Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued 23 foreign nationals held captive in Nasarawa State and arrested 14 suspected kidnappers.

ccording to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation took place around 8 pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Riverside, Ado Mararaba. The Scorpion Squad led the raid.

“The operation followed reports that foreigners were lured into Nigeria with promises of lucrative jobs and then held hostage. Their abductors demanded ransom payments via WhatsApp and other online platforms,” SP Adeh said.

Preliminary investigations show that the syndicate was coordinated by Abubakar Jigiba, a transnational criminal with bases in Ca’te d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria. His brother, Sougule Zoubere, managed recruitment, kidnapping, and smuggling of victims from Mali into Nigeria.

The group allegedly demanded four million CFA (around 10 million) per victim and confined them in two fortified apartments under harsh conditions.

Of the 23 victims rescued–14 men, eight women, and one child–only one sustained a minor ear injury and was taken to the National Hospital, Abuja.

Those arrested include Bubakari Cisse, Karamogo Dembele, Musa Kamsoko, Amadou Traore, Sareba Traore, Zoumana Diara, Umar Koulibaly, Alasgara Sagara, Berthe Saidu, Abdullahi Napo, Isah Goita, Lorita Traore, Mohammed Siaaibe, and Haruna Dembele.

Efforts are ongoing to capture Jigiba and Zoubere, who remain at large.

Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, praised the Scorpion Squad and urged residents to report any suspicious activities.

Lewisham resident, Shaine March, 45, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 42 years for the brutal murder of his pregnant partner, 32-year-old Alana Odysseos, in Walthamstow last year.

March, of Rainsborough Avenue, Lewisham, pleaded guilty to the charge of murder at the Old Bailey on 17 October 2025 and was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 31 October.

ccording to the Metropolitan Police, officers were called to Lynmouth Road, Walthamstow, on 22 July 2024, following several emergency calls reporting a stabbing.

lana was discovered outside her home with multiple stab wounds. Despite efforts by officers and paramedics, she died at the scene.

Neighbours reported hearing a violent argument moments before Alana emerged from the house, clutching her side and shouting, “Shaine stabbed me,” before collapsing.

blood-stained knife, later confirmed to be the murder weapon, was found near the front door. Inside the house, police discovered Alana’s two-year-old daughter, unharmed but alone.

few hours later, at around 4:40 a.m., police received a call from staff at a nearby cafe reporting a man covered in blood who claimed he had killed his wife and child. Officers arrested March shortly afterwards.

Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, who led the investigation, described the case as a tragic example of domestic abuse.

“Alana was a victim of appalling domestic abuse. She was a vulnerable young woman who wanted only to be loved and create a secure home for her daughter,” he said.

“March’s controlling and coercive behaviour intensified after discovering Alana was pregnant. He has shown no remorse for his actions. We hope this lengthy sentence gives Alana’s family some comfort, knowing he is facing justice.”

In a statement, Alana’s family expressed their devastation and called for stricter sentencing for offenders of such crimes.

“All our lives have been drastically changed by this individual’s actions. A life sentence should mean life. Because of this, Alana’s daughter will never know a mother’s love or share life’s milestones with her,” they said.

“We thank the police and CPS for their diligent work and now ask to grieve in private.”

CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and eyewitness testimony placed March at the scene before and during the attack, leading to his swift arrest and charge on 23 July 2024.

Detectives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse, urging anyone facing controlling or violent behaviour to seek help, adding that police officers “will listen and provide the necessary support.”

Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Burna Boy, has stirred controversy in the Afrobeats industry after declaring that he writes all his songs by himself.The “City Boys” crooner made the bold claim during a Thursday Twitch livestream with Plaqueboymax, stressing that he has never used ghostwriters and that his music is a deeply personal reflection of his life experiences.

ccording to Burna Boy, songwriting is a sacred part of his artistry and not something that can be outsourced or faked.

“I write everything myself. My music comes from my soul — it’s my story, my experience. Nobody can tell it better than me,” he said.The Afro-fusion star also took a swipe at what he described as the growing trend of outsourced songwriting” among Nigerian artists, contrasting it with what he observed in Los Angeles,

The management of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has rusticated a 200-level student, Ezi Ugoma, for four semesters after she filmed a dying colleague at the university’s health centre and shared the video on TikTok.

ccording to a letter dated October 21, 2025, and signed by the institution’s Principal Assistant Registrar, Ughwumiakpor A, Ugoma appeared before the school’s Students’ Disciplinary Committee in August to answer charges of gross misconduct and breach of matriculation oath.

The university said the action was a violation of the institution’s ethics, describing it as “inappropriate filming of a dying student.”

Following deliberations held on August 21, 22, and 25, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, approved the committee’s recommendation that Ugoma be suspended for four semesters, with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

She is expected to resume her studies in the 2027/2028 session.

By Taiye Agbaje

Rep Abubakar Gummi, member of House of Representative representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State on Friday lost his seat for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of Federal High Court in Abuja declared Gummi’s seat vacant in a judgment he delivered on Thursday.

ummi defected from the PDP to APC in October 2024.

He said his defection was as a result of lingering internal and external crisis within the PDP.

He said the crisis had led to factionalisation in his constituency with two chairmen laying claim to the leadership of the party.

The announcement of his defection attracted applause from APC members at the plenary

However, the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda had opposed the defection.

Chinda had noted that the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates that a lawmaker who defects from their party stands to lose their seat.

The monority leader therefore appealed to the Speaker to act in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution by declaring the seat of the lawmaker vacant.

He joined the APC barely two weeks after he was named Chairman of the House Committee on the newly created North West Development Commission.

‘Sack Gummi’

However, the PDP and its Chairman in Zamfara State, Jamilu Jibomagayaki had filed a suit as 1st and 2nd plaintiffs demanding the sack of the lawmaker over the defection.

The duo, in the originating summons dated Nov. 28 but filed Nov. 29, 2024, by Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, had sued Hon Abubakar Suleiman Gummi; Speaker of the House of Representatives and INEC as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

The plaintiffs had set out four questions for determination and sought nine reliefs for determination.

They asked whether having regard to the provision of Section 68 (1) (9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it was not unconstitutional for Gummies to retain his seat as member in the house.

They said he defected from PDP which sponsored him for the election to Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency to APC, when there was no division in the party, among other questions.

One of the reliefs sought was a declaration that it was unconstitutional for the speaker to refuse/fail to declare Gummi’s seat vacant.

ummi, in his response through his lawyer, filed a notice of preliminary objection and a counter affidavit.

The lawmaker, in his argument, argued that his decampment was due to the crisis within the PD..

He said contrary to the deposition of the plaintiffs, the lingering unresolved internal and external crisis both at the national level and in his constituency is the reason for his defection from the party to APC.

ummi said the crisis resulted into a state where he could no longer represent his constituents properly and ensure that they all benefit from shared distribution of the dividends of democracy within the bounds of law, and without undue interference from anyone or anything.

You’re SACKED

Delivering the judgment , Justice Egwuatu granted all the plaintiffs’ reliefs.

In the certified true copy of the judgment sighted on Friday, Justice Egwuatu restrained the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gummi as member representing Gummi/ Bukkuyum Federal Constituency.

The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct fresh election to fill the vacancy foR the constituency within 30 days from the day of the judgment.

The judge condemned the attitude of some politicians who see defection as a normal culture.

“Before I take my fingers off the key board, let me just add, that politicians should respect the wishes of the electorates that elected them into office.

“A situation where the electorates have made their choices between different political parties and their candidates based on the manifestos and marketability of such a political party, it is legally and morally wrong for such a politician to abandon the party under which platform he or she was elected into office and move to a rival party without relinquishing the mandate of his or her former party.

“If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorates.

“Don’t transfer the votes garnered on the platform of one party to another party.

“A politician has no such rights to transfer votes of a political party to another political party.

“The law must punish such moves by taking away the benefits bestowed upon the decampee politician by the electorates.

“And that is what Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution has done.

“Political prostitution must not be rewarded.

“In total, I resolve all the issues in favour of the plaintiffs and against the defendants,” Justice Egwuatu said.

The judge, therefore, ordered that Gummi , having defected from PDP to APC “before the expiration of the period the house was elected, automatically loses his seat as member of the House of Representatives.

He made an order restraining Gummi from further receiving monies as salaries, allowances or howsoever called in his capacity as member representing the constituency.

He also made an order directing the lawmaker to refund to the Federal Government all monies collected as salaries, allowances or howsoever called as member representing the constituency from Oct. 30, 2024 to the date of judgment.

“An order is made directing that the evidence of the refund of all monies collected as salaries, allowances or howsoever called be filed in the registry of this court within 30 days of the judgment of this court,” he said.

Justice Egwuatu consequently awarded a fine of N500, 000 in favour of the plaintiffs and against the defendants.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the appointment of Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, a seasoned security expert, as the new Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

The appointment, announced in a circular issued and signed by the Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, on Friday, takes immediate effect.

ccording to the circular, Ogunsan’s appointment aligns with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and enhancing its capacity to safeguard lives and property.

Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Executive Secretary, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, for his dedication and valuable contributions to the growth of the LSSTF.

“Mr Governor uses this medium to extend his sincere appreciation to Hon. Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, the erstwhile Executive Secretary, for his formidable and invaluable contributions to the development and achievements of the Security Trust Fund, while wishing him success in his future endeavours,” Agoro stated.

In a related development, Sanwo-Olu also constituted a new Governing Council for the Lagos State University (LASU), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to raising the standards of academic excellence in the state-owned institution.

The new LASU Governing Council will be chaired by Mr Babatunde Ogala (SAN), with the following members appointed to serve: Mr Oluseyi Badmus, Mr Bode Makanjuola, Mrs Mojisola Tolagbe Taiwo, Prof. Shaffudeen Amuwo, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti,Ms Kofo Durosimi-Etti, Dr Farouk Gumel, Mrs Adenike Akanbi, Mr Biodun Hundeyin and Dr Remi Desalu.

The Head of Service noted that the constitution of the council reflects Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision to ensure sound governance, accountability, and innovation in the administration of tertiary education in Lagos State.

The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s recent review of the clemency and pardon list, describing it as a demonstration of compassion, flexibility, and careful consideration of human circumstances.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, told Arise TV that President Tinubu is not afraid to reverse decisions if he believes an earlier action may have been in error.

“President Tinubu is a man who wakes up in the morning, reads the papers, and tries to understand what people are saying. You do something, you appraise it, and then you make adjustments. That is what he has done in the case of this clemency and others,” Onanuga explained.

The Maryam Sanda case has drawn the most attention among the recent pardons. Convicted for killing her husband, Maryam Sanda’s situation was described by Onanuga as a “crime of passion” that occurred in the heat of an argument. He highlighted her family circumstances, noting that she is a mother of two young daughters, whose welfare needed to be considered.

“Anything can happen between a man and a woman in the heat of an argument,” Onanuga said. “The court found her guilty, but her case was complicated. I have read something about Islamic jurisprudence, where people said the court ought to have taken into account the welfare of the children, since the father is no longer alive and now the mother is in jail too.”

Onanuga also downplayed claims of widespread public outrage, saying most criticism focused specifically on the Maryam Sanda case, rather than a general backlash against the clemency process.

The Presidency further emphasized that President Tinubu’s actions reflect a philosophy of compassionate governance, balancing legal outcomes with human and social considerations.

“President Tinubu is a compassionate person, and some of his actions show where he is coming from — his own philosophy and perspective,” Onanuga said.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the alarm over what he described as an “existential threat to Christianity” in Nigeria, alleging that thousands of Christians are being killed by radical Islamist groups.

In a strongly worded post on his official handle, @realDonaldTrump, the U.S. President said he is officially designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing the mass killings of Christians across the nation.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” President Trump stated.

He expressed outrage at the scale of violence, claiming that 3,100 Christians have been killed in Nigeria, compared to 4,476 worldwide, and described the situation as a global moral test that demands immediate action.

“When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!” he declared.

The U.S. President said he has directed Congressman Riley Moore, in collaboration with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to investigate the matter and report back to him promptly.

“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me,” Trump stated.

He emphasised that the United States cannot remain passive while Christians and other vulnerable groups are being massacred in Nigeria and elsewhere.

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world!” he added.

Immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has said he is leaving the military “with a clear conscience,” confident that he gave his best in service to Nigeria and its Armed Forces.

Speaking during his pull-out parade held in Abuja on Friday, the retired general reflected on his 38-year military career, describing it as a journey marked by sacrifice, loyalty, and shared victories.

“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing I gave my all,” he said. “I leave with fond memories of camaraderie, of battles fought and triumphs achieved as one family. The sound of the bugle may change for me, but the soldier’s heart beats on forever.”

eneral Musa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Defence Staff, saying he would always remain loyal to the President and to Nigeria.

“Though I’m retiring from active service, I’m not retiring from my love for this country. I remain a soldier at heart — ever committed to the Constitution and the sovereignty of our great nation,” he added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Musa emphasised that defeating insecurity demands stronger collaboration among security and intelligence agencies.

He warned that no single institution can achieve lasting peace alone, urging continued public support and prayers for troops on the frontlines.

“We must work together, synergise, and support one another. I call on Nigerians to keep praying for our soldiers and security forces. With unity, we will prevail and build a safer, stronger Nigeria,” he said.

Musa congratulated his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, who officially assumed duty on Thursday, and urged officers to show him the same loyalty and professionalism.

He also paid tribute to his family, describing them as “unsung heroes” for their endurance during his years of service, and thanked the media and other security agencies for their cooperation.

eneral Musa was appointed Chief of Defence Staff on 19 June 2023 by President Tinubu as part of a major shake-up in the nation’s security leadership.

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Nigerian artist Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold, has opened up on is ongoing battle with sickle cell.

The 38-year-old, in a recent interview, revealed that he still battles with crisis from the condition. He disclosed that he has been receiving medication to manage the condition since he was 5-years-old.

“I still have crises. My vision is to make more noise about it because a lot of people don’t know about it, and the important organisations are not making so much moves regarding it. Where sickle cell is more popular or where people know it most is my country Nigeria. And it happens when an SS matches an SS. And that’s why knowing your genotype is very important because the point is you should not bring many more kids that have sickle cell,” he explained.

dekunle also opened up on his experience living with Sickle Cell. He spoke about the constant pains during a crisis and the cost of managing such a condition.

“The first time I noticed that I had it was the night I fell sick and my dad wasn’t home. My mum put me on her back and we walked miles to the hospital. I don’t remember how old I was, maybe like 5 or 7. That was when the doctor told me about it, and they told me that I will be taking folic acid and B complex for the rest of my life. And that’s my life for a very long time even till now. I still have crises once in a while but not as bad as I had it when I was a child. You know maybe because I have found a way to take care of myself more properly. And I’m grateful to God for the resources to be able to do that,” he added.