Year: 2025

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Senator Dino Melaye and Osita Chidoka, along with other notable figures, are trending today after being called to the Nigerian Bar.

Senator Dino Melaye and Osita Chidoka, along with other notable figures, are trending today after being called to the Nigerian Bar.

Dino Melaye, known for his outspoken personality and political career, recently completed his law degree and was officially recognized as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The call-to-bar ceremony for Melaye is scheduled for today, July 10, 2025, at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, followed by a reception at Los Angeles Lounge. Both Melaye and Chidoka have previously demonstrated their commitment to education, with Chidoka sharing his journey of obtaining an LLB degree from Baze University while balancing other responsibilities. Melaye not only completed his law degree but reportedly emerged as the best graduating law student. Their achievement marks a significant milestone in their careers, blending politics and law.

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Man Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Beheading Brother Over Witchcraft Allegation

Man Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Beheading Brother Over Witchcraft Allegation

A 29-year-old man, Akaninyene Thomas Okpon, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of his elder brother, Friday Thomas Enyenokpon, in Akwa Ibom State.

The Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo found Okpon guilty of the 2018 killing, which took place in Ikot Abasi Asutan, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.

Okpon, along with another brother, the late Ime Thomas Okpon, had ambushed and beheaded the victim, accusing him of being a witch responsible for their misfortunes.

Ime, who was also standing trial, died in custody before the case concluded, leaving Akaninyene as the sole defendant.

Justice Okon Okon, delivering judgment in Suit No. HU/5C/2019, ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing the convict’s confessional statement and physical evidence.

The judge noted that Okpon had previously threatened to kill family members and later led the police to the buried remains of the deceased.

“The sentence of the Court upon you… is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead,” Justice Okon declared.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the two machetes used in the killing, which were presented as evidence during trial.

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Oludofian of Idofian, Oba Muhammed Jamiu Omikunle II, Passes On

Oludofian of Idofian, Oba Muhammed Jamiu Omikunle II, Passes On

The Oludofian of Idofian in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Muhammed Jamiu Olanrewaju Adedamola Omikunle II, is dead.

Sobi FM gathered that the monarch died earlier today around 10 a.m. after a brief illness.

The Chief Imam of Idofian, Alhaji Mohammed Tohir Alao, confirmed the development and announced that the Janazah (funeral) prayer will be held at 4 p.m. today in accordance with Islamic rites.

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Army Says 24 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Borno Operations

Army Says 24 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Borno Operations

The Nigerian Army has said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in a series of coordinated operations across Borno State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Theatre Command.

According to the statement, the operations were carried out between July 4 and 9, in collaboration with the Air Component, Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters.

The Army said the operations took place in multiple locations, including Platari, Komala, Kawuri, Madarari, Leno Kura, and Bula Marwa, among others.

At Platari, troops reportedly ambushed terrorists moving from the Sambisa axis and killed three. Another fighter was said to have been neutralised in Komala during a similar operation.

In Kawuri, the Army said two terrorists conveying logistics were killed, while in Madarari, troops allegedly repelled an attempt to infiltrate an IDP camp, killing one insurgent.

Further operations in Leno Kura and Ngoshe-Ashigashiya reportedly led to the elimination of additional fighters and the recovery of items including motorcycles, food, and arms.

The statement also noted that in Bula Marwa and Pambula, clearance and patrol operations resulted in the killing of more terrorists and the destruction of their hideouts.

On July 9, troops were said to have killed three insurgents in Tangalanga and Bula Marwa, recovering rifles and ammunition during exploitation of the area.

Captain Kovangiya stated that the operations demonstrate ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves and improve security in the Northeast.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Didn’t Make Buhari President – Former SGF Boss Mustapha Declares

BREAKING: Tinubu Didn’t Make Buhari President – Former SGF Boss Mustapha Declares

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has refuted claims by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he was instrumental in making Muhammadu Buhari president in 2015.

Speaking amid growing political shifts within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mustapha asserted that Buhari already had a formidable support base long before the APC merger, particularly from the North where he consistently secured about 12 million votes in previous elections.

“Tinubu did not make Buhari president,” Mustapha stated, emphasizing that the merger led by Tinubu merely contributed an additional three million votes, rather than creating Buhari’s victory from scratch.

His comments have sparked fresh debate within political circles, especially as several former Buhari loyalists are now defecting to a newly formed opposition coalition, which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement by Mustapha adds fuel to the growing tensions and realignments shaping the country’s political landscape as preparations for 2027 gather momentum.

More details to follow…

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Bandits Attack Kwara Community, Kidnap Teenager, Two Others

Bandits Attack Kwara Community, Kidnap Teenager, Two Others

Three people, including two adults and a teenager, were kidnapped on Monday night in Gbugbu community, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

One of the victims is a state government official, reportedly abducted between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident during a press briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday.

Despite the presence of security personnel in the area, abductions in Edu LGA persist. Similar incidents have been reported in other communities, including Ndeji, where many residents have fled their homes due to insecurity.

Security forces, comprising the police, military, civil defense, local hunters, and vigilantes, have intensified operations to track down the perpetrators in Edu, as well as in Ifelodun and Patigi, where bandit hideouts have reportedly been identified.

Why do you think bandit attacks have been persistent in Kwara communities and what is the possible way out?

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FG Protests New US Visa Restrictions, Calls Move Disproportionate

FG Protests New US Visa Restrictions, Calls Move Disproportionate

The Federal Government has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States to tighten visa rules for Nigerian citizens.

It described the move as “disproportionate” and urged the US to reconsider it in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.

The US recently revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, cutting the validity of non-immigrant visas—including B1/B2 (business/tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor)—to just three months and limiting them to single entry.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it viewed the development with “concern and keen interest,” given the historically cordial relations between the two countries.

Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the policy appears to conflict with principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect expected between friendly nations.

The Nigerian government warned that the decision could affect students, business professionals, and families seeking to visit loved ones in the US.

It also raised concerns about the impact on cultural and educational exchanges, which have long been pillars of US-Nigeria ties.

While recognising the US’s sovereign right to set immigration policy, Nigeria urged a reconsideration in line with global partnership values.

The Ministry confirmed that diplomatic discussions are ongoing and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reaching a fair and balanced resolution.

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EFCC Arrests Nine Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger State

EFCC Arrests Nine Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger State

In a significant crackdown on illicit mining activities, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended nine individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining operations in Niger State’s Kaniyan Village, Mokwa Local Government Area.

The suspects, comprising five Chinese nationals and four Nigerians, were arrested by operatives of the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate. The arrests were made possible through actionable intelligence that uncovered the illicit mining activities in the area.

The Arrests

Recovered Items

A substantial amount of equipment and materials were recovered from the site, including:

  • Power generators
  • Industrial crushing machines
  • Gold melting machine
  • Vehicles (trucks and SUV)
  • Drilling machines
  • Explosives
  • Chemicals
  • Mining equipment

Next Steps

The EFCC has confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations. This move underscores the Commission’s commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources.

Conclusion

The EFCC’s efforts to curb illegal mining activities are crucial to preserving Nigeria’s natural resources and promoting economic stability. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against those involved in these illicit activities.