Category: Daily Trust

A fire incident has reportedly gutted the Adidas Sports shop at the Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, in the early hours of Thursday.

Abuja Metro reports that only the shop was affected.

It was further gathered that firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, the Berger Fire Department, and the FCT Fire Service, as well as police officers, were deployed to the scene.

When Abuja Metro visited yesterday morning, the fire had been contained.

A worker at the shop said the incident happened around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday.

He said no casualty was recorded at the scene. He confirmed, ‘Only the Adidas Sports shop was affected by the fire.’ Ibrahim Mohammad, the spokesperson of the FCT Fire Service, confirmed the incident to Abuja Metro but said it was a minor one.

He said the situation had been brought under control and normalcy returned.

Also reacting, FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said police officers were deployed to the location to secure the area and prevent looting.

‘We received a distress call at about 3:40 a.m. We immediately deployed our men there to secure the place and prevent any breach of public order,’ she said.

Cameroonian opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has accused the government of orchestrating a campaign of repression and targeted abductions following the disputed October 12 presidential election, which he claimed to have won.

In a statement sighted by Daily Trust Friday morning, Tchiroma alleged that two members of his family and his personal chef were kidnapped in Garoua on Wednesday night.

‘It looks like an open war against the Cameroonian people. They spare nothing: assassinations, repression, and other abuses. They do not want peace. For them, every means must be used to remain in power, because they fear the consequences if they leave, hence the extreme violence of their actions.

‘That is why, yesterday, they kidnapped two members of my family here in Garoua, as well as my personal cook.

‘Do you think you can pressure me with such acts? All you will succeed in doing is alienating the people even more. I demand their immediate release, as well as that of all others who have been kidnapped or arbitrarily detained,’ Tchiroma said.

In another message released Friday, the opposition leader has implied that he has left his residence in Garoua and is now under the protection of what he described as ‘elements of the loyalist army.’

Tchiroma, who earlier alleged that members of his family and his personal chef were abducted amid a wave of post-election repression, reiterated his commitment to challenging the current regime and called for the release of all those detained.

‘I ask all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, to my kidnapped family members, hang in there – I will not rest until this regime gives you victory,’ he declared.

He went on to express gratitude to members of the armed forces who, according to him, ensured his safe relocation.

‘I thank the loyalist army for showing patriotism by leading me to safety and protecting me now,’ he said, adding, ‘I will make a solemn address in a few moments.’

Tchiroma’s remarks are coming amid rising tensions in northern Cameroon, where protests and security deployments have intensified.

While the government has yet to respond to the allegations, rights groups have raised concerns over arbitrary arrests and the use of force against opposition supporters.

In another statement, Tchiroma called on his supporters and those detained to remain resolute, vowing to continue the struggle against what he described as a regime clinging to power through fear and violence.

‘I call on all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, and on the members of my family who have been kidnapped: hold on – I will not rest until this regime returns your victory,’ he said.

He also praised elements of the national army whom he described as ‘loyalist,’ claiming they had ensured his safety.

‘I thank the loyalist army, which has shown its patriotism by escorting me to a safe location and is currently ensuring my protection. I will deliver a solemn address in a few moments,’ he added.

Former presidential aide and public affairs analyst, Laolu Akande, has warned that Nigeria cannot achieve nationhood without justice, equality before the law, and consistent enforcement of accountability. Speaking on his weekly segment, My Take, on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande aired on Channels Television on Friday, Akande lamented the growing culture of impunity and double standards in the nation’s justice and security systems, using the continued detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as a test case.

According to Akande, ‘The Nigeria of today is a nation where evil acts, outright violence, are being treated as tolerable products of our differences, particularly religious, ethnic, and regional ones. The seeds of these self-inflicted, self-indicting predicaments were sown long ago.’

He expressed deep concern over how the Nigerian state has treated non-state actors and violent extremists with leniency while selectively applying the law against others. ‘Non-state actors who engage in extra-judicial terrorist violence are frequently treated with leniency. Sometimes, even without an arrest, let alone prosecution,’ he said.

Citing examples, Akande referenced the activities of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent cleric who has openly engaged with bandits under the guise of negotiating peace. He noted that Gumi even ‘warned the Nigerian military against actions that could undermine certain so-called peace deals that he has with the terrorists.’

Akande continued: ‘To further confirm the absurdity we now tolerate, there was actually a meeting with traditional rulers and community leaders in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State with the kingpin Ailero. The Fulani terrorist kingpin reportedly stated openly at that meeting that he increased the intensity of his attacks on various communities and armed forces after DSS operatives arrested his members.’

He highlighted the irony in how Gumi was ‘recently deported from Saudi Arabia as a security threat and was barred from performing Hajj pilgrimage because of his pro-terrorist rhetoric,’ while in Nigeria, he continues to enjoy freedom and influence. ‘But here at home in Nigeria, it’s a different story,’ Akande lamented.

The former presidential aide questioned the effectiveness and commitment of the government’s counterterrorism strategy, asking: ‘Are we prioritising dialogue over prosecutorial justice? Or, is it a convoluted combination of both?’

Turning to the case of Nnamdi Kanu, Akande described it as a litmus test for Nigeria’s judicial integrity. He stressed that a nation that applies justice selectively cannot foster unity or peace. ‘Against this backdrop, the Nnamdi Kanu situation appears to be a test of the overall judicial integrity. The absence of justice is destructive to nation-building. It is of fundamental concern that we have a justice system that operates differently for different people,’ he said.

Akande concluded that the road to a stable and united Nigeria must begin with fairness and the rule of law. ‘We cannot build a nation without justice. Justice must be seen to be done to all-regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,’ he asserted.

He urged the government to demonstrate moral courage and institutional consistency, warning that failure to uphold justice for all will only deepen the country’s divisions and undermine national cohesion.

The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies in Nigeria (NAFDCA) to strengthen inclusive development and institutional coordination across Nigeria.

The launch took place during a two-day workshop held from Monday, 27th through Tuesday, 28th in Abuja.

The initiative, organized by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction, with support from International IDEA through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, Sightsavers, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN), German and Swiss Governments, the European Union (EU) through the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH GIZ Nigeria and RedAid Nigeria, brings together state-level disability commissions and agencies, and development agencies.

Speaking at the opening, Dr. Adebayo Adebukola, Technical Adviser to the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, described the Forum as ‘a vital coordination platform to harmonize our efforts, share good practices, and ensure that no person with a disability is left behind in our national development agenda.’

The keynote speaker, Dr. Deji Ademefun, in his address on the theme ‘Progressing on Disability Inclusive Development in Nigeria: Moving from Policy to Practice through Effective Inter-Governmental Relations,’ focused on translating Nigeria’s disability laws into action.

Delivering the welcome address, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of NCPWD, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusive governance. ‘Our dream of a disability-inclusive Nigeria cannot be realized without the synergy and shared vision of each state’s disability commission or agency,’ he said.

He emphasised that the Forum would enhance accountability, policy coherence, and resource mobilization. ‘The National Forum will not only improve coordination among disability institutions but also give a stronger voice and visibility to persons with disabilities at all levels of policy making,’ Gufwan added.

‘This is the beginning of a new chapter in disability governance in Nigeria. Inclusion is not an act of charity – it is an act of justice and an investment in national development,’ Gufwan said.

The Forum aims to institutionalize structured engagement between government, OPDs, and development partners, focusing on inclusive budgeting, data systems, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.

The forum adopted its Terms of Reference and elected its leaders during their first inaugural meeting.

The Peoples Democratic Party has vowed to carry on with its plans for the November 15 and 16 elective National Convention slated for Ibadan, Oyo State.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the party not to go ahead with the convention for allegedly breaching its rule.

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving, publishing, or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention until the PDP meets all statutory requirements.

But in a statement issued on Friday night, Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, vowed that preparations for the event would go on.

‘The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.’

:However, the PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.

‘Our Party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.

‘The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party,’ the statement read.

Ologunagba added that as a party committed to the rule of law, the party ‘has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country’.

The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, has dissociated himself from a recent report in the media that attributed his rumoured arrest by military intelligence agency to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

Ogbuku also condemned the news report attributed to a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which insinuated a rift between himself and the Governor, clarifying that there was no rivalry within the APC in Bayelsa State.

Earlier in the week, Ogbuku was said to have been arrested over alleged claim of transferring large sum of money to the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, to finance a coup to topple the government of President Bola Tinubu Ahmed Tinubu.

But his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Willie Etim, in a statement on Friday, described the report of arrest as misleading and mischievous.

He said: ‘It is also important to clarify that any comments or opinions expressed by anyone on political matters in Bayelsa State should be regarded strictly as their personal views and not as a representation of the views or position of Dr Ogbuku.

‘The attempt to link the governor to political controversies or rumours of arrest is both misleading, mischievous and unnecessary.

‘We want to use this medium to express our sincere apology for any embarrassment the publications may have caused the Governor and call on all party faithful to exercise restraint in public commentary, especially when such remarks could mislead the public or misrepresent facts.’ he said.

Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has demanded apology from Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice, over the presidential pardon list saga.

Daily Trust reports that Fagbemi, who chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), was criticised over the controversy that trailed the initial pardon list.

In the list released earlier in October, the presidency announced that based on the recommendation of the committee and nod of the Council of State, some convicts, who were on death sentence, life imprisonment, for murder, drug trafficking, illegal mining among others, had been granted clemency.

This had triggered backlash and generated outrage across the country.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had said clemency granted to people convicted of serious offences weakened public faith in the criminal-justice system and ’emboldens criminality.’

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), had described the move as an abuse of the presidential power of mercy, adding that it is ‘a national disgrace’.

Different human right groups and various associations had also commented on the development.

Amid the controversy, Fagbemi said the list was under review, emphasising that none of the convicts had been released.

Subsequently, some persons were dropped from the list while the death sentence of some of them were commuted.

Speaking on the issue during an ARISE TV interview, Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the exercise was mishandled.

‘Those who were convicted under state laws found their way on that list. By virtue of section 212 of the constitution, only the governor of a state can pardon people convicted for stealing, obtaining by false pretences, murder, or culpable homicide.’

‘The government owes itself a duty to ensure that such colossal embarrassment does not occur again.

‘The only way you can do that is to take some actions to teach some lessons and to let the whole country know that. we have to apologise for embarrassing the country.

‘The very least the Honourable AGF can do is to apologise. It is not enough to say that we are going to review the list and now we have reviewed it. That is all. No! It’s not done that way.’

Seplat Energy PLC yesterday announced its unaudited results for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, reporting a revenue of N3.356 trillion for the period from N1071 trillion reported in the same period last year.

Its gross profit rose to N1.356 trillion from N531.5 billion Year-on-Year.

Dividend payout declared for the period was 7.5 US cents per share, consisting of 5.0 US cents per share base and 2.5 US cents per share special.

Cash generated from its operations for the period grew to N2.152 trillion from N633.8 billion Year-on-Year whilst operating profit rose to N1.096 trillion from N411.3 billion Year-on-Year.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) hit N1.715 trillion for the 9M period, representing a rise from N573.4 billion recorded in the nine months of 2024.

The Company’s 9M 2025 production averaged 135,636 boepd up 185% from reported 9M 2024 (47,525 boepd); its first Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cargo was sold to the domestic market, improving domestic energy access and supporting clean cooking; and ANOH gas plant on track to deliver first gas in 4Q 2025.

On the performance report, the company’s 2025 production in nine months averaged 135,636 boepd up 185% from reported 9M 2024 (47,525 boepd), and up 18% vs. pro-forma 9M 2024 production, while 3Q 2025 production averaged 137,888 boepd, a 1% improvement on 2Q 2025.

Commenting on the results, Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, said: ‘At our Capital Market Day (CMD) in September, we set out our medium term vision for the Company, targeting 200 kboepd working interest production and $1 billion in cumulative dividends in our roadmap to 2030.

‘As we approach the first anniversary of the MPNU acquisition, we are clearly displaying our ability to operate a business at scale. We delivered a third consecutive quarter of production growth at the upper end of production guidance, and we are pleased to be able to narrow production to 130-140 kboepd.

‘Our financial performance year to date has been extremely robust, generating after tax cash flows in excess of $1 billion, enabling significant deleveraging to 0.27x ND/EBITDA, well below our target levels.

‘In addition, while we anticipate some cash outflow in 4Q 2025, our strong cash generation year to date supports declaring a special dividend of 2.5 US cents/share, delivering a total dividend to shareholders this quarter of 7.5 US cents/share. This is aligned with the new dividend policy of returning an increasing share of free cash flow to shareholders, laid out at the CMD.

‘We have continued the momentum into the final quarter of the year, making substantial progress in the past few days to ending routine flaring onshore, a commitment we have made for 4Q 2025, and we expect to complete the PIA conversion process for our onshore business imminently, which will further support the delivery of our ambitious 2030 roadmap laid out at the CMD.’

Fresh indications have emerged that the reported plan by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is nearing completion, following a series of high-level consultations and discreet meetings in Abuja.

Findings by Daily Trust revealed that the governor recently met with APC youth stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory, where he reportedly confirmed his intention to join the party once ongoing arrangements are finalised.

The meeting, held on Wednesday at the T.Y. Danjuma House in Asokoro, Abuja, was led by Comrade Abubakar Gembu and attended by APC youth representatives from the state’s 16 local government areas.

Before the Abuja parley, Governor Kefas had dispatched his loyalists to the 16 LGAs for grassroots consultations on the proposed defection. A former senator, Dahiru Bako, led the consultation team. Sources said most of those consulted, including PDP members, supported the governor’s move to realign politically.

At the Abuja meeting, Kefas reportedly told the APC youths that Taraba could no longer afford to remain isolated from the mainstream of national politics. He said his decision to engage with the ruling party was driven by the need to attract greater development, security, and federal attention to the state.

The APC youth stakeholders commended the governor for what they described as his foresight and courage to prioritise the collective interest of Tarabans above partisan considerations. They hailed his anticipated move as a masterstroke that could reposition the state for progress and prosperity.

Governor Kefas’ planned alignment with the ruling party is already being viewed in political circles as a defining moment that could reshape Taraba’s political landscape and bridge the long-standing gap between the state and the centre since 2015.

The APC state chairman, Barrister Ibrahim El-Sudi, also welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost for the party. He told Daily Trust that Kefas’ potential defection would strengthen the APC’s support base, assuring that the move would not marginalise existing members.

‘It would be suicidal for the party to shut its doors to people interested in joining the APC,’ El-Sudi said.

Reliable sources told Daily Trust that Governor Kefas has secured the approval of his political mentor, General T.Y. Danjuma (rtd), to proceed with the defection. Close associates also confirmed that Kefas had met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finalise the plan.

‘It is no longer a secret that Governor Kefas is defecting to the APC. It is only a matter of days or weeks before it is officially announced,’ one PDP member in Taraba said. ‘Consultations with PDP leaders and supporters have been concluded, and the APC national chairman is fully aware and supportive of the move.’

Another PDP stalwart, who spoke anonymously, said politicians in Taraba eyeing elective positions in 2027 had already begun lobbying, noting that Kefas’ defection would make him the new leader of the APC in the state.

On the fate of the party’s current leadership, another PDP member, Lawal Rabiu, said a realignment of interests was likely. ‘It will be difficult for the old members of APC to retain the party structure completely,’ he said. ‘But there will be agreements and give-and-take arrangements so that nobody is short-changed.’

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and Special Duties, Josiah Kente, described the planned defection as ‘a pragmatic and strategic decision’ that could accelerate Taraba’s development and strengthen its partnership with the Federal Government.

He commended the governor for consulting widely before taking such a step, adding that the process demonstrated political maturity and inclusiveness.

The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, has condemned the brutal killing of one of its clergies, Reverend Yahaya Kambasaya, and the abduction of some villagers in Farin Dutse, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, left the community in shock and deep mourning, according to a statement signed by Rev. Dr Amos G. Kiri, President of HEKAN.

‘With a deep heart, on behalf of HEKAN Headquarters, I wish to inform the world of a tragic incident that occurred in Farin Dutse,’ Rev. Kiri said. ‘Heavily armed bandits attacked the community and perpetrated evil on innocent residents.’

According to the statement, the attackers stormed the village, ‘shooting sporadically at helpless locals’ and whisking away several residents, including HEKAN members.

The late Rev. Kambasaya, who had initially taken refuge in a nearby farm, was tragically gunned down after the shooting subsided.

The church leader confirmed that the slain pastor’s body has been deposited in a morgue while the family and church leadership consult on funeral arrangements.

The president also revealed that four other HEKAN members from Kakude Local Church Branch were kidnapped earlier on October 19, 2025, and remain in captivity.

The statement recalled a series of previous attacks targeting HEKAN congregations in the same area.

‘It would be recalled that HEKAN Church in the same area was attacked on December 4, 2024, which led to the abduction of 50 persons, including our pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal,’ Dr Kiri said. ‘Sadly, one of the kidnapped victims died in the hands of his captors, while others returned with various degrees of injury.’

Expressing frustration over the worsening insecurity, HEKAN called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to rescue those kidnapped and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The state’s Police command has not released a statement on the incident, as the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, couldn’t be reached on the phone for comment.