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 Crime › DSS Arrests 5, Including 2 Foreign Collaborators, Linked To Papiri School Kidnap by Leonardobiageli(op): 8:33pm On May 31 |
*Recovers Large Arms Cache—15 AK Rifles, 1434 Live Ammunition The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five persons, including two Nigeriens, suspected to be arms couriers to gunmen who, on November 21, 2025, attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, abducting nearly 300 students and staff. Recovered from the men were a large cache of arms, including 15 AK rifles and 1,434 rounds of live ammunition.https://dailytrust.com/dss-nabs-5-linked-to-papiri-school-kidnap/ 11 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › NEYGA To Atiku, Obi: Stop Politicising The Insecurity You Created by Leonardobiageli(op): 8:50pm On May 28 |
The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has chided Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, presidential candidates of the All Democratic Congress (ADC) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), for what they described as their "politicization" of Nigeria's security challenges. The group tasked both presidential candidates to learn from politicians in the United States and Israel who buried their political interests and supported their governments in the heat of the 9/11 and the October 7, 2023 attacks by Al-Qaeda and Hamas on US and Israeli soil. NEYGA spoke against comments by Atiku and Obi in the wake of recent attacks by gunmen on schools in Oyo and Borno States. resulting in the abduction of some pupils. While Obi accused the Tinubu government of lacking the capacity to protect schoolchildren, thereby converting them into what he called "Pawns in Ransom Economy," Atiku stated that the security challenges "make a mockery of the so-called Safe Schools initiative." Stated the ADC presidential candidate: "President Tinubu has no moral or political latitude to stay in Aso Villa a day longer if tens of hundreds of abducted citizens languish in captivity across the country," reminding that the primary responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of the governed. However, NEYGA said it was wrong, unethical, and unpatriotic for Atiku and Obi to seek to use the plight of innocent school pupils as a campaign tool, saying both politicians largely contributed to the current insecurity in Nigeria. NEYGA’s position was contained in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Musa. Said the group, "We are disappointed that men who have held high political offices and who are aspiring to preside over Nigeria would resort to using the plight of children, especially those in distress, to seek cheap political points." "Such unfortunate comments by Atiku and Obi only lend credence to the claim by President Tinubu that some persons out there want to use insecurity to scare him out of the 2027 presidential race," observed NEYGA. According to the group, "Had the government in which Atiku served as Vice President nipped Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf in the bud and tackled the menace of out-of-school children early enough, perhaps we wouldn't have found ourselves in this type of insecurity challenges." On Obi, NEYGA stated: The NDC presidential candidate served as a key adviser of a federal government that caressed terrorists. Sadly, the same Obi is today talking of "Pawns in Ransom Economy." He appears to have forgotten that it was the same government he served as adviser that taught terrorists that money could be made from kidnapping students and converting them to his "ransom economy." The group advised both politicians to learn how opposition politicians in other climes behave during periods of security challenges, stressing, "They rally support for the government in power." Said NEYGA: "Consider the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. At least 2,977 people lost their lives in a matter of hours. President George Bush, a Republican, was in power. At no time did the Democrats face him. "All Americans united against the terrorists, so much so that it took a Democrat, President Barack Obama, nearly 10 years after 9/11 to hunt down the mastermind, Osama Bin Laden," noted NEYGA. "In 1972, members of the terrorist group Black September killed 11 Israeli Olympic team members at the Munich games. Prime Minister Golda Meir was of the Labour Party. Members of other political parties didn't attack her. They rallied round her government to ensure that all members of Black September were eventually eliminated," further noted the group. Continued the group, "More recently on Israel, on October 7, 2023, Hamas led a massive, coordinated surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking about 240 persons hostage. No politician in Israel called for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They supported the government to fight Hamas, and the results are still being felt today. "In September 2013, gunmen from the Somali Islamist group Al-Shabab attacked the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi, killing 67 persons and taking hundreds hostage. No Kenyan politician called for the resignation of President Uhuru Kenyatta. They supported his government, and today, Kenya is safer for that," remarked the group. "We find it strange and amusing that Atiku Abubakar, under whose Vice Presidency Mohammed Yusuf, the founder of Boko Haram, flourished, will be talking of insecurity in Nigeria as if he and his boss didn't nurture this Frankenstein monster. "We advise our former VP and Obi, who was part and parcel of the administration that lacked the courage to fight insecurity and who taught terrorists that schoolchildren are ideal pawns, to be more circumspect when commenting on insecurity," the group cautioned. Obi: "Sad: School Children Now ‘Pawns in Ransom Economy': There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than an inability to protect its children. The recent attacks and kidnappings of students from two schools in Mussa Village, Askira/Uba LGA, Borno State (North-East) and Ahoro-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State (South-West) mark a grave crisis that threatens the future of the nation,” he wrote. Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, in a statement on Thursday by his media office, noted that no less than 42 schoolchildren were kidnapped on May 15 in terrorist raids in Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School in Mussa town, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. He said, “On the same day, over 40 students and teachers were also mass abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
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| Politics › Alleged Cyberbullying: Again, Sowore Fails To Enter Defence. by Leonardobiageli(op): 6:38pm On May 19 |
*Prosecution Counsel Accuses Sowore of delay tactics as Court Sets June 4 for Ruling on recusal petition.* Politician and online publisher Omoyele Sowore has failed to enter a defence in his ongoing trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja on cyberbullying-related offenses. Sowore is being prosecuted for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as "a criminal" in a post he made on his X and Facebook accounts. When the case last came up on May 8, Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling, dismissed Sowore's no-case submission and upheld the argument by the prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), that a prima facie case has been established against Sowore to warrant his being called upon to enter a defence. Recall that before adjournment, the courts dismissed Sowore's fundamental rights suit and awarded a N1.5M fine to DSS and others. Justice Umar then ordered the defendant to enter his defence against the case already made out against him by the prosecution. Shortly after the ruling, Sowore and his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, applied orally that the judge should withdraw from further handling the case on grounds of alleged bias. Following the objection raised by Kehinde that such applications are usually made formal to enable the adverse party to respond appropriately, Justice Umar ordered the defence to file a formal application on their request for the judge to recuse himself to enable the prosecution to respond and for the court to make a ruling. When the case came up on Tuesday, Abubakar told the court that his client had filed letters and applications to the court's Chief Judge, demanding a reassignment of the case to another judge. He said the applications, one filed personally by Sowore and the other by him (the lawyer), are accompanied by affidavits and exhibits containing reasons why they are asking that the case be reassigned to another judge. Responding, Kehinde said he was served on May 19 with the two letters filed by the defence on the same date (May 19). Kehinde argued that what the defence has done is contrary to what the court ordered them to do on the last date, which was to file a formal application to the court on their request for the judge's recusal. He said, "All the processes that they have filed are of no moment. This was not the directive of the court. We are opposed to all they have done." The prosecuting lawyer urged the court not to allow the defence to detect that pace of the proceedings in the case. He noted that the case has gotten to the stage where the defendant should enter his defence if he has one, and if he does not have one, he should tell the court so that the prosecution can make the appropriate application. In his reply, Abubakar argued that the defence has done the appropriate thing and urged the court not to allow itself to be railroaded into taking steps that are alien to the administration of justice. The defence lawyer urged the court to adjourn further proceedings in the case to await the decision of the court's CJ on the letters they wrote. Ruling, Justice Umar ordered the prosecution to file its response to the defence's letters dated May 19, which are addressed to the Chief Judge and which have also been served on the prosecuting lawyer. The judge adjourned further hearing till June 4 pending the outcome of the petition written by the defence to the court's CJ.
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| Politics › Alleged National Security Breach: Court Grants Bail To El-rufai With Stringent C by Leonardobiageli(op): 2:07pm On May 18 |
Orders Accelerated Trial The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the sum of one hundred million naira with one surety in like sum. Justice Abdulmalik, while delivering the ruling, imposed a series of stringent conditions the defendant must meet before perfecting the bail. The court held that the proposed surety must reside in either the Maitama or Asokoro district of Abuja and must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of his landed property at the court registry. The surety is also required to be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and must provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months, authenticated by a letter from the manager of the bank within the jurisdiction of the court. The court further ordered the surety to depose an affidavit of means, enter into a bail bond, and submit a recent passport photograph to the court registry. As part of the bail conditions, El-Rufai is to deposit all valid international passports with the court. The court also directed that a verification letter from the surety’s immediate department be submitted, alongside a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months. Justice Abdulmalik further ordered the defendant to report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register pending the determination of the case. The judge warned that failure to comply would lead to an automatic revocation of the bail. The court additionally directed the defendant to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council. Beyond the bail ruling, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the trial proceed on an accelerated basis, signaling the court's intention to ensure the matter is heard and determined without unnecessary delay. Source: punchng.com
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| Politics › Justice Crack Denies Sowore's Lawyer, M. Abubakar As Clash Ensues In Court by Leonardobiageli(op): 12:34am On May 15 |
Justice Crack Denies Sowore’s Lawyer, Marshall Abubakar As Clash Ensue In Court Over Representation The bail application filed by Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, on Thursday suffered a setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja after two lawyers, Femi Balogun and Marshall Abubakar, clashed over who would represent him. Recall that Sowore had sent his self-appointed lawyer to stand in for Justice Crack, a development that threw mild drama at the court.https://independent.ng/justice-crack-denies-sowores-lawyer-marshall-abubakar-as-clash-ensue-in-court-over-representation/ 1 Like
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| Politics › Alleged Coup Trial: Cleric Says He Warned That The Plot Would Fail, Admits He Re by Leonardobiageli(op): 4:42pm On May 11 |
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, viewed a video-recorded statement by Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, the sixth defendant in the ongoing trial of persons accused of conspiring to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. In the recording, the Sheikh, who admitted receiving money to pray for the success of the operation, however, claimed that he warned the alleged plotters that their plan was doomed and that they would be sabotaged from within. The video recording was played during the continuation of trial proceedings, with the fourth prosecution witness (PW4) still in the witness box. In the recording, Abdulkadir, an Islamic cleric, said he had known the alleged ringleader, Colonel Maaji, for less than a year and was approached through an intermediary identified as Sanda to offer spiritual support for the plot. He told investigators that Sanda informed him that his "Oga" intended to stage a coup and needed prayers regarding its likely success. After conducting the prayers, Abdulkadir said he advised them the operation would fail and that two persons would eventually expose those involved. A subsequent request was relayed back to him, he said, asking for further prayers to prevent those two individuals from speaking out. Money was later transferred to him for prayers and charity, and names of alleged participants were forwarded for inclusion. Abdulkadir said he first learned of the arrests through media reports after Sanda had informed him that Colonel Maaji had been unreachable for four days. He maintained throughout the recording that the funds he received were strictly for prayers and not in support of any coup attempt. He also acknowledged understanding that a coup meant a military overthrow of government but said he did not report the plot because he did not know who to report to. The cleric said his arrest came after he visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to resolve restrictions placed on his bank account. Upon contacting an EFCC deputy director, he was invited to the commission's office to explain the source of the funds. He denied making any coup-related statement while in EFCC custody and stated that he was neither assaulted nor tortured and that all his statements were made voluntarily. Following the playback, the prosecution sought to tender extrajudicial statements made by all six defendants before a special investigation panel and military police authorities. However, defence lawyers of all six defendants objected, arguing the statements were either involuntarily obtained or made in violation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Their objections include failure to inform defendants of their right to legal representation; alleged discrepancies between video recordings and corresponding written statements; allegations of coercion, inducement, and torture; and claims that the footage did not adequately establish the physical condition of defendants during recording. Counsel to the fifth defendant further argued that, given the number of accused persons, the court should conduct separate trial-within-trial proceedings for each disputed statement rather than a combined exercise. Responding, the prosecution urged the court to dismiss the objections, maintaining that the law does not mandate separate proceedings for each defendant and that the trial judge holds discretion over how evidence is received. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled in favor of a single joint trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness and admissibility of all the disputed statements. The case was then adjourned to May 12.
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| Politics › Zagazola Dismantles Masara Kim’s False “jihadist Burial Attack” Narrative In Pla by Leonardobiageli(op): 10:16am On May 10 |
By: Zagazola Makama The latest international media appearance by Plateau-based activist, Masara Kim Usman, has once again exposed how misinformation, emotional propaganda and outright fabrication are being weaponised to inflame Plateau’s communal crisis and falsely portray it as an “Islamic jihadist war” against Christians. In his now-circulating interview, Masara claimed that armed Fulani jihadists attacked a burial ground during funeral rites in Barkin Ladi while mourners were burying victims of earlier attacks. According to him, gunmen opened fire from surrounding hills, forcing locals to abandon proper burial rites and hurriedly dump corpses into shallow graves before fleeing for their lives. He further claimed he personally witnessed someone being shot during the attack and that armed terrorists carrying sophisticated weapons and sniper rifles attempted to massacre mourners. But there is one major problem with the entire dramatic story: absolutely nobody was killed or injured during the so-called burial attack. Not one casualty, no one corpse, not one hospital record, not one medical or security report from multiple security agencies and not one single verified victim, except him. The obvious question therefore remains if hundreds of armed “Fulani jihadists” attacked a crowded burial ceremony with sophisticated rifles and sniper weapons as claimed by Mr Masara, how did nobody die? How did nobody sustain injury? How does a “mass attack” end without a single casualty? The answer is simple, because the narrative was fabricated and staged to create panic, attract sympathy and push a false genocide narrative to international audiences. Even Masara’s own videos exposed the inconsistencies. The same man claiming he was running for his life under heavy gunfire somehow managed to hold his camera perfectly steady, maintain smooth commentary with british accent, control his breathing, avoid visible distress, remain spotless without sweat or dust, and narrate events calmly like a movie correspondent. At different times, he claimed he ran two kilometres. Later, the distance mysteriously became five kilometres. Yet throughout the footage, there was no sign of exhaustion, panic or trauma expected from someone supposedly escaping sniper fire and a coordinated terrorist assault. Even more damaging to the propaganda effort was what appeared in the background of the footage itself. While Masara shouted dramatically about “Fulani attackers,” some women visible in the same environment were calmly walking without panic, without taking cover and without any indication that an active attack was taking place nearby. In the same background some youths were asked to run while the documentary was being shot. In fact, the only armed individuals clearly visible in portions of the footage were local Berom militia carrying weapons and firing toward nearby hills. Security and community sources confirmed that before the burial commenced, armed Berom youths had already gathered around the area, allegedly mobilising for a reprisal attack on a nearby Fulani settlement following earlier killings of seven persons. Troops of Operation Enduring Peace deployed to the area reportedly intervened to stop the retaliatory mobilisation. According to findings, while tensions were high during the burial, sporadic gunshots were fired by the same local armed youths toward nearby hills, triggering confusion and panic which Masara and others immediately transformed into a staged “Fulani terrorist attack on mourners.” Masara also falsely claimed that while the burial was ongoing, “someone was shot” some distance away from him. Again, this claim collapsed immediately because there was no recorded casualty, no injured victim, no evacuation and no corpse connected to the supposed shooting. Not even community leaders could identify the alleged victim he claimed to have seen fall after gunshots. In his interview Masara claimed that local vigilante at the Burial responded with dane gunz but the Fulani had superior weapons than them. This further confirmed that the shooting was actually from within. The story simply never happened. Masara also attempted to frame Plateau’s crisis as part of a broader “Islamic jihad against Christianity” allegedly aimed at establishing an Islamic caliphate and destroying Western civilisation. According to him, Fulani attackers were fighting Christianity because “the West brought Christianity” and therefore wanted to eliminate Christians and Western influence. This claim is not only false but dangerously irresponsible. The reality is that Plateau State is NOT under invasion by Boko Haram, ISWAP or any international jihadist organisation. No terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility for attacks in Plateau. No ISIS flags have appeared in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu or Bassa. No evidence exists showing any coordinated jihadist structure operating in the state. What Plateau is experiencing is a long-running communal conflict driven by reprisals, cattle rustling, farm destruction, land disputes, livestock poisoning and cycles of revenge killings between armed groups from different ethnic communities. The killings are real.But they are happening on BOTH sides. Fulani communities have suffered attacks. Berom communities have suffered attacks. Livestock have been rustled and poisoned. Farms have been destroyed. Villages on both sides have buried victims. Even as this report is being compiled today 9th May 2026, fresh incidents involving attacks on livestock were again recorded in Bassa, where criminal youths reportedly shot and killed four cows, while in the night of 8th May 2026, attack was reported in Riyom where some people were killed in a cycle of reprisals that repeatedly triggers counter-attacks. Masara conveniently ignored these incidents because acknowledging them would destroy the false “one-sided jihad” or Christian Genocide narrative being sold internationally. He also falsely alleged that a Muslim soldier attached to Operation Enduring Peace aided attackers and was later arrested after refusing to engage the assailants. This allegation was another blatant fabrication. Checks revealed that the soldier in question, a naval rating, was away on an administrative assignment approved by his unit commander — who incidentally is also a Christian officer. He was neither armed nor deployed at the attacked location during the incident. But because the soldier was Muslim, propagandists immediately framed his absence as “evidence” that he collaborated with Fulani attackers. This reckless weaponisation of religion is exactly what continues to poison Plateau’s fragile environment. Every incident is instantly branded “Islamic terrorism.” Every criminal becomes “Fulani jihadist.” Every reprisal attack becomes “Christian persecution.” Meanwhile, the actual realities of criminality, communal reprisals and illegal arms proliferation are ignored. The same activists defending armed youths and illegal militias are often the loudest voices accusing security agencies of bias whenever arrests are made. Only recently, troops uncovered illegal arms fabrication factories in Plateau and arrested suspects manufacturing AK-47 rifles and ammunition components. Instead of condemning the criminal arms operation, some individuals openly defended the suspects and justified illegal weapon production as “community self-defence.” This dangerous normalisation of militancy or terrorism is precisely why Plateau remains trapped in endless violence. No society survives when civilians begin manufacturing assault rifles while activists celebrate them online. It is also important to note that several attacks highlighted by Masara conveniently omitted the reprisal context surrounding many incidents. Zagazola repeatedly maintain that many retaliatory attacks follow earlier incidents involving cattle rustling, poisoning of livestock, attacks on herders or destruction of farms. According to security source familiar with operations in Plateau: These attacks always have history behind them. Something usually happens before reprisals occur. We have repeatedly warned communities against poisoning cows, attacking herders and carrying out retaliatory raids. But propaganda often overshadows the real causes.” The source added that illegal arms in the hands of youths across affected communities remain one of the biggest threats to peace. The truth remains that Plateau’s crisis cannot be solved through emotional manipulation, fake genocide narratives, staged videos or international propaganda tours. The violence in Plateau is tragic and real. But turning a complex communal conflict into fictional “Islamic conquest” propaganda only deepens mistrust, fuels retaliation and prolongs the bloodshed. Peace will only come through accountability, disarmament, justice and honest engagement on ALL sides not through staged narratives designed to deceive the world and inflame tensions further. Source: Zagazola.org 2 Likes
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| Politics › Court Delivers Judgment In N5.5b Defamation Suit By Two DSS Officers Against SER by Leonardobiageli(op): 7:32am On May 05 |
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will on Tuesday deliver judgment in a N5.5 billion defamation suit filed by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Incorporated Trustees of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The group had on September 9, 2024, alleged that DSS operatives "unlawfully invaded" its Abuja office under the guise of wanting to see their directors. SERAP, in social media posts, claimed that not only did the operatives invade and unlawfully occupy its Abuja office, but also they harassed staff members. A post on SERAP’s X (Twitter) handle read: “Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. "President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians," the group added. On the heels of SERAP's allegations, the DSS issued a statement clarifying that the visit by its two officers, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, was routine and aimed at familiarizing themselves with the organisation's new leadership. SERAP, however, stood its ground, insisting that the DSS operatives invaded its Abuja office and assaulted staff members. After weeks of several attempts by the DSS to make SERAP state what the secret police called "facts of the visit," the DSS officers, who said they were humiliated by the allegations and subjected to disciplinary action, filed a N5.5 billion defamation suit against SERAP. The two operatives asserted that no invasion occurred and that the SERAP report greatly damaged their reputation. However, on November 26, 2025, SERAP issued another statement, insisting that DSS officers indeed illegally invaded its Abuja office. "We stand by our statements of defence and statements on oath filed in court by our lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, and the correct reporting of what actually happened in court on Monday, November 24, 2025, that the DSS unlawfully invaded our Abuja office," stressed SERAP, in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. Throughout court proceedings, witnesses affirmed that no physical assault occurred. SERAP's Oluwadare was to later tell the court that the reports of the invasion were based on information he got from one Vivian Amadi, his front-desk officer. The two DSS officers, in the suit, accused SERAP of making false claims that they invaded their Abuja office. While adopting the final written address of the claimants on February 19, 2026, their lawyer, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, urged the court to grant all the relief sought by his clients. He urged the court to discountenance SERAP's address and further argued that the claimants had substantially proved their case, having established that the officers were the people referred to in the alleged defamatory publication made by the defendants. Kehinde argued that, as against the argument by the defendants, every person in the society must know the claimants before they can succeed in a defamation claim. He added that it was sufficient that the claimants’ colleagues are aware of the alleged defamatory publication and understood that it referred to the claimants (the DSS officers). Justice Halilu Yusuf thereafter announced in the open court that he had reserved judgment and that the date would be communicated to the parties. Listed with SERAP as a defendant in the suit, marked CV/4547/2024, is its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. Today's judgment would be historic, as this would be the first time in Nigeria that security agents would be suing for defamation in their private capacity. Source: premiumtimesng.com
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| Politics › Silent Precision, Potent Results: SSS’ Strategic War Against Insecurity In Niger by Leonardobiageli(op): 10:09am On Apr 28 |
By Louis Achi Somewhere in Nigeria today, a market is open because an arms shipment was intercepted last week. A village is quieter because a bandit kingpin is in a courtroom. A child went to school this Monday morning in the South-East for the first time in years without fear. These things happened not by accident but because of decisions made, intelligence gathered, and operations executed by an agency that most Nigerians rarely think about until they have a reason to. The State Security Services (SSS) does not hold press conferences to celebrate its wins. It does not trend on social media when a terror cell is dismantled or when a truck carrying 164,000 rounds of live ammunition is stopped before it reaches its destination. Its operatives do not take bows when a fugitive for 13 long years is finally brought to justice. Or when a financier who bankrolled massacres from the comfort of a UAE business finds his accounts frozen. That is the nature of the work. Security, at its most effective, is invisible, a wall you only notice when it has a crack. But invisibility comes at a cost. When Nigerians do not seem to see the results, they cannot evaluate it fairly. And when the only stories that surface are the controversies, the detentions, the political cases, the headlines that fuel suspicion, the full picture is lost. This piece is an attempt to restore that picture. Because over the past 18 months, the SSS has been executing a strategy that is quietly, systematically, and eventually making Nigeria safer. The evidence is there for anyone willing to see. At the core of the SSS’ strategy is a clear logic: remove the commanders, and you collapse the hierarchy. Nowhere has this been more dramatically demonstrated than in the North, where a series of high-profile arrests have decapitated some of Nigeria’s most dangerous terror networks. In August 2025, operatives captured Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-proclaimed Emir of Ansaru and one of Nigeria’s most wanted terror figures alongside Mahmud al-Nigeri, who served as his chief of staff. About the same time, SSS operatives arrested Abubakar Abba, leader of the Mahmuda group, a Boko Haram faction responsible for terrorizing communities across Kwara and Kogi states and displacing thousands of residents. The Embassy of the United States described these operations as a major step in the fight against terrorism. Usman has since been sentenced to 15 years for just one of the many offenses, with prosecution continuing on other counts. Three months later, Ansaru commander Abdulazeez Obadaki was recaptured after a 13-year manhunt, closing the book on a man accused of masterminding the 2012 massacre of worshippers at Deeper Life Bible Church, near Okene, Kogi State. The secret police has also demonstrated creative, intelligence-led pursuits. In May 2025, two kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent attacks across the Sokoto-Zamfara axis were tracked and arrested at Abuja and Sokoto Hajj camps during pre-departure screening of pilgrims. In Kaduna State, joint SSS-Army operations across a single quarter recorded 34 successes, arrested 54 suspects, recovered weapons ranging from RPGs to heavy machine guns, and rescued 79 kidnapped victims. In the FCT, a joint operation in September 2025 neutralised bandit leader Abdullahi Umar, known as “Duna” whose gang had kidnapped a senior civil servant with a ₦150 million ransom demand. In Osun State, a 90-day undercover surveillance operation dismantled an ISWAP cell mid-training in the manufacture of explosives. Two of the most painful massacres in recent Nigerian history; the Yelwata killings in Benue State and in Angwa Rukuba, Plateau State, tested the government’s promise to bring perpetrators of mass violence to face justice. In both cases, the SSS helped the government pass that test. On 13 June, 2025, gunmen descended on Yelwata community in Guma LGA of Benue State, killing no less than 150 people and injuring 107 others in attacks that drew worldwide condemnation. President Bola Tinubu paid a personal condolence visit to Benue State where he tasked security agencies to fish out the perpetrators. The SSS moved with required urgency. Within 11 days, the Inspector-General of Police announced the arrest of 26 suspects. By August 2025, the SSS had filed six separate terrorism charges against nine suspects before the Federal High Court, Abuja. Two other suspects were charged for alleged reprisal attacks. The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, is ongoing, with courts actively hearing evidence and eight government witnesses lined up to testify. The Angwa Rukuba case followed a similar pattern of Presidential commitment backed by SSS action. On 29 March, being Palm Sunday, gunmen killed more than 30 people, including children, in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. This triggered national and international outrage. President Tinubu visited Jos and personally assured residents that those behind the killings would be brought to book. On the heels of the President’s directive, the suspects were arrested between 3 April and 10 April, 2026. The Plateau State Government subsequently filed charges of criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition against five suspects arrested by the SSS. Courts have already ordered their remand in SSS custody as proceedings began. The aforementioned twin cases carry a significance beyond the individual prosecutions. They demonstrate that when the President speaks, the SSS listens and moves. It means that communities that have suffered devastating losses, beyond consolation with mere words, are seeing their attackers face the law. For a country long accustomed to impunity around mass killings, this is a huge milestone in the Criminal Justice System. On 5 June, 2022, gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, killing over 50 church worshippers and injuring many more. As I pen this, the SSS is prosecuting Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, in the Federal High Court, Abuja, for their alleged links to the attack. For nearly four years, the sixth suspect, Sani Yusuf, eluded arrest, becoming one of the most wanted fugitives in Nigeria. In February, however, the SSS arrested him in Iguosa community, along Powerline in Ovia North LGA of Edo State. Also before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the SSS is diligently prosecuting Khalid Al Barnawi and four others suspected to have carried out the 26 August, 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja. Over 20 persons from different countries died in the attack with over 70 others injured. Al-Barnawi is believed to be a founding member of Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid Da’wah Wa’l-Jihad, the Boko Haram Islamist terror group. Charged alongside Al-Barnawi are Mohammed Bashir Saleh; Umar Mohammed Bello, a.k.a Datti; Mohammed Salisu and Yakubu Nuhu, a.k.a Bello Maishayi. What is more, to underscore the seriousness of the Service in the terrorism trial, the SSS, through its counsel, Alex Iziyon (SAN) moved a application for accelerated as the Service expressed its readiness for a timely conclusion of the trial. To be sure, armed groups do not sustain themselves on ideology alone, they need weapons, ammunition, and supply networks. The DSS has been systematically targeting those pipelines, and recent arrests reveal how sophisticated those networks are. In January, a notorious arms smuggler Abubakar Umar (Dangada) was intercepted in Zamfara with a large cache of weapons from Niger Republic. In May 2026, a joint operation on the Asaba-Onitsha expressway intercepted a truck carrying over 164,000 live cartridges allegedly bound for IPOB/ESN networks. These hauls, spanning motor parks, border routes, and highways, reveal a SSS that is reaching into every layer of the supply chain. In April 2026, operatives apprehended 25-year-old Nafisa Usman at a motor park in Kano while she was allegedly transporting 200 rounds of ammunition from Lafia in Nasarawa State to Kankara in Katsina, a known bandit corridor. Security sources disclosed that she had facilitated deals worth over ₦5 million, using Unguwa Uku motor park as a transit hub for consignments headed for Kankara forest. She was intercepted before the delivery could reach its destination. In a parallel case that went all the way to court, Halima Haliru Umar pleaded guilty before a Federal High Court in Abuja to illegally possessing 302 rounds of live ammunition she had couriered to a bandit leader. A Chief Magistrate Court in Taraba subsequently sentenced three other arms traffickers arrested by the SSS to 10 years in prison without the option of fine. Few cases in recent Nigerian history have generated as much controversy as the prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). He was convicted of terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Several prominent Igbo leaders have been suing for a political solution. It is worth noting that, since Kanu’s conviction, there has been a marked improvement in security in the Southeast states. The Monday sit-at-home orders violently enforced since 2021, shutting markets, schools, banks, and petrol stations every Monday, came to a permanent end in February. The directive came from Kanu himself, behind his prison walls in Sokoto. Research by SBM Intelligence, Nigeria’s leading geopolitical research consultancy, calculated losses of over ₦7.6 trillion from those weekly closures between 2021 and early 2025. This wealth needlessly drained from one of Nigeria’s historically most commercially-active region. Today, markets in Onitsha, Aba, Nnewi and other commercial major towns in the South-East are open every day of the week. Schools now run on Mondays. The Nigerian Army has officially credited the detention of both Kanu and Finland-convicted IPOB figure Simon Ekpa with bringing measurable security improvements, stating that criminal activities and operational capabilities of ESN-linked groups have significantly decreased. A region that lost over ₦7 trillion in economic activity to enforced shutdowns is now on the path to a slow but steady economic recovery. Dismantling terror networks requires more than just arresting the foot soldiers. It requires cutting off the financial oxygen that keeps them alive. In April 2026, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) published an updated list of 48 individuals and 12 corporate entities designated as terrorism financiers. He followed up with an immediate directive to freeze all associated accounts and assets. The list spans the full breadth of Nigeria’s security challenge: ISWAP, Boko Haram, Ansaru, and IPOB-affiliated figures. The methods of financing revealed are striking, cryptocurrency and online fraud, ransom handling from the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack, property purchases across multiple states, and fund transfers routed through businesses in the UAE. One suspect recorded account inflows of ₦61.4 billion before transferring tens of millions to convicted terrorists. Designating and freezing these networks attacks the problem at its root, cutting off the money before it ever reaches the field. Piece by piece, the picture emerging from Nigeria’s security landscape over the past months is one of a country beginning to seriously sanction all those who choose violence. Terror kingpins once considered untouchables are now in courtrooms. Arms supply chains that once fed banditry with impunity are being intercepted. Financiers who bankrolled massacres from the shadows are having their accounts frozen. Communities that watched their loved ones buried without justice are now watching suspects face the law. If this strategic momentum is sustained and deepened, and the SSS continues to build on its intelligence capacity, accelerate prosecutions, and tighten coordination with the military and sister security agencies, the judiciary, and international partners, the trajectory points toward something Nigerians have long desired, but hardly been served. Nigeria spent decades managing insecurity. However, the current strategy of the SSS suggests that defeating insecurity is possible. That there is a future worth building on. Results of the past months under Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi point to one thing: collectively, we can make Nigeria safe again! Louis Achi, a former associate editor at ThisDay and LEADERSHIP on Sunday, is a public issues analyst. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/875144-silent-precision-potent-results-sss-strategic-war-against-insecurity-in-nigeria-by-louis-achi.html
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| Crime › Angwa-rukuba Killings: Plateau Government Files Charges Against Five Suspects by Leonardobiageli(op): 7:59am On Apr 22 |
Few weeks after President Bola Tinubu visited Plateau State and promised justice for victims of serial attacks, the State Government on Friday filed charges against five suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the March 2026 killings of several persons in Angwa- Rukuba, Jos North LGA of the state.Source: https://guardian.ng/news/fg-files-charges-against-alleged-coup-plotters-investigated-by-army-dss/ 7 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Benisheikh Attack: Situating Security Agencies' Intel Response by Leonardobiageli(op): 12:24pm On Apr 13 |
By Louis Achi At the risk of sounding jaded, intelligence, intel, typically refers to secret, security, or strategic data gathered about an enemy or a situation. It often implies actionable knowledge used for decision-making in security, business, or competitive contexts. This topic is the focus of this analysis. In the aftermath of the recent attack by terrorists on the Nigerian Army Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State governor Prof. Babagana Zulum made a startling but sad revelation that the Nigerian Army received intelligence two days before the attack. According to the governor, the intelligence included movement and routes used by the terrorists, and that insurgents were headed towards the military barracks. The governor expressed regret that the Army failed to act. While Governor Zulum didn't disclose which of the security agencies supplied the intelligence to the Army, it isn't difficult to hazard a guess if what Zulum's colleague in Kebbi State, Alhaji Nasir Idris, said last November is anything to go by. In mid-November 2025, gunmen attacked Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The gunmen abducted at least 25 female students of the school. Shortly after the attack, Governor Idris visited the school. During the visit he expressed frustration over the failure to act on credible intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS), which revealed a clandestine plot to attack the school. Lamented the governor, "This is clear sabotage. We received credible intelligence from the DSS that this school was likely to be attacked. The DSS further advised that we convene an emergency Security Council meeting, which we did. The decision was that we would provide round-the-clock protection for the students." He stated that he took the DSS report seriously, bearing in mind that the failure to act on similar intelligence led to the December 2020 kidnapping of over 300 pupils of a school in Kankara, Katsina State. On November 21, 2025, gunmen attacked St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri Community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting over 300 students and teachers. After a month-long captivity, all kidnapped persons were confirmed free on December 21, 2025. The abduction and rescue of the Papiri victims wasn't without controversy, especially after it was confirmed that the school authorities defied an intelligence report by the DSS that all boarding schools shut down in the face of the possibility that they could be attacked by terrorists. A month earlier, the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, lauded the DSS for what he called their timely and accurate intelligence reports. The governor spoke on the heels of a leaked DSS intelligence report that the state and neighbouring Ondo were likely to come under attack. Governor Ododo's Commissioner of Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, who conveyed the gratitude of the state to the secret police, said Kogi State has always relied on credible intelligence of the Service. "The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities. We commend the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed,” stated the Commissioner. On its part, Ondo state didn't scoff at a leaked security memo by the DSS, which was addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in Akure. The secret police, in the leaked memo , said it "confirmed plans by members of the ISWAP terrorist group to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon." Further, stated the report: “Some identified target locations within Ondo State include, Eriti Akoko, Oyin Akoko communities in Akoko North West LGA and Owo town in Owo LGA respectively. "It was further gathered that the groups have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations." On the heels of the same leaked memo on planned attacks by ISWAP elements, the Ondo State Government called for calm among residents of the state. While describing the memo as "routine intelligence regularly shared among security agencies and government in the state," the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed that it is used to assess security threats and take proactive measures. Earlier in May 13, 2025 - exactly one month before the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, a leaked DSS intelligence report revealed that the secret police warned of “coordinated attacks on Tiv settlements” by “suspected armed Fulani mercenaries” across Nasarawa and Benue states. The document, which later surfaced on social media, detailed planned assaults on multiple communities including Yelwata where many Christian farmers would die in a horrific night of violence. In the leaked memo to the Defence Headquarters, DSS said it got intelligence that the planned attack was to avenge an alleged seizure of some cows by the state government. The communication identified the communities marked for attack as Mararaba, Jangargari, Wurgi, Gidan Antonny, Akon, Usende, Gaar, Vandikya, Chiata, Dooga, Gidan Baban Yara, Apelle, Pantaki, Kaambe and the Stadium area. Back to the Benisheikh attack. Governor Zulum's revelation raises fresh concerns about how early warnings are processed and acted upon within the current counter-insurgency framework under Operation Hadin Kai and other security outfits across the country. While the exact sequence of operational decisions remains unclear, analysts opine those advance warnings of the nature given by the DSS in Katsina, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Ondo, and very recently, in Borno, are typically intended to support precautionary deployments, surveillance, or other preventive measures. Granted, it is not always possible to determine with exactitude what actions were taken or were not. However, the unfortunate events that followed leaves much to be desired. Security observers say the situation reflects a broader, recurring concern in Nigeria’s security landscape, where early warning signals do not always appear to translate into outcomes that prevent catastrophic consequences. However, they are quick to caution that operational constraints, competing priorities, and the complexity of counter-insurgency environments can affect how intelligence is interpreted and acted upon. The experts opine that Nigeria has made notable progress in intelligence gathering over the years. They, however, argue that there is pressing need for government to enhance capabilities of security agencies to act on the intelligence. For instance, what is the capacity of our over stretched military, to keep protecting areas they long liberated? They deserve pity, as they cannot be everywhere. Our attention should rather be shifted to the police whose primary duty is the protection of life and property. Sadly, our police do not have basic capacity to protect communities liberated by the military. The result is that our military are compelled by the need to tackle fresh insecurity challenges, so abandon already liberated communities. From reports all over the country, it is clear that the problem in our hands is no longer that of the dearth of intelligence. In fact, we can say that there is abundance of intelligence - from the systematic one by the DSS, the local communities, and even foreign nationals and governments. Suggestions often advanced include more government support, enhancing community-based intelligence networks, improving inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring clearer frameworks for evaluating and acting on information relating to threats. Needless stressing the police should be properly equipped to be alive to its primary duty of protecting lives and property. They also stress the importance of accountability systems that review how intelligence is handled, while recognising the need to balance transparency with operational security. As security agencies continue to confront evolving insurgent tactics, the Benisheikh situation highlights the ongoing challenge of translating early warnings into effective preventive action. Beyond funding challenges, there is the pressing need to take intelligence reports with more seriousness. After all, there's nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution. We may have made costly mistakes. We can't, however, continue to afford to continue to wallow in such mistakes. It is not too late to begin to exhaustively review our security strategies, especially our handling of intelligence. Our security agencies should turn a new leaf. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine! Achi, a public issues analyst, former Associate Editor, THISDAY; LEADERSHIP on SUNDAY. Source: Thenaijanews.ng
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| Politics › Early Warning, Late Response: Fresh Questions Over Security Response To Borno’s by Leonardobiageli(op): 8:17am On Apr 11 |
Emerging reports from local sources suggest that Nigerian authorities received advance intelligence regarding a potential insurgent movement towards Benisheikh in Borno State, prompting fresh concerns about how early warnings are processed and acted upon within the current counter-insurgency framework under Operation Hadin Kai. According to local and security sources, suspected insurgents were sighted around 7 April in the Karnakasari area of the Borgozo axis. The information indicated the possible movement of armed groups believed to be affiliated with Boko Haram/ISWAP, reportedly travelling in groups of motorcycles and accompanied by gun trucks. The assessment suggested that such movements could pose risks to both security installations and civilian communities along the Benisheikh corridor in Kaga Local Government Area. These accounts indicate that the development was communicated as a potential threat ahead of the reported attack in the early hours of 9 April. While the exact sequence of operational decisions remains unclear, analysts note that advance warnings of this nature are typically intended to support precautionary deployments, surveillance, or other preventive measures, although it is not always possible to determine publicly what actions were taken or why certain responses may not have been visible. Security observers say the situation reflects a broader, recurring concern in Nigeria’s security landscape, where early warning signals do not always appear to translate into outcomes that prevent attacks or threats. However, they caution that operational constraints, competing priorities, and the complexity of counter-insurgency environments can affect how intelligence is interpreted and acted upon. Following a separate security incident in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris highlighted the importance of strengthening local intelligence and improving rapid response mechanisms, noting that enhanced coordination would be critical in reducing vulnerabilities. In Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum described the killing of Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah as “avoidable and sad,” stating that credible, actionable intelligence had been provided ahead of the attack. Speaking during an appearance on ARISE TV News, he called for a review of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that in some instances intelligence had been available days in advance of attacks. Experts maintain that Nigeria has made notable progress in intelligence gathering over the years, but argue that continued efforts are needed to strengthen coordination, communication, and responsiveness across security agencies. Suggestions often put forward include enhancing community-based intelligence networks, improving inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring clearer frameworks for evaluating and acting on threat information. They also stress the importance of accountability systems that review how intelligence is handled, while recognising the need to balance transparency with operational security. As security agencies continue to confront evolving insurgent tactics, the Benisheikh situation highlights the ongoing challenge of translating early warning into effective preventive action. Observers say sustained reforms aimed at improving response mechanisms may help reduce risks to both civilian populations and security personnel in vulnerable areas. Source: Vanguardngr.com
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| Crime › Several Bandits Killed As Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks On Nige by Leonardobiageli(op): 6:37am On Apr 08 |
Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and local volunteer forces on Tuesday successfully foiled what locals said would have been a large-scale attack by bandits on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Credible security sources disclosed that the move by the operatives followed advance intelligence on the planned attack. According to the sources, as bandits in their numbers made to storm the Bagna and Erene communities, the security operatives and volunteers ambushed them, killing scores of the attackers. Over 300 bandits armed with dangerous weapons and on motorcycles are headed to the communities. Unfortunately for them, security operatives and local vigilantes, who had credible intelligence on their movements, ambushed them. Scores were killed while many others fled toward the Makuba and Allawa axis," disclosed the source. Residents of the communities expressed gratitude to the security operatives and volunteer forces, noting that their gallantry saved them from what would have been a major disaster. "We are very happy. We thank the joint security forces for protecting us," one of the residents stated. "We are witnessing an increase in collaboration between security agencies and local volunteer forces. This has led to a bridging of security gaps and made the first line of defence against insecurity very effective," offered the source, stressing, "Their actions have helped strengthen security in several communities across the country." Source: https://thenaijanews.ng/2026/04/08/several-bandits-killed-as-army-dss-local-volunteer-forces-foil-attacks-on-niger-communities-2/
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| Crime › Court Sentences Three To 10-Year Jail Term For Arms Trafficking by Leonardobiageli(op): 10:23pm On Mar 11 |
*Another Female Arms Courier Pleads Guilty to Charges* The Chief Magistrate Court Grade 1 sitting in Jalingo, capital of Taraba State, has convicted three persons arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), for arms trafficking. They were sentenced to 10 years in prison without the option of fine.Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2026/03/court-sentences-three-arrested-by-dss-to-10yrs-in-prison-for-arms-trafficking/amp/ 3 Likes 1 Share
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| Crime › Alleged Terrorism Financing: Court Overrules Ex-agf Malami, Son's Lawyers, Asks by Leonardobiageli(op): 4:46pm On Mar 04 |
Alleged Terrorism Financing: Court Overrules Ex-AGF Malami, Son's Lawyers, Asks Prosecution to Begin Trial March 10 The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday overruled a motion by counsel to a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami. Praying the court to strike out the case of alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms brought against the duo by the Department of State Services (DSS). The court, instead, okayed the prosecution to begin the trial of the nation's former chief law officer and his son, on March 10. DSS had on February 27 arraigned Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, before the court for the alleged offences, in the course of which the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted the former AGF and his son bail and adjourned the matter to Wednesday March 4. When the matter came up on Wednesday, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that his office recently took over the case from the DSS, and needed some time to familiarise itself with the facts of the matter. At that point, counsel for the Malamis, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, prayed the court to strike out the matter because the prosecution was ready for diligent prosecution. Responding the DPPF said that the request to strike out the case by counsel to the defendants was premature and urged the judge to ignore it. After taking arguments, Justice Abdulmalik fixed March 10 for the DPP to begin the trial. The Court had on February 27 admitted Malami and his son, Abdulaziz each to N200m bail with two sureties each of whom must own landed property either in highbrow Maitama or Asokoro districts. Justice Abdulmalik had said that the title of the property must be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court along with valid international passports. The sureties were also ordered to depose to an affidavit of means and submit their two recent passport photographs to the court. Besides, Malami and his son were also ordered to submit their international passports and recent passport photographs to the court. The Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned Malami and his son, Abdulaziz on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and illegal firearms possession. In the charge, marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Malami is also accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, whose case files were handed to him while he served as the AGF and Minister of Justice. Malami and Abdulaziz are, equally accused of warehousing firearms in their residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State without lawful authority. The DSS accused Malami in count one of the charge, with knowingly abetting terrorism financing, while the ex-AGF and his son are charged in counts two to five, with unlawful, possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5'20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Firearms Act, 2004. Counts in the charge read: *That you, Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, Adult, male, sometime in November, 2022 at Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did knowingly abet terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were brought to your office as the Attorney-General of the Federation, for prosecution, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 (2) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. *Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II, Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your res:dence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in a conduct in preparation to commit act of terrorism by having in your possession and without licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5°20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5'20 Cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 202. *That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, withouta licence, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 ofthe Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act. *That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5'20 live rounds of cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act. COUNT FIVE That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession twenty-seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5'20 cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act. Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/alleged-terrorism-financing-court-to-open-ex-agf-malami-sons-trial-march-10/amp/
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| Politics › Walida: NSCIA Confident That DSS DG Will Be Fair, Says Scribe by Leonardobiageli(op): 4:34pm On Feb 25 |
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the apex Muslim authority in Nigeria, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, to be just and fair in investigating an allegation that a DSS operative abducted a minor from Jigawa State, forcefully converted her to Christianity in Abuja, and thereafter impregnated her. The NSCIA said Ajayi's antecedents cemented his reputation as a thoroughbred professional who has zero tolerance for religious bigotry, stressing that Ajayi's penchant for fairness had never been in doubt. NSCIA's position was conveyed in an interview with its Secretary General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Wednesday in Abuja. "The antecedents of the DSS Director-General are clear for all to see, and do not portray him as a religious bigot. He is a thoroughbred professional who can be trusted to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the matter," he stated. "In fact, from our investigations, and from the testimonies of those who have worked with the DSS DG, it is clear that the man operates purely on the basis of professionalism. We even hear that his closest sides are Muslims, so fears that he won't be just and fair in the investigations are clearly unfounded" stated the scribe. The NSCIA scribe further stated that the Council was also mindful of the sensitivity of the matter, in view of how the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) conducted what he called an unfair trial of a Muslim man from Kano, who, in 2015, was accused of abducting a minor girl from Bayelsa State. “We do not want to be seen as behaving like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). In 2015, they instigated what many considered an unfair trial of a Muslim Kano man, Yunusa Dahiru, accused of abducting a Christian girl from Bayelsa State, Ese Oruru. "Without proper verification, CAN jumped into the matter resulting in the jailing of the Kano man. Till date, the man continues to insist that he iis innocent of the accusations," said the NSCIA scribe. He promised that the Council was working with the DSS to resolve the matter and urged restraint on the part of those who might be tempted to exploit the matter to inflame religious passions. The controversy revolves around Walida Abdulhadi, a young Muslim woman from Jigawa State, who has been romantically involved with a young DSS officer, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi. The relationship has led to Walida birthing a baby girl. That aside, Walida's relatives have accused Ifeanyi of forcefully converting her into Christianity, and changing her name to Chinasa. The controversy deepened after Weekend Trust published an exclusive interview with Walida. In the interview, Walida, who claimed she is 22, absolved Ifeanyi of any culpability in her ordeal. She claimed that a certain woman had lured her away from her hometown, Hadejia, in Jigawa State, and brought her to Abuja, and she abandoned her to the elements. It was in the bid to escape from the hardship her abductor subjected her to, said Walida in the interview, that she met Ifeanyi, who assisted her. In the course of time, she stated, the relationship blossomed leading to her getting pregnant and birthing a child for Ifeanyi.
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| Politics › How DSS' Probe Of El'rufai, Sons' Alleged Involvement In Dadiyata's Kidnap Led T by Leonardobiageli(op): 11:48am On Feb 16 |
How the DSS's probe of El'Rufai, Sons' Alleged Involvement in Dadiyata's Kidnap Led to Passport Seizure The Department of State Services (DSS) has reopened the "cold case" of the 2019 disappearance, in Kaduna, of a renowned government critic, Abubakar Idris, better known as Dadiyata, and several other cases of missing persons linked to a former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El'Rufai. A top security source who made the disclosure, also revealed that last Thursday's seizure of the former governor's passport by DSS officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was to stop him from fleeing to Egypt after briefly visiting Nigeria. "El'Rufai is fully aware that the DSS is investigating him for Dadiyata's kidnapping. So, he planned to visit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, and then, visit the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday. Thereafter, he'll fly back to Cairo. Seizing his passport has shattered his plans," the source offered. According to the security source, the reopening of Dadiyata's kidnap case followed months of intense investigation. The leads, he said, suggested that El'Rufai, who was Kaduna State governor at the time of Dadiyata's disappearance, masterminded the kidnap. A lecturer in the Department of English and Linguistics at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, Dadiyata was on August 1, 2019, declared missing by his wife after some gunmen abducted him in his Kaduna home. His whereabouts remain unknown. However, speaking on ARISE Television last Friday, El'Rufai, who was governor between 2015 and 2023, disclosed that he was privy to a confession allegedly made by a certain remorseful policeman that he was part of a team sent from Kano to abduct Dadiyata. "Three years after he was abducted, a policeman who was posted from Kano to Ekiti State confessed to someone that they were sent from Kano to abduct Dadiyaa ta and that the officer was worried about that. That is all I know,” El-Rufai stated. Reminded by the television anchor that Dadiyata was believed to be his cri El'Rufai responded that he wasn't "aware of the existence" of the missing Dadiyata. If anything, he stressed, the missing lecturer was known to be a follower of the Kwankwasiyya movement, and, therefore, a political opponent of the then Kano State governor, Dr Abdullahi G duje. "It was Ganduje that was his (Dadiyata's) problem. I didn’t even know him...If anybody is to be asked about the disappearance, it is the Kano state government; it has nothing to do with the Kaduna state government. We didn’t even know he existed," stated El'Rufai. The source stated that El-Rufai's allegation that a certain police officer made such a damning confession, and that he kept mum over such vital information, was beyond belief. "We are talking of Dadiyata who was kidnapped in Kaduna in 2019. Assuming without conceiving that such an alleged confession was brought to El'Rufai's knowledge 'three years later,' as he claimed, in 2023, when he either was still governor or had just left office. "Don't forget that Dadiyata's kidnap drew tremendous international attention, with international human rights organisations like Amnesty International raising dust over the matter. Discreet investigations revealed that El'Rufai had been using ex-Governor Ganduje and the phantom police officer as alibi. It was good he repeated same on live television," offered the source. "It would be interesting to know what a man wa ho had been a Hon. Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and governor of the state where the crime was known to have been committed, did with such key information," stated the officer, adding, "even if he left office, another question is if he passed the information to his successor to any law enforcement agency?" He added, "El'Rufai is fully aware that the DSS is investigating him and his two sons for Dadiyata's kidnap. That was why he rushed to ARISE news channel to cook up stories about Ganduje and the confessions of a ghost police officer, all he in a bid to divert attention. He is aware of the security implication of seizing his passport. He knows he can't officially leave the country, which is very bad for him. Several laws place a responsibility on citizens to assist with crime reporting and prevention. Section 123 of the Criminal Code Act prohibits the willful destruction or concealment of evidence, while the Criminal Code Act and the Penal Code, applicable to Kaduna State, deals with covering up treason, destroying evidence, or aiding suspects." The source said the secret police would also be interested in how El-Rufai's sons contradicted his position that Dadiyata never posed a threat to his government, and that he didn't know of his (Dadiyata's) existence until he was reported missing. "Former governor El'Rufai claimed that, until Dadiyata's disappearance, he didn't know that anybody with such name existed. However, social media posts by his sons, Bello and Bashir, suggest otherwise. Posts by his sons on "X" clearly showed that Dadiyata was a problem to their family," offered the officer, stressing, "that is why Bello and Bashir will be invited alongside their father to help in our investigations." Less than five months after Dadiyata went missing, Bashir, at about 10.16 pm on December 23, 2019, posted an interesting message on his "X" handle @BashirElrufai. He posted, "The same clowns who encouraged him when he was creating false stories and capitalizing on lies that could endanger lives solely for political ends, are the same people trending hashtags asking #WhereisDadiyata Doubling down on his on his younger brother's post, Bello, now a member of the House of Representatives, on March 11, 2020, at 11.58 am, using his verified handle @B_ELRUFAI, tweeted, "The things that we've done to protect the name are unsettling. But no regrets, though, the name 'll echo. Years later, none greater. Death to a coward and a traitor, that's just in my nature." On why the DSS waited this long to invite the El'Rufais, and if the invitation wouldn't be given political colouration, the source said the secret police had spent months working in concert with sister security agencies on the matter. "The DSS has been investigating El'Rufai's links to the Dadiyata case for some time. The secret police have been working with the EFCC and the ICPC for over a year. Don't forget that El'Rufai was governor for eight years. He served as FCT Minister, and faced very intense probe after his tenure as minister. "We are not concerned with whether the man (El'Rufai) has issues with the EFCC and the ICPC. Those are issues that may bother on corruption and abuse of office. Don't forget that in June 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly sent an SOS to the EFCC and ICPC to help the state recover over N423 billion allegedly stolen by El'Rufai. In this case, the DSS is concerned with those who were kidnapped allegedly on his orders," offered the source. "He became governor long after leaving office as minister, so knows how to cover his tracks well. You don't expect security agencies to blow the lid off an eight-year tenure in a few weeks. We are talking of a most wily and foxy man. If you bungle an investigation on El'Rufai, you'll have yourself to blame," he explained. An ICPC source, however, added that, several months after the Kaduna Assembly sent reports to the EFCC and ICPC, his office could not get some powerful fronts of the former governor who were indicted in the State Assembly report, show up for interviews in ICPC offices in Kaduna and Abuja The source listed the case of one Kaduna-based businessman, the chairman of TMDK group, Alhaji Ahmadu Sule. "After we at the ICPC discovered that several millions of United States Dollars belonging to the Kaduna State government were transferred into TMDK Group without justification, and invited the company's CEO, he failed to honour our invitation. We had to beg the DSS to help us arrest him. "Despite the heavy security around the TMDK chairman, Ahmadu Sule, the DSS deployed 24-hour surveillance around him, and their operatives able to arrest him as he made to flee Nigeria to join El'Rufai in Egypt. "Luckily for us, about two months ago, the DSS were able to help us track the TMDK boss down. El'Rufai, who had relocated to Egypt three months ago. In his interview on ARISE TV, alluded to the arrest of his business front, the TMDK chairman. What he didn't tell Nigerians was the volume of resources deployed to nab his front," he added. Another security source revealed that, after successfully arresting the TMDK chairman, the ICPC and EFCC began collaborating more with the DSS on the El'Rufai case. "While the DSS was discreetly investigating Dadiyata and other related kidnap cases linked to El'Rufai and his sons, the EFCC and ICPC extended separate invitations to the former governor in Cairo. Fortunately, after a series of back and forth with his lawyer, he agreed to return. That was our eureka moment. "Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, was right about the DSS being only interested in seizing El'Rufai's passport, not in arresting him. It doesn't make sense to arrest a man who is already in your domain. If the DSS could arrest El'Rufai's heavily guarded front, the TMDK chairman, arresting El'Rufai could never have posed a challenge," he stressed. The officer, however, added that, by trying to play on the sentiments of Nigthe erians, the former governor the expected to exploit what he called "reverse psychology" to gain sympathy. He drew a parallel between El'Rufai's drama and how the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, responded when DSS officers accosted him at the Kuje Correctional Centre. "In El-Rufai's case, without a gun to his head, he went on live TV to dramatise and say, 'I have information 'tion 'tion 'tion 'tion 'tion 'tion on what happened to Dadiyata.' It would be sheer irresponsibility and a betrayal of our mandate to let that slide," the source added. He stressed, "We didn't drug El'Rufai, nor did we bring him in chains, to go on air to claim knowledge of a crime. We work on facts and evidence before us, not on sentiments." Continued the officer, "There is what we call circumstantial evidence. When El'Rufai's sons made those posts, it wasn't enough to invite them, as they easily could have claimed, as many social media users do, that they were creating content. However, now that their father has come out clearly to say he has information that one of a police officer confessed that somebody in Kano hired him to kidnap Dadiyata, we can begin to work on the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle." He added, "That El'Rufai moved from 'I didn't know Dadiyata' to 'he was a known critic of the Kano State government, so they must be responsible for what happened to him,' leaves little doubt that he was trying to shift blame, a common feature crime investigators always look out for." Meanwhile, notable Nigerians and many others on social media, have heightened the call on security agencies to investigate the El'Rufais for Dadiyata''s disappearance. Among those calling for the arrest of the El'Rufais are the immediate past governor of Kano State, whom El'Rufai fingered, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Omoyele Sowore, Ambassador -designate, Reno Omokri. Also, prominent human rights activists like Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and Deji Adeyanju, as well as a former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, have called for his prosection for the kidnap of Dadiyata. While Ganduje described El'Rufai's comment as “reckless, unfounded and a clear attempt to shift responsibility for an incident that occurred entirely within Kaduna State," Omokri insisted that El'Rufai be held accountable. "Dadiyata was El-Rufa’i’s critic. And attached is the proof. Not just that. When he was abducted, Nasir’s son, Bashir, celebrated. If Nasir can threaten foreign election observers with death, is it Dadiyata that he can’t make disappear?" Omokri quizzed. On his part, Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the Senate, on his "X" handle, maintained that it was common knowledge that Dadiyata was an outspoken critic of El'Rufai. He added that the refusal of the state government under El'Rufai to officially comment on Dadiyata's disappearance, or visit the family, smacked of complicity. "Dadiyata was an outspoken critic of Kaduna State Government and Governor and NOT of Kano State or Ganduje. He is from Kaduna and lives in Kaduna with his family. Everyone in Kaduna knows the critical views of that young man. "Since his abduction, there was never an official statement by the Kaduna State Government and no official visit to his family. Everyone in Kaduna was afraid to talk about Dadiyata, including the Police and the state house of Assembly. The family of Dadiyata are still around for anyone who wants to hear the truth directly from them.” 1 Like
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| Politics › CAIDOV Urges DSS To Arrest El-rufai Over Alleged Admission Of Tapping Nsa’s Call by Leonardobiageli(op): 8:55am On Feb 14 |
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently investigate and arrest former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as a confession to tapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA). In a statement issued on Saturday by the Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, the group said the alleged action by El-Rufai raises serious national security concerns and must not be treated lightly by security agencies. CAIDOV insisted that security operatives should “move swiftly to trap him even if Nigeria will divide,” stressing that no individual is above the law regardless of political status or influence. According to the group, El-Rufai has “succeeded in putting himself into trouble” and should be made to face the consequences of his alleged actions. It accused the former governor of displaying what it called an “alarming level of arrogance,” warning that personal disagreements with top security officials should not lead to actions that could undermine national security. The group further claimed that the alleged development has “exposed whatever may have been planned underneath,” urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the matter. As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai had not publicly responded to the allegations, while the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on CAIDOV’s demand. The call adds to growing political tensions surrounding recent exchanges involving key political actors and security institutions.
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| Crime › DSS Arrests, Arraigns Suspects Over 2023 Murder Of Four Military Personnel by Leonardobiageli(op): 1:32pm On Feb 09 |
Three years after the brutal murder of four soldiers in Ashaka Aboh, Ndokwa East LGA, Delta State, the Department of State Services (DSS), has arrested two suspects, linked to the killings. The suspects, Ufuoma Sunday James and Lawrence Umuakpero Oboguayivwgue, were also implicated in the beheading of Chief Okwudili Obi (aka Odumodu), the self-proclaimed traditional ruler of Asemoku Community, amid a 2023 communal crisis. It would be recalled that, in February 2023, military personnel deployed on a peace mission during a communal crisis between Kwale and Asemoku communities in Ndokwa East LGA were ambushed by hoodlums allegedly led by James, resulting in the death of the soldiers and theft of their weapons. Credible security sources revealed that in January 2026, DSS operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the suspects, who have reportedly confessed to the crimes and admitted involvement in gun-running and other violent incidents. "DSS operatives have been investigating the case for over a year now and in January this year, they received accurate intelligence which led to the arrest of the suspects," offered the source. 'The suspects have confessed to the crimes and also admitted to other offences including gun running, kidnapping and other violent incidents. They have been arraigned before a state high court in Kwale where the judge ordered that they be remanded in a correctional centre pending trial," added the source. "This arrest signals a major breakthrough in the Department of State Services' (DSS) ongoing investigations into cold cases, demonstrating the agency's commitment to pursuing justice despite the passage of time," stated another source. "It also underscores the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence efforts in resurfacing long-dormant leads and reassures communities that no violent crime, particularly those targeting security personnel will go unpunished," he declared. Source: https://www.tvcnews.tv/dss-arrests-arraigns-suspects-over-2023-murder-of-military-personnel/
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| Politics › Why We Charged Sowore Over False Claim Against Tinubu - DSS by Leonardobiageli(op): 6:52pm On Jan 27 |
* Court warns defendant's counsel against delay tactics The Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that its decision to file charges against online publisher and politician Omoyele Sowore was due to the security implications of his social media post, in which he called President Bola Tinubu a criminal. The DSS is prosecuting Sowore before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly making a false claim against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in a post he made on his "X" and Facebook accounts. An official of the DSS, Cyril Nosike explained the rationale behind Sowore's prosecution while being cross-examined on Tuesday by the defendant's lawyer, Marshall Abubakar. During the cross- examination, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, drew the attention of the court to what he described as frivolous and dilatory tactics deployed by Sowore's lawyer. Responding, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, cautioned Abubakar and assured the prosecution that the court would not entertain any move to delay the trial. Abubakar, who played a video in court showing President Tinubu promising to protect the rights of all Nigerians, including those abusing him and calling him names, asked the witness to explain why the DSS decided to file the charge against his client despite the President's promise. In response, the witness said his organisation filed the charge because of the security implications of the post made by Sowore. The witness said the video of President Tinubu, posted by Sowore on his social media platforms, was made in Brazil when the President went there on a state visit. Nosike said he was not in Brazil with the President and did not personally record the video, which was also played in court again on Tuesday at Abubakar's request. The witness said he downloaded the video when it was posted by the defendant, adding that he neither knew when the video was uploaded nor when it was made. The witness also said he neither knew who recorded the video nor where the video was made in Brazil. Nosike said he did not interview the President regarding this video and that he did not take any statement from the President to confirm if he was the person in the video. The witness also said he did not take a statement from the President on the effect or otherwise of the video on him and that he did not know whether or not the President is aware of the post made by Sowore. He said he did not have before the court any defamation complaint from the President. The DSS officer, who said the President is the victim of the alleged post made by Sowore, said he is not aware that the DSS put Sowore on trial in 2019 for calling for a revolution in the country. The witness also said that is not aware that the 2019 trial of the defendant is on the website of the DSS and are equally unaware that the defendant's phone has been with the DSS since 2019. He said he did not know anything about a judgment of the court asking the DSS to release Sowore's three phones to him. At that point, Abubakar tendered a certified true copy (CTC) order made on February 19, 2024, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which the defence lawyer claimed directed the DSS to release his client's phones. The judge admitted the document into evidence. Abubakar also tendered a flash drive containing some videos, including one where President Tinubu, dressed in Igbo traditional attire, promised to protect the rights of all, and another one showing now Ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, vowing not to accept any appointment under President Tinubu and calling him a drug lord during the last electioneering campaign. The video clips were later played in open court at Abubakar's request. The witness said he did not know whether or not his agency carries out checks and screening of government appointees like judges, ministers and ambassadors. Nosike said he could not say why the DSS cleared Omokri, who called the President a drug lord, for ambassadorial appointment. Further hearing in the case resumes on February 4. Source: https://www.dailydispatchnewspaper.com/why-we-charged-sowore-over-false-claim-against-tinubu-dss/
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| Crime › Facts, Not Fabrications: Nigeria’s Security Challenge In Context by Leonardobiageli(op): 10:40am On Jan 04 |
Nigeria is a sovereign, plural federation with a constitutional and international obligation to preserve territorial integrity, protect citizens, and maintain public order. Any discussion of insecurity must begin with this non-negotiable responsibility of the state. Reducing complex security challenges to propaganda designed to delegitimize the Nigerian state is dishonest and destructive. THE STATE’S DUTY AND THE REALITY OF NATIONAL SECURITY Under Nigeria’s Constitution and international law, the government is duty-bound to respond to: Armed attacks on security formations Targeted killings and assassinations Arson, sabotage, and destruction of public infrastructure Coercive shutdowns of civic and economic life Nigeria has, for over a decade, confronted multiple, simultaneous security threats nationwide, including Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism in the Northeast Banditry and mass kidnappings in the Northwest and North-Central Militancy, oil theft, and criminal insurgency in the Niger Delta Violent separatist-linked attacks and criminal opportunism in the Southeast The claim that the Southeast is uniquely targeted is demonstrably false. Every region has experienced robust security deployments, civilian casualties, and fallen security personnel. No part of Nigeria has been exempt from the national security burden. NIGERIA AND ACCOUNTABILITY: THE RECORD SPEAKS Assertions that Nigeria “fears truth” are contradicted by history and fact. The Nigerian state has repeatedly subjected itself to scrutiny, reform, and judicial review, including: The Oputa Panel, which examined decades of human rights abuses, including those under military rule Judicial Panels of Inquiry were established following EndSARS, conducting public hearings, gathering sworn testimony, and providing compensation to victims. Court-martials, dismissals, and prosecutions of security personnel where misconduct was established Continuous engagement with UN Special Rapporteurs, ECOWAS Court rulings, and African Union mechanisms A state that fears accountability does not investigate itself, compensate victims, or prosecute its officers. Security operations are not a state policy of violence. It is misleading and irresponsible to label all security operations as “state violence.” Every nation confronting internal threats, whether the United Kingdom during the Northern Ireland conflict, Spain against ETA, or the United States after 9/11, has faced controversies, errors, and tragic outcomes alongside legitimate enforcement actions. Where excesses occurred in Nigeria, they reflect: Institutional weaknesses in earlier eras Lapses in command and control The challenges of asymmetric warfare, where armed actors deliberately hide among civilians They do not constitute evidence of a state policy to target civilians. Nigeria’s modern security doctrine increasingly prioritizes civilian protection, intelligence-led operations, and inter-agency coordination, clear evidence of institutional learning and reform. THE SOUTHEAST: FACTS CANNOT BE IGNORED Insecurity in the Southeast is not a one-sided story. Documented realities include: Repeated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities Assassinations of traditional rulers, elected officials, and security officers Violent enforcement of illegal “sit-at-home” orders Criminal gangs are exploiting political agitation for extortion and power. The government's stance is unambiguous: violent non-state actors have weaponized political rhetoric, regardless of its framing. No responsible government can abandon its duty to act in the face of such threats. ON “TERRORISM” DESIGNATION Terrorism is a legal classification, not an ethnic or regional label. It is determined by methods, violence, intimidation, and coercion, not by ideology or identity. Nigeria applies this standard uniformly across regions, whether dealing with jihadist groups, armed bandits, militias, or violent separatist actors. The Southeast is not singled out, and no group is exempt from the law. SOVEREIGNTY AND INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE Nigeria cooperates fully with international partners. However, it is normal and acceptable for a sovereign state to insist that: Internal security matters follow constitutional processes. Foreign judges do not override Nigerian courts. External engagement complements—rather than supplants—national institutions. No serious democracy relinquishes its internal justice mechanisms wholesale to foreign-led tribunals without exhausting domestic remedies. DIALOGUE REQUIRES THE REJECTION OF VIOLENCE Nigeria consistently affirms that dialogue, democratic participation, and constitutional reform are the best ways to address legitimate grievances. From the post-Civil War reconciliation policy to the Niger Delta amnesty program, history shows that dialogue succeeds only when violence is renounced, not justified or denied. CONCLUSION: FACTS OVER PROPAGANDA Nigeria's security agencies have flaws, but they do not persecute ethnic groups. They are institutions operating under extreme pressure, confronting some of the most complex security threats in the world, while losing personnel every day in defense of the nation. The path forward is clear: Strengthened oversight and accountability Judicial review and compensation where violations are proven Zero tolerance for criminal violence masquerading as activism Commitment to national unity under the Constitution History will judge all actors. It will distinguish between a state striving under strain to protect its people and narratives that replace complexity with absolutes for political ends. The Nigerian state will not abdicate its responsibility. It will uphold the law. And it will protect all citizens without exception.
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| Crime › Just In...dss N5.5b Defamation Suit: SERAP Witness Admits To 'no Invasion By Ope by Leonardobiageli(op): 3:58pm On Nov 24, 2025 |
A witness of the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare on Monday admitted at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that he used some harsh words like "unlawful, invasion, intimidation and harassment" which wrongly depicted an invasion that did not happen in some publications, made against the Department of the State Service (DSS). The witness, who also admitted that SERAP has both local and international fund donors, admitted using the words in the publications based on information supplied to him by one Vivian Amadi, a front Desk officer and receptionist with the organisation. Oluwadare admitted using the words while being cross-examined by Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde in a N5.5 billion defamation suit instituted against SERAP by two rah operatives John and Gabriel Ogundele. The witness stated that the publications were based on the presence of two DSS officers at the SERAP office on September 9, 2024. He said that he was not in the office when Vivian Amadi called him to inform him of the presence of the DSS officers in the compound of his organisation. Oluwadare, who was taken through two exhibits, publications made by him against DSS, read out the first paragraph of one of the publications where the alleged harsh words were used based on information supplied to him. In the publication posted on the SERAP website, he raised an alarm that DSS had invaded the SERAP office unlawfully, intimidating and harassing its staff and called on President Bola Tinubu to call DSS officers to order. He, however, disagreed that the words used in the publications are serious allegations against the two claimants. The witness also admitted that he did not consult DSS because causing the publications on the website of SERAP. He admitted that throughout the presence of the two DSS officers in the SERAP office, no property of the organisation was seized or damaged and that no staff was physically assaulted by the security agents. Answering a question, the SERAP witness said that the DSS officers did not break down any door to gain entrance into the organisation's office. He also said that the security agents did not brandize any weapon but that the first claimant (Sarah John) was making calls asking other officers not to come inside the SERAP office but to take their position. He said that he had the CCTV footage of the DSS officers' entrance into the organisation's office. The witness had earlier adopted his witness statement made on oath during his evidence in chief, where he was led by lawyer Oluwatosin Adesioye. Meanwhile, Justice Halilu Yusuf has fixed February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final addresses by parties in the suit. In the suit, marked: CV/4547/2024, filed in the names of two officials of DSS - Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele - the claimants accused the defendants of making a false claim that John and Ogundele invaded SERAP's Abuja office. The claimant stated, among others, that the alleged false claim by SERAP has negatively impacted its reputation and that of the two officials involved. They also stated, in their statement of claim, that, in line with its practice of engaging with officials of non-governmental organisations operating in the FCT to establish a relationship with their new leadership, it directed the two officials - John and Ogunleye - to visit SERAP's office and invite its new leadership for a familiarisation meeting. The claimants added that in carrying out the directive, John and Ogunleye paid a friendly visit to SERAP's office at 18 Bamako Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja on September 9 and met with one Ruth, who upon being informed about the purpose of the visit, claimed that none of SERAP's management staff was in the country and advised that a formal letter of invitation be written by the DSS. John and Ogundele, who claimed that their interactions with Ruth were recorded, said that before they immediately exited SERAP's office, Ruth promised to inform her organisation's management about the visit and volunteered a phone number - 08160537202. They said it was surprising that, shortly after their visit, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle: @SERAPNigeria, that officers of the DSS are presently unlawfully occupying its office. The claimant added that "on the same day, the defendants also published a statement on SERAP's website, which was widely reported by several media outfits, falsely alleging that some officers from the DSS, described as "a fall, large, dark-skinned woman" and "a slim, dark skinned man," invaded their Abuja office and interrogated the staff of the first defendant (SERAP). John and Ogundele stated that "due to the false statements published by the defendants, the DSS has been ridiculed and criticised by international agencies such as Amnesty International and prominent members of the Nigerian society, such as Femi Falana (SAN). "Due to the false statements published by the defendants, members of the public and the international community formed the opinion that the Federal Government is using the DSS to harass the defendants." They added that the defendants’ statements caused harm to the claimants’ reputation because the staff and management of the DSS have formed the opinion that the claimants did not follow orders and carried out an unsanctioned operation, and are therefore incompetent and unprofessional. The claimants are therefore praying the court for the following reliefs: *An order directing the defendants to tender an apology to the claimants via the first defendant's (SERAP's) website, X (twitter) handle, two national daily newspapers (Punch and Vanguard) and two national news television stations (Arise Television and Channels Television) for falsely accusing the claimants of unlawfully invading the first defendant's office and interrogating the first defendant's staff. *An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N5billion as damages for the libellous statements published about the claimants. *Interest on the sum of N5b at the rate of 10 per cent per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is realised or liquidated. *AN order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N50million as costs of this action. Source: https://royalnews.com.ng/dss-n5-5b-defamation-suit-serap-witness-admits-to-no-invasion-by-operatives-court-adjourns-to-feb-19-for-final-address/
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| Politics › The Rascality Of Omoyele Sowore’s Sahara Reporters Exposed Nigerian Brigadier by Leonardobiageli(op): 6:32am On Nov 19, 2025 |
The Rascality of The Omoyele Sowore’s Sahara Reporters exposed Nigerian Brigadier General to the Brutal Death By terrorists. The late Brigadier General M. Uba, until his death was the Gallant Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 25 Task Force Brigade In Damboa, Borno State. He gave out his location at war front via WhatsApp to a Military Command and the message was leaked to Sahara Reporters and it made its way on social media. The terrorists got hold of the information, tracked down the guy and brutally killed him. There are questions to ask: 1) Who within the military command leaked the WhatsApp message to the media? 2) Why did Sahara Reporters release such sensitive message to the public? The act of carelessness, sabotage, and outright irresponsible journalism has cost the nation a Brigadier General. That is a huge loss to the fight against insecurity ravaging the nation. The military command that got the WhatsApp message from the killed Brigadier General must be investigated and the moles in the military that have been working for the terrorists and frustrating the military efforts must be fished out and court marshaled. We have had too many cases of sabotge in the military. The FG should charge Sahara Reporters to court for aiding the terrorists. The media should be responsible and sensitive to the kind of information released to the public. FG must come hard on Sahara Reporters for the role the company played in the killing of the fallen soldier. Sahara Reporters must take full responsibility for the acidic sloppy journalism they drove on that broke disaster in the nation. The menace of the social media must be swiftly addressed. The FG should regulate the social media and it has to be done ASAP. Let those that will bark bark, heaven won’t fall. The rise of the social media is doing more harm than good to our sociopolitical platform. Nigeria’s nationhood structure is being weakened daily on the account of the absolute boundlessness of the social media. If the venom of the social media is not curtailed, it will soon become a monster that will devour the nation. 2 Likes
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| Politics › DSS Recaptures Ansaru Terrorist And Mastermind Of Church Mass Shooting by Leonardobiageli(op): 11:29pm On Nov 14, 2025 |
The Department of State Services (DSS) has recaptured a top commander of the Ansari terrorist group, Abdulazeez Obadaki, believed to have masterminded the August 7, 2012 mass shooting of Christian worshippers at a Deeper Life Bible Church, near Okene, in Kogi State.. Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/breaking-dss-recaptures-suspected-mastermind-of-kogi-church-mass-shooting/ 10 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Bernard Doro Confirmed As A Nigeria Minister by Leonardobiageli(op): 3:04pm On Oct 30, 2025 |
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Bernard Doro as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during a screening session that lasted less than 30 minutes. Senators expressed confidence in his competence and leadership qualities. The Plateau-born technocrat, now the third minister from his state in the current administration, pledged to ensure fairness and transparency in the country’s humanitarian initiatives. “I intend to build an inclusive humanitarian ecosystem founded on impartiality and independence,” Doro told the lawmakers. Impressed by his background and vision, the Senate unanimously approved his nomination after asking him to “take a bow and go.” President Bola Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate, requesting Doro’s confirmation in accordance with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The letter was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who immediately referred it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration. Doro’s appointment follows the promotion of his predecessor, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who now serves as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Doro is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, and strategic leadership across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, he holds degrees in pharmacy and law, an MBA in IT-driven business strategy, and a master’s in advanced clinical practice. Onanuga described him as an independent prescriber and advanced clinical practitioner with NHS frontline experience spanning urgent care, walk-in centers, GP practices, and hospitals in the UK. Following his confirmation, Dr. Doro is expected to be sworn in as a member of the Federal Executive Council at the next FEC meeting. Source: https://vigil360.com.ng/browse-all-sections/breaking-news/bernard-doro-confirmed-as-a-minister-by-the-senate.html
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| Politics › DSS Arrests Man Who Used Own Social Media Handle To Canvass Military Coup by Leonardobiageli(op): 8:40am On Oct 29, 2025 |
The Department of State Services (DSS) has trailed to Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and arrested one Innocent Chukwuma who used his social media handle to rally the military to overthrow the current government.https://thesun.ng/dss-arrests-man-who-used-own-social-media-handle-to-canvass-military-coup/ 30 Likes 5 Shares
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| Politics › Kanu’s Legal Gambit Faces Tougher Ground Than He Thinks by Leonardobiageli(op): 3:39pm On Oct 23, 2025 |
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 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 centre, where oversight is lighter and access is broader. It’s a smart legal play, by framing his detention as hostile to 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 theatre. 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.
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| Politics › BREAKING! Nnamdi Kanu Dismisses Lawyers, Moves To Defend Self by Leonardobiageli(op): 9:19am On Oct 22, 2025 |
Hours After Failed Protests, Nnamdi Kanu Dismisses Lawyers and Agitators, Moves to Defend Himself Lists Wike, Umahi, Danjuma, Buratai, Uzodinma, and Others as Witnesses. In a dramatic twist following the poorly attended protests in parts of Abuja led by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has decided to take charge of his own defence. Kanu, who is standing trial for alleged treasonable offences, made this known on Tuesday, just days after filing a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue his trial. The objection came on the same day a medical panel appointed by the court declared him fit to face trial. However, in a fresh motion personally filed on October 21, Kanu informed the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, that he was ready to open his defence “in compliance with the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2025, directing the defendant to commence his defence on October 24, 2025.” The embattled IPOB leader revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups, the first being “ordinary but material witnesses,” and the second category described as “vital and compellable,” to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act (2011). The notice, personally signed by Kanu, hinted that he might have dismissed his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN). He requested a 90-day period to enable him conclude his defence, stating his intent to testify personally, deny the allegations against him, and explain the political context of his statements and actions. Among those Kanu listed as compellable witnesses are prominent figures including: Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Minister of Defence Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo) Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Dave Umahi, Minister of Works Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State Abubakar Malami (SAN), immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, former DG of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Yusuf Magaji Bichi, current DG of the DSS Kanu also mentioned there were other unnamed witnesses whose identities would be disclosed in due course. He assured the court that he would submit sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses and notify the prosecution promptly, adding that his goal was to ensure “justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.” Interestingly, Kanu’s latest move came the same day a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during the protest demanding his release. The police charged them with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful orders, inciting disturbance, and public nuisance, offences contrary to Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code. Those remanded include Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother Emmanuel Kanu, and others identified as Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu. After briefly standing down the matter, the magistrate ordered their remand at Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until October 24 for arraignment. 1 Like
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| Crime › Arewa Youths Urge Nigerians To Shun Sowore’s Protest For Nnamdi Kanu by Leonardobiageli(op): 3:46pm On Oct 17, 2025 |
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 destabilise the country. Briefing journalists in Abuja, FCT coordinator of the group, Ogah Okpanachi, said the organisation’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 organised 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 destabilise 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 revitalisation 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 defence 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.
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| Politics › MASSOB Disowns Pro-biafra Sit-at-home Call, Urges Voter Participation In Anambra by Leonardobiageli(op): 1:40pm On Oct 08, 2025 |
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has disassociated itself from the sit-at-home directive reportedly issued by certain pro-Biafra elements ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election. In a statement released on Wednesday by its leader, Uchenna Madu, the group condemned the order, describing those behind it as “disgruntled elements sponsored to create political instability and incite chaos in Igboland.” MASSOB maintained that the call was a deliberate attempt to undermine peace and democratic participation in the South-East region. Madu emphasized that the organization remains committed to non-violence and to advancing the political and economic interests of Ndigbo through lawful and constructive engagement rather than disruption. He stated that MASSOB has consistently opposed similar sit-at-home directives in the past, noting that such tactics neither advance the cause of Biafra nor contribute to the political emancipation of the Igbo people. According to him, these recurring calls for boycott during elections are deceptive strategies designed to manipulate public sentiment and destabilize the region. The MASSOB leader assured residents of Anambra State that the scheduled governorship election would proceed as planned and that citizens should not yield to fear or intimidation. He revealed that the group had already embarked on a grassroots sensitization campaign across local communities to encourage residents, including members of other pro-Biafra movements, to actively participate in the election. Madu noted that voter engagement remains crucial for asserting the political relevance of the South-East within the Nigerian federation. MASSOB further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain focused and not be distracted by divisive narratives. The group pledged its support for a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process, emphasizing that the people of Anambra deserve the freedom to choose their leaders without external interference or coercion. By rejecting the sit-at-home order, MASSOB sought to project a message of stability, civic responsibility, and strategic participation as the path toward genuine empowerment and representation for the Igbo nation.
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| Health › NMA Panel Assesses Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Following Court Order by Leonardobiageli(op): 12:09pm On Oct 06, 2025 |
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has completed the court-mandated medical examination of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This was confirmed by the NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Ben Egbo, during an interview on Sunday. The assessment followed a September 26 order by the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing the NMA to set up a panel of medical experts within eight days to evaluate Kanu’s health condition. In the ruling, Justice James Omotosho instructed that the NMA President submit the panel’s findings within the same timeframe to help the court determine whether Kanu should be moved to the **National Hospital, Abuja**, for treatment. Speaking on the development, Dr. Egbo said the association promptly complied with the court’s directive. “The Department of State Services (DSS) wrote to us immediately after the order, and we convened a committee of seven doctors, representing the seven geopolitical zones, along with a coordinator, making it eight in total,” he explained. According to him, the medical experts were drawn from various specialties—including Ophthalmology, Neurology, Urology, and Gastroenterology, to ensure a comprehensive assessment. “They visited him, conducted the necessary examinations, and submitted their findings to us. The report has since been forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation as directed by the court,” Egbo added. Justice Omotosho’s ruling came after an application from Kanu’s legal team seeking his transfer from DSS custody to the National Hospital over alleged deteriorating health. The judge also directed the NMA committee to inspect the DSS medical facility to determine whether it was adequately equipped to cater to Kanu’s medical needs. He further granted the committee permission to make use of any hospital in Nigeria necessary for their evaluation. Dr. Egbo noted that the NMA had fulfilled its role as ordered by the court and advised anyone seeking further information to contact the Ministry of Justice, which now holds the report. Meanwhile, Kanu’s international counsel, Bruce Fein, has written to the World Medical Association (WMA) on his behalf, alleging that Kanu’s health has worsened due to poor medical care in DSS detention. The petition, dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to WMA President, Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu, urged global medical authorities to intervene in what they described as a matter of serious health concern. 1 Like
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| Crime › Sowore And The Moles In The State Security Service by Leonardobiageli(op): 10:09pm On Sep 28, 2025 |
By Nwaogu chimereze As it was recorded in the bible, in every 12, there must be a Judas. The recent exposé by Sahara reporters online media platform owned by a social activist and gad fly; omoloye sowore,about the mode of promotion of eligible officers in the state security service SSS and the alleged death of eight 8 officers recorded among the secret service officers among other state secrets regarding the economy and government of the federal republic of Nigeria is worrisome. The moles and enemy controlled double agents amongst the rank and file of the sss, are simply in an unfortunate suicide mission. This evil role embarked upon by this group of misfits in the SSS and their collaborators will certainly be contained and the culprits fished out in no time and expelled to face the law and its consequences as laid out in official secret act of 1961 and applicable portions of the 1999 constitution as amended and other relevant laws and legislative pronouncements. The ugly situation of leakage of official secret is not peculiar to the SSS only, in the USA pentagon, in recent history, there was one Edward Snowdon a military personnel working in the pentagon who leaked quite a good number of official secrets and documents to the outside world which unfortunately harmed USA government and citizens interest... just like the case of sowore, the founder of Sahara reporters. Also in the same USA, there once existed another official secret leaks founder named Julian assange who was hunted and haunted until he was eventually prosecuted and jailed. The good thing about all these dangerous developments in the SSS today is that the service is very resilient to the extent that whenever there is a leak and wherever it is leaked there is always a remedy. Meantime the state security service has already filed a suit in the federal high court of justice, for the criminal prosecution of omoloye sowore and his collaborators no matter how connected or highly placed in the society they may be, for cyber crimes offences(leakage of official secrets) , and the general public is hereby urged to be patient and understand that the official secret act of 1961 is thoroughly encapsulated in the cyber crime act of 2022 as amended and the laws will apply. This clarification has become necessary so that the general public should know that omoloye sowore has become an enemy of the Nigeria state having committed series of criminal offences particularly the leakage of official secrets pertaining to the SSS which is punishable by 21 years in prison without the option of fine on conviction. The general public is hereby notified that the state security service SSS is not witch hunting any Nigerian irrespective of your tongue, tribe or religion , but working for the best interests of the government and people of the federal republic of Nigeria.
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