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The Kwara State Police Command has firmly denied a viral social media rumour alleging that a female police officer serving in the state was kidnapped and murdered.

According to widely circulated online posts, a female police inspector working as a prosecutor was reportedly abducted and later found dead in the Oloje area of Ilorin. However, the police have dismissed the claim as ‘completely false and distressing.’

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, warned the public against spreading unverified information capable of inciting panic.

‘The Command wishes to state unequivocally that this report is not only false but also misleading, with the intent to cause panic in the state,’ the statement said.

She urged the public to disregard the claims, stating that no female police officer has been reported missing or abducted in any police division within Kwara State.

Ejire-Adeyemi also clarified that there is no police division named ‘Ogidi’ in the state, as falsely mentioned in the viral posts, describing the reference as a deliberate attempt to mislead unsuspecting members of the public.

The Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Adekunbi Ojo, remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order, and ensuring transparency in its operations.

‘The Command is working closely with other security agencies to maintain safety across the state. We urge residents and media outlets to refrain from sharing unverified or sensationalised reports that could trigger unnecessary fear or tarnish the state’s image,’ she added.

Residents are advised to rely only on official police information, which can be accessed via the Command’s verified platforms on X (@kwara_ppro), Facebook (Kwara State Police Command), and its official WhatsApp Channel.

The Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sustain its ongoing reforms to ensure the steady recovery of the Naira in the foreign exchange market.

BCAN President, Dr Uju Ogubunka, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, following the continued appreciation of the Naira at the official foreign exchange market.

NAN reports that the local currency closed bullish on Friday, appreciating to N1,455.17 against the dollar at the official window.

Data from the CBN showed that the Naira gained N11.48, or 0.78 per cent, compared to N1,466.65 to the dollar on Thursday.

The Naira, however, recorded a marginal depreciation of 0.05 per cent on Tuesday, trading at N1,471.08, while it exchanged at N1,470.26 on Monday.

Reacting to the trend, Ogubunka, a financial expert, urged the apex bank to sustain the measures responsible for the recent gains.

‘Let the CBN keep doing whatever it has been doing that made the Naira appreciate. Let them do more of it. They should sustain the reforms,’ he said.

He attributed the Naira’s improvement to monetary policy controls that regulate money supply, stressing that such measures were helping to stabilise the currency and strengthen economic growth.

The BCAN president, however, called for complementary fiscal measures to boost local manufacturing and productivity for the gains to translate into better living conditions for Nigerians.

‘People are still suffering due to low purchasing power. We should increase productivity, tackle insecurity, and attract more investors to bring funds into the system so that more people can be employed.

‘Once we can do some of these things, the economy will begin to move up, and as long as the economy grows, the Naira will continue to appreciate.

‘However, if there is too much money in circulation, the Naira will not appreciate as expected,’ he said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his childhood friend and associate, Mr. Yakubu Tsala (Shettima Mubi), and the son of Professor Abba Hassan (Wazirin Mubi), Aliyu Abba Hassan.

In a heartfelt message shared on his official X page on Saturday, Atiku said he led a delegation of friends and associates on condolence visits to both families in Abuja, describing the loss as a personal tragedy and a blow to the Mubi Emirate and Adamawa traditional council.

‘It’s hard to believe that Yakubu, my childhood friend, is no more. All that’s left are the beautiful memories and the friendship we shared,’ Atiku said.

Reflecting on their decades-long relationship, Atiku recalled how Tsala played a key role in his early business and political journey.

‘Yakubu and I were contemporaries and worked together as business partners and political associates. He helped me develop some of my business concerns from the early days of being General Manager of Gese Derdirabe Farms in the 1980s,’ Atiku noted.

He also remembered their joint participation at the 1994 National Constitutional Conference, where they contributed to Nigeria’s transition to democracy and the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 1999 elections.

‘At the political front, we were both at the 1994 National Constitutional Conference where resolutions were reached, developing the timelines for the final exit of the military government and return to democracy in our country,’ he said.

On the passing of Professor Hassan’s son, Atiku expressed sympathy, noting that no parent should ever have to bury their child.

‘For Prof. Hassan, having to bury his son does not align with the concept of natural order, but who are we to query Allah’s will,’ he stated.

He described Tsala’s death as a loss not only to friends and family but also to the Mubi Emirate, the Adamawa traditional council, and the nation at large.

‘May the souls of Yakubu Tsala and Aliyu Abba Hassan rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers remain with both families,’ he added.

The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) has explained how its operatives helped the police to arrest suspects linked to the killing of an Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery attack in Abuja.

This was revealed by Assistant Commander General, North central zonal command of NFSS, Abdulhakeem Ibrahim, on Saturday.

Ibrahim said his team, in collaboration with the police, apprehended five suspects terrorising Zuba and its environs.

Ibrahim said the operation followed two consecutive attacks by the gang on a popular hotel in Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the suspects struck twice before the NFSS operatives, acting on police directives, mounted a checkpoint near the hotel to intercept them.

According to him, when the gang returned, they ran into the checkpoint and fled after a brief chase, abandoning their driver, who was later apprehended and handed over to the police.

The NFSS commander said further investigation led to the arrest of more suspects and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun and a Beretta pistol from their hideout.

He praised the synergy between his team and the police, describing it as vital to sustaining community safety and grassroots intelligence.

‘Police cannot do without us, and we cannot do without the police. That is how we work,’ he said.

Ibrahim appealed to the government to support the security outfit by giving it legal recognition to be able to do more.

He commended the Nigerian Army, police and other agencies for their cooperation in joint security operations across the North Central region.

‘Our operatives are risking their lives to assist formal security agencies. We are asking for support to continue doing our job,’ he said.

Ibrahim thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for recognising the crucial role of NFSS in tackling insecurity in the country.

He also commended the Commander General of NFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin and Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Dr John Metchie, for their supports and leadership.

He pledged the readiness of Nigeria Forest Security Service to continue to support the nation’s security agencies in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), on her birthday on October 11.

The President rejoices with the devoted public servant, who started her career as a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and was elected member of the House of Representatives in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa was chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity and chaired the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs.

President Tinubu affirms that the Chairperson of NIDCOM has demonstrated love for the country and humanity, over many years by consistently placing the welfare and well-being of the underprivileged at the centre of her work.

The President notes the passion, diligence, and foresight that Dabiri-Erewa brings to her work as a journalist, lawmaker, and chief executive of NIDCOM, particularly her historic roles in pursuing social justice for Nigerians at home and abroad.

President Tinubu acknowledges the patriotic roles of Dabiri-Erewa in attracting Diaspora talents to contribute to the country’s development, particularly in education, health, and sports, affirming that her awards and recognition over the years were well deserved.

Igarra, Ososo, and Okpe are Yoruba-speaking communities in Edo State. Their affinity to Ondo State is not only linguistic but also cultural. Kwara is almost entirely Yoruba despite the Emirate of Ilorin. Bayo Ojulari, GMD of NNPCL; the recently appointed Chairman of INEC, Ojo Amupitan; and Senators Dino Melaye and Smart Adeyemi – genetic evidence proves that Kogi State has a large and prosperous Yoruba ethnicity. Within the Southwest, Ondo State has Ese Odo Local Government dedicated to Ijaw-speaking people. They are a riverine nationality dwelling in the geographic Southwest, many of whom do not speak Yoruba, nor can they read or write the Yoruba alphabet.

The intercalation of ethnic groups across state boundaries is not peculiar to the Yoruba. There are Fulani tribes indigenous to Benue, Plateau, and Taraba in spite of the carnages. Hundreds of thousands of Igbo, separated from their Arochukwu kith and kin by the Niger Bridge, reside in Asaba, Agbor, and other purely Igbo settlements in Delta and Benue States. We shouldn’t even talk about the anomaly faced by the Ikwerre in Rivers State, who are unmistakably Igbo in tongues and names.

These fringe dwellers – whether in Kwara, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Benue, Taraba, or Kogi – face the affliction or prejudices of the majority. Bayo Ojulari would not be accepted as Yoruba and allowed to cream off the region’s share of the milk when positions are zoned to the Southwest. He would be reminded that he’s a northerner. Senator Dino Melaye is culturally suspected by the Ibadan Yoruba and politically denied as a double-dealer if he’s nominated for an INEC position despite his sonorous Yoruba hymns. In the same manner, the Igbo would still have felt cheated and unsatisfied if Rotimi Amaechi, an Ikwerre, had been elected as President of the Republic of Nigeria in 2023.

Those who pigeonhole persons according to their ethnicity (on social media) are often the most educated class. The objection to Prof. Ojo Amupitan SAN selection to head INEC because he’s Yoruba is a textbook example. It insultingly reduces the scholarship and competence of a man like Prof. Amupitan because of his ethnicity. It is akin to believing that Ade Olawale, a professor of law teaching at Ahmadu Bello University, would fix the scores to be more benevolent to Ajoke Adeniyi, a research student, because she’s Yoruba. That mindset is primordial and barbaric. It is why the private sector develops at cheetah speed while our public sector crawls.

The discussion of the Amupitan situation throws up two questions. Firstly, how should we be classified? Should state of origin be jettisoned for ethnicity? Perhaps the Constitution should be tweaked to officially recognize the nation’s ethnicities and classify us into those boxes. By that measure, the Ijaw in Ondo State would not be politically deceived into thinking they are Yoruba, Southwesterners, and not Izon.

Secondly, would we ever advance to a state where the competence and capacity of candidates for public office would override zonal or ethnic considerations? This is a tall ambition even for liberals. There’s too much leeway for mutually assured suspicion among the major tribes. For instance, my preference for Bola Tinubu in 2023 was deemed a protection of my Yoruba ethnicity, and there’s no hyssop that can wash me clean of that in the eyes of others. Nevertheless, that’s not a good way to conclude things. Reductionism of political choices and offices to patronising kinship and ethnicity blots out excellence and promotes mediocrity.

Affirmative action, educationally disadvantaged states, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), quota systems are lawful or constitutional measures to ensure the even growth of subgroups within a nation. They consolidate the reality that there are interests and diversities that must be encouraged and protected. Sadly, in the quest to protect endangered species among the minorities sandwiched between the majority, Bayo Ojulari gets blackmailed as NNPCL GMD by fellow northerners for taking what is meant for ‘true northerners’; and President Bola Tinubu is crucified for selecting Ojo Amupitan, a bona fide northerner whose genes and ancestry are Yoruba. To buttress the dilemma, Isaac Kekemeke, lawyer, former Attorney-General of Ondo State, and deputy national chairman of the APC, is Ijaw from Ondo State. If he gets elected as President in 2031, would he be seen as fulfilling the slot for the South-South, where he ethnically belongs, or as a Yoruba president where he geographically resides?

Conclusion

In the tapestry of Nigeria’s nationhood, where ethnic threads weave inextricably through state boundaries, the stories remind us that identity is not a rigid cage but a fluid continuum. Yet, as the fates of Bayo Ojulari, Ojo Amupitan, and countless others illustrate, we persist in wielding ethnicity as an instrument to slice opportunities, fuel suspicions, and perpetuate a zero-sum game that elevates mediocrity over merit. The two pivotal questions raised by the essayist – how to classify our multifaceted selves, and whether competence can ever eclipse zonal parochialism – demand not just constitutional tweaks but a profound cultural reckoning. Ultimately, Nigeria’s advancement hinges on transcending this primordial barbarism, where the educated elite on social media sharpen ethnic daggers. Imagine a republic where Rotimi Amaechi’s Ikwerre heritage does not bar Igbo acceptance, where Isaac Kekemeke’s presidency unites rather than divides geopolitical slots, and where political choices like President Tinubu preferences are judged on vision, not kinship. By jettisoning reductionist lenses and embracing a competence first ethos tempered by inclusive safeguards, we can forge a nation where diversity is not a cross but a pedestal.

Erling Haaland stole the show in Oslo as Norway dismantled Israel 5-0 in a World Cup qualifying match, with the Manchester City striker netting a hat-trick to mark yet another milestone in his dazzling international career.

The match was played amid heightened security and political tension, with pro-Palestinian protests forming outside Ullevaal Stadium and sections of the crowd jeering Israel’s national anthem as Palestinian flags and banners were displayed.

Despite the charged environment, Norway maintained firm control throughout.

Haaland’s night had a rocky start. He missed two penalties early on, first saved, then a retake also denied by Israel’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, before finally finding his rhythm.

But once he broke the seal, there was no looking back. He scored in the 27th minute, then again in the 63rd and 72nd to complete his treble.

Norway’s dominance was further bolstered by two own goals from Israel’s Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias in the first half.

Altogether, the margin told a story of total control.

By scoring his hat-trick, Haaland also crossed the 50-goal threshold for Norway, reaching 51 in 46 appearances, a meteoric scoring rate that underscores his place among the modern greats.

With that goal tally, he extends his dominance in European qualifying, now with 12 goals in six Group I matches.

Norway now sit atop the group with six wins from six games and a whopping +26 goal difference, inching ever closer to a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Italy, in second, now face an uphill battle to close the gap.

Speaking after the match, Norway’s Antonio Nusa said: ‘We played a solid match today. There’s still work to do, but we’re enjoying this moment.’

While Haaland’s brilliance was the headline, the match encapsulated more than just sporting glory. The protests, the booing of anthems, and the tension in the air showed how deeply sport intersects with global politics.

Yet on the pitch, Norway’s unity, structure, and attacking threats made the difference.

Illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight were among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mercy on Thursday.

President Tinubu granted clemency to most of them based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct. He forgave some due to old age, the acquisition of new vocational skills, or enrolment in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). President Tinubu also corrected the historic injustice committed by British colonialists against Sir Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.

In all, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, recommended pardon for two inmates, 15 former convicts, 11 of whom have died. The committee recommended clemency for 82 inmates and commutation of sentences for 65 inmates. Seven inmates on death row also benefited from the Presidential reprieve. The committee recommended that the President should commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

Prince Fagbemi presented the committee’s report at the Council of State meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

FULL LIST OF BENEFICIARIES OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S MERCY

PARDONED

Nweke Francis Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine.

Dr Nwogu Peters, aged 67; Serving a 17-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013.

Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, aged 63. Already served a sentence for fraud

Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the ICPC case

Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, age 63, was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence.

Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, aged 62. Sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and had served the sentence.

POSTHUMOUS PARDON

Sir Herbert Macaulay was banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists.

Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, age 46, Sentenced in 1986 for treason: related to an alleged coup plot

POSTHUMOUS PARDON: THE OGONI NINE

Ken Saro Wiwa. Sentenced for murder

Saturday Dobee. Sentenced for murder

Nordu Eawa. Sentenced for murder

Daniel Gbooko. Sentenced for murder

Paul Levera. Sentenced for murder

Felix Nuate. Sentenced for murder

Baribor Bera. Sentenced for murder

Barinem Kiobel. Sentenced for murder

John Kpuine. Sentenced for murder

VICTIMS OF OGONI NINE HONOURED:

Chief Albert Badey

Chief Edward Kobaru

Chief Samuel Orage

Chief Theophilus Orage

PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY

Most of the beneficiaries showed either remorse or learned vocational skills in jail

Aluagwu Lawrence, aged 47, sentenced for Indian hemp (selling), 2015

Ben Friday, aged 60, was sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023.

Oroke Micheal Chibueze, aged 21, sentenced to 5 years (cannabis sativa) in 2023

Kelvin Christopher Smith, aged 42, was sentenced to 4 years for importing cocaine in 2023

Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, aged 31, sentenced in 2021 to 5 years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine.

Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, aged 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol.

Ahmed Adeyemo, aged 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis. Already served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri

Adeniyi Jimoh, aged 31years, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015 and served nine years at Kirikiri.

Seun Omirinde, aged 39, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015. Served nine years at Kirikiri

Adesanya Olufemi Paul, aged 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft. Had served eight years.

Ife Yusuf, aged 37, was sentenced for human trafficking in 2019. Had served six years at Kirikiri.

Daniel Bodunwa, aged 43, was sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt. Had served six years in jail

Fidelis Michael, aged 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

Suru Akande, aged 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

Safiyanu Umar, aged 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of Cannabis sativa, 2023

Dahiru Abdullahi, aged 46, was sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail.

Hamza Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced to 5 years for Indian hemp (selling), 2022

Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, aged 52, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for criminal breach of trust.

Mujibu Muhammad, aged 30, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years, no option for a fine for cannabis.

Emmanuel Eze, aged 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for Heroine.

Bala Azika Yahaya, aged 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis.

Lina Kusum Wilson, aged 34, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide, had spent eight years in jail.

Buhari Sani, aged 33, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis.

Mohammed Musa, aged 27, was sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis.

Muharazu Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for selling Indian hemp. Already spent 3 years in Katsina Prison

Ibrahim Yusuf, aged 34; jailed 5 years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp.

Saad Ahmed Madaki, aged 72; sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence. Had served 4 years in Kaduna prison

Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, aged 72: sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005. Had spent 20 years in Kaduna prison

Richard Ayuba, aged 38. Sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp

Adam Abubakar, aged 30 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2kg of tramadol.

Emmanuel Yusuf, aged 34; sentenced in 2022 to 4 years for possession of 2kg of tramadol

Edwin Nnazor, aged 60; sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis. Had spent 6 years, nine months at Zamfara prison

Chinedu Stanley, aged 34. Sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil.

Joseph Nwanoka, aged 42: sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs

Johnny Ntheru, Aged 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery. Had spent 36 years in Umuahia Prison

John Omotiye, Aged 28, sentenced to six years for Pipeline vandalism

Nsikat Edet Harry, Aged 37, sentenced in 2023 to 5 years for Illegal possession of Indian hemp, Cocaine, and Heroin.

Jonathan Asuquo, Aged 28, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of Indian hemp and other drugs

Prince Samuel Peters, aged 54, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for obtaining money by false pretence. Had spent 4 years, 3 months in Ikot Ekpene Prison

Babangida Saliu, Aged 35, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Adamu Sanni, aged 39, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Abdulkarem Salisu, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Abdulaziz Lawal, aged 18, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Abdulrahman Babangida, aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining

Maharazu Alidu, aged 22, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Zaharadeen Baliue, aged 38, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Babangida Usman, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Zayyanu Abdullahi, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Bashir Garuba, Aged 20, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining

Imam Suleman, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Abbeh Amisu, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Lawani Lurwanu, Aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Yusuf Alhassan, aged 33, was sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024.

Abdulahi Isah, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Zayanu Bello, aged 35, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining

Habeeb Suleman, aged 22, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Jubrin Sahabi, aged 23, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

Shefiu Umar, aged 28, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

Seidu Abubakar, age 29, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Haruna Abubakar, Aged 24, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Rabiu Seidu, aged 26, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Macha Kuru, Aged 25, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining

Zahradeen Aminu, Aged 25 years, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Nazipi Musa, aged 25. Sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024

Abdullahi Musa, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

Habibu Safiu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Husseni Sani, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Musa Lawali, aged 25 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Suleiman Lawal, aged 23 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Yusuf Iliyasu, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Sebiyu Aliyu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Halliru Sani, aged 18 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Shittu Aliyu, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Sanusi Aminu, aged 27 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Isiaka Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Mamman Ibrahim, aged 50 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Shuaibu Abdullahi, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Sanusi Adamu, aged 28 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Sadi Musa, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Haruna Isah, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

NB: Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners granted presidential clemency.

Abiodun Elemero, aged 43. Sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014. Had spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri,

Maryam Sanda, aged 37, was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre. Her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner.

LIST OF INMATES RECOMMENDED FOR REDUCED TERM OF IMPRISONMENT

Yusuf Owolabi, aged 36. Sentenced to life in 2015 for Manslaughter. Had spent 10 years at Kirikiri.Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

Ifeanyi Eze, aged 33. Sentenced to life in 2021 for Manslaughter and had spent four years at Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman, aged 59. Sentenced to life in 2022 for Armed robbery and possession of illegal firearms. Sentence cut to 10 years based on good conduct

Shettima Maaji Arfo, aged 54. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for Corrupt Practices. Sentence reduced to four years, because of good conduct and ill-health

Ajasper Benzeger, aged 69 and sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for Culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 12 years, based on old age and ill-health.

Ifenna Kennechukwu, aged 42. Sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for drugs (cocaine import) and had spent close to 10 years in Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years based on remorse and the acquisition of vocational skills.

Mgbeike Matthew, aged 45. Sentenced to 20 years in 2013 for the import of 3.10kg. Following remorsefulness and the acquisition of vocational skills at Kirikiri. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

Patrick Mensah, aged 40. Sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 11 years

Obi Edwin Chukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Tunde Balogun, aged 32 and sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Lima Pereira Erick Diego, aged 27 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Uchegbu Emeka Michael, aged 37. Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years

Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen, aged 46 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Napolo Osariemen, aged 61 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

Patricia Echoe Igninovia, aged 61 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to five years.

Odeyemi Omolaram, aged 65 and sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in prison for drug. The sentence was reduced to 12 years based on the defendant’s remorsefulness and advanced age.

Vera Daniel Ifork, aged 29 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to eight years.

Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, aged 32 and sentenced in 2022 to six years for drug (cocaine). Sentence reduced to four years.

Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, aged 44 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for import of cocaine. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Alh. Ibrahim Hameed. Aged 71 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for illegal property (obtaining property under false pretence). Sentence reduced to five years.

Alh. Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi, 65, was sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property by false pretence. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

Chief Emeka Agbodike, aged 69, was sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

Isaac Justina, aged 40. Sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis sativa and had spent 3 years in the Abeokuta Custodial Centre. Sentence reduced to four years.

Aishat Kehinde, aged 38 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for unlawful possession of cannabis. The prison term being served in Abeokuta has been reduced to four years.

Helen Solomon, age 68. Sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

Okoye Tochukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

Ugwueze Paul, aged 38 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

Mutsapha Ahmed, aged 46 and sentenced in 2022 to seven years without a fine option for criminal breach of trust. The sentence was reduced to five years.

Abubakar Mamman, aged 38 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for Possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years.

Muhammed Bello Musa, aged 35. Sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for illegal possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years

Nnamdi Anene, aged 67 and sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegal dealing of arms. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

Alh. Abubakar Tanko, aged 61, was sentenced in 2018 to 30 years at the Gusau Custodial Centre for Culpable Homicide. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

Chisom Francis Wisdom, aged 30; sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in Umuahia Custodial Centre for kidnapping. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

Innocent Brown Idiong, aged 60, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of 700 grams of Indian Hemp. Has already spent 4 years and 3 months at Ikot Abasi Custodial centre. Jail term reduced to six years.

Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, aged 46, was sentenced 2021 to seven years in jail at the Uyo Custodial Centre. Prison term reduced to five years.

Ada Audu, aged 72, was sentenced in 2022 to seven years in Kuje Custodial Centre and had spent 2 years and 7 months in prison. Prison term reduced to 4 years because of old age.

Bukar Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 20 years in 2019 for advance fee fraud. Prison term reduced to nine years.

Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, 44, was sentenced in October 2023 to 20 years for kidnapping, which took effect in 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years for showing remorsefulness and attending the National Open University.

Frank Azuekor, aged 42. Sentenced in 2023 for kidnapping and jailed in Kuje Custodial Centre for 20 years, and had spent 12 years behind bars from 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years, based on good conduct and attendance at the National Open University.

Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus, aged 47 and sentenced in 2014 to life at Kuje Custodial Centre for drugs. He had spent 11 years at Kuje. Sentence reduced to 13 years.

Professor Magaji Garba, aged 67. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence and had spent 3 years at Kuje Custodial Centre. The prison term was reduced to four years due to good conduct and advanced age.

Markus Yusuf, aged 41. Sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 5 years based on ill-health

Samson Ajayi, aged 31 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs. He had spent five years at Suleja Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

Iyabo Binyoyo, aged 49. Sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drugs and sentenced to nine years at Suleja Custodial Centre, due to good conduct.

Oladele Felix, 49, was sentenced in 2022 to five years without a fine option for conspiracy and exploitation. Based on good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was reduced to four years. Felix is spending the term at Suleja.

Rakiya Beida, aged 33 and sentenced in 2021to seven years, without a fine option, for theft and cheating. The sentence, being served at Suleja, was reduced to three years based on good conduct

Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi, aged 44 and sentenced in 2018 to 10 years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre, for exporting cocaine. The sentence was reduced to eight years.

Chukwudi Destiny, aged 36 and sentenced in 2022 to six years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre for heroin import. The sentence was cut to four years.

Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, aged 47 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin. The sentence was reduced to four years.

Major S.A. Akubo, aged 62, was sentenced in 2009 to life at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegally removing 7,000 assorted weapons. Following good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was commuted to 20 years.

John Ibiam, aged 39, was sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter and served 9 years and one month in the Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to 10 years after the individual showed remorse and acquired vocational skills.

Omoka Aja, aged 40 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter, served 9 years and 1 month in Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was commuted to 10 years.

Chief Jonathan Alatoru, aged 66, was sentenced in 2021 to seven years for conspiracy to cheat. The sentence served in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre has been reduced to five years.

Umanah Ekaette Umanah, aged 70 and sentenced in 2022 to 10 years in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre for forgery. Sentence reduced to five years due to old age and remorsefulness.

Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka, 60, was sentenced in 2020 to seven years in Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre for obtaining money by false pretence. He had served four years and two months at Ikot Ekpene. Due to his old age and good conduct, the Initial Sentence has been reduced to five years.

Jude Saka Ebaragha, aged 44. Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was commuted to six years, and the N1m fine was waived.

Frank Insort Abaka, 46, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a Fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

Shina Alolo, 42, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like others, the N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was reduced to 6 years.

Joshua Iwiki, aged 50: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. A N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was commuted to six years in prison.

David Akinseye, aged 44: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. His sentence was commuted to 6 years, and the fine was waived.

Ahmed Toyin, aged 46: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Sentence also commuted and fine waived.

Shobajo Saheed, age 57: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. He got a similar reprieve like the others.

Adamole Philip, aged 52 years: Sentenced to 12 years and a N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel, 2020. Philip also got his term reduced to seven years and the fine waived.

Mathew Masi, aged 39: Also sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

Bright Agbedeyi, 46, was also sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like the others in his category, he got a reprieve from President Tinubu.

LIST OF INMATES ON DEATH ROW REDUCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

Emmanuel Baba, aged 38: sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide. On death row in Kuje Custodial Centre for the past 8 years. The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment based on good conduct and remorsefulness.

Emmanuel Gladstone, aged 45, was sentenced in 2020 to death for murder and had spent five years at Katsina Custodial Centre. Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment due to good conduct and remorse.

Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, aged 51: sentenced to death in 2012 for culpable homicide and had spent 13 years on death row in Katsina. President Tinubu commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment, citing the individual’s good conduct and remorse.

Abubakar Usman, aged 59: Sentenced to Death in 2014 and had spent 14 years on death row in Katsina. His sentence was commuted to life because of his remorse and good conduct.

Khalifa Umar, aged 37: Sentenced to death in 2014 and had spent 11 years on death row in Kano Custodial Centre. His sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.

Benjamin Ekeze, age 40. Sentenced to death in 2017 for armed robbery and conspiracy, and had spent 12 years on death row at Kirikiri, Lagos. The sentence was also commuted to life.

Mohammed Umar, 43: Sentenced to death in 2018 for culpable homicide and had spent seven years on death row in Onitsha Custodial Centre. He got the Presidential reprieve, commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment.

Veteran Nigerian singer 9ice has reflected on his journey in the music industry, sharing an emotional account of the highs of fame and the loyalty he once enjoyed from friends and colleagues.

In a resurfaced interview clip making rounds online, the Gongo Aso crooner reminisced about the golden years of his career when he dominated the Nigerian music scene, selling out shows across the country and beyond.

‘When I was on top, everybody was with me. Cabasa was with me, Jahbless, 2Phat – they all used to go on tour with me,’ 9ice said.