Category: Nigerian Tribune

Aisha Yesufu, rights activist and prominent supporter of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed frustration over what she described as the repetitive nature of media interviews granted by the former Anambra State governor, saying the conversations no longer add anything new to public discourse.

Speaking in a video shared on her social media platform, Yesufu said she felt ‘irritated’ after watching Obi’s recent interview on Channels Television, arguing that the same questions and issues continue to dominate discussions while other presidential contenders receive far less scrutiny.

‘Peter Obi did an interview with Seun yesterday, and honestly, for me, I just feel irritated by the whole thing,’ she said.

‘Usually, when Peter Obi does interviews, there’s that excitement to hear what he’s saying and the issues being discussed. But this particular one-and maybe going forward I’ll have the same feeling-it’s just irritation because it’s the same conversation again and again.’

According to her, she reviewed the interview expecting fresh insights but found that nearly every issue raised had been addressed repeatedly in previous engagements.

‘I don’t think there was any question Seun asked Peter Obi that has not already been asked. I don’t think there was anything new. Usually, I pick one or two issues from his interviews and discuss them, but this time I couldn’t find anything we haven’t already heard,’ she further noted.

Yesufu argued that Obi continues to face extensive questioning on issues such as insecurity, the economy, and governance, while other political figures are not subjected to similar public scrutiny, specifically referencing President Bola Tinubu, who she said has not been made equally available for probing interviews.

‘But we waste our time because, again and again, more pressure is being put on Peter Obi to be the one to come out and explain to the people what he wants to do about insecurity, the economy, and every other issue. Meanwhile, other candidates are not being subjected to the same level of questioning. They’re not coming out to do interviews.

‘Looking at someone like Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State, who rigged the election and got himself sworn in, nobody is asking him tough questions. He’s not in front of the camera. He’s not being judged. He’s just going about freely, doing his own business.

‘Yet the one person who has been out there speaking to the people is the one from whom more and more is demanded. And it’s not even about asking more questions. Can you at least ask different questions instead of repeating what we’ve heard all this while? Can we have conversations that explore something new?’ the activist asked.

Continuing, the activist also criticised attempts by political opponents to revive previous controversies surrounding Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, particularly comments regarding the appointment of commissioners.

She maintained that Obi had repeatedly clarified that he was referring to Commissioners of Police, whom he said were predominantly northern Muslims during his administration, and not members of his state executive council.

According to Yesufu, critics continue to misrepresent those remarks despite his repeated explanations.

She urged Nigerians to shift their attention from repeatedly interrogating Obi to focusing on the broader political process and ensuring credible elections.

‘I don’t think there’s anything about Peter Obi that Nigerians still need to know that they haven’t already heard.

‘Our focus should be on ensuring that he gets into office and then holding him accountable afterwards,’ she urged.

Yesufu argued that citizens often lose opportunities for political change because they become consumed by doubts and endless debates instead of taking decisive action.

She said Nigerians should elect leaders through credible elections and remain prepared to hold them accountable if they fail to deliver on their promises.

The activist, however, warned that the country faces serious economic and governance challenges that require urgent attention rather than repetitive political conversations.

‘So, for me, honestly, looking at all these interviews and seeing the same conversations repeated over and over again is really irritating.

‘I think a lot of our people do not understand where we are as a country or the seriousness of the challenges we face,’ Yesufu added.

Gallant troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued a kidnapped victim, arrested suspects in coordinated raids and recovered 126 rustled livestock in separate operations in Katsina State.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday by the Media and Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, ‘In the early hours of 26 July 2026, troops, working with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, responded to a distress call at Karkata Village, Charanchi Local Government Area.

‘The soldiers engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their victim.’

It stated that the rescued woman was safely reunited with her family.

The statement further disclosed that, in a separate operation, troops partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct raids in Wagin, Tundu Mobi and Chadawaki in Batsari Local Government Area.

It stated that the operation led to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of a locally fabricated weapon and five cartridges. The suspects and the recovered exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

According to the statement, ‘Acting on credible intelligence, troops laid an ambush at Yankwani Village, Bakori Local Government Area, targeting terrorists attempting to move stolen livestock.’

It added that, under sustained pressure, the criminals fled and abandoned 126 animals, comprising 83 cows and 43 sheep.

The statement further noted that the livestock had been handed over to the Bakori Peace Keeping Committee for identification and return to their rightful owners.

It added that the Theatre Commander of JTF North West commended the gallantry and vigilance of the troops and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists in the region.

ONGOING efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s anti-corruption have received further legislative backing with the passage of a bill that seeks to protect whistleblowers, as well as widening the extant legislation on forfeiture of suspected assets and assets acquired by proxy.

The legislative framework, which passed through the mandatory Third Reading during last Thursday’s plenary, followed the adoption of the report of the House’s Committee on Financial Crime on the bill, which proposed amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, No. 92, 2022 and other matters.

The bill, with 24 clauses, in Clause two, seeks to amend Section 1(c) of the existing law with a new provision, which ‘makes provisions for non-conviction-based forfeiture procedure for the recovery of properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime or unlawful activity;’ and insert a new paragraph ‘(h) to provide legal framework for whistleblowing, witness protection and connected matters.’

The House introduced Clause five to amend the existing Section nine, which stipulates that: ‘An interim order or a preservation order shall be granted by the court to preserve property reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activities and represents instrumentality of unlawful activity or unclaimed property.’

In section five (two), ‘the amendment states that, relevant organisation may, by an ex-parte application, apply to the court for an interim forfeiture or preservation order, where there are reasonable grounds that the property concerned -(a) represents the proceeds of unlawful activity, whether they are – (i) in the hands of the person who unlawfully acquired the property in the first instance, or (ii) traced to any person to whom the property that represents the proceeds have been passed;

(a) is involved in the facilitation of unlawful activity; or

(b) is intended to be used to facilitate unlawful activity.’

The House also approved in Section nine(four) that:

‘Where further property has been acquired as a result of profits accruing from the proceeds of unlawful activity, that further property shall be treated as the proceeds of unlawful activity.’

The new law empowers the court making a preservation order to, at the same time, make any other ancillary orders it considers appropriate ‘for the proper, fair, equitable and effective execution of the interim forfeiture or preservation order.’

The proposed law equally stipulates that: ‘The court in making interim forfeiture or preservation order, shall direct the relevant organisation to publish same in any widely circulating national newspaper to notify any interested party of the order.’

According to the proposed law, any person, who has an interest in the property subject of interim forfeiture or preservation order shall, within 14 days of the publication referred to, file his notice of intention to show cause.

It states that upon the receipt of the notice of intention to show cause, the relevant organisation shall, within seven days, file and serve its motion for final forfeiture of the said property.

The amendment empowers any interested party to, upon the receipt of the motion for final forfeiture, file and serve its counter affidavit within five days. The party shall then be entitled to a reply within three days, while the court shall thereafter hear and determine the application with dispatch.

The proposed law states that the absence of a person whose interest in a property that may be affected by a forfeiture order shall not prevent the court from making an order.

To preserve the value of a forfeited property, the amendment guarantees in the amended Section 13 which deals with the ‘Disposal of property subject to Preservation order,’ that: ‘Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a property, which is subject to a preservation order, an interim forfeiture may have its value diminished, or be disposed of, destroyed, or damaged, removed contrary to the order or may deteriorate in terms of quality or utility, the relevant organisation shall promptly apply to the Court ex-parte for an order to sell the property at the prevailing market value.’

It permits the relevant organisation to deposit the proceeds from the sale of any property under forfeiture in a designated account opened for that purpose.

The amendment also allows the relevant organisation to appoint an asset manager where a forfeiture order has been made and that the manager is allowed to administer the property and take any act necessary.

The bill provides that the Federal Government shall have and exercise all rights of ownership in every forfeited property without let or hindrance.

In the case of a joint ownership of a suspected property, the bill in Clause 13 also amended Section 25(1) to provide that: ‘Where a person has an interest in property, as a joint owner, his death after an interim forfeiture or preservation order is made in respect of the interest does not, while the order is in force, operate to vest the interest in the surviving joint owner or owners, and the preservation order shall continue to apply to the interest, as if the person had not died.’

In Section 80 of the bill, which focuses on whistleblower protection, the bill provides that: ‘The provision of this Part is to encourage and facilitate whistleblowing, provide legal framework for reporting credible information that will lead to the recovery of properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity or abandoned properties or properties representing instrumentalities of offence, provide for the protection of whistleblowers; and connected matters.’

It states that where the whistleblower’s information is found credible, the relevant organisation shall proceed to recover the suspected proceeds of unlawful activity or properties.

However, Section 80(d) of the bill states that where the information is found to be false and knowingly so supplied by the whistleblower, the whistleblower shall be guilty of an offense, and shall upon conviction, be liable to a term of imprisonment of two years or a fine of N2million, or both.

Besides, the bill mandates the relevant organisation to protect, secure and resettle, where necessary, whistleblowers whose information led to the recovery of proceeds of unlawful activity or abandoned properties or properties representing instrumentalities of offence.

In line with legislative practice and convention, the bill is expected to be transmitted to the Senate for further legislative action.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to improve water transportation, enhance safety on the nation’s waterways, and promote economic development.

Governor Ododo gave the assurance while receiving the Chairman of the NIWA Board of Directors, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, and members of the authority’s management team at his official residence in Lokoja.

The governor announced that the state government would immediately constitute a joint committee with NIWA to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable development of inland waterways in Kogi State.

According to him, the roadmap will prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of jetties in rural communities, improve water transport infrastructure, and create employment opportunities for young people across the state.

He expressed appreciation to the NIWA management for the visit, describing it as a significant step towards fostering stronger cooperation between the state government and the authority.

He also expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate the development of inland waterways in Kogi and across the country.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NIWA Board of Directors, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, noted that Kogi State occupies a strategic position due to its extensive inland waterways, which, if properly harnessed, could significantly contribute to the economic growth of both the state and the nation.

He explained that NIWA’s efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Blue Economy agenda and reiterated the authority’s commitment to working closely with the Kogi State Government to unlock the vast potential of the state’s waterways.

Shagari said NIWA would seek the state’s collaboration in the development and rehabilitation of jetties and landing sites, dredging and maintenance of navigable channels, promotion of safe water transportation, and strengthening security and safety along inland waterways.

He assured Governor Ododo of NIWA’s readiness to partner with the state in transforming Kogi’s waterways into a major driver of sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Vision.

The NIWA delegation included the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yusuf Umar Girei; General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Abdullahi Dabai; General Manager, Procurement, Ibrahim Sade; General Manager, Audit, Japhet Maisaje; General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics, Muazu Dan’azumi; General Manager, Engineering, Engr. Fidelis Ejike; General Manager, Ports and Environment, Engr. Titus Adoga; and Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama.

Twelve tech-enabled Nigerian startups, from the six geopolitical zones of the country, are to receive intensive growth support, investment readiness training, and access up to $350,000 in funding under the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme.

The organisers, while announcing the opening of applications for Growth Lab, a 12-week acceleration programme that would select 12 tech-enabled startups, described the programme as representing the next stage in the iDICE Startup Bridge’s founder support pathway.

Following the implementation of Founders Lab, which equips idea-stage innovators with the tools and guidance needed to validate and develop their ideas, Growth Lab will support startups that have achieved early traction and are seeking the expertise, networks, and investment required to scale.

The programme targets startup founders who are seeking the support, networks, expertise, and investment readiness required to accelerate growth and strengthen their position within the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.

The National Coordinator of the Programme, Ife Adebayo, explained that selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment-readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5% equity upon entering the programme, and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment, with certain growth conditions met.

According to him, the programme would run as an intensive 12-week hybrid experience, including virtual engagements and two physical weeks in Lagos focused on collaboration, learning, and business growth.

While encouraging female founders to apply, Adebayo assured that selection will be conducted through a clearly defined, merit-based evaluation process aligned with published criteria.

A chieftain of the APC and Deputy National Leader (South-East) of the Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria (RHGN), Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, has advised students from the South-East geopolitical zone to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as real, functional, and accessible.

Ngoforo gave the advice over the weekend when he received a delegation of students’ union leaders from tertiary institutions in the South-East shortly after his engagement with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro.

He advised the student leaders to return to their campuses with the message that the Tinubu administration’s education loan scheme has removed financial barriers to higher education, especially for students from low-income households.

He said, ‘No young person should be denied tertiary education because of financial hardship. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education loan policy aligns with the South-East’s commitment to learning and has eliminated poverty as a valid reason for any qualified student to miss out.’

He expressed concern over reports that students from the South-East were not fully utilising NELFUND and urged the union leaders to intensify awareness campaigns on their campuses.

Ngoforo also linked quality education to national development, noting that the modern economy is driven by knowledge and digital innovation.

He cited the Igbo tradition of apprenticeship and the region’s growth in digital innovation as evidence of that culture.

He encouraged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship rather than wait for paid jobs, reminding them of the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture, which he said have disbursed billions of naira to support young entrepreneurs and small businesses.

He said, ‘These initiatives complement the renowned entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people and are designed to unlock the economic potential of the region’s youth.’

On politics, Ngoforo expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration’s economic agenda and urged students to support the President’s re-election in 2027 to allow him to complete ongoing reforms.

He also cautioned them against politicians who may exploit ethnic or religious sentiments.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Nelson Obi-Okafor, thanked Ngoforo for enlightening Nigerians on government policies.

He described NELFUND as a significant intervention that has eased tuition and other educational costs for indigent students.

He said, ‘We will disseminate this message across tertiary institutions and communities throughout the South-East and continue to encourage eligible students to access the scheme.’

The Rivers State Judiciary has released 23 inmates in the first phase of its 2026 prison decongestion exercise as part of efforts to reduce congestion in custodial centres across the state.

The exercise, which was carried out on Wednesday, July 22, followed the directive of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and ensuring that no inmate is held beyond the period permitted by law.

A statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, said Chief Magistrates and Senior Magistrates visited the Port Harcourt, Ahoada and Degema Correctional Centres to review the cases of inmates eligible for release.

According to the statement, 23 inmates were released after the review, with 18 freed from the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre and five from the Ahoada Correctional Centre, while no inmate was released from the Degema Correctional Centre.

The exercise was conducted by Chief Magistrates Menenen F. Poromon, Ilanye D. Brown, N. N. Nnee and Obiareri N. Anugbum, alongside Senior Magistrates Wobia C. Akanie, Harold B. Nwinee and ThankGod Ndukwu.

The Judiciary stated that the exercise forms part of its commitment to promoting access to justice, safeguarding the rights of detainees and supporting ongoing efforts to reduce congestion in correctional facilities through periodic case reviews and other justice sector interventions.

THE principal of Esinle Community High School, Mrs Rachael Alamu, on Sunday recounted the harrowing experience of spending 58 days in captivity, describing the seventh week of the ordeal as the most terrifying as intensified military operations left the abductees fearing they could be killed by stray missiles.

Mrs Alamu spoke during a thanksgiving service held at the Antioch Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, weeks after she and other victims regained their freedom following their abduction by armed bandits.

The principal, who was among the teachers abducted alongside pupils from the school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, said there were moments when the fear of military bombardment became greater than the fear of their captors.

Recounting the experience before the congregation, she said the seventh week of their captivity tested their faith the most.

‘The seventh week was the hardest for us all. That was when the troops increased their air raids. It was so intense that, at a point, the fear of the bandits became secondary.’

She said the constant sound of military bombardments left the captives uncertain of what could happen next.

‘At a point, the fear of the bandits became secondary. We were just praying that missiles would not accidentally drop on us. We were so afraid. Amidst that fear, God consoled our hearts.’

Mrs Alamu disclosed that before the intensified military operations, the abductors had informed them that the Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, had assured that they would regain their freedom before the end of the week.

According to her, the information initially gave them hope until the heavy bombardment changed the mood inside the camp.

‘They had told us the previous week that the governor said that before Friday we would be released, so we were calm. But when the air raids started on Tuesday, they became so furious.’

She said the tension heightened towards the end of that week when one of the gang leaders summoned her unexpectedly.

‘Towards the end of that week, the commander came and said, ‘Principal, come!’ I was already shaking because I knew what that could mean.’

The thanksgiving service attracted family members, church members, friends and well-wishers, who joined her in appreciating God for her safe return after nearly two months in captivity.

The Esinle school abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, drew national attention and renewed concerns over insecurity around schools.

The victims eventually regained their freedom after spending 58 days in the custody of their abductors.

Security operatives have foiled an attempted bandit attack on Tauma Village in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering five magazines loaded with 40 rounds of live ammunition after a gun battle with the attackers.

The Sokoto State Police Command said the operation followed a distress call received at about 8:30 p.m. on July 25 from a resident who reported that a large number of armed bandits had invaded the community with sophisticated weapons.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Divisional Police Officer in Bodinga immediately mobilised tactical units, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside other security personnel, to confront the attackers.

Rufa’i said the joint security team engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

He said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five magazines containing 40 rounds of live ammunition abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

‘The bandits were overpowered by the superior firepower of the joint security teams and fled into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds,’ the police spokesman said.

He added, ‘A thorough search of the bushes and surrounding area led to the recovery of five magazines containing 40 rounds of live ammunition.’

The command said no casualties were recorded among security personnel or residents during the operation.

Rufa’i disclosed that confidence-building patrols had been intensified in the area to reassure residents and prevent further attacks, while neighbouring police divisions had been placed on alert to track down the fleeing suspects.

‘All neighbouring police divisions have been directed to be on the lookout for any injured hoodlums who may attempt to seek medical attention or hide within their jurisdictions,’ he said.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, especially individuals with visible gunshot injuries, to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against banditry and other violent crimes across Sokoto State, assuring residents that efforts to protect lives and property would continue.

Stand-up comedian, actor and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY Comedian, has explained why he stopped attending church, saying the decision was influenced by the public scrutiny that followed his divorce.

Speaking in a video shared on his social media page on Sunday, AY said he did not stop going to church because he had lost his faith in God. Instead, he chose to stay away to avoid becoming the subject of discussions among church members.

He added that although he no longer attends physical services regularly, he still worships online from time to time.

‘For some time now, I stopped attending church not because I stopped believing in God or lost my faith. I was actually navigating a very personal season; the negative narrative put out on the blogs against me.

‘So, I chose to step back quietly. Part of that decision was because I didn’t want to become the subject of whispered conversations,’ AY explained.

The comedian also recalled attending another church after leaving his previous place of worship.

However, he said he became discouraged after he was removed from a church programme he had been scheduled to participate in because the church said it was ‘worried about public perception.’

According to AY, the experience made him reflect on the role of the church and whether it remains a place where people can seek support during difficult times.

‘Shouldn’t the church be the safest place to find truth, grace, and restoration? If people cannot run to God’s house when life becomes heavy on them, where are they meant to run to? The clueless people who just post negative comments on social media or go ahead and judge you without even knowing the root of whatever happened? Or the few friends who would skilfully avoid you because of public perception?’ he asked.