Category: City Beats

  • Court adopts settlement as Guardian, NSCDC commander resolve defamation suit

    Court adopts settlement as Guardian, NSCDC commander resolve defamation suit

    The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has adopted the terms of settlement between Guardian Newspapers Nigeria Limited and Mr. Attah John Onoja, a senior officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), marking the end of a high-profile defamation suit earlier instituted by the officer.

    Mr. Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, sued the newspaper over a June 23, 2025 report titled “Community Alleges Involvement of Mining Marshals in Illegal Mining.” 

    He described the story as false and defamatory, seeking a public retraction, apology, injunction, and ₦2 billion in damages.

    The suit, filed as GWD/CV/177/25, was concluded after both parties submitted signed Terms of Settlement to the court.

    Under the agreement, Guardian Newspapers acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the publication and committed to delete the story, issue a retraction, and publish an apology on its website, social media platforms, and print edition. 

    The retraction, to appear prominently on page 2 or 3, will clearly state that the earlier report was unfounded and not intended to impugn Mr. Onoja’s integrity.

    The newspaper will also conduct and publish an exclusive interview highlighting Mr. Onoja’s professional contributions as Commander of the Mining Marshals.

    In a show of magnanimity, Mr. Onoja waived monetary compensation and discharged the newspaper from future claims related to the publication.

    The settlement, dated August 15, 2025, has been entered as consent judgment by the court, formally bringing the matter to a close.

  • Woman kidnaps self, collects N5m from husband

    Woman kidnaps self, collects N5m from husband

    A 27-year old woman, Chioma Success Ezebie, has been arrested by operatives of the Edo Police Command for kidnapping herself and collecting N5m ransom from her husband.

    Chioma had abducted herself and three-year- old son on October 27th, 2025 and made one Martins Chidozie, aged 23, called her husband that they have been kidnapped.

    Her husband, Paul Adaniken, reported to the Police and the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a full-scale cyber analysis and intelligence-led operations that led to the victim’s cousin, Osita Godfrey, aged 33.

    Police said Godfrey, believed to be assisting with information, was found to be complicit in the crime. 

    Edo Deputy spokesman, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said Osita’s confessional statement led to the arrest of the Chioma.

    Read Also: Edo Carnival 2025 promises week of culture, colour, celebration

    Ikoedem said Chioma was discovered to have conspired with accomplices to stage her abduction in order to extort money from her husband.

    “All suspects have made useful confessional statements, ransom of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) recovered and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and onward prosecution.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has commended the officers of the New Etete Division for their swift and tactical response, which led to the unraveling of this deceitful act. 

    “He also warns residents to desist from acts capable of undermining public peace while emphasizing that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence and technology-driven strategies to combat crime in all forms.”

  • JUST IN: Security operatives arrest suspected killers of three farmers in Ondo

    JUST IN: Security operatives arrest suspected killers of three farmers in Ondo

    A combined team of security operatives has apprehended the suspected killers of three local farmers murdered at Ala in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, The Nation can report. 

    The suspects, who were reportedly dressed in army camouflage, were arrested in an “overnight operation” that extended into the early hours of Tuesday. 

    The joint team, comprising operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Amotekun Corps, carried out the operation deep inside the forest.

    Pictures of the suspects being dragged into an Amotekun security van have begun to circulate on the social media on Tuesday morning. 

    A security source who preferred not to be named confirmed the arrest, disclosing that authorities have intensified patrols across the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.

    “The suspects are now in custody for further investigation,” the source added.

    The Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC) had on Monday raised alarm over what it described as the “senseless attacks and killings of local farmers” by suspected armed bandits in Akure North LGA.

    In a statement in Akure, the group revealed that no fewer than three farmers were killed at Ala, in the Igbatoro area of Akure North, by bandits terrorising the axis.

    Read Also: Youths kick against killing of three farmers in Ondo

    According to the statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Afe Adegboyega, the killings were “heart-wrenching and unacceptable.”

    “The murder of hardworking farmers is a painful reminder that many farming communities remain unsafe despite repeated assurances from security agencies. 

    “Our farmers are the backbone of local food production. When they can no longer go to their farms without fear, our collective survival as a people is threatened.

    “The time to act is now before insecurity consumes more innocence,” the statement read. 

  • Tinubu Media Force defends Nigeria’s sovereignty, warns against misguided foreign interference

    Tinubu Media Force defends Nigeria’s sovereignty, warns against misguided foreign interference

    The Tinubu Media Force, led by its National Coordinator Gbenga Abiola, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the international community, particularly the United States, to support the country’s reform efforts rather than promote misleading narratives or threats of intervention.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Abiola described Nigeria as Africa’s anchor, citing its vast population, cultural diversity, and economic influence. 

    He noted that under President Tinubu, the country is undergoing a national rebirth driven by resilience, strategic governance, and a renewed hope agenda.

    He stressed that Nigeria’s global significance as the largest Black nation is not coincidental, adding that the country is emerging from years of weak leadership and is now positioned to fulfil its historic role on the continent.

    Abiola highlighted key strides by the Tinubu administration in strengthening security, stabilizing the economy, and rebuilding global confidence. 

    According to official data, over the last two years, security forces have neutralised more than 6,260 terrorists, arrested over 14,000 suspects, and rescued more than 5,300 kidnapped victims. 

    The federal government has also raised the defence budget from ₦1.25 trillion in 2023 to ₦4.91 trillion in 2025 and tripled annual police recruitment from 10,000 to 30,000 officers.

    He asserted that the government is gradually flattening the curve of insecurity through intelligence-based operations and a complete overhaul of the security architecture, resulting in visible improvements across the North West, North Central, and the Federal Capital Territory.

    Responding to comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Abiola dismissed the claims as false and divisive. 

    He maintained that no credible report in the past two years has described any religious genocide in the country, insisting that recent violent incidents are isolated criminal acts, not targeted religious extermination.

    He reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration treats all violence as national crime devoid of ethnic or religious bias and remains committed to justice and national unity. 

    Nigeria, he said, remains a multi-faith, multi-ethnic nation where citizens coexist peacefully and contribute to development, and no government policy supports sectarian persecution.

    Abiola cautioned that destabilising Nigeria would have severe repercussions for Africa, stressing that the nation remains the continent’s primary pillar politically, economically, and spiritually. “If that pillar is shaken, the whole continent will feel it,” he warned, adding that Africa’s prosperity is closely tied to Nigeria’s peace and progress.

    He also highlighted the economic interdependence within the subregion, noting that if the entire population of Lagos State were to move into neighboring Benin Republic, Togo, or Ghana, the combined economic systems of those countries would collapse in a matter of days. According to him, this is why Nigerians often say, “When Nigeria sneezes, Africa shakes.”

    Read Also: Tinubu Media Force celebrates Seyi Tinubu as symbol of Renewed Hope

    Citing the consequences of Western interventions in Libya, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Gbenga Abiola warned that any attempt to apply similar tactics to Nigeria would have catastrophic global consequences. He explained that the case of Nigeria, rhetorically speaking, might not do the world any good. Considering Nigeria’s dexterity, complexity, and importance across all economic sectors, war or foreign invasion would not only destabilize Africa but also hurt the global economy, including the United States itself.

    He added that a large percentage of Nigerians contribute to sustaining the American medical system and play vital roles in key sectors of the U.S. economy from healthcare and education to technology and engineering. Abiola urged President Trump and the American state to redirect their energies toward strengthening partnerships with Nigeria, noting that the country has greatly contributed to the United States’ success and global reputation.

    The Tinubu Media Force also called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to rise in unity and defend not only Nigeria but the collective independence and integrity of African nations against invasions, misinformation, and wrong narratives. According to the statement, Africa must now speak with one voice, protect its image, and chart its destiny without external manipulation or undue interference.

    Concluding the statement, Gbenga Abiola reaffirmed that Nigeria is a sovereign nation deserving of global respect and fair engagement. He maintained that a stable and prosperous Nigeria guarantees a stronger and more peaceful Africa. What Nigeria needs, he said, is collaboration, not confrontation; support, not suspicion. The world must stand with Nigeria, not against her.

  • Troops neutralise 19 bandits, repel incursion into Kano council

    Troops neutralise 19 bandits, repel incursion into Kano council

    • Rescue kidnapped victims from bandits, recover N 3.8m ransom

    Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, have repelled a bandits’ attack and protected vulnerable communities in the area.

    The operation, led by personnel of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, followed a tip-off on the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5pm on November 1.

    A statement issued by Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, said the troops, supported by other security agencies, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat.

    “It was confirmed that the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, sustained several casualties during the encounter,” he said.

    Zubairu added that the troops deployed at Tsaure community came in contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire that resulted in the recovery of several motorcycles and two mobile phones.

    According to him, 19 bandits were neutralised in the operation, while two soldiers and a local vigilante lost their lives.

    He said further operations were ongoing in the general area to ensure the protection of vulnerable communities often targeted for cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

    “The Nigerian Army urges the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies,” Zubairu added.

    The Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, assured residents of the Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, in collaboration with other security agencies.

    In the same vein, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma, Kogi State have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the ransom money meant for their release.

    The operation which led to the rescue of the victims took place on Sunday following credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis, as well as reports of relatives of some of the victims attempting to deliver ransom to secure their release.

    The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations,12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant  Hassan Abdullahi  confirmed the development in Lokoja yesterday.

    Read Also: Arzikin Noma: pact with NALDA to boost food security, curb inflation

    He said troops acted swiftly on the information “and projected a patrol to Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits.”

    Abdullahi added: “However, while en route to the location, the troops came under fire from the criminals. In the ensuing exchange, the gallant soldiers engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon two victims along with the ransom money. The criminals subsequently fled into the forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds.”

    He further revealed that following the encounter, the troops rescued the victims and recovered N3,800,000 intended for ransom payment.

    According to him, the rescued victims were immediately debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to them.

    “They are currently in safe custody at the troops’ location pending handover to the appropriate authorities”, he added.

    He further declared” The Nigerian Army remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to protect lives and property. Members of the public are therefore enjoined to continually support the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid in the fight against criminal elements within the state.”

  • Youths kick against killing of three farmers in Ondo

    Youths kick against killing of three farmers in Ondo

    A group, the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC), has raised the alarm over what it described as the “senseless attacks and killings of local farmers” by suspected armed bandits in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    In a statement yesterday in Akure, the group said that no fewer than three farmers were murdered at Ala in the Igbatoro area of the council by bandits terrorising the axis.

    No fewer than 20 farmers have been killed in Akure North LGA within the past seven months, amid a wave of criminal activities by suspected armed bandits terrorising the area.

    According to the statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Afe Adegboyega, the killings of the local farmers were “heart-wrenching and unacceptable.”

    The group noted that the murder of hardworking farmers was a painful reminder that many farming communities remain unsafe despite repeated assurances from security agencies.

    Read Also: Arzikin Noma: pact with NALDA to boost food security, curb inflation

    “Our farmers are the backbone of local food production. When they can no longer go to their farms without fear, our collective survival as a people is threatened. The time to act is now before insecurity consumes more innocent lives,” he said.

    SNYC lamented the rising insecurity that continues to threaten the peace and livelihood of rural dwellers in Akure and its environs.

    It called on all security agencies – particularly the Amotekun Corps – to rise to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property rather than engaging in internal wrangling and factional disputes.

    The group further urged improved collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, and local vigilante groups to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance in rural communities.

    “As youth representatives, the congress reaffirms its commitment to standing with the people of Ala Igbatoro and the entire Akure Kingdom in demanding accountability, protection, and peace,” it added.

    The group also urged the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government Area, and the member representing Akure North in the Ondo State House of Assembly to urgently intervene and ensure justice for the slain farmers.

    The group stressed that decisive action must be taken to prevent a recurrence and to reassure citizens that their safety remains a top government priority.

  • Sowore reacts as police declare him wanted

    Sowore reacts as police declare him wanted

    Activists and politician, Omoyele Sowore, yesterday confirmed he was aware that the Lagos Police Command declared him wanted for alleged disturbance of public peace.

    Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh yesterday made the declaration following plans by Sowore and his followers to block the Third Mainland Bridge to protest the demolition of houses at Oworonshoki.

    Reacting through his verified Facebook page, Sowore wrote: “The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today.

    “Despite my repeated attempts to contact Nigeria Police Force Commissioner Jimoh, he has not taken my calls; nevertheless, I plan to meet with him soon to address his declaration.”

    CP Jimoh, who led anti-riot policemen to the critical national infrastructure as early as 8am, ordered massive deployment on and around it to prevent any group from laying siege to the facility thereby bringing economic and human activities to a halt.

    He said: “I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, declare Sowore wanted for alleged offences including causing disturbance of public peace and planning to obstruct traffic and create hardship for Lagos residents.

    Read Also: Arzikin Noma: pact with NALDA to boost food security, curb inflation

    “He should be aware that we are closing on him. He should report himself to the nearest police station, because I am going to arrest him, investigate him and prosecute him.”

    The Commissioner questioned why the activist, who had previously staged protests in Abuja, was not present in Lagos to face the situation.

    On the massive deployment of anti-riot operatives, CP Jimoh said it was to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure free movement for thousands of daily commuters between Lagos Island and the mainland.

    “This location is vital to the city’s economy and the wellbeing of commuters. We will not allow any action, peaceful or otherwise that seeks to block the bridge and disrupt livelihoods.

    “Anyone attempting to disturb public peace will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted. Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, and we cannot afford chaos here,” he said.

    The Commissioner warned that blocking the carriageway could threaten the structural integrity of the bridge and public safety, adding that bridges are designed for moving traffic, not prolonged stationary loads.

     “Any attempt to obstruct the Third Mainland Bridge is a direct threat to public safety and national infrastructure,” he said.

    CP Olohundare said police units have been positioned at strategic points including Iyana-Oworo, Ilubirin, Berger bus stop and at terminals to prevent demonstrators from infiltrating vehicles and reaching the carriageway. Traffic-control and tactical units have also been mobilised to keep buses and private vehicles moving in order to minimise disruption.

    The CP told journalists that 13 arrests have been made in connection with “miscreant” activity, adding that those using the demolition issue to instigate violence would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

    He reiterated that residents of Oworonshoki who were entitled to compensation had been paid by the relevant government agency and that there was no justifiable reason to stage a disruptive protest on vital transport links.

  • Barber, tricycle operator killed in suspected cultist attack

    Barber, tricycle operator killed in suspected cultist attack

    Two young men were reportedly killed on Saturday night in Oriuzor community, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State in a suspected cult-related attack allegedly carried out by members of a rival cult group.

    Sources in the area said the assailants, believed to be members of the Vikings confraternity stormed the area around nightfall and attacked two men identified as Ifeanyi Ogele and Emmanuel Obumneme Nweke.

    Ogele, a barber and an alleged to be a member Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye, was reportedly the main target.

    It was gathered that his assailants had allegedly being on his trail for a while for allegedly playing a role in the killing of a senior Vikings leader, a claim that sparked the reprisal.

    Read Also: Suspected cultist, robber nabbed enroute attack on rival group in Anambra 

    However, confusion surrounds the killing of the second victim, Emmanuel, who locals described as a tricycle operator and not a cultist.

    Sources in the community noted that Emmanuel may have been a victim of the attack simply for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, having stopped by the barbershop to get a haircut when the attackers struck.

    Residents lamented that cult violence has been on the rise in the community and called on government and security agencies to intervene.

    Police spokesperson confirmed the killings.  He gave the names of the victims as Ogele Ifeanyi, a barber who was killed at his shop and Nweke Obumneme Emmanuel, a Keke rider.

    “The incident occurred on Saturday around 10pm. The command is investigating the incident,” he said.

  • Police launch probe into assault on woman in Imo

    Police launch probe into assault on woman in Imo

    The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a thorough investigation into a viral video showing a 55-year-old woman, Mrs. Agu Ndididamaka, being assaulted by a group of men in Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.

    The woman was beaten into a stupor when the men stormed her residence, alleging that she was collaborating with police officers who had visited the community.

    Read Also: Anambra election: Police fully prepared, fortified, says CP

    CP Danjuma condemned the act on Monday and ordered thorough investigation into the incident.

    He said in a statement by the police spokesman, Henry Okoye, that the victim was attacked by six men – Osuji Chiazor, Agu Azubike, Njoku Onyedikachi, Njoku Eugene, Njoku Dikachi, Njoku Emmanuel, and Iwuala Chukwuma – allegedly because she cooperated with police officers who had visited the community for investigative purposes.

    He ordered the police X-Squad Unit to identify, arrest, and bring the perpetrators to justice, describing the act as “barbaric, inhuman, and totally unacceptable”.

    “The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the act… Any form of jungle justice or intimidation of citizens who lawfully assist the police will not be tolerated under any circumstance,” the police statement reads.

  • Barber, tricycle operator die in suspected Ebonyi cult attack

    Barber, tricycle operator die in suspected Ebonyi cult attack

    Two young men were reportedly killed on Saturday night in Oriuzor community, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State in a suspected cult-related attack allegedly carried out by members of a rival cult group.

    Sources in the area said the assailants, believed to be members of the Vikings confraternity, stormed the area around nightfall and fatally attacked two men identified as Ifeanyi and Emmanuel.

    Ifeanyi, a barber and and alleged to be a member of Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye, was reportedly the main target. 

    It was gathered his assailants had allegedly being on his trail for a while for allegedly playing a role in the killing of a senior Vikings leader, a claim that sparked the reprisal.

    However, confusion surrounds the killing of the second victim, Emmanuel, who locals described as a tricycle operator and not a cultist. 

    Sources in the community noted that Emmanuel may have been a victim of the attack simply for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, having stopped by the barber shop for haircut when the attackers struck.

    Read Also: Kidnap, cult-suspects, livestock thieves nabbed in Ondo

    Residents lamented that cult violence has been on the rise in the community  and called on government and security agencies to intervene. 

    Police spokesperson confirmed the killings. 

    He gave the names of the victims as

    Ogele Ifeanyi, a the barber who was killed at his shop and Nweke Obumneme Emmanuel, a Keke rider.

    “The incident occurred on 1st November 2025 around 10pm.

    The command is investigating the incident,” he said.