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Kano gov, eight Reps, 44 LG chairmen dump NNPP
- 21 House of Assembly members, others also exit
- Cite internal crises, leadership disputes
- Former party’s flag removed from Govt House
After weeks of speculations, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf yesterday formally terminated his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP),in “the best interest of the people” of the state.

He pulled out of the party with eight members of the House of Representatives , 21 members of the State House of Assembly and 44 Local Government Chairmen of Kano State.

Their destination is the All Progressives Congress (APC) which, in the last one year, has also drawn into its fold seven other governors -Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State), Peter Mbah (Enugu State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State),Agbo Kefas (Taraba) and Caleb Muftwang (Plateau)- national and state legislators and other high profile politicians.

Yusuf and his allies are expected to declare for the APC in due course.

The governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature, broke the news of his and others’ resignation from the NNPP to reporters in a statement in Kano.

He said the governor communicated his resignation in a January 23,2026 letter to the NNPP chairman in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area.

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party, with effect from Friday, 23rd,January 2026″,Bature quoted his principal as saying in the letter.

The governor expressed appreciation to the party for the platform given him to contest the 2023 election and its support all through his political engagement with the NNPP.

Read Also: NNPP gives Yusuf green light to leave, demands resignation letter

His words: “I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the party, its leadership, and members across Kano State to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party.”

“After careful reflection, and without prejudice to the party’s capacity to resolve its internal challenges, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State.

“In recent times, the party has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination.

“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels.”

Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, the party’s secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, acknowledged receipt of the governor’s resignation and praised him for his efforts in improving the health, education and economic sectors of the state.

The NNPP scribe admitted the party’s ongoing crisis, saying “we have no option but to accept the departure of our most performing governor.”

Sequel to the governor’s resignation, the flags of the NNPP which had adorned the Kano Government House were removed yesterday.

The resignation is expected to trigger a major shake-up that could reshape Kano’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

It comes after the party gave him the green light to do so a few days ago.

NNPP factional chairman in the state, Senator Mas’ud Eljibril, had asked the governor to formally notify the “legally recognised” NNPP in writing before he joins the APC.

“If the governor decides to leave the NNPP, it’s his choice but he has to do that according to the rules and regulations to the party. Ignoring this requirement will have future legal consequences,” Eljibril had said.

However, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam, the Senator representing Kano Central District, Rufa’i Hanga, and Representatives Mukhtar Yarima (Tarauni), Abdulkarim Ado (Wudil/Garko), Sani Wakili (Minjibir/Ungogo), Tijjani Abdulkadir (Tofa/Dawakin Tofa) —have chosen to remain in the NNPP.

Yusuf was for many years a close ally of NNPP national leader Dr.Rabiu Kwankwaso, whom he served as personal assistant and commissioner before being elected as governor in 2023.

KPRA backs Yusuf’s resignation from NNPP

Reacting to the development yesterday, the Kano People’s Rights Alliance (KPRA), described the governor’s action as courageous and people-centred.

The coordinator of KPRA , Isyaku Lawal Tofa, said the gravity of the situation within the NNPP had created irreconcilable divisions that “threaten the party’s future.”

He said: “as the Governor stated, his decision to resign was made after careful reflection and is rooted in the best interests of the people of Kano State.

“It is a decision taken not out of bitterness, but from a place of good faith, with a steadfast commitment to fostering peace and unity within the state.”

He said the fact the governor left the NNPP with so many national and state legislators as well as LG chairmen reflected a shared resolve to prioritise public service and effective governance over party allegiance in the face of internal party turmoil.

The alliance asked political stakeholders in Kano State to engage in constructive dialogue and focus on resolving issues that hinder good governance, rather than deepening partisan divisions.

He said:“It is essential that the focus remains on the needs and aspirations of the people, rather than on partisan conflicts that serve only to undermine the collective progress of the state. We commend Governor Yusuf for his visionary leadership and his unwavering commitment to the development of Kano State.

“His achievements in infrastructure, urban renewal, health, education, and economic empowerment are testaments to his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

“The KPRA stands ready to support the Governor in his future endeavors, as he seeks to navigate this new chapter in his political journey. As we move forward, it is crucial for all political actors to prioritize unity and collaboration in the quest for sustainable development and social cohesion in Kano State.”
January 24, 2026
Kaduna mass abduction: How I escaped from our attackers – Victim
- Says bandits struck because of 17 ‘missing motorcycles’
- They threatened to come back and wipe us out
- 38 persons snatched from my family – Survivor
It was supposed to be another quiet Sunday of worship in Kurmin Wali, a sleepy agrarian community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Instead, January 18, 2026 has become a date etched in grief, fear and unanswered questions, as gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the village and abducted scores of worshippers during church services, Senior Correspondent Abdulgafar Alabelewe reports.

The attackers struck in broad daylight, moving from one church to another and turning sacred spaces into scenes of terror. By the time the dust settled, community leaders and church officials said 177 worshippers had been forcibly taken into the surrounding forests, leaving behind traumatised families and an entire village in shock.

Conflicting accounts initially followed the incident, with security sources dismissing reports of a mass abduction. But survivors’ testimonies, escapees’ stories and a growing list of missing persons painted a grim picture that could no longer be ignored.

One of those who lived to tell the tale is Mr. Joseph Bawa. Frail, soft-spoken and visibly shaken, Bawa was among the abducted worshippers who narrowly escaped death while being marched into the bush by the gunmen.

“It was on the 18th of January. We were in church around 9 am when the kidnappers came,” he recalled.

“They entered the church, scattered everything and ordered us to lie down.

“They collected our phones, money and whatever they could find.”

According to him, the attackers did not stop at one church. After robbing worshippers, they herded them to another church where more people were already lying face-down on the ground, terrified and helpless.

“They robbed everyone again and then forced all of us into the bush,” Bawa said.

“As we were moving, they kept beating us. Many people were injured. Some of them are now in the hospital.”

The journey into captivity was long and brutal. The abductees were pushed through thick vegetation until they arrived at what Bawa described as a deserted village, already emptied of its residents by fear of bandit attacks.

“Some people escaped from there, but I could not,” he said.

“Later, we reached a narrow river with strong water. There were many of us, and people were pushing to cross.”

That river became Bawa’s unlikely route to freedom. Weak and exhausted, he could not keep up with the others and was repeatedly beaten by the gunmen for slowing them down.

“Because of my age, I didn’t have the strength,” he recounted.

“They beat me and beat me. Eventually, everyone crossed the river, including the bandits, and they left me behind in the water.”

When he realised no one was watching him anymore, instinct took over. “I escaped through the water and into the bush until I reached another village,” he said.

What haunted him the most, however, were the words of the abductors. According to Bawa, the bandits claimed they had hidden 17 motorcycles in the bush, only to return and find them missing.

“They accused our community of stealing the motorcycles,” he said.

Read Also: Southern Kaduna Christian leaders declare two-day fast over Kajuru kidnapping

“They told us if we did not produce them, they would kill all of us.

“They also threatened to come back and wipe out those who were left in the village.”

Bawa said only 11 people managed to escape. “A total of 177 people were kidnapped. As of now, 166 people are still in their custody,” he added.

Another survivor, Yohana Dauji, secretary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Kurmin Wali Number One, said the attack caught the congregation completely unprepared.

“That morning, around 9:30 a.m., we were in church worshipping,” she said.

“Normally, we post people outside to watch. Suddenly, they came running to tell us that terrorists were approaching.”

Before any meaningful action could be taken, the gunmen had already surrounded the church. “Some people tried to run, others fell,” Dauji said.

“They told us not to run and promised not to harm us. But it was a lie.”

He said worshippers were forced out and marched into the bush, with the attackers picking up more victims from other churches along the way.

“They threatened to shoot anyone who tried to escape,” she added.

For many families, the pain is deeper and more personal. Linus Idris Gwom, a community resident, was away from home when the attackers struck. A frantic phone call from his wife changed everything.

“I had gone out that morning to buy something along the main road,” he said.

“My wife called and said Fulani attackers had entered the village and were abducting people from the churches, including her and our two children.”

Gwom rushed back, only to meet a ghost village. “Before I got home, I noticed the village was empty,” he said.

“When I reached my compound, nobody was there.”

The scale of his loss is staggering. “From my family compound alone, they took 38 people. Only my father, my mother and I were left. Everyone else, including my wife and children, was taken.”

Two days after the attack, Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali, sympathised with residents and promised that the abducted villagers would be rescued within days.

He assured the community that the state government was working closely with the military, police, DSS and other agencies.

While debates over figures and narratives continue, community leaders insist that numbers are secondary to the human cost of the tragedy. Groups like the Adara Development Association have demanded accountability and urgent action, insisting that 166 worshippers remain in captivity.

For survivors like Joseph Bawa, the trauma lingers long after escape. The images of beaten worshippers, crying children and gun-wielding men still replay in his mind alongside the chilling threats of a return attack.

Despite the traumatic experience, Bawa commended Governor Uba Sani for personally visiting Kurmin Wali to sympathise with the victims and assess the situation.

He described the governor’s leadership as compassionate and people-centred.

He further expressed confidence in the governor’s commitment to the security and wellbeing of residents, offering prayers for his continued leadership of the state.

In Kurmin Wali, hope now hangs on the success of ongoing security operations.

Until their loved ones return, the churches remain quieter, the roads emptier, and a once-peaceful community continues to pray, not just for safety, but for answers.

Meanwhile, injured victims have been evacuated to Kaduna for medical attention and psychosocial support, in line with assurances given by Governor Uba Sani during his visit to the community.
January 24, 2026
UPDATED: Yusuf, eight Reps members, 44 council chairmen, others resign from NNPP

Kano Governor Abba Yusuf has pulled the plug on his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) membership, a move that will significantly alter the political equation of the state.

It was gathered Yusuf and his allies will be joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a ceremony in few days, having met with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa a few days ago.

In a statement by his spokesman Sunusi Bature, the Governor announced his resignation from Friday, 23 January 2026.

Yusuf cited persistent internal crises and deepening divisions within the NNPP that have left it fractured and in court battles as reasons for dumping the party on whose platform he was elected in 2023.

His planned defection has also caused his relationship with benefactor Rabiu Kwankwaso frosty.

The Governor on Friday said his decision to defect followed a careful reflection, after being guided by public interest considerations.

He thanked NNPP for providing the platform and support for him since 2022 but said he was leaving in good faith, without bitterness and in the broader interest of the state.

“After careful reflection, and without prejudice to the party’s capacity to resolve its internal challenges, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State,” Yusuf.wrote.

He left the NNPP with 21 Assembly members, eighth House of Representatives members and 44 local government chairmen in Kano.

Read Also: Nigeria, Austria pledge to deepen bilateral ties, expand strategic cooperation

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party, with effect from Friday 23rd January 2026.

“In recent times, the party has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination.

“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels,” Yusuf’s letter to the party reads in parts.

Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, the party’s secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, where Yusuf comes from, acknowledged the Governor’s resignation, praising his infrastructure, health, education, and economic projects.

The NNPP scribe admitted the party’s ongoing crisis, saying “we have no option but to accept the departure of our most performing governor.”

Yusuf’s resignation from NNPP on Friday is expected to trigger a major shake-up that could reshape Kano’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

His resignation comes after the party gave him the greenlight to do so a few days ago.

NNPP factional chairman in the state, Senator Mas’ud Eljibril, had urged the Governor to formally notify the “legally recognised” NNPP in writing before he joins the APC.

“If the Governor decides to leave the NNPP, it’s his choice but he has to do that according to the rules and regulations to the party. Ignoring this requirement will have future legal consequences,” Eljibril advised.

January 23, 2026
BREAKING: Kano Governor Abba Yusuf resigns from NNPP

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has officially resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing escalating internal crises within the party and the need to safeguard the overall interest of the people of the state.

The governor communicated his decision in a resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area. According to the letter, the resignation takes effect from Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Read Also: Yusuf gets NNPP’s green light to defect

A statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, confirmed the development, noting that the governor expressed appreciation to the NNPP for the opportunity and support it extended to him during his time in the party.

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party, with effect from Sunday, 25 January 2026,” the letter read.

Details shortly…

January 23, 2026
JUST IN: Protest rocks Ijebu Ode over alleged plot to impose candidate as Awujale

Indigenes and residents of Ijebu poured into Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway leading to palace and marched towards Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters Itoro on Friday morning in protest over alleged plot by unnamed powerful interests to foist the next Awujale on the kingmakers, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the Ijebu nation.

The Nation reports that the Ogun State Government, in a circular dated January 20, 2026, stopped the Kingmakers from taking further steps to select a candidate out of the 95 nominees submitted to the kingmaker by leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House – Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi) Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi) and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman).

Read Also: No plan to impose Awujale, says govt

The State Government’s circular stopping the process by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, fuelled allegations that Governor Dapo Abiodun – led administration was interfering with process reportedly to impose a candidate on kingmakers.

Mrs Adenugba Obileye who leads the peace protest, said they were in the local government headquarters to register displeasure over alleged thickening plots to interfere with the job of the kingmakers and impose an Awujale that does not emerge from due process.

Details shortly…

January 23, 2026
FULL LIST: UI beats UNILAG, Covenant, UNN, OAU, others to emerge best in Nigeria

The University of Ibadan (UI) has emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked institution in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.

According to the rankings published on Thursday on THE’s official website, UI was placed in the 801–1000 global band, making it the top-ranked Nigerian university in the 2026 edition. The achievement marks a return to the summit for UI, which last held the position in 2023.

The 2026 rankings assessed 2,191 universities across 115 countries, using 18 performance indicators grouped under five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook. The assessment drew from over 174.9 million citations from 18.7 million research publications, as well as survey responses from more than 108,000 scholars worldwide.

UI climbed from fourth position in Nigeria in the 2025 rankings to reclaim the top spot, displacing Covenant University, which led Nigerian institutions in both the 2024 and 2025 editions.

Alongside UI, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) was the only other Nigerian institution to feature in the global top 1000, also ranked in the 801–1000 category.

Bayero University Kano (BUK), Covenant University, and Landmark University were all placed in the 1001–1200 global band.

In terms of performance strengths, UNILAG recorded the highest research quality score among Nigerian universities with 66.7. Bayero University Kano led in international outlook, while Covenant University ranked highest nationally for industry engagement, reflecting its strong collaboration with the private sector.

Several Nigerian institutions were placed in the 1201–1500 global band, including Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Ilorin, University of Jos, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

A larger group of universities appeared in the 1501+ category, reflecting ongoing challenges in global competitiveness despite inclusion in the rankings.

Read Also: Wale Tinubu bags UNILAG honorary doctorate

In total, 51 Nigerian universities featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. However, only two—UI and UNILAG—made it into the global top 1000. Fourteen institutions were ranked in the 1501+ category, while 27 universities that submitted data were not ranked.

Here is the List of top Nigerian Universities 2026

1. University of Ibadan

2. University of Lagos

3. Bayero University Kano

4. Covenant University

5. Landmark University

6. Ahmadu Bello University

7. Federal University of Technology, Minna

8. University of Ilorin

9. University of Jos

10. University of Nigeria, Nsukka

11. Babcock University

12. Delta State University, Abraka

13. Ekiti State University

14. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

15. Federal University of Technology, Akure

16. Federal University of Technology, Owerri

17. Federal University Oye-Ekiti

18. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

19. Lagos State University

20. Nnamdi Azikiwe University

21. Obafemi Awolowo University

22. University of Benin

23. University of Calabar

24. University of Port Harcourt

January 23, 2026
Nigeria-U.S. security talks yielding results, says Fed Govt

The Federal Government said yesterday that its security collaboration with the United States(US) has strengthened counter-terrorism operations, especially in the Northeast,   Northwest and Northcentral.

The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation to better protect lives and property across the country.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris stated that Nigeria was delighted that the security tie respects ‘’our country’s’’   sovereignty and prioritises accountability and civilian protection.

Ribadu and Idris spoke at the plenary session of the Nigeria – U.S. Joint Working Group to address the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation of the country at the NSA Office in Abuja. The U.S. team was led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.

Ribadu said the engagement marked the third high-level interaction with senior U.S. officials since November last year, and reflected a relationship “grounded in trust, candour and shared responsibility.”

He reaffirmed the security partnership between the two countries, pledging closer ties to curb terrorism, protect civilians and strengthen accountability across conflict-affected areas.

Ribadu said Nigeria approached the talks “as a partner, committed to practical outcomes,” describing the platform as one focused on problem-solving rather than compliance.

READ ALSO: When hospitals kill

“These engagements have moved decisively beyond dialogue to action,” the NSA stated.

According to him, enhanced intelligence sharing and closer coordination between the U.S. military and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters resulted in the successes so far recorded by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast and Northwest as well as Operation FASAN YAMMA in the Northcentral.

Ribadu added that recent operations had led to the killing of hundreds of terrorists, the destruction of their logistics hubs and the interception of key collaborators.

The NSA hailed U.S. commitments to the timely delivery of military equipment, including drones and helicopters, noting that the cooperation respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and prioritised accountability.

He said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared security emergencies in vulnerable areas, authorised intensified joint operations and directed sustained deployments to communities facing repeated attacks.

Ribadu added that Nigeria was expanding early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms and developing a national database to provide verified data on deaths and casualties arising from violence.

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said.

“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”

Information Minister Idris said in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu, that the engagement was part of sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security partnerships and deliver tangible results for citizens.

The minister said: “ It(engagement) shows that our partnership is active, serious, and focused on outcomes that matter to Nigerians.

“This bilateral partnership reflects not only our shared commitment to religious freedom and civilian protection, but also a mature strategic relationship grounded in trust, candour, and shared responsibility.

“Cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. has led to real operational gains.

“Our military and security agencies are working closely with U.S. partners through intelligence sharing and operational coordination.”

Idris added that the U.S. had committed to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment, including spare parts and support systems procured over the past five years.

“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working. These efforts are not abstract. They are yielding results, and they will continue to do so,” he said.

On domestic security measures, the minister recalled that President Tinubu had formally declared national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas.

According to him, the President also authorised intensified joint operations and directed the sustained deployment of security forces to priority locations.

He added: “Nigeria is acting decisively. Security agencies have clear instructions to protect communities and respond swiftly to threats.

“The Federal Government is strengthening early-warning systems and developing a national database to provide accurate and verifiable figures on deaths and casualties linked to violence.

“This will give us a single, trusted source of data to guide decisions, improve accountability, and sharpen our security response. Justice remains a key pillar of the government’s security strategy.

“The Ministry of Justice, the DSS(Department of State Services), and the Nigeria Police Force are actively investigating and prosecuting terrorism cases. Violence will not only be met with force, but with justice and accountability,” the minister added.

The minister urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as the security reforms continue.

“Our responsibility is to keep Nigerians informed and reassured. The work being done today is to ensure a safer country tomorrow,” Idris said

U.S Under Secretary of State   Hooker said Washington remained committed to broadening cooperation with Nigeria to protect vulnerable communities and counter terrorism.

She said since President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a CPC last October, both countries had made progress, including the recruitment of additional police officers, arrests and prosecutions linked to mass killings, and the rescue of abducted persons.

“We appreciate Nigeria’s close cooperation with us on degrading terrorist capabilities,” Hooker said, adding that recent airstrikes were closely coordinated with Nigerian authorities.

However, she expressed concern over fresh reports of abductions in parts of Kaduna State and urged continued efforts to protect religious communities and hold perpetrators accountable.

She said advancing religious freedom and security would strengthen broader cooperation in trade, health and regional stability, while helping to disrupt terrorist financing and arms flows.

Both sides said the Working Group would focus on outcomes, sustained cooperation and measures to reduce killings, abductions and displacement, as Nigeria and the US work to “turn the tide on insecurity and terrorism.”

*How U.S. intelligence is helping us to weaken terrorists, by Theatre commander

Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar said the military is leveraging on Nigeria’s partnership with the US to strengthen operations against Boko Haram and its splinter groups.

Gen. Abubakar told Defence reporters in Maiduguri, Borno State, that   ‘’shared significant intelligence’’ by the US was helping troops to neutralise more terrorists.

He said: ‘’We are leveraging our current partnership with the US. It is based on credible and invaluable intelligence that we are working to bring this battle to a favourable conclusion in the shortest possible time.

“We get high-level intelligence, which has actually added impetus to the conduct of our operations. I am sure in the media space, you read that 40 terrorists have been taken out. This is because a lot of airstrikes and ground operations are going on in the hinterland, in the Sambisa Forest and the entire Timbuktu Triangle.”

Gen. Abubakar added that marching orders given to troops to launch intensive kinetic operations led to the killing of 54 key Boko Haram leaders, including Abu Fatima, who had a N100 million bounty on his head.

The Theatre Commander added: “We are seriously involved in what we call terrorist leaders’ decapitation operations

“What this means is that we try to attack the command and control system of the adversary. We try to take out the key leaders. This will further weaken the decision-making circle of the terrorists over time because once the leadership is affected, the whole structure is almost gone. That is why intelligence is very important.”

Gen. Abubakar said last year alone,   16,000 Boko Haram suspects, along with their families, surrendered as a result of the sustained pressure mounted by the troops.

The theatre commander said the major challenge faced by troops is the presence of collaborators, who facilitate the terrorists’ supply of logistics.

January 23, 2026
Rivers CJ gives conditions to raise impeachment panel

• My hand is fettered by the court orders

There was a twist yesterday to the impeachment process initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

The Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, declined to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct against them as requested by the House of Assembly.

He explained that he had been restrained by interim injunctions by a High Court against the proceedings until the determination of the substantive suits.

Justice Amadi gave two conditions that would enable him to proceed with setting up the panel.

These are: the panel can only be set up if the interim orders are vacated in an appeal brought by the lawmakers, or the appeal filed by lawmakers against the orders is finally determined.

The House, in a letter by Speaker Martins Amaewhule on January 16 and accompanied by other documents, directed the Chief Judge to set up the panel, pursuant to Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

The investigative panel is one of the conditions stipulated in Section 188 for removing the governor and his deputy.

But, in a letter to the Speaker dated January 22, 2026, Justice Amadi explained that he could not go ahead with the constitutional duty following court orders obtained by the governor and his deputy.

READ ALSO: Critical success factors for Nigeria’s economy this year

He said: “My office is also in receipt of two separate court orders of interim injunction issued on 16th January, 2026 in two suits by Fubara and Prof. Odu.”

Highlighting the parts of the orders that restrained his functions, Justice Amadi said his office was duly served with the documents on January 22.

The Chief Judge, who also attached certified true copies of the orders, said his action was based on legal and democratic principles.

Justice Amadi said: “Constitutionalism and the rule of law are the bedrock of democracy, and all persons and authorities are expected to obey subsisting orders of a court of competent jurisdiction, irrespective of perception of its regularity or otherwise.

“Given the above scenario, our legal jurisprudence enjoins the parties to obey the order of interim injunction until it is set aside or the suit is finally determined.”

Quoting a judicial precedent to justify his position, Justice Amadi recalled that in the case of Hon. Dele Abiodun vs Hon Chief Judge of Kwara State and three others, the Chief Judge of Kwara State, who proceeded to set up five-man panel to investigate the allegations levelled against the appellant despite a subsisting restraining order of court and pending suit was roundly condemned in strong language.

Quoting the Court of Appeal judgment, he said: “I liken the scenario created by the Chief Judge to the position of a chief priest and custodian of an oracle turning round to desecrate the oracle. The Chief Judge of the state, who is the custodian and head of the judicial arm of the state, ought to abide by the laws of the state, nay the land…”

Justice Amadi acknowledged that the Speaker had lodged an appeal against the interim orders at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, adding that he had been served with the notices of the appeal.

He added: “By the doctrine of ‘lis pendens’, parties and the court have to await the outcome of the appeal.

“In view of the foregoing, my hand is fettered, as there are subsisting interim orders of injunction and appeal against the said orders. I am therefore legally disabled at this point from exercising my duties under Section 188(5) of the Constitution in the instant.

“It is hoped that the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will be magnanimous enough to appreciate the legal position of the matter.”

There was jubilation in Port-Harcourt among Fubara’s supporters after the letter was made public.

January 23, 2026
Tinubu approves posting of four Ambassador-Designates to key foreign missions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of four Ambassador-Designates to strategic foreign missions, marking the first set of postings from the 68 nominees confirmed by the Senate in December 2025.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the postings include Ambassador Ayodele Oke as Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to France and Colonel Lateef Are as Ambassador-designate to the United States of America.

Also approved is the posting of Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, a former Nigerian envoy to South Korea, as High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom while former Kebbi Governor, Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, has been named Ambassador-designate to Turkey.

Tinubu is scheduled to embark on a state visit to Turkey next week.

In a memo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President directed that the governments of the four countries be formally notified of the postings in line with established diplomatic procedures.

The postings come against the backdrop of the Senate’s confirmation of a new set of Ambassadors in December 2025, ending a prolonged delay in filling diplomatic vacancies across the country’s foreign missions.

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In mid-December, the Senate confirmed an initial batch of three non-career ambassadors, including Lateef Kayode Are, Aminu Mohammed Dalhatu and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke.

This was followed by the confirmation of a larger list of 64 nominees—comprising 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners, and 30 non-career envoys—bringing the total number of confirmed nominees to 68.

The expanded list was transmitted to the Senate by President Tinubu on December 4, 2025, although one nominee from Yobe State was excluded following his death before confirmation.

The confirmed list includes several prominent political figures and technocrats, among them former ministers, ex-governors, senior diplomats and retired military officers, as well as a broad spread of career foreign service officers.

The new Ambassadors and High Commissioners are expected to assume duties across Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in 2026 as the Tinubu administration moves to reinvigorate the country’s foreign service and strengthen diplomatic engagement with key international partners.

January 22, 2026
Kudirat Abiola’s murder: Supreme Court dismisses move by Lagos to appeal Major Al-Mustapha’s acquittal

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed move by the Lagos State Government to appeal out of time, the July 12, 2013 judgment of the Court of Appeal that discharged and acquitted the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha in the murder of Kudirat Abiola.

Kudirat Abiola was the wife of the late businessman/politician, Chief M.K.O Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida.

The Lagos State Government had prosecuted Al-Mustapha and some others before a High Court of Lagos State, which, in a judgment delivered on January 30, 2012 by Justice Moji Dada convicted and sentenced them to death.

On appeal, the Court of Appeal in Lagos, in a judgment on July 12, 2013 reversed the decision of the High Court of Lagos, set it aside Al-Mustapha’s conviction and proceeded to discharge and acquit him.

Dissatisfied, Lagos State approached the Supreme Court 2014 with an application for leave to appeal the Court of Appeal’s July 12, 2013 out of time, an application the apex court granted and ordered it (Lagos State) to fille its notice of appeal within 30 days.

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On Thursday, Al-Mustapha was represented by Paul Daudu (SAN) but Lagos State was not represented by any lawyer.

After the five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji confirmed that Lagos State was served with a hearing notice for the day’s proceedings but chose to stay away, it decided to proceed with the case.

Daudu noted that Lagos State has not not taken any step to comply with the court’s order made in 2014, granting leave to appeal out of time and to file its notice of appeal within 30 days.

He added that Lagos did not even file a notice of appeal to demonstrate its seriousness to prosecute the appeal.

Daudu further noted that more than nine years after Lagos was granted leave to appeal out of time, it allegedly did nothing to comply with the order.

He then prayed the court to hold that the appellant has abandoned the appeal and dismiss it

In a ruling, Justice Aba-Aji held that Lagos State had lost interest in the matter and consequently abandoned it.

Justice Aba-Aji observed that nine years was long enough for the appellant to have filed its notice of appeal and appellant’s brief if it was interested in prosecuting the appeal.

She expressed displeasure that Lagos State was not represented at the proceedings and did not give reason for its absence, despite being served with a hearing notice since 2020.

She proceeded to dismiss the case, marked SC/CR/45/2014 and made similar pronouncement in relation to a similar case marked SC/CR/6/2014 also filed by Lagos State.

January 22, 2026