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The people of Eposo came together in unity and celebration to mark this year’s Eposo Day with the commissioning of a new Community Health Centre, generously donated by Aare Kola Oyefeso in loving memory of his late wife, Chief Mrs. Omolara Oyefeso.

The Health Centre, a vital addition to the community’s infrastructure, was officially commissioned by Sir Dr. Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu CFR, a revered statesman and philanthropist, as part of activities marking his landmark 90th birthday anniversary, which will be celebrated on October 24, 2025.

In his remarks, Aare Kola Oyefeso congratulated the people of Eposo and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honour his wife’s legacy through a project that directly meets the healthcare needs of the community.

‘This Health Centre stands not just as a memorial, but as a beacon of hope and progress for Eposo,’ Aare Oyefeso said. ‘It is my hope that it will serve generations to come, improving access to healthcare and enhancing the well-being of our people.’

The event, which formed a highlight of the Eposo Day celebrations, brought together community leaders, dignitaries, and residents in an atmosphere of shared pride and optimism.

In his address, Sir Dr. Kesington Adebutu praised the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to community development, particularly in rural health and education.

His participation added deeper meaning to the ceremony as it coincides with his milestone 90th birthday celebration.

The new Health Centre is expected to provide essential medical services, including maternal and child care, treatment of common illnesses, and health education-reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for medical attention.

As Eposo continues to advance, the donation stands as a testament to the enduring values of legacy, service, and collective progress.

The community expressed profound appreciation to Aare Kola Oyefeso and Sir Dr. Kesington Adebutu for their generosity and lasting impact on Eposo’s development.

As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections inch closer, the political landscape in Nasarawa State is already brimming with anticipation and strategic manoeuvring. Aspirants on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are intensifying consultations as the battle to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule gathers momentum.

Analysts have predicted a fiercely contested race, given the governor’s wide achievements, which have raised the bar for his potential successor. The question on everyone’s mind is: who will step into his shoes?

The people of the State are indeed agitated by the pressing two-pronged questions: whose legs truly fit the shoes now gradually being left by the incumbent Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule?

Who is that one with the capacity and vision to continue with the reforms, the economic investments and the excellent performance of Governor Sule and truly improve on his achievements?

Selecting such a person would be a daunting task, given the governor’s impressive track record over the past six years plus.

It’s already less than two years to the 2027 general elections and the expiration of the eight-year tenure of Governor Sule, and all eyes are now on the ruling APC in Nasarawa State, anxious to see how the Governor will navigate the complex issues of his successor.

Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr Kassim Muh’d Kassim, recently, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, has said, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s performance has sparked a succession dilemma.

According to him, ‘I pity the person who will succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule, considering the unequalled performance that the incumbent will leave behind by May 2027, even as an insider in this administration, I cannot but be anxious about who will take over from Engr Abdullahi Sule as Governor in 2027.

‘It will be a Herculean task to find a candidate capable of sustaining and surpassing the great strides Governor Abdullahi Sule has recorded. His leadership has brought remarkable progress, and we must ensure that the next leader has the vision and capacity to build on this foundation.’

He revealed that, though Nasarawa State is blessed with men and women of high intellectual capacity, capable of steering the affairs of the state, it is important to choose a candidate who aligns with the developmental trajectory already set by the outgoing Sule administration.

The NSUBEB chairman said Sule’s tenure has seen significant progress in infrastructural development, education, healthcare, security, and economic growth. His administration prioritises road construction, renovation of public schools, improved healthcare services, and empowerment programmes that have uplifted thousands of residents.

‘Under his leadership, the state has also witnessed an increase in internally generated revenue, strengthened governance structures, and enhanced security measures to ensure peace and stability,’ he said.

Kassim noted that not only did Sule surpass the expectations of many when he took over the helm of affairs of the state, but he also bequeathed to his successor an unassailable record of performance. Hear him ‘On assumption of office in 2019, Engr Abdullahi Sule had clearly shown that where there is a will, there is a way, having met a hydra-headed financial situation, but much more so, when the way is driven by prudence and accountability in the management of state resources.

‘The first four years of his administration set unprecedented records while the first two years of the second term have surpassed those achievements.’

He stated that Governor Abdullahi Sule has changed the narrative from the general belief that when an administration succeeds in its re-election bid, it becomes complacent about the promises it had made to the people.

He said that the pace in the provision of infrastructure and keeping faith with the welfare of government workers has given the laughable impression that Governor Sule is running for a third term.

Speaking recently to all his political appointees during a one-day sensitisation workshop for them in Lafia, Abdullahi Sule openly declared that he would announce his preferred candidate to succeed him when the time comes, and that he won’t be scared of doing so.

The governor, who has been the governor of the state since 2019 and is currently serving his second term, clearly highlighted the qualities of the kind of person he would wish to succeed him in 2027 as Governor of Nasarawa State.

According to Governor Sule, ‘Your loyalty is here. I think you have a choice. The day you say that you are not going to do it the way the Governor is doing it, you have chosen to leave the system, resign and follow your chosen aspirant.

‘As far as I’m concerned, even I do not know who is going to be the next Governor, that is the reason why I have zero hatred for any one of them wanting this position. I have people in mind that I wish could be them. When the time comes, I will not be afraid to say, This is what I want, and this is the reason I want it.

‘If anybody is thinking somewhere that somebody is sitting somewhere and just tell me, Sule, you must do this, that person must go to a mental hospital, there is nothing like that. Those people who can talk to me that way understand me.

‘The reason why I am talking to you like this is that I see a lot of you following this one , that one. What are they going to give you? The day I see any of you with any of the aspirants that day, you are fired.

‘I’m not going to take it anymore, because, as I said, I hate none of them. I love every one of them, but I want you to know that when the time comes to follow such people, you will follow them, and no one can stop you

‘That is the reason that I’m pleading with you for us to work together. That is the only way we can work as a team. By the grace of God, we will do so much in Nasarawa State; we can not continue to heat the polity because there is no need for that.

‘I invited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come and commission the biggest lithium processing plant in Nigeria, located at Endo. Mr President accepted, he will come and commission it. That is what we have to be proud of. I thank every one of us, and I call on you, I plead with you, let us work together for Nasarawa State, not for A. A Sule but for Nasarawa State,’ he said.

He assured that once he comes to a conclusion on who will fly the flag of the APC in the 2027 Governorship election, he will seek the support of all the political appointees.

‘I will, by the grace of God, not use my selfish interest. I am not looking for a governor who will give me a house or money, or a vehicle, or a job. I don’t need any of that from whoever will be the next governor. I don’t need that.

‘We are going, by the grace of God, to bring somebody who will be able to hold these investors together that we have, not to show them power or authority. Somebody who has the capacity to work with diplomacy, with respect and hold all these people together so that we can continue the development of Nasarawa State,’ he added.

Sule again re-emphasised these points last month when he hosted members of the Forum of Former Local Government Council Chairmen, alongside Members of the Forum of Former Local Government Councillors in the State, who came on a Solidarity visit to the Government House in Lafia.

Sule told them that he would only support a governorship aspirant who has the capacity to sustain the development strides of his administration, adding that Nasarawa State has enormous potential and that he will only support that aspirant who has the capacity to explore these potentialities.

‘We have done the least that we can do, but we are doing great things for the future. Most of these organisations, in fact, are only waiting for the President to tell us what day he will select, even if he is sending somebody to represent him for the commissioning of the biggest lithium processing plant in the whole of Africa.

‘The moment he does that, we have opened an opportunity for the State to have an improved IGR. When investors come in, that is when we will continue opening because the number of opportunities in Nasarawa is enormous. We can now move from there to Riri. Riri is going to be the next huge facility, and it’s in Daddere.

‘They have already started the process for the construction. Then we are looking at Amba, which will follow next. Those are the ways we are going. I am not going to be able to be here when all these are being done. The prayer is that, by the grace of God, whoever is taking over from me will be somebody who will continue to carry the state to make more and more opportunities.

‘That is the reason why if anybody tells you that I am supporting this, I’m supporting that, it’s just grammar. People are just telling their stories. At one time, they said I was supporting the Accountant General, then, at another point, they said it was Wadada, then, at one point, they said it was Faisal. If you see people running back and forth like this, you know there is no truth in any of this. It’s just speculation,’ he added.

Governor Sule told the members of the Forum that he had yet to make up his mind on who to support amongst the governorship aspirants. ‘You are hearing me, I will support the person who has the capacity to deliver these opportunities. Who that person is, God has not shown the person at least to me yet.

‘I am a friend to every one of them, and I support every one of them coming to contest. During our time, 11 of us contested, and 10 of them came and supported me without any ambiguity. I am forever grateful to them for that.

‘Maybe the person who may be the governor has not even started. It is also possible. But people see the sincerity in me that I Iove everyone of them, but I am making sure that we have somebody that can deliver and carry this state the way we are carrying it now,’ he said.

Speaking while delivering a goodwill message at a meeting convened recently by the APC stakeholders from Nasarawa West Senatorial District, which held in Keffi, Governor Sule, who was blunt about how his successor will emerge, said, ‘This power that you see comes only from the Almighty Allah; he alone gives power. A. A Sule does not give power. But A.A. Sule has the right to say, I like so, so, and so person.

‘When the time comes for me to say that I like somebody, I will mention it clearly without fear or favour that I like somebody. Anybody who comes to you and says that I like someone, that person is only talking to himself. Because as far as I’m concerned, I’m mature enough, I’m now experienced enough. I have learned my lessons, and I will be the last person to jump in and say this is my candidate because the time for that has not come.

‘But when the time comes, I will not be scared to say this is my candidate,’ he declared.

Our correspondent gathered that no fewer than 28 politicians have currently shown interest in the Nasarawa State Governorship race on the platform of the ruling APC, but questions remain about the strange rush to make a visible impression on the APC Governorship dashboard.

What do they really want? Why such an unwieldy number for just one office? Has the governorship become an all-comers’ affair? Is the motivation really the love of the state, or personal aggrandisement, or just the pursuit of ambition? How many of the aspirants actually have the capacity to win a competitive election or manage a state where Engr Sule is building to attract a lot of investors?

How is the ruling party going to manage this huge number of people ready to take over from Governor Abdullahi Sule without creating a needless crisis that may even ruin the party? These questions are endless, but the days ahead will tell more as consultations intensify.

Prominent among those angling to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule on the APC platform is the incumbent Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Senator representing Nasarawa West, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada and the Nasarawa State Accountant General, Dr Musa Ahmed Mohammad.

Others include former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; former Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib; immediate past Executive Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructures (NASENI), Prof Muhammed Sani Haruna, among several others.

A lot of factors are expected to shape the emergence of the next governor of the State. Prominent among them is the heavy influence of the incumbent Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule, who has the ultimate and supreme powers. His endorsement and behind-the-scenes manoeuvres will likely shape alliances and the expected outcome of the APC governorship primaries to favour his choice.

Fortunately, both Senator Wadada, the Accountant General, as well as Dr Faisal Shuaib are competent and close allies of the Governor, and he will be at home with any of them, come 2027.

Both Senator Wadada and the Accountant General of the State have the capacity and popularity to win the general elections against any opposition candidate from the PDP and the coalition ADC.

Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada

In many respects, a lot of political analysts have begun to think that the tide is slowly tilting in favour of the former two-term member of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada. It’s, however, safe to conclude that if the ruling APC wants to win elections in Nasarawa State without stress, Wadada is the right person to hand over the APC ticket to. He is today the most popular governorship hopeful in Nasarawa State.

His support base is very formidable and has wide acceptability.

Senator Wadada is described by many as the heartbeat of Nasarawa politics; his grassroots support is unmatched.

Speaking recently with our correspondent, Wadada said that he would be the next governor of Nasarawa State by the special grace of God in 2027.

‘I have had the intention to govern the state from birth, and I first declared the intention in 2019. I’m by the grace of God, gunning for the Governorship of Nasarawa come 2027, because of my records of public service and God’s mercies upon me, I have all it takes to be Governor of Nasarawa state,’ he said.

Wadada’s name sends jitters each time it is mentioned, as far as the 2027 Nasarawa governorship is concerned.

He knows the game, especially palace politics, and has, since making his intention known, shown the stuff he is made of.

He boasts capacity and competence, too.

No doubt, Wadada has the political gravitas to turn things around; he has a good record of performance too as the present Senator for Nasarawa West.

This, though, changes nothing about the swirling perception about him – his independent-mindedness – has, however, improved his standing in the race for the APC ticket. For a man who considered this project a lifelong ambition and the first to publicly declare his intention, he knows this is definitely not a sprint and is ready for whatever lies ahead.

Senator Wadada is not ready to chicken out at any time; he is not joking, he believes it’s his birthright and is ready to fight to the finish.

He means business and is determined to give all that it would take to not only emerge as the candidate of the party, but also win the general elections.

Dr Musa Ahmed Mohamed

Though the Nasarawa State Accountant General, who is also a two-term former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, has kept this ambition close to his chest, he has always meant business. For him, the game is on and right.

There are some meetings and high-powered consultations going on across the State on his behalf in view of his aspirations.

Musa’s credentials as an accountant are intimidating, though his strength goes beyond a sterling academic record as a PhD holder in Accounting. Those who have worked with him closely describe him as a diligent and conscientious public administrator, an astute public servant, a resourceful and ingenious administrator and a prudent and shrewd manager of public resources.

Across centuries, great minds have not failed to recognise the place of experience as a factor for success.

Having served as Accountant General for over two years under Governor Abdullah Sule, it’s safe to say he is part of the success story of Governor Sule’s administration. He understands how the government works; he will not be guessing on day one if given the opportunity.

He is the only person serving in Governor Sule’s government with governorship ambition, and if Governor Sule wants continuity of his legacies, Dr Musa Ahmed Muhammad, the current Accountant-General, is the ideal candidate. The alternative to him will be an experiment with Engr Sule’s legacy.

The Accountant General’s Governorship clearly means that continuity in governance will be guaranteed. With him, the people of Nasarawa can be certain that the progressive ship of governance in the State is not about to berth and that the tempo of growth and progress in the state in the outgoing administration will not ebb soon.

He comes to the race with credibility, nobility and a record of stellar performances both as Speaker and now Accountant General of the State. He has the capacity, experience, and maturity to effectively pilot the affairs of the State.

The AG is without doubt, a man of class, panache, and character. His capacity and competence are not in question.

A close ally of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Accountant General boasts not just a very deep knowledge in finance-combined with his legislative exposure as a Speaker for 8 years.

He is not just ready for the race for the Governorship ticket, but the task of leading the state to consolidate the achievements of his principal, Governor Abdullahi Sule.

For weeks now, the word genocide has buzzed around in the United States that Christians in Nigeria are faced with existential threat and require state support to save them. There have been attempts to twist the facts about the insecurity in the country to suit the narrative that the violence rocking parts of the country is informed by religious disputes. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The security crisis in the country that started in 2009 is known to the whole world to have been religion blind; the Boko Haram that started then has attacked security outposts irrespective of the religion of the commander. Besides, there is no military or police unit that is composed of only Christians or Muslims. The insurgents are known to also have attacked mosques and churches, clerics across religious divides and denominations, markets have been sacked, and school children have been abducted in their hundreds without recourse to their beliefs across the North East zone.

It had since burst out of the region to the North West and the North Central. Whereas the North East crisis has been largely the Boko Haram sect. buoyed by the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) operating across Chad, Cameroon and migrating southwards from the Sahel,

what we have in Nigeria – be it the insurgency in the North East or the banditry in the North West or the kidnapping in other parts of the country – is pure criminality. When people are kidnapped, it is usually for ransom to sustain their nefarious activities and supplement the financing that comes from across the borders. In Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi States, when the criminals strike, it is Muslims who are majority in the area, who get killed. But when villages and towns in Southern Kaduna, Plateau and Benue come under attack, Christians are mainly those who are victims because they are in the majority in the area.

What Nigeria needs now is help from the international community to contain the crisis, not condemnation. Had there been mass murder of Christians in parts of the country, the vocal Christian community would have cried out, especially if it is true that a number of Catholic priests and in some cases, seminaries, have come particularly under attack. But, even then, the very active and outspoken Catholic Bishops are not known to have attributed it to a war against the denomination. Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese who has been an activist for ages is not known to have cried out that his people are singled out.

It is unfortunate that the matter has been taken to the American Congress with a view to getting Nigeria enlisted among Countries of Particular Concern, a group comprising Iran, Nicaragua, Central African Republic, Vietnam, North Korea, Tarjikstan, Burma, among others. They are countries deemed by the US to be engaging in or tolerating violation of religious freedom. Anyone conversant with Nigeria and its composition knows that it is impossible for a religion to dominate others up to the point of engaging in genocide. As a multicultural society, there are occasional skirmishes across cultural, communal and religion lines in various parts of the country, but they are not permanent, nor are they backed by the state.

Everyone knows that Nigeria cannot survive a religious war. It is bound to lead to Mutually Assured Destruction. Besides, the composition of government at the centre that controls the agencies of coercion makes it impossible to order the annihilation of a people

It is interesting that both Houses of the National Assembly have taken up the challenge. The United States authorities that have started the process of having a Bill to so enlist Nigeria should listen to their counterparts from Nigeria. Senate President Godswill Akpabio who is not only the presiding officer of the upper legislative chamber but also chairman of the federal legislature is a Christian, while the presiding officer at the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a Muslim.

As former Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has said, the matter should not be taken lightly. All agencies of government, diplomatic, security and legislative should get involved to stave off the likely consequences of enlisting Nigeria in the group as it could affect not only the country’s image, but equally lead to economic sanctions. Given the position of the United States as leader of the western powers, this could have devastating effect on our tottering economy. Men like Ted Cruz who champions the crusade in the US should be made to retract the campaign. Christian groups like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) should voluntarily speak out louder on the side of truth to assure all that the crisis in Nigeria is not religious. They should reach out to their counterparts in the US, including men like Senator Ted Cruz who should be told to stop taking up a battle that Nigerian Christians are not fighting. If about 50,000 Nigerian Christians have been killed as he and his fellow travellers have claimed, Nigeria would have fully exploded before now.

Nigeria belongs to all and truth should not be made a casualty of the campaign.

The pioneer Osun State Commandant of Amotekun, Chief Amitolu Shittu, has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to hand over fleeing Commandant of the outfit, Isaac Omoyele to Inspector General of the Police over killings of Akinlalu town by his corps.

The Nation reports that Amotekun operatives invaded the Akinlalu market square, killing three members of the same family and another resident, while several others sustained gunshot injuries. Omoyele later claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt – a claim the police dismissed.

Subsequently, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the IGP arrested 25 Amotekun corps on Wednesday night. It sealed their operational-amoury base at Oke-Fia, Osogbo, including the outfit’s Ife Central Office.

Speaking with newsmen on Saturday, Amitolu condemned the killings of innocent residents in Osun State by Amotekun corps, noting that ‘Since I left office, the outfit has been personalised by its new leadership which makes Amotekun to derail from the reason for its creation.’

Speaking about the recruitment of 1,000 corps, he said ‘The present leadership engaged the services of ex -convicts, thugs and cultists. I want to charge Governor Adeleke, if he cannot disband the corps, he should investigate and profile them to know who was recruited.

‘Presently, what we are facing is criminal masquerading, Isaac Omoyele, personalizing Amotekun for pecuniary gains. We seized vehicles from some robbers when I was serving but today, Omoyele has disposed of the properties recovered from robbers.

‘Adeleke should investigate the activities of Amotekun, as the corps is now involved in a personal security guard and they collect money which is never remitted into the coffers of the government. The outfit was never meant to man personal property.

‘Since I left office in January 2023, Amotekun has been personalised by Omoyele for his own venture.

‘Criminals have found their ways into Amotekun, majority of those that are ex-convicts, cultists and those with criminal records are recruited into the outfit. Governor must look for ways to flush them out.’

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Bellinger is set to thrill fans in Nigeria.

He will headline the 2025 Megastar Man of the Decade Awards. The show is scheduled for October 17, 2025, at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Abuja.

The event will be hosted by Nigerian media entrepreneur Ifetayo Adeniyi, the Chief Executive Officer of Megastar Media Communications.

Bellinger’s performance will be a major highlight of the prestigious awards. The event celebrates notable Nigerians for their impact across different economic sectors.

The acclaimed R and B artist will also use the occasion to perform his latest single, ‘Understood (Remix),’ featuring Nigerian music powerhouse Tiwa Savage.

The city of Uyo came alive with excitement as the usually tech-driven Start Innovation Hub traded screens for sunshine during its annual ‘No Laptop Day’ celebration, held at Iko Beach in Eastern Obolo. The vibrant getaway, which took place last month, brought together thirty-three staff members in a spirited retreat that blended fun, reflection, and recognition.

In what has become one of the most anticipated traditions at the leading technology hub, the team departed Uyo in a jubilant convoy, leaving behind their laptops and deadlines for a rare day of unplugged connection. Dressed in beachwear instead of formal office attire, the staff journeyed to the coast, marking the fifth edition of the unique company policy designed to strengthen human bonds beyond the digital workspace.

The adventure kicked off at a local jetty, where the team boarded three speed boats loaded with food, drinks, and excitement. As the boats sliced through the calm river waters, laughter echoed across the waves. Minutes later, the group arrived at Iko Beach-a serene and picturesque coastline that set the perfect stage for a day of bonding, games, and shared experiences.

Speaking from the sandy shores, the Chief Executive Officer ,Start Innovation Hub, Mr. Hanson Johnson, described the event as a deliberate and visionary initiative rooted in an experience that reshaped the company’s culture.

He explained that the ‘No Laptop Day’ tradition emerged after a major disruption in 2020, when the company lost access to its devices for an entire week. ‘It was a defining moment.We decided that the last Monday of every September, we would deliberately close our doors, leave the laptops at home, and focus on human connection,’ Johnson said.

According to him, the initiative has since become a vital part of the organisation’s ethos-encouraging employees to unwind, build trust, and recharge away from the digital grind. ‘It’s about reconnecting with each other beyond work.This is how we build stronger teams and foster the sense of belonging that drives real innovation,’ he noted.

Johnson also used the opportunity to champion local tourism, praising Iko Beach as a hidden gem that showcases Akwa Ibom’s natural beauty. ‘Places like this remind us that we don’t need to travel outside Akwa Ibom-or even Nigeria-to find relaxation,’ he said, applauding the serene environment and hospitality of the host community.

The day reached its emotional peak when Saviour Henry was announced as Start Innovation Hub’s Most Outstanding Staff Member for 2025. The surprise recognition came with a ?1 million reward presented by the Chief Executive to honour Henry’s dedication and exemplary performance.

The announcement sparked cheers and applause, but it was the heartfelt reaction of the recipient that captured the spirit of the moment. Visibly overwhelmed, Henry covered his face in disbelief before stepping forward to receive the symbolic cheque. Fighting back tears, he expressed gratitude to the management and his colleagues. ‘I may be singled out today,but my standout performance is a reflection of the collaboration and collective approach of all my colleagues ,’ he said.The emotional moment captured the very essence of ‘No Laptop Day’-a reminder that behind every line of code and project milestone are people whose dedication fuels innovation.

As the team made their way back to Uyo, laughter still in the air, many reflected on the deeper impact of the day. Beyond the beaches and bonfires, the retreat strengthened bonds and renewed motivation for the year ahead.

For Start Innovation Hub, the message was clear: sometimes, the best way to move a company forward is to step away from the screen, breathe in the sea air, and reconnect-with people, purpose, and passion.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday paraded 12 notorious armed robbery suspects responsible for the death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a journalist with Arise News, and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard.

The incident occurred during a robbery operation at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, while parading the suspects at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, Garki, Abuja, said it was necessary to keep the public accurately informed on the significant progress recorded in the ongoing investigation.

Hundeyin said: ‘Following the incident, operatives of the FCT Police Command immediately launched a coordinated intelligence-driven investigation.

‘Through diligent efforts and extensive digital intelligence analysis, 12 suspects linked to the robbery have been successfully arrested.

‘They are: ‘Shamsudeen Hassan; Hassan Isah (22); Abubakar AlKamu a.k.a. Abba (27); Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume (20); Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba (28); Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule (21); Abdulsalam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu; Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska (23); Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan (30); Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby (27); Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati (25) and Musa Umar a.k.a. Small (31).

‘Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: One locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally made pistol, one pump-action gun, 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two sharp knives, one cutlass and two flashlights.

‘Investigations revealed that the fatal shot which claimed the life of the security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami, was fired by one of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, who stated that he shot the guard when the latter attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the apartment complex.

‘It was further revealed that their firearms were sourced from a yet-to-be-identified supplier in Niger Republic, and that they had taken part in other armed robbery operations within Katampe I, Apo, Zuba, and other parts of the FCT.

‘The Nigeria Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, assuring that justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion.

‘The Force remains resolute in ensuring that all individuals connected to this grievous crime are prosecuted in accordance with the law. We commend the exceptional professionalism, courage, and dedication of the operatives of the FCT Police Command, whose painstaking efforts led to these arrests and recoveries.

‘Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information that will aid in the prevention and detection of crime.

‘In closing, the Nigeria Police Force assures the public that investigations remain ongoing and that more updates will be provided as further facts are uncovered.’

Attempts by some individuals to board a flight with over $6.1 million in cash was foiled yesterday at the domestic wing of of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 Lagos by vigilant airline and aviation security personnel.

Following the suspicious action of the individuals, who failed to declare the huge sums stashed in multiple boxes and taken to the foot of the aircraft without meeting the standard procedures, the money was intercepted and the individuals arrested by anti-graft agency personnel.

According to multiple airport sources, although the number of the suspects could not be established, the infractions were detected during routine checks while trying to board an Aero Contractors flight.

Airport sources hinted that the personnel had initially passed through airport security units before they were apprehended at the foot of the aircraft after Aero Contractors security noticed the heavy luggage.

The matter was then documented and was reported to Aviation Security, who later handed the individuals over to the Department of State Services.

Airport officials said the DSS later transferred the individuals to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where they were being held for further investigation.

There were conflicting reports on the status of the individuals, who sources hinted claimed to be security agents escorting a suspect and exhibits, but failed to declare the cash or follow due procedures for transporting suspects on commercial flights.

The claim of the individuals suggesting that they are security personnel could have been exploited to breach initial security screening.

However, their activities raised suspicion at the boarding gate when AVSEC officers noticed the oversized boxes.

An official of Aero Contractors confirmed the incident, saying his airline’s security team grew suspicious after the individuals refused to check in their heavy bags.

The official explained that the bags contained money, and when asked if it had been declared, the suspects said no.

He explained: ‘What happened was that our security noticed some passengers trying to board our aircraft with bags that were quite heavy.

‘Our security team advised them to check the bags in, as they could not be carried into the cabin.

‘They refused to check the bags in, and later they said it was money.

‘When asked if the money had been declared, they said no.

‘At that point, our security personnel discovered that the individuals were either police officers or some form of security agents, who claimed they were escorting a suspect along with exhibits. That was why they resisted checking in the bags.

‘We then informed them that if they were transporting a suspect, they were required to notify us in advance.

‘There are standard procedures for moving suspects; we don’t mix them with regular passengers.

‘There are boarding, deboarding, and in-flight protocols that must be followed in such cases. Since they failed to follow these procedures, they were not allowed to board, and they eventually left.’

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the terminal operator: Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, were yet to comment on the development.

EFCC probes two suspects over undeclared foreign currency

In a related development, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, have commenced investigation into two travellers, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, over alleged failure to declare foreign currencies in their possession at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The suspects were apprehended yesterday by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during a routine check.

According to preliminary findings, the duo was found with undeclared sums of $6,180 and £53,415.

The EFCC disclosed that the suspects had just arrived in Nigeria from Dubai via Addis Ababa and were scheduled to board a connecting flight to Abuja when they were intercepted.

Following their arrest, the travellers were initially handed over to operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling and further interrogation. The DSS subsequently transferred the suspects to the EFCC for in-depth investigation and possible prosecution.

Also recovered from the suspects were three mobile phones, which have been taken into custody as exhibits.

The suspects and the recovered items were received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Ahmed Ghali.

Popular auto dealer and influencer, Ola of Lagos, has confirmed the demolition of his car showroom through an Instagram story, maintaining a positive attitude despite the setback.

A viral video circulating online captured the moment the showroom was torn down, just months after its grand opening.

While the reason for the demolition remains unknown, Ola assured his followers that his business operations remain active.

He also announced plans to unveil a new showroom, OOL Autos, which he promised would be ‘bigger and better.’

He wrote, ‘OOL Autos New Showroom coming soon.Bigger and better insha Allah. We’re still active! We’ve been before our physical showroom and we’d always be. Pending the time our new Office will be ready, you can Call/WhatsApp: +234.. for clean cars as usual you will love it.

He expressed gratitude for the support from his community, noting that despite numerous losses that could have discouraged him, he remains optimistic and thankful.

‘Omo these calls/messages much thank yall tho I’m good. I promise I’m smiling atm self.

‘Being chesting loses for long. Loses that will comfortably get me a bedrooms apartment in Ikoyi. Man will just reason all, smile, thank God, come online to drop motivation, show love then keep going. All is well ooo haha.’, he added.

There are three burning issues that call for deep reflection at this time. The first is: Should former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan throw his signature hat into the ring to battle his way back to the Villa in 2027? Whether he is warming up and rehearsing for the battle royal would seem to have left the realm of speculation even though his wife is not keen. There are pointers to this longing. But his wife has said she does not see herself in the Villa any more. In other words, not at Aso Rock wearing the headgear stamped with the glittering label of Nigeria’s First Lady. Those familiar with this column know its position on the abundance of power at the disposal of uncorrupted womanhood. If Dr. (Mrs.) Patience Jonathan says she does not see herself at Aso Rock again, forget it. A determined but uncorrupted woman does not lose a battle without grave consequences. Her weapon is her intuition and connection with the Light Realms. I will come back to this presently.

The second is the issue of tinted glasses. In April the police high command said cars with tinted glasses would no longer be allowed thenceforth on the roads without police permit. The requirement finally took effect last week Tuesday, 02 October, 2025, amidst serious controversies and after a postponement. The day it was taking effect coincidentally fell on a day Nigerians were returning from what could be described as an extended weekend for the National Independence Anniversary celebrations-which for some was a short period for reflection. The police said they were implementing a decree, now an act, promulgated in 1991 by General Ibrahim Babangida Administration. That law expressly forbade vehicles with tinted windows, as well as front and back wind screens not plain enough to make people in them visible. A breach of the law would attract a fine of N2, 000, a heavy sum of money at the time, or a jail term of six months. The decree did not attract attention at the time because vehicles with tinted glasses were rare. Even in 2013 when the police first dusted the legislative book not many knew there was any such law. Again, in 2016, the police sought to implement the law. It was not much of a success. But this year, the situation is different. For a great many, dusting it up came as a rude shock, largely because of the harsh economic situation. The law became noticeable and it is being fiercely resisted with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership in the forefront. Nigerians see it as a revenue generating ploy by the police and as an added tax burden for a people reeling under crushing high inflation and all manner of taxation and levies. What it would fetch into the police kitty is put at N19billion in a year. And the permit is also henceforth to be collected yearly.

The police did not state any reason for the enforcement of tinted glasses permit. The citizens themselves reading the thoughts of the police hierarchy are hazarding a guess: That it is help in the seemingly intractable mounting security challenge in the land. While the reason may be plausible the argument is defeated by the fact that where the challenge is untrammeled and worrisome, there is hardly any presence of vehicles with tinted glasses. The terrorists and bandits use only motorcycles and ramshackle vehicles. They arrive in communities they invade in long columns of motorcycles, according to accounts by traumatized members of rural communities. Not one car is seen. Motorcycles are the veritable means of transportation in every part of the country, including cities.

Of course, in fairness, some cars are completely covered in very dark colours- windows, and windscreens. Such vehicles present obscene, suspicious and frightening spectacles. Tinted vehicles are factory fitted, imported or manufactured or assembled. All the police need do is to stop the suspicious ones totally tinted on the road and ask that the driver wind down the glasses to see those in the vehicle, and may even search them. What will reduce the workload for the police is to ask that the tinted driver’s window side and the passenger’s as well as the windscreens be changed and made plain, leaving only the back seats covered. Since vehicles with tainted glasses are prevalent now all over the world, there is very little Nigeria can do to stem their inflow into Nigerian market. Those being manufactured within our shores-Nord by Ajayi Joshua Oluwatobi; those by Lanre Shittu, Nnoson in Nnewi owned by Innocent Chukwuma; Toyota by Elizade (Michael Ade Ojo) and Dona producing KIA will need to be patronized more. It is then suggestions can be made to the local manufacturers on what our peculiar circumstances require. It is objectionable that the tinted glass permit is a yearly requirement. It is odd that a permit given to a vehicle and all the attendant processes will be repeated for the same vehicle every year. The ownership has not changed; the police authority signatures are of the police authority. On deep reflection and second thoughts, the police high command themselves will find the exercise is extortionist. It should be thrown out of the window, not suspended which is the case after pressure from the NBA.

Ultimately, what a majority of Nigerians have seen as the most compelling curb to escalating security challenges is the establishment of State Police. Governors’ Forum, stakeholders, respectable leaders of thought and the media have all clamored unceasingly for this panacea. Those to bring about the establishment of this tier of policing are living shielded in impregnable fortresses and at no cost to them. So, the foot-dragging and unfeeling continue, giving no inkling of when the obstinacy will terminate. The police themselves have long recognized the imperative of another tier of policing for a large and disparate country as Nigeria such that as far back as 2003 they sent some of their men to Britain to train in community policing.

Is Babangida’s Voice not weighty enough to move the legislators to action or Obasanjo’s. The North thought to be reticent for a long time has thrown its weight behind the establishment of state police. Former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida said in 2022, speaking on the subject of restructuring, and I have quoted him several times because of the profundity of his thoughts: ‘Added to this desire is the need to commence the process of having state police across the states of the Federation. The initial fears of state governors misusing men and officers of state police have become increasingly eliminated with renewed vigour in citizens’ participation and confidence to interrogate power: We cannot be detained by those fears and allow civilization to leave us behind. We must as a people with one destiny and common agenda, take decisions for the sake of posterity in our shared commitment to launch our country on the path of development and growth. Policing has become sophisticated that we cannot continue to operate our old methods and expect different results.’ On another occasion, he had said that the fears of misuse by governors are unfounded and exaggerated.’ He would Know.

At the security summit organized by the Senate in the Buhari years, the then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said: ‘The nature of our security challenges is complex. Securing Nigeria’s over 923, 768 square kilometres and its 180 million people requires a continual re-engineering of our security architecture and strategies. We cannot realistically police a country the size of Nigeria centrally from Abuja. State police and other community policing methods are the way to go.’ Governor Henry Dickson at the time in the saddle in Bayelsa State, corroborating what Professor Osinbajo said, went on to argue that the prevailing security situation and the need for an effective response to the challenge had made the establishment of state police mandatory. In the heat of the debate, the then Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, first spoke on security vote: ‘You say what do we do with it? Without mincing words, I can’t speak for others, but I also get feedback from other states in my capacity as chairman of the Governors’ Forum. There are hardly any of these institutions that you are talking about that we do not fund. We fund the police. Quote me. State governors fund the police more than the Federal Government. We buy them vehicles. We pay them allowances. In some cases we even buy ammunition, of course under authority. And if we do engage our Military in aid to civil authority which you will find actually in 36 states in this country, we fund it.’

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Daodu said in strikingly disarming simplicity that state police is for law and order. The Sultan of Sokoto has called for the establishment of state police. The Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Hassan Kukah has done the same, indeed, with strident vehemence of a cleric that he is, draping his call with his accustomed scholarship wrapped in ecclesiastical touch.

If governors do all Dr. Fayemi listed indicating that for a long time the governors have been roaring to go, why foot-dragging on the state police? What I am getting at is that what the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, need concentrate his attention on is strengthening the consensus that the nation has forged that the only way to go is the establishment of State Police and begin to think of operational border guidelines for both the Nigeria Police Force and State Police when the latter eventually takes its place in the maintenance of law and order everywhere. Further evidence of that consensus is 2014 National Conference Report which had strongly recommended state and community policing. The establishment of state police will not be tantamount to the abolition of the Nigeria Police, after all. Swaths of Nigerian land have been left at the mercy of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and all sorts-the agents of Darkness for too long!

There is now no doubt any longer that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan wants to try his luck again, fixing his gaze at the possibility of returning to the Villa come 2027. Everyone is the name he bears. No name is an accident. When a person asks what’s in a name the answer should ring out loud: It is everything. In all and for all activities we draw the power of God the Almighty Creator expressed in radiation threads. It is such that there is no vacuum, there are no gaps. It is a mesh of radiations. We draw and use the power as we may choose through our free will. There is a multitude of unseen beings, loyal servants of the Most High, the Creator. For the use of that power, for thinking, for speaking and for actions, of course, we are accountable. These also crystallize into forms woven by the beings who take on every action, every speech, as well as thoughts which are actions, and weave them into forms which constitute our carpet of fate, including the parents and the name we bear. Our activities today lead to the name we will inexorably bear tomorrow. Every baby in the womb whispers the name it would bear to its mother or who is open to receive it in the family in the family or from someone far away.

We are told about every man: ‘Every stirring of his spirit, every weaving of his soul, every action of his body, and every word he utters automatically and unconsciously ties ever new threads to the existing ones, attaching them, connecting one with the other, and interweaving them. The human being forms and forms, and even thereby forms in advance the earth-name which he must bear in his next life on earth, and which he will inevitably bear because the threads of his own weaving surely and unswervingly lead him to it.’

Goodluck Jonathan first dared to live his name albeit unconsciously when he became deputy Governor to Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. The governor was impeached following a charge of gross misconduct bordering on misappropriation and fraud. Goodluck Jonathan succeeded him on 09 December, 2005. When Umaru Yar’Adua was looking for a deputy, a Vice-Presidential Candidate he settled for Goodluck Jonathan. Half-way through his term of four years, Umaru Yar’Adua passed away. Jonathan succeeded him through a doctrine of necessity. He was defeated as President in 2015 by Muhammadu Buhari. He retired to his village from where notable international organizations beckoned to him to run one errand or the other. In his time Nigeria boasted of the largest economy in Africa. He built schools for Almaijiris in the North to uplift the children of the poor in the Region. He organized a highly successful National Conference seen as a luminous ray of light and hope in Nigeria’s dark tunnel. What raised him really high in the estimation of the world was his decency and courage both nationally and internationally was in conceding defeat to his political rival for the Villa, Muhammadu Buhari even before the counting of the votes was concluded. He saw the signs of his defeat and called Buhari that he was throwing in the towel with a statesman’s high-minded and enthralling pronouncement that his ambition was not worth the shedding of blood of his fellowmen. His action was unprecedented. But then, he was seen by many as clueless on the myriad of problems afflicting the country, weak and incompetent. The country was raven with unprecedented level of corruption. The national resources became a bazaar. Many made away with billions from the public till. The country was turned upside down with insecurity under his watch. School children were abducted in hundreds from their dormitories, what he himself, as he is wont to in his candour, described as a permanent stain on his name. And Nigerians began to yearn for delivery.

What crystal ball has he looked into that has told him that another streak of Goodluck is on the way to him? What is the constellation of stars saying that triggered him to begin to warm up and rehearse- that there are prospects of another go at the Presidency, that no matter the obstacles, like Mr. Trump, he would surprise the world. Efforts are being made through the courts to disqualify him in the argument that no one can be sworn in whether as governor or president more than twice. The judge was persuaded by the argument that he only succeeded Yar’Adua and not through election to the Presidency. When attention was drawn to the amendment to the provision of the constitution, the judge said: ‘I declare that the provision of 137 sub-section 3 of the Constitution acquired the force of law with effect from 7th June, 2018, and as such does not have a retrospective application.’ The constitution is being put to test again in Abuja. From an intellectual dissection of his daring towards the Presidency, I would say, what goodluck magic is he going to invoke against Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is well known as a formidable candidate and fighter and one with an undoubted crowd pulling power. See the spate of defections. And so I dare say, Dear Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, please, you leave when the ovation is loudest. Don’t over stretch your luck. But then, what does man know! Every man is the name he bears!!