Category: Daily Trust

The police command in Anambra State has detained a suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over alleged extortion and terrorism in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

The 62-year-old male suspect was also an informant of the group and in charge of an extortion network operating in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Awka.

He said that operatives of the command attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on Oct. 1, arrested the suspect and alleged informant of a secessionist group.

According to him, the suspect was also anchoring a major extortion network operating in parts of Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

‘Preliminary information reveals that the suspect is in charge of illegal levies on traders in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities, collecting N10,000 and above monthly from each trader.

‘He is also extorting N100,000 and above from families conducting burial ceremonies before the occasion or any such related event in the area,’ he said.

He said that the illicit proceeds were allegedly remitted to his commander in a terrorist camp.

Ikenga said that the suspect is in custody and further investigation is ongoing.

The police spokesman quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, as assuring residents of the command’s continued commitment to dismantling criminal structures linked to insurgent groups.

Orutugu said that the arrest was part of the ongoing efforts to rid the state of elements exploiting innocent citizens under the guise of agitation.

Residents of Wuse Zone 6 in Abuja have raised an alarm over the rapid destruction of designated green areas in their neighbourhood, warning of severe environmental and infrastructural consequences if unchecked construction continues.

Speaking during a protest on Thursday, Chairman of the Wuse Zone 6 Neighbourhood Residents Association, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, said the green spaces were deliberately preserved in Abuja’s Master Plan to serve dual purposes, providing greenery and protecting underground utility corridors.

‘Already, residents of Wuse Zone 6 are facing the environmental menace of burst water pipes, blocked sewer lines, and contamination with sewer materials.

‘There is hardly any street in Wuse Zone 6 that does not have sewer lines bleeding onto the streets, making them very smelly and unsightly,’ Soaga said.

He warned that the outbreak of water-borne diseases was imminent, citing the built-up estate on the former Julius Berger Park as a major contributor to the crisis.

He added that experts say the consequences of building on these lands include water shortages, sewage leaks, flooding, and reduced air quality.

‘Green spaces are not empty land for sale. They are lifelines. Building on them puts the entire community in danger.’

The residents also expressed concern over the loss of recreational spaces and the strain on roads, drainage systems, and power supply due to overdevelopment.

Notable sites under construction, according to them, include Julius Berger Park, Gilmor Gardens on Rabat Street, and the garden at Tunis/Bissau junction.

‘These areas sit atop underground sewage and water pipelines. Building on them could be catastrophic,’ Soaga added.

The association urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Development Control authorities to enforce the Abuja Master Plan and halt further development on green zones to protect public health and infrastructure.

The European Union (EU) has warned that Nigeria is at risk of experiencing the shortcomings associated with the 2023 general election in 2027 if reforms are not concluded before the polls.

At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Barry Andrews, member of the European Parliament and former Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the 2023 polls, declared that Nigeria’s progress on electoral reforms has been ‘modest at best, dangerously close to stagnation.’

‘The country’s democratic resilience depends on reforms that citizens can believe in, and while we welcome the legislative momentum seen in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the ongoing constitutional review process, time is rapidly running out.

‘Unless these reforms are concluded within the next few months, there is a risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023. We encourage all political actors to seize the momentum to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness and credibility in the 2027 elections.’ According to the EU Follow-Up Mission, of the 23 priority reforms proposed after Nigeria’s troubled 2023 elections, only one has been fully implemented.

Two others are partially adopted, eight remain ongoing, nine are untouched, and three are too early to assess, warning that this lethargy threatens to derail preparations for 2027.

‘Time is running out. The window is closing. Without real political will, Nigerians will face the same disputes, mistrust and chaos that plagued the last elections,’ Andrews cautioned.

The EU outlined six critical reforms that must be delivered well in advance of 2027: transparent INEC appointments, election results transparency, women’s representation, creation of an Independent Electoral Offences Commission to end impunity for vote-buying, violence, and intimidation, passage of the 2025 Electoral Act Amendment and constitutional reforms to give INEC a stable legal framework and media freedom and journalist protection.

‘INEC cannot operate on shifting ground,’ Andrews stressed, adding, ‘It needs a clear, stable legal framework well in advance of elections. Timing is everything.’

Electoral impunity also loomed large. ‘Vote buying, violence and intimidation remain unchecked,’ the mission said. ‘Prosecutions are so few that they do nothing to deter criminal activity.’

On media freedoms, the EU demanded stronger protections: ‘A free press is non-negotiable in any democracy. Journalists must be shielded, not silenced.’

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, in his closing remark, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that while the EU can assist, implementation rests squarely with Nigerian leaders.

‘We are fully backing Nigeria through our democratic governance support programme,’ he said. ‘But these are recommendations that Nigeria must own. The credibility of your democracy depends on it.’

The EU Follow-Up Mission will remain in Nigeria for a week before submitting its progress report and recommendations.

Armed bandits have reportedly abducted a mother and her two children in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred at 2am on Friday when the gunmen invaded the house of one Tokpe Gody at Bareke-Egbe, and took away his wife and two of their children after sporadic shooting in the town.

It was gathered that the man sustained serious gunshot injuries while trying to escape.

Gody, a farmer, was said to be critically ill and on admission at Egbe hospital where he is receiving treatment. Locals said the family and the entire community members are gripped with fear as the kidnappers have not made any contact.

According to a resident of the community, Samuel Adeyemi, ‘Tokpe Gody escaped by whiskers from the invading bandits who struck his resident around 2am today Friday. But his wife and two of his children were not so lucky as the bandits forcibly carried them away to their hideout in the community.

‘He received gun wound in his body and legs in the process of trying to escape from his assailants. His condition is not stable as at this morning. He is an ordinary farmer who struggles to keep his family afloat amid the current challenges of today’s Nigeria.’

The incident came on the heels of another attack in the area, where a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as Okada rider, was killed by bandits on Thursday in Ejiba community.

The Okada rider, whose identity was yet to be established, and with serial number 256 on his motorbike, was said to have been ambushed while riding along the Isanlu road.

According to a resident of Ejiba, Musliu Agabi, the bandits opened fire on the victim for refusing to stop after being flagged down.

Agabi said, ‘He was on a high speed when he rode into the ambush of his killers around 12 pm. For his inability to stop immediately, when he was flagged down, the bandits shot and killed him instantly.’

In a separate incident, a pastor and his wife were kidnapped by bandits on Wednesday along Egbe-Eruku Road on Wednesday while travelling to Illorin from Mopa.

It would be recalled that on September 10th 2025, gunmen attacked a security checkpoint in Egbe, killing three police officers. The same day, the bandits invaded a vigilante post located along Egbe-Eruku road towards Kwara State, killing two vigilante members.

The Kogi State police command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) salary structures for all health workers in the state.

He announced this on Thursday in Gombe, during the opening ceremony of a two-day Health Summit hosted by the state, and declared open by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Governor Yahaya said the new salary structure was approved to strengthen the state’s commitment to the welfare of the health workers who power the healthcare system.

‘I am pleased to announce the immediate approval for the full implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures for all health workers, effective October 2025, making them at par with that of the federal government.

‘This significant intervention, at a financial cost of N250m or N3bn annually, is a direct investment in the welfare of our health workers,’ he said.

The governor, therefore, called on all health workers in the state to match the government’s commitment with renewed dedication, the highest standards of productivity, and an unwavering focus on contributing to the health and well-being of people.

Declaring the summit open, Senator Remi Tinubu said, ‘A healthy state is indeed a healthy nation. Health is not a choice, but a necessity.’

The first lady commended the governor’s decision to increase health workers’ salaries, saying it is a commendable step towards improving the healthcare workforce and delivery.

Also speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the timing of the Gombe Health Summit is both strategic and timely.

He noted that Gombe State has made remarkable strides in the health sector since 2019, with a visible transformation that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s health agenda.

‘Service delivery has increased, and primary healthcare has been strengthened across the state. A total of 114 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been revitalised recently, in partnership with the Federal Government,’ he added.

Pate said, ‘This summit presents an opportunity for stakeholders to learn from Gombe’s experience. The state’s continued investment in health, alongside federal support, is yielding positive outcomes.’

Ralf Schumacher says Ferrari’s atmosphere is becoming increasingly tense, accusing Lewis Hamilton of acting ‘childishly’ towards Charles Leclerc.

As Max Verstappen was busy winning a GT3 race at the Nurburgring during Formula 1’s weekend pause, Hamilton missed a Pirelli tyre test to stay with his dying dog, although on social media he claimed he had opted out of a Milan fashion show instead.

Asked about Verstappen’s dedication, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko took a swipe: ‘You know, the others go to some kind of, I don’t know, fashion show or something,’ he told Viaplay.

Hamilton, in his debut season with Ferrari, has endured a tough campaign and is now under fire from Schumacher.

Nigerian billionaire Arthur Eze has secured four offshore exploration blocks in Liberia through his company, Atlas Oranto Petroleum Limited with plans to invest over $800m.

This followed the agreement between the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) and Atlas Oranto Petroleum International Ltd.

Four Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in Paris, representing Liberia’s first major upstream oil agreements in more than a decade were signed.

The contracts, sealed under the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Law of Liberia, will take effect once ratified by the National Legislature and approved by Liberian President Joseph N. Boakai.

They cover offshore Blocks LB-15, LB-16, LB-22 and LB-24 in the Liberian Basin and include a $12 million signature bonus, alongside planned investments of over $200 million per block.

LPRA Director General Marilyn T. Logan described the deal as a ‘turning point’ for Liberia’s petroleum industry.

‘Atlas Oranto’s entry into Liberia is a testament to the country’s hydrocarbon potential and commitment to ensuring African companies play a leading role in our upstream programme,’ she said, adding that the contracts would help deliver wider economic benefits through employment opportunities, capacity building and the transfer of technical expertise.

Atlas Oranto, one of Africa’s largest privately owned oil and gas firms, operates in more than 20 countries. Its Executive Chairman, Prince Arthur Eze, framed the Liberian deal as a long-term partnership.

‘We are proud to join Liberia at this historic moment. We see Liberia not just as an investment destination but as a partner for success,’ he stated.

Liberia’s long-stalled ambition to develop its offshore oil reserves has received a boost with the entry of Nigerian firm Atlas Oranto Petroleum, which signed four production sharing contracts with the government last week.

The agreements, valued at a $12 million signature bonus, are seen as a potential turning point for a sector hindered for years by political uncertainty and global oil price volatility. Liberian Officials say the deal could help diversify an economy still reliant on iron ore, rubber and gold.

At the signing ceremony in Paris, President Boakai said: ‘Our goal is to ensure that Liberia’s resources are managed with transparency and responsibility. These contracts will be implemented with strict standards of environmental protection, strong local participation, and clear accountability so that Liberians benefit directly from the opportunities created.’

Arthur Eze’s footprint

Atlas Oranto operates in 22 countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Zambia.

In 2010, the Nigerian billionaire was awarded three oil blocks in Liberia for US $200,000 each and later sold them to Chevron the same year for over US $250 million, marking a significant early profit in his West African operations.

Arthur Eze is a philanthropist, politician, and the CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, the largest privately held Nigerian exploration and production group.

Atlas Oranto Petroleum was founded by Arthur Eze in 1991. The company currently has 22 oil and gas licences in 12 jurisdictions across Africa. It has assets in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and several Atlas Oranto operated blocks.

To date, the company is the largest holder of oil exploration blocks in Africa.

With its latest contracts in Liberia, Executive Chairman Arthur Eze strengthens the company’s African footprint while extending Atlas Oranto’s reach into global frontier energy markets.

A police officer, Mr Ezra John, attached to the Lade Division in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, has been abducted.

The incident happened on Thursday morning while he was returning from night duty at the Patigi General Hospital to his base in Lade.

Residents, who came across his motorcycle abandoned by the roadside without any trace of him, immediately raised the alarm.

Police spokesperson in Kwara, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident in a chat with Daily Trust.

She said, ‘We are aware of the incident, and effort is ongoing to unravel it and rescue him. He closed from night duty and was on his way back to his division when the incident happened.

‘According to the information we have, his motorcycle was seen by the roadside with no traces of him or his whereabouts. It happened around 6:20 am,’ she added.

The factional Chairman of Osun State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Adedayo Adekunle, has ordered the local government workers in the state to resume work in their respective local government councils across the state after the 8-month strike.

Addressing a press conference at the Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo on Thursday, Adekunle said the protracted strike was unwarranted, noting that the excuse that the local government council secretariats were not safe was no longer tenable.

Local government workers in Osun State abandoned their offices in March 2025, owing to the bloody clash between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party over the control of the local government system in the state.

The leadership of the Osun State Chapter of the NULGE ordered the local government workers in the state to stay away from their offices for their safety.

Adekunle said, ‘It is uncivilised for a union leader to resolve unilaterally to call a strike which has lasted for over seven months. We say enough is enough.

‘The excuse of insecurity is no longer tenable; no insecurity anywhere. We are the landlords of local government secretariats; it is unheard of that the landlords quit their property for all kinds of pests and animals to occupy.’

‘We do not belong to any political party, and so parties’ legitimacy tussle should not deter us from going to our offices,’ Adekunle said.

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode Adeyemi, has vowed to reposition the service in line with global best practices.

The CG stated this during a working visit to the Metropolitan Fire Station in Kubwa, Abuja, on Thursday.

The visit, which included the inspection of Wuse Fire Station, was to strengthen operational readiness, improve service delivery, and engage with frontline officers to enhance fire safety and emergency response in the Federal Capital Territory.

Olumode warned that negligence or failure to discharge responsibilities by staff would not be tolerated.

‘Absenteeism and negligence of duty will not be tolerated. The Federal Fire Service should not be seen as fighting fire alone. Our work is to save lives and property.

‘We will provide ambulances so that people can take their families and loved ones to the hospital without any delay.

‘Many people are willing to join this job. Therefore, we should wear our badge and uniform with pride. Any staff found guilty of job racketeering will be dismissed.’

The Controller General said that he has mapped out the major challenges facing the service, saying each of them would be dealt with accordingly.

He stated, ‘We are working with relevant stakeholders to ease the structural challenges facing the service. I am determined to change the narratives at the Federal Fire Service.

‘When I came in, I made it clear that staff welfare is my priority. This will ensure effective service delivery. Firemen must be motivated to achieve our targeted goal. It is through this that they can put in their best,’ he said.