The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

UPDATED: Alleged N8.7b fraud: Ex-AGF Malami, two others get N1.5b bail

…’Please, don’t approach me for any favour,’ judge tells parties

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and two others charged with laundering about N8.7billion public funds.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Wednesday, granted bail to Malami, his son, Abdulaziz, and Hajia Bashir Asabe (an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, a firm allegedly linked to the former minister) bail at 500 Million and two sureties each.

The three defendants are being prosecuted on a 16-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC is among others, claiming that Malami and his two co-defendants conspired to disguise the origin of funds estimated at N8.7billion, acquire properties indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

Justice Nwite had, on January 2 took arguments on the bail applications by the three defendants and adjourned till January 7 for ruling.

In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Nwite said, among others, “I have critically evaluated the evidence adduced by both parties. I am not unmindful of the serious nature of the offence and the attendant economic consequences to our country, Nigeria.

But, like I earlier emphasised in the course of this ruling, the paramount concern of a judge, in granting or refusing bail pending trial, remains the applicant making himself available to stand his trial and/or not interfering with witnesses, especially when the offence is not a capital offence.

“There is no gainsaying that the reasons adduced by the complainant/respondent on this point are not concrete enough, but tilt towards the realm of speculation.

“In view of the foregoing, I am minded to grant the defendants/applicants bail in the interest of justice. Consequently, bail is granted to the first, second, and third defendants in the following terms:

*Bail is granted to each of the defendants in the sum of N500m and two sureties in the like sum, who shall each depose to an affidavit of means.

*The two sureties shall be landed property owners in either Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa within this jurisdiction, and the documents must be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court and also deposited with him

*The defendants shall deposit all their international passports with the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation) of the court, and they shall not travel outside this country without the permission of this court

*The defendants and sureties shall deposit two passports each. The sureties’ residents shall be verified,” the judge said.

Justice Nwite, however, cautioned parties in the case against attempting to reach out to him for any favour in the course of the proceedings.

Read Also: BREAKING: Court grants ex-AGF Malami, son, wife N1.5bn bail

Although the judge did not state whether or not any of the parties had attempted to reach out to him, he said nobody could influence the decision of his court in any way.

Justice Nwite said, “Before concluding, I want to admonish and warn counsel and litigants that all judges are not the same.

“When I am handling any case, please don’t approach me. When you are doing your case, you can get the best lawyers in this country to do your case, but don’t attempt to approach me for any help.

“I am not the type of judge. I know what God has done for me by giving me this job, and I have a vow to do it to the best of my ability.

“I have sworn before Almighty God and man that I am going to do my duty without fear or favour,” he said.

Justice Nwite warned lawyers and litigants to desist from coming to him with the aim of perverting justice, adding, “Any attempt to try this will be vehemently resisted.”

The judge advised that rather than seeking to compromise the court, parties should concentrate their efforts on prosecuting their cases and, if they so desire, challenge the court’s decisions by approaching the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Justice Nwite adjourned till February 17 for the commencement of the trial.

January 7, 2026
Police begin investigation into killing of nurse, lawyer in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said investigations into the killing of two women who were found dead in separate locations in FCT are linked to the activities of “one chance” gangs operating within the nation’s capital.

One of the victims, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, was a nurse with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, whose killing subsequently drew condemnation from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, and many other organizations.

Recall a statement by the chairman of NANNM, FCT Council, Jama Medan, the association, on Tuesday, said Chuwumeziem closed from afternoon duty on January 3 and boarded a vehicle on her way home, but never arrived alive.

Her body was later discovered to have been dumped in what the association described as a “most inhumane and heartbreaking manner.”

The NANNM described the killing as not only an attack on the nursing profession but “an assault on healthcare workers and humanity at large,” calling on security agencies in the FCT to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Her body was later discovered to have been dumped in what the association described as a “most inhumane and heartbreaking manner.”

The NANNM described the killing as not only an attack on the nursing profession but “an assault on healthcare workers and humanity at large,” calling on security agencies in the FCT to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

The second lifeless body of Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, a former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch, was discovered by the roadside along the Kubwa expressway, Abuja.

Findings and indications suggested she might also have fallen victim to “one chance” hoodlums.

According to an X post, Princess Ochigbo was found dead by the roadside at a different location in Abuja on the same day, with documents recovered suggesting she might have been a staff member of the FCT High Court.

The handler, who provided the update with an image of the deceased woman and her ID, noted that her bag was discovered, flung a short distance away from her body, a pattern consistent with previous one-chance attacks, where victims are robbed, assaulted, and, most times, thrown out of moving vehicles.

Reacting to the sad incident, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine Adeh, on Wednesday confirmed the incident and that proper investigations are ongoing to unravel the truth and circumstances surrounding the killings.

Read Also: Police deploy additional security formation to rescue abducted nursing mother, baby in Ondo

Adeh promised to provide more information on the case.

She said, “The FCT Police Command is aware of this sad incident. Discreet investigations are ongoing to unravel the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. More information will be provided in due course, and investigations progress.”

Meanwhile, a police source told our correspondent that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has doubled security men on patrol within the FCT over what people have described as escalating operations of ‘one chance’ gangs.

The source said, “If you look at it during the festive season, we did not experience that. Unfortunately, these incidents are happening now. But the CP has deployed more men across the nation’s capital to tackle the security menace. There should be improvement soon.”

January 7, 2026
FULL LIST: Top 10 most valuable footballers in the world

The latest report from the CIES Football Observatory has revealed the most valuable players in world football, highlighting a new era led by young, elite talents whose performances, age, contract length, and potential have driven their market worth to historic levels.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 most valuable footballers in the world:

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – €343.1 million

At just 17, Lamine Yamal sits atop world football’s valuation chart. The Barcelona and Spain winger has already become a key figure at the club and international level, combining flair, maturity, and tactical intelligence far beyond his age. His long-term contract and enormous growth potential make him the most valuable asset in the game.

2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – €255.1 million

One of the most prolific goal scorers of the modern era, Erling Haaland, continues to redefine attacking efficiency. The Norwegian striker’s physical dominance, relentless scoring record, and central role in Manchester City’s success keep him firmly among football’s elite assets.

3. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain) – €201.3 million

A global superstar and World Cup winner, Kylian Mbappé remains one of football’s most decisive players. His blistering pace, finishing, and commercial appeal ensure his valuation remains sky-high, even as younger stars begin to close the gap.

4. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – €153.1 million

Jude Bellingham has quickly established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders. A leader at a young age, the England international blends strength, intelligence, and goalscoring ability, making him indispensable to Real Madrid’s present and future.

5. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – €136.9 million

Michael Olise’s rise has been rapid and impressive. The dynamic winger has flourished at the highest level, showcasing creativity, precision, and consistency. His valuation reflects both his current impact and long-term upside.

6. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) – €135.8 million

A creative force in midfield, Florian Wirtz is one of Europe’s most technically gifted playmakers. His vision, ball control, and ability to dictate games have been central to Leverkusen’s success, earning him a place among the world’s most valuable players.

Read Also: FULL LIST: Footballers with most goals scored in a calendar year

7. Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain) – €134.6 million

Another product of France’s rich talent pool, Désiré Doué has emerged as an exciting attacking midfielder. His versatility, confidence, and rapid development underline PSG’s investment in youth and the growing value of multifunctional attackers.

8. João Neves (Benfica) – €130.6 million

João Neves has quickly become one of Europe’s most highly-rated young midfielders. Known for his composure, work rate, and tactical discipline, the Benfica star represents the modern midfielder clubs are eager to secure early.

9. Arda Güler (Real Madrid) – €130.3 million

Despite limited minutes at times, Arda Güler’s talent is unquestionable. The Turkish playmaker’s technical brilliance and creative flair have already produced match-winning moments, justifying his soaring valuation.

10. Pedri (Barcelona) – €130 million

Rounding out the list is Pedri, whose elegance and football intelligence continue to define Barcelona’s midfield. When fully fit, the Spain international remains one of the most influential young midfielders in the world.

January 7, 2026
China slams Trump’s plan to control Venezuela’s oil as illegal move

China on Wednesday sharply criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned intervention in Venezuela’s oil industry.

The “outrageous use of force against Venezuela” by the United States and the demand that the country should manage its oil resources according to the “America first” principle constitute harassment, violate international law, and harm the rights of the Venezuelan people, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Venezuela has full sovereignty over its mineral resources and economic activities, Mao continued, stressing that China’s rights and interests in the country must also be protected.

China is a key ally of Venezuela and the largest buyer of the South American country’s oil.

Read Also: Trump not planning to occupy or nation-build in Venezuela – Republican U.S. lawmakers

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump said Venezuela’s interim government would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of “sanctioned oil” to the U.S.

The U.S. president said he would control the proceeds to ensure they were used “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.”

The U.S. attacked targets in Venezuela on Saturday, seizing authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores over alleged drug offences and removing them from the country.

After the operation, Trump said that the U.S. would temporarily run Venezuela.

The U.S. president had previously highlighted the economic potential of the country’s oil industry, stating that major U.S. oil companies would invest in repairing infrastructure and developing production.

(dpa/NAN)

January 7, 2026
2027: Information minister denies governorship ambition in Niger

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has distanced himself from the purported interest in the Niger State governorship seat in 2027.

Idris said he is fully focused on his responsibilities in the ministry.

The Minister made the clarification following a write-up by one of his aides, Sa’idu Enagi, insinuating that he is interested in the Niger state governorship seat.

The Minister, according to a statement by his media aide, Rabin Ibrahim, has since suspended the aide.

The disclaimer reads, “The office of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, wishes to bring to the attention of the general public a write-up, written by an aide, Sa’idu Enagi, titled ‘Malagi 2027,’ in which permutations for the 2027 Niger state gubernatorial elections were discussed.

“The write-up and all its contexts are hereby vehemently disclaimed.

Read Also: 2026 budget to solidify gains, says Information Minister

“The Honourable Minister is fully focused on his responsibility superintending the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and has no room for political distractions.

“Please disregard the write-up as the Honourable Minister neither directed nor approved the publication.

“The Honourable Minister has directed an immediate investigation, and the aide has been issued a letter of suspension with immediate effect.

“It is noteworthy that the Honourable Minister and his home state governor, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, enjoy a positive, mutual relationship for the greater good of Niger state, and therefore, speculations about the 2027 elections will appear inimical to these noble objectives.”

January 7, 2026
Why men must make efforts in relationships – Tacha

Media personality Symply Tacha has argued that men should make an effort to impress women in relationships.

Tacha, in a podcast on CreativiTEA, dismissed the narrative that men “don’t have to impress” as flawed, citing inconsistencies in modern dating culture.

According to Tacha, men are often expected to take women out or buy gifts, yet some claim they no longer need to impress.

She said, “Push the whole narrative of ‘men don’t have to impress,’ and I’m like, you can’t tell me men don’t have to impress, and every other day you’re telling a girl let me buy you bottles, let me take you out. There has to be effort.”

Read Also: Tacha backs Osimhen after AFCON on-pitch drama

She stated that gestures of effort are essential in relationships, pointing to examples from nature where male birds display themselves to attract female birds.

Tacha questioned why some men believe effort is optional while women are expected to maintain standards.

She called on women to be honest about their expectations and warned against accepting minimal effort under the guise of “wokeness” or independence.

“The ones that don’t put in effort are the ones trying to push the whole stupid woke 2025 nonsense. If animals can get it, and they are saying, ‘oh are you an animal?’

“Most animals have 90% DNA structure as humans. So yes, if a bird can understand he has to impress the female, who are you to not understand you have to impress?” she added.

January 7, 2026
2027: Obi’s former running mate, Baba-Ahmed, declares presidential ambition

The Labour Party’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Wednesday formally declared his interest in contesting the presidency in 2027.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party (LP) amid ongoing political realignments.

Baba-Ahmed, 56, was the running mate to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the declaration at a rally held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

His announcement comes barely one week after Obi announced his exit from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This move has triggered intense debate over the party’s future and the direction of the wider opposition ahead of the next general election.

However, speaking on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not follow Obi to the ADC.

He said, “I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes.

“Can I please remind you that before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him? The records are there for you to see.”

The former lawmaker recalled his earlier attempt to secure his party’s presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the Peoples Democratic Party primaries years before aligning with Obi in the Labour Party.

“In October 2018, I participated in the primaries of the then PDP in Port Harcourt and walked to Obi for his vote, and he smiled at me. What a gentleman he was.

“If you heard me well in what I just submitted, I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to have elected Peter Obi in 2023. And that is why I decided to flow with it,” he said.

“Yes, I am a practising Muslim. But I’m a Nigerian, and the constitution allows me to contest. You asked about my ethnicity. Yes, I am a Hausa man, and the Nigerian constitution also allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.

However, Baba-Ahmed noted that while he had made his intention known, he would adhere strictly to party and electoral guidelines.

“However, as a law-abiding citizen and a loyal party member, until the timetable is released by INEC and the leadership of the Labour Party calls for interested aspirants, I will not say anything about it. But remember I told you that Nigerians know the truth,” he stated.

Reacting, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, commended Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party despite speculations that he might defect following Obi’s exit.

Abure said the development demonstrated that the Labour Party remained intact, adding that several key figures, including the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, had also chosen to stay back.

He said, “Only recently, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, told the world that he joined the party before Peter Obi did – this is true. Otti also said he was not going to defect to Peter Obi.

“On the night Peter Obi defected, I received a telephone call from our Vice-Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed. He said he is not leaving the party because it was the platform upon which he, along with the former candidate, received 10 million votes from Nigerians, which was reduced to 6 million votes. We all know what happened.”

Read Also: LP crisis: INEC, Baba-Ahmed present as Abure hosts NEC meeting

Abure further disclosed that Baba-Ahmed personally suggested a meeting of party leaders and members to reaffirm unity within the party.

“In fact, he asked me to organise an event where members can come together. He first suggested that we meet at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel with a few senior members that he would foot the bill.

“But I suggested that we hold the event here at the party Secretariat and invite our members, artisans, and ordinary people who truly own the party, and he agreed. That is why we are having this gathering here today.

“The Labour Party is intact, we will not let Nigerians down. We will remain together and provide a genuine alternative for Nigerians,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed’s declaration has added a fresh dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential contest, as parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.

January 7, 2026
Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio lower than Africa’s average, says NEITI

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has said the country’s tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is below Africa’s average.

This was contained in the Policy Brief the watchdog organization published titled: “Beyond Assent: Pathways for Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax and Revenue Framework.”

The document, which was released to The Nation exclusively yesterday, said, “Despite its economic potential and resource wealth, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio of just 9.4-10.86 per cent is below the African average of 16.8 percent and the minimum 15 per cent threshold recommended by the African Union for sustainable development.”

According to NEITI, the result is a chronic revenue shortfall that has undermined public investment, widened the infrastructure gap, exacerbated inequality, and increased Nigeria’s exposure to debt and external vulnerabilities.

The document further noted that at the same time, decades of extractive industry audits and analyses have consistently exposed systemic inefficiencies in revenue assessment, collection, and remittance.

It added that the inefficiencies are compounded by data opacity, unremitted revenues, arbitrary tax waivers, and weak inter-agency coordination, all of which contribute to the loss of billions of Naira annually.

NEITI, however, stressed that the new tax reform offers an opportunity to correct these structural deficiencies, modernize Nigeria’s tax administration, and build a stronger foundation for domestic fiscal sustainability.

On the other hand, the document said that while the objectives of the reform are laudable, their realization hinges on how the framework is designed and implemented.

The document also throws light on the features of the tax reform as it relates to designated revenue accounts.

Read Also: Why most states record low internal revenue, by NEITI

NEITI said that, in addition to the comprehensive classification of revenues, remittances are required to be placed into separate accounts designated for each revenue type/stream.

It also said that, alternatively, payments are required to be separated in bank statements to show, for each payment, the name of the paying entity, the receiving entity, and the purpose of the payment for proper revenue tracing and reconciliation.

On penalties, the document said non-compliance with tax remittances ranges from fines to revocation of licenses.

It noted that the Petroleum Profit Tax Act (PPTA) requires entities to file and pay their tax within five months of the end of the accounting year.

Failure to file and pay within the stipulated time, according to NEITI, attracts a penalty of 10 percent of the amount due, as well as interest at the prevailing commercial rate.

January 7, 2026
Oyetola dismantles obstacles hindering maritime growth in 2025 – Spokesman

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, implemented significant reforms throughout 2025, which assisted the country in removing long-standing obstacles to maritime growth and development.

According to the Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the marine and blue economy sector has been decisively unlocked for genuine growth and development under Oyetola’s leadership, with several long-standing jinxes — once thought permanent — successfully broken

Nigeria’s maritime sector, Akinola said, has entered a decisive phase of renewal following a series of far-reaching interventions by Oyetola.

Akinola said the Minister’s actions since assuming office in August 2023, and most notably throughout 2025, have dismantled obstacles that constrained the sector for decades. These reforms, he noted, have restored confidence, improved performance and repositioned the marine and blue economy as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

Foremost among these achievements, he said, was the resolution of the notorious Apapa gridlock, which for over 20 years paralysed the Lagos port corridor and severely disrupted trade. By early 2024, sustained policy coordination, operational discipline, and infrastructure optimisation delivered lasting relief to Apapa and its environs.

He said the clearing of the gridlock significantly reduced cargo dwell time, lowered logistics costs, enhanced port efficiency, and removed a major disincentive to investment, effectively restoring the Lagos ports as functional gateways for national and regional commerce.

Another long-standing setback, according to the Special Adviser, was Nigeria’s prolonged absence from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.

He noted that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council in 2025, after 14 years outside the global maritime decision-making body, followed a keenly contested election and marked a major restoration of the country’s international maritime standing.

Achieved under Minister Oyetola’s focused leadership, the feat strengthened Nigeria’s influence in shaping global maritime regulations, reinforced its leadership role in Africa, and reaffirmed international confidence in its maritime governance.

Akinola added that the Minister also secured approval in 2025 for Nigeria’s first comprehensive port upgrade and modernisation in over 50 years, breaking another jinx that left the nation’s ports operating on obsolete infrastructure.

This milestone, he said, signals the beginning of a transformative era that will align Nigerian ports with global standards, boost competitiveness, attract larger vessels, and position the country as a maritime and logistics hub for West and Central Africa.

In a related landmark development, he said, the Ministry also issued compliance certificates for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port and the Ondo Deep Sea Port to the Governors of Cross River and Ondo States, respectively.

According to Akinola, the issuance of the certificates represents a critical regulatory breakthrough that clears the way for accelerated investment, construction, and eventual operations of the two ports, further expanding Nigeria’s port capacity and strengthening regional trade connectivity.

The Special Adviser also highlighted the establishment of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) in 2025 as the resolution of a 16-year stalemate that had stifled access to maritime finance. With the RMDB now in place, he said long-term funding is expected to flow into shipping, port development, and maritime services, providing the financial backbone required for sustained sectoral growth and deeper regional integration.

Equally important, he said, was the approval granted by the Minister in 2025 for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to commence the long-awaited disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). He said for over two decades, the CVFF remained idle. Its activation, he said, represents a major turning point for indigenous ship ownership, enabling Nigerian operators to acquire modern vessels, expand capacity, and compete more effectively in both coastal and international trade.

Beyond these milestones, Akinola said Minister Oyetola recorded a historic policy breakthrough with the development and approval by the Federal Executive Council in May 2025 of Nigeria’s first-ever National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. He described the policy as a watershed framework that provides a coherent, long-term roadmap for harnessing the country’s vast marine resources.

The policy integrates shipping, ports, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, seabed resources, and environmental sustainability into a unified national strategy, eliminating fragmentation, improving inter-agency coordination, and providing clarity and certainty for investors.

According to him, it lays the institutional and regulatory foundation needed to maximise economic value, create jobs, protect marine ecosystems, and ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

Akinola also pointed to notable gains in maritime security under Oyetola’s leadership, noting that the sustained deployment and effective coordination of assets under the Deep Blue Project have helped maintain zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters. This achievement, he said, has strengthened Nigeria’s reputation as a safer maritime domain, boosted investor confidence, and reinforced the country’s leadership in regional maritime security.

Read Also: Oyetola, Basiru, APC leaders, group plot winning strategy for 2026 Osun guber seat

He also revealed that Nigeria recorded an increase of 300,000 metric tonnes in fish production in 2025 — the first such rise in over a decade. He described this as a clear testament to the Minister’s determination to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the country’s heavy dependence on fish importation, while boosting food security, employment, and value creation across the fisheries and aquaculture value chain.

Akinola added that the cumulative impact of these achievements is the laying of a solid foundation for the sustainable growth and development of the marine and blue economy sector. While notable milestones have been recorded since August 2023, he stressed that 2025 stands out as a defining year marked by bold reforms and tangible outcomes.

Looking ahead, he assured that the Minister remains firmly committed to supporting indigenous ship owners and pursuing policies that will enable them to thrive and compete on equal footing with foreign operators. He also assured of the Minister’s commitment to boost fish production.

With long-standing constraints now dismantled, Akinola said the sector is poised for accelerated growth as Oyetola builds on the gains already recorded to deliver even greater outcomes in the years ahead.

January 7, 2026
Police deploy additional security formation to rescue abducted nursing mother, baby in Ondo

…bandits yet to contact family, says sources

The Ondo State Police Command said it has deployed additional security personnel and formations to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped nursing mother and her baby in the state.

The victims were reportedly seized by suspected armed bandits while travelling to the market along the Supare-Ayegunle road in Akoko South West LGA of the state.

The nursing mother, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken alongside her baby during the incident.

Eyewitnesses had said the gunmen struck suddenly, causing panic among other road users who fled the scene for safety.

The abduction has heightened fear among residents of the Akoko axis, particularly over the growing insecurity on rural roads in the area.

Speaking on Wednesday in a telephone interview, the spokesman for the Ondo Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, assured that the security agents would rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“Efforts are already in place. We have deployed additional security apparatus to that area.

Read Also: Police nab three suspects over kidnapping, rescue 76 children

“We are already combing the bush for the possible rescue of the victims alive and unharmed,” Mr Abayomi said.

He further assured that those responsible for the crime would be brought to justice.

“I can assure you that the perpetrators of this crime will not go scot-free. The law will definitely catch up with them,” the police spokesman added.

Meanwhile, family sources said the abductors have not contacted the family for ransom.

One of the sources who spoke under the condition of anonymity said the family is worried about the “silence” on the abduction of the mother and her baby.

“We have not heard from the abductors. Everyone is worried as I speak with you now,” she told our reporter.

January 7, 2026