Category: Daily Trust

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the remand of one Ajirotutu Bosede, a 27-year-old woman, at the Correctional Centre over an alleged inhuman act resulting in grievous harm.

The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant, on October 3, at about 12:00 hours (noon) at Matthew Street, Ado-Ekiti, unlawfully poured hot red oil on the body of one Emmanuel Ogunleye, inflicting grievous harm and life-threatening injuries.

Inspector Oriyomi further stated that the defendant, on the same date, time, and place, conducted herself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace in the society. Counsel to the defendant, Barrister Adedayo Awe, urged the court to admit his client to bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, ordered the remand of the defendant at the Correctional Centre until November 21, for hearing.

Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared himself the winner of the country’s presidential election, claiming a decisive victory and calling on the incumbent president to concede and initiate a peaceful transition of power.

In a nationwide address on Wednesday, Tchiroma said his campaign had compiled reports from polling stations and verified results through field representatives, concluding that he had secured ‘more than 50% of the valid votes.’

He described the outcome as a clear rejection of the current administration and urged President Paul Biya to ‘show courage and humility’ by congratulating the winner and facilitating a smooth handover.

‘Such a repudiation of the outgoing president should, in the name of democracy and our customs, prompt him to call the winner, offer congratulations, and signal his readiness to organise a peaceful transition. Sadly, that does not appear to be his inclination,’ Tchiroma said.

Despite the lack of official confirmation, Tchiroma insisted that his camp holds two levers of legitimacy – massive popular support and the provisions of Electoral Code Article 113, which he said permits the publication of results.

‘Undeniably, these two levers make me the lawful and legitimate President of the Republic,’ he declared.

He warned that any attempt by the Constitutional Council to announce ‘falsified or tampered results’ would amount to complicity in electoral fraud.

‘The Cameroonian people – by an overwhelming majority – will never accept the Council validating ballot-rigging on an historic scale,’ he said.

Tchiroma’s speech comes amid growing unrest in Garoua and other cities, where his supporters have taken to the streets for a second consecutive day, demanding transparency and fairness in the announcement of election results.

Calling for nationwide peaceful protests, Tchiroma appealed to Cameroonians at home and abroad to ‘march for liberation and to claim our victory’.

‘Let us create a great peaceful wave to show the world that the people have had enough and want their freedom,’ he said.

Early figures suggest President Biya is currently in the lead, with the final outcome expected to be announced on Thursday.

The protests have led to clashes with security forces, prompting authorities to impose restrictions.

In Garoua, at least 20 demonstrators were arrested on October 21 and are expected to face military trial for inciting violence and public disorder, according to Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.

In a bid to contain the unrest, officials in the Menoua division of western Cameroon have banned all public demonstrations, travel, motorcycle use, and the sale of fuel in bottles, effective from October 21 until further notice.

The Regional Economic Department of the French Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have officially launched a technical cooperation project aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s institutional and operational capacities in personal data protection. While the initiative has been under development for several months, this gathering served to officially celebrate and reaffirm the partnership between France and Nigeria in advancing data protection practices.

Building on the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023, this cooperation aims to strengthen the NDPC’s capacity to conduct compliance audits, develop practical methodologies and training tools, and draw inspiration from France’s long-standing expertise in personal data regulation.

France, internationally recognized for its leadership in data protection through institutions such as the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) and Expertise France, will share its experience and best practices to help Nigeria consolidate and implement its regulatory framework.

As part of this collaboration, a Study Tour to France will take place later this year, allowing NDPC officials to engage directly with leading French and European institutions in charge of data protection, digital regulation, and public sector modernization. This study visit represents a key milestone in the broader roadmap designed to support Nigeria’s implementation of the NDPA and promote the development of a data protection culture across public institutions and society at large.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Edo State has disclosed that it arrested no fewer than 3,990 motorists for violating traffic rules and regulations in a two-month enforcement drive.

Speaking with Daily Trust, the State Sector Commander, Cyril Mathew, said the offenders were arrested in the months of August and September, 2025. Mathew provided the breakdown of the arrests to include 2,075 motorists in August and 1,915 in September.

He noted that 95 were arrested specifically for overloading their vehicles within the period.

Mathew listed the most common traffic violations in the state to include: overloading, failure to install speed limiting devices, route violation, fire extinguisher violation, seat belt use violation, and use of phone while driving, among other offenses.

According to the Sector Commander, the offenders were arraigned in a mobile court and fined accordingly, stating that this action would serve as a deterrent to other drivers who fail to obey road rules and regulations.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has ruled out any form of negotiation or ransom payment to bandits, insisting that such actions would only embolden the criminals and worsen insecurity across the state.

Bago made the declaration during a condolence visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas, where several communities were recently attacked by armed bandits.

In a statement issued in Minna by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor said Niger State had reached a point where citizens must take responsibility for their safety and resist banditry collectively.

‘We will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,’ Bago said.

‘We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back.’

Describing the spate of attacks as a ‘state of war,’ the governor said it was both a constitutional and moral obligation to protect lives and property, adding that he would go to any length necessary to safeguard the people.

Bago expressed dismay that some communities had been overrun by criminals, forcing residents to flee their homes and live as internally displaced persons.

To strengthen security, the governor announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members into the state’s Joint Task Force (JTF), with recruitment expected to begin immediately.

He also declared a total ban on mining activities across Zone C of the state-which comprises Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara local government areas-citing illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity.

‘It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,’ he said, directing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining in the affected areas.

Bago further assured victims of the latest attacks of government support, promising compensation for families of those killed, medical care for the injured, and assistance for residents who lost their livelihoods.

The Department of State Services (DSS), in partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has begun production of high-tech security equipment.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who disclosed this in Abuja, described the high-tech equipment production as a major feat towards technological self-reliance in Nigeria’s security sector.

According to him, the high-tech equipment which is jointly being produced with the DSS, with full support of Mr. President, will improve intelligence gathering and effective security coverage in the country.

‘A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility jointly constructed with the DSS in Abuja, is fully-equipped with the latest security systems and technology that will transform the conduct of security operations nationwide,’ he said.

He noted that Director-General of DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, had always emphasised President’s vision of promoting self-reliance by Security Agencies in Nigeria and reducing importation of security equipment.

This, NASENI boss explained why both agencies trained and developed technical expertise in manufacturing the security equipment; details of which cannot be disclosed now for obvious reasons.

‘This strategic partnership leverages on NASENI’s scientific and engineering expertise to enhance research and innovation tailored specifically to the needs of the security sector,’ Halilu said.

The success of this innovation, he stated, would soon position Nigeria as a leader in security technology manufacturing in the West African Sub-Region, with positive implications for regional stability and economic development.

‘The initiative reflects the President’s broader priorities to promote self-reliance and technological advancement in security systems, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable and security solutions,’ the NASENI boss declared.

On his part, Ajayi said the President firmly believes that Nigeria has the capacity to manufacture its own security equipment and should minimize reliance on foreign imports.

The House of Representatives has resolved to launch an investigation into the alleged use of harmful and carcinogenic chemicals in the preservation of frozen foods sold in Nigerian markets.

The resolution followed a motion by Hon Chike Okafor during plenary on Tuesday, who expressed concern over reports that dangerous substances such as formalin, sodium hydroxide, sniper, kerosene, and carbide are being used to preserve frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, meat, and other perishable items.

Okafor warned that the continued use of such substances poses grave health risks to Nigerians, including cancer, organ damage, developmental disorders such as autism, and other life-threatening conditions, as documented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, in conjunction with those on NAFDAC and Safety Standards, to conduct a comprehensive investigative hearing on the alleged use of toxic preservatives in frozen foods and the importation of carcinogen-preserved food products.

A pro-Tinubu political group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Renewed Hope Advocates for Tinubu 2027, has cautioned the national chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, against moves allegedly aimed at frustrating efforts to woo Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the party.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Zakari Mohammed, said such actions could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s reconciliatory drive and ongoing efforts to strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Plateau APC leadership, in a meeting presided over by Nentawe last week, passed a motion blocking the governor from joining the ruling party. While the governor has denied any plan to defect to the APC, the group said President Tinubu’s allies have been reaching out to credible opposition figures, including Mutfwang, in what it described as a ‘national unity project’ to expand the ruling party’s base.

‘It has come to our notice that certain individuals within the Plateau APC, led by Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, are doing everything possible to frustrate Governor Mutfwang’s possible entry into the party,’ the statement read.

‘This attitude contradicts President Tinubu’s inclusive leadership style and vision of a stronger, united APC that transcends old rivalries.’

The group urged the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to intervene before the emerging cracks within the Plateau chapter deepen.

However, Yilwatda’s media aide dismissed the allegations as ‘baseless and politically motivated,’ saying the chairman remained focused on rebuilding the party.

‘Dr Nentawe has no issue with Governor Mutfwang or anyone considering joining the APC. These stories are the handiwork of mischief-makers,’ he said.

The group reaffirmed its support for Tinubu’s nationwide reconciliation drive.

Fresh details have emerged on the nature of testimonies expected from prominent witnesses listed by the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as part of his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him.

The list of witnesses, filed on October 21, categorises them into two groups: Category A, made up of ‘ordinary but material defence witnesses (voluntary)’, and Category B, consisting of ‘vital and compellable witnesses’ to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Kanu’s defence, which is expected to open today at the Federal High Court in Abuja, follows Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, which disrupted work and business activities in Abuja and other parts of the country.

In the document personally signed by Kanu, the Category B list includes former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Yusuf Bichi; former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).

Others on the list are Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma; former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi.

According to the court filings, Malami is expected to testify on directives and authorisations linked to ‘the defendant’s extraordinary rendition, operations, custody conditions, and compliance with legal procedures.’

Buratai, on his part, will testify on ‘the 2017 invasion of the defendant’s residence and the chain of command authorising the military operation.’

Similarly, Umahi is expected to speak on the proscription of IPOB ‘without a judicial order and its consequences,’ while Ikpeazu will testify about his knowledge and administrative role during the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s house in Abia State.

The document further explains that Uzodinma will testify on the killing of former PDP chieftain, Ahmed Gulak, and the findings and public statement exonerating IPOB, while Wike will testify on the ‘Obigbo massacre’ that followed the EndSARS protests and the role of security forces under his authority.

Sanwo-Olu is expected to testify on the EndSARS judicial panel, particularly the Lekki Toll Gate incident, to establish what Kanu’s defence describes as ‘a pattern of repression.’

In addition, retired Gen. T.Y. Danjuma is to testify on his 2018 public warning urging Nigerians to defend themselves against ‘infiltrated armed forces,’ which the defence says helps contextualise Kanu’s advocacy for self-defence.

Other witnesses include two Americans – Bruce Fein and Barry Sutton – who are to testify on the illegality of extraordinary rendition and the alleged digital tampering of electronic evidence, respectively. A civil society director and an unnamed witness are also listed to testify on alleged extrajudicial killings of IPOB members.

The House of Representatives has opened investigations into alleged non-repatriation of Nigeria’s crude oil and non-oil export proceeds estimated at over $850 billion between 1996 and 2014.

Chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Pre-Shipment Inspection of Exports and Non-Repatriation of Crude Oil Proceeds, Hon. ‘Seyi Sowunmi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the Committee’s inaugural press briefing at the National Assembly, Abuja.

He said recent allegations suggest a significant breakdown in compliance with the Pre-shipment Inspection of Exports Act, with operators in the oil and gas sector reportedly failing to repatriate between 40 and 45 per cent of Nigeria’s crude oil and non oil export proceeds, contrary to the law which mandates full repatriation of export earnings within 90 days for oil exports and 180 days for non-oil exports.

Sowunmi also expressed concern over the ‘worrisome disparity’ in export-earnings data reported by government agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Department of Petroleum Resources (now NUPRC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as well as inconsistencies between Nigerian data and that of international bodies like OPEC.

He added that non-oil exports, especially those involving solid minerals and other commodities, have also been marked by ‘high non-compliant export earnings reports.’

According to him, the Pre-shipment Inspection of Exports Act (CAP P26, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) established the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) to prevent capital flight, ensure accurate export valuation, and safeguard Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

Before the Act was enacted in 1996, he said, the country suffered from ‘endemic leakages in the form of under-valuation, delayed invoicing, price manipulation, illegal swaps, and deliberate over-loading.’

The Committee, he explained, will probe the exact volume and value of unrepatriated export proceeds from oil, gas, and non-oil sectors since 1996; determine why government agencies produce conflicting export data, and engage experts for a forensic reconciliation of export-proceeds accounts.

It will also investigate the management and utilization of funds under the NESS.

‘This Committee will be guided strictly by evidence, not speculation. Our work will be document-based, data-driven, transparent, and verifiable,’ Sowunmi said.

‘Our aim is simple: Nigeria must receive, in full and promptly, every dollar legally due from its exports,’ he added.

He assured that the House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, is fully committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by blocking revenue leakages and recovering lost funds for the Federation Account.

Sowunmi further announced that the Committee will actively utilise existing whistleblowing channels extracting credible information.

He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders including oil operators, regulators, financial institutions, and exporters, emphasising that the investigation is a ‘whole-of-system exercise.’