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BREAKING: 38 abducted Kwara worshippers regain freedom

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Thirty-eight members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, who were abducted by bandits during a Thanksgiving service, have regained their freedom.

The victims were released on Sunday, five days after the attack.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed their release in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye.

He described the development as a major relief for the state and commended the efforts of all security agencies involved in the operation.

According to the statement, the governor attributed the successful rescue to the direct intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, details of the exact location and circumstances surrounding the release of the abductees remained unclear as of press time.

The statement explained that the victims were freed following days of sustained pressure and coordinated operations by security forces and government representatives. The governor said President Tinubu personally led the federal response, prioritizing the rescue mission.

Governor AbdulRazaq revealed that President Tinubu cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to attend to the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. He added that the President also ordered increased security deployments to Kwara to aid the rescue efforts.

The governor expressed profound gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force for their roles in securing the victims’ release. He noted that the police deployed four new tactical teams to the state on the President’s directive.

He also thanked religious leaders, community stakeholders, and residents of Kwara State for their support and prayers throughout the ordeal. He described their solidarity as instrumental in boosting confidence during the rescue operations.

The state government assured residents that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security across all communities to prevent future attacks. Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with federal authorities to safeguard lives and property.

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Headlines

Kidnapped Niger students, teachers now 315 – CAN, Catholic Diocese

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The number of kidnapped students and teachers in Niger State is now 315. The Catholic Diocese of of Kontagora gave the update on Saturday.

Also, the Church denied ever receiving government order to close down school: “It just a way to shift blame.”

Earlier, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State chapter, Most Rev Bulus Yohanna, disclosed same figures.

He said following a verification exercise and further inquiries, the number of abducted students was updated to 303, with the total number of victims now 315, including 12 teachers.

He made the revelation in a statement released on Saturday through his media aide, Daniel Atori, saying the increase came after a verification exercise and final census.

“The total number of victims abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area is now 303 students and 12 teachers.

“At present, 303 students, both male and female, and 12 teachers — four female and eight male — remain abducted, bringing the total number of victims to 315.

“The school’s enrolment stands at 629, with 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary,” he added.

On directive for closure from the state government, the Bishop said: “Contrary to rumours, no circular or warning was received from the government or security agencies.

“This narrative appears to be an afterthought aimed at shifting blame. In 2022, when security concerns arose, the school shut down immediately. We have always complied with security advisories, whether formal or informal.

“The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese, not any individual. No Reverend Sisters travelled to Abuja, as alleged.

“Anyone making such claims should provide proof or retract the statements. Our Education Secretary confirmed he received no circulars, written or verbal, and the National Association of Private Schools also received none.”

 

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NDLEA SHIP
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NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Shipment From Brazil, Detains Ship, 20 Filipino Crew Members

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Barely six months after 10 Thai sailors and their ship were convicted and fined $4.3million for bringing 32.9kg cocaine into Nigeria, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have again intercepted another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus marked 9760110 from the port of Santos in Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo.

The illicit drug consignment was discovered on board the vessel on Sunday 16th November 2025 by NDLEA officers who thereafter took the Master of the ship, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus and 19 other crew members who are all Filipinos into custody for investigation.

Following the seizure and arrest of the crew members, the Agency filed an application for an order of court for the detention of the vessel and the 20 Filipinos on board for further investigation. The motion ex-parte in suit number FHC/L/MISC/1306/25 was argued before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, who on Thursday 20th November 2025 granted the application for an initial 14 days detention of the vessel, Capt. Corpus and 19 other Filipino crew members.

Preliminary investigation revealed that this was the first time the vessel was coming to Nigeria and Africa as it’s been largely transporting coal between Colombia and Brazil while Captain Corpus has been barely three months with the ship.

The Agency had in a similar circumstance arrested 10 sailors who are nationals of Thailand on 13th October 2021 on board a vessel named MV Chayanee Naree for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport. Nine Nigerian suspects were also arrested along with the Thai crew members. The 10 Thai sailors and the vessel were eventually convicted on Thursday 15th May 2025 by a Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor who also fined them $4.3 million.

In his reaction to the latest significant seizure of 20kg cocaine on board MV Nord Bosporus, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the officers, men and women of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency as well as the Directorate of Seaport Operations for their vigilance, diligence and professionalism.

Marwa said the cocaine seizure is not just an operational success but “a clear demonstration of our heightened capacity and unwavering resolve”, adding that “we will continue to tighten our grip on all entry and exit points, especially our seaports, which transnational criminal organisations have historically attempted to exploit.”

According to him, “Let this be an unambiguous message to every international drug cartel and every internal collaborator: Nigeria is not, and will never be, your space or your foothold. The NDLEA is operating with zero-tolerance, and we will not permit any illicit drug to pass through our borders, whether by air, land, or sea. You may scheme, you may attempt sophisticated concealment, but you will fail. Our intelligence network, collaboration with international partners, and the dedication of our officers are steps ahead of your nefarious activities.”

For any Nigerian who chooses to collaborate with foreign syndicates in the illicit drug trade, the NDLEA boss reminded them of the consequences of such. “You are not just committing a crime; you are betraying your nation’s future. The consequences of aiding and abetting drug trafficking will be severe and unrelenting. We are committed to using the full force of the law to dismantle your structures, seize your illicit assets, and secure your long-term incarceration”, he warned.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Friday 21st November 2025

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Nnamdi Kanu
Headlines

Igbos In Abuja Are Watching Development Around Nnamdi Kanu With Keen Interest

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

It is evident the conviction and supposed sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is resonating negatively through out the South East and the entire country and in the wider diaspora.

The Igbo Community within the Federal Capital Territory is watching the developments around Mazi Nnamdi Kanu with keen interest. What occured yesterday was injustice against a marginalized people.

The judgement of November 20, 2025 smarks of judicial recklessness laced with the worst type of bigotry. The type that threatened to end the existence of Nigeria during the period leading up to the prognom of 1966.

The Igbo Community Association FCT is concerned over what the resultant effects of this judgement would have in the South East and other regions in Nigeria.

With a very saddened heart, the ICA FCT calls on the Tinubu administration to listen to the voice of the people. To the voices of Forty four legislators of the National Assembly who joined the call for President Tinubu to seek a political solution to the Nnamdi Kanu impasse.

ICA FCT is advising President Tinubu to seize this opportunity and grant Nnamdi Kanu freedom. It would be the wise approach to this situation.

Igbos are Nigerians. We deserve to be treated as Nigerians.

Nnamdi Kanu is a Nigerian. He deserves to be treated as one.

Signed

Engr Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe
Igbo Community Association FCT

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Bandits Abudctions
Headlines

Again, terrorists invade Catholic School in Niger, kidnap students, staff

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

An unconfirmed number of students and staff have been abducted at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Details of the abduction remain sketchy, but sources told Daily Trust that many students were taken during a raid on the school.

A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, noting that the school was still compiling its records.

“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.

When contacted, the Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide details later.

However, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via telephone.

He said the terrorists stormed the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., adding that the actual number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined as authorities continue their assessments.

The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.

 

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Bandits
Headlines

Eruku Church Attack: Bandits Place N100m Ransom On Each Of 38 Abductees

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The bandits that abducted some 38 worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku in Ekiti local government area of Kwara State have placed N100 ransom on the head of each abductees.

LEADING REPORTERS gathered that the kidnappers have started contacting the families of the victims who were abducted during a church service on Tuesday.

A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun whose four relatives were among the kidnapped victims confirmed this to LEADERSHIP on Thursday.

Olukotun, who said he was in the church with five of his family members when the incident occurred, said he and one of his wards escaped the attack around 6:06 p.m through the church’s window.

He confirmed that the kidnappers have made contact with the people of the community and are demanding N100m as ransom on each of the 38 victims.

“From what we gathered from the kidnappers camp, they (kidnappers) have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the group.

 

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Nnamdi Kanu
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Life Sentence: South East Leaders Vow To Explore Political Solution For Nnamdi Kanu

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven counts of terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government.

In a swift reaction, South-East leaders vowed to pursue a political solution to secure his release and urged residents of the region to remain calm.

Speaking on behalf of Igbo leaders, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said:

“All hope is not lost. A political solution is underway to secure Kanu release.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu expressed optimism that Kanu could be freed through a political arrangement.

He voiced confidence that President Bola Tinubu would consider the appeals of prominent Igbo stakeholders on the issue, noting that the President would not be opposed to such an intervention.

Kalu further stressed that with the court process now concluded, the door had been opened for intensified political engagement.

“It is now time to explore political solutions that had been hindered because the matter was before the court. But now that the court has finished, it is time to intensify the request for the President’s intervention and we are sure that the President is not averse to it. We are going to get it. All hope is not lost. Our people should remain calm,” he said.

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Nnamdi Kanu
Headlines

BREAKING: Court sentences Kanu to life imprisonment

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.

He was handed the life sentence on counts 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the charge, while it handed him 20-year jail term on count three and five years on count 7, without the option of fine.

Trial Justice James Omotosho said his decision not to pass death sentence on the defendant was owing to a Biblical injunction that demanded the show of mercy.

He ordered that Kanu should be kept in protective custody, even as a radio transmitter he illegally imported into the country was forfeited to the federal government.

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Nnamdi Kanu
Headlines

JUST IN: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five and six, opting against the death penalty sought by the Federal Government.

On count three, the court handed Kanu a 20-year jail term, while he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on count seven.

Justice Omotosho ordered that all the sentences run concurrently, meaning Kanu will serve a life term in prison.

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Nnamdi Kanu
Headlines

FG Seeks Death Sentence For IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Government has asked the court to impose the death penalty on the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on terrorism charges.

Counsel to the government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the court that the provisions of the law under which Kanu was tried and found guilty prescribe a death sentence without the option of a lesser punishment.

Addressing the court after the conviction was pronounced, Awomolo argued that the judge had no discretion in the matter and must impose the maximum penalty as mandated by law.

He further submitted that Kanu showed no remorse throughout the trial for the offences committed against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but instead maintained what he described as a militant, arrogant and unruly disposition.

The senior lawyer also urged the court to order the forfeiture of all properties seized from Kanu to the Federal Government.

Awomolo additionally prayed the court to commit Kanu to prison custody, where his safety would be guaranteed, pending the execution of the sentence.

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