The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Police arrest ‘Okada rider’ for raping five females at gunpoint in Ondo

    Police arrest ‘Okada rider’ for raping five females at gunpoint in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a suspected serial rapist and armed robbery suspect, Olamipekun Elegbeleye, for allegedly sexually assaulting and robbing several women in Akure, the state capital.

    The suspect, a commercial motorcyclist otherwise known as “Okada Rider,” was said to have lured his female victims under false pretences before attacking and raping them at gunpoint.

    Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence and technical tracking by operatives of the Command.

    According to him, one of the incidents occurred on November 21, 2025, at about 11:30 a.m., when the suspect allegedly offered a female victim a ride on his TVS motorcycle to Afunbiowo Housing Estate, Oke Aro.

    He, however, reportedly diverted into a nearby bush where he sexually assaulted the victim at gunpoint and dispossessed her of her valuables.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    According to him, police investigations later revealed that the suspect allegedly used the same method and location to assault and rob four other female victims.

    “The suspect reportedly diverted into a nearby bush where he sexually assaulted the victim at gunpoint and dispossessed her of her valuables.

    “Further investigation revealed that the suspect had, in a similar manner and at the same location, allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed four other female victims.

    “Acting on credible intelligence and technical tracking, operatives of the Command apprehended the suspect at his hideout,” he said.

    Items recovered from the suspect include two SIM cards, two iPhones, a shirt, and Opay and Moniepoint ATM cards believed to belong to the victims.

    Abayomi further disclosed that the suspect allegedly transferred money from one of the victims’ bank accounts into another account without authorization.

    He, however, added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and assured residents that perpetrators of violent and sexual crimes would be tracked and prosecuted.

  • Three injured as truck crashes into car in Oshodi

    Three injured as truck crashes into car in Oshodi

    Two pedestrians and a driver were injured on Sunday following a serious road traffic accident involving a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)–laden truck and a private vehicle at the Apakun Bridge, inward Oshodi, Lagos.

    The accident occurred at the summit of the bridge when a heavy-duty truck, with registration number EKY 120 YK, allegedly driven at excessive speed, rammed into a moving silver Toyota Corolla marked EKY 289 HM.

    LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement, stated that the truck driver ignored basic traffic safety protocols, which led to the collision at the Apakun Bridge.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    He noted that the impact caused significant traffic disruption and posed an immediate danger to lives and property in the area.

    “In a tragic turn of events, two unsuspecting pedestrians were struck during the collision, while the driver of the Toyota Corolla sustained grievous injuries of considerable severity,” he said.

    Officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) promptly mobilised to the scene and carried out a coordinated rescue operation.

    The injured pedestrians and the driver were extricated from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.

    To ensure public safety and prevent secondary incidents, operatives of the Ajao Police Division provided security support during the rescue and evacuation exercise.

    The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was also deployed to the scene as a precautionary measure due to the truck’s gas load.

    Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, condemned the rising cases of road crashes linked to reckless driving and overspeeding, particularly among operators of trucks, tankers, and articulated vehicles.

    He described such actions as irresponsible and dangerous, warning that the Lagos State Government would apply the full weight of the law against any driver found endangering lives through negligent or unlawful driving practices.

    He urged drivers to strictly comply with traffic laws and speed regulations.

    Hon. Giwa also expressed prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured victims and reassured residents of the state government’s commitment to road safety and effective traffic management.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority reiterated its call for collective responsibility on the roads, urging motorists to exercise caution, respect speed limits, and adhere strictly to traffic regulations in the interest of public safety.

  • Scores of terrorists killed as Military foils Civilian attack

    Scores of terrorists killed as Military foils Civilian attack

    …soldiers pay supreme price

    Scores of terrorists were killed and others brutally injured during a gun battle with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in North West Nigeria.

    The operation followed days of intensive surveillance by ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force, who intercepted the bandits on January 31, spokesperson of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said in a statement on Sunday.

    According to Osoba, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence revealing that over 100 bandits had gathered at the camp of notorious bandit leader Dan Karmi to coordinate large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply lines.

    He said, “A fierce firefight ensued as the terrorists attempted a flanking and encirclement maneuver. However, they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    “While many bandits were eliminated, others fled with gunshot wounds. The Camp was set ablaze before the troops withdrew.”

    The spokesperson confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the fierce encounter, while a combat support vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade and caught fire.

    He said the Nigerian Air Force is currently conducting interdiction missions to intercept the fleeing remnants, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area.

    “The Nigerian Army honours fallen soldiers’ sacrifice and remains determined in its mission; combat efficiency remains high as troops continue to dismantle bandit networks and disrupt their supply chains across the region,” Osoba said. 

  • Six countries that legalise undocumented immigrants in recent years

    Six countries that legalise undocumented immigrants in recent years

    Several countries have recently taken steps to grant legal status to immigrants living and working without authorization, recognising both their contributions to the economy and the need for integration. These initiatives often focus on long-term residents, essential workers, or those with strong family or community ties, reflecting a pragmatic approach to immigration policy.

    1. Spain

    In 2026, Spain announced a programme granting legal status to potentially hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants. The initiative continues the country’s longstanding practice of regularisation schemes aimed at formalising the status of workers and promoting social inclusion.

    2. Portugal

    Portugal has recently carried out legalisation programmes targeting undocumented migrants with employment or long-term residence. The goal is to integrate these individuals into the formal economy while ensuring labour rights and social protections.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    3. Ireland

    In 2022, Ireland introduced a scheme offering legal status to long-term undocumented residents, providing a pathway to work permits and formal residency. The programme sought to stabilise the lives of migrants contributing to the country’s workforce.

    4. Italy

    Italy continues to operate sanatoria programmes, particularly for domestic workers and caregivers. These initiatives allow eligible undocumented migrants to obtain temporary or permanent legal status, supporting both humanitarian and economic objectives.

    5. Germany

    Germany has offered limited pathways for long-term undocumented residents, particularly those who have been in the country for many years or have strong family ties. These are smaller-scale than Spain/Portugal but are official programmes.

    6. Canada

     Canada has implemented targeted regularisation programmes for undocumented workers in essential sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and caregiving. These programmes allow workers to formalise their status while addressing labour shortages.

  • 2027: Ijaw Youth Council endorses Tinubu, Fubara

    2027: Ijaw Youth Council endorses Tinubu, Fubara

    …demands clean-up of polluted Ijaw communities

    The second-term ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, received a boost on Sunday as the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide endorsed their re-election bids ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The council also urged relevant government agencies to immediately commence comprehensive remediation and clean-up of all polluted Ijaw territories.

    The endorsement was contained in a communiqué signed by the IYC President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, and issued to journalists in Abuja following the council’s National Convention.

    Passing a vote of confidence on both leaders, the council stated, “Through a resounding voice affirmation, the Convention unanimously passed a vote of confidence and endorsement on His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for a second tenure, and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the 2027 general election.”

    The IYC said the decision was based on the leadership qualities demonstrated by Governor Fubara, particularly his commitment to peace in Rivers State as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and development.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    According to the council, the governor’s efforts at maintaining stability and promoting inclusive governance have created an enabling environment for progress in the state, adding that continued peace remains critical to addressing developmental challenges in Ijaw communities.

    “The maturity he displayed when faced with challenges shows that he is well prepared for leadership. The governor as of day is a living Hero of democracy, an ambassador of peace, a detribalized leader par excellence.

    “While Mr President, on his own part, has won the heart of the Ijaw Youths, hence our declaration of total support of his re-election bid in 2027 is solely on his show of genuine love and commitment in making sure that there is peace in Rivers State for our Governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, to govern Rivers people in peace.

    “Mr. President has told us why he should be trusted, and we have seen it with the way he managed the Rivers State political impasse. Mr. President has given us reasons why the Ijaw Youths should support his re-election bid, and we have seen reasons with him. Hence, the Ijaw Youths hereby declare our unalloyed support for Mr. President come 2027.”

    Reviewing the environmental status of the entire South-south region, the council gave another 60-day ultimatum to all relevant agencies to immediately commence full-scale remediation and clean-up of all polluted Ijaw territories and avoid the shutting down of all oil and gas facilities within Ijaw territories

    It added that the Ijaw people would no longer tolerate the destruction of their land, waters, livelihoods, and future.

    The communique read, “The Convention unequivocally condemned the continued ecological violence, oil pollution, and environmental degradation being inflicted on Ijaw territories through decades of reckless oil and gas exploitation.

    “This Convention makes it abundantly clear that the Ijaw people will no longer tolerate the destruction of their land, waters, livelihoods, and future.

    “Upon the expiration of this ultimatum, and in the absence of visible and concrete action, the Ijaw Youth Council shall collectively and decisively shut down all oil and gas facilities operating within Ijaw territories, drawing precedence from the Ogoniland no remediation,  no oil and gas exploration and exploitation approach.”

  • Ndume asks Reps leadership to caution Agbese over tax law controversy

    Ndume asks Reps leadership to caution Agbese over tax law controversy

    Former Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to caution the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, over his comments on the senator’s position regarding the alleged alteration of tax laws.

    Ndume was reacting to an interview in which Agbese dismissed his claim that there were discrepancies between the Tax Acts passed by the National Assembly and the version later gazetted and made available to the public.

    Agbese had described the allegation as mischievous, insisting that “it is sheer mischief to suggest that the tax laws were falsified.”

    In response, Ndume accused the deputy spokesman of playing to the gallery in a bid to curry favour with the leadership of the House, stressing that Agbese lacked the standing to pronounce on the matter.

    He said the tax law alteration controversy is still before a committee constituted by the House leadership and noted that the panel, chaired by Rep. Muktar Betara, has yet to submit its report.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    According to Ndume, only the Betara-led committee has the authority to determine, after due investigation, whether there are differences between the version of the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the one subsequently gazetted.

    The Borno lawmaker further argued that Agbese’s comments should not be taken seriously, adding that the deputy spokesman does not possess the requisite legislative experience to fully appreciate how parliament handles sensitive issues such as the ongoing tax laws controversy.

    “Agbese is forgiven on the grounds of inexperience. He is a first-timer. I was in the House in 2003 when he was probably in secondary school. For him to disrespectfully come out to say that my statement is mischievous is very unfortunate,” he added.

    While insisting that Agbese’s remarks were disrespectful, the Borno lawmaker said, “If he has the guts to say that I am mischievous, it means he can tell his father the same thing. At 66, if I’m not old enough to be his father, I am close to that. My first daughter is 40 years-old.

    “My position was simply that things should be done the right way. I did not insult anybody. I cross-checked the votes and proceedings, clause by clause, before I said that there were some flaws.

    “If the harmonised version says ‘this shall be,’ and the gazetted copy says ‘this will be,’ these are two different things, subject to interpretation.

    “For him to use such a strong word on me, I think he’s just trying to be a MAGA dog, which barks even when the master did not ask him to do so.

    “I understand the dirty jobs he is doing. He is hoping to find himself in the good books of the leadership of the House, but he has only succeeded in embarrassing himself and the House of Representatives. He is not speaking for the House because the House is yet to take a position on this matter.

    “I insist that the parliament should do a comparison and examine the sections of both versions of the Tax Acts. They should simply say, ‘This is what we passed and signed. We should do this section-by-section. This way, Nigerians will be comfortable,” he stressed.

  • OPEC confirms conformity with November, December 2025 production data

    OPEC confirms conformity with November, December 2025 production data

    Arising from the 64th Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) took place via videoconference on Sunday, 1 February 2026. 

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) confirmed the overall conformity with the November and December 2025 production data.

    This was contained in a press statement of the organization.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    The statement said, “The JMMC reviewed the crude oil production data for November and December 2025 and noted the overall conformity for OPEC and non-OPEC countries participating in the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC).”

    The Committee reiterated the critical importance of achieving full conformity and compensation, and reviewed the updated compensation schedules.

    The Committee also reaffirmed that it will continue to monitor adherence to the production adjustments decided upon at the 38th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM) held on 5 December 2024, and the additional voluntary production adjustments announced by some participating OPEC and non-OPEC countries as agreed upon in the 52nd JMMC held on 1 February 2024.

    The JMMC retains the authority to convene additional meetings or to request an OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, as established during the 38th ONOMM held on 5 December 2024.

    According to the statement, the next meeting of the JMMC (65th) is scheduled for 5 April 2026.

  • LG funds crisis: Osun Assembly alleges N50bn diversion, warns APC ‘reinstated’ Excos

    LG funds crisis: Osun Assembly alleges N50bn diversion, warns APC ‘reinstated’ Excos

    …Assembly lacks proper knowledge of governance at the grassroots — Osun ALGON

    The Osun State House of Assembly on Sunday alleged that about N50billion from the local government area allocations has been diverted by the reinstated council executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has exposed the grassroots to deterioration and hardship.

    The Assembly, through the Speaker, Hon Adewale Egbedun, while addressing newsmen at the lawmaker complex, held that the alleged actions of the APC executives have further destabilised governance at the grassroots.

    He reiterated that the Assembly, by the provision of law, has oversight and legislative powers over 30 local government areas of Osun State.

    Egbedun highlighted that N25million was paid to each of the reinstated chairmen, N12 million paid to vice-chairmen, N10 million to 332 councillors, N130 million to selected traditional rulers, and N13billion to a law firm.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    He also alleged that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) connived to make the diversion easy for the reinstated council executives.

    According to him, reaffirming the illegality of forceful occupation of council secretariats by tenureless politicians, the Assembly condemned the callousness of the APC cronies and the minister.

    “Not one naira has been paid in the last 12 months as salaries of local workers by these illegal APC chairmen: primary school teachers – zero; nurses and other healthcare workers – zero; local government civil servants – zero; traditional rulers not favored by Gboyega Oyetola – zero; retirees – zero.

    “Even more disturbing are reports before this House that plans are allegedly underway to disburse another Fifty Billion Naira (N50B) of LG funds for political purposes, disguised as project funds, while governance at the grassroots continues to suffer. We will not tolerate the diversion of public funds meant for salaries, healthcare, education, and community development into private hands to fund the election of a particular politician in Osun State.”

    “The Assembly formally places on record that it has written repeatedly to banks, including the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), that under extant Osun State laws and regulations governing Local Government administration, only career officers duly appointed under the Local Government Service Commission, including directors of finance and directors of administration and general services, are lawful signatories to LG accounts”, clarifying that “politicians elected as, chairmen, councilors, treasurers, or political appointees are forbidden from being signatories to LG accounts.

    “Any bank that releases Local Government funds on the instructions of unauthorised persons, regardless of who issued such instructions, acts unlawfully and exposes itself and its officers to criminal liability. Illegal disbursement of public funds is fraudulent. It is not banking practice. It is not political discretion. It is a crime.

    “The House therefore warns the UBA in very clear terms that all illegal disbursements of Osun State LG funds, whether purportedly authorised by Mr Gboyega Oyetola or any other individual, will be fully recovered and treated as deliberate complicity in a financial crime. All the funds that UBA has disbursed so far, with the alleged illegal instructions of Mr Oyetola, are a gift to him and cannot be deducted from Osun State LG accounts.

    When contacted, the Chairman of the Osun Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun chapter, Hon. Abiodun Idowu, disclosed that the Assembly lacks proper knowledge of governance at the grassroots, urging them to seek updates from Governor Ademola Adeleke rather than feeding the public with lies.

    “The same Assembly had been shouting that the Federal Government withheld Osun LG fund, they even said the seizure has stalled governance at the grassroots, only to now say the money has been diverted by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

    “The Assembly needs to tell the world how a Minister would be diverting funds seized by the federal government, how the same fund you claimed is non-release has stalled projects at the grassroots, and is not diverted to private pockets. The Assembly as an institution needs to do better rather than pushing false narratives,” he said.

  • PAP distributes 900 laptops to scholarship beneficiaries in universities

    PAP distributes 900 laptops to scholarship beneficiaries in universities

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has distributed an additional 900 laptops to its scholarship scheme beneficiaries studying in Nigerian universities in the third batch of the exercise within the country.

    Beneficiaries from the Nigeria Maritime University, Admiralty University of Nigeria, and three non-partnering schools, such as Dennis Osadebey University, Southern Delta University, and University of Delta, benefited from the distribution

    The distribution of the mobile computing device on the weekend followed the directive of the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro.

    A statement signed by Otuaro’s Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, said the office had conducted the first batch in May 2025 with 663 laptops and the second batch in November 2025 with 1,857 laptops.

    Speaking during the recent presentations, Otuaro said that the initiative was a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to human capital development in the Niger Delta.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    According to him, education is a critical driver of personal growth, innovation, and sustainable development in the region and indeed the country.

    Otuaro, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Special Projects, Engr. Sokoto Ebikonde Victor reiterated that his decision was aimed at equipping the PAP scholarship students with an essential tool for learning, research, and academic excellence in an increasingly technology-driven age.

    He said, “This laptop distribution underscores our strong commitment to the overall academic success of our students. This laptop is an essential tool meant to enhance your learning, research, and innovation.

    “We encourage you to utilize them responsibly so that you can achieve outstanding results and justify your enlistment for the scholarship scheme.

    “We urge you to remain focused on your studies and to see the gesture as an investment by the Federal Government in your future and the development of the Niger Delta.

    “We assure you that the Presidential Amnesty Programme will continue to implement initiatives aimed at supporting education, skills acquisition, and youth empowerment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

    The PAP helmsman expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his magnanimity towards the agency, and also thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his efficient supervision of the programme.

    Many of the scholarship beneficiaries described the laptop distribution as timely, saying that it would greatly support their studies and pledged to utilize it properly.

    They also expressed their gratitude to President Tinubu, the Federal Government, and the PAP Administrator, Dr Otuaro, for giving them the opportunity to access higher education under the scholarship scheme.

  • ADC committee list: Igbuzor rejects inclusion, affirms loyalty to APC, Tinubu

    ADC committee list: Igbuzor rejects inclusion, affirms loyalty to APC, Tinubu

    Civil society activist and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, has condemned the unilateral inclusion of loyal APC members in committees constituted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as an affront to the party’s commitment to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC’s victory in 2027.

    Speaking with The Nation in Abuja at the weekend, Igbuzor expressed outrage over the inclusion of his name in the ADC’s “Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee,” constituted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) late last week.

    He stressed that he was neither consulted nor did he give consent to be listed, insisting that he remains a committed member of the ruling APC with no intention of joining any other political party.

    “I am not just a loyal APC member; I am a founding member of the party. I have never contemplated joining ADC or any other political party, so you can imagine how surprising it was to see my name on that list,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    Igbuzor added that he would not honour the ADC’s invitation to be part of the 50-member committee.

    “I was surprised to see my name among the 50 Wise Men and Women to draft the manifesto and policy documents for ADC. Although the party’s Publicity Secretary later explained that the committee includes both party members and others selected based on pedigree, I want to put it clearly on record that I am not a member of ADC and I did not consent to be included,” he stated.

    While noting that he has written extensively on party manifestos and national development as a public intellectual, Igbuzor maintained that such contributions do not translate to membership of, or affiliation with, the ADC.

    He further highlighted his political background, noting that he was a governorship aspirant on the platform of the APC in 2015 and served as Chief of Staff to an APC chieftain who was Deputy President of the Senate between 2019 and 2023.

    “I have never considered joining any other political party, and I am not considering doing so now,” he emphasized.

    Earlier, former Executive Director of Enough is Enough (EiE), Yemi Adamolekun, and former KOWA Party presidential candidate, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, had also publicly objected to the inclusion of their names in the ADC committee, which is expected to provide policy direction ahead of the 2027 general election.

    In a statement, ADC spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the 50-member Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee was approved by the NWC to harness the members’ experience in governance, economic management, social development, security, and democratic reform.

    The committee will be chaired by former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, with Prof. Pat Utomi as Deputy Chairman, while Salihu Lukman will serve as Secretary. It is scheduled for formal inauguration in Abuja on Monday, February 2.