The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FCT police intensify crackdown on ‘One-chance’ syndicates after killing of nurse, lawyer

    FCT police intensify crackdown on ‘One-chance’ syndicates after killing of nurse, lawyer

    • …nine ‘one-chance syndicates smashed during yuletide season

    In the wake of the brutal killing of an Abuja nurse and a female lawyer by ‘one-chance’ criminals operating in unmarked taxis, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has stepped up its operations to curb the menace, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller G. Dantawaye, has assured.

    Addressing representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), including members of FIDA, the NBA Women Forum, and the Unity Bar, during their advocacy visit to the Command Headquarters on Friday, Dantawaye pledged that justice will be pursued to its conclusion.

    The delegation had expressed deep concern over the murder of their colleague, Ms. Princess Ochigbo, whose body was discovered along the Kubwa Expressway on Wednesday. Dantawaye condoled with the group and confirmed that extensive and discreet investigations are underway, with arrests and prosecution expected soon.

    He urged FCT residents to remain vigilant, especially when boarding commercial vehicles, warning against accepting free rides or entering suspicious cars. 

    He stressed the need for collective responsibility, prompt information sharing, and public cooperation in dismantling ‘one-chance’ networks across the territory.

    Read Also: Police advise on drowning in Oyo

    Residents were advised to report suspicious activity via the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 07057337653.

    Offering further clarification to The Nation on Saturday, FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh revealed that nine ‘one-chance’ syndicates specialising in robbing and ejecting commuters from moving vehicles have been identified across Abuja.

    She stated that several arrests have been made, detectives are pursuing additional suspects, and some of those in custody will soon be charged in court. 

    Adeh added that public insistence on free use of tinted glass, legal gaps that impede prosecution, and the steady influx of criminal elements from other states continue to undermine security efforts despite the vigilance of law enforcement agencies.

  • United Nigeria Airline apologises to Actress Bolaji Ogunmola over Ekiti flight disruption

    United Nigeria Airline apologises to Actress Bolaji Ogunmola over Ekiti flight disruption

    United Nigeria Airlines has issued an apology to actress Bolaji Ogunmola and

    other affected passengers for disruptions to their travel plans.

    Actress Bolaji Ogunmola, on Thursday, called out United Nigeria Airlines for delayed flights, leaving her stranded in Ekiti.

    According to her, she was supposed to fly back to Lagos for a film shoot but faced significant professional and financial losses due to the airline’s actions.

    Reacting, the airline explained that flight UN0623, scheduled to travel on January 7, 2026, was disrupted due to unscheduled aircraft maintenance, and passengers were promptly informed via email and text messages.

    The apology, issued by the Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, stated that the UNA reintroduced the flight on January 8, 2026, despite it not being part of their scheduled services for the day, and ensured compliance with NCAA Consumer Protection Regulations.

    The airline assured passengers of its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service, valuing feedback and striving to improve service delivery.

    The statement reads: “United Nigeria Airlines acknowledges the concerns raised by Ms. Bolaji Ogunmola in a now viral video broadcast regarding the recent disruption to her travel plans. We offer our sincerest apologies for the inconveniences to her, and all affected passengers.

    “We fully recognize the impact that flight delays and cancellations have on our passengers, particularly when they interfere with significant personal and professional commitments. We deeply regret that Ms. Ogunmola was affected by these circumstances.

    “Flight UN0623, on which Ms. Ogunmola was originally scheduled to travel on 7 January 2026, was initially disrupted due to unscheduled aircraft maintenance. Communications regarding the disruption were promptly sent to all affected passengers via email and text messages.

    “In prioritizing our passengers, the flight was specially reintroduced into our operations on 8 January 2026, despite the Ekiti–Lagos route not being part of our scheduled services for the day.

    “In line with our commitment to passenger welfare, United Nigeria Airlines ensured full compliance with all applicable NCAA Consumer Protection Regulations, including passenger care obligations during flight disruptions, as provided under Part 19 of the NCAA Consumer Protection Regulations.

    “United Nigeria Airlines offers its unreserved apologies to Ms. Ogunmola and all other affected passengers. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service. We value the feedback of our passengers and are dedicated to continually improving our service delivery to meet—and—exceed our passenger’s expectations”.

  • FCT council poll: APC will win – Minister 

    FCT council poll: APC will win – Minister 

    Following next month’s Area Council elections, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, on Friday declared that the cohesion in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a clear indication that the party is coasting to victory. 

    Mahmoud made this declaration at the flag off of the APC e-registration exercise at Apo Community Town Hall, Abuja.

    While addressing stakeholders, Mahmoud expressed delight over the exercise, describing it as a milestone in the party’s commitment to inclusiveness, innovation, and democratic consolidation. 

    She commended the APC leadership for launching the e-registration initiative, which she said demonstrated the party’s resolve to embrace technology, enhance transparency, and make participation more accessible, particularly for youths ahead of the general elections.

    The Minister reiterated that the APC is founded on progressive ideals, emphasizing broad-based participation, internal democracy, and responsive governance. 

    Mahmoud stated that the e-registration was not merely about increasing numbers but about strengthening party structures, updating the membership database, and ensuring every member had a voice in shaping the party’s and nation’s future

    She highlighted the FCT’s unique role as the seat of government and a cultural melting pot.

    The minister encouraged all eligible voters, including men, women, youths, and persons living with disabilities, to register as new members or update their records via the seamless process, as their involvement would strengthen the party and deepen democracy.

    Mahmoud, therefore, reaffirmed the party’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the need for unity, dynamism, and a people-oriented approach. 

    She emphasised that a strong party relied on grassroots involvement, with the e-registration marking a key step forward. 

    In his remarks, the FCT chairman of the APC, Abdulmalik Usman, revealed that the exercise in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu commenced the e-registration exercise of all members across the Federation.

    Usman, thanked the party faithful for their large turnout, stressing that while APC leads, others follow.

  • Allwell Ademola’s brother apologises to Iyabo Ojo over ‘lack of support’ comment 

    Allwell Ademola’s brother apologises to Iyabo Ojo over ‘lack of support’ comment 

    Late actress Allwell Ademola’s brother has apologised to Iyabo Ojo for calling her out over lack of support for his late sister.

    He approached Iyabo Ojo during a memorial service and begged for forgiveness.

    Iyabo Ojo accepted his apology, saying it was a thing of the past and she’d forgiven him.

    “Big mummy please don’t be offended, you can see that I didn’t abuse you in the viral video. Please I’m sorry.”

    Read Also: Actress Debbie Shokoya pays emotional tribute to late Allwell Ademola

    While prostrating to beg her, Iyabo Ojo quickly embraced him and said “O ti lo (it’s a thing of the past) to God I have forgiven you.”

    The drama started when Allwell’s brother called out Iyabo Ojo and other celebrities for not supporting his sister when she was alive.

    Iyabo Ojo had responded, saying she’d supported Allwell Ademola through featuring in her movies for free multiple times.

  • Oyo records 100 farmers–herders clashes monthly — NSCDC

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, said the command recorded no fewer than 100 cases of farmers-herders clashes monthly in the state.

    The command spokesman, Mr Samuel Opebiyi, disclosed this while speaking  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan.

    Opebiyi said that some of the issues resulting from the farmers-herders clashes in the state ranged from grazing on farmland and cattle poisoning among others.

    He said the Agro-Rangers, an important arm of NSCDC has recorded a lot of successes in taming the farmers-herders clashes issues from escalating into serious security matters.

    “Some of these issues have been resolved amicably through the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for peaceful coexistence.

    Read Also: 133 NSCDC commandants decorated with new ranks

    “You know the objective of the government in agriculture in ensuring food security cannot be achieved without peace between farmers and herders.

    “So, we make sure we have an environment in which farmers and herders can co-exist with their farming activities and cattle rearing,” he said.

    Opebiyi said that each region of the state has their peculiar security challenges, adding that clashes usually happened in Oluyole, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa axis of the state.

    The command spokesman admitted that the NSCDC Agro-Rangers personnel could not spread to some communities as expected due to inadequate manpower.

    “We are seriously working in that regard to strengthen them in future in order to adequately address the issue of farmers-herders clashes in the state,” he said.

    He said the presence of NSCDC Agro-Ranger in some communities in Oyo State has helped in curbing farmers-herders clashes and other related crime in the state.

    (NAN)

  • Cutedeji’s Biography: Things You Don’t know About Him

    Cutedeji’s Biography: Things You Don’t know About Him

    INTRODUCTON

    AKINMOLADUN AYODEJI DANIEL. Also known as Cutedeji is a very popular Nigerian musician; Rapper and singer, came in the music industry in 2010 and since then built a huge brand for himself in the Nigeria music industry. Cutedeji is one of the most consistent Nigerian musician ever.   

    EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND

    Cutedeji was born in Ibafo, Ogun State. He started his career at a tender age. Roughly a year into his professional music career, Cutedeji became a household name. Esu Pofo, armed with only his pen and paper, the 200 level mass communication part-time student of Ekiti State University then in 2011 released what was without a doubt an outstanding debut album,titled Illuminati. Cutedeji’s 1st album contained 10 tracks. Sometime in 2000, Cutedeji decided he would like to pursue a career in music. When asked why music, the fast rising Rap Artiste said “I found out I was gifted in it so I had to explore it, it’s my life, my hustle, my world”. 

    CAREER AND LIFE

    Cutedeji’s road to fame is one for the history books, this time some years back he was a regular kid growing up in Ibafo Ogun State. Even though Cutedeji insisted he is still that Ibafo boy a lot has changed in his life. He was signed onto Tmj Record label and was managed by Industry’s heavy weight, Anjelemawo.

    Cutedeji’s debut album OGO was released in 2011, yielding several singles, with “ILLUMINATI” as the lead single. This proved to be his breakthrough single. Cutedeji’s  debut offering led to collaborations with other artists, including Sub Zone, Olasco, K Dot, and Mr Refrence, among others. Cutedeji’s lead single “what’s the diffrence” made the top chart of requests on radio stations.

    Cutedeji’s second studio album “Street Love” was released in November 2012. It features guest appearances from K Dot, Jay Poker. The album was supported by the songs “Jumzy Love; “Esu Pofo”, “Baba Ni”, “Amina”, and “Demo

    In 2012/2013 cutedeji released a hit single titled Malowao; this single really boosted his career and the sale of his latest album as at 2012. he later then in 2013 finished it off with more hit songs mostly songs for the street which increased his levels from being a yoruba rapper to a real naija rapper. after releasing singles like, I Porsche,Oluwa loshe and etc.

  • NSCDC working assiduously to tackle illegal mining, other crimes in Oyo – PRO

    NSCDC working assiduously to tackle illegal mining, other crimes in Oyo – PRO

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, is working assiduously to tackle illegal mining and other crimes in the state, the Public Relations Officer, SC Samuel Opebiyi, has stated.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Ibadan, Opebiyi said the command had strategised to tackle criminal elements who had infiltrated into Oyo State.

    According to him, the state’s endowments in mineral resources has promoted infiltration of its borders by illegal miners seeking to exploit these minerals.

    Opebiyi said that the situation calls for beefing up of the security architecture to ensure peace in the state.

    He said that consequently the NSCDC Mining and Steel unit was partnering with relevant stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral and its counterpart in the state to fight the menace of illegal mining.

    Read Also: 133 NSCDC commandants decorated with new ranks

    The NSCDC spokesman, who noted that many mining sites in Oyo State were in border towns with neighbouring countries, described illegal mining as a menace sabotaging Nigeria’s commonwealth.

    “So, we have infiltration of illegal miners carrying out security threat within the borders of the state, using the issue of mining to perpetrate their evils.

    “So, we will continue to work assiduously to ensure those without mining licence or those whose licences had expired don’t operate in the state in order to curb illegal mining operations and other crimes,” he said.

    The NSCDC spokesman further said that over 20 illegal miners were arrested and investigated by the command in 2025.

    Speaking on training of personnel and community engagement in the protection of lives and property, Opebiyi said the command carried out series of training in 2025 to forestall security threats..

    He said the personnel were trained in areas of disaster management, use of firearms, respect for human rights among others.

    “The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Kingsley Padonu, conducted operational tours across the state where he engaged with residents on importance of communities supporting government in the state’s security architecture.

    “The operational tour yielded lot of results because we were able to identify security challenges facing each community and region in the state and strategise on ways to tackle them,” he said.

    Opebiyi urged the people of the state not to leave security issues in the hands of government alone, saying everyone has a role to play in the protection of lives and property.

    (NAN)

  • Folarin urges massive voter registration to boost Tinubu’s chances

    Folarin urges massive voter registration to boost Tinubu’s chances

    The Oyo State Ambassador for Renewed Hope, Sen. Teslim Folarin, has urged eligible citizens and residents of Oyo State and South-West to fully participate in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He described voter registration as the bedrock of democratic participation, adding that it will also boost chances of re-electing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 general elections.

    Speaking during continuation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ 14–Federal Constituency Tour in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Folarin said massive voter registration would enable Oyo State to significantly improve on its 2023 electoral performance for Bola Ahmed Tinubu by at least 35 per cent. 

    He stated that an expanded voter base would strengthen democratic legitimacy and ensure a clearer expression of the people’s will at the polls.

    The APC chieftain noted that Oyo State remained strategically important to national electoral outcomes, adding that coordinated grassroots mobilisation would position the state to deliver record-breaking results in the South-West and across Nigeria. 

    Read Also: Folarin calls for probe into alleged shooting at APC unity rally in Ogbomoso

    According to him, the region’s long-standing reputation for political consciousness can only be sustained through early registration, sustained civic engagement, and disciplined participation.

    Folarin urged youths, first-time voters, and residents yet to update their voter records not to miss the CVR window, describing registration as both a civic responsibility and a critical step toward consolidating democratic gains. 

    He however reaffirmed that as the tour progresses, Renewed Hope Ambassadors remained committed to mass mobilisation, unity of purpose, and active citizen participation to ensure the South-West emerges as a decisive voting bloc in Nigeria’s democratic journey toward 2027.

  • Alaafin calls for military base at Otefon, full investigation into National Park killings

    Alaafin calls for military base at Otefon, full investigation into National Park killings

    • …says attack is a dagger plunged into heart of ancestral empire

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has condemned the brutal attack on Oloka village and the killing of forest rangers within Old Oyo National Park.

    In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, after a solemn proclamation, the Alaafin calls for the establishment of Military base at Otefon Village to fortify the region and secure the Oyo-Oduduwa corridor.

    He also called for the deployment of Yoruba Defence Force Battalion, under joint command of the Nigerian Army and traditional warrior chiefs — to patrol the park 24/7 and repel invaders.

    This is as the monarch called on the Federal Government and particularly the Ministry of Defence to declare Otefon a strategic National Security Zone and fund construction of barracks, watchtowers, and helipad within next few months.

    Presenting the proclamation which was read at the imperial Court of Oyo, the Alaafin said: “The recent brutal killings inside Old Oyo National Park, especially the massacre at Oloko — is not merely a ‘security breach.’ It is a dagger plunged into the heart of our ancestral empire. Our sacred forests, our game reserves, our historic grounds, where our kings once hunted with spears and drums — are now being turned into slaughter yards by armed marauders. This will not stand.

    “His Majesty has decreed the following actions:

    “Official Condemnation of the senseless murder of innocent civilians, rangers, and travelers in Old Oyo National Park — demanding full, transparent investigation and immediate arrest of all perpetrators.

    “Establishment of Military Base: designation of Otefon Village as a permanent Armed Military Base of the kingdom, to fortify the region and secure the Oyo-Oduduwa corridor.

    Read Also: Alaafin thanks dignitaries for historic installation of Seyi Tinubu, Yari

    “Deployment of Yoruba Defense Force Battalion — under joint command of the Nigerian Army and traditional warrior chiefs — to patrol the park 24/7 and repel invaders.

    “Federal Recognition – call on the President and Ministry of Defence to declare Otefon a strategic National Security Zone and fund construction of barracks, watchtowers, and helipad within next few months.”

    The Paramount Ruler who described banditry and other security challenges facing the country as ‘gory, worrisome and disturbing’, pointed out that security is critical to the survival of any nation to forestall lawlessness, chaos and disorder.

    Oba Owoade lauded President Bola Tinubu’s demonstration, through actions, that ending insecurity is one of his administration’s foremost concern.

    “Our ancestors did not build empires to watch them crumble under banditry. We will rebuild the walls,, not with mud, but with steel. Not with prayers alone, but with patrols. Not with silence — but with thunder”, Alaafin stressed.

  • Peller apologises to Oginika, says online hate left him traumatised

    Peller apologises to Oginika, says online hate left him traumatised

    TikTok content creator, Peller, has apologised to Oginika, the woman he confronted at a restaurant, admitting fault but noting that he reacted under the weight of intense online hostility.

    The clash occurred after Oginika allegedly cautioned him for being loud, prompting Peller to criticise her in return. His reaction drew widespread condemnation from social media users, who described his conduct as excessive.

    Addressing the controversy during a livestream, Peller said the volume of hate he has been receiving online contributed to his outburst. 

    Read Also: I’m focusing on myself in 2026, no more girls – Peller vows 

    While he expressed regret for his behaviour, he also maintained that Oginika should avoid speaking to people in a manner he considered disrespectful.

    “That girl that I meet in that food place that we exchanged some words, I’m sorry. But I’m traumatized,” he said.

    “The hate i get online is a lot and when someone says something negative in real life, it gets to me. Oginika I’m sorry. But you too no dey talk to people like that, e no fair.”