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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Two Customs Officers In Kebbi Gun Battle

    Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been killed during a gun duel with suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the incident on Wednesday while speaking at a conference in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Customs officers killed during counter-operation

    According to Adeniyi, the attack happened around 3am during a counter-offensive operation against the armed group.

    The slain officers were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Customs Bamigboye and Deputy Superintendent of Customs Dom.

    “This morning, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service paid the supreme sacrifice while warding off threats from Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi,” Adeniyi said.

    “Customs remains the last shield”

    The customs boss described the incident as painful, noting that Customs officers continue to play active frontline roles in border security operations alongside the military.

    “Apart from the military, the Nigeria Customs Service remains the last shield in several of these border communities,” he stated.

    Adeniyi disclosed that he had already arrived in Ilorin before receiving reports of the attack.

    He, however, assured that the deaths of the officers would not weaken the resolve of the service in confronting criminal groups operating around Nigeria’s borders.

    A minute silence was later observed during the conference in honour of the deceased officers.

    Adeniyi speaks on Artificial Intelligence and corruption

    Speaking on the conference theme, “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” Adeniyi said the deployment of AI-driven risk management tools by Customs had helped reduce corruption and improve operational efficiency.

    He stressed that Artificial Intelligence should not be viewed as a replacement for human intelligence and leadership.

    “Human intelligence is still required to guide Artificial Intelligence and prevent disruption within the economy,” he said.

    The Customs CG also challenged Nigerian researchers and technology experts to develop affordable local innovations capable of working effectively in areas with poor internet connectivity.

    Kwara governor reacts to officers’ deaths

    In his remarks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condoled with the Nigeria Customs Service over the deaths of the officers.

    Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saad Salahu, the governor described the slain officers as patriots who died serving the nation.

    He also called for stronger legal and ethical frameworks to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.

  • Wike Slams Nigerians Over Tax Compliance, Says Citizens Want Infrastructure Without Paying Tax

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Nigerians over what he described as a widespread reluctance to pay taxes despite demanding quality infrastructure from government.

    Wike made the remarks on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Nigerians don’t like to pay tax” — Wike

    The former Rivers State governor said many Nigerians often criticise tax-related enforcement but fail to meet their civic responsibilities.

    “I’m not trying to defend AMAC when it comes to the issue of tax, Nigerians don’t like to pay tax but they can call you all sorts of names when it has to do with taxes,” he said.

    Wike added that while tax collection must be done in a “civilised way,” compliance remains a major challenge.

    “But knowing what we experienced too about payment of taxes, it would be difficult for me to say that they are right,” he added.

    Call for balance between rights and responsibilities

    The minister maintained that citizens expect improved infrastructure but are often unwilling to contribute through taxation.

    “Nigerians want good infrastructure but don’t want to pay tax. They want everything free in this country,” Wike said.

    His comments come amid ongoing public debates over tax reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which have faced criticism due to rising economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy.

  • Alexx Ekubo’s Family Break Silence, Confirms Actor Died After Kidney Cancer Battle

    The family of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has officially announced his passing, confirming that the actor died after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

    The announcement, made on behalf of the family, puts to rest days of speculation and growing concern across social media platforms.

    Family confirms cause of death

    According to the statement, Alexx Ekubo died at Evercare Hospital following complications arising from metastatic kidney cancer.

    The family described his condition as a brief but courageous battle, noting that he fought the illness privately while maintaining strength and hope.

    “He bore his pain with strength,” family says

    In the statement, the family described the late actor as a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend.

    They said he endured his health struggles with “remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope,” adding that he believed his healing testimony would one day be shared publicly.

    Family requests privacy and prayers

    The statement also appealed for privacy during the mourning period, while requesting prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort for those he left behind.

    It added that details regarding funeral arrangements and other family matters would be communicated later.

  • Fubara Denies Dumping APC For NDC Amid Fresh Rivers Political Crisis

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied reports claiming he dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

    The governor spoke with journalists on Wednesday, insisting that he remains a member of the APC despite growing political tension in Rivers State.

    “Nothing has changed,” Fubara says

    Fubara dismissed social media reports suggesting he had defected from the ruling party.

    According to him, his loyalty to the APC remains intact.

    “I’m a member of the APC, and nothing has changed. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party,” he said.

    The clarification followed widespread reports on Tuesday alleging that the governor had moved to the NDC amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

    Fresh twist in Rivers APC crisis

    The controversy comes amid renewed tension between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

    The political dispute reportedly escalated after the APC House of Assembly Screening Committee disqualified all 32 aspirants allegedly backed by the governor ahead of the party primaries for the 2027 Assembly election.

    However, the committee cleared 29 serving lawmakers loyal to Wike, including lawmakers led by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, to participate in the primaries.

    Reports also indicated that the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, obtained the APC nomination form to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.

    Committee submits screening report

    According to reports, 98 aspirants appeared before the four-member screening panel set up by the APC National Working Committee.

    The exercise reportedly took place at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

    A copy of the committee’s report, signed by Muraina Ajibola, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, Abdullah Hajia Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, and Danjuma Samuel, stated that the process was conducted using a “transparent, orderly and participatory procedure.”

    Defection of Fubara’s ally fuels speculation

    Political tension further intensified after Blessing Fubara Snr, described as a close political ally and elder brother to the governor, reportedly defected from the APC to the NDC.

    Supporters of the move claimed it was driven by alleged humiliation and manipulation within the APC screening process.

    The development has continued to fuel speculation over possible political realignments in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • 70-Year-Old Nigerian Pilgrim Dies During Hajj In Saudi Arabia

    A 70-year-old Nigerian pilgrim from Nasarawa State, Hajiya Rukayya Haliru, has died in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage.

    The death was confirmed on Wednesday by the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

    Pilgrim reportedly fell ill in Makkah

    The Executive Secretary of the board, Mallam Idris Ahmad Almakura, disclosed that the deceased was from Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    According to him, the elderly pilgrim complained of illness before her death.

    Almakura explained that medical personnel attached to the Nasarawa pilgrims’ contingent attended to her immediately after she reported feeling unwell.

    “She complained of illness and despite medical efforts, she drew her last breath this morning,” he said.

    Funeral rites conducted in Saudi Arabia

    The board stated that officials, alongside family members of the deceased, were present at the hospital to oversee the necessary burial arrangements.

    Her remains were later moved to the Grand Mosque in Makkah for the Janazah prayer, an important Islamic funeral rite for deceased Muslims.

    The funeral prayers were attended by relatives, officials of the pilgrims’ welfare board, and fellow Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

    Pilgrims advised to prioritise health

    Following the incident, Almakura urged other pilgrims to pay close attention to their health throughout the Hajj exercise.

    He advised them to quickly report any signs of illness to the medical teams deployed by the board for immediate treatment.

    The executive secretary also extended condolences to the Nasarawa State Government, the family of the deceased, and staff of the pilgrims’ welfare board.

    In a separate reaction, a relative of the deceased, Abdulwab Aboki, appreciated the board for supporting the family and handling the burial process transparently.

  • NDLEA Intercepts ₦10.4bn Canadian Loud Hidden Inside Vehicles At Lagos Port

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 4,173.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, worth over ₦10.4 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

    The agency disclosed that the illicit consignment was uncovered after months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and international collaboration involving multiple security agencies.

    Shipment traced from Canada to Lagos

    According to the NDLEA, the container left Toronto, Canada, on March 28 before being moved by rail to Montreal.

    The shipment was later loaded onto a vessel identified as Jakarta Express Voyage, which arrived at Tanger Med Port in Morocco on April 15 before being transferred to another vessel, Osaka Voyage, that eventually arrived in Lagos on May 9, 2026.

    The agency said the container had been under close monitoring throughout the journey.

    Drugs hidden inside vehicles

    NDLEA revealed that the Canadian Loud was professionally concealed inside two vehicles packed within the shipping container.

    The illicit substances were reportedly hidden inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 car.

    The seizure was eventually carried out on Tuesday, May 12, during a joint examination involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.

    International agencies assisted operation

    The anti-drug agency said the operation was executed in collaboration with international partners, including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

    Speaking during the handover of the exhibits in Lagos, NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia, said the success of the operation showed the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking.

    Fresh seizure comes days after Lekki raid

    The latest interception comes barely days after NDLEA operatives uncovered another large stash of Canadian Loud at a mansion in Lekki, Lagos.

    During that operation, the agency recovered 4,000 parcels of the psychoactive substance weighing 2,326 kilograms, valued at over ₦5.8 billion.

  • Military Rejects Report Claiming Airstrike Killed Over 100 In Zamfara

    The Nigerian military has dismissed reports alleging that more than 100 people were killed during an airstrike in Zamfara State, insisting that there is “no credible evidence” showing civilians were affected.

    The reports, which surfaced on Tuesday, claimed that scores of residents died after a military operation targeting insurgents hit a community in the state.

    Amnesty alleges women, traders among victims

    Rights organisation Amnesty International alleged that many of the victims were women and girls trading at a local market during the strike.

    According to the organisation, one affected village reportedly buried about 80 people at once following the incident.

    Amnesty also stated that dozens of injured persons were taken to hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi, while others were referred to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau for treatment.

    Defence Headquarters denies civilian deaths

    Reacting to the reports, the Defence Headquarters denied that civilians were killed during the operation.

    Defence spokesperson, Michael Onoja, said the strike targeted a “confirmed high-level gathering” of militant leaders based on intelligence gathered from multiple sources.

    According to him, the operation was conducted in compliance with international humanitarian law.

    “No credible, substantiated evidence of civilian casualties has been established through any official assessment or independent verification,” Onoja said.

    He added that the military’s post-strike assessment indicated that “several terrorists were neutralised.”

    Fresh concerns over military airstrikes

    The development has renewed concerns over civilian protection and intelligence accuracy during military operations in northern Nigeria.

    The latest controversy comes barely weeks after another reported airstrike in Jilli, located on the Borno-Yobe border, allegedly killed several civilians in April 2026.

    Previous operations in Zamfara and other northern states have also triggered disputes over whether those killed were terrorists, vigilantes or civilians.

  • Veekee James Welcomes First Child With Husband Femi Atere, Shares Emotional Announcement

     

  • Court Jails Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman 75 Years for ₦33.8bn Fraud, Orders Arrest

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of money laundering and fraud involving ₦33.8 billion.

    The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Court delivers long jail terms on multiple counts

    The court handed the former minister seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while he also received three years on one count and two years on another.

    Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, meaning they will not run at the same time.

    However, the judge allowed an option of a ₦10 million fine on count four, while maintaining that other counts carry no option of fine.

    ₦33.8bn linked to power projects

    Mamman was arraigned in July 2024 on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering linked to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

    The EFCC alleged that the former minister worked with officials and private firms to “indirectly convert” the ₦33.8 billion in question.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

    EFCC presents witnesses, exhibits

    During trial, the anti-graft agency called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.

    On May 7, 2026, the court convicted Mamman in absentia after holding that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Arrest warrant issued

    Following the sentencing, Justice Omotosho ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the convict as well as four properties traced to him in Abuja.

    The court also issued a warrant for Mamman’s arrest and directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure his capture.

    Mohammed Ahmed, who appeared for the convict, told the court he was unaware of Mamman’s whereabouts, saying repeated calls to him did not go through.

    The judge ordered that the sentence would commence from the day Mamman is arrested.

  • FG dismisses ‘Japa’ education crisis claims, says fewer Nigerians now study abroad

    The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria currently ranks among countries with the highest number of students studying abroad, insisting that reforms in the education sector are beginning to reverse the trend.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated this during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday while reacting to reports about Nigeria’s outbound student migration.

    Minister rejects 2023 data

    The programme presenter had referenced 2023 data showing that Nigeria ranked third globally in outbound student mobility, accounting for about five per cent of students studying outside their home countries.

    However, Alausa dismissed the figures as outdated and no longer reflective of the current reality in Nigeria’s education sector.

    “That’s not Japa. And please, qualify your data. Thank God you told me it was 2023 figure,” he said.

    According to the minister, 2023 represented a difficult period for Nigerian universities due to prolonged academic disruptions and underinvestment in tertiary education.

    ‘Things have changed’

    Alausa said conditions in Nigerian universities have improved significantly under the current administration.

    “2023 was when we came in. There was no academic continuity. They had the kind of extensive investment you’ve made in a tertiary education that wasn’t there,” he stated.

    The minister revealed that the Ministry of Education had been monitoring outbound student movement through its educational support services department.

    According to him, the government has observed what he described as a “precipitous drop” in the number of Nigerian students leaving the country for studies abroad.

    “We’ve seen precipitous drop in those number of student going out. Our tertiary institutions are better now. We have academic continuity, academic session continuity,” he said.

    FG cites rising confidence in local institutions

    Alausa pointed to programmes like the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB), Nigeria’s equivalent of British A-levels, as evidence of growing confidence in local education.

    He explained that many students who previously travelled abroad for similar programmes are now enrolling within Nigeria instead.

    The minister also referenced institutions like the University of Lagos law programme, claiming that some schools now receive more applications than available admission slots.

    “Kids are staying there. The quality of education is significantly better. If you now compare the 2023 data with 2024 and 2025 and see the precipitous drop of Nigeria going out,” he added.