The Nation Newspaper

Category: autopost

Alleged perpetrators of Benue killings for arraignment today

Some suspects arrested in connection with killings in Yelwata, a town in Benue State, will be arraigned today before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Media aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

Ogundele said the decision to arraign the suspects followed “a painstaking investigation and collaboration by government agencies.”

READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

He added that “the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to assure Nigerians that Justice will be ensured in the matter to send a strong signal to the enemies of the country, acting under any disguise.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of lives and property of all as enshrined in the constitution.”

February 2, 2026
NDLEA intercepts Brazil returnee with cocaine concealed in thigh, shoe soles

A Brazil-based Nigerian businessman, Uche Franklin Onyekwere, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja-Lagos for concealing parcels of cocaine in his thigh and soles of his footwear.

Babafemi said when the 47-year-old suspect was taken for body scan, the result confirmed illicit drug concealment.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, said Onyekwere was arrested last Thursday during the clearance of South African Airways flight passengers coming from Brazil via Johannesburg.

He said during a strip search a big parcel of white powdery substance, which later tested positive for cocaine, was discovered wrapped around his right thigh. A further search brought out two additional wraps of the same substance hidden in the sole of his shoes worn, totalling three wraps of cocaine, with a gross weight of 1.60 kilograms.

He said the suspect confessed that he bought the illicit drug in Brazil to resell it in Nigeria to raise capital for his business and the naming ceremony of his baby.

The suspect has been in Brazil since 2008 and has been operating a toy business for about nine years.

Also, Babafemi said at the Tin Can Seaport in Lagos, a total of 55 jumbo bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis with a gross weight of 1,183 kilograms imported from Montreal, Canada in a container, was discovered last Wednesday, during an examination of the shipment by NDLEA officers, Customs and other security agencies.

READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

He said the consignments were hidden in two vehicles: a Hyundai SUV and a Toyota Matrix car.

In Niger State, NDLEA agency nabbed on January 26, this year, a long truck marked T 31589 LA on Dei-Dei Abuja Expressway, where they arrested Andy Chidogu, 49; Kenneth Ogene, 45; and Sadiq Olanrewaju, 27, for conveying 176 bags of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 2,735 kilograms and one kilogram of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, concealed in the truck.

Ogene, who drove the truck, had left Lagos with 800 bags of flour to Ekpoma, Edo State and arrived the following day, January 24. At Ekpoma, he negotiated to ferry the 176 bags of skunk and 1kg colos for N1.7million

In another operation, NDLEA operatives in Edo State on Tuesday arrested Shaibu Yusuf on Auchi-Abuja Express Road while looking for a vehicle to convey 66 bags of skunk concealed in bags of charcoal, weighing 792kg, to Katsina.

Babafemi said also, in Edo, operatives supported by Nigerian Army personnel last Wednesday raided a cannabis farm at Ebora camp, Ilushi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area where 4,063.675kg skunk was destroyed on over 1.6 hectares of farmland while 328kg processed cannabis and its seeds were recovered.

Suspects arrested at the camp include Jeremiah Nwodeh, 46; Chukwudi Pius,33; Pius Ogaba, 46; and Onora Kwene, 35.

Babafemi said: “In Anambra State, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 28th January intercepted a cement truck at Upper Iweka Onitsha, heading to Nkpor in which 345.2kg skunk was found. The drug was owned by Abum Okeke, 42, one of the three occupants of the truck.

Also arrested were Tunde Ogundele, 39, and Soji Elegbelye, 46 at Eleyewo community in Akure North of Ondo State, in connection with the seizure of 473kg skunk, while NDLEA operatives in Kano on same day nabbed Abdullahi Usman, 45, at Murtala Mohammed Way, with 12,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection . Not less than 4,390 pills of tramadol were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 42, in Gaya of Kano on January 27.

While Oragwan Ekene was arrested last Friday at Okeyson Park, Alaba, Lagos, with 15.5kg skunk heading to Onitsha, Anambra State with the illicit consignment, 3.5kg of same psychoactive substance was recovered from a sound system and two packets of cereal found in the luggage of Omang Peter Edward at the arrival tarmac of Seme border, Badagry on January 27. The suspect was coming from Cotonou, Benin Republic into Lagos.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the officers and enjoined them and their colleagues to continue the good works.

February 2, 2026
Banditry: Kwara reopens schools in six councils

Kwara State government has ordered the reopening of shut schools in some local government areas of the state.

Following the spate of banditry and kidnappings, the state government last year ordered the temporary closure of primary and secondary schools in six local government areas of Kwara North and South districts.

The government announced that “schools across Kwara State can now reopen from Monday February 2, 2026

READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

Education and Human Capital Development Commissioner, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe said: “School authorities have been notified of the decision which came amid continuous security operations to neutralise all threats to the public, including schools.

“The government deems the situation to be a lot better than it was before. Even so, we continue to maintain vigilance.

“Security operations continue steadily to sustain the gains of the past weeks while the government builds community resilience along with the kinetic efforts.”

February 2, 2026
Police illegally released my husband’s body, widow alleges

Widow of the late businessman and politician, Bamidele Akingboye, Mrs Christiana Akingboye, has accused the Lagos State Police Command of unlawfully releasing her husband’s body.

Citing the Coroner’s System Law of Lagos State, she maintained that the police’s role is investigatory and ends upon completion of the post-mortem and issuance of legal advice by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

According to her, following the family’s exoneration by the DPP, there was no authority for the police to release the body to third parties.

In an appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate and Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mrs Akingboye alleged that the conduct of the Police after her husband’s death amounted to abuse of power, breach of due process and a deliberate marginalisation of the deceased’s immediate family.

She stated that following investigations, the DPP issued legal advice exonerating her and her children, effectively bringing any lawful police involvement to an end.

According to her, there was no criminal justification for further interference by the Police.

READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

Mrs Akingboye alleged that confidential investigative documents, including the DPP’s legal advice, were leaked online and circulated by a foreign-based blogger before the police communicated the outcome to her or her children.

“The police have not communicated the outcome of the investigation to us till date. We only read about it online,” she said.

The widow further accused the police of mishandling her late husband’s personal effects.

She said her husband’s mobile phones were collected from her as evidence, alongside his medications.

According to her, the phones were later released to her estranged stepson, while the drugs collected from her have not been returned.

She added that repeated demands for the return of the deceased’s belongings were ignored, raising concerns that investigative protocols and the chain of custody were compromised.

Mrs Akingboye said her lawyers wrote to the Police and morgue, warning that neither her husband’s body nor his personal effects should be released to any person without the consent of the immediate family or an order of court.

Despite this, she said officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, invited both parties to a meeting on January 23.

She explained that the only issue concluded at the meeting was the return of her family’s passports, which were handed over, adding that the Police promised to convene another meeting the following week to address outstanding issues.

“Till now, no one has called us,” she said.

Days later, Mrs Akingboye said the family learnt from a family source that the remains of her husband had been released quietly to her estranged stepson and unknown persons, without notice to her, her consent and any court order.

She added that the phones and medications collected from her are also yet to be returned.

Citing the Coroner’s System Law of Lagos State, she maintained that the police’s role is strictly investigatory and ends upon completion of the post-mortem and issuance of legal advice by the DPP.

She argued that following the family’s exoneration, there was no lawful authority for the police to release the body to third parties.

Mrs Akingboye alleged that while her estranged stepson enjoyed preferential access and outcomes, the widow and children of the deceased were misled and kept in the dark.

She said several petitions were written to the Inspector-General of Police, but none resulted in restraint or accountability.

Expressing concern for her safety and that of her children, Mrs Akingboye called on the President, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions and the IGP to order an independent investigation, insisting that Nigeria must not allow power to override justice, even in death.

February 2, 2026
Lagos bans okada on coastal highway

The Lagos State government has banned commercial motorcycle (okada) operations, one-way driving, and illegal structures on the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway corridor.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on his X handle that operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Task force carried out the operation as part of ongoing efforts to restore order and improve safety on major roads across the state.

READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

Wahab said; “Over 50 motorcycles were confiscated for riding on the highway in violation of the Lagos State traffic law, while 10 vehicles were apprehended and charged to court for driving against traffic.”

He noted that the exercise also included the removal of shanties and makeshift structures illegally erected on the coastal highway.

He further stated that enforcement would be sustained to restore sanity on the road.

February 2, 2026
NPF Pensions pays N97.5b to 30,370 police retirees

The Nigeria Police Fund (NPF) Pensions Limited has paid N97.5 billion retirement benefits to 30,370 retirees.

Acting Managing Director, Mr. Abdulkareem Gezawa, said death benefits amounting to N39.57 billion have been paid to 8,847 next-of-kin, while 25,572 retirees are currently receiving monthly pensions valued at over N1.56 billion.

Speaking at the 2026 pre-retirement seminar organised by NPF Pensions Limited in Lagos, he reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring the timely and efficient payment of pensions and other entitlements to retired police officers.

Gezawa said: “Since inception, NPF Pensions has paid benefits to a total of 30,370 retirees, amounting to N97.5 billion.”

READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

He emphasised that the timely and proper submission of required documentation remains crucial to preventing delays in benefit payments, noting that some pension funds remain unclaimed due to incomplete or late documentation.

Gezawa urged prospective retirees to take full advantage of the seminar and pay close attention to presentations designed to guide them through the retirement process.

The Acting Managing Director also revealed that police authorities are pursuing a proposal to peg police pensions at a minimum of 80 per cent of retirees’ last monthly salaries. Although the proposal is yet to be approved, he said it is aimed at addressing long-standing challenges associated with police pensions.

Assistant Commissioner of Police and Force Insurance Officer, ACP Lydia Ameh, assured participants that their benefits would be paid as and when due, provided documentation is properly completed, and Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) are correctly transferred.

Commissioner of Police in charge of Pensions at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Yusuf Sani Doki, described the seminar as a crucial platform for officers approaching retirement to prepare emotionally, psychologically and financially for life after service.

He noted that retirement often comes with significant challenges, particularly as it coincides with old age and health concerns, stressing the need for early preparation. Doki explained that police officers are eligible for pension and gratuity upon attaining the age of 60 or completing between 10 and 35 years of service.

“This meeting provides a valuable opportunity to review your achievements and challenges as police officers about to retire, prepare for life after service, and celebrate your contributions to the nation,” he said.

He congratulated the retirees for their years of service, encouraged prayers for officers who lost their lives in active duty, and expressed optimism that participants would make positive impacts in their post-retirement lives.

As part of the programme, NPF Pensions Limited also provided medical check-ups for prospective retirees, underscoring its holistic approach to retirement planning.

DCP Doki commended the management of NPF Pensions for organising what he described as a crucial and timely intervention for police officers in the South-West region and beyond.

The 2026 pre-retirement seminar, which kicked off at the Event Centre, Alausa, Lagos, is part of a nationwide programme scheduled to hold across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The next session is slated for Kano, covering the Northwest zone, this month.

February 2, 2026
NAHCON intensifies early preparations for hitch-free Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reaffirmed its commitment to early, orderly, and timely preparations for this year’s Hajj.

It said this would ensure a seamless experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, gave the assurance while outlining the commission’s strategic plans anchored on early planning, effective institutional coordination and strict compliance with established procedures.

Usman said the commission’s actions are fully aligned with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the welfare and spiritual well-being of Nigerians.

The NAHCON chairman explained that the commission operates under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima, with a clear emphasis on the timely completion of all critical Hajj preparatory activities.

According to him, priority attention is currently being given to the early conclusion of accommodation arrangements for state pilgrims in Makkah, in line with Saudi Arabian regulatory timelines.

To further ensure early preparations, the NAHCON chairman said he had authorised the deployment of a high-level executive delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

The delegation, he said, was mandated to provide executive oversight, finalise and take over all pending accommodation arrangements in Makkah, and ensure full compliance with Saudi regulations to avert operational delays.

The delegation includes the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal; the board member representing the Northwest Zone, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman; his Southwest and Southeast counterparts, Dr. Tajudeen Oladejo and Hajiya Aishat Obi Ahmed, and the Secretary of the commission, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Ali.

Usman explained that while the delegation carried out its assignment in Saudi Arabia, he would remain in Nigeria to receive the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, who is expected to visit the country later this month.

According to him, NAHCON has activated robust internal governance, coordination and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability, procedural compliance and effective execution of all preparatory activities.

This, the chairman said, includes sustained engagement with board members, senior management, service providers and relevant Saudi authorities to ensure adherence to approved timelines and regulations.

He assured stakeholders and intending pilgrims that the commission remained focused on delivering an exceptional and hitch-free Hajj in line with international best practices.

Usman added that NAHCON would continue to provide official updates through its established communication channels as preparations for the 2026 Hajj progress.

February 2, 2026
Senator mourns businessman

The Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Senator Adelere Adeyemi Oriolowo, has described the death of renowned businessman and community leader, Alhaji Sulaiman Ola Aremu, popularly known as Aremu Motors, as a monumental loss to Iwoland and Osun State at large.

In a condolence message, Oriolowo said the passage of Alhaji Aremu marked the exit of an iconic leader whose life embodied integrity, hard work and selfless service.

He noted that the late Aremu was a rare figure whose influence cut across business, community development and traditional institutions in Iwo.

The lawmaker described the deceased as a living testament to the fact that true greatness is measured by character and impact rather than academic qualifications.

According to him, Alhaji Aremu rose from humble beginnings to prominence through vision, determination and resilience, despite not having the advantage of extensive formal education.

Oriolowo recalled that the late businessman began his journey to success in the transport sector, a venture that laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial growth and lifelong commitment to service.

READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

He said Alhaji Aremu later diversified into farming, particularly cashew production, and other business interests, earning a reputation as a disciplined, honest and principled entrepreneur.

He added that Alhaji Aremu was deeply committed to the welfare and development of Iwoland, consistently deploying his resources, influence and time to support communal growth and stability. The Senator noted that his philanthropy and community spirit earned him widespread respect and trust among the people.

Oriolowo further highlighted the late Aremu’s close relationship with the late Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Asiru Olatunbosun, describing him as a loyal friend and trusted ally who played a significant role in supporting the monarch’s ascension to the throne.

He said this reflected the deceased’s strong belief in loyalty, destiny and service to tradition.

The Senator also recalled Alhaji Aremu’s contributions to key community institutions, noting that he served as the first Chairman of the Iwo Day Celebrations and was a member of both the first and second Iwo Board of Trustees.

He added that the deceased personally provided logistical support during the 2006 National Population Census, a contribution that helped Iwo emerge as the most populous local government area in Osun State.

Describing him as a respected businessman, farmer, community leader and patriot, Oriolowo said Alhaji S. Ola Aremu left an indelible imprint on the political, economic and social development of Iwoland.

He prayed that Allah (SWT) forgives the shortcomings of the deceased and grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while urging the people of Iwo to sustain the values of integrity, service and unity which Alhaji Aremu stood for.

According to the Senator, the death of Alhaji S. Ola Aremu is not only a painful loss to his immediate family but also to the entire Iwo community, even as his legacy of service and commitment to humanity continues to endure.

February 2, 2026
Market closure: Lawyer sues Soludo, demands N2b damages for traders

By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

A human rights lawyer, Ikechukwu Obasi, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo; the Attorney-General; Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police.

He is challenging the closure of the Onitsha Main Market and other markets across the state following traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home.

Filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, the suit argues that the market closures violate the traders’ fundamental rights, including personal liberty, freedom from forced labour, human dignity, freedom of movement, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, right to privacy, economic development, and freedom of expression.

The rights are guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) 2011.

Obasi, who is representing Onitsha traders in a public interest litigation, said he became aware of the dispute after watching a viral video in which Soludo directed that markets in Onitsha and across Anambra State must open from Monday to Saturday, warning that traders who failed to comply should leave the state.

READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

In the suit filed on January 28, Obasi contends that the governor’s directive amounted to forcing the will of the government on traders, compelling them to conduct their businesses according to a government-imposed timetable rather than their personal choice.

The lawyer further stated that from January 27, 2026, police operatives, acting on the instructions of the state government, enforced the shutdown, leading to civil unrest, unlawful arrests, the use of teargas, and severe economic hardship for traders.

In his affidavit in support of the originating motion, Obasi described the enforcement actions as a gross violation of the traders’ fundamental rights.

He maintained that the voluntary sit-at-home constituted a lawful protest protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He argued that the actions of the state government amounted to forced labour, violated human dignity, and unlawfully restricted the traders’ freedom of movement, association, and economic activity.

Obasi is asking the court to declare that the governor’s threat to shut down the Onitsha Main Market and traders’ shops as punishment for observing a lawful sit-at-home on January 26, 2026, constitutes a violation of the traders’ rights to personal liberty, peaceful assembly and association, freedom of movement, and economic, social, and cultural development.

He is also seeking:

A declaration that the actual shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market and other shops from January 27, 2026, by the governor and the attorney-general violates the same fundamental rights.

A declaration that the mandatory directive compelling all markets in Anambra State to open from Monday to Saturday or for traders to leave the state amounts to a breach of the traders’ rights to freedom from forced labour, human dignity, personal liberty, privacy, peaceful assembly, and economic development.

A declaration that the enforcement of the shutdown by police operatives violates the traders’ rights to peaceful assembly, association, freedom of movement, and economic development.

A declaration that any continued shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market as a sanction for observing a lawful sit-at-home constitutes a violation of the traders’ fundamental rights.

A declaration that observing a lawful sit-at-home is an exercise of the traders’ fundamental right to peaceful protest and lawful expression, and that any clampdown on such voluntary actions violates their rights to privacy, peaceful protest, and freedom of expression.

February 2, 2026
Electoral Reform Bill at harmonisation stage, Reps say

The House of Representatives has defended the delay in the passage of the Electoral Amendment (Reform) Bill.

The Green Chamber said the process is aimed at harmonising diverse views to produce a credible and acceptable legal framework.

The House spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, said the delay was necessary to ensure that the final document effectively addresses gaps identified during the 2023 general election and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Rotimi spoke at the weekend in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State while inaugurating road projects at Isaba and Oke-Ayedun, as well as a staff quarters at Odo-Oro High School, Odo-Oro.

Responding to concerns expressed by Nigerians on why the Electoral Reform Bill is yet to be fully passed by the National Assembly, the lawmaker explained that while the House of Representatives had passed the Bill before its December recess, the Senate was still working on it.

READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

He said: “The Electoral Reform Bill before the National Assembly is targeted at improving the transparency, credibility and efficiency of our democratic system, while also addressing the shortcomings exposed during the 2023 general election.

“The reforms are all-encompassing and are products of extensive feedback from the stakeholders. The Joint House and Senate Committees on Electoral Reforms have met several times. We have held retreats and consultations with community leaders, civil society organisations, and other interest groups.

“The reforms are all-encompassing and are a product of extensive consultations and feedback from stakeholders. The Joint House and Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms has held several meetings and retreats involving communities and organisations. We are at the harmonisation stage, and that will be concluded very quickly.”

Rotimi, who is representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency (Ikole/Oye), explained that the Electoral Amendment Bill 2026 is aimed at improving transparency, credibility and efficiency in the electoral system.

The lawmaker said credible elections remain the foundation of democracy.

He added that the reforms would guarantee that Nigerians can vote freely and have confidence that their votes would count.

Highlighting his legislative achievements, Rotimi stated that he had sponsored over 40 Bills, including the Bill to prevent and redress sexual harassment in educational institutions, the Independent Candidacy Bill, and the Whistleblowers’ Bill.

Expressing joy over the projects he inaugurated, Rotimi said they were executed on the basis of the demands from the constituents.

The federal lawmaker stressed that members of the House of Representatives were deliberate in ensuring that constituency projects reflected the needs of the people.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying such support would enable the government to deliver more on its promises.

February 2, 2026