Category: Daily Trust

The Middle East is once again on edge as signs point to a possible second round of military confrontation between the United States and Iran. From intelligence leaks to military mobilisation, the groundwork for escalation appears to be actively unfolding.

According to Mossad Commentary, a verified Israeli intelligence-linked account, ‘in the last 24 hours, dozens of American fighter jets and refuelling tankers have been shifted eastward, many landing at Al-Udeid Airbase,’ the largest US military installation in the region, located in Qatar.

The movement, posted Wednesday, is far from routine. It suggests a strategic pivot, possibly in anticipation of Iranian retaliation or a pre-emptive strike.

Also, flight tracking systems reported on September 28, about 12 tankers headed to the British RAF Mildenhall airbase, and on September 30, dozens of refuelling tankers, along with fighter jets, flew to the Middle East. As the Clash Report notes, some of them landed at the Al Udeid base in Qatar.

Three anonymous sources in the British Defence Ministry told the Daily Mail that such a deployment could have ‘sinister’ overtones. And Behnam Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, reminded the publication that the last time similar moves ended in attacks in the Middle East.

He emphasised that during Operation Midnight Hammer, the Donald Trump administration used disinformation to cover up the deployment of B-2 bombers to Iranian facilities. Taleblu also pointed out that Trump remains the only US president in the past two decades to use military force against Iranian nuclear facilities.

The US Central Command (USCENTCOM), which oversees operations across the Middle East, has long considered Iran its primary adversary. In 2025, USCENTCOM received $143.2 billion, with nearly 40% allocated to Iran-related operations. This includes intelligence gathering, forward base maintenance, and war-gaming scenarios ranging from limited strikes to full-scale regime change.

USCENTCOM’s Iran desk, staffed by Farsi-speaking analysts, has spent years studying Tehran’s military doctrine. These specialists shaped contingency plans that are now being activated. The command’s origins trace back to the 1979 hostage crisis, giving it unmatched institutional knowledge of Iranian warfare.

Behind the military muscle lies a vast intelligence architecture. The CIA maintains assets within Iran’s government, military, and business elite-some dating back to the Shah’s era. These relationships proved pivotal in 2025, when secret negotiations began between Washington and Tehran. US intelligence had advanced knowledge of Iran’s positions, thanks to intercepted communications revealing internal debates among the Iranian leadership.

This intelligence enabled the precision strikes of Operation Midnight Hammer, which followed the collapse of talks. Years of surveillance had mapped Iran’s air defence systems, and electronic warfare tools blinded radars before American bombers arrived.

Diplomacy, alliances, and Qatar shield

It could be that while the Pentagon prepared for escalation in June, the Trump administration pursued a high-stakes diplomatic strategy. Talks began on April 12, 2025, in Muscat, Oman, and later moved to Rome, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran was given a 60-day deadline: halt uranium enrichment and cooperate with inspectors, or face military consequences.

According to Middle East Eye, the talks nearly succeeded. But after a phone call between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the US raised its demands-insisting on a complete shutdown of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, a red line for Tehran. The talks collapsed, triggering Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, followed by US strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer.

The administration framed the escalation as ‘Peace Through Strength’, blaming Iran for refusing a deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian retaliation would ‘put the regime at risk,’ making regime survival a bargaining chip.

Israel’s influence was unmistakable. Its intelligence and military operations systematically weakened Iran’s defences in the lead-up to US strikes. The Group of Seven (G7) reaffirmed that ‘Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,’ while France and Germany privately urged restraint, even as bombs fell.

Amid rising tensions, on Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order declaring that any attack on Qatar would be treated as a direct threat to the United States. This move is significant not only because of the strategic importance of Al-Udeid Airbase, but also because it sends a clear message to Iran and its proxies: Qatar is off-limits.

This assurance came shortly after Netanyahu reportedly made an apology call to the Emir of Qatar, following Israeli airstrikes that inadvertently endangered Qatari interests. The call, described by insiders as ‘tense but conciliatory,’ underscores the delicate balance of alliances in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has reimposed sweeping sanctions on Iran. On September 27, 2025, the Council rejected a resolution by Russia and China to delay the sanctions, triggering the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal. The reinstated sanctions include: a comprehensive arms embargo, a ban on uranium enrichment, a global freeze on assets linked to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs, travel bans on key Iranian officials and restrictions on Iranian crude oil exports and financial institutions.

Western powers accused Iran of serious breaches, notably enriching uranium far beyond civilian levels. Iran responded by recalling ambassadors from the E3 nations and threatening to terminate cooperation with the IAEA.

The US strategy also hinges on managing a complex web of alliances. Israel offers unmatched intelligence and cyber capabilities, while Gulf Arab states provide bases and financial support, but tread carefully to avoid becoming direct targets. During the crisis, Saudi Arabia and the UAE allowed US access to airspace while publicly calling for restraint.

To mitigate risks, the US relied on its Forward Shield, a network of bases and infrastructure built over decades. During crisis periods, the US maintains 40,000 troops in the region. But the real strength lies in pre-positioned equipment, fuel depots, and ammunition bunkers that enable rapid reinforcement.

Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim has urged his players to raise their performance levels if they are to turn the club’s fortunes around.

The Portuguese manager is under heavy scrutiny following United’s poor start to the season, which has seen them collect only two wins, one draw, and three defeats from their opening six Premier League fixtures.

In an interview with TNT, Amorim expressed confidence that Matheus Cunha can play a key role in inspiring the Red Devils to a revival.

‘We have a lot of players that they were here for many years, and we are struggling so that is always in your mind.

‘It’s not just the leaders, we need leaders, but sometimes what I’m thinking is we miss some crazy guys, you know?’

‘The guys, I think Cunha is a little bit like that. He’s a guy that is a good guy, but he doesn’t care who you are.

‘He can play wherever, and he will go with the ball. This kind of feeling, we need that. Harry Maguire was captain, he played national team, but you can feel it sometimes that when things are going wrong, we go down.

‘No matter if it’s Bruno or Harry, and that is in the past, so we need to live in the future.’

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has flagged off the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS), describing it as a landmark in his administration’s commitment to saving lives and ensuring no citizen is denied access to emergency healthcare.

Speaking at the official launch on Thursday, the governor said the initiative was not just about unveiling ambulances, but about guaranteeing the right to timely medical intervention for every resident of the state.

‘Today marks a transformative moment in the history of Kaduna State,’ Sani declared. ‘Our vision is simple but profound: no citizen of Kaduna State should be denied timely medical intervention because of distance, delay, or lack of access.’

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The new system features a fleet of ambulances fitted with life-saving equipment, a central dispatch center staffed with trained personnel, and emergency medical technicians and paramedics who will stabilize patients en route to hospitals. It will function across all 23 Local Government Areas, covering both urban centers and rural villages.

‘In times of crisis-whether a maternal complication, a road traffic accident, or a cardiac emergency-minutes can mean the difference between life and death,’ the governor explained. ‘This deliberate step underscores our resolve to leave no one behind-urban or rural, rich or poor-in our quest to save lives.’

Under the arrangement, citizens will be able to call a dedicated emergency line, after which the nearest ambulance will be dispatched. The state hopes the initiative will significantly reduce response times, particularly in maternal and neonatal emergencies where delays often prove fatal.

Governor Sani stressed that the program reflects his administration’s ‘people-first philosophy,’ noting that healthcare reforms since he assumed office have been anchored on the principle of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

‘We have consistently declared that access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege,’ he said. ‘We have strengthened the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), revitalized our primary health centres, prioritized maternal and child health, and recently approved the 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures to motivate our healthcare workers.’

He highlighted that the system was designed to be equitable and inclusive. ‘This initiative is not for the privileged few. It is for the farmer in Ikara, the trader in Kachia, the student in Giwa, and the child in Kagarko. No one will be left behind,’ he assured.

Kaduna’s Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed, described the flag-off as ‘a giant leap forward’ for the state’s healthcare delivery, emphasizing that the integration of the Rural Emergency Medical and Maternal Transport Services (RESMAT) into KADSEMSAS would extend access to hard-to-reach areas.

‘Emergencies often come without warning, but what makes the difference between life and death is the speed and quality of response,’ Ahmed said. ‘With KADSEMSAS, Kaduna State is taking a decisive step toward ensuring that no citizen is left helpless in their hour of greatest need.’

She added that the program will provide free emergency treatment for the first 48 hours, particularly for pregnant women, children, and accident victims.

Governor Sani also emphasized sustainability, stating that the government was investing in upgrading health facilities, training health workers, and involving communities to keep the system effective beyond the launch.

‘To our citizens: this system belongs to you,’ he said. ‘We urge you to use it responsibly, report misuse, and provide feedback. Excellence is a continuous journey, not a destination.’

The flag-off follows Kaduna’s onboarding into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), approved in 2024 by the Federal Ministry of Health. Officials believe Kaduna’s example could set a benchmark for other Nigerian states.

‘This is a bold step toward equity in healthcare access,’ Governor Sani concluded. ‘Kaduna is committed to leading the way in emergency medical innovation, and we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our people.’

An estimated N63 billion of the six months’ withheld allocations from the Federation Account may have been disbursed to the ‘sacked’ All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen of the 30 local government areas of Osun State, records from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) have shown.

The records which were obtained by Daily Trust from the website of the OAGF, revealed that a total sum of N46.98 billion was disbursed to the councils covering March to June 2025. The funds were released together with July and August allocations whose details have not been published on the website.

The councils might have received at least N16 billion for July and August, going by previous allocations they got during the same period in the post-subsidy era. For July and August 2023, the local governments received N7.5 billion respectively. They got N9.8 billion for July 2024 and N9.7 billion for August 2024.

Based on the records from the OAGF, cumulative funds received by each council between March and June 2025 were: Atakumosa East LG, N1.42 billion; Atakumosa West, N1.38 billion; Ayedade, N1.7 billion; Aiyedire, N1.47 billion; Boluwaduro, N1.48 billion; Boripe, N1.64 billion; Ede North, N1.41bn; Ede South, N1.42bn; Egbedore, N1.41bn; Ejigbo, N1.61 billion; Ife Central, N1.28 billion; Ife East, N1.88 billion; Ife North, N1.76 billion; Ife South, N1.61 billion; Ifedayo, N1.26 billion; Ifelodun, N1.54 billion and Ila, N1.34 billion.

Others were Ilesha East, N1.50 billion; Ilesha West, N154 billion; Irepodun, N1.56 billion; Irewole, N1.67 billion; Isokan, N152 billion; Iwo, N1.85 billion; Obokun, N1.56 billion; Odo-Otin, N1.82 billion; Ola-Oluwa, N1.41 billion; Olorunda, N1.65 billion; Oriade, N1.69 billion; Orolu, N1.51 billion and Osogbo, N1.67 billion.

The state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees had, on Sunday, accused the federal government of disbursing the withheld six months’ allocation from March 2025 to August 2025 into accounts opened by the APC-led chairmen and councilors amidst pending court cases on the issue.

But the Osun APC, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said the funds were disbursed into the accounts of the local government councils, not private accounts.

Speaking to Daily Trust on Tuesday about the insinuations that the tenure of APC council chairmen would have ended this month even if they had not been sacked, the spokesperson for the APC in Osun State, Kola Olabisi, said: ‘It is not a problem because when we get to the river, we will devise a means of crossing the bridge. It is not about extension; it is about determination. Do the reinstated chairmen and councilors have a constitutional right to spend their three years? It is for the court to determine if they have that right under the prevailing law of the country to spend three years.

‘And if Governor Adeleke (of PDP) agrees that the tenure will elapse in October, it means he has shot himself in the leg. It means he has agreed that there was indeed an election (in October 2022), that the February 10 Appeal Court judgement actually reinstated our chairmen and that the election his party held was an effort in futility because no election can be held when another set of people are still occupying the office,’ he said.

Early in September, ‘the reinstated’ council executives filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, against the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Governor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, and the State House of Assembly, seeking an extension of their tenure beyond its scheduled expiration in October 2025 to February 19, 2028.

They argued that under the Constitution and the Osun State laws, their tenure should commence only from the date they were inaugurated as elected council members in February 2025; not from October 2022 when they were first elected but denied office.

The APC spokesman told our correspondent on Tuesday that the allocations were released to the councils, but said he did not know the exact amounts, contradicting the Monday’s denials by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

‘I don’t know the actual amount that has been released, but my understanding is that a substantial part of the money has been released to the local governments’ accounts, and not the council chairmen’s accounts,’ Olabisi said.

An Oyo State High Court had, on Friday, restrained the UBA from paying out any money from accounts opened in the names of the 30 local governments in Osun State by the APC council chairmen and councillors. The State Assembly also cautioned commercial banks in the state on Monday against granting unauthorised access to allocations belonging to local government areas.

In a statement yesterday, the state chairman of the PDP, Sunday Bisi, asked the Inspector-General of Police to probe an alleged attempt by the ex-APC council chairmen in the state to pay out almost N12.75 billion, out of the six months allocations paid into the local governments’ UBA accounts, to a senior lawyer.

Bisi alleged that the chairmen had directed the bank to pay the lawyer the amount as the legal fees incurred on the local government litigations.

‘The APC has descended to the lowest level with outright impunity and deliberate trampling on the law and the constitution. Despite court order and subsisting case before the Supreme Court, the APC is violating all known laws and public finance rules and regulations.

‘I call on the state government to open criminal investigations against the illegal APC chairmen. All perpetrators of this illegality must be brought to book,’ Bisi stated.

APC denies alleged attempt to pay out N12.75bn

Reacting, the spokesman for the APC in the state, Olabisi, told Daily Trust on the telephone yesterday that the allegation was unfounded

‘It remains in the realm of conjecture. So, it is nothing to be relied upon. It is baseless and unfounded and it should be discountenanced.

‘There is no element of truth in it. It is just a way of weaving lies together to portray our party in a bad light,’ he said.

Background to the LG leadership crisis

The Federal High Court in Osogbo had, on November 25, 2022, nullified the October 15, 2022 local government election conducted after the then Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had lost his re-election bid. The election produced APC chairmen and councillors. The Court of Appeal in Akure later overturned the Federal High Court’s ruling which sacked the executives.

The state government had argued that the Appeal Court’s judgment did not amount to the APC council chairmen’s reinstatement. The government conducted a fresh local election on February 22, 2025 in which only PDP candidates contested and were declared winners.

These PDP officials were subsequently sworn in but instructed by the governor not to assume physical control of the council secretariats to avoid conflict.

Relying on the appellate court’s verdict, the APC chairmen and councillors returned to their council secretariats in February 24. The situation led to a clash that claimed the life of an APC chieftain and former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area of the state, Remi Abbas, and four others. Governor Ademola Adeleke shut down all local government council secretariats in the state to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The APC later asked the federal government to withhold the council allocations, arguing that the elections were unlawful. In May, the state government took the Attorney-General of the Federation to the Supreme Court over the seizure of the LG allocations. The matter has not been determined by the apex court.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its strike over a rift between the union and the Dangote Refinery.

The union, however, cautioned the management of Dangote Refinery against reneging on the agreement they both signed during a marathon meeting that was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

President of PENGASSAN, Festus Osifo, announced the strike suspension at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

Daily Trust reports that both PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery have been at loggerheads following the unionisation of some employees working with the refinery.

The company had sacked over 800 of its employees, a development the union frowned at.

While the company premised its decision on alleged sabotage, the union maintained that Dangote Refinery flouted Labour laws, International Labour Organizations (ILO) conventions and the Nigerian constitution.

Specifically, the development triggered a rapid response from PENGASSAN, whose members shut down export terminals, blocked vessel loading, and locked offices across oil and gas facilities.

After marathon negotiations involving the federal government, labour leaders, and security agencies, a communique was signed on Wednesday where Dangote Group agreed to re-fix sacked employees.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in a statement on the outcome of the reconciliation meetings, said the parties agreed that the disengaged workers will be absorbed by other subsidiaries in Dangote Group without loss of pay.

The statement said, ‘The Minister of Labour informed the meeting that unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that this right should be respected.

‘After examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the meeting agreed that the management of Dangote Group shall immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.

‘No worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN.’

Osifo, at the press briefing, dismissed claims that the union’s action was motivated by dues or levies.

The labour leader explained that by the fundamental principle of defending workers’ rights, the association had no choice but to act after the mass sack, saying they’ve not violated any law of the land.

He said, ‘About two weeks ago, over 800 Nigerians voluntarily subscribed to join PENGASSAN. Within days of notifying management, all of them were dismissed with a single letter.

‘When these people were hired, they were given individual letters, but when it came to termination, one single letter was used to throw all of them out. We found that unacceptable.

Continuing, he said, ‘We laugh when people say we went on strike because of dues. The total salary of those 800 members put together is less than what just 20 of our members earn in some international oil firms.

‘This was never about money. It was about their freedom of association, their right to join a union, and their right to fight for better conditions of service. That is why they came to us.’

The union leader also highlighted the broader danger of the accusations levelled against the sacked workers.

He said, ‘Once such allegations are made public, these workers may never get another job again.’

He further noted that PENGASSAN is sceptical about the company’s promises to reinstate the workers but said it decided to suspend the strike out of respect for the government and the mediation process.

‘Let it be clear, this suspension is in good faith, not because we fully trust the process. The moment we see any breach, we will return to the trenches without notice,’ he added.

The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, on Wednesday, confirmed that Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor with Arise TV, jumped from the third floor of her apartment during an armed robbery at her residence.

Somtochukwu, popularly known as Sommie, died on Monday following the attack at her home in Katampe, Abuja. She and a private security guard attached to the residence lost their lives in the incident.

Residents described the attack as part of a growing wave of robberies in the area. According to them, the robbers stormed the building around 3am, overpowered security personnel with superior firepower, and went from flat to flat, dispossessing occupants of their valuables.

Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Adewale explained that the gunmen first shot a security guard, which triggered widespread panic among residents.

He said Sommie, who lived on the third floor, ‘out of fear and panic,’ jumped from her apartment.

Police officers deployed to the scene later found her unconscious on the ground, the commissioner added.

Adewale said, ‘Two private security guards were on duty and one of them, who had the courage to challenge them, sustained a gunshot injury.

‘Under this condition, you know the panic that would have resulted from this kind of environment.

‘Sommie actually occupied an apartment on the topmost floor of the building, out of fear, she jumped down from the third floor.

‘A distress call was raised to the control room. Policemen moved to the scene, and all they could see was the unconscious body of Sommie on the floor.’

He said Sommie was rushed to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors attempted to resuscitate her but were unsuccessful despite administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The police commissioner emphasised that the incident was a clear case of armed robbery, citing evidence recovered from the scene.

He further clarified that Sommie was not shot during the attack but tragically died after jumping from the third floor in fear and panic.

‘It is obvious that it is a clear case of robbery. Sommie was not shot, out of fear and panic, it is normal and reasonable for everyone, she jumped down.

‘They took her to Maitama General Hospital, where the doctor on duty tried as much as possible to see whether they could resuscitate her using CPR. It is unfortunate that she did not make it,’ he said.

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has described the restoration and commissioning of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as a major boost to Nigeria’s creative economy.

AFRIMA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Bankers’ Committee for spearheading the revamp of the iconic cultural landmark, originally opened in 1976. The restoration project, undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their corporate social responsibility, was commissioned during Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary celebrations.

Speaking on the development, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the rebirth of the theatre represents not only the revival of a historic edifice but also renewed confidence in Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

‘The National Arts Theatre has played a crucial role in nurturing African creativity, serving for decades as a hub for music, theatre, film and cultural festivals. Its revival speaks volumes about Nigeria’s vision and the dedication of stakeholders like the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee to supporting the creative economy. This is not just a building restored, but a renewal of cultural confidence and an investment in future generations of Nigerian and African talent,’ Dada said.

Beyond the theatre, AFRIMA used the occasion to congratulate Nigeria on its 65th independence anniversary, commending the country’s resilience and leadership in shaping Africa’s music, film, fashion and digital culture.

‘On behalf of the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria as the country marks 65 years of independence. Nigeria remains a vital partner to AFRIMA and a key pillar of Africa’s cultural identity. Its creative energy continues to inspire not just the continent but the world,’ he added.

Dada also highlighted Nigeria’s role as host of the 9th AFRIMA, noting that the awards have amplified African music on the global stage while promoting unity across the continent.

AFRIMA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing African music, nurturing young talent, and using culture as a tool for continental development and pride.

The 9th AFRIMA Awards is being organised in partnership with the AUC, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lagos State as the official host city.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the current Director of Finance at Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has extended his warm felicitations to Honorable Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation on the occasion of his 44th birthday.

In a goodwill message on Thursday, Kwankwaso described Honorable Bichi as a true patriot and a vibrant personality whose contributions to the development of the society particularly in education and human capital development continue to inspire many.

According Kwankwaso, Honorable Bichi has carved a niche for himself as a household name in Nigeria politics owing his unrelenting commitment to the progress and unity of the country, as exemplified in his passion for service, bridge-building efforts, and consistent advocacy for use participation in politics.

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He prayed to Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom and good health for Hourable Bichi, while wishing him greater successes ahead. Kwankwaso said, ‘On behalf of my family and associates, I join eminent Nigerians in celebrating a true patriot and a shining symbol of youth capability in politics, Honourable Abubakar Bichi, as he marks his 44th year on earth.

‘May Allah the Almighty continue to grant him many more years filled with health, prosperity and service to humanity.’

Fulham FC organised a get-together party for the club’s Nigerian players, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze and staff members to celebrate the country’s Independence Day.

The get-together was held at Motspur Park, the club’s training ground, for its small Nigerian community.

The three players were present at the event alongside some of their non-Nigerian teammates.

A man identified as David Fasasi Azeez has fled his home in the Ushafa community of Bwari Area Council, FCT, after allegedly beating and injuring his wife, Mrs. Charity Olotu Fasasi.

The assault reportedly occurred after she allegedly aborted a pregnancy.

According to a neighbour of the victim, Mrs. Grace Benjamin, the incident happened on Friday night at the couple’s residence.

Mrs. Benjamin, who spoke to our reporter on Monday, said the man beat his wife-a mother of four-after discovering she had taken drugs to terminate the pregnancy.

The neighbour explained that a misunderstanding arose because the husband had asked his wife to keep the pregnancy.

‘You know the woman is my close neighbour, and before she aborted the pregnancy, the husband had even before now supported her, but along [the] line, the man later changed his mind and asked her not to abort the pregnancy,’ she said.

Mrs. Benjamin added that, ‘Until on Friday night when I started hearing screaming from the house and i rushed over to discover that the man was beating his wife with blood all over her face.’

According to her, the beating reportedly led to bleeding from the wife’s mouth.

”Upon hearing about the incident, the woman’s parents rushed her to a health centre in the community,” she added,

According to Mrs. Benjamin, the husband, a furniture maker in Ushafa, fled the house after receiving information that the police were coming to arrest him.

Abuja Metro gathered that the couple had been arguing about the pregnancy for over two weeks. The man is reportedly yet to return home since Friday night, and the police are said to be tracking him.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the FCT police command, SP Adeh Josephine, said the incident has not been reported at the command.

‘You know anything that has to do with domestic violence, they hardly report it to the police, but let me find out from the DPO, and I will get back to you later,’ she stated.