Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 notorious armed robbers believed to be responsible for the death of an Arise TV staff, Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami.

The incident occurred during a robbery incident at Unique Apartment, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.

Recall, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to fish out the killers.

According to a police internal report sighted by our correspondent, it was gathered that the suspects, arrested by operatives of the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, were tracked through actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence, following a directive by the Commissioner of Police, FCT, to fish out the culprits.

The robbery occurred on September 29, at about 3:30 a.m.

The arrested suspects include: Shamsudeen Hassan, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State; Hassan Isah, 22, from Zaria, Kaduna State; Abubakar Alkamu (a.k.a. Abba), 27, from Musawa LGA, Katsina State; Sani Sirajo (a.k.a. Dan Borume), 20, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State; Mashkur Jamili (a.k.a. Abba), 28, from Igabi LGA, Kaduna State; Suleiman Badamasi (a.k.a. Dan-Sule), 21, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State; Abdulsalam Saleh (a.k.a. Na-Durudu), from Katsina LGA, Katsina State; Zaharadeen Muhammad (a.k.a. Gwaska), 23, from Chikun LGA, Kaduna State and Musa Adamu (a.k.a. Musa Hassan), 30, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.

Others are Sumayya Mohammed (a.k.a. Baby), 27, from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State; Isah Abdulrahman (a.k.a. Abbati), 25, from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State; and Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), 31, from Maiduguri LGA, Borno State.

Police sources said four of the suspects Shamsudeen, Hassan, Alkamu and Sirajo were initially apprehended shortly after the robbery and confessed to their involvement.

During interrogation, police said Shamsudeen admitted shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, when he tried to stop them from entering the premises, while Sirajo confessed that he tried to hold Maduagwu as she fell from the third floor but was overwhelmed by her weight.

Shamsudeen further confessed that he drove away the victims’ white Honda CR-V after the operation.

The suspects revealed that they each received N200,000 from the proceeds of the crime.

Recovered exhibits from the gang include one fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one locally-made pistol, one pump-action gun, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two sharp knives, one cutlass, and nine torchlights used during the operation.

The police said further arrests were made on October 8, when operatives acting on intelligence intercepted three of the gang members including Musa Umar and Hassan Isah while on their way to another planned armed robbery operation in Maitama.

The report said all the suspects are in custody and have reportedly confessed to the crimes.

Sources said that Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, commended the Scorpion Squad for their swift action and assured residents that the command would sustain its aggressive operations to rid the FCT of violent criminals.

Residents of Abuja, police advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious incident.

When contacted to confirm the report, the Federal Capital Territory (FTC) Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said she is yet to confirm the report, adding that she will react soon.

Chairman of Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, has said the council will unveil a comprehensive tourism calendar to showcase the town’s rich cultural and historical heritage to the world.

Hunpe told reporters in Badagry that a committee had been inaugurated to identify and compile tourism events in the coastal community, for proper documentation and projection.

He said the council would begin monthly promotion of events to woo local and international investors.

‘It will also boost the socio-economic activities of the community and increase government revenue earnings,’ he added.

The chairman said the initiative was part of efforts to reposition Badagry as a global tourism hub, considering its significance in Nigeria’s slave trade history, culture and eco-tourism attractions.

He said the council would partner with the state government, private sector stakeholders and traditional institutions to ensure the sustainability and international recognition of the calendar.

Hunpe said security agencies would also be involved to guarantee the safety of visitors and investors, stressing peace and security were vital to tourism growth.

He urged residents to embrace the initiative by supporting tourism activities and preserving historical monuments, noting community participation would make the project a success.

?Africa’s creative minds in gaming, animation and immersive technology gathered in Lagos last week for Gamathon 2025.

The week-long convention, according to the organisers, aimed at accelerating collaboration and investment in the continent’s fast-growing digital creative sector.

Hosted by Africacomicade, the sixth edition of the event ran from September 29 to October 4 and served as the grand finale of regional tours held earlier in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

The event featured exhibitions, masterclasses and investment sessions designed to strengthen the creative technology ecosystem.

Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Bridge’, founder of Africacomicade, Michael Oscar said it focused on connecting creative ecosystems across Africa to drive innovation, youth empowerment and economic growth.

‘Gamathon Nigeria represents the merging of ideas and innovation from across Africa. We’re building bridges between creators, investors and governments to ensure that young Africans are not just players but creators in the global gaming industry,’ Oscar said.

Throughout the six-day event, participants explored topics ranging from intellectual property and gamification to entrepreneurship and innovation. The ARC Pitch Competition, which offered a $2,000 prize pool for PC and mobile game developers, gave studios a platform to present their projects to investors and publishers.

According to co-founder and VR developer, Oluwatosin Ogunyebi, the event reflected the growing unity within the creative tech space.

‘When we started, many people didn’t even know each other. Now, we see collaboration and co-creation happening across borders,’ he said.

Ogunyebi added that Gamathon will now be held every two years, allowing more time for creators to develop and polish their projects. ‘Game development takes time. The new schedule means that by 2027, we’ll see finished, world-class products rather than demos,’ he explained.

Founder of Deluxe Creation Studios, Edu Shola and other industry stakeholders also used the event to call for stronger government engagement. They emphasized the need for a formal industry association to help creatives access policy support and funding.

They disclosed that some ministries are already funding creative projects through phased grants of up to $800,000, but urged broader collaboration to sustain growth.

The conference was supported by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and corporate partners including UNDP, Providus Bank, Sanlam Allianz, and MSI.

This week has been Customer Service Week across the world, and as always, it is a time to celebrate customers and appreciate those who serve them. At the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the celebration has been full of colour, excitement, and unity. From themed dress days to fun activities, staff across the country took time to appreciate the people who make their work meaningful, the taxpayers.

But beyond the glamour and celebration, this year’s Customer Service Week has given everyone at FIRS another reason to reflect on the kind of leadership the agency has been blessed with. Since Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, came on board, he has shown that leadership is not just about policy but about people, and when I say people, I mean the people of Nigeria. He has brought a human touch to tax administration and changed the way many Nigerians perceive the agency.

Today, FIRS is not just an agency collecting taxes across Nigeria; it is a people-driven institution that listens, understands, and responds. Through innovations such as the TaxProMax platform, electronic invoicing, and an active online presence, people and businesses can now file returns, make payments, or access information with ease.

Every transaction is secured and verifiable through a unique Invoice Reference Number and QR code, while taxpayers without internet access can conveniently use the *829# USSD code to retrieve their TIN, verify tax clearance certificates, locate nearby offices, or make quick inquiries. It is now easy for anyone to pay taxes or ask questions, as FIRS experts are always ready to assist through the website, social media, or call centers.

The Tax Boss is a man who knows his onions and leads with direction and purpose. FIRS has built a strong culture of courtesy and service excellence. Staff are reminded that taxpayers are partners in progress and that respect, fairness, and timely service are necessary to good governance.

This change has increased public trust and strengthened the agency’s reputation as a responsive institution. Today, if you ask ten Nigerians, nine will tell you they now understand taxes better and why they are important. We have never had it this good.

His calm confidence, intelligence, and people-first approach have changed the atmosphere within the Agency. Staff now take pride in serving, knowing that their work makes life easier for millions. Taxpayers, too, are beginning to see FIRS differently, not as a burden, but as an institution they can trust.

As this year’s Customer Service Week comes to an end, with the theme ‘Mission: Possible,’ Nigerians can agree that Dr. Zacch has made it more than just a theme; he has made it our reality. He has shown that change is possible in public service. He leads by example, puts people first, and ensures that FIRS has become a true model of what responsive governance should look like.

At the end of the day, Dr. Zacch is a tactical leader whose results speak louder than words. What he has built at FIRS tells its own story. It is a system that works, a team that serves, and a nation that believes again. Nigerians can now see that the mission is truly possible.

Happy Customer Service Week to the Tax Boss, the entire FIRS team, and the ever-supportive taxpayers across Nigeria. Together, we keep building a better country for everyone.

The Federal Government has launched the National Digital Trustmark for online companies.

The initiative is in collaboration with key government institutions, like the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The trustmark is expected to curb online fraud, identity theft, scamming and forgery, as well as ensure trust, competitiveness, integrity, and confidence in Nigeria’s online and digital business platforms.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa, announced this while addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja.

Inuwa said the establishment of the National Digital Trustmark had become imperative due to the concerns being generated globally over online and e-commerce business activities with Nigerians and in Nigeria.

The NITDA boss said it was saddening for Nigerians to be classified as scammers and fraudsters, especially in how online businesses are conducted.

He said there were times citizens made payments for goods online and were blocked thereafter, or in cases where citizens purchased goods or services online and were not delivered according to specifications.

Inuwa said the National Digital Trustmark is being facilitated by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACIMMA) to handle the challenges in the sector.

He explained that it would come in the form of a security seal granted by NITDA for certification and authentication of online or digital business outfits.

A security seal, Inuwa explained, would be embossed on the platforms, letterheads and pages for authentication and identification as true registered companies or entities operating in Nigeria with at least one known office.

He announced that the initiative, though not compulsory, would come with charges depending on the size of the business entities and their areas of specialisations, while the portal would be open next for outfits to commence registration.

Inuwa told the media briefing, which was attended by the president of NACIMMA, Tijani Ibrahim, and a representative of GIZ, Chinedu, that the renewal of the Trustmark digital certification would be done yearly to ensure transparency and accountability of the process.

The NITDA boss said both the public and private sectors with online businesses would be eligible for the security seal.

He added that the initiative would eliminate fraud, scams, and illicit transactions in the Nigerian digital space.

Inuwa regretted that online fraud has given Nigeria a bad name on the global stage, stressing that this happened even when it had been established that some foreign nationals were behind some of the fraud.

NACCIMA President Ibrahim, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Digital Economy Trade Group, Mr. Suleiman A. Audu, said the production of the seal marked a major step towards building a safer, more trusted, and globally competitive digital economy for Nigeria.

He said NACIMMA, in collaboration with other stakeholders, especially SMEDAN, NAFDAC, SON, among others, would ensure seamless implementation of the policy without bureaucratic bottlenecks and other impediments.

Chinedu said the seal was being used in Rwanda and other countries to curb cyber fraud, identity theft and mismanagement of companies’ data and other information.

National APC Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG) has appointed Dr. Adejare Adegbenro as Southwest zonal patron, recognising his contributions to humanitarian service, cultural diplomacy, and national development.

The appointment, contained in a letter signed by National Executive Council, was described as a reflection of Adegbenro’s leadership and commitment to public service.

Adegbenro, through Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation, has championed life-changing initiatives, including free medical outreach, eye-care programmes, clean water projects, feeding schemes, and educational scholarships. These projects, the organisation noted, have brought hope and relief to thousands, demonstrating that ‘true leadership is measured by the lives touched rather than titles or possessions.’

Beyond philanthropy, Adegbenro has distinguished himself as a global diplomat and cultural advocate, promoting peace, cooperation, and African excellence. As a Country director to UK for the International Society of Diplomats, he has amplified Nigeria’s voice abroad. His work with Ceci Educare Oy in Finland further bridges education, culture, and business on continents.

NAWA-ORG, a female-led political and humanitarian thinktank affiliated with All Progressives Congress, commits to advancing socio-economic development, empowering communities, and strengthening gender inclusion.

With members drawn from all 36 states and the FCT, the organisation plays a key role in grassroots mobilisation, promoting democracy, and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the organisation, Adegbenro’s appointment marks a new chapter in its drive to deepen grassroots engagement and inspire women leaders across the Southwest. His extensive networks and leadership experience are expected to play a vital role in the execution of NAWA-ORG’s strategic initiatives – including Women United for Tinubu (WUT) and the Hope Forward Network (HFN) – aimed at consolidating policy gains and positioning the APC for victory in the 2027 elections.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has presented N415.57 billion budgetary estimates for the 2026 fiscal year to the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

The 2026 Budget Estimate of Ekiti State, which was christened ‘Budget of Impactful Governance,’ is made up of a Recurrent Expenditure of N221.87 billion, representing 53 percent of the total size of the budget, and a Capital Expenditure of N193.70 billion, which translates to 46 percent of the total size.

The Ekiti budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year is about 11 percent higher than the approved 2025 budget, which stood at N375.79 billion and which had N252.15 billion as its Recurrent Expenditure and N104.51 billion as Capital Expenditure.

Presenting the budget proposal in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Governor Oyebanji said that the 2026 Budget would be tailored towards the completion of all ongoing infrastructural development projects in the state.

The Budget, according to the governor, would also focus on investing massively in agriculture and the related value chain and address wealth creation as well as the welfare of the people to further ensure the fulfillment of the Shared Prosperity agenda of his administration.

He noted that the planned investment in agriculture and wealth creation was targeted at stabilizing the prices of food and generating employment, as well as enhancing food security and boosting the contribution of agriculture to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

Governor Oyebanji explained that the revenue sources expected to fund the budget size of N415.57 billion include Federal Allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Independent Revenue (from MDAs and Tertiary Institutions), International Donor Agencies, and other sundry income sources.

Oyebanji stated that the 2026 Budget estimate was a product of statewide consultations with the representatives of various towns and communities, various interest groups, revered traditional rulers, and Civil Society Organizations at Town Hall Meetings held across the three senatorial districts, which enabled the people to articulate the needs of their towns, communities, and groups for consideration in the budget.

He further explained that the 2026 Budget stemmed from the State Development Plan, 2021-2050, Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), 2026-2028, and the Six Pillars of his Administration, and was prepared in compliance with the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) Template as unanimously agreed by the sub-nationals through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

He pledged the government’s commitment to ensure fiscal responsibility towards the implementation of the proposed 2026 Budget, which he described as an embodiment of the policy thrust of his administration and direction of the Ekiti State Government in the coming year.

The governor noted that probity, transparency, and accountability have been the hallmark of governance in Ekiti State under his watch, which he described as necessary in upholding good governance and improving the standard of living of the people.

Oyebanji also expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ‘for his very strong support to the government and the good people of Ekiti State’, noting that this support has translated to several interventions and has been very helpful in the quest to alleviate poverty in the State and in the delivery of his campaign promises to Ekiti people.

Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed satisfaction with the improvement in the budget performance, said his government has ensured good implementation of the 2025 Budget with several projects and programmes being executed in 2025, which include the construction and rehabilitation of several roads, renovation of eight general hospitals, among others.

In his remarks, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye assured that the lawmakers would deliberate on the budget with diligence, patriotism, and impartiality to ensure that the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflects the aspirations of the generality of Ekiti people.

The Speaker urged his colleagues to act as stewards and work on the budget proposal with integrity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose, noting that ‘with united effort, we can sustain the momentum of reforms, catalyze inclusive growth, and build an Ekiti State where opportunity is within reach for all. He also urged heads of MDAs to be prepared to shed light on their respective aspects of the budget when invited.

The Speaker also reaffirmed the pledge of the State legislature ‘that every naira will be accounted for and directed to priority sectors that yield maximum public benefit.’

The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds allocated for the clean-up of oil spillage in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the ad hoc committee set up by the House to carry out the investigation, the chairman of the committee, Okpolupm Etteh, said the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills.

He said the establishment of the Committee by this House underscores the shared commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and environmental justice for the people of the Niger Delta.

According to him, the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills, while various government agencies have been created or assigned the responsibility of conducting environmental remediation and clean-up operations.

He said, ‘Unfortunately, troubling reports of alleged mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor coordination have overshadowed these initiatives.

‘Similarly, this House has also received reports that Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not produced the anticipated outcomes, leaving communities still affected, livelihoods in jeopardy, and public trust diminished.

‘Our Committee has been assigned the critical task of uncovering the truth, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and proposing reforms for sustainable solutions.

‘Our objectives are clear. We will investigate the utilization of funds designated for environmental remediation, review the actual execution of clean-up projects, identify deficiencies in the institutional framework, and engage with all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society. Most importantly, we will recommend specific actions to enhance performance and rebuild public trust.’

He emphasised that the Committee is not on a quest for a witch-hunt, but will not hesitate to ask tough questions to unravel the truth for posterity and to uphold the integrity of our mission.

He said, ‘We will operate transparently, seek broad consultations, and conduct field visits to witness the situation first-hand. Agencies will be held accountable, community perspectives will be valued, and our conclusions will be based on factual evidence rather than emotions.

‘Our aim is to illuminate the truth and ensure that the Niger Delta receives the justice it rightfully deserves. We will conduct our work with professionalism, patriotism, and a strong respect for the rule of law.

‘The task ahead is both urgent and essential. The Niger Delta cannot endure another decade of unfulfilled promises. It is high time we transformed words into action. We, therefore, seek the cooperation of all stakeholders-government agencies, communities, civil society, and the media-to help us effectively achieve our mandate.’

Leaders of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to address the growing insecurity in Yorubaland, citing increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks on rural communities.

The call was made during a peaceful protest held in Lagos on Friday, where members of the group gathered to express their frustration and demand stronger federal intervention.

Speaking at the protest, Arc. Opeoluwa George Akinola, a prominent leader of the movement, described the security situation as ‘unbearable,’ lamenting the continued killings, abductions, and harassment of residents in farming communities.

‘Our people are being killed by armed Fulani groups. Farmers can no longer go to their farms, and our women are being raped daily,’ Akinola said. ‘This crisis has lingered for too long, and we are saying it must end now. No fewer than 24 communities have been affected.’

Akinola also called on the Federal Government to reinstate Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, describing him as a ‘son of the soil’ who could play a vital role in coordinating community-based security initiatives if given institutional backing.

Mrs. Funmilayo Oguniyi, a women leader of the Ifelodun Apapo Omo Yoruba group, acknowledged ongoing efforts by security agencies but stressed that more needed to be done to protect lives and property.

‘Many kidnappings occur around the Yorubaland borders. Our people are abducted while traveling, and many never return. Parents invest so much in their children, only for them to be kidnapped and killed for no reason,’ she lamented.

Also speaking, Prophet Ologun Loluwa, a youth leader and spiritual figure in the movement, described the situation as a ‘national emergency’ and urged leaders to rise above politics to confront the escalating crisis.

‘Insecurity has grown into a monster. From North to South, East to West, we hear daily reports of killings, kidnappings, and terrorism. This is not the heritage our forebears left us,’ he said. ‘We refuse to accept a Nigeria where Yoruba sons and daughters live as strangers in their own land.’

The group vowed to sustain peaceful protests and advocacy until the government takes decisive action to secure the Southwest and protect citizens across the region.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its zero tolerance for illegal and unapproved developments within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, pending full compliance with planning regulations and the attainment of a safe, orderly, and sustainable physical environment.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Dr. Oluyinka Olumide

Said over time, the Trade Fair Complex has degenerated into an enclave of haphazard and unsafe structures, posing grave risks to public safety and emergency response.

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 11 – ‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ – and the State’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, the Lagos State Government is acting strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandate, as derived from the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992, as domesticated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, and reinforced by the Supreme Court Judgment of 2003 (Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation).

These legal instruments, Olumide said, empower states to regulate physical development within their territories, including federal lands, except for areas under exclusive federal use such as military formations.

He said: ‘For clarity, land ownership and title are not in contention at the Trade Fair Complex. The ongoing enforcement focuses solely on the approval status of physical developments, as every structure in Lagos State must obtain a valid planning permit from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in accordance with the law. The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to attempts by certain political actors, particularly of South-East extraction, to misrepresent facts and discredit the ongoing enforcement at the complex. Such actions are populist, ill-motivated, and aimed at scoring cheap political points, rather than advancing the cause of public safety and sustainable development.

‘The administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains firmly committed to promoting an orderly, inclusive, liveable, and sustainable physical environment. This commitment underpins urban renewal and redevelopment efforts across the state, which have necessitated the removal of illegal structures in several locations, including:

Pelewura and Bombata markets on Lagos Island, LSDPC Low-Cost Housing Estate, Ilasan in Eti-Osa, Otumara market in Ebute Metta and Oluwole Market, Lagos Island (predominantly occupied by Yoruba) and Alaba Rago, occupied by Hausa traders.

‘Furthermore, it is on record that several states in the East such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo have also embarked on demolition of identified illegal structures for the purposes of flood control mitigation efforts, urban renewal or master plan enforcements. All carried out by the respective governors without taints of ethnic coloration attached. Why should that of Lagos State be different?

‘It is, therefore, disingenuous and divisive for anyone to resort to ethnic sensationalism whenever enforcement actions involve structures owned or occupied by individuals of Igbo extraction.’

Olumide said Lagos State Government will not be drawn into political grandstanding and urged those fanning ethnic sentiments to desist and instead focus on addressing the pressing socio-economic issues within their constituencies.

‘The actions of the Lagos State government are always guided by the Law. All developers and occupants of structures within the Trade Fair Complex are hereby given a two-week ultimatum to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to regularise the approval status of their buildings in line with extant regulations,’ he said.