₦airaland Forum

By Jacob Edi

While scouring the streets of Facebook days ago, I stumbled on a post by Hon. Ifunanya Nwanegwo, who happens to be the Chairman of Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State. In the post, she was appreciating the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for empowering ten people in the LGA to help them boost their small businesses.

What struck me the most wasn't the post, but the comments that ensued. It was laden with emotion-laced testimonies of how the DSS boss has always been benevolent. Expectedly, my initial reaction was that this must have been a political move. However, it struck me that the name didn't sound Igbo. In fact, he is Ijebu from Ogun State. And from my little knowledge of the Yoruba, I know that they are considered the most thrifty, if not the stingiest, of the Yoruba race.

When I inquired if this gesture was because his wife is from Imo State, I discovered that she isn't. Therefore, I ruled out politics. This is humanity at play, combined with leadership, purpose, and achievement of national security objectives. In that moment. I decided to dig a bit further to attempt the difficult task of unraveling the man, the mystery, and the motive.

While researching the background of Mr. Ajayi from colleagues, superiors, and subordinates at the DSS, it dawned on me that the man has what I would describe as a 'special place in his heart' for the less privileged in society. For instance, I got to learn that as far back as 1994, when he was still a budding officer, Ajayi's hobby was providing financial assistance to orphanages and leper homes in Akure, Ondo State. As he rose in rank and got transferred to other states, he improved the scope of the support. Now, as the DG of the DSS, I heard he carries out outreaches at orphanage homes across all states at different times of the year.

Friends and former colleagues describe Mr. Ajayi as an uncommon humanitarian. "He is led by principles of humanity, not of politics, nor religion, nor tribe, nor any sentiment whatsoever," said one of his university classmates. While serving in Bauchi State, a now-retired deputy director of the Service, Ajayi, renovated a mosque at Tafewa-Balewa. He rebuilt the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), which was in near ruins, even as he reportedly renovated the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) church there.

He didn't stop at assisting churches and mosques. The DSS boss, I learned, made it a point of duty to host Christian and Muslim leaders yearly as a means of fostering unity while also extending humanitarian assistance to them. He would feed those fasting during Lent and Ramadan and assist those who met him with pressing issues.

As I dug deeper, I was struck by awe at how a security chief could be so moved by passion for humanity to do all he did and is still doing.

In my home state, Kogi, where I served as Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to former Governor Idris Wada, I couldn't help but notice the impact Mr. Ajayi made in my state when he served as the State Director of Security. Even though his deployment came after that administration, while other neighboring states struggled with insecurity, Ajayi, I learned, largely succeeded in keeping Kogi safe, apparently using his unique style of engaging aristocrats and plebeians alike.

Aside from occasionally empowering people, the DSS boss, I further learned, had the habit of visiting hospitals and offsetting bills of indigent patients. He would support widows with empowerment programs and offer scholarships to their children. From what I gathered, when selecting beneficiaries, Ajayi does not discriminate based on tongue or creed.

From Bauchi to Bayelsa, from Plateau to Rivers, and from Ondo to Kaduna States, I learned that Ajayi's benevolent fingerprints in orphanages and several humanitarian gestures are as clear as the day. In a climate where it is not uncommon for public officers, especially security chiefs, to seek to make the best of their postings, Ajayi chose to be different. He always gave back, in very special ways, to the indigents in the states he served.

In the course of my investigation of this interesting man, I learned that security may not just be about brandishing arms and ammunition. I got to learn that the DSS boss believes that humanitarian acts have proven to be a very efficient unconventional method of maintaining peace and security. One of the driving forces of the DSS boss, noted a retired director of the Service, is his belief that any intelligence service without a human asset will be struggling, as, according to the spy chief, human intelligence, aka HUMINT, is more effective. He reportedly believes that the collection of information from human sources through interpersonal contact is very effective.

I guess he believes that when an idle mind is meaningfully engaged, the chances of indulging in criminality become slimmer. In the states he served across all the geopolitical zones, Ajayi was able to use this unconventional approach to record successes. It, therefore, came as a little surprise that President Tinubu appointed him to head the DSS and to realize the National Strategic Security Plan.

Apparently, due to the classified nature of DSS activities, I, understandably, couldn't lay my hands on some information I desired. Thankfully, by virtue of his becoming Director General, some of his activities have become public information, which makes it easy to better understand his true nature. I remember that months ago, friends of the DSS boss donated an Islamic school to a community in Kaduna state. He had served in the state and, in 2009, directed the successful rescue of a Canadian lady and an official of Rotary International.

We cannot overemphasize the importance of security to our daily lives. The earlier we begin to realize that all aspects of society need to be fully secured for us to make progress, the better we start appreciating people like Mr. Ajayi, who leaves no stone unturned in the quest to make Nigeria safer.

It goes without saying that a man's true nature is exposed through his actions. The kind nature of the DSS boss, perhaps, is the reason he finds it easy to compensate individuals who were wrongly arrested by the service. Apparently, only a kind, just, and true man who expresses empathy towards the plight of others will go through the inconvenience of apologizing and compensating suspects arrested or detained in error.

At this point, some might be wondering if, with the DSS boss, charity is indeed beginning at home. In other words, if DSS personnel are also beneficiaries of Ajayi's kindness. I cannot claim to have all the details. However, most serving and retired personnel of the DSS I interacted with say they've never had it so good. I hear they are better enumerated, personnel issues are prioritized, families of personnel lost in the line of duty are adequately compensated, wives and relatives of inactive personnel are empowered, and most importantly, personnel of the agency are hopeful for a better future in the Service.

The humanitarian deeds of the DSS boss are too numerous to mention in a single piece like this. I'm happy to have come to realize that Ajayi is not just the Director General of DSS. He is a man who sees the hollowness in the hearts of the needy and goes overboard to support them and give them hope.

It is my sincere prayer that, someday, other leaders across the country will emulate this Good Samaritan, who continues to build on a worthy legacy of kindness and service for humanity.

Edi, Special Adviser to Governor Usman Ododo on Information and Communications and former chairman of the NUJ (FCT chapter), wrote from Abuja.

Source: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/editorial/oluwatosin-adeola-ajayi-a-legacy-of-compassion-and-service.html

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has dropped his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism-related offenses.

At the last hearing on October 24, the court adjourned till October 27 for Kanu to begin his defense. The IPOB leader had previously written to the court expressing his intention to summon witnesses and requested more time to review his case file.

However, when the matter was called on Monday, Kanu told the court that after thoroughly reviewing the case file, he found no valid charge against him. He argued that since he believed the charges were baseless and his trial unlawful, there was no need for him to present any defense.

Justice James Omotosho directed Kanu to file a written address to formally present his position and to serve the prosecution with a copy. The judge also advised him to seek legal counsel from criminal law experts to fully understand the implications of his decision.

The case was subsequently adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses, based on Kanu’s stance that the evidence and charges so far have failed to establish any case against him, or, alternatively, for him to proceed with his defense if he chooses to do so.

By Samuel Ogbonna, Esq.

Nnamdi Kanu’s latest courtroom offensive against the Department of State Services (DSS) is built on shaky legal ground. His argument that the agency cannot try him while allegedly disobeying a Court of Appeal order for his release may sound compelling to the public, but it doesn’t hold up under Nigerian law.

Kanu leans on the famous English case Hadkinson v. Hadkinson (1952), which says a party in contempt cannot be heard until the contempt is purged. But that rule isn’t absolute, certainly not in a criminal or constitutional setting like his. Nigerian courts have consistently held that justice cannot be frozen just because one party is accused of contempt. As the Supreme Court ruled in First Bank v. TSA Industries (2010), the “Hadkinson principle” must bend where public interest or a fair hearing is at stake.

In other words, that alone doesn’t stop the Attorney-General of the Federation from pursuing prosecution, as Section 174 of the Constitution gives the AGF wide powers to initiate and continue criminal cases in the name of the state. Until a higher court expressly nullifies the process, the wheels of prosecution keep turning.

Kanu’s persistent claim that the DSS is monitoring his meetings with his lawyers could be tactical, designed to pressure the court into transferring him out of DSS custody to a more lenient detention facility, such as a correctional center, where oversight is lighter and access is broader. It’s a smart legal play; by framing his detention as hostile to a fair trial, he seeks to shift the venue of his custody, not just to gain comfort, but to weaken the state’s security hold.

As for the allegation that the DSS forged his medical report, that too appears to be another calculated move in Kanu’s wider strategy, a bid to discredit both the security agency and the court whenever the proceedings don’t go his way. Forgery is a grave criminal accusation, but without evidence, it’s little more than courtroom theater. Under the Evidence Act, such a claim must be proven beyond reasonable doubt through expert testimony or forensic proof, not emotion or conjecture. By throwing this allegation into the mix, Kanu seems intent on casting doubt on every process linked to the DSS, painting the agency as corrupt and untrustworthy, while subtly pressuring the court to bend toward his narrative. It’s a familiar tactic: turn the accuser into the accused and the law into a public spectacle.

The bigger picture is this: the law doesn’t operate on emotions or political sentiment. Kanu’s legal strategy seems aimed more at public sympathy than courtroom success. Contempt allegations, monitored meetings, and disputed medical reports may stir outrage, but they don’t automatically stop a prosecution.

At the end of the day, the DSS and the Attorney-General still hold the constitutional mandate to pursue criminal charges, and until a superior court says otherwise, that mandate stands.

Kanu’s fight is far from over, but legally speaking, his latest arguments look more like a political statement than a winning defense.

The Northern Elders Unity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong statement criticizing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his associates, accusing them of working to destroy the PDP and weaken Nigeria’s opposition for President Bola Tinubu's second win.

In a communiqué released after its 18th General Meeting, the Forum reaffirmed its confidence in the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, while condemning what it described as “desperate efforts” by certain members to disrupt the upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the Forum’s National Secretary, Dr. Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), members unanimously resolved to defend the unity of the party. “No amount of intimidation, blackmail, or falsehood will prevent the successful conduct of the national convention in Ibadan,” he stated.

Dr. Sadauki accused some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of collaborating with external forces to destabilize the party. He described those attempting to derail the convention as “predators” acting against the party’s collective interest, warning that their alliance with “enemies of progress” would end in “political shame and regret.”

The Forum further alleged that the ongoing internal sabotage was being driven by Wike’s political ambitions and influence. “It is regrettable that certain ungrateful elements, under Wike’s guidance, are determined to destroy the PDP and other opposition movements through court actions and abuse of power. Their mission will not succeed,” Sadauki warned.

Expressing full support for the current leadership, the Forum commended Ambassador Damagum and other loyal party members for their commitment to uniting and revitalizing the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Their dedication represents a patriotic effort to rebuild and reposition the party for future success,” the statement noted.

The group also cautioned the judiciary and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against political interference aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions. It urged the judiciary to resist manipulation by “desperate elements” intent on undermining democracy, describing such individuals as “enemies of progress.”

Reaffirming its loyalty to the PDP leadership, the Forum insisted that the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to hold the national convention is binding on all members and must be respected. It concluded by expressing unwavering support for Ambassador Damagum and calling on all disciplined members to defend the unity, integrity, and future of the party.

The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) has accused activist and politician Omoyele Sowore of plotting to incite anarchy through his planned protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The group alleged that the planned demonstration, slated for Monday, was not a genuine democratic exercise but a deliberate attempt to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and destabilize the country.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, FCT coordinator of the group, Ogah Okpanachi, said the organization’s intelligence reveals that the protest is not about justice or democracy but a calculated plot to undermine the government and sow chaos across the nation.
According to him, Nigeria has moved beyond the era of destructive street protests that serve the selfish interests of political opportunists masquerading as activists.
The group warned Nigerians to learn from the bitter experience of the 2020 EndSARS protest, which, according to them, resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and economic setbacks.
Okpanachi said, “We wish to draw the attention of all patriotic Nigerians to the planned protest being organized by Omoyele Sowore and his associates under the guise of demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. We categorically reject this call and urge every peace-loving Nigerian to shun and resist this misguided attempt to destabilize our beloved nation.
“As a nation governed by the rule of law, we have an independent judiciary that handles all matters, including that of Nnamdi Kanu. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their hands or intimidate the courts through street demonstrations. Sowore and his cohorts are not fighting for democracy; they are exploiting national issues to advance their selfish agenda and create disorder.
“The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence reaffirm our unflinching support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Under his visionary leadership, Nigeria is gradually regaining stability and confidence. The Renewed Hope Agenda is yielding tangible results, from infrastructure development and security reforms to the revitalization of the economy and empowerment of youths across the federation.
The group stated that President Tinubu has demonstrated an unmatched commitment to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and prosperity, adding that the current administration is investing heavily in roads, railways, education, power, agriculture, and social welfare programs.
Okpanachi observed that these bold steps were aimed at rebuilding the foundation of a stronger and more inclusive nation, saying, “Nigerians of good conscience must rise in defense of this progress and reject all divisive plots designed to distract or discredit the government.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians, particularly the youths, to stand on the side of peace, unity, and progress. Let us focus on building rather than breaking, on cooperation rather than confrontation. Nigeria’s greatness will not come through violence or protests, but through collective effort, dialogue, and support for our democratic institutions,” he said.

Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/arewa-youths-urge-nigerians-to-shun-sowores-protest-for-nnamdi-kanu/

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) has decried the removal of its members and retired workers in general from accessing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The National Secretary, NUPCPS, John Bisan, expressed the displeasure at a Two-Day Sensitization/Enlightenment Workshop on the Workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) on Thursday in Lagos.
Bisan described the removal as unfair and a very wrong move toward the senior citizens, who had served the country in their younger age.
He said that it was during the retirement period of their lives that they needed to effectively use the scheme, as many of the retirees often fall ill.
However, Omolola Oloworaran, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), said that free healthcare access initiative for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme had been rolled out.
Oloworaran, who was represented by Mutiu Muslim, Head, South West Zonal Office, PENCOM, said that the healthcare initiative was a critical component of social protection and dignity in retirement.

Newly confirmed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has vowed to conduct elections so transparent and credible that even those who lose will readily accept the outcome and congratulate the winners.

During his Senate screening and confirmation on Thursday, Amupitan emphasized his commitment to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system through close collaboration with key agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“Our aim is to ensure that elections are so fair and trustworthy that losers will willingly congratulate the winners, just as parties respect a just court verdict,” he told lawmakers.

A group of Abuja-based lawyers has filed a petition with the Attorney General of the State of New York, United States, calling for a formal investigation into the financial dealings of Sahara Media Group Incorporated and its founder, Omoyele Sowore.

The petition, submitted through Heartland Advisors & Solicitors on October 7, 2025, and delivered to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, also urged American authorities to suspend or revoke Sowore’s U.S. travel documents. Signed by barristers Sunday Oluwole and Felix Olanrewaju Wolemiwa, the petition alleges irregularities in the company’s financial reporting and Sowore’s personal asset declarations, which they claim could have implications under both U.S. and Nigerian laws.

The lawyers specifically requested that U.S. authorities review Sahara Media Group’s financial records, including the $1.3 million MacArthur Foundation grant (2016–2019) to determine whether the funds were utilized for their stated charitable objectives or diverted for political or personal purposes. They cited possible violations of New York nonprofit corporation laws (N-PCL §112) and demanded an examination of Sowore’s corporate and individual tax filings to confirm compliance with U.S. tax regulations. The petition also called for scrutiny of the company’s funding transparency and reporting practices, suggesting that limited public disclosure raises questions about accountability and adherence to nonprofit standards.

The petitioners further alleged discrepancies in Sowore’s asset declarations to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during his presidential campaigns. According to them, while Sowore declared ownership of a single Nigerian property valued at ₦5 million and a 2008 Toyota Camry, U.S. property records reportedly show he acquired a house in 2018 worth approximately $552,000. The lawyers argued that this gap could point to possible concealment of assets or perjury under Nigerian law, in addition to potential tax violations under U.S. jurisdiction.

They also questioned Sowore’s financial capacity and lifestyle, referencing reports that his son attends the Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey, where annual tuition exceeds $59,000, alongside the significant expenses incurred during his Nigerian political campaigns. The petition cited a 2018 incident where GoFundMe temporarily suspended a $2 million fundraiser for Sowore’s “Take Back Nigeria Movement” over transparency concerns, asserting that such matters warrant further review. Concluding, the lawyers emphasized that their petition seeks to promote accountability and transparency, safeguard the integrity of nonprofit operations in New York, and uphold public trust in cross-border political and financial activities.

“Correcting Wrongs, Restoring Confidence” – Prof. Omolaye-Ajileye Applauds DSS DG Over N20m Compensation to Unlawfully Detained Citizens


Hon. Justice (Prof.) Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye (rtd), Visiting Professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has praised the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for approving N20 million in compensation to Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe and five others who were unlawfully arrested and detained over alleged illegal bunkering.

In a statement, Justice Omolaye-Ajileye commended the DSS boss for showing leadership, accountability, and respect for human rights, noting that the gesture reflects a clear commitment to transparency and the rule of law. “By awarding N20 million in compensation to these wrongly detained citizens, Mr. Ajayi has demonstrated a strong resolve to correct errors, rebuild public trust, and uphold justice,” he said.

He added that the move sets a worthy example for other security agencies, while reinforcing the DSS’s role in safeguarding the rights of Nigerians.

The retired judge further stressed that such bold and corrective actions by security institutions are essential for restoring public confidence and promoting a culture of accountability within the country’s law enforcement system.

The Federal Government has confirmed the successful securing of about N250 billion to finance light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano States.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, at a World Press Conference on Monday in Abuja. He explained that the initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches every part of the country, emphasizing that no region will be left out.

Idris revealed that N150 billion has been earmarked for the Kano light rail project, while N100 billion will go to Kaduna. He described these investments as part of the administration’s broader agenda to boost infrastructure at the subnational level. The minister also noted that local governments are being reintegrated into the fiscal framework as engines of growth, a move that will be strengthened by the financial autonomy the President is determined to enforce.

He added that state governments are now receiving significantly higher allocations from the federation account compared to previous years. According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy has opened up more fiscal space, reducing the debt burden on states and enabling them to fund development projects more effectively. The disclosure comes as the Tinubu administration intensifies efforts to upgrade infrastructure in key sectors, including transportation, energy, and agriculture, to drive sustainable economic growth.

***BUSTED: SOWERE LAUNDERS MONEY THROUGH SON, KOMI


Sowore is bankroll­ing his 14-year-old’s elite Dwight-Englewood education $163,815 a year plus $700 for an iPad, while pocketing millions from shady “cashtivist” schemes, blackmail and foreign grants. He flaunts luxury on the back of corruption and hypocrisy.

Dr Odenigbo in Akwa, Anambra State

The desperate propaganda that Nnamdi Kanu's health is "deteriorating" is nothing but a tired tactic. This is the same strategy he used in 2017 when he was granted bail to Senator Abaribe, and instead of facing trial, he vanished. Nigerians must not be fooled again. The character of Nnamdi Kanu disqualifies him from any claim to mercy or premature release.

This is a man who, while on bail for serious charges of treason, brazenly jumped bail and fled the country. While abroad, he continued to direct his violent campaign, proving that confinement is the only means to neutralise the clear and potent danger he poses. This act alone demonstrates a profound disrespect for the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law.

Let me break the ice with these unanswered questions. How many of his self-appointed doctors has he sacked just for giving him a clean bill of health? Facts speak! Empirical facts speak louder! Who are these doctors, and what role did they play? What was their offence that MNK sacked them? It is assumed that they are core professionals.Their integrity must have been unquestionable before he hired.

Likewise, the DSS medical team has given Kanu consistent, professional care, from what we know. Even those personal doctors he hired have been allowed to see him, as he also affirmed before now. If there was ever a plot to harm him and not serve justice, I doubt he would be alive and well today. The so-called "overdose" claims and accusations of attempted murder are mere lies, manufactured to discredit professionals as leeway of getting out of custody. This alarm by a compromised prof from nowhere is nothing other than Kanu's usual gimmick.

The truth is clear: Kanu has never been denied medical attention in custody. The sudden noise about failing health is just another ploy to escape justice, nothing new. The court date is close. And rather than face the charges, his camp is trying to create excuses. The clamor for his release would only be an invitation for him to resume his campaign of terror and instability, plunging the Southeast into another cycle of violence.

The esteemed judges of our courts are faced with a decision that transcends legal technicalities. They are guardians of both the law and public good. Their duty is to interpret the law in a way that sustains the nation, not fractures it. The pursuit of justice and upholding the rule of law must take precedence over individual interests. Nigerians cannot afford a repeat of 2017; this time, there will be no disappearing act.

This is a serious matter. Authorities concerned should look into it fast.
Innocent people shouldn't be allowed to suffer for what they know nothing about.

So why is Nigeria not added? This is partial

Father Alphonsus Afina, a Catholic priest, was kidnapped by Boko Haram militants on June 1. John Bakeni, the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, praised the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army for successfully rescuing him. Father Afina was abducted in Gwoza, Borno State. His work as a priest in Alaska from September 2017 to 2024 made people around the world worried. He was taken with an unknown number of other travellers on the road between Liman Kara and Gwoza in Borno State's Gwoza Local Government Area. On Monday, Father Afina and 10 women were saved by DSS agents in Borno with help from the Nigerian Army. Officials say that all of the victims were found safely and that no ransom was paid. Bishop Bakeni, who is also the head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno, praised the security staff for being brave and careful during the rescue. He said that the Catholic community around the world was very pleased and thrilled that Father Afina was safe and sound after being held captive for almost two months. He also said that the priest was on his way from Mubi, Adamawa State, to Maiduguri when rebels attacked his group at a military station. It was said that a rocket-propelled grenade hit one of the cars and killed a passenger. In a different operation, 32 people who had been kidnapped in the Shinkafi Local Government Area were freed by DSS officers in Zamfara State with help from the military. Sources in the security field said that the 27 women and five boys had been held captive for two to four months. Since then, they have been given to the state government to get medical care and legal paperwork done.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16ocewMehN/

Professor Pat Utomi's recent appearance on AriseTV has generated significant apprehension about the ramifications of his remarks, especially considering Nigeria's precarious political stability and security landscape. During the interview, Utomi referenced how countries like the U.S. and Canada sometimes have 'shadow governments,' unofficial groups that keep the official administration on its toes. But hinting at such an idea in Nigeria's context naturally raises eyebrows, where democracy is still growing and institutions are still finding their feet; even suggesting parallel structures could embolden radical groups and create unnecessary confusion. His quick disclaimer that this model doesn't suit Nigeria felt more like a tactical footnote than a sincere rejection.

Read more: https://x.com/LeoDAreaScarter/status/1942945253725495499?s=08

So after all the killings, burnings, kidnappings, and countless tears you caused in the Northwest, Turji now has the guts to send a video begging for amnesty? 😂😂 Oga, who do you think you’re fooling?

You terrorized innocent villages, turned families into mourners, and spread fear like wildfire—now that Civilian JTF and the military are showing you real pepper, you want to wave a white flag? Nahhh! This isn’t the time for pity. This is the time for PAYBACK! 🔥

No, be today evil go end. You thought you were untouchable, but ordinary volunteers did scatter your base! This is what happens when the people rise. Northern Nigeria has suffered enough—and this time, the monster must face the consequences.

No amnesty. No negotiations. No forgiveness. Let justice rain down like thunder! ⚡⚖️

#NoAmnestyForTerrorists
#NorthernLivesMatter
#JusticeForTheNorth
#TurjiMustPay
#StandWithTheNorth
#NeverAgain


Read more:

Turji's begging for ceasefire? 😂👀 Looks like someone's lost their nerve! 💔 'Nothing could shake you' they said... now running round like a headless chicken 🐓😂 'Pay for what you ordered' indeed! 👎 #TurjiLostNerve #CeasefireFiasco pic.twitter.com/FzkV5HekSo

— HammadSanusi (@HammadSanusi) July 6, 2025

There is no denying that times are tough for many Nigerians. Prices are rising, transportation is increasingly expensive, and daily life feels more difficult for countless families. In these challenging times, it is not only understandable but necessary to speak up. However, it is equally important to consider how we speak out and what the potential consequences of our actions may be.

A protest has been planned for June 12 by the #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos, which has described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “a disaster for the majority of Nigerians.” While such sentiments reflect widespread frustration, organizing mass protests in today’s volatile climate may not be the wisest course of action.

Nigeria continues to grapple with serious security challenges. Large gatherings, even those with peaceful intentions, can quickly spiral out of control. We’ve seen it before, criminal elements exploit the opportunity to cause violence, loot property, and endanger lives. What begins as a peaceful protest can easily descend into chaos.

And who bears the brunt when this happens? Not the elites or the powerful, but everyday citizens, the market women, commercial drivers, students, and small business owners. The very people the protest aims to defend are the ones who end up paying the highest price.

Moreover, protests can sometimes shift the government's focus away from the pressing task of governance and problem-solving. Imagine trying to repair a broken pipe while someone keeps knocking the tools out of your hand. Disruption without strategy may capture headlines, but it doesn’t always lead to meaningful change.

History offers a sobering reminder: not all protests end in progress. Some have led to tragic loss of life, mass arrests, and lasting setbacks. We must ask ourselves, do we want to repeat those painful outcomes?

Instead, let us channel our collective energy through more constructive avenues. Engage with your representatives, participate in community forums, organize civil dialogues, and leverage digital platforms to amplify your concerns. Democracy is not defined solely by protest, but by thoughtful participation and sustained engagement.

June 12 is a symbolic date in Nigeria’s history, a day that honors our journey toward democracy. Let us commemorate it not with conflict, but with unity, wisdom, and a shared commitment to building a better nation.

We all want a stronger, more just Nigeria. But we must be careful not to destroy the very foundation we are trying to rebuild.

The Director General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, has authorized the payment of ₦10 million as directed by the court, along with an additional ₦10 million as personal compensation. He also pledged free medical treatment for the victim.

At the time, Mr. Ajayi directed the DSS hospital to officially integrate the businessman into the Services’ medical care system, enabling him to enjoy free medical services anytime he desired.

Read more: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/security/dss-gifts-n20m-free-medicare-to-bizman-accidentally-shot.html

By Osas Ekpebolo

Across the globe, governments are grappling with the delicate balance between national unity and the expression of dissent. Few cases illustrate this better than Spain’s handling of the Catalan independence movement. Following Catalonia’s unilateral referendum in 2017, Spain prosecuted leading separatist figures, including former Vice President Oriol Junqueras, who received a 13-year sentence. Others, like Foreign Minister Raül Romeva and Labour Minister Dolors Bassa, were sentenced to 12 years for offenses including sedition, as inciting rebellion against lawful authority.
Nigeria has faced its share of separatist and insurrectionist campaigns. Yet, unlike the Spanish government’s firm but legal response, the Nigerian state continues to face undue criticism, both domestically and internationally, for lawful actions taken against those who pose a threat to national security.
Consider Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Following his call for a referendum, Kanu escalated his movement into an armed campaign. Reports and video evidence of IPOB’s Eastern Security Network engaged in violent confrontations with security forces and civilians alike. Funds were allegedly solicited from the Diaspora to purchase arms—a grave charge that cannot be ignored in any sovereign state.
Similarly, Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian politician, has emerged as a successor to Kanu’s separatist ideology. From abroad, Ekpa declared the so-called “Biafra Government in Exile” and is orchestrating violent campaigns in Nigeria, including enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders that have paralyzed businesses and cost innocent lives.
In a separate vein, activist Omoyele Sowore, under the banner of "#RevolutionNow", has been inciting insurrection after multiple failed presidential bids. While dissent and protest are democratic rights, the line between protest and incitement must not be blurred, particularly when there are credible threats to public order.
Most recently, Professor Patrick Utomi has come under scrutiny for instigating a “shadow government”, a concept which, though perhaps academic or symbolic in other contexts, raises critical legal and constitutional questions in a young democracy like Nigeria’s.
These individuals, many holding dual citizenship, often operate under the shield of foreign protection while sowing seeds of unrest back home. Their actions, covert or overt, must be examined through the lens of the law, not politics. As Spain’s example shows, sovereignty cannot be compromised in the name of appeasement.
The politicization of law enforcement and national security actions in Nigeria is dangerous. Every state has the right to preserve its unity, and prosecuting those who threaten that unity is not tyranny—it is governance.
The Nigerian government must remain committed to due process and the rule of law. But it must also resist pressure from interest groups and international actors who fail to understand the full scope of these threats. Sovereignty is non-negotiable, and peace cannot be sacrificed at the altar of sentiment.

Nigeria belongs to all of us. Preserving its unity, security, and democratic foundations must take precedence over any narrow or sectional agenda.

Credit: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/editorial.html

The prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu is not only lawful but necessary for justice and national stability. As the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Kanu is accused of inciting violence, spreading hate speech, and ordering attacks against security personnel through the Eastern Security Network (ESN). These actions have contributed to instability, loss of lives, and destruction in the South East.

No democratic society can thrive when individuals or groups take the law into their own hands. Free speech does not include the right to incite violence or wage insurrection against the state. The revelations by an ESN commander alleging that Kanu ordered the killing of security operatives only reinforce the need for a fair, transparent, and decisive legal process.

Prosecuting Kanu is not persecution, it is a constitutional obligation to uphold law and order. Justice must be served not only for the victims but also to deter future acts of rebellion and restore peace in the region.

Sahara Reporters had done it again, embarking on a path of sensationalism and misinformation. This time, they falsely implicated a supposed Department of State Services (DSS) officer in a criminal case in Ebonyi State. The article claimed that Mr. Anyim Chukwudi Christian, allegedly serving in the Cross River State Command of the DSS, was involved in an attempted murder and had since "jumped bail" after a violent assault.

However, the entire storyline rested on shaky ground, representing a lack of facts, and was built on unverified claims from unnamed sources. The DSS hadn't confirmed Chukwudi's employment status, and the Police had even reached out to the DSS headquarters to verify the suspect's identity—a verification that hadn't been successful.

Anyone could claim to be a DSS officer, and Sahara Reporters would eagerly spread the unethical narrative without waiting for official confirmation.

Read more: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/editorial/when-activism-is-designed-as-journalism.html

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday reported the Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and her illegal suspension during the Women in Parliament session held at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Meeting (IPU) at the United Nations in New York.
The lawmaker is asking for justice and intervention of the global democratic institutions over what she described as injustice meted out to her, as she was suspended from the Senate illegally.
She expressed concerns about her safety, alleging that powerful figures in Nigeria might attempt to detain her in New York for speaking out.

Read more: https://vigil360.com.ng/politics/top-stories/natasha-reports-akpabio-sexual-harassment-suspension-to-un-parliamentary.html

DSS might not have gotten it all right in some of its operations over the years, but media fallacies on some unsolicited questions surrounding the professionalism of its operations is pointless, especially from Sowore who sneer against the DSS in the name of activism during the alleged DSS involvement in barricading the Abuja Federal High Court on Monday.

Read more: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/editorial/sowore-s-cunning-way-to-dent-nigerian-institutions.html

SSS has issued seven (7) days notice to Da'ar Communications Plc (aka AIT) and Channels Television, and other media platforms, demanding apology and retraction of reports purporting that their operatives invaded the Lagos Assembly on Monday.
The Service gave the media organizations to run apologies in their respective news channels five times a day for three days running, or face legal action.


Read more: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/news/dss-demands-retraction-of-publication-and-apology.html

Kanye West set to divorce wife, Bianca Censori.

https://www.nairaland.com/8342379/kanye-west-bianca-censori-part

Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly called Tuface, has confirmed his new controversial relationship with the Deputy Majority Leader of Edo state House of Assembly, Natasha Osawaru. Natasha is the granddaughter of billionaire Gabriel Igbinedion.

On Monday, the singer’s unexpectedly appeared at the Edo state House of Assembly have generated controversy on social media amid his ongoing divorce saga from wife, Annie.

“She has nothing to do with what’s happening between me and Annie. But I see everybody trying to allegedly want to rope her into everything.


Read more: https://vigil360.com.ng/entertainment/lifestyle/i-want-to-marry-her-2baba-breaks-silence-on-relationship-with-edo-lawmaker.html

Jidechukwu Iwuanyanwu, eldest son to Late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the immediate former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a recent post, attributed his father’s passing to complications following a visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the DSS facility. In his claim, Jidechukwu posited that his father Iwuanyanwu, who was 82 years old, was made to walk for about 20 minutes during his visit to Kanu. It is therefore very important to approach this claim with caution and objectivity.

Chief Iwuanyanwu is a well-respected elder across the globe from the eastern part of Nigeria; the 82-year-old statesman must have been blessed with good health but not without some challenges that ordinarily come with age.

Read more: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/editorial/nnamdi-kanu-iwuanyanwu-sons-claim-about-dads-death-not-entirely-true.html

The Federal Government through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has penned February 17, 2025, as deadline for civil servants to validate their identity verification on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The move by the government is to identify ghost workers, who can’t generate their Taxpayers Identification Number, TIN, alongside the IPPIS number and salary account number.

https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/news/feb-17-deadline-for-civil-servants-verification.html

The newly appointed members of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the Federal Character Commission (FCC), and the National Population Commission (NPC) were sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu on Monday.
The Special Adviser to the President Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this, added that eight former Directors in the Federal Civil Service were also sworn-in as Permanent Secretaries.

Read more: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/news/rmafc-fcc-commissioners-perm-sec-s-sworn-in.html

TouchNfollow:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/10-countries-that-have-no-army-navy-or-air-force/

You forgot to add Biafra Country.
The Nation has no Police, Airforce, No marine force, Just the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).