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Folarin Kehinde

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REVEALED: Truth Behind Badaru’s Shock Resignation as Defence Minister

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Fresh information has surfaced on why former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, abruptly left office after two years in the job.

Although his exit was officially linked to health issues, new details obtained indicate that the resignation was far more complicated than the statement released earlier in the week.

Badaru stepped down on Monday, citing health challenges. Shortly after his resignation, President Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office to retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who now heads the Defence Ministry.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the change and stated that the former minister quit due to “poor health.”

However, investigations show that the former minister had been entangled in a long and increasingly tense clash with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The disagreement, which had been carefully shielded from the public, reportedly created unending friction within the ministry for several months.

Badaru, who joined the federal cabinet on August 21, 2023, after completing his second term as governor of Jigawa State, was brought into the defence sector partly because of his administrative background and political reach in the North West—an area battling persistent banditry.

He was expected to lead major reforms, including military modernisation, improvements in intelligence systems, and stronger counter-terrorism efforts.

Matawalle was appointed the same day to support him, but insiders within the defence establishment said the working relationship between the two men never recovered from early power tussles.

According to senior officials who spoke confidentially, both ministers maintained a polite front during public engagements but struggled behind closed doors.

One official said the unease between them was an open secret in the ministry. According to him, “Matawalle and Badaru had a frosty relationship for most of the period he was minister, although they appeared cool with each other in public. But it is a known fact here that they had something against themselves.”

He added that the tension affected coordination across departments, especially communication and media operations.

Another senior source said Matawalle’s close ties with the Presidency gave him significant influence in the ministry, which often placed Badaru in a weaker political position.

Some party figures within the APC reportedly viewed Matawalle as a strong political asset for 2027, partly because of his dominance in Zamfara politics.

The source said that while Matawalle enjoyed the confidence of key power brokers, Badaru “does not actually reckon with the Presidency when it comes to power play and politics.”

These internal tensions intensified around the same period Nigeria recorded a spike in bandit attacks, mass abductions of schoolchildren, and renewed public anger over insecurity.

Several analysts publicly questioned the ministry’s performance and demanded a change in leadership.

The situation worsened when Nigeria’s security environment drew negative international attention, especially after the United States—under the Trump administration—re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations.

Under these mounting pressures, Badaru eventually submitted his resignation on December 1.

By then, the relationship inside the ministry had grown so strained that top officials believed his exit was unavoidable.

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Appeal Court declares VIO illegal in Nigeria

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has upheld the ban on Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) and awarded Abubakar Marshal one million naira cost.

Previously, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had ruled that the Directorate of Road Services (widely known as VIO) should cease confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on Nigerians over road traffic violations.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha said while delivering judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, that the notorious road traffic inspectorate was not legally equipped to seize vehicles or impose severe sanctions on motorists.

The judgment, which followed a lawsuit by rights attorney Mr Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, significantly pruned the powers of one of the country’s most dreaded road traffic enforcers and brought respite to millions of motorists across the country.

The order did not apply to the Federal Road Safety Corps, which has operated for decades as the largest body of road traffic marshals in Nigeria.

In her judgment, Ms Maha said VIO officers “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”

Subsequently, the judge entered an order of perpetual injunction restraining the VIO and its agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on its behalf from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.

 

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BREAKING: Senate Confirms Ex-CDS Christopher Musa as Defence Minister

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Senate has approved the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence following a five-hour questioning by lawmakers on Wednesday.

General Musa was approved by lawmakers in the Senate chambers after his screening, just a day after President Bola Tinubu put forward his nomination for the role.

More details to follow…

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BREAKING: US Imposes Visa Ban on Nigerians Behind Anti-Christian Religious Violence

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The United States has announced a sweeping visa restriction targeting Nigerians believed to be involved in anti-Christian attacks across the country.

The policy, which also extends to the immediate family members of those affected, marks one of Washington’s strongest actions in recent years regarding religious-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the decision is part of a renewed global campaign aimed at tackling what it describes as “egregious anti-Christian violence.”

American officials say the move follows years of repeated assaults, killings, and destruction of Christian settlements by extremist groups, armed militias, and coordinated criminal networks operating in several parts of Nigeria.

The statement explained that the restrictions fall under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.

Under this rule, visas may be denied to individuals who directed, authorised, funded, or participated in violations of religious freedom.

The policy may also apply, where necessary, to close relatives of those individuals.

The U.S. government stressed that it would not ignore the rising wave of religiously-motivated attacks.

Officials referenced ongoing patterns of violence in communities repeatedly targeted by radical Islamic terrorists, factions linked to Fulani militias, and other armed groups.

They described these incidents as part of a broader trend that demands urgent international attention.

Washington also reiterated that the protection of religious minorities remains a key part of its foreign policy.

The new visa ban is expected to put pressure on Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts toward preventing sectarian killings, improving security intelligence, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.

The Nigerian government, however, has often maintained that many of the conflicts are driven by land disputes, banditry, and long-standing economic tensions.

However, critics argue that religious identity has increasingly become a defining factor in several of the recent attacks, especially in rural communities.

 

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Tinubu Nominates Ex-CDS Christopher Musa As Defence Minister

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday.

General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

 

In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

In the letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information and Strategy)

December 2, 2025

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Poor Toilets Driving GBV, School Dropouts – Wateraid

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

WaterAid Nigeria has warned that the persistent lack of safe, gender-inclusive toilets and water facilities across schools, markets and health centres continues to endanger women and girls, exposing them to gender-based violence, school absenteeism and poor health outcomes.

Speaking on behalf of the Country Director, Evelyn Mere, WaterAid’s Head of Advocacy, Policy and Communication, Kolawole Banwo, linked the absence of decent sanitation to a chain of social and health challenges faced by women and girls in several communities across northern states.

Mere who spoke at the launch of activities under WaterAid’s EMP0WER HER Project, funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, recounted field experiences showing how inadequate toilets force girls out of school and limit women’s participation in social and economic activities.

She narrated how, in one northern community, girls stayed away from school despite new classrooms being built. Investigations revealed that the absence of toilets pushed girls to remain at home, as neither they nor their parents considered the facilities dignifying or safe enough.

“In another community, even though gender-segregated toilets had been built, women avoided them because the entrance exposed them to public view. Privacy matters. Safety matters,” she said.

Mere added that many women avoided health centres entirely because they feared open defecation, especially during labour or long hospital stays. This, she said, led many to rely on traditional birth attendants until complications became life-threatening.

She stressed that insecurity around water sources also amplified risks:

“When girls and women walk long distances to fetch water, they become vulnerable to attacks. Lack of water and toilets is not just an infrastructure issue; it is a protection and dignity issue.”

Under the Empower Her Project, WaterAid will improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities across 69 schools and 58 health centres in Katagum, Misau and Tafawa Balewa LGAs of Bauchi State. The initiative is expected to directly reach 708,161 people, including: 20,717 adolescent girls, and 15,357 adolescent boys.

She emphasised the inclusion of boys, noting that tackling gender-based violence must begin with reshaping boys’ perceptions of girls’ rights and dignity.

“The monster of gender-based violence often begins in adolescence—when a boy is socialised to think he is superior, and that girls can be treated as property,” Mere cautioned.

She highlighted the story of Habiba, a 19-year-old girl living with a disability, whose experience will be showcased as part of the programme’s impact reporting.

WaterAid thanked the Government of Canada for supporting a project that aligns with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, particularly its pillars on gender equality, human dignity, health, education, and nutrition.

Mere pledged continued collaboration with government and stakeholders at federal, state and local levels to ensure women and girls can “realise their rights and contribute maximally to community and national development.”

“We will continue to work with Global Affairs Canada and our partners to reinforce this message and ensure that every woman and girl has access to safe water, decent toilets and good hygiene,” she said.

 

 

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BREAKING: FG Publishes List of 15 Alleged Terrorist Financers in Nigeria [SEE LIST]

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has released a fresh list of 15 individuals and companies accused of bankrolling terrorism across the country.

The announcement, which comes as part of Nigeria’s renewed push against extremist networks, marks one of the most decisive actions taken in the ongoing 2024 counter-terrorism campaign.

According to officials, the list emerged from an extensive security review carried out by multiple agencies tracking financial flows, logistics supply routes and cross-border transactions.

According to officials, the list emerged from an extensive security review carried out by multiple agencies tracking financial flows, logistics supply routes and cross-border transactions.

The review identified nine persons and six business entities believed to have provided financial support, material assistance or other enabling resources to terrorist groups operating both within and outside Nigeria.

Those named include Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana-Oyiza Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, and Umar Abdullahi.

In addition to the individuals, the government also listed several companies — many of them Bureau De Change operators and general trading outfits — suspected of linking transactions to terror-funding networks.

These firms are West & East Africa General Trading Company Limited, Settings Bureau De Change Ltd, G. Side General Enterprises, Desert Exchange Ventures Ltd, Eagle Square General Trading Company Limited, and Alfa Exchange BDC.

Security officials involved in the investigation described the move as the outcome of “months of intelligence tracking,” during which teams studied suspicious cash movements, analysed communication patterns, and coordinated with international partners.

The aim, according to one senior officer, is to “cut off the oxygen supply” that keeps extremist cells functioning.

Government authorities explained that the action is part of a broader national effort to tighten regulations in the financial sector, monitor high-risk money-changing activities, and reinforce military operations in areas affected by terrorism.

The Federal Government also hinted that this is only the first phase, as more names are being examined and could be added to the sanctions list in the coming months.

The Federal Government also hinted that this is only the first phase, as more names are being examined and could be added to the sanctions list in the coming months.

Officials emphasised that the crackdown does not stop at naming suspects. Agencies are now expected to implement restrictions, freeze accounts where necessary, and track any further movement linked to the identified individuals and firms.

In a related development, the government recently intensified oversight on BDC operations nationwide, following earlier reports exposing how unregulated currency trading has become a soft landing for illicit financing.

This latest announcement appears to be a continuation of that broader effort to block all financial pipelines that enable terrorist activities.

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Tinubu appoints ex-INEC Chair Yakubu, Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, others as ambassadors (FULL LIST)

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Saturday.

The new list, which has the names of Chief Feni Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, and Reno Omokri, ex-Presidential aide, is coming days after the President sent the first batch of three names.

In two separate letters to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu asked the Senate to consider and confirm expeditiously 15 nominees as career ambassadors and 17 nominees as non-career ambassadors.

four women on the career ambassadors’ list and six women on the non-career ambassadors’ list.

Among the non-career ambassador designates are Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri (Delta), former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti first lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Others are Tasiu Musa Maigari, the former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly, Yakubu N. Gambo, a former Commissioner in Plateau State and former deputy executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau; Otunba Femi Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos State; Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister from Osun State; and Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu from Anambra State are on the nomination list.

Also on the list are former First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent, former governor of Abia, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman, lawyer and Senator from Ondo State, and the former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State.

Among the nominees for career ambassador and high commissioner-designates are: Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi) and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun).

The other nominees are Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah(Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara) and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun).

The new nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains excellent and strategic bilateral relations, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, and to Permanent Missions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. All the nominees will know their diplomatic assignments after their confirmation by the Senate.

Last week, President Tinubu sent three ambassadorial nominees for screening and confirmation. The nominees were Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun). All three are in the pot for posting to the UK, USA, or France after their confirmation.

Tinubu said more nominees for ambassadorial positions will be announced soon.

 

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Niger Delta Boss Jennifer Adighije Accused of Corruption, Reckless Spending

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Some concerned staff of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) have raised the alarm over alleged massive corruption and reckless spending under the leadership of the Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije.

They called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Presidency to launch an urgent investigation.

In an open letter titled “NDPHC Is Bleeding Under Mismanagement”, the workers alleged that despite hopes that Adighije would bring reform and results, the company “has not added a single megawatt” to Nigeria’s power supply during her tenure.

One of the issues raised is a proposed ₦900million budget for a “25-Year Celebration”, which the staff described as “a useless ‘25-Year Celebration’” that “adds zero value to the power sector.”

They claimed the event has “no new project” and “no improved supply,” describing it instead as “a money-siphoning jamboree.”

The letter also accused the MD of “flying private jets on official trips,” questioning whether “this is what the President mandated,” especially at a time when Nigerians face persistent power shortages.

The petition further alleges the use of “expensive media consultants,” stating that “teams of media handlers follow her around — paid with public funds — while the company collapses internally.”

In addition, staff accuse the MD of “promotion exam manipulations,” claiming she “changed the promotion cut-off marks to favour her loyalists.”

In addition, staff accuse the MD of “promotion exam manipulations,” claiming she “changed the promotion cut-off marks to favour her loyalists.”

According to them, workers have already submitted a “Save Our Career” petition to the NDPHC Board headed by Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

They say the situation has led to demotivation, fear and anxiety, high staff exit and a collapse in productivity.

The petition cites a viral video showing the MD giving Nollywood actress Sarah Martins “₦20 million in foreign currency,” which she allegedly said came from Seyi Tinubu.

According to the staff, “Seyi later denied making such a donation,” prompting questions such as “So where did the money come from? Why is the MD distributing massive cash gifts? Who approved it?”

The petition concludes that there has been “Zero Impact. Zero Value. Zero Megawatts,” insisting that there are “no new power project(s), no improvement in generation, no legacy,” only “waste, extravagance and media drama.”

The workers call on the EFCC and the Presidency to investigate, urging authorities to audit the ₦900million event budget, investigate the ₦20million cash giveaway, review private jet expenses, probe HR manipulations, and stop reckless spending.

They stress that “Nigeria cannot allow NDPHC to become another playground for waste and corruption,” adding that “NDPHC belongs to Nigerians — not one individual.”

A now viral video had shown Adighije, presenting a sum of N20million in foreign currencies to Sarah Martins, claiming that the money was donated to her by Seyi Tinubu.

The President’s son, Seyi however denied being behind the donation.

Martins had accused personnel of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) unit of harassing her by taking possession of her cooking gas cylinder, among other items which were being used to facilitate preparation of free meals for the less privileged.

The controversial incident occured during a charity outreach in the Ikate area of Lekki, Lagos.

Defending its actions, the Lagos government, noted that Martins violated environmental and safety regulations by engaging in unauthorised street cooking on a public road median.

Martins had taken to Instagram to express her gratitude for the N20 million donation.

She had thanked Seyi, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and the Noella Foundation — an organisation directed by his wife Layla.

However, Seyi dismissed the claim that he was the donor.

While commenting on the development, he had clarified that while he was aware of the situation, the donation itself came from a group of his friends.

He explained that his friends, “moved by compassion,” raised the funds to help Martins secure a proper location for her activities after her “encounter with the law”.

However, a viral clip showed Adighije, presenting Martins with US dollars amounting to N20 million.

“Seyi asked me to give this to you. He is out of the country, when he comes back he said I should let you know he will see you and expect you to be able to get a shop with this,” the government top official is heard saying in the clip.

The video also showed Martins becoming emotional while appreciating Seyi.

Seyi however insists that he would not support action that breaks the law, while denying the donation.

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BREAKING: Tinubu finally appoints ambassadors

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has sent a 3-man list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this at plenary on Wednesday.

The nominees are Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa and Ayodele Oke.

“The list contains three names for now, I am sure others will follow,” Akpabio said after reading the letter from President Bola Tinubu.

Since the emergence of Tinubu in 2023, he has not appointed an ambassador, an issue that critics have latched on to.

After President Donald Trump of the United States blacklisted Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, many blamed this on the non-appointment of ambassadors.

In an interview he granted in September, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, dismissed concerns that diplomatic missions were paralysed without appointed envoys.

“All our embassies are functioning well. The chargé d’affaires in each mission is carrying out responsibilities effectively. The absence of ambassadors has not created a vacuum”, he had said.

He explained that an ambassador is the head of mission, but the diplomatic chain of command includes deputies, counsellors and career officers who handle daily operations.

“Diplomacy is not a one-man show. The system is designed to cope with such situations,” he stated.

Tuggar noted that the appointment of ambassadors is strictly the president’s prerogative and will be made in due course.

“Mr President is considering the matter, and when the time is right, names will be announced. Meanwhile, our missions are not idle,” he had said.

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