Category: Daily Trust

All surviving Israeli hostages held by Hamas have been released under a ceasefire deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, bringing an apparent end to the two-year conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.

According to the Israeli military, the final batch of 20 hostages was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday before being transferred to Israeli forces in Gaza.

Hamas initially handed over seven hostages to the Red Cross, who were driven to Israeli security forces to be taken into Israel.

It later handed over 13 more hostages. They will be reunited with their families before being flown by helicopter to hospitals. The release triggered emotional scenes in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where families and supporters who had gathered for months broke into tears and applause as news of the final releases spread.

Hamas’s move follows the October 9 ceasefire agreement that set out a phased plan: the release of all hostages, a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and a broader roadmap for peace.

The agreed ceasefire started at midday local time (10am UK time) on Friday, with tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians moving back towards northern Gaza, which was mostly destroyed by Israel.

The accord also includes Israel’s commitment to release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the exchange.

President Trump, who personally oversaw the negotiations, landed in Israel on Monday to mark what he described as ‘a very special day for peace.’

He was received in Tel Aviv by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before heading for Jerusalem for meetings with families of freed hostages.

‘I think it’s going to hold. People are tired of it – it’s been centuries,’ Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. ‘The war is over. Okay? You understand that?’

In Gaza, the ceasefire brought a rare moment of quiet after years of devastating airstrikes.

‘I returned to Sheikh Radwan with my heart trembling,’ said Fatima Salem, a 38-year-old Gaza resident. ‘My eyes kept searching for landmarks I had lost. Even the neighbours’ houses were gone. Despite the fear, I felt like I was coming back home.’

The humanitarian toll of the conflict has been immense.

Gaza’s health ministry estimates that more than 67,000 people have been killed since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023 – figures the United Nations has described as credible.

Under the U.S.-brokered roadmap, Israeli forces are expected to pull back to designated areas within Gaza, while a multinational peacekeeping mission, coordinated by a U.S.-led command centre, will oversee security and aid distribution.

Trump is scheduled to travel next to Cairo, where he and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will co-host a summit of over 20 world leaders to ratify the ceasefire and outline the next phase of the peace plan.

President Emmanuel Macron is already in Egypt for the summit.

Addressing the press, Macron said France will play a ‘special role’ alongside the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza.

‘On governance issues, we will play a particularly important role,’ Macron said from the tarmac in Sharm el-Sheikh. ‘Ensuring it (the PA) undertakes the necessary reforms for the future.’

The federal government yesterday warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against disrupting academic activities with the nationwide strike it planned to commence today.

The government warned that it would invoke its no-work-no-pay policy should the union embarked on strike.

Earlier during a press conference at the University of Abuja yesterday, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, said all the union’s branches nationwide had been directed to commence a full withdrawal of their services beginning at midnight today.

He said the decision to begin the warning strike became imperative following the government’s failure to meet the union’s demands.

He said there had been no meaningful progress to prevent the union from moving forward with its planned strike.

Piwuma noted that the 14-day notice, which was issued on September 28, 2025, had lapsed without any substantial response from the relevant authorities.

He warned that after the two-week warning strike, if the government still failed to act, the union would proceed on a total and comprehensive strike.

He said the union’s action was aimed at drawing attention to the government’s persistent refusal to implement agreements and address critical issues affecting Nigerian universities.

‘It is regrettable to note that nothing significant has happened since our last briefing on the eight issues in dispute,’ he said.

ASUU’s demands

The union is, among other things, demanding conclusion and signing of the renegotiated 2009 agreement with the government; payment of the withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries of its members; sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities; an end to the victimisation of lecturers of the Lagos State University, the Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University) and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Other demands are settlement of the outstanding 25-35 per cent salary arrears; payment of promotion arrears spanning over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union dues.

The ASUU president said that despite several appeals and assurances from government officials, including a letter dated September 30, 2025, from the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, nothing tangible had been achieved.

He disclosed that the outcome of an emergency meeting of the FGN/ASUU 2009 Agreement Renegotiation Committee held on October 10 was disappointing, describing the documents presented by the government as ‘provocative and inconsistent’ with previous drafts.

‘The hurriedly packaged documents were a total departure from the spirit of the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated agreement and incapable of dousing industrial tension across campuses,’ he said.

He accused the government of bad faith and deliberate delay tactics, saying that months of negotiation had yielded no results.

‘It is a betrayal of historic responsibility if we continue to fall for the government’s deception and manipulation. What is needed is the fundamental transformation of our university system, not token promises,’ he said.

The ASUU leader said the union appealed for understanding from students, parents and the public, stressing that its struggle was aimed at saving Nigeria’s university system from collapse.

‘We invite patriotic Nigerians, workers, media practitioners, and civil society activists to join ASUU in this transformational mission,’ the statement added.

‘ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all its branches nationwide to withdraw their services effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025,’ the ASUU president stated.

Reacting to the declaration of the warning strike by the ASUU, the government, through a joint statement last night by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, said it would be guided by its no-work-no-pay policy.

The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving ASUU’s grievances through dialogue.

‘The federal government has demonstrated demonstrable sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union,’ the statement read.

It noted that most of ASUU’s concerns, such as increased teaching allowances and improved conditions of service, have been addressed.

The statement said other issues fall under the jurisdiction of university governing councils which have been reconstituted to handle them.

‘Despite these efforts, ASUU has opted for strike. This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public,’ the statement read in part.

It said the government had met its deadline for presenting its position, adding that under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government emphasised its priority to maintain academic stability.

‘The ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted,’ the statement said.

It urged the ASUU to reconsider its stance and return to dialogue, stressing that ‘government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.’

Our members won’t go on strike – CONUA

Meanwhile, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), a breakaway faction of ASUU, has maintained that it had no issue with the government to declare a trade dispute.

It would be recalled that during an industrial action by the ASUU that lasted almost one year in 2022, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari had in October 2022 registered the CONUA and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) to rival the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

The then Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, while conveying the approval to the leadership of the two unions at a meeting in Abuja, said the move will help liberalize the academic sub-sector and allow for freedom for university workers.

Following the two new unions’ rejection by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), they had approached Trade Union Congress (TUC) and registered as its affiliates.

Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, CONUA President Niyi Sunmonu said embarking on strike would be counterproductive in the end.

He stated: ‘We held congresses across our branches nationwide recently, and it was the decision of the members that there is nothing to declare a trade dispute for.

‘We also held a meeting with the government team, which included the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on September 11, 2025.

‘We just want the vice-chancellors of various universities and the federal government to respect our decision and take note that CONUA members nationwide are not on strike and we have not declared any.

ASUU demands in students’ interest – NANS

Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, the Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Adeyemi Samson, said the ASUU’s demands, ‘such as improved research and infrastructure development, directly benefit students-not just lecturers.’

He, however, said that all parties must be diplomatic.

‘Fortunately, the ASUU president and the NANS president are both from UNIJOS and have been engaging on this issue. No investment in education is a waste.

‘We are aware of the longstanding demands of ASUU, and we will reach out to the minister of education and other relevant bodies to ensure the strike is called off.

‘We commend the government for keeping the universities open for two years without interruptions, which is commendable. This strike, however, will disrupt the academic calendar, and we are working to avert it,’ he stated.

Students interviewed by Daily Trust yesterday expressed mixed feelings over the strike declared by ASUU. While some described it as a disappointing disruption to their academic calendars, others viewed it as an opportunity to rest or prepare for upcoming examinations.

Oluwatosin Silver Oyindamola, a 100-level student of Languages and Linguistics at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said: ‘In all honesty, I’m indifferent to the strike, but I don’t want it to happen. We are about to start our exams, and with the strike looming, it means our exams will be shifted. On the other hand, it will afford us more time to prepare. However, those with carryovers or who are due to graduate soon will be affected.’

Aduragbemi Arowoshola, a 400-level Philosophy student at the University of Abuja, described the planned industrial action as ill-timed and deeply inconvenient.

Abdulkadir Umar Ladan, a final-year Pharmacy student at the Gombe State University, described the news of the strike declaration as heart-breaking. ‘I’ve already lost time due to the COVID-19 break, and now I’m adding another year.’

Fatima Aliyu, a 300-level student of Sociology at the Federal University of Kashere, stated: ‘Honestly, I support ASUU if the strike will force the government to address the poor conditions in our universities. Our lecture halls are overcrowded, and we lack basic learning materials. If we don’t speak out, nothing will change. Yes, it delays us, but what is the point of rushing through a broken system?’

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has launched an investigation into allegations of certificate racketeering involving Nigerian polytechnics and blacklisted universities in the Republic of Benin.

The Punch had reported over the weekend that certain private polytechnics may be colluding to fraudulently mobilise graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) using fabricated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.

NBTE, in a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Abubakar, said it has initiated preliminary inquiries and formally contacted both the NYSC and Punch Newspaper to obtain relevant information that will aid a thorough investigation.

The Board emphasised that the integrity of Nigeria’s technical education system remains paramount and warned that any institution found culpable will face regulatory sanctions, including possible withdrawal of operational licenses and prosecution.

It also called on the public and stakeholders to remain calm and vigilant, urging them to report any suspicious activities involving Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

‘The NBTE wishes to categorically state that it does not condone, support, or tolerate any form of certificate racketeering or academic fraud.

‘We appreciate the Nigerian press, especially the recent cases of investigative journalism in the country, leading to cleaning up our system,’ the statement said.

The NBTE reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies to uphold the credibility of Nigeria’s polytechnic education, pledging to support a transparent restitution of the sector and ensure academic integrity at all levels.

The Board assured that it would take decisive action against any institution found to be undermining the standards of technical education in Nigeria.

Nigeria ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s political representation, while countries like Rwanda, Namibia, and South Africa lead with robust gender-inclusive policies and high female participation in governance.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, remains near the bottom of the continental rankings, with only 4.1% of seats in its National Assembly held by women as of 2025. This figure pales in comparison to countries like Rwanda (61.3%), Namibia (44.2%), and South Africa (42.7%), which have institutionalised gender parity through legal reforms and party-level quotas.

Rwanda stands as the global leader in women’s parliamentary representation. Following the 1994 genocide, the country rebuilt its political system with gender equity at its core. The Rwandan constitution mandates a minimum 30 per cent representation for women in decision-making bodies, and political parties actively promote female candidates. As a result, women occupy over 60 per cent of seats in the lower house, and hold key ministerial positions in health, education, and gender affairs.

Namibia has also made historic strides. In 2025, it became the first country in the world where women simultaneously held the presidency, vice presidency, and speakership of parliament. The ruling SWAPO party enforces a ‘zebra system’, alternating male and female candidates on party lists. This policy has led to over 57 per cent female cabinet representation, making Namibia a model for inclusive governance.

South Africa follows closely, with strong constitutional protections and party-level gender quotas. The African National Congress (ANC), the dominant party, mandates 50 per cent female representation in its candidate lists. Women in South Africa hold influential roles in parliament, judiciary, and civil society, contributing to progressive legislation on gender-based violence and reproductive rights.

In contrast, Nigeria’s political landscape remains heavily male-dominated. Despite ratifying international conventions like CEDAW and adopting a 35 per cent affirmative action target, implementation has been weak. The proposed Reserved Seats Bill, which would create special seats for women in the National Assembly, has stalled in parliament. Cultural norms, religious conservatism, and political violence further deter women from seeking office.

Beyond parliament, Nigeria also lags in cabinet appointments, public service leadership, and party nominations. Women rarely lead major political parties, and campaign financing is skewed toward male candidates. In many cases, female politicians face media bias and societal scrutiny that undermine their credibility.

Namibia’s historic leap

Namibia consistently ranks among the top African countries in global gender indices. In the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, Namibia placed in the top 10 for political empowerment and economic participation. It is viewed as a model for inclusive governance and gender-sensitive policymaking.

Nigeria ranked 143rd out of 144 countries in the same report for political empowerment. International observers have criticized Nigeria’s slow progress and urged reforms. The country’s poor performance affects its global image and limits its influence in gender-focused multilateral platforms.

Namibia’s political landscape has undergone a transformative shift in recent years. In March 2025, the country made history by appointing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who subsequently formed a cabinet with over 57 per cent female ministers. This milestone was complemented by the appointments of Lucia Witbooi as Vice President and Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila as Speaker of the National Assembly, making Namibia the only country in the world where women simultaneously hold the top three political positions.

Namibia’s success is rooted in deliberate policy choices. The ruling SWAPO party enforces a ‘zebra system’, which mandates alternating male and female candidates on party lists. This system has ensured near-equal representation in parliament and cabinet, supported by constitutional provisions and electoral laws that promote gender inclusion.

In stark contrast, Nigeria ranks among the lowest globally for female political representation. As of 2023, only 4.1% of seats in the National Assembly were held by women. Despite constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s ratification of international conventions like CEDAW, implementation of gender quotas remains weak. The proposed Reserved Seats Bill, which aims to allocate one special seat for women per senatorial district and federal constituency, has faced resistance in parliament and remains unpassed.

Cultural norms, religious conservatism, and political violence continue to deter women from participating in politics. Even when women secure political office, they often face marginalization within legislative bodies and limited influence in decision-making processes.

Besides, Namibia’s public service reflects its commitment to gender parity. Women occupy over 50 per cent of senior public service roles, including permanent secretaries, directors, and heads of agencies. The country’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare actively promotes women’s leadership through mentorship programmes, capacity-building workshops, and gender-sensitive recruitment policies.

Nigeria, on the other hand, struggles to meet its 35 per cent affirmative action target for women in public appointments. Women hold less than 20 per cent of senior public service positions, and appointments are often tokenistic. Political patronage and opaque recruitment processes further limit women’s access to leadership roles in government institutions.

Efforts to improve representation have been sporadic. While some states have appointed female commissioners and permanent secretaries, these gains are not uniform across the country. The absence of a centralised gender monitoring framework hampers accountability and progress.

Namibia achieves near parity in education

Namibia has achieved near gender parity in secondary and tertiary education enrollment. Girls and boys attend school at similar rates, and women are increasingly represented in academic leadership roles, including those of university vice-chancellors and deans. The government’s investment in rural education and scholarship programs for girls has contributed to these gains.

Nigeria, on the other hand, has made progress in female enrollment, particularly in urban areas. However, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields and university leadership. Cultural expectations, early marriage, and insecurity-especially in northern Nigeria-continue to hinder girls’ education. According to UNICEF, over 10 million Nigerian girls are out of school, making it one of the highest rates globally.

In academia, women face barriers to promotion and tenure. Few Nigerian universities have female vice chancellors, and gender bias persists in research funding and institutional governance.

Entrepreneurial inclusion in Namibia

Namibia supports women entrepreneurs through targeted programmes, including access to credit, training, and procurement opportunities. The government’s Gender Responsive Budgeting Framework ensures that women benefit from public investments. Female representation on corporate boards is growing, with several women leading major financial institutions and private enterprises.

In Nigeria, women play a significant role in the informal economy, particularly in agriculture, trade, and services. However, they face limited access to formal credit, business registration, and market infrastructure. According to a PwC Nigeria report, women hold only 20 per cent of board seats in Nigerian companies, and less than 5 per cent serve as CEOs of major firms.

Structural barriers-including discriminatory inheritance laws, lack of childcare support, and gender bias in procurement-continue to exclude women from formal economic participation. While initiatives like the Bank of Industry’s Women’s Fund have provided some relief, broader reforms are needed to level the playing field.

Legal, institutional frameworks enforcement

Namibia’s legal framework for gender equality is robust and enforced. The constitution guarantees equal rights, and electoral laws mandate gender inclusion. The country has ratified key international instruments and integrated them into domestic law. Civil society organisations actively monitor compliance and advocate for reforms.

Nigeria’s legal protections are inconsistent and often unenforced. For example, Section 26(2)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution allows men to transfer citizenship to foreign spouses, but not women, reflecting broader gender inequality. Gender bills frequently stall in parliament due to a lack of political will and opposition from conservative blocs.

The National Gender Policy remains largely aspirational, with limited implementation at the federal and state levels. Institutions like the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs lack the resources and authority to drive systemic change.

Media and cultural representation

Namibia’s media landscape portrays women leaders positively, contributing to societal acceptance of female authority. Public campaigns celebrate women’s achievements and challenge gender stereotypes. Cultural narratives increasingly reflect progressive views on gender roles.

In Nigeria, media representation of women is mixed. While female celebrities and entrepreneurs receive coverage, women in politics are often subjected to scrutiny and sexist commentary. Cultural norms reinforce traditional gender roles, and female ambition is frequently portrayed as threatening or unnatural.

Efforts to shift narratives-such as Nollywood films promoting female empowerment and social media campaigns like #SheLeadsNaija-have gained traction, but deep-rooted biases persist.

In terms of the works of civil societies, Namibia’s civil society plays a pivotal role in advancing gender equality. Organisations like the Namibian Women’s Lobby and Gender Links Namibia collaborate with government institutions to monitor progress, propose reforms, and support female candidates.

On the other hand, Nigeria has a vibrant but fragmented civil society landscape. Groups like Women in Politics Forum, WARDC, and Women Fund Nigeria advocate for inclusion, but coordination is limited. Advocacy efforts often lack sustained funding and face resistance from political elites.

Grassroots mobilization-especially during elections-has shown promise. Campaigns like #NotTooYoungToRun and #ElectHer have encouraged youth and women to seek office, but structural barriers remain.

Way forward

One of only four female senators elected in 2023, Senator Ireti Kingibe, has repeatedly described the situation as ‘untenable,’ urging the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats Bill. She emphasised that ‘Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy when half its population is excluded from decision-making.’

At the 2025 Voice of Women (VOW) Conference, Dr Amina Bryhm of Forum of National Women Leaders, called the gender gap ‘a national emergency,’ stating that ‘the Reserved Seats Bill is not a Favor to women-it is a constitutional correction.’

Speaking at a media workshop in Lagos, Dunsin Olusanya – Managing Partner, WGC Co, noted that Nigeria’s ranking-near the bottom globally-‘reflects systemic marginalisation, not a lack of qualified women.’ He called for urgent reforms in party structures and campaign financing.

Also, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) described the current 4.1% representation as ‘a betrayal of Nigeria’s democratic promise,’ warning that continued exclusion will deepen inequality and erode public trust in institutions.

In its 2025 briefing, UN Women stated: ‘Nigeria’s failure to meet even basic gender inclusion targets undermines its commitments under CEDAW and the Sustainable Development Goals.’

Nigeria’s table tennis players began an impressive run at the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis, with the pairs of Mati Taiwo/Ojo Favour and Kuti Matthew/Ojomu Ajoke advancing to the Round of 16 in the mixed doubles event.

Mati and Ojo recorded a commanding 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Marfo James and Adom-Amankwaa Eva, displaying sharp coordination and attacking precision. In another thrilling encounter, Kuti and Ojomu staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down to defeat Algeria’s Bouloussa Mehdi and Morice Tania 3-2, sealing Nigeria’s second spot in the next round.

However, the host nation’s pairings Bourass Aboubaker and Garci Fadwa defeated Abdulfatai Abdulbasit and Aiyelabegan Sukurat , 3-2 giving the Tunisian fans plenty to cheer about in the early stages of the competition.

Tunisia’s Ela Saidi, who made her debut at the continental showpiece, couldn’t hide her excitement, saying the championship represents more than competition.

‘I’m so happy to be competing in my first African Championships, especially sharing the stage with stars like Hana Goda and Omar Assar. It’s a huge honour, and I’ll give my best. Most importantly, I want to use this experience to grow as a player,’ she said.

Meanwhile, Tunisia’s Essid, fresh from winning the boys’ U-17 singles at the WTT Youth Contender Tunis, is eager to continue his momentum.

‘I’m not going to relax, playing at home means I’ll have the support of the crowd. It’s a big opportunity for Tunisia to host this event, and we hope to make our country proud. The dream is to be part of the journey to London in 2026,’ he said.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on members of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to despair over the defections within the party, saying the party will overcome its challenges and produce leaders that will rescue the country.

The governor, who said he was not worried about the governors and other stakeholders leaving the party, noted that at times it may appear that it’s getting worse.

‘But usually, when you want something that will endure, it will usually get worse before it gets better. Since 1999, PDP has always been a constant factor, either as a ruling party or the main opposition party since 2015.’

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the PDP has been hit with a wave of defections, with Governors and prominent leaders leaving the party. Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, are poised to dump the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).

The Presidential candidate of the party in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, have also left the party.

But speaking on Monday, during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Transportation Sub-committee in Abuja, Makinde said although the party is currently facing some issues, the experience will push the party for future electoral victories.

Makinde, who is the Chairman of the sub-committee, charged members to remain united, and focused on the goal of rebuilding the party for success.

Speaking on defections Makinde said, ‘We are all from every corner of this country. We have members from the Northwest, from the North-Central, from the North-East, from the South-West, from the South-South, and from the South-East.

‘They can go out there and say that PDP is not everywhere, but let me give you the assurance that PDP is in every ward of this country. I want to ask you, please, let us show commitment and let us show dedication. And let me digress a little bit and use this opportunity to tell our people, PDP members all over this country, that this situation may appear like it’s difficult.

‘The news out there is that people are defecting, governors are defecting. It may appear that it’s getting worse. But usually, when you want something that will endure, it will usually get worse before it gets better. So don’t even think otherwise.

‘From when the 34 wise men came together to put democracy on the map for this country, at the beginning of this Republic in 1999, PDP has always been a constant factor, either as a ruling party or the main opposition party since 2015.

‘We’re not going anywhere. So I want to encourage you, when you hear the news that certain people have defected, please, just hold your own corner for PDP. Hold your own corner for PDP. And this is the moment where new, authentic heroes are going to be made. Not only for PDP but for our country.

‘So this is not the time to despair at all. It’s not the time to engage in self-doubt. This is the time to come out boldly and be counted. The party will produce capable leaders committed to rescuing Nigeria.’

The Governor said the convention is on track, adding, ‘ So what I will ask is, just play your part. No matter how little, no matter what assignment you have been given, do it diligently, and we will all reap the benefits.’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released 20 of the 94 suspected internet fraudsters arrested in a hotel while the remaining 74 were charged to court.

It would be that the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) had earlier accused the EFCC of storming various hotels and arresting 94 of their customers for alleged internet fraud.

The Chairman of the BHSF, Edo State chapter, Bishop Omogiade Edokpolo, disclosed this shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Edo State Command of the EFCC and hoteliers in the state.

‘We met with the EFCC and asked them to release the 94 suspected internet fraudsters arrested. They told us that 20 of them have been released while 74 of them would be charged to court because of the evidence against them,’ he said.

‘The way and manner the EFCC invades our hotels sends fear into the minds of innocent customers and paints us in a bad light; we suffer losses running into several billions of naira,’ he added.

Edokpolo, while commending the EFCC for releasing the 20 suspects, advised the commission to shun the plea bargain idea and take the suspects to court to avoid punishing innocent persons.

He debunked the claim that Edo and Delta states top the list of internet fraudsters in Nigeria, saying, ‘The narrative is wrong as it is meant to paint the states, especially Edo State, in a bad light.’

Responding, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewole, confirmed that 19 of the suspects have been released while 75 others would be charged to court.

‘We are not saying that Edo and Delta State top internet fraud, but the rate of internet fraud is prevalent in those locations. We are not location-specific but fraud-specific,’ he said.

The recent presidential pardon and clemency granted to about 150 persons, both foreigners and Nigerians continues to elicit mixed reactions across the country. While some see it as an act of compassion and justice, others believe it undermines the ongoing fight against crime and corruption in Nigeria.

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under Chapter 6, Part 1, Section 175, gives the President the constitutional powers to exercise the Prerogative of Mercy. This provision empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences to convicted persons. However, the controversy surrounding this particular list stems from the nature of offences committed by some of the beneficiaries.

The list includes individuals convicted of capital offences, such as murder, drug trafficking, bribery, corruption, and other serious crimes. While the President’s action is legally justified, many Nigerians have expressed concern that the gesture may send the wrong message, one that portrays crime as something negotiable for those with influence or connections.

Granting pardons to such offenders, after taxpayers’ money and time were invested in their investigation, prosecution, and imprisonment, leaves much to be desired. The move may weaken public trust in the justice system and discourage law enforcement agencies from performing their duties diligently.

Moreover, such actions could have grave security implications. Some of those released might bear grudges against security personnel who arrested, investigated, or testified against them in court. This puts the lives of these officers and even judges who presided over their cases at potential risk, especially those who have retired and no longer enjoy official protection.

There is also the issue of inequality in justice. Thousands of Nigerians remain behind bars for minor offences, with no influential figures to plead their cases or lobby for their release. For them, justice seems to depend not on the law, but on connections. This disparity continues to raise questions about fairness and equal treatment under the law.

In a country battling insecurity, corruption, and a weakened justice system, presidential pardons of such magnitude must be handled with the utmost care and transparency. While mercy is a noble virtue, justice must not be sacrificed on its altar.

For the fight against crime to be effective, everyone who commits an offence should be allowed to serve their full term, irrespective of status or connection. This will not only strengthen faith in the judicial process but also serve as a strong deterrent to others who may be tempted to commit similar crimes.

The prerogative of mercy should remain an instrument of justice and rehabilitation, not one that erodes public confidence in the rule of law.

The Police Command in Ebonyi State has detained a middle-aged man, Chukwuma Onwe, for allegedly selling his five-day-old son for N1.5 million.

Onwe, a native of the Nwezenyi-Igbeagu community in the Izzi Local Government Area of the state, was apprehended when his fiancée, Philomena Iroko, alerted her neighbour, who then informed the police of the man’s action.

The baby boy was reportedly sold to Chinyere Ugochukwu, a woman who has also been arrested by the police.

SP Joshua Ukandu, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abakaliki that the baby had been recovered from the alleged buyer.

Ukandu said that the father of the child was arrested alongside the alleged buyer on Friday in the Azugwu area of the Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state.

‘Yes, Onwe has been arrested and is currently in our custody. We are going to commence investigation into the matter,’ the PPRO said.

Iroko, the baby’s mother, said that her proposed husband took away her son to Ugochukwu (the alleged buyer) without her knowledge.

‘The man, who is yet to be my husband, took the child and lied to me that he gave the baby to his sister for further care.

‘I did not know that the woman he gave my son to had already paid him in exchange for my five-day-old baby.

‘Thank God, my son has been recovered and he is healthy. I commend the Nigeria Police Force,’ she added.

Iroko, however, pleaded with the general public for help to enable her to take care of the baby.

‘The father of my son told me that he will marry me, but I didn’t know that he was deceiving me all the while.

‘Look at me, where will I run to? No husband and no one to take care of my baby.

‘I am begging the state government and individuals to come to my assistance,’ she said. (NAN)

A 33-year-old man, Ogunleye Wale, has been arraigned by the Police Command in Ekiti State over stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant and others at large, acting between 2022 and the year 2025 in Ipoti-Ekiti within the Ido-Ekiti Magisterial District, conspired to allegedly steal 124 pigs, valued at N12,400,000, the property of Philip Arogundade.

Inspector Oriyomi said the defendant thereby committed an offence punishable under Sections 421 and 302(1)(a)(a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021.

Counsel to the defendant, Barrister Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to admit her client to bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until November 3, for hearing.