The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Woman fakes own kidnap, collects N2.5m from husband

    Woman fakes own kidnap, collects N2.5m from husband

    The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a housewife, Mrs. Misturah Bada, and six others in two separate cases of fake and stage-managed kidnappings aimed at extorting money from family members.

    Mrs Bada, 26, was arrested by operatives of the command’s Special Squad alongside her alleged accomplice, Adedamola Daniel, 30.

    Police said the woman allegedly extorted N2.5million from her husband, a Nigerian based in South Africa.

    The husband, according to the police, raised the alarm on November 24, after receiving information that his wife had been kidnapped and a ransom of N10 million demanded.

    The amount was later reduced to N3 million but he eventually paid N2.5 million. However, the alleged kidnappers failed to release her prompting the husband to file a complaint with the police.

    Following investigations, Mrs. Bada was located, reunited with her family and invited for debriefing. She claimed she was kidnapped by six armed men who dispossessed her of her iPhone 12 Pro Max. However, inconsistencies in her account led to further investigation.

    On December 3, operatives arrested Daniel in Ede, Osun State. A SIM card linked to the WhatsApp account used for ransom negotiations was recovered from him.

    “He confessed that Mrs. Bada requested his SIM card to open the account and provided the OTP used to operate it.

    Read Also: Tinubu is Nigeria’s best bet forstability, says Faleke

    Confronted with the evidence, Mrs. Bada admitted to staging the kidnapping to extort money from her husband.

    Her phone, earlier claimed to be with the kidnappers, was recovered from one Yusuf Sodiq, 34, who said he bought it from her for N380,000,” the police said.

    Relatedly, detectives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested five suspects over a viral video showing a schoolboy allegedly kidnapped. Police said the incident, initially reported as a missing person case on November 26, was staged by the boy, Victor Aligwo, 15, with four friends.

    Investigations revealed that the suspects used a room belonging to one of them to record a distress video of Aligwo pleading for help, with the aim of extorting money from his mother, who had recently received N4 million. A ransom of N1.7 million was paid and shared among the suspects before police traced the transaction through a POS terminal and arrested them.

    The suspects were identified as Kosiko Patrick, 17; Victor Aligwo, 15; David Odudu, 19; Anyabike Kingsley, 20; and Umeh Victor, 19.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, warned against false reporting, criminal deception and acts that divert security resources. He assured residents that the command was committed to protecting lives and property, urging the public to report suspicious activities through the police emergency lines.

    All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, the police assured.

  • NAF compensates victims of Sokoto airstrike

    NAF compensates victims of Sokoto airstrike

    •Reaffirms commitment to civillians protection

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has paid the victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike of last December 25, in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages, Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the exercise followed an investigation into the incident under the Operation Fasan Yamma.

    He said intelligence at the time indicated the movement of suspected terrorists through the area, but a petition received in April 2025 led to further review. The investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were killed, while eight others were injured.

    Gabkwet said the compensation was meant to acknowledge the harm caused, promote accountability and help bring closure to the affected communities. He added that civilian harm mitigation remains a priority under the NAF leadership.

    Read Also: Foreign investors raise Nigerian stocks’ turnover to N10.54tr

    The CAS also said the Air Force has developed a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan to strengthen planning, investigations and response when civilian harm occurs.

    The NAF urged residents to avoid associating with terrorists and bandits, warning that such proximity increases the risk of harm during military operations.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians while continuing operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

    Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, thanked the NAF for the compensation and its role in supporting security in the state.

  • Soldiers ambush Boko Haram logistics convoy, kill 21 in Borno

    Soldiers ambush Boko Haram logistics convoy, kill 21 in Borno

    The Nigerian Army troops, under Operation Hadin Kai, have killed more than 21 terrorists in a fierce encounter in Sojiri and Kayamla villages on the Damboa-Maiduguri Road in Borno State.

    The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

    A credible source at Army Headquarters made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    The source said the encounter, which occurred around 12:15 a.m. yesterday, followed credible intelligence of a large gathering of terrorists along the axis, suspected to be preparing for coordinated attacks.

    He said the troops mobilised and made contact with the terrorists, estimated at 100, at noon on Saturday.

    According to him, in spite of attempts by an additional group to flank our forces, troops held their ground, employing superior firepower.

    Read Also: U.S., Nigeria sign $5.1b five-year healthcare delivery pact

    “At least 17 bodies were confirmed at the scene, with more suspected as blood trails were observed leading into nearby bushes.

    “Items recovered included arms, ammunition, and other logistics, as troops continued to apply pressure to deny the terrorists freedom of movement.

    “A tactical withdrawal was carried out to stabilise the situation and allow troops to regroup, with morale reported as high despite the intensity of the encounter,” he said.

    The source reiterated the commitment of the military to sustaining offensive operations to protect Maiduguri, Damboa, and surrounding communities in the Northeast.

  • Group drums support for NTAC

    Group drums support for NTAC

    The New Era for Sustainable Leadership and Accountability Initiative (NESLAI) has commended the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) for its far-reaching contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and the strengthening of South–South cooperation.

    In a statement in Abuja yesterday signed by NESLAI’s Executive Director, Comrade Edwin Olorunfemi, the group described NTAC as one of Nigeria’s most impactful foreign policy instruments, noting that the Corps has consistently projected the country’s values, competence, and goodwill across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

    According to the organisation, NTAC’s technical assistance programmes—built around the deployment of skilled Nigerian professionals—have recorded measurable and lasting impacts in key sectors, including education, healthcare, engineering, agriculture, and public administration.

    It noted that these interventions have significantly contributed to human capacity development in partner countries while deepening people-to-people diplomacy and fostering mutual trust.

    “Through NTAC, Nigeria has not only shared expertise but has also built enduring relationships rooted in solidarity, cooperation, and shared development aspirations,” the statement said.

    The organisation also praised the professionalism, patriotism, and resilience of NTAC staff and volunteers, describing them as worthy ambassadors who have upheld Nigeria’s image while serving in often challenging and unfamiliar environments.

    Read Also: Tinubu is Nigeria’s strongest hope for stability, economic recovery – Faleke

    It said that the Corps’ sustained performance, despite operational constraints, reflected a strong institutional culture and a deep commitment to service.

    “NTAC has continued to deliver tangible results that reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role among developing nations and affirm the country’s commitment to collective progress,” the statement added.

    While commending the Corps’ achievements, NESLAI noted that stronger institutional and financial support would help consolidate existing gains, improve programme delivery, and expand the reach of Nigeria’s technical assistance initiatives in response to growing international demand.

    The organisation therefore urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to continue strengthening NTAC as a strategic national asset, stressing that the Corps remains central to Nigeria’s soft power, diplomatic influence, and long-term global relevance.

    “NTAC has proven its value through impact, service, and results. Supporting the Corps is ultimately about sustaining Nigeria’s voice, leadership, and positive footprint in the global community,” the statement added. 

  • Onuigbo urges govs to implement financial autonomy for area councils 

    Onuigbo urges govs to implement financial autonomy for area councils 

    …backs Tinubu’s directive on govs to hands off LG funds 

    The member representing South East on the Governing Board of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Sam Onuigbo urged governors to implement financial autonomy for local councils in their states. 

    Onuigbo, a former House of Representatives member, said the directive by President Bola Tinubu on the fiscal autonomy for councils was a welcome development.

    He said that the low-level democratic benefits in the 774 councils in the past 26 years of fourth republic followed the undue interference by state chief executives in the running of grass roots governance.

    Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Onuigbo said he was very happy to hear the President’s passionate declarations in the presence of state governors and party men.

    He said, “What this means is that governors who have been tampering with Local Government funds should be prepared to show where the money went. Mr President is determined and from my understanding of the tone and tenor of his statement, some governors will go down for seizing Local Government money through various means.

    “I think this is a wonderful opportunity for me personally and the Nigerian people to continue to commend Mr. President for remaining dogged, determined, resolute in trying to resolve this issue.

    “Over the years, I have said over and over again that unless the Local Government system is freed from the clutches of governors to directly access the resources accruing to them constitutionally, we will not be able to achieve the much-needed development at the grassroots.

    “This is because, in the first place, when you allocate resources from the Ministry of Finance based on the constitution and in line with Supreme Court judgment, and these resources do not get to the local government, It becomes a huge problem with many ramifications.”

    Read Also: Inside Nigeria’s largest private education intervention

    Onuigbo attributed the insecurity and unemployment at the grassroots to the unhealthy control of local governments’ funds.

    He said that if council officials are allowed to superintend over their finances, they would productively engage the youths and stop them from going into anti-social vices, especially violent crimes.

    Onuigbo added, “If we resolve the issue of governors’ unconstitutional control of resources accruing to the local government as the Supreme Court and President Tinubu have said, I assure you that that will help to stamp out insecurity, because council chairmen should and do know those who are capable of causing problems in their jurisdiction and easily rein them in with people in with those resources.

    “But, the situation, where in most of the states, the Council chairmen do not see the money and they are constrained by the dubious process that threw them up, they become helpless. This is why I continue to thank the President for standing very strong on this matter over the years, because since he mounted the saddle and the Attorney General of the Federation went to court on the matter, this administration has been saying that the Local Government councils deserve the full worth of their money.”

  • Adamawa philanthropist secures release of 100 inmates, offers skills, scholarships

    Adamawa philanthropist secures release of 100 inmates, offers skills, scholarships

    A philanthropist in Adamawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Musa, has facilitated the release of 100 inmates from 10 correctional centres across the state.

    Musa, who is the president of a charity organisation, EMNAMU Foundation, said the intervention also includes free skills training and business start-up kits for inmates interested in entrepreneurship, as well as scholarships for those willing to return to school.

    Speaking during a ceremony at the Adamawa State headquarters of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Yola, Musa explained that he paid the fines required to meet the conditions for the inmates’ release.

    “I am happy to be able to provide solutions to problems,” he said, adding that each of the freed inmates was also given N10,000 as transport fare to enable them return to their various homes.

    Read Also: Inside Nigeria’s largest private education intervention

    In his remarks, the Adamawa State Comptroller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Odunlami Ajani, commended Musa for the gesture, noting that it would help to decongest correctional centres in the state.

    The Nation reports that the intervention formed part of activities to mark Musa’s birthday. Other activities carried out during the period included visits to hospitals, where he paid medical bills for patients, and to orphanage homes, where he donated food and non-food items.

    The philanthropist is known for undertaking similar humanitarian activities during his birthday celebrations. Beyond that, he regularly engages in acts of charity through the EMNAMU Foundation, including the donation of relief materials to people in emergency situations and financial support to the less privileged.

  • Christmas: FOST feeds 1,000 indigent families in Ogun

    Christmas: FOST feeds 1,000 indigent families in Ogun

    The Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) Humanitarian Foundation has distributed free food to over 1,000 indigent families in Sango Ota, Ogun State.

    The outreach, which formed FOST’s final major humanitarian intervention for the year, witnessed impressive turnout, particularly among elderly residents and vulnerable members of the community who trooped out early to receive food items. 

    The Foundation’s target of feeding 1,000 families was not only met but exceeded, as the exercise was carried out in an orderly and transparent manner.

    Security at the venue was coordinated by the National Director of Safety and Security, Comrade Fadairo Emmanuel Temitope, who ensured smooth crowd control and peaceful distribution process. 

    The FOST Coordinator in Ogun State and host of the programme, Hon. Shotunde Abdulghaffar Oluwaseyi, was commended for his meticulous planning, mobilization, and coordination of members, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

    Speaking at the event, Shotunde noted that “this period of the year is a time for sharing with others, especially those who cannot afford,” stressing that compassion and service to humanity remained FOST core mandate.

    Food items were distributed to beneficiaries amid prayers for the continued growth, good health, and success of FOST’s principal, Seyi Tinubu, as well as for members of the Foundation. 

    Beneficiaries left the venue with food items and visible expressions of gratitude and joy.

    In his remarks, the President of FOST, Comrade Adejorin Tai Manuel, urged Nigerians to remained patient and supportive of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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    He assured them that people-driven economic policies already put in place by the President are beginning to yield positive results. 

    He also called on Nigerians to be grateful for recent decline in food prices, which has helped to ease burden on households during the festive season.

    Adejorin further appealed for unity among Nigerians and called on both the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to bring an end to insecurity, particularly banditry and kidnapping, describing security as fundamental to national growth and stability.

    The programme enjoyed wide commendation from community members and stakeholders and was attended by the Ondo State Coordinator of FOST, Comrade Oyedeji Oluwafemi, as well as representatives from the Lagos and Osun State chapters of the Foundation.

    The Sango Ota outreach once again underscored FOST’s commitment to humanitarian service, grassroots engagement, and the promotion of empathy and shared responsibility, especially during the festive season.

  • Popoola challenges young Africans on personal leadership, self development

    Popoola challenges young Africans on personal leadership, self development

    A gathering of young leaders and professionals in Nigeria were challenged on the importance of personal leadership and self-development at a recent Leadership Symposium organized by United Nations Summit of the Future Champion, James Popoola.

    The event, held at the Conference Hall, De Peace Hotel and Suites, featured a book review and panel discussion on “Leadership Sense”, a book authored by Popoola, also known as The Gen Z Coach.

    Speaking at the event, Popoola emphasised the need for young leaders to develop leadership skills and principles to drive societal transformation. “The change we need in the society requires the use of our leadership skills,” he said.

    A panel of distinguished leaders, including ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, Ambassador Dauda Gidado, Convener of the Kwara State Youth Leadership Summit, Mr. Jimoh Habibullahi, and President of Union of Campus Journalists, Miss Ambali Waleeyah, shared practical advice on leadership, goal-setting, and personal development.

    Gidado encouraged young leaders to “set clear goals, remain disciplined, and lead by example in their communities.” Popoola stressed the importance of vision-driven action, while Jimoh highlighted the need for resilience in the face of challenges.

    The event aimed to empower young leaders and promote the idea that anyone can lead, with attendees leaving with assignments to help them become change-makers.

    “The event underscored that meaningful change requires both informed action and ethical, visionary leadership,” said Caleb Ajani, a participant.

    Calling on the government, Popoola urged that appropriate policies, programs should be implemented for quality nation building.

    He said, “I would like to call on the government of Nigeria to make the Nigerian environment conducive for youth to thrive, we are not the future of tomorrow but now. We no longer need to wait for any future as we are told to believe in the past decades. Doing this would help increase the number of foreign investors supporting bold ideas we youth are spearheading. Additionally, the government at all levels can do this through introducing the appropriate policies and programs and building more infrastructure.”

    Popoola further urged youths to continue their hard work and keep focus, take good use opportunities that come their way and not be distracted by the background they come from.

    Read Also: Tambuwal seek US support for Nigeria’s security fight

    “I would say, do not stop dreaming, your background should never put your back on the ground. I charge fellow young Nigerians to also work hard in addition to working smart; they should not lose hope in the face of increasing challenges. Look for hidden opportunities and turn it to your own advantage. Take full responsibility for your life and be the change you want to see. You have something to contribute to the community you are living in. I also enjoin them to be consistent and never give up because their time will come if they are patient enough,” he said.

    Speaking on the importance of the book, Poppola noted that the book give insights on leadership, stating that leadership comes through experiences, and experiences shape decisions.

    He said, “The book, “Leadership Sense”, available for purchase on Selar or Amazon talks about leadership, leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about the experiences that shape you as an impact driven change-maker. While a lot of people around the world view leadership from different standpoints, this book demystifies what leadership is and isn’t.

    In Leadership Sense, you’ll discover how your unique journey, every win, pivot, and lesson learned can fuel your next professional leap.”

  • UIAA Lagos to hold election for new executives Dec 21

    UIAA Lagos to hold election for new executives Dec 21

    The University of Ibadan (UI) Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch will on Sunday, December 21, hold its election from new executive members into various offices to run the affairs of the association. 

    In a statement by the association, it said: “That in line with the Constitution, the AGM and elections into various offices of the UIAA Lagos Branch will hold as listed below:

    “Date – Sunday, December 21st, 2025.

    “Time: 3:00 p.m. prompt

    “Venue – Lagos State Public Service Staff Club, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos

    “Eligibility for the Elections: (i) Only financially active members can vote and be voted for; (ii) Active participation and attendance in branch meetings & major activities is also an important criteria and; (iii) Brief manifesto are expected from all candidates

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    “The Following are the positions to be considered as Elective Offices:

    1. Chairman 

    2. 1st Vice-Chairman 

    3. 2nd Vice-Chairman 

    4. 3rd Vice-Chairman 

    5. Treasurer

    6. Secretary 

    7. 1st Assistant Secretary 

    8. 2nd Assistant Secretary 

    9. Publicity Secretary 

    10. Asst. Publicity Sec.

    11. Financial Secretary 

    12. Social and Welfare Sec.

    13. Asst. Soc. & Welfare Sec.

    14. Legal Adviser.

    15. Ex-Officio Member – i 

    16. Ex-Officio Member -ii

    17. Ex-Officio Member -iii

    18. Ex-Officio Member – iv

    Alao Abiodun

    Senior Reporter – The Nation Newspaper

    2020 Fellow – Dubawa Fact-Checking Fellowship

    2022 – 2023 Fellow – United Nations Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship 

    2023 recipient – Digital Media to Counter Disinformation and Hate Speech – RNTC, Netherlands 

    2024 recipient – Nigeria Emerging Leaders Award 

    Strategy Member – The Nation Journalism Foundation

    Phone Number: +2347089495315   

  • Christmas: Foundation distributes food items, cash to widows

    Christmas: Foundation distributes food items, cash to widows

    The Smile Attracts Smiles Foundation (SAS) has distributed food items and cash to widows across Abuja, Plateau and Osun states as part of activities marking the Christmas season.

    The Founder of the foundation, Mrs. Bukola Adewumi, said the initiative was aimed at easing the burdens faced by widows amid prevailing life challenges. She spoke through the Programme Coordinator, Ms. Oyelade Serah Oyenike, who noted that the foundation was inspired by Mrs. Adewumi’s personal experience and passion for making a difference.

    Ms. Oyenike explained that growing up with a widowed mother shaped the founder’s commitment to supporting widows.

    “Growing up, I witnessed my mother navigate life as a widow. I watched her carry responsibilities meant for two shoulders on her own. Through her strength, I learned that no challenge is too great when faced with courage, faith and the support of others,” she quoted Mrs. Adewumi as saying.

    She added that the experience ignited her calling to support widows, stressing that the foundation was driven by a strong belief in standing in the gap for those in need.

    Mrs. Adewumi reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to year-round outreach programmes to ensure continuous support for widows.

    “At Smile Attracts Smiles Foundation, we understand that the journey of widowhood is not an easy one. The challenges can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. We are here to walk this journey with you, hand in hand and heart to heart,” she said.

    She described the widows as “warriors and survivors” and noted that the 2025 Christmas widow outreach was a moment of love and remembrance.

    According to her, the foundation expanded its outreach beyond Abuja to states including Jos, Kaduna, Ekiti and Oyo, to ensure that widows everywhere are supported and celebrated.

    She further explained that the Smile Attracts Smiles Foundation is more than an organisation, describing it as a family and safe space where widows receive practical help, emotional support and spiritual encouragement.

    “Whether through financial assistance, skill-building programmes, outreach initiatives or simply offering a listening ear, our mission is to ensure that no widow feels forgotten or forsaken,” she said.

    Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the foundation. Mrs. Lydia Daria thanked the donors and prayed for divine blessings and growth in her business, while Mrs. Charity Kalu appreciated the foundation for standing in the gap for widows at a critical time.

    Each beneficiary received a 25kg bag of rice, packs of seasoning, salt, vegetable oil and a token cash sum to cover transportation costs.