Court fixes May 8 to hear suit seeking to disqualify Jonathan from 2027 presidential race
A federal high court in Abuja will on Friday hear a suit seeking to restrain Goodluck Jonathan, the former president, from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
On April 28, Peter Lifu, the presiding judge, ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants, who were yet to file their responses.
The suit was filed by Johnmary Jideobi, a lawyer, who is asking the court to declare Jonathan constitutionally ineligible to seek the presidency again.
2027 POLLS: OBIDIENT MOVEMENT REBRANDS, SACKS PETER OBI, YUNUSA
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigerian political space came under more tension on Thursday with the immediate disbandment of the #Obidient Movement and expulsion of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi; one his disciples, Yunusa Tanko and all other persons appointed under the unauthorised leadership structure that emerged after the 2023 elections.
Those behind the sacking premised the decision on political prostitution and its misuse for personal advantage and private gains.
Consequently, the organisation has been rebranded to the #OBEDIENT Movement, to disengage it from Obi and his loyalists.
Several calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages to Obi and Yunusa were not replied.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to unveil the organisation, the International Coordinator of the #OBEDIENT Movement, Dr Barry Avotu Johnson, clarified that it has not yet adopted any presidential candidate for 2027 and has ceased to have any dealings with Labour Party.
According to him, the rebranding was necessary because after the 2023 elections, the original vision and founding ideals of the #Obidient Movement were no longer adequately represented by those who assumed control of its structure.
BREAKING....
2027 POLLS: OBIDIENT MOVEMENT REBRANDS, SACKS PETER OBI, YUNUSA
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigerian political space came under more tension on Thursday with the immediate disbandment of the #Obidient Movement and expulsion of the presidential… pic.twitter.com/PoEWU4JU1p
As a criminologist and forensic analyst, I approach issues like this with one guiding principle: evidence must be independent, verifiable, and free from self interest. That is the foundation of justice anywhere in the world. Let me be honest and very clear, my support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a person does not blind me to institutional failure. Loyalty must never override truth. What we are witnessing in this Independent National Electoral Commission leadership drama is not just disappointing, it is intellectually insulting.
Nemo judex in causa sua! Haba! You cannot be a judge in your own cause. From a forensic standpoint, the so called internal investigation raises more red flags than it resolves. When an individual or institution is accused of misconduct, conducts and validates its own findings without independent oversight, the outcome is inherently compromised. That is not analysis. That is damage control dressed as procedure.
Was the phone number fabricated? Was the email address also fabricated? What about the linked authentication systems? Was the two factor authentication magically nonexistent? NIN nko? Digital forensics does not operate on assumptions or convenient narratives. Every digital footprint leaves a trail, phone numbers, authentication logs, device signatures, IP records, all traceable through independent verification. So why has there been no transparent request to X Corp. for official account verification? Any competent legal mind would immediately initiate formal correspondence with the platform to obtain authenticated records which I can effortlessly obtain from the United States if I choose to be an independent complainant and a party with a court order, period!!!!
Instead, we are presented with conclusions without process, answers without evidence, and certainty without scrutiny. From a criminological perspective, this is a classic case of conflict of interest undermining investigative integrity. Frankly, this entire situation could have been handled with far more dignity. A simple admission that the account existed, that the comments were made in a different context and were neither divisive nor consequential, would have preserved both credibility and public trust, as seen when public figures like Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio take a more human approach in moments of controversy.
But what we cannot accept is the mockery of institutional intelligence. You cannot accuse someone of wrongdoing and then hand them the tools to investigate themselves. That is not justice, that is theatre. Nigeria deserves better. An independent forensic audit is not optional, it is necessary. Until that happens, every conclusion remains questionable, every claim remains weak, and every attempt at closure remains premature.
Accountability is not an attack. Integrity is not opposition. They are the pillars of leadership. Without them, we are simply rehearsing dysfunction.
Please, let me know the next leader you think we should prescribe AGBO WEREY for, ojare!!!
Kwankwaso called me telling me this is the solution for the North, a way out, I said no. Any discussion concerning the North with people like you is rubbish because you’re the same people who destroyed the country. Even in the last conducted election we begged Kwankwaso to step down for a Northerner, Atiku Abubakar, but he refused and went ahead with his candidature under a small party just to split our votes and pave the way for Tinubu.
-Nafi’u Bala Gombe, Factional ADC Leader
Kwankwaso called me telling me this is the solution for the North, a way out, I said no. Any discussion concerning the North with people like you is rubbish because you’re the same people who destroyed the country. Even in the last conducted election we begged Kwankwaso to step… pic.twitter.com/Zxd9sv4sKF
The Arewa APC Forum, Kano State chapter, has announced the withdrawal of its support for the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing concerns over governance and leadership direction.
In a statement dated April 17, 2026, the forum said its decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on the state of affairs at the federal level.
The group stated that it could no longer, “in good conscience,” continue to support the current administration, which it criticised over alleged issues including nepotism, incompetence, and corruption.
“We believe that leadership must inspire confidence, uphold fairness, and demonstrate a sincere commitment to national unity, institutional integrity, and responsible governance,” the statement read.
It added that where such values are persistently undermined, “silence becomes complicity.”
The forum further declared that its confidence in the current political direction has been withdrawn, urging its members to align with this position in future political engagements.
The statement was signed by Sallah Hakilu Kibiya, chairman of the forum in Kano State.
The development signals potential cracks within support structures linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the northern region, as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The Arewa APC Forum in Kano State has withdrawn its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, citing nepotism, incompetence, and corruption as reasons for its decision.
The Nigerian police is lying about the name of the chief suspect from the 2018 murder case. The UK Met Police lists his name as Matthew Adebiyi only. Chukwuemeka is an Igbo name fabricated by the Nigerian police to push bigotry and Igbophobia as they have been known to do.
APC Northerners Supporting Atiku To Create Division In ADC - El-rufai's Ally
This is a tweet from an APC member who is trying to kill the morale of Obidients and supporters of Ameachi, southerners, and create division. That is the assignment.
The momentum of ADC in the North is not because of Atiku Abubakar. With all due respect, Atiku is definitely a force, like every other leader in the coalition one way or the other, but the momentum of the ADC is because of the unending suffering and poverty that Tinubu’s government has put all of us through.
Also, it is factually wrong to say Peter Obi is not known in the North. This same man, when he was far less known, won Plateau and Taraba in 2023, and got good votes from Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, and Benue. You don’t get that kind of spread if people don’t know you.
Now, granted that the strategy he employed in 2023 was discouraging to many of us, but we are ready to forgive, and we understand why he did that.
The opposite side also whipped religious sentiment and even ran on a Muslim Muslim ticket, unprecedented from any major political party since 1999. And we all know it was not for the love of Islam. Those who didn’t know before 2023, at least by now know that it was mainly because it was easier and more convenient at the time to win the election. It was just strategy, no more, no less.
So, if you look at this, why should the North continue holding a grudge against Obi for employing the same kind of political strategy because it was convenient for him at the time? Unless we are hypocrites, and I want to believe we are not.
This momentum is bigger than any lone individual, regardless of his capacity. People are reacting to the reality they are facing in the markets, in their bellies, and in their surroundings, and everyone in this coalition has the capacity to do better than what we are seeing now.
So it is not Peter Obi or nobody, it is not Ameachi or nobody, it is not RMK or nobody, it is not El Rufai or nobody, and it is certainly not Atiku or nobody. It is TINUBU MUST GO!
Admittedly, the bar is not very high. The only contenders were Murtala Mohammed (anti-Igbo genocidaire and all round nasty piece of work), Olusegun Obasanjo (friend of the Americans and enabler of Tinubu), Sani Abacha (whom nobody will ever understand because that information war was comprehensively lost), and Umaru Yar'adua (who didn't spend long enough in power to be recognised as such).
Everyone else was a CIA asset (Babangida, Tinubu), a supreme olodo (Shagari, Gowon, Aguiyi-Ironsi), an interim placeholder (Shonekan, Abdulsalam Abubakar), or a pretender (Nnamdi Azikiwe).
Goodluck Jonathan is the only actual nationalist to have ever been Nigeria's president.
Of course, he was completely wasted on Nigerians, who still don't recognise the act of violence that was inflicted on them in 2015.
Burkina Faso yet to release detained NAF pilots despite diplomatic pressure, a painful reality and a dangerous path
By; Zagazola Makama
Burkina Faso’s continued detention of eleven Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew for more than 48 hours has now crossed from a diplomatic irritation into a worrying affront to international norms, regional solidarity, and basic military aviation protocols.
Despite sustained high-level diplomatic intervention by Nigeria quietly and firmly conducted behind the scenes, the Burkinabè junta has remained unmoved. The silence of ICAO, ECOWAS and other multilateral institutions has only deepened the sense of injustice and disbelief.
At this moment, eleven NAF personnel remain in unlawful custody in Ouagadougou. No explanation. No justification. No adherence to the aviation safety rules binding even during conflict. It is a painful reality, one that raises a serious question: What exactly is Burkina Faso trying to prove with this needless hostility toward Nigeria? Nigeria has never, at any point, acted in a manner that undermines the Burkinabè state. The two nations share history, security challenges, and mutual dependence within the Sahel.
In March 2025, A high-level delegation from the African Economic and Security (AES) bloc, representing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, came to Nigeria to explore the country’s innovative non-kinetic approaches to counterterrorism. The focal points of their visit was Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) and the Borno Model, initiatives renowned for their success in the deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former combatants.
This collaborative effort draws attention to Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping effective counterterrorism strategies that blend military actions with community-driven solutions.
Also, in times past, Nigeria has provided support, training, airlift, intelligence, and diplomatic cover to many of its West African Neighbour.
The Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa(Rtd) and now the Minister for Defense has at that time reassured the AES delegation who visited him of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering support, despite their withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Gen. Musa emphasized that terrorism knows no borders, making regional cooperation essential. The enemies we are dealing with have no respect for life, no respect for humanity, no respect for boundaries. It is critical that we work together to fight and defeat them.
For Ouagadougou to respond with this level of provocation is not only disappointing, but also dangerous. Nations must understand that alliances are built over decades, but can be destroyed in a single reckless moment.
They must know that No country remains permanently strong or permanently weak. Today it is Nigeria’s pilots. Tomorrow, it could be Burkina Faso in need of the same diplomatic or military cooperation it is now casually endangering.
Burning bridges in the Sahel, a region already overwhelmed by terrorism, fragile borders, and internal instability is a perilous choice. Hostile posturing against a neighbour that has historically supported regional stability serves no strategic purpose.
I believe that Nigeria will continue to act responsibly, leveraging diplomacy to secure the unconditional release of its personnel. But Burkina Faso must remember:
Great nations do not demonstrate strength by detaining friendly forces. They demonstrate strength by respecting international norms, honouring regional partnership, and choosing dialogue over provocation.
1. Plato – The Republic 2. Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels – The Communist Manifesto 3. Thomas Paine – The Rights of Man 4. Thomas Paine – Common Sense 5. Alexis de Tocqueville – Democracy in America 6. Niccolo Machiavelli – The Prince 7. Frederick Douglass – Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave 8. John Stuart Mill – On Liberty 9. Adam Smith – The Wealth of Nations 10. Edward Said – Orientalism
**Literature**
11. Geoffrey Chaucer – The Canterbury Tales 12. Dante Alighieri – Divine Comedy 13. William Shakespeare – The Complete Works of William Shakespeare 14. Herman Melville – Moby Dick 15. George Orwell – 1984 16. Aldous Huxley – Brave New World 17. Homer – The Iliad and The Odyssey 18. Miguel de Cervantes – Don Quixote 19. Marcel Proust – In Search of Lost Time 20. Gustave Flaubert – Madame Bovary 21. Andrew Lang – Arabian Nights 22. Gabriel García Márquez – One Hundred Years of Solitude 23. Leo Tolstoy – War and Peace 24. Murasaki Shikibu – The Tale of Genji 25. Harriett Beecher Stowe – Uncle Tom’s Cabin 26. Fyodor Dostoyevsky – Crime and Punishment 27. Chinua Achebe – Things Fall Apart 28. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – Faust 29. Toni Morrison – Beloved 30. J.R.R. Tolkien – The Lord of the Rings
**Society**
31. Anne Frank – The Diary of a Young Girl 32. Mary Wollstonecraft – The Vindication of the Rights of Women 33. Simone de Beauvoir – The Second Sex 34. Virginia Woolf – A Room of One’s Own 35. Henry David Thoreau – Walden 36. Samuel Johnson – A Dictionary of the English Language 37. Immanuel Kant – Critique of Pure Reason 38. Upton Sinclair – The Jungle 39. Richard Wright – Native Son
**Science, Math, and Geography**
40. Isaac Newton – Philosophae Naturalis Principia Mathematica 41. Albert Einstein – The Meaning of Relativity 42. Charles Darwin – On the Origin of Species 43. Rachel Carson – Silent Spring 44. Ptolemy – Geographia 45. Sigmund Freud – The Interpretation of Dreams
**Religion**
46. The Bible 47. The Qur’an 48. The Torah 49. The Tibetan Book of the Dead 50. Confucius – The Analects
For many centuries, books have been one of the central forms of entertainment for humankind. Readers around the world invest countless hours escaping into new and unique worlds, losing themselves in the words and pages of books from various genres. While all books affect readers in different ways, history has shown that some books have a way of reaching and impacting large groups of people so that they are forever changed. These books can share knowledge, inspiration, and discoveries in various fields. They teach, influence, and alter the way we think. Sometimes these books are so important and enlightening that they help the world and its people evolve. The following books have done just that. By educating and informing readers in the areas of politics and government, creating new standards in literature, challenging societal norms, and advancing academic thought in the schools of science and religion, these are top 50 books that changed the world.
Politics and Government These titles represent some of the most influential books that examine politics, economics, and philosophy. Each of these texts had an impact on the way we understand governance.
The Republic, Plato. Written around 380 BCE, this text is considered to be one of the most influential pieces ever written. The Republic observes justice in man and politics and discusses the role of the philosopher in society. Many of the intellectual concepts contained in The Republic are still discussed today, but the text is also an important historical document that provides historians with a snapshot of Greece at the time of its writing.
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. One of the most recognized and popular political texts ever written, The Communist Manifesto details the class struggle that exists in society and traces its beginnings in history. The document highlights the problems of capitalism and capitalist production and how these structures impact the political and societal landscape.
The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine. The Rights of Man argues that political revolution is acceptable and permissible when a government fails to perform its duty of protecting the natural rights of its citizens. Written as a defense of the French Revolution, Paine's 1791 book was widely circulated and challenged all societal institutions that don't benefit the nation overall, including institutions such as monarchies and aristocracies.
Common Sense by Thomas Paine. Published anonymously in 1776, this pamphlet supported the Americans in their fight for independence from the British during the American Revolution. The pamphlet encouraged the people in the American Colonies to resist the leaders from Great Britain and push for an egalitarian government. Still today, Common Sense is one of the all-time best-selling American titles.
Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville. In what was originally meant to be an observation of the American prison system, Democracy in America is a look at American society and institutions overall and the reasons why American democratic equality exists and thrived at the time of the writing. Alexis de Tocqueville traced the historical evolution of equality and suggested that specific conditions, such as widespread economic opportunity and the abolition of primogeniture, led to the American democratic revolution.
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli. Considered to be one of the first works of modern political philosophy, The Prince is a political treatise from 1513 that offers advice on how aspiring leaders can survive and thrive in the contentious political landscape. While the intent of the book is still debated, the result is one of the most unabashed meditations on political power and what is required in order to make it last.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass. Written by the famed orator and former slave, Frederick Douglass, this narrative is considered the most famous of pieces written by former slaves and one of the most influential texts during the abolitionist movement in the United States. In the text, Douglass recounts his life as a slave on his way to freedom.
On Liberty by John Stewart Mill. This philosophical work is considered a foundational text for modern liberal political thought. The text applies ethical utilitarianism to society and state governance, arguing that more importance be placed on the consequences of actions as they relate to the interests of others than one's own interests.
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith. The Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, describes how and what builds a nation's wealth. Largely viewed as the foundational text for classical economics, The Wealth of Nations explores the economic system and suggests that a free market is able to automate and regulate itself. These functions are only limited by the privileges given to certain members within the economy.
Orientalism by Edward Said. Primarily a work of postcolonial cultural studies, Orientalism discusses how cultural representations of the Eastern world are bound to the structures and societies that create them. Since these patronizing and exaggerated depictions of difference are designed in such a way that Western superiority is highlighted in comparison, Orientalism becomes a critique of Western politics and power.
Literature From creating characters and stories that have become foundational elements in cultures around the world to upsetting undesirable standards and inspiring the imagination of many, these works of literature have touched the world in significant ways. These are the most influential books in literature.
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Written in the 14th century, this collection of tales brought to life characters and stories that remain popular today. The Canterbury Tales also provides a glimpse into the customs and practices within the society at the time of its writing. This work is one of the most read books and one of the most studied in all the world. Many scholars suggest that Chaucer's magnum opus contributed greatly to the popularization of the English vernacular in literature.
Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. Considered one of the most important pieces of world literature, the Divine Comedy is an epic poem that details a journey through the realms of the afterlife and, allegorically, the soul's discovery of God. Long considered to be the greatest piece of Italian literature, the Divine Comedy also provides us with a closer view of medieval Christian theology and philosophy.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. William Shakespeare is often considered the greatest writer in the English language and the greatest dramatist in all of history. The characters, stories, and language have taken hold of readers for hundreds of years and have greatly contributed to shaping modern culture. Shakespeare's complete works have been translated into every major language and are still enjoyed around the world.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville. This now-famous book about a man's hunt for the great whale is considered one of the greatest American novels ever written. Moby Dick is heavy on symbolism, but is also famous for the detailing of the whaling industry in the 19th century and its many different narrative styles and structures.
1984 by George Orwell. This dystopian novel describes life in a totalitarian regime that has stripped the people of their rights. The themes in this novel have become a major part of modern culture, creating terms and concepts that have been incorporated into our own society. Surveillance, truth, and censorship take center stage in this novel; no other book has contributed to our understanding of these themes like 1984.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Another dystopian novel, this one by Huxley is often considered one of the great novels of the 20th century. Huxley's novel looked unfavorably on the loss of an individual's identity through futuristic technological advancements. Huxley's own fears of commerciality and the emerging youth culture are fully on display in this novel.
The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer. These two ancient Greek epic poems are not only the preeminent works in ancient Greek literature, but they are also incredibly influential texts for all forms of art, thought, and music in Western civilization. The Iliad details a few weeks during the end of the Trojan War and the Odyssey describes Odysseus' ten-year journey home from the Trojan War. These two works are important for their detail of Greek history and legend, the composition of story, and the development of themes.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. This Spanish novel, originally published as two books, is one of the most influential and popular novels in the world. It's also considered to be one of the best books ever written. The adventure, symbolism, and characterization contained in Don Quixote has promoted the book to the incredible popularity it has today. Don Quixote became one of the earliest canonical texts and has been inspiring artists of all kinds for hundreds of years.
In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. Daunting in length, the seven-volume In Search of Lost Time is one of the most prominent modern works of the early 20th century. The novel explores themes of memory, childhood, and meaning, but it avoids the plot-driven model of 19th-century novels. The supporting cast are incredibly well drawn and the events are moved forward by the differing perspectives that experience them, writing techniques that have been emulated endlessly since the novel's publication.
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. Flaubert's story of a woman who engages in adulterous affairs in an attempt to escape from a loveless marriage was subjected to heavy censorship at the time it was published, and Flaubert was taken to trial over the novel. After his acquittal, Madame Bovary became renowned as a masterpiece of the Realism movement.
Arabian Nights translated by Andrew Lang. This English language version of One Thousand and One Nights retells the ancient stories that have now become popularized around the world, including the plight of Scheherazade, the adventures of Aladdin, and the voyages of Sinbad.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Considered to be one of the most significant novels in the Spanish literary canon, One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the Buendía family over several generations. The style and themes in the novel are seen to be representative of a unique Latin American literary movement of the 1960s: Magical Realism.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. Though Tolstoy was hesitant to call this a novel, War and Peace is often included in the discussion of the best novels of all time. Chronicling the French invasion of Russia in 1812, the book looks at the psychological effects of the war and the philosophical discussions that it created.
The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. Written in the beginning of the 11th century, The Tale of Genji is often called the first novel. While it does not have a plot by definition, the story does have many elements of a modern novel, including a main character, a supporting cast, and characterization. Translation of this novel has proved difficult over time, but most still consider it the first and greatest work in Japanese literature.
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe. Written by a middle aged, white woman in 1851, Uncle Tom's Cabin has been credited for changing the views of slavery in the north and continues to serve as a reminder of the effects of slavery and other inhumane acts.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. While Fyodor Dostoyevsky has written several works that could be considered some of the most influential ever published, Crime and Punishment is one that stands above the rest as one of the best books ever written. This novel explores the mind of an individualistic person from within, challenging the rules of crime and punishment as they apply to the main character and the people around him.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The theme of preserving cultural history in the face of Western domination in this novel gave voice to the oppressed people in Africa and caught the attention of the world. This novel, written in 1958, is still widely read and studied as an example of the damage of colonialism.
Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Faust is a tragic play, but it has long been considered the single greatest work in German literature. The tale tells of Faust selling his soul to the devil for worldly knowledge and pleasures. The influence this story has on art, literature, music, and thought is immeasurable.
Beloved by Toni Morrison. Written to honor the memory of African American slaves brought over during the slave trade, Toni Morrison's Beloved is one of the most recognizable and influential texts in modern literature. For giving voice to the African-American experience and observing and recording the collective memory of the population, Morrison's novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Not only is The Lord of the Rings one of the best-selling novels in the world, it also helped form and shape the high fantasy genre. While many of the themes from the story were adapted from earlier mythologies, The Lord of the Rings itself became the foundational text for all fantasy readers and authors.
Terrorists, locally dubbed as bandits, on Friday in Kaduna State opened fire on dozens of farmers working on their farms and killed one farmer.
The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Giwa local government area, which shares boundaries with Birnin Gwari, the epicenter of banditry in the state which has also faced attacks.
A source who confirmed the attack said it occurred at Kayawa village, saying, "Our people were farming on separate farms. Suddenly, the bandits appeared and opened fire; they took to their heels but Jamilu Ibrahim was unlucky as they gunned him down and finished him with their swords.
"They took his motorcycle away after killing him and retreated into the forest. This is what happened to us in Kayawa village."
The bandits had on Monday in the same Giwa local government at Iyatawa village killed one Mallam Bashar Musa on his farm. And also killed one person on the Kaduna-Kachia Road on Sunday.
There have also been details of unreported kidnappings in the state, SaharaReporters has received details of kidnappings in Chikun Local Government Area that had gone unreported, with the victims still in captivity. The incidents are as follows:
"In Gbakun Village, bandits invaded and kidnapped eight individuals. They are; Elisha Sunday, Habila Sunday, Jacob Hassan, Emmanuel John, Helen Ibrahim, Hannatu Audu, Miracle Daniel, an infant (yet to be named). Kadaru (October 28, 2024): Four persons were kidnapped.
"Also in Kankomi Village (October 28, 2024): Five individuals were abducted and eleven motorcycles were snatched. The victims are: Shagari Saidu, Bamaiyi Amos, Yohanna Dogo, Amazing Monday and Dogo Kapau."
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that fresh details emerged on the fate of Rev. Fr. Bobbo Pascal, the Kaduna Catholic priest earlier rumoured to have been killed by terrorists, as sources close to the family confirmed that the abductors were demanding N5million in ransom.
The family believes the priest may still be alive.
Recall that suspected terrorists abducted Bobbo Paschal early Monday when armed men stormed the community and forcefully took the priest from his residence.
A priest at the Archdiocese of Kaduna, Christian Emmanuel, confirmed the incident in a statement to reporters on Monday.
According to the statement, a brother of the victim, Anthony Yero, was killed during the raid, while several other residents were abducted and taken to unknown locations.
The attack happened the same day terrorist groups invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and kidnapped 25 schoolgirls.
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges over rising security concerns.
The directive was issued through a circular dated November 21, 2025, from the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the document, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, approved the shutdown following “recent security challenges” in parts of the country and the need to prevent breaches.
The circular asked principals of affected schools to enforce the closure without delay. The 41 schools are in states across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South.
“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) with immediate effect. Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance,” the circular, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Minister, read in part.
See the full list:
1. FGGC MINJIBIR
2. FTC GANDUJE
3. FGGC ZARIA
4. FTC KAFANCHAN
5. FGGC BAKORI
6. FTC DAYI
7. FGC DAURA
8. FGGC TAMBUWAL
9. FSC SOKOTO
10. FTC WURNO
11. FGC GUSAU
12. FGC ANKA
13. FGGC GWANDU
14. FGC BIRNIN YAURI
15. FTC ZURU
16. FGGC KAZAURE
17. FGC KIYAWA
18. FTC HADEJIA
19. FGGC BIDA
20. FGC NEW-BUSSA
21. FTC KUTA-SHIRORO
22. FGA SULEJA
23. FGC ILORIN
24. FGGC OMUARAN
25. FTC GWANARA
26. FGC UGWOLAWO
27. FGGC KABBA
28. FTC OGUGU
29. FGGC BWARI
30. FGC RUBOCHI
31. FGGC ABAJI
32. FGGC POTISKUM
33. FGC BUNI YADI
34. FTC GASHUA
35. FTC MICHIKA
36. FGC GANYE
37. FGC AZARE
38. FTC MISAU
39. FGGC BAJOGA
40. FGC BILLIRI
41. FTC ZAMBUK
Renewed Attacks on Schools The closure comes on the heels of rising security threats across the country, with two mass abductions of students taking place in recent days.
In Niger State, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri on Friday, abducting an unspecified number of students. Witnesses said that the attackers rode over 60 motorcycles and shot the school’s gatekeeper, who sustained serious injuries.
Before that, assailants had seized 25 schoolgirls during an attack on a school in Maga town, Kebbi State.
Meanwhile, the rising tension sparked a rumour of the abduction of students in Nasarawa, claims police authorities in the state immediately dismissed.
The Nasarawa State Police Command described the report that two pupils were taken from St. Peter’s Academy in Rukubi as “false and not reflective of the true state of affairs”.
In response to the escalating threats, President Bola Tinubu directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to oversee rescue operations.
Tinubu also postponed his planned trips to Johannesburg and Angola. The surge in school attacks and kidnappings has intensified insecurity across northern states, prompting urgent calls for coordinated action.
The renewed abduction of students is the latest in a series of kidnappings in learning institutions, dating back to 2014 when students were taken away in Chibok, Borno State.
Since then, there have been mass abductions of students across the country, especially in northern Nigeria.
Global bodies, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have repeatedly condemned the kidnapping of students, asking Nigerian authorities to prioritise the safety of learners.
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 last night.
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.
On Thursday, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State as a result of rampaging bandits.
President Bola Tinubu had cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate response to insecurity.
WHAT WE ARE FIGHTING is the evil ideology that it is ok to kill people due to a disagreement. This is what fuels jihad, political oppression, etc.
IT IS NOT OK to threaten violence against someone just because you disagree with them. Even someone as twisted and deceitful as Omokri.
YES, he has aligned himself with genocidal maniacs, and will go down in history as the Joseph Goebbels of the Nigerian Holocaust.
THE WAY TO FIGHT THAT is with truth, love and legal justice. NOT by descending into the same ideology that drives them! Vengeance belongs to the Lord alone.
I've been threatened enough to know it's not cool. Stop it, or you are no better than Omokri and the jihadis he is covering for.
Alleged Assassination Attempt on Yerima: Military deploys personnel, 8 patrol vehicles to Gado Nasko Road – Sources
Fresh indications have emerged that the military has deployed personnel and eight patrol vehicles to the Gado Nasko Road area of Kubwa following an alleged trailing of Lieutenant A.M. Yerima by unidentified persons on Sunday.
Sources told Vanguard that at about 7 p.m., a convoy of eight military vehicles was seen patrolling the Gado Nasko axis, a development believed to be connected to concerns for the officer’s safety.
The incident, reportedly involving two unmarked white Hilux vans whose occupants—dressed in black—trailed the officer from the NIPCO Station off the Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasko Road, was said to have occurred around 6 p.m., prompting the immediate activation of security measures in the area.
However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has denied receiving any report of an attempted assassination or trailing of the officer.
Reacting to the circulating reports, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said no such incident had been brought to the attention of the police.
“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima,” she said.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.”
She urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to the nearest police division or contact the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311.
Meanwhile, military sources confirmed that the alleged trailing incident is under investigation.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has weighed in on the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer, warning that any act of disrespect towards the uniformed services amounts to an affront on the authority of the Nigerian state.
In his keynote address at the national dialogue on media, terrorism, and national security, at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja on Thursday, Gen. Irabor said uniforms worn by military or security personnel go beyond the individual, noting, “it symbolises the power, dignity, and sovereignty of the nation.”
“The uniform is not about who is wearing it; it represents the authority of the state,” he declared.
According to him, “Whether it’s a young officer or a senior one, when you make disparaging remarks or act against them, you are in fact insulting the state itself.”
Irabor, who led the Nigerian Armed Forces from 2021 to 2023, described the public reactions to the FCT minister’s encounter with the officer as “largely misguided,” adding that many commentators had “missed the real issue.”
He reminded citizens that the military operates under strict codes of conduct and that no one, not even a general, has the right to physically assault or publicly humiliate a subordinate.
“Even as a General, I cannot slap my soldier. If I do, I will face disciplinary action. There are laid-down mechanisms for addressing misconduct, and that is what distinguishes a state governed by law from a jungle,” he added.
Drawing from legal principles, the retired general explained that every offence must be viewed through two lenses, actus reus (the act itself) and mens rea (the intent behind it).
He said that while the FCT minister has authority over land matters, the heart of the controversy lies in the respect owed to state authority as embodied by uniformed officers.
Irabor expressed worry over what he described as the erosion of civic education and public understanding of national institutions.
“We’ve lost our educational traction,” he lamented. “Things that were once taught in primary and secondary schools, like respect for institutions and understanding authority, are now forgotten.”
He urged the media to play a constructive role in shaping national discourse, warning that careless reporting or commentary could erode public respect for security institutions.
“The media are the last men standing in the defence of the state. You may not have the sword, but your words carry immense power. Use them responsibly to strengthen, not weaken, the nation,” he said.
Calling for restraint and respect in dealing with uniformed personnel, Irabor said the rule of law provides channels for redress if a soldier or police officer errs.
“If the person in uniform misuses his authority, he will be dealt with, but the uniform itself must be respected. That’s what sustains order in a civilised society,” he added.
General Irabor warned that if citizens and leaders alike continue to disregard the symbols of state authority, Nigeria risks sliding into lawlessness.
“We must not turn our country into a jungle where everyone takes the law into their own hands. Respect the uniform. Respect what it stands for,” he said firmly.
“As A Yoruba Man Who Visited The South East, I Had An Accident While Driving There And Completely Bashed a Car While Driving. The Accident Was Completely My Fault But What Happened Next Shocked Me.” - Man Narrates.
Source:
“As A Yoruba Man Who Visited The South East, I Had An Accident While Driving There And Completely Bashed a Car While Driving. The Accident Was Completely My Fault But What Happened Next Shocked Me.” - Man Narrates. pic.twitter.com/D4FlkvOKq2
Yet when I tell you that the bigotry olympics you are witnessing in Nigerian online spaces is completely artificial, and many of the accounts involved are not run by Nigerians, you people look at me like I'm the crazy one.
We are in the middle of the world's largest Digital Blackface operation, but it's a shame that as usual most of you will not put 2 and 2 together until it's too late and it doesn't matter anymore. Then will come the crocodile tears.
A young Nigerian soldier has been widely praised on social media after footage of him standing his ground against a powerful government minister went viral.
The soldier, identified as Lt AM Yerima, was part of a unit that prevented Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja on Tuesday.
In the video, which has been viewed millions of times, the minister is seen becoming increasingly agitated as Lt Yerima, citing orders from his superiors, calmly refuses him entry.
Many social media users have hailed the soldier's demeanour, describing him as "courageous" and "brave", with some using his photo on their WhatsApp statuses.
The confrontation was particularly striking to many Nigerians because Wike, a former governor of the oil-rich Rivers State, is considered one of the most influential figures in President Bola Tinubu's administration.
He has a fearsome reputation and is seen as someone who normally gets his way in a country where lower-ranking officials rarely stand up to those in authority.
"I commend the gallantry of this military officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, for his unshakable boldness and composure despite the offensive utterances from FCT minister; Wike. He's well trained and fearless, he refused to be bullied," one user posted on X.
"Discipline, courage, and integrity. The true spirit of the Nigerian military. The young officer A.M Yerima stood his ground with professionalism and honor,” agreed another X user.
In the video, Wike is heard saying to the soldier: "You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school."
While Wike was still speaking, the officer cuts in to say: "I am not a fool sir."
However, it is not clear why the soldiers were there.
The BBC has asked the Nigerian military for comment.
Wike challenged the soldiers to provide proof of their legal right to occupy the land.
Wike later told journalists he had visited the site after officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council reported being chased away by soldiers.
He said the land fell under the federal capital jurisdiction which he oversees and that his administration had a duty to investigate reports of illegal construction and land encroachment.
"This is what prevents us from progressing," Wike said. "When the officials came, they said soldiers chased them away. I thought they did so illegally."
He said the soldiers were unable to produce the documents he requested.
@PeterObi says he wants to lead a New Nigeria. But as genocide rages, millions remain displaced, and a compromised government does nothing—he says nothing.
The world is watching. The people are watching…. And he’s talking about everything but this.
I’m not partisan. I’m not backing one over another. I am just waiting, hoping, praying for a Nigerian leader to emerge who has authentic courage, clarity and integrity to truly build a New Nigeria.
If he is a real leader, this is the moment to prove it.
These are the times in history when true leaders emerge. Right now, there’s an open door—to unite the country, to inspire the weary, to lead a movement for deep, lasting change.
Why should Nigerians follow anyone who won’t step up when they need it most?
Why trust a man who sees the fire and stays silent?
Is it fear? Is it confusion? Or are his businesses too grounded in the very system he claims he wants to change? Why the inexcusable and disappointing silence?
If Peter Obi will not lead now—while Nigeria bleeds and the world watches—when will he?
Who will?
Lead, follow or get out of the way. History is being written. And those who remain silent will not even warrant a footnote.
To Mr. Obi, and to every would-be leader watching from the wings:
This is the crucible. This is the moment in history when truly great leaders are forged—and rise to build great nations.
Speak now. Stand now. Or be forgotten forever.
(Your silence now is doing more to derail your ambitions than Omokri’s burns ever could. The opportunity is slipping away fast.)
The Bola Tinubu's Presidency has been accused of a massive financial inducement scheme engineered to lure opposition governors and lawmakers into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Top sources within the Presidency told SaharaReporters on Friday that the ongoing wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC is being powered by jaw-dropping financial packages, coordinated directly from the Presidency and supervised by senior government officials around Tinubu.
According to the sources, each state governor who has recently defected to the APC got a total package of N250billion.
"This money is released in two tranches; there is a N100 billion “grant” upfront once commitment is shown, and a balance of N150 billion after the formal defection ceremony," one of the sources revealed.
“So, the state governors defecting to APC get a total N250billion, senators N1billion, and members of the House of Representatives N500million,” he said.
Recently, the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Obovrevwori, have all dumped the opposition party, PDP, to join the ruling All Progressive Congress.
Governor Mbah, announcing his defection in October, had said the move was driven by his desire to better serve the people of Enugu and align with the APC’s “vision for development and progress.”
The governor had expressed confidence that the APC platform would enable stronger collaboration and open new opportunities for growth in the state.
He also thanked his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for its support over the years but described his defection as a necessary step toward realising his administration’s goals.
“To the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude. The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory,” he was quoted.
“Leadership demands difficult, even painful decisions, in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes always a time where everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny. “Today after a long reflection, we have made a decision to join the All Progressives Congress.”
SaharaReporters had also in first week of November reported that the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of intense speculation and signalling a major political realignment in the South-South region.
Thousands of supporters and APC loyalists had flooded Yenagoa in a carnival-like procession to welcome Diri into the APC fold.
The event drew political figures including Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh.
Diri had claimed he left the PDP “in the best interest of the state.”
“Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP), and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,” Diri said.
He noted that politics should be about development and not destruction, adding that peace and unity remain the foundation of Bayelsa’s progress.
“The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother,” he added.
With his defection, Diri becomes the 25th governor under the APC and the fourth PDP governor to switch allegiance this year, following the footsteps of Governors Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).
US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged targeted killing of Christians in the West African nation.
On October 31, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ in response to claims of a Christian genocide in the country.
He had warned the Nigerian government to act fast to end the “killing of Christians” in the country.
Hours later, Trump said he is not ruling out air strikes or boots on the ground in furtherance of his plan to “completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists killing Christians in Nigeria”.
In a video message on Wednesday, behind a lectern bearing the seal of his office, Trump condemned the killings attributed to radical Islamist groups and threatened immediate consequences if the Nigerian authorities fail to act decisively.
Trump reiterated that the US would halt all aid assistance to Nigeria should the violence continue, adding that “there would be hell to pay”.
He instructed the US department of war to prepare for possible military action, emphasising that any intervention would be “vicious and sweet”.
Trump described Christianity in Nigeria as facing an “existential threat”.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid assistance to Nigeria,” he said.
“We are going to do things to Nigerians that Nigeria is not going to be happy about and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.
“I am hereby instructing the Department of War to prepare for possible actions. If we attack, it is going to be vicious and sweet just as the terrorist thugs attack our chrished chirstians. The Nigerian government had better move fast before it is too late.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”
He called on Riley Moore, member of the US house of representatives; and Tom Cole, chairman of the house appropriations committee; to urgently investigate the situation and report back immediately.
Trump said the US “cannot stand by” while such atrocities occur, not only in Nigeria but globally, reaffirming America’s readiness to protect Christian populations worldwide.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern. That’s a legal definition. When the Christians or any such group is slaughtered, like it’s happening in Nigeria, 3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide. What horrible numbers! Something has to be done,” he said.
“I am asking congressman Riley Moore, together with chairman Tom Cole and the house appropriations committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries.
“It’s not only Nigeria, it’s all over. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”
They recently planed a failed coup against you. Thank God it was not successful. None of you called them out. I didn't see you lots going from space to space to condemn it. But now you found your voices, you are all over social media, going from space to space to defend terrorism in the name of fake one nation. You even resorted to lying calling Nigeria a nation? Most of you are nothing but cowards. And no society should trust you. FYI, this doesn't indicate I support America invasion or Not. What I'm against is lies, cowardice and hypocrisy. We all know what we are doing and why we are doing what we are doing. You can only fool stupid people.
Let me repeat this for you fools — any politician you see me promoting or highlighting the good work in their state, I’m paid to do it. I don’t run PR for free; I do it for money. It’s clearly written in my bio. If you have gigs you want me to push, don’t hesitate to DM me for business.
But when it comes to speaking out about insecurity in the North, I’ve been doing that for years, and that’s something none of you hypocrites can ever erase.
The Government of Chad has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing security concerns following reports of alleged U.S. military plans in West Africa.
Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a complete military lockdown along the Nigerian border after intelligence suggested that terrorist elements from northern Nigeria were preparing to flee into Chadian territory.
According to the sources, the Chadian army has been placed on full alert, with troops and armoured vehicles deployed across key border corridors linking the two countries.
The president was quoted as warning that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”
The move comes amid heightened regional tension and growing speculation over America’s alleged military activities in parts of West Africa.
Security analysts said the closure was a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding Chadian sovereignty and preventing possible infiltration by armed groups exploiting regional instability.
Politics › Court Fixes May 8 To Hear Suit Seeking To Disqualify Jonathan From 2027 Race by FuglyGurl(op): 4:26pm On May 07
