leaders, youth groups and other community stakeholders to promote peace and strengthen security in his domain.

‘I personally work with the imams, religious leaders, youth groups and other community stakeholders to address the challenges in my area, working to ensure peace and security in the community,’ he said.

He described intelligence gathering as indispensable in combating crime, noting that residents often have better knowledge of suspicious activities within their communities than outsiders.

‘The people in the community, especially the youth, are already in the community. They know the community and the areas better than anyone else. You are able to gather more information through collaboration with the community and through multiple agencies working together in the community,’ he said.

According to him, effective cooperation between communities and security agencies would significantly strengthen efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

‘So, this cooperation, this working together hand in hand, is highly important in fighting crime in our communities and in the country,’ he added.

The Sultan also commended the organisers of the summit, describing the initiative as a timely platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening partnerships to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

‘I commend this programme. It is a very good initiative to listen to, and I hope we will continue to listen and learn more from our key speakers,’ he said.

He said he attended the summit to learn from experts and deepen his understanding of emerging security issues.

‘I am really glad to be here at this programme, and I am looking forward to learning from the key speakers. I really wish to learn from them as part of my daily job,’ he said.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Arewa for Peace, Unity, Cohesion and Development Initiative (ACI), Dr Abdullahi Idris, said the summit was convened to develop practical solutions to insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

He said participants were expected to develop strategies that would strengthen dialogue between communities and the government while promoting collective action against insecurity.

Also speaking, Prof. Mohammed Tasiu Dan Sabo, who represented Prof. Ahmad Rufai, said military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace.

‘There has to be a link between security, justice, governance and livelihoods,’ he said, stressing that ‘lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone.’

The one-day summit brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, religious leaders, academics, civil society organisations and youth groups to deliberate on practical approaches to addressing insecurity across the North.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who disclosed the development at a press conference in Osogbo, faulted the action, saying the EFCC instructed the bank to freeze the state government’s account without a court order.

The EFCC’s request was contained in a letter dated August 5, 2026, with reference number CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/PFS/TA/OSUN/VOL.17/666 and signed by the commission’s Director of Investigation, Adenike S. Babalola.

The letter stated: ‘In furtherance to the above, you are kindly requested to place a Post-No-Debit on the account. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and Section 24 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’

Reacting, Adeleke attributed the development to plots to manipulate the August 15 governorship election, saying democracy was in danger in Osun State.

‘We received a letter from our banker, forwarding a letter from the EFCC, instructing the bank to freeze the Osun State Government Account. This action was taken without any court order,’ the governor said.

‘We are supposed to be in a democracy, where the Rule of Law must always prevail. We will therefore not accept a situation where federal agencies trample on the constitutional rights of sub-national governments.

‘This is a threat to our democracy. If we all keep quiet and allow this illegality, very soon, whatever is left of our democracy will be fully eroded.

‘All I ask is for the EFCC to explain to the good people of Osun State and to Nigerians in general, why it froze the Osun State Government Account, and show proof to support whatever reason he presents.

‘This and all other illegalities being visited on Osun state is turning our democracy into a huge joke.’

Adeleke said he had instructed the Attorney General of Osun State, Barrister Jimi Bada (SAN), to challenge the action at the Federal High Court, Osogbo.

According to a Police Scotland statement, various athletes are unaccounted for as contingents return to their countries following the 11-day Games with athletes competing in 10 sporting events.

The Commonwealth Games had lasted from July 23 to August 2, but boxing athletes who represented Uganda and Pakistan were reportedly absent as their countries left Scotland.

Four Ugandan boxers including Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema were reported missing in Glasgow, while Pakistan’s Qudratullah Khan was nowhere to be found.

The Ugandan boxers failed to join the rest of the delegation returning to Uganda, and one of the athletes disclosed his intention to seek asylum in Scotland.

Similarly, Khan was last seen in his hotel room around 2am, and did not join the team’s 9am gathering before departure.

According to the statement, police say it is making enquiries and engaging the home office to resolve the case of the unaccounted athletes.

‘Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for. Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office.’

Similar incidents were recorded in previous Commonwealth Games, including Glasgow 2014, where dozens of athletes went missing and some sought asylum after the Games.

Ugandan athletes were also part of a number of athletes from Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Rwanda that refused to return home after the 2018 Games, with as much as 50 athletes of various nationalities said to have stayed illegally in Australia.

The testimony was made by both Most Rev(Dr) Timothy Yahaya, the Arch Bishop of Kaduna Province and Sheikh Haliru Maraya, Northern Coordinator of Global Peace Foundation.

The two religious leaders praised the Governor for buying a house for both Mrs Sarah Achi and Malam Usman Aliyu who lost their spouses at different times recently.

It will be recalled that Ven Edwin Achi, the husband of Mrs Achi, lost his life after his abduction and Malama Ummulkhairi Aliyu, an Islamic teacher, was mobbed to death at Maraban Jos last June.

Governor Uba Sani visited the deceaseds’ families and promised to buy each of them a house and to cater for the education and upkeep of Ummukhairi’s four children.

The Governor fulfilled the promise and the title documents were handed over to both Mrs Achi and Malam Usman at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House last Monday at a brief ceremony.

Expressing his gratitude to the Governor, Rev Yahaya said that he lacked words to express his joy, adding that ‘the lexicon of words look very inadequate to express our feelings from our heart of hearts, and to express our thanks.”

He argued that ”it is one thing for leaders in our clime to make a promise, and it’s another thing to keep that promise. But God has so blessed us with a Governor that when he says something, he follows his promise and keep his words.”

The clergyman further said that ”we are most grateful for your putting smiles on the faces of these families. And it is our heart’s desire and prayer, as you put smiles on the faces of this family, the Lord will put smiles on your government in the name of Jesus.”

”We equally pray that there will be lasting peace in Kaduna State. That this type of troubles will never come around again-that is our heart’s desire.

As a man of peace, a man of unity, all you have been doing, the Lord will bless it. And it will become a lasting legacy in your own regime,” he added.

Speaking also, Sheikh Maraya recalled that Ummulkhairi was murdered by a mob at Maraban Jos and Governor Uba Sani displayed his usual kindness and mercy by visiting and condoling with the family.

The Islamic cleric recalled that the Governor ” made a pledge of monetary donation, which you subsequently fulfilled. We were told that the family has indeed received a donation of N10 million.”

According to him, Governor Uba Sani also promised to continue funding the children’s education and he has directed relevant officials ”to look for a befitting quality school in Kaduna State for the children to get enrolled.”

”The Governor equally pledged to get a befitting house for the family of the Ummukhairi and befitting three-bedroom bungalow has been obtained. We thank you immensely for always ensuring that your words are in tandem with your actions,” he added.

Sheikh Maraya who is also a member of the Special Hajj Committee of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, said that ” we thank the Almighty Allah for giving us a compassionate Governor.”

”Since you assumed the mantle of leadership, you have become a fountain of mercy to we, the good people of Kaduna State. And consequent upon that, the Almighty Lord will keep on rewarding you richly. And Insha’Allah, Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala will elevate you to a position you have never expected,” he maintained.

In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani reiterated that Kaduna States has a policy of supporting the families or the victims of banditry and insecurity since he assumed office.

He recalled that last year his administration also handed over 50 houses to the families of victims of banditry attack in the Kaduna State, adding that ” I’m also happy today we are continuing with that very important policy. ”

”As a government, we will not let the families of the victims of insecurity in Kaduna State down; we will always be with them. I’m happy today Mrs. Aichi have recovered. She was in the hospital for many months.”

In a bid to mend internal rifts and fortify its ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has set up a seven-member National Reconciliation Committee to resolve grievances stemming from its recent primary elections.

The initiative was formally announced in a joint press statement signed by the NDC National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, and National Secretary, Mr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, which was released to the press by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director.

According to the leadership, the committee has been charged with engaging party aspirants across all 36 states to resolve outstanding disputes and foster party cohesion.

Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has been appointed to chair the committee, with veteran politician, Engr. Buba Galadima serving as Co-Chairman.

Other members of the committee are Mohammed Sanni Takori – Vice Chairman, Babatunde Alli – Secretary with Mrs. Dudu Mamman Manuga, Salvador Adegoke Moshood and Alhaji Haruna Pai as members.

To ensure thorough outreach, the NDC also announced the creation of three zonal sub-committees specifically assigned to oversee reconciliation efforts across the North, South-South, and South-East regions.

Our correspondent reports that the main committee will be inaugurated at the NDC national secretariat at 12pm on Thursday.

Party leadership expressed strong confidence that the panel’s work will smooth over internal disagreements, unite members, and build a solid foundation for the party’s upcoming national campaign.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to take over investigations into the controversial deaths of Mary Habila and Babatunde Tanimola, warning that both cases must not be ‘swept under the carpet.’

Falana also called for a speedy autopsy in Habila’s case and urged authorities to ensure transparent investigations into politically motivated killings in Osun State, arguing that every suspicious death deserves a thorough and independent probe.

The senior lawyer made the demands in a statement on Monday.

Falana expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of Habila, who was found dead and unclothed on June 27, 2026, in a room at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Although Umahi has publicly denied any foul play, insisting that the deceased had an existing medical condition and that the matter was reported to the police, Falana questioned the handling of the incident.

He also criticised the delay in conducting an autopsy after the Nigeria Police Force rejected a request by Habila’s father to release the body for burial.

While sympathising with the family, he maintained that suspicious deaths are matters of public interest.

Falana also called for an independent investigation into the death of Tanimola, whom the Presidency recently identified as a principal suspect in the alleged establishment of a fake government agency.

He noted that the police said Tanimola died in a hotel fire in Abuja on October 22, 2025.

Falana argued that since the terms of reference of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission investigation into the alleged fake agency did not cover Tanimola’s death, the Inspector-General of Police should immediately take over the matter.