The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • JUST IN: FG secures release of Nigerian pastor jailed in Benin

    JUST IN: FG secures release of Nigerian pastor jailed in Benin

    The federal government has announced the release of the Nigerian Pastor, Benjamin Egbaji, who was jailed in the Republic of Benin.

    Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, was accused of sundry offences and detained in a hospital in Cotonou, under what was described as dehumanising conditions, for over two years while his health deteriorated. He was later sent to prison.

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced his release in a statement.

    According to the statement signed by the media aide to the Minister, Mr. Magnus Eze, the release was a result of diplomatic pressure.

    The statement read, “Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has secured the release of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, incarcerated in the Republic of Benin.

    “The minister disclosed that Egbaji was released on Thursday, January 8, following a Presidential Pardon by His Excellency Patrice Talon.

    “She noted that the gazetted presidential amnesty dated December 17, 2025, was on the heels of consistent diplomatic pressure from her office, including a visit to the detained citizen in a Cotonou hospital, August last year.

    “A viral photograph of the sick-looking Nigerian citizen chained to a hospital bed in the Republic of Benin had attracted umbrage from many Nigerians. This prompted immediate diplomatic moves to secure his release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    “Highly elated Odumegwu-Ojukwu attributed the diplomatic feat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to citizen diplomacy as one of the thrusts of his administration’s Foreign Policy. The Diaspora component of the 4-Ds (Democracy, Demography, Diaspora and Development) foreign policy approach of the Renewed Hope Agenda centres on citizen diplomacy.

    The minister who spoke with the pastor on the telephone shortly after he regained freedom said he was in high spirits and deserved good medical care.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had called on the Beninois authorities to release the Nigerian national so that he could have better medical care and also serve out his sentence in Nigeria. 

    The Ministry had requested the transfer of the Nigerian national to receive the deserved medical care and serve out his custodial term in Nigeria after Odumegwu-Ojukwu visited Egbaji in the Cotonou hospital alongside the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.

    She had explained that Nigeria was worried over the pace of the Beninnoise authorities in addressing the situation and acceding to its request, not minding the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, mutual respect, and a spirit of brotherhood.

    In a recent letter to the Foreign Affairs Minister of Republic of Benin, Odumegwu-Ojukwu had said: “It is against this backdrop of solidarity and mutual goodwill that I seek Your Excellency’s kind consideration regarding the plight of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been serving a custodial sentence in Cotonou since October 2023 for a jail term of ten (10) years. As Your Excellency may be aware, Pastor Egbaji has been in the Benin Republic for over three decades, contributing meaningfully as an entrepreneur, pastor, and community leader.

    “Regrettably, his health has deteriorated severely while in detention. Two independent medical experts appointed by the court recently recommended that he be transferred abroad for urgent medical care, as local interventions have proved ineffective.

    “In the spirit of our longstanding friendship and in recognition of the humanitarian imperative, not being unmindful of the grievous nature of the offence he is charged with, we kindly request that Pastor Egbaji be repatriated to Nigeria to serve out the remainder of his sentence in a Nigerian Correctional Centre.”

    The minister said this gesture would demonstrate in practical terms the enduring spirit of fraternity and cooperation that binds Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

    In a swift reaction, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Republic of Benin chapter, Alhaji Mohammad Munir, commended the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for her diplomatic savvy, leading to Egbaji’s release.

    Munir said that Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu has displayed uncommon commitment to the well-being of Nigerians in the diaspora.

    He praised President Tinubu for the effort in protecting Nigerians outside the shores of the country and urged that more diplomatic approaches be deployed, especially in rescuing innocent Nigerians being incarcerated in foreign prisons.

  • Police rescue man abducted by bandits in Ondo

    Police rescue man abducted by bandits in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a man identified as Jimoh Isah, who was abducted by suspected bandits along the Ifira–Isua Akoko Road in Akoko South-East Local Government Area.

    Isah, 25, was attacked at about 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday when four armed men reportedly ambushed commuters along the Ifira/Isua Akoko axis. He was riding a Bajaj motorcycle with his wife, Esther Isah, 22, and their young son when the assailants seized him.

    The bandits later abandoned his wife, their child, and a physically challenged man who was also caught in the incident.

    Confirming the development in a statement on Thursday, the spokesman for the state police command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the rescue followed a distress report lodged at the Isua Divisional Police Headquarters.

    He explained that upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised operatives and coordinated with non-state actors to launch a swift tactical response.

    The joint team stormed the area, conducting an intensive bush-combing operation across surrounding forests and blocking suspected escape routes.

    Abayomi said sustained pressure from intelligence-led operations forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim, leading to his safe recovery.

    “The sustained search, intelligence-led pressure, and coordinated security operations compelled the suspects to abandon the victim, who was later rescued unharmed.

    “He has since been reunited with his family. Meanwhile, efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects involved in the criminal act,” he said.

    Commending the professionalism and swift response of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to combat crime and criminality across the state.

    He also lauded the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for what he described as visionary leadership and policing reforms that have strengthened intelligence-sharing and operational coordination nationwide.

    The police boss, however, reassured residents of the state of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, urging members of the public to continue providing credible and actionable information to security agencies.

  • Bolaji Ogunmola blasts airline after being stranded in Ekiti for 24 hours

    Bolaji Ogunmola blasts airline after being stranded in Ekiti for 24 hours

    • …says delay disrupted n20m film project

    Actress and filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola has criticised an airline for leaving her stranded at the Ekiti State airport for more than 24 hours, a disruption she said caused her to miss the first day of her N20 million film production.

    In a video shared on Instagram, Ogunmola described how repeated flight delays, cancellations, and rescheduling derailed her plans and left her in distress.

    “I’m still at the airport, by the way, and I’ve cried my eyes out this morning. I’m in Ekiti. I’m still here because I’m on set this morning, and it’s the first day of TOC’s production. I have actors on set. I booked a restaurant. I booked everything, and I’m still here. I spent over 15 to 20 million trying to produce this film,” she said.

    Ogunmola recounted that she arrived at the airport on Wednesday for a scheduled flight to Lagos but was first informed of a delay before the airline eventually cancelled the flight, leaving her stranded overnight.

    “I was supposed to fly yesterday, and they told me when I got to the airport that something happened. It was delayed. I waited, waited, waited. After a while, they said they are not flying again and cancelled the flight. I said, okay, you cancelled the flight. What is the plan? I need to get to Lagos,” she recounted.

    According to her, she spent the night at a motel and returned Thursday morning, facing further delays.

    Read Also: Actress Bolaji Ogunmola opens up on ordeals in May

    “They said they are going to fly at 8 am this morning. I woke up at 5 am, got to the airport by 6:30. They said it’s not for 8 am again. It’s for 9:30. Now, the 9:30 flight, they said they have moved it to 12. Now, they are saying the flight is going to move by 5:30, and I’m supposed to be on set,” she added.

    The filmmaker expressed frustration at the airline’s lack of communication and the impact on her production crew, who were already on set waiting for her.

    “As we speak, my crew, production, everything — it’s our first day at work. It’s not only my time that these people are toying with. It’s actually my source of livelihood as well. There is no conversation. Everybody just says sorry to me. What am I supposed to do? I’m literally stuck here,” Ogunmola lamented.

    The frustrated actress has decided to travel by road, citing safety concerns, to make it to her Lagos production set.

    “I have to go by road, which is very unsafe, but I need to get to work. My lawyers will take this up. I just needed to have evidence of what was going on. They are not remorseful. They are unfair. They don’t have any sense of decency,” she stated.

    Ogunmola clarified that she was not making the video to cause drama but to document her experience for legal purposes.

    “I’m not the person to call out anybody. I’m not going to shout. I’m not going to fight. I don’t do that, but I just need to have evidence,” she added.

  • Popular Adamawa PDP grassroots politician leads Guyuk/Shelleng supporters to APC

    Popular Adamawa PDP grassroots politician leads Guyuk/Shelleng supporters to APC

    A former Chairman of Guyuk Local Government Area in Adamawa State and longtime Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Kube Dwana, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), taking with him supporters from Guyuk and neighbouring Shelleng LGAs.

    Dwana formally announced his decision at the APC Secretariat in Guyuk Ward, a development that has unsettled what remains of the PDP in both local governments.

    His influence in the area was said to have stemmed from his role in past elections and decades of helping to strengthen the PDP’s political standing.

    Explaining his move, Dwana said he chose to leave the party he helped build because of what he described as the quality of national governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “I find it compelling to align with people in good governance under the same boat,” he said.

    The former council chairman, who served between 2009 and 2010, added that Tinubu’s policy direction and key appointments — including that of former Chief of Defence Staff, now Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa from Southern Kaduna, as well as Professor Nentawe Yelwatda’s emergence as APC National Chairman — influenced his decision and convinced his supporters to follow suit.

    Guyuk APC Ward Chairman, Linus Nathaniel, welcomed Dwana into the party, describing his entry as a significant boost given his broad appeal in both Guyuk and Shelleng.

    Similarly, Ibrahim Suleiman, coordinator of the Kube Dwana political structure in Shelleng, said the defection reflects a worthy acknowledgment of President Tinubu’s leadership.

  • Several killed in attacks on associates of late politician

    Several killed in attacks on associates of late politician

    A wave of violent attacks targeting individuals connected to the late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Topmost Ayinde, has resulted in multiple deaths across Ekiti, Osun and Cross River states, raising growing concerns about insecurity and possible targeted killings.

    Security agencies in the affected states say the motive behind the attacks remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing, and as of the time of filing this report, no arrests have been made.

    Former Aide and Family Attacked in Ekiti

    On January 2, 2026, Jide, a former personal assistant to the late politician, was reportedly abducted alongside his wife and their twin sons by unknown gunmen in Ekiti State, according to a family source.

    The attackers allegedly stormed the family residence and demanded information about Ayomide, the son of the late Topmost Ayinde, who is believed to be residing in the United Kingdom. Jide’s uncle said the gunmen showed photographs of Ayomide and repeatedly demanded to know his whereabouts.

    Jide reportedly told the assailants that he had lost contact with Ayomide and had no knowledge of his location.

    During the attack, one of the twin boys was reportedly killed, while Jide’s wife was also shot dead. The assailants allegedly accused Jide of hiding information.

    “They were determined to harm anyone connected to the family,” the uncle said, adding that the family had previously reported threats to security agencies before relocating to Ekiti.

    The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation had been launched. No arrests have been recorded.

    Fatal Shooting in Calabar

    After escaping the attack, Jide reportedly relocated to Calabar, Cross River State, where he contacted his uncle to recount the abduction and the killing of his wife and child.

    However, two days later, he was shot dead by unknown assailants in Calabar. An eyewitness said a man on a motorcycle approached Jide and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.

    The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the killing and said investigations are ongoing. No suspects have been apprehended.

    Earlier Killings in Osun

    The recent incidents follow an earlier attack on November 21, 2024, in Ilesa, Osun State, during which the wife and daughter of Topmost Ayinde were killed at their market stall.

    Police authorities confirmed the incident at the time and said investigations had been opened. No arrests have since been announced.

    Growing public concern

    Residents across the three states have expressed growing concern over the repeated violence and the lack of arrests. Many have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to uncover the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    Although no official connection has been established between the incidents, police authorities maintain that all cases remain under investigation.

  • 2027: Diri, Lokpobiri lead APC e-registration drive in Bayelsa, vow to deliver state for Tinubu

    2027: Diri, Lokpobiri lead APC e-registration drive in Bayelsa, vow to deliver state for Tinubu

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, alongside the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has taken centre stage in the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration drive aimed at consolidating the party’s membership across the state.

    Governor Diri, speaking at the official flag-off, emphasised the importance of unity and mass registration for the party. 

    He reminded participants that APC’s symbol—the broom—represents strength in togetherness. “You can easily break a single broomstick, but when all the sticks come together, they are unbreakable,” he said.

    The governor urged all APC members, both long-standing and recent defectors, to register formally. 

    “We are not a small state,” he asserted, encouraging members to increase party numbers and ensure APC remains the dominant political force in the region. He also stressed the need for members to possess both their APC membership cards and valid INEC voter cards, highlighting that this would safeguard the party’s integrity and prevent vote manipulation.

    Read Also: Oil fields dispute: Court orders Lokpobiri, others to maintain status quo

    Senator Lokpobiri described the electronic registration as a defining step toward party unity, strength, and electoral success.

    Addressing party stakeholders, he noted that the gathering marked a historic moment, bringing together leaders who had not worked collaboratively for years due to political differences. 

    “This exercise enables APC to accurately determine its support base in Bayelsa and better organise its structure ahead of future elections,” he said.

    Lokpobiri vows to deliver all elective offices for APC and return President Tinubu elected in 2027.

    Lokpobiri commended Governor Diri for his leadership and reconciliatory approach, which he said had restored harmony within the party. 

    “Through dialogue and personal intervention, the Governor persuaded party leaders to make compromises and embrace a new spirit of cooperation,” he noted, adding that former rivals were now working collectively toward shared goals.

    Describing APC in Bayelsa as united and indivisible, the minister stressed that the party now operates with a common objective of winning all elective positions. 

    He urged party leaders and stakeholders to mobilize their supporters for the e-registration exercise, emphasizing that active participation would position the party for greater success and stability in the state.

    Governor Diri also reminded attendees that political parties should foster development, not disunity. “Before political parties, we were all Bayelsans. Differences in party affiliations should not separate us; they should help us grow and develop,” he said.

    The event concluded with both leaders calling on party members to return to their constituencies, mobilize supporters, and ensure broad participation in the APC e-registration. The exercise, they noted, would not only strength. 

  • JUST IN: Five feared dead as bandits attack National Park in Oyo

    JUST IN: Five feared dead as bandits attack National Park in Oyo

    Suspected bandits on Tuesday night attacked personnel of the National Park Service (NPS) in Oloka village, Orire Local Government Area (LGA), Oyo State.

    The Nation learnt that the attack occurred around 9:00 pm on January 6, 2026, catching the NPS personnel by surprise. Several officers were reportedly killed or injured during the incident.

    Further details, including the exact number of casualties, are yet to be confirmed.

    Read Also: Suspected bandits abduct nursing mother, infant in Ondo

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, was said to have confirmed the incident.

    He said, “Yes, there was an attack by yet to be identified men against the men of the National Park. The Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs are currently on their way to the location.

    “Meanwhile, the CP Femi Haruna has deployed tactical teams, Mobile Police Force officers of the NPF and EOD to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he explained.

    Details shortly…

  • My life was better without my father, says Portable

    My life was better without my father, says Portable

    Controversial singer Portable has accused his father of taking his personal belongings and attempting to lay claim to his properties.

    In a video message, the Zazu crooner alleged that his father’s involvement in his life has caused more harm than good, asserting that he fared better before his father came back to his life. 

    He further claimed that his father did not support his education or his tailoring apprenticeship, which he said he pursued before venturing into music.

    The artiste alleged that his father has taken his shoes and clothes and is now making moves to claim his properties.

    “My dad’s presence in my life is doing me more harm than good. My life was better and more stable when he wasn’t in the picture,” he said.

    “When I was younger, he didn’t take care of me. He did not send me to school. He did not pay for my tailoring apprenticeship fee.

    “His presence is affecting my life negatively. He has taken all my shoes and clothes and he is just after my properties.”

  • Mbah hails fallen heroes, seeks sustainable welfare for ex-servicemen

    Mbah hails fallen heroes, seeks sustainable welfare for ex-servicemen

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has praised the sacrifices of Nigeria’s ex-servicemen and fallen heroes, describing them as critical to the nation’s security, democracy, and territorial integrity.

    The governor spoke at the unveiling of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, where he was represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai.

    Mbah said the annual emblem launch should go beyond symbolism, calling for structured and sustainable engagement to improve the welfare of members of the Nigerian Legion.

    “On behalf of the people of Enugu State, we are grateful for your selfless sacrifices. Beyond donations, we need an organised framework that will guarantee meaningful and lasting support for those who served,” he said.

    He highlighted ongoing development projects in the state, including the construction of 260 Smart Schools, 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, expanded road infrastructure, and agricultural programmes, noting that veterans could benefit from strategic partnerships with the government.

    Earlier, the Enugu State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Dr. Emeka Norman Igwesi, thanked Governor Mbah for his support to both living and fallen heroes but urged greater commitment to veterans’ welfare through policies and programmes.

    Igwesi also lamented the failure of many individuals and organisations to redeem pledges made during remembrance events, while commending Mbah for keeping his promises and delivering good governance.

    He called for better utilisation of the skills of retired military personnel and appealed for support in areas such as security vehicles, monthly subventions, scholarships for indigent children, and empowerment of widows of fallen servicemen.

  • 2027: ADC inaugurates nationwide membership mobilisation committee 

    2027: ADC inaugurates nationwide membership mobilisation committee 

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said its nationwide membership drive is aimed at deepening internal cohesion and expanding its national footprint as it positions itself to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.

    The declaration was made on Wednesday in Abuja by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, during the inauguration of the Membership Revalidation, Mobilization, and Registration (MRMR) Committee. 

    The committee has been tasked with overhauling the party’s membership base, strengthening grassroots structures, and harmonizing records nationwide.

    Speaking at the event, which was attended by some members of the National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, party chieftains, and other stakeholders, Mark described the exercise as a critical milestone in repositioning the ADC for growth, strength, and internal cohesion.

    He noted that the party was founded on principles of justice, equity, accountability, and people-centred governance, adding, “For these ideals to translate into political success, our party must rest on a solid, credible, and verifiable membership base, supported by effective mobilization structures across the federation”.

    Mark explained that the decision to inaugurate the MRMR committee was driven by the recognition that no political party can achieve national relevance without a strong, active, and properly documented membership. 

    “Membership is the lifeblood of any democratic organization. It determines legitimacy, strength, reach, and ultimately, electoral victory,” he said.

    Among others, the committee’s terms of reference include overseeing the registration of new members nationwide to ensure inclusiveness, transparency, and adherence to party guidelines. 

    It will develop a nationwide membership mobilization strategy with emphasis on the grassroots at polling units, wards, local governments, and state levels, while implementing both electronic and manual registration systems.

    Mark added that the committee will also harmonize existing membership records with State chapters, conduct a comprehensive revalidation exercise across all States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), integrate new members into party structures, and liaise with State and local leadership to ensure smooth implementation and promote unity and discipline.

    Charging the committee, Mark said, “The responsibility placed on you is both demanding and historic. You are expected to discharge your duties with integrity, fairness, transparency, and a deep sense of patriotism to our party. You must approach this assignment without bias, favouritism, or exclusion.”

    The committee has 30 days to submit its interim report.

    The committee chairman, Kashim Imam, in his acceptance speech, pledged to execute the mandate diligently, stating, “Our mission is to return the ADC to the average Nigerian. We will ensure that the party is owned by the grassroots, giving the people a voice and responsibility in the party. 

    “We will work tirelessly, registering members across towns, rural communities, and remote areas.”

    He added that the exercise would begin immediately, with an interim report due to the National Working Committee within 30 days.

    The 20-member committee, chaired by Kashim Imam, includes former House of Representatives member Hon. Sekonte Davies, Nollywood actress Mina Horsfall, Professor of Pure and Applied Mathematics Festus Arunaye, Obidient Movement spokesman Tanko Yusuf, activist and Obidient Movement chieftain Aisha Yesufu, and Labour Party former governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, among others.