The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Bodija Explosion: Court fixes March 3, 4 to restart trial

    Bodija Explosion: Court fixes March 3, 4 to restart trial

    The Federal High Court, Ibadan has fixed March 3 and 4 to restart the trial of three Malians accused of being the brains behind the Bodija bomb explosion in Ibadan.

    Justice Nkeonye Maha picked the new dates as yesterday’s proceedings were stalled due to the absence of the prosecutor and one of the two defence counsel.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three Malians, Ramatu Camara, 47, Ganiu Malik, 20, and Abubakar Samasa, 64, are facing charges on the January 16, 2024, explosion.

    The bomb explosion was reported to have killed 14 people, injured many others and destroyed much property.

    Counsel to the first and second defendants, Mr Adewale Adedeji, stated that the prosecutor, Mr Victor Alma, called him to say he would be absent in court because he was bereaved.

    The counsel to the third defendant, Mr Mohammed Kyri, was equally absent for yesterday’s proceedings.

    NAN recalls that the case was first before Justice Ekeret Akpan before he was transferred to another jurisdiction.

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    Furthermore, the state Ministry of Justice desired to assume a prosecutorial role on the matter, a move challenged by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    After a series of adjournments, the court ruled on Feb. 24, 2025, that the Oyo State Ministry of Justice could not assume a prosecutorial role due to the case’s nature.

    It ruled that terrorism-related matters were exclusive reserves of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and outside what any state’s justice ministry could handle.

    The defendants, Camara, Malik and Samasa, had earlier, on March 6, 2024, pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge brought against them.

    The charges border on conspiracy, use and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, stockpiling of radioactive materials and dispersal of biological weapons.

  • Gunmen kill seven in Plateau mine attacks

    Gunmen kill seven in Plateau mine attacks

    No fewer than seven local miners were killed yesterday in Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    Sources from the community said the youth were working at a mining site when the gunmen stormed the place and started shooting.

    The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), which confirmed the incident, condemned the killing.

    In a statement, BYM National Publicity Secretary Rwang Tengwong, said the   act constituted a gross violation of the sanctity of human life and represented an assault on the peace, security, and dignity of the Berom.

     Tengwong added: “The victims were peace-loving youths engaged in legitimate means of livelihood, whose lives were cruelly and unjustly terminated.

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    “The persistence and pattern of these coordinated attacks point to an alarming deterioration of security within Berom land and underscore the urgent need for firm and sustained intervention.’’

    The group urged the authorities to intensify intelligence gathering, deploy adequate and well-equipped security personnel, and adopt proactive, community-based security measures to forestall further loss of lives.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang has expressed sorrow over the attack.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang condemned the attacks in Kuru, Gyel, and Buhum communities in Chugwi Village of Vwang District, reaffirming his administration’s firm commitment to safeguarding lives and property in every part of the state.

  • Forum lauds Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to elders

    Forum lauds Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to elders

    Members of the PBAT Mandate Elders’ Forum have hailed Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his leadership style.

    They described as inspiring the minister’s compassionate leadership, sustained support, and commitment to the welfare of the elderly, particularly in Ondo State.

    Members of the group spoke when the minister hosted them in his Abuja office.

    Their spokesman, Erastus Akeju, described Tunji-Ojo’s support as consistent, thoughtful, and unprecedented.

    He said the minister has significantly improved the wellbeing of members since the forum was established.

    Akeju is the group’s chairman.

    The visit brought together elders, community leaders, and political stakeholders who reflected on governance, national leadership and the enduring relevance of elders in nation-building.

    Akeju said Tunji-Ojo has remained steadfast from monthly financial and medical interventions to moral encouragement.

    He said: “His support has brought relief, restored dignity and rekindled hope among our members. The Christmas and New Year support was historic in Ondo State and deeply reassuring to elders who have served society in their productive years.”

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    The group’s Secretary, Ebenezer Alabi, said the minister’s actions reflected deep respect for elders and a values-driven approach to leadership that goes beyond politics.

    The forum’s facilitator, Demola Ijabiyi, reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its readiness to mobilise elders and their followers across Ondo State ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Tunji-Ojo thanked the elders, describing them as custodians of wisdom, institutional memory, and moral authority in society.

    He said: “These are people who have paid their dues. They are like a board of trustees, a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom. We can only tap from them and learn from them because they have so much to offer. Their experience is our asset.”

    The minister assured the forum of his continued commitment to their welfare and to inclusive governance driven by service to the people.

    Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of collaboration between generations, stressing that sustainable national development can only be achieved when the wisdom of elders complements the energy of younger leaders.

  • Police declare bomb scare in Lagos school false

    Police declare bomb scare in Lagos school false

    The Police Command in Lagos State has warned the public against spreading false information, following distress messages sent to two private school officials in Ikeja from an unknown source.

    The state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olohundare Jimoh, issued the warning in a statement yesterday by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi.

    Jimoh’s warning came after false information was circulated to two private schools, alleging the presence of improvised explosive devices on the premises.

    Adebisi said the Human Resources Manager and Chief Security Officer of the affected schools independently reported the incident to the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters.

    “The reports were made about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday after they received threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number.

    “Upon receiving the reports, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, immediately mobilised a high-powered security team and personally led operatives to the schools for an on-the-spot assessment.

    “The team comprised personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical units of the command, ” she said.

    Adebisi said that a thorough and painstaking security sweep of the school premises was conducted by EOD-CBRN experts.

    “The operation covered classrooms, administrative offices, halls, playgrounds, and surrounding areas to rule out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or other dangerous materials.

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    “No explosive or hazardous items were found, and the schools were subsequently declared safe for continued academic and administrative activities,” she said.

    The spokesperson said the CP frowned upon the false information, and had ordered an intensified investigation to trace, identify, and apprehend the individual or individuals behind the threat messages, with a view to bringing them to justice in accordance with the law.

    The image maker said that combined teams of police personnel had been strategically deployed on a permanent basis to the schools to ensure round-the-clock security of students, staff, and facilities.

    She reassured parents, guardians, school authorities, and the public of the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.

    Adebisi urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

    It would be recalled that upon receiving the threats of attack by unknown persons, the secondary schools which are based in Ikeja GRA, sent their pupils home temporarily.

    To ensure safety of pupils and teachers, The Nation gathered that both schools contacted parents and told them to keep their wards at home over an alleged bomb scare until the coast was clear.

  • Court bars VDM, Doris Ogala from mentioning Chris Okafor

    Court bars VDM, Doris Ogala from mentioning Chris Okafor

    The Lagos High Court in Ikeja yesterday restrained social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse (alias VeryDarkMan (VDM), actress Doris Ogala and Kelvin Chimaobi Emmanuel from further mentioning or referring to Dr. Chris Okafor, his church or ministry on any platform.

    Justice M. A. Savage said the interim order will subsist pending the determination of a substantive suit the cleric filed against them.

    The judge, who ruled on an ex-parte application filed by Okafor through his lawyer, Mr. Ife Ajayi, barred the defendants and their agents from publishing or releasing any alleged private materials, including chats, conversations, texts, pictures, images or videos relating to the claimant.

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    The court ordered the defendants to refrain from mentioning Okafor’s name, using his images or videos, or referencing the name of his church – Grace Nation International (Liberation City) – whether orally or in writing, across social media or any other media platforms.

    Justice Savage restrained the defendants from releasing to the public or third parties any materials said to be used to blackmail or extort money from the claimant, pending the final determination of the suit.

    Okafor is the claimant in suit ID/14399GCMW/2026, while Doris Ogala, VDM, and Kelvin Emmanuel are the first to third defendants.

    Justice Savage also granted an order for substituted service of the claimant’s originating processes through a newspaper advertisement.

    The case will be heard on February 2.

  • AU, AFRIMA praise Sanwo-Olu, Lagos govt, sponsors, others for ninth edition’s success

    AU, AFRIMA praise Sanwo-Olu, Lagos govt, sponsors, others for ninth edition’s success

    The African Union (AU) and International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have praised the Lagos State government, its governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sponsors, partners and media organisations for their support.

    They said these led to the successful hosting of the ninth edition of the awards.

    The five-day celebration of African music, which was held in Lagos from January 7 to 11, brought together artistes, delegates and stakeholders from over 48 countries across Africa. It undoubtedly strengthened AFRIMA’s status as the continent’s leading music awards platform.

    Speaking after the event, the Head of Culture at the African Union Commission, Angela Martins, said the success of the awards reflected the growing influence of African music and strong collaboration between public and private institutions.

    “AFRIMA has continued to project Africa’s musical and cultural strength to the world,” Martins said. “The support and commitment from Lagos State government, sponsors, partners and the media ensured a smooth and memorable celebration of African music.

    “AFRIMA has grown beyond an awards ceremony to become a powerful platform for African unity and cultural expression. Through music, we are telling Africa’s stories in our own voice and showing the world the depth of our creativity. Each edition strengthens the bond among African countries and reminds us that culture remains one of our strongest tools for integration and development.”

    She praised Lagos for once again proving its capacity to host major international events, describing the state as a key centre for Africa’s creative economy.

    AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, also expressed appreciation to all partners and sponsors, with special praise for the Lagos State government and Governor Sanwo-Olu.

    “We are sincerely grateful to all our partners and sponsors who believed in the AFRIMA vision and stood by us throughout the planning and execution of the 9th edition,” Dada said. “Their support shows a shared belief in the power of African music as a tool for unity, cultural pride and economic growth across the continent.

    “We give special thanks to the Lagos State government and His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the strong support, cooperation and enabling environment that made the ninth AFRIMA a huge success.

    “From logistics to security and overall hospitality, Lagos once again proved to be a welcoming home for Africa’s creative industry, and we are deeply appreciative of this partnership.”

    Key sponsors and partners that rallied behind the ninth edition of Africa’s global music awards institution included First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), The Address Homes, Guinness Nigeria, Utilita, and Gobet247. 

    International cultural support came from the UK in Nigeria (British High Commission) and the Embassy of Sweden, both of which participated as Cultural Exchange Partners.

    Others are: Glenfiddich, Jägermeister, Super Travels Limited, Pan-Atlantic Travels, Wakanow, Dorf Travels & Tours Limited, Vaniti Lagos, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), and Mainland Block Party Lagos.

    AFRIMA also acknowledged the contribution of its official media partners, including DSTV/Multichoice, Television Continental (TVC), African Union of Broadcasters (AUB), Silverbrid Group, Kennis FM, Afro Music Pop, Hip TV, Base FM, Beat FM, Classic FM, Hot FM, Lagos Talks Inspiration FM, and Lasgidi FM.

    Other media partners are: Legit.ng, Max FM, Nigeria Info, Nigezie, The Culture Newspapers (TCN), QED, and Yanga FM.

    Out-of-home visibility for the event was supported and provided by Motomedia, Yartview Limited, Optimus Exposure, Plural Media, Folham Nigeria Limited, and Nimbus Media.

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    According to Dada, the strong list of sponsors and media partners reflects growing confidence in AFRIMA and the African music industry.

    AFRIMA’s five-day-long, seven-event festivities began with a Welcome Soiree on Wednesday, January 7, hosted at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, where guests and nominees were warmly received. Following this event, the focus shifted to the Africa Music Business Summit, held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites. This summit brought together music professionals to discuss the future of African music.

    The excitement continued on Friday, January 9, at the AFRIMA Music Village located at Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, where more than 25 top artists performed for over 30,000 enthusiastic fans.

    The grand finale of the ninth AFRIMA took place at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The hall was filled to capacity as thousands of people came to watch the awards night, which was broadcast to 84 countries around the world.

    During the colourful ceremony, artistes and other creative professionals, including producers and directors who won, were honoured and presented with the 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.

  • Death toll in Pakistan shopping plaza fire rises to 67

    Death toll in Pakistan shopping plaza fire rises to 67

    Death toll from a fire at a shopping plaza in Pakistan’s city of Karachi rose to 67 yesterday after police and a hospital official confirmed remains of dozens more people had been found.

    Police surgeon, Dr. Summaiya Syed, said rescue teams were still searching the damaged Gul Plaza in Karachi, where the blaze erupted on Saturday.

    Most remains were discovered in fragments, making identification difficult, but the deaths of 67 have been confirmed, she said. Asad Raza, a senior police official in Karachi, also confirmed the death toll. Authorities previously confirmed 34 deaths.

    Relations of the missing have stayed near the destroyed plaza and hospital, even after providing their DNA for testing. Some have tried to enter the building forcibly, criticising the rescue efforts as too slow.

    “They are not conducting the search properly,” said Khair-un-Nisa, pointing toward the rescuers. She stood outside the building in tears, saying a relative who left for shopping has been missing since the blaze.

    Another woman, Saadia Saeed, said her brother has been trapped inside since Saturday and she does not know what happened to him.

    “I am ready to go inside the plaza to look for him, but police are not allowing me,” she said.

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    There was no immediate comment from authorities about accusations they have been too slow. Many relatives of the missing claim more lives could have been saved if the government had acted more swiftly. Authorities have deployed police around the plaza to prevent relatives from entering the unstable structure, while rescuers continue their careful search.

    Investigators say the blaze erupted at a time when most shop owners were either closing for the day or had already left. Since then, the Sindh provincial government has said around 70 people were missing after the flames spread rapidly, fueled by goods such as cosmetics, clothing, and plastic items.

    The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though police have indicated that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze.

    Karachi has a long history of deadly fires, often linked to poor safety standards, weak regulatory enforcement, and illegal construction.

    In November 2023, a shopping mall fire killed 10 people and injured 22. One of Pakistan’s deadliest industrial disasters occurred in 2012, when a garment factory fire killed at least 260 people.

  • Turkey identifies 76 Nigerian artifacts for repatriation

    Turkey identifies 76 Nigerian artifacts for repatriation

    By Victor Ikuomola, Abuja

    Turkiye has identified 76 wooden and metal artifacts believed to belong to Nigeria, paving the way for their repatriation and  strengthening of cultural ties between the two nations, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has said.

    The ambassador, who spoke yesterday when he visited Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Musa Musawa, in Abuja, said discussions for their return will begin when Nigeria identifies and claims ownership.

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    A statement said Poroy hoped a cooperation agreement between Turkey and Nigeria could be signed during the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Turkey.

    “Our minister of Culture and Tourism has identified 76 wooden and metal objects that they think might belong to Nigeria. We got information about these artifacts last May and want them returned. “We hope to sign a cooperation agreement during the visit of Nigeria’s President to Turkey. We will promote cultural understanding and cooperation between us,” he said.

    Poroy discussed plans for a cultural centre in Nigeria to promote traditional arts and educate young Nigerians.

    Musawa noted importance of finalising the pact, urging officials to quicken the process.

    The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s interest in collaborating with Turkey on film industry projects, cultural exchanges, and empowering women in fashion. She emphasized Nigeria’s role in global cultural dialogue, particularly within the Global South, and the potential for Turkey-Nigeria partnership to promote cultural understanding and economic growth.

  • Minister seeks synergy on gender concerns

    Minister seeks synergy on gender concerns

    Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Ibrahim-Sulaiman, has called on women and organisations working in the gender and development space to adopt a unified and collaborative approach in addressing issues affecting women in Nigeria.

    A statement by her Special Adviser, Media & Publicity,  Jonathan Eze, said the minister spoke during a visit by Gender and Development Action, a non-governmental organisation focused on advocacy for vulnerable populations.

    The delegation included Josephine Anenih, former minister of Women Affairs; Nkoyo Toyo, the director; Ms. Kpeta Toyo, Partnership associate,; and Mrs. Juliet Arbor of National Senior Citizens Centre.

    The NGO briefed the minister on its initiative to develop a guideline on gender-based violence targeted at marginalised groups, in collaboration with Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

    It highlighted that several categories of women are overlooked in existing frameworks.

    According to the delegation, the proposed guideline seeks to address vulnerabilities of elderly persons often subjected to neglect and abuse; migrants facing exploitation and harassment; internally displaced women and girls in camps exposed to sexual exploitation; persons living with disabilities experiencing risks due to stigma and dependency; and child mothers, many of who are victims of sexual and gender-based violence and trapped in abuse and poverty.

    “We cannot overlook those at risk and deserving of protection. This policy is aimed at ensuring inclusivity and accountability,” the team said.

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    The minister welcomed the proposal, saying it is timely and aligned with Federal Government’s commitment to renewing hope for women, including children and elderly.

    She emphasised that marginalised groups require a comprehensive National Action Plan for protection rather than a purely humanitarian framework.

    “This initiative complements our ongoing national strategies, including plans that recognise the elderly as mentors within society.

    We are determined to ensure that no group is left behind in the fight against gender-based violence,” the Minister said.

    She further stressed that meaningful progress can only be achieved when women speak with one voice, noting that her ministry has deliberately worked with women leaders across political party lines to demonstrate inclusive leadership.

    The minister urged GADA to work closely with ministry officials to develop a robust policy framework that will outline preventive measures tailored to each vulnerable group, establish survivor-centred response mechanisms, and strengthen accountability structures for perpetrators.

  • ‘Tax reforms have wiped out middle class’

    ‘Tax reforms have wiped out middle class’

    A tax policy expert at University of Lagos, Prof. Isaac Nwaogwugwu, has said the tax reforms by the Federal Government have wiped out Nigeria’s middle class, attributing the situation to poorly designed and inconsistently implemented macroeconomic policies.

    Nwaogwugwu spoke while delivering a lecture at the 21st Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture organised by Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Lagos Branch, at Alausa in Ikeja.

    The lecture: “Nigeria under the Grip of Tax Reforms: Exploring the Politics, Economics and Geospatial Dimensions of the Act,” examined the impact of tax policies on the nation’s economy and citizens’ welfare.

    According to the him, the primary objective of the tax reforms is to streamline the tax system, reduce multiple taxation and the high cost of collection, as well as boost revenue generation.

    He noted that what was initially introduced as short-term pain has become a permanent feature of the country’s socio-economic reality, stressing that repeated reforms have failed to address the deep-rooted structural imbalances in the economy.

    “The reforms of the Federal Government have eradicated the middle class. Macroeconomic policies have not delivered the expected results due to poor policy design, inconsistency in implementation and corruption,” he said.

    He listed objectives of the reforms to include economic diversification away, growth, job creation, increased income, improved non-oil revenue and enhanced welfare of citizens, but maintained that these goals have largely remained unrealised.

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    The professor urged the government to inject more funds into the economy to stimulate growth and enable micro, small, medium and large-scale enterprises to thrive, noting that a vibrant productive sector is essential to rebuilding the middle class and achieving inclusive growth.

    Earlier, the Acting Surveyor-General of Lagos State, Olalekan Odupe, said the state government remained committed to supporting governance reforms through reliable geospatial infrastructure and data-driven solutions that would promote fiscal sustainability, urban development and national growth.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Lagos Branch, Adedeji Olanrewaju, described the lecture theme as timely, saying it addressed critical issues of leadership, good governance, integrity and socio-economic development.

    The event also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of the Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture Essay Competition for secondary and tertiary institutions. It was attended by members of the Kukoyi family, surveyors from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, women and young surveyors, as well as students.