The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • UPDATED: Alleged rights violation: Appeal Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s case against DSS’ DG, AGF

    UPDATED: Alleged rights violation: Appeal Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s case against DSS’ DG, AGF

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out the appeal by terrorism convict, Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on the grounds that it was without merit and had become academic following his conviction for terrorism offences by a Federal High Court in a judgment on November 20.

    In a judgment on Friday, a three-member panel of the appellate court found that Kanu’s claim that his fundamental rights to human dignity, right to quality health care and religion were being breached by his continued detention in the facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) was no longer feasible since his conviction, life imprisonment sentence and remand in prison custody.

    Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo, in the lead judgment, held that the substance of the case has become academic because, since Kanu’s lawyer (Maxwell Opara) confirmed at the commencement of proceedings on Friday, that his client was being held in Sokoto prison, the court could no longer order him to be moved to Kuje prison to which he had sought to be relocated from the DSS custody.

    Justice Ugo further held that, having earlier exhibited preference for prison custody, the court could no longer grant his prayers since he has been convicted and sent to the prison where he had wanted to be kept.

    The judgment was on Kanu’s appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/813/2022 against the June 3, 2022 judgment by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja (now retired), which earlier dismissed his fundamental rights enforcement suit on the grounds that he failed to prove his case.

    Listed as respondents in the appeal were the Director General of the DSS, DSS and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    Read Also: Nnamdi Kanu: Bianca Ojukwu advises Ndigbo 

    Justice Ugo noted that the pertinent question was whether the request by the appellant that he be moved out of the DSS facility was still feasible now in the light of the recent public event concerning his trial.

    He added: “It is a matter of common knowledge, which this court is bound to take judicial notice of, that the criminal trial of the appellant for which he was detained at the detention facility of the first and second respondents (DG, DSS and the DSS) has terminated in the recently televised judgment of James Omotosho J. of the Federal High Court on 20th November 2025 and convicting him of charges of terrorism, among others and sentencing him to life imprisonment.

    “Even more significant is the further fact, which is equally of public knowledge, as confirmed by his counsel in court this morning, that the appellant has since been moved from the detention facility of the first and second respondents to a correctional facility in Sokoto State.

    “Incidentally, the appellant himself had earlier complained, in his affidavit, that he had actually desired detention in a correctional facility.

    “What that means is that the first and second respondents are no longer in a position to breach the fundamental human right to human dignity as he (Kanu) complained that they were doing for which he sought the orders of the lawyer court and this court, compelling them to afford him better treatment.

    “In effect, the appellant’s fundamental rights enforcement application, and even the correctness of the decision of Taiwo Taiwo J, endorsing his continued detention in the detention facility of the first and second respondents, have all become academic and so, no longer worthy of deliberation, let alone decision by us,” Justice Ugo said and proceeded to strike out the appeal.

  • Nigeria international air show to attract investors, boost economy – Keyamo

    Nigeria international air show to attract investors, boost economy – Keyamo

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that the Nigeria International Air Show, which will be hosted in Abuja next week, will attract investors and boost the country’s economy.

    The minister, who disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, during an inspection of installed facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), said the show would expose Nigeria to the world.

    The three-day event which will commence on Tuesday, will feature an air display by the Nigerian Air Force, talk shows, seminars, and an exhibition of various products and services.

    Keyamo said, “We decided to do this to showcase Nigeria to the world. We just came back from the Dubai Air Show last week, and those air shows actually portray and display the potential of those countries. So for us, this is the first time in the history of Nigeria that we are doing an international air show, and we are expecting foreign visitors, foreign airlines, foreign investors to come and see what we have to offer. So it is just a platform for Nigeria to showcase itself.

    “Some people may say we are still struggling with some aspects of our aviation ecosystem, but I ask, is it the chicken that comes first or the egg that comes first? Do you wait to get to the zenith before you begin to advertise yourself? In fact, this is the right time. There is no better time. 

    “The present government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has helped us a lot in the aviation sector. You can see that we have rolled out a lot of policies that are now making the sector grow. In fact, the sector is poised for growth.

    “I’m sure you have heard all of those statements from the private operators and how good this government has been to them. So this is the right time to invite investors to come and see where we are going and what we can do to help. And that is why we are doing the air show”.

    On what the country will gain from the exercise, Keyamo said, “It is December, and we have a lot of visitors coming in from Sunday to come and see what we have. A lot of people have heard about Nigeria and the growing aviation sector. So, they want to come and see for themselves the products we have, and the products other people around the world have and are willing to bring into Nigeria. 

    “Even our local operators will enjoy a lot of person-to-person diplomatic exchanges and business contacts. Air shows are an opportunity for people to strike deals.

    Read Also: We may go after Dana Air assets to refund passengers, travel agents, says Keyamo 

    “So leasors are coming, financiers are coming also. So, Nigeria has a lot to gain. Nigeria is gaining international attention, potential foreign investment and attracting a lot of people into Nigeria”. 

    The minister also noted that for safety reasons, during the hour of display in the air, aircraft will not be allowed to fly in and out of Abuja airport.

    He, however, added that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to all airlines to alert them of the air display.

    “For that brief period where there will be an air display, people have been told already not to fly in or fly out, to hold their flights for that period, and not to fly into Abuja for that period because the sky will be agog with displays. NOTAM has also been issued to all airlines.”

  • Troops kill dozens of terrorists, nab 57 suspects, rescue 45 victims – DHQ

    Troops kill dozens of terrorists, nab 57 suspects, rescue 45 victims – DHQ

    Troops of the Nigerian Army  neutralised dozens of terrorists, apprehended 57 suspects, and rescued 45 kidnapped victims across the country in one week.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known in Friday in Abuja, while giving an update on nationwide military operations within the week.

    Onoja said the troops also recovered large caches of arms, vehicles, and ammunition while dismantling criminal and terrorist networks in multiple theatres of operation.

    In the North East, he said that troops of Operation HADIN KAI killed several terrorists, apprehended 11 collaborators, rescued eight kidnapped commuters, and destroyed multiple terrorist camps.

    He added that air interdiction missions in Sambisa neutralised additional terrorists and destroyed their storage facilities.

    Under Operation FASAN YAMMA, Onoja said the troops killed several terrorists and bandits, apprehended 15 suspects, and the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims across Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger States.

    He added that troops also recovered weapons, vehicles, livestock, and intercepted a suspected terrorist arms dealer with N4 million in cash and military-grade weapons.

    In the North Central, Onoja said the troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE, killed scores of extremists, apprehended 11 suspects including notorious terrorist Umar Idi (aka Lere).

    Read Also: Naval chief reaffirms commitment to troops welfare, anti-oil theft operations

    He added that 19 kidnapped victims were rescued, alongside the recovery of weapons, vehicles, and illicit funds.

    The defence spokesman said the troops of DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over N173 million, destroyed 11 illegal refining sites, and arrested 13 criminals.

    In the South East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA rescued five kidnapped victims, arrested seven criminals, and eliminated terrorists’ safe havens in Enugu State through coordinated air strikes.

    He commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, urging continued public support and intelligence sharing.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the military to protecting lives, properties, and national sovereignty until peace is fully restored nationwide.

    (NAN) 

  • Labour Party NEC ratifies Nnewi convention, sets stage for nationwide congresses

    Labour Party NEC ratifies Nnewi convention, sets stage for nationwide congresses

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party has ratified the party’s Nnewi, Anambra State convention, paving the way for ward, local government, and state congresses across the country.

    Friday’s NEC meeting, held at the party’s Abuja secretariat, was presided over by National Chairman Julius Abure. 

    It was attended by members of the National and State Working Committees from all 36 states and the FCT, as well as key stakeholders, including the party’s 2023 Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Baba Datti-Ahmed, and a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission led by Rakiya Dattijo of its Election and Party Monitoring Department.

    The meeting reviewed the state of the party and deliberated on its strategic direction.

    In a communiqué signed by Abure and National Secretary Umar Ibrahim, NEC affirmed the validity of the 2024 Nnewi National Convention, stating it aligned with the Supreme Court’s decision empowering the party to determine its leadership as part of its internal affairs.

    The communique read in part, “The NEC in session notes and recalls vividly the following Supreme Court pronouncements:

    “The reason for the non-justiciability of internal disputes of a political party is simple, and that is that in the eyes of the law, a political party is a corporate entity with its constitution, rules, regulations, and guidelines which are binding on members who have joined freely have consented to be so bound (See Abegunde Vs. Ondo State House of Assembly & Ors. (2025) LPELR-24588 (SC).)

    “Political Parties have put in place diverse kinds of internal dispute resolution mechanisms to handle any matter arising from disputes among members. 

    Read Also: Abia lawmaker dumps APC for Labour Party

    “Political parties and their members should therefore have faith in the internal dispute resolution mechanisms prescribed in their party constitution. 

    “Having subscribed to the membership of a Political party, a member of a Political party has by his membership agreed to be bound by the constitution and the decision of the party contained in its guidelines.

    “So the Politician must comply with the provisions of the party constitution on how disputes over the internal affairs of the party can be resolved in keeping with the legal doctrine that the internal affairs of a Political party are non-justiceable and therefore not subject to the judicial powers of the courts..

    “Consequent upon the above, NEC in session reaffirmed those elected as National officers of the Party at the National Convention held in 2024 in Anambra State on the 27th of March 2024.”

    Those elected were the current 17 member National Working Committee which has Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Farouk as National Secretary, Chief Clement Ojukwu, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi and Dr Esther Gulmu (Deputy National Chairmen) and Obiora Ifoh as National Publicity Secretary among others. 

    The party’s NEC also mandated the National Chairman and Secretary to convene a Special Convention “if necessary.”

    The party also filled vacant positions in the NEC including the appointment of Oluwafemi Abayomi Arabambi as the National Vice Chairman South West, 

    Prince Favour Reuben as the Assistant National Organising Secretary and Barr. Enu Kikanwa as Assistant National Woman Leader South South.

    The communique added, “NEC in session ratified the decision to hold Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses across the Federation.” 

  • Tinubu directs stronger south–south cooperation

    Tinubu directs stronger south–south cooperation

    • …Nigeria, Tunisia pursue new ties 

    President Bola Tinubu has ordered that Nigeria deepen its bilateral engagements with countries that share its development aspirations, naming Tunisia as one of its strategic partners in advancing south-south cooperation.

    This position was conveyed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, during a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Economy and Planning, Mr Samir Abdelhafidh, in Abuja on Friday. 

    Bagudu said Nigeria firmly believes that stronger collaboration among countries of the global South will accelerate development and reduce long-standing dependence on advanced economies.

    Receiving senior Tunisian officials, including Mrs Achwek Snoussi and Mr Gara Nader, the minister said, “South–South collaboration, particularly among countries with shared aspirations, would facilitate their development and reduce their dependence on the North.” 

    He explained that the visit signalled a renewed drive by both countries to expand cooperation in national planning, trade, investment mobilisation and development strategy.

    Bagudu told the delegation, “This meeting is a convergence of two ministries united by similar mandates and shared development ambitions. This is more than a diplomatic courtesy; it is an opportunity to shape a new phase of collaboration between our nations.” 

    He noted that President Tinubu’s administration places national planning and international economic engagement at the centre of its development agenda, with his ministry serving as the coordinating platform across Nigeria’s federating units.

    The minister observed strong similarities between Nigeria’s planning system and Tunisia’s bottom-up, regionally coordinated approach. 

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Olubaka of Oka-Akoko on Ihare festival, 82nd birthday

    He revealed that Nigerian officials are reviewing Tunisia’s planning model to explore knowledge-sharing opportunities, especially in digital transformation, pharmaceutical development, industrial innovation and investment facilitation. 

    According to him, “Your emphasis on digital growth in Tunisia’s 2026–2030 plan resonates strongly with Nigeria’s goal of building a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030. There is much we can learn from your progress, and much we can achieve together.”

    Bagudu said he would brief President Tinubu immediately and fast-track arrangements for a reciprocal visit to Tunis.

    In his remarks, Abdelhafidh expressed appreciation for the warm reception and said Tunisia is committed to building a durable, mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria. 

    He described Nigeria as “a regional powerhouse and a strategic ally in shaping the future of the African and Arab economic space.”

    He stated, “We are here because we believe Nigeria and Tunisia can accomplish far more together than separately. Our ministries share similar responsibilities—planning, investment, and international cooperation—and this creates a natural basis for collaboration.”

    The Tunisian minister outlined the country’s bottom-up development planning system for 2026–2030, which draws priorities from local councils, regional assemblies, district authorities and ministries. 

    He said the model ensures national planning reflects actual needs, adding, “Our approach is anchored on inclusiveness. Local and regional bodies are articulating their priorities, and we are integrating them with national and sectoral strategies. It is a model we believe aligns closely with Nigeria’s federated planning system.”

    Abdelhafidh also listed areas where cooperation could commence immediately, including digital economy and e-governance, industrial modernisation, pharmaceutical and health technology development, investment facilitation and technical capacity building. 

    He said Tunisia is ready to exchange expertise while learning from Nigeria’s experience in federal coordination, macroeconomic reforms and large-scale development management. 

    “This partnership should not be theoretical; it should produce concrete programs that benefit the citizens of both countries,” he said.

    The Tunisian Minister added that both nations’ participation in the Arab–African Trade Programme presents an opportunity to deepen trade, strengthen logistics networks and build cross-regional economic value chains. 

    “The Arab–African Trade Program has brought us closer to our African partners,” Abdelhafidh said. “Nigeria is central to Africa’s economic future, and strengthening our relationship is both strategic and necessary.”

  • Tinubu establishes national tax policy implementation committee to drive new tax law execution

    Tinubu establishes national tax policy implementation committee to drive new tax law execution

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) to ensure coordinated, nationwide implementation of the administration’s sweeping tax reforms.

    The committee, chaired by renowned financial expert, Mr Joseph Tegbe, is tasked with translating the President’s new Tax Acts into practical, harmonised actions across the federal, state, and private sectors. 

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, will provide ministerial oversight for the committee.

    Announcing the decision in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the Presidency said the NTPIC will undertake wide consultations with public- and private-sector stakeholders to ensure the reforms align with Nigeria’s economic aspirations and secure broad acceptance.

    Tegbe, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), brings over 35 years of experience from both sectors, including his tenure as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa. 

    Mrs Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, will serve as Secretary, while members include Ismaeel Ahmed, Rukaiya El-Rufai, and other experts.

    President Tinubu, in establishing the committee, underscored the centrality of effective implementation to his administration’s economic transformation drive.

    “These new Tax Acts reflect our administration’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of citizens and businesses. 

    “The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee will ensure coherent, effective, and well-aligned implementation across all levels of government”, the President said.

    According to the statement, the NTPIC will prioritise extensive stakeholder engagement through nationwide consultations with professional bodies, the private sector, and subnational governments. 

    Public awareness campaigns will also accompany the rollout of the reforms to deepen citizens’ understanding and compliance.

    The committee is further mandated to strengthen inter-agency coordination by aligning revenue collection bodies and regulatory institutions with the new laws, harmonising existing frameworks, and ensuring unified oversight and reporting throughout the transition.

    The statement noted that the multi-disciplinary composition of the NTPIC, covering tax administration, finance, law, the private sector, and civil society, will guarantee a balanced and inclusive approach to execution.

    Read Also: Tinubu directs stronger south–south cooperation

    Tegbe said the team is prepared to begin work immediately. 

    “We understand the strategic importance of these Tax Acts. Our committee will work closely with all stakeholders to support the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in ensuring seamless implementation and building public trust in the tax system,” he said.

    Edun described the committee’s inauguration as a decisive step towards repositioning Nigeria’s fiscal framework. 

    “With the establishment of this Committee, Mr President has not only set the direction but also provided the authority and support required to reset not just the tax system but the entire fiscal policy framework of government, to deliver significant economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the minister said.

    The NTPIC is expected to strengthen revenue mobilisation, reduce leakages, enhance accountability, and reinforce the federal government’s fiscal sustainability goals.

  • 14th NNPC sports fiesta kicks off in Abuja 

    14th NNPC sports fiesta kicks off in Abuja 

    …As firm vows to retain

     …Champion status in oil Industry games

    The 14th NNPC Ltd. Sports Fiesta will kick-off at the weekend (Sunday, November 30th 2025) at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the Company strives to retain its legendary status of the team to beat in the Nigeria Oil & Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) coming up later in February, next year.

    This year’s edition of the biennial event themed “Energy In Motion: Compete, Connect & Celebrate” will see a total of 450 athletes participating, symbolizing NNPC Ltd’s belief in the integral role of physical well-being in enhancing organizational productivity among employees.

    The one-week tournament, which will climax on Saturday, 6th December, 2025, will feature teams from NNPC Ltd’s six zones representing the Company’s three core values: Team Integrity (Port Harcourt/Benin); Team Excellence (Lagos/Warri) and Team Sustainability (Abuja/Kaduna).

    NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh disclosed this a press statement on Friday.

    He said during the keenly contested fiesta, the Company’s employees are expected to compete in 13 sports, namely football, basketball, volleyball, chess, squash, scrabble, 8-ball pool, golf, tennis, table tennis, badminton, swimming and athletics. 

    The fiesta will also serve as a platform for selecting NNPC Ltd’s potential flagbearers at the forthcoming 20th Nigeria Oil & Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) in February 2026, where the Company will defend its title of overall winner, a feat it has maintained over the years. 

    The NNPC Ltd has been a serial winner of the NOGIG Games, which also features other participants from International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria and key agencies under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

    During the last edition of NOGIG held in 2024 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, NNPC Ltd emerged the overall winner of the tournament, carting home 50 laurels, which include 20 gold, 9 silver and 21 bronze medals. 

  • Oyo govt orders traders, artisans to vacate walkways, roadside spots

    Oyo govt orders traders, artisans to vacate walkways, roadside spots

    The Oyo State Government has directed traders, artisans, motor dealers, and vendors operating on pedestrian walkways and roadside spaces to vacate such areas or face sanctions.

    The directive was announced on Friday by the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Major Adesagba Adekoya (Rtd), who described business activities on walkways as illegal and dangerous.

    Adekoya explained that the obstruction caused by these activities contributes to traffic congestion, accidents, and inconvenience for residents and shoppers. 

    Read Also: I’ll serve Oyo state people till my last day in office – Makinde

    He listed areas with high levels of encroachment, including the University of Ibadan area, Samonda, Mokola, and other busy corridors.

    He urged traders to immediately move to approved market spaces, particularly as the festive season approaches.

    Adekoya warned that defaulters risk fines and possible court prosecution.

  • Seplat trains 35 journalists on technologically-driven skills, entrepreneurship 

    Seplat trains 35 journalists on technologically-driven skills, entrepreneurship 

    Seplat Energy Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading oil companies, has charged journalists to embrace modern technologies associated with the media profession, and opportunities that could ensure financial security after retirement.

    At a two-day capacity building programme for 35 journalists across print, online and electronic platforms held on 26 and 27 November in Benin City, Edo state, the company in conjunction with Eloh Consulting Limited, expressed commitment to strengthening the Nigerian media landscape. 

    The programme which was designed in several sessions explored newsroom innovation, leadership, digital storytelling, and job effectiveness, equipping participants with essential business acumen and skills to thrive as entrepreneurs and future business leaders. 

    Seplat’s Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Stanley Okpara commended participating journalists drawn from Delta, particularly Warri and Sapele areas, and Edo States, for upholding professionalism in discharging their duties.

    He explained that the programme was part of Seplat Energy’s sustained investment in developing Nigeria’s media industry.

    The sessions featured a blend of foundational and advanced media training on the first day, while self search digital innovation, particularly Mobile Video Journalism (MOJO) and ways to gainfully exploit visual platforms took centre stage the following day.

    The facilitators, Dr. Solomon Avbioroko: Former director at Coca-Cola International and a lecturer at the Lagos Business School shared insights on leadership, personal organisation, and effective conduct, while Mr Nnamdi Uwaemelulam, led journalists through the essentials of news writing and reporting, further encourging journalists to integrate videos and social media into their storytelling, highlighting Mobile Video Journalism (MOJO) as convenient, cost-effective, and creatively liberating. 

    He emphasised that modern journalists must be technologically skilled to thrive in the evolving media landscape.

    Digital marketing expert, Abiola Ayodeji, rounded off the sessions on personal branding and monetising contents on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

    Participants expressed gratitude to Seplat for the “eye-opening, timely and impactful,” programme, noting that they have been equipped with skills to help them navigate the evolving media landscape and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

  • Taking picture with armed robber, by Rotimi Sulyman

    Taking picture with armed robber, by Rotimi Sulyman

    Once upon a time in the early 1990s, when Legend Extra Stout entered the Nigerian stout market, its promoters set up exhibition stands at a trade fair in Ilorin, Kwara State, offering free drinks to visitors.

    I was in my early twenties then, an undergraduate at the University of Ilorin, and my late father was publishing a newspaper for the trade fair. A man of many business ideas, Daddy had earlier come to Lagos—before a Shariah Court in Ilorin granted him my custody—to visit my younger brother and me while we lived with our maternal grandmother in Ijora.

    Observing the large Kwara population in the area and convinced that pap (eko) was a staple for many of them, he believed selling eko there would be profitable.

    He never found success in business, but one failed venture that benefited my elder sibling and me was his cinema house in the Sango area of Ilorin, where we sold tickets and quietly kept portions of the sales to survive.

    Back to the trade fair: I was there on Daddy’s instruction to distribute his newspapers. I cannot recall how devoted I was to the job, but I vividly remember getting tipsy on several bottles of promo Legend, wobbling home, joking endlessly, and giving myself the nickname “Legendary Rotimi.”

    Just a few days ago, I found myself choosing between visiting two monuments in Nottingham, UK—the statue of the famed outlaw Robin Hood and the home of acclaimed writer D. H. Lawrence. I eventually chose the former.

    Accompanied by my son—who told me he avoids a place called Prospect Centre in Hull after learning it once held slaves during the slave trade era—we visited the Robin Hood monument. When we arrived, other tourists were already taking pictures with the iconic statue, and I soon joined them.

    According to popular history, Robin Hood was a heroic outlaw who robbed the rich to support the poor. His story has been retold in countless films and books, often portraying him as a symbol of wealth redistribution and resistance to inequality. The admiration he enjoys is astonishing.

    To me, however, he was simply a criminal—one who strikingly resembles Nigeria’s own Lawrence Anini, famously known as “The Law.”

    Media reports show that Anini, executed in 1987, carried out a series of bank robberies across the old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States). His habit of throwing stolen money into the streets for the poor to pick up while fleeing mirrored the so-called generosity attributed to Robin Hood.

    Yet, despite their similar operations, Anini occupies an unshakeable place in Nigeria’s hall of shame, while Robin Hood enjoys a revered status in the UK. What a world of conflict!

    Rotimi Sulyman is a media entrepreneur and travel writer