NEWS

A High Court in Maiduguri, Borno State, has sentenced a 33-year-old woman, Salamatu Saidu, to five years in prison for her involvement in human trafficking. The judgment was delivered by Justice Bukar Umar on Monday, the same day the defendant was arraigned. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) confirmed the development in a statement shared on its Facebook page on Thursday, April 23, 2026. According to the agency, Saidu’s actions violated Section 26(2) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. NAPTIP explained that the offence involved the fraudulent movement of individuals aged 21 and 33, describing it as the act of knowingly organizing or facilitating illegal entry or exit of persons through de...

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State is facing criticism after appearing in a video alongside an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo who made controversial statements directed at opposition figures. In the widely circulated clip, the governor’s aide—also known as a praise singer—was heard pledging to hand over any members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) found in the state to the police commissioner. He also insulted former presidential candidate Peter Obi, calling him a “stupid man.” The footage shows the police commissioner smiling during the exchange, a reaction that has sparked backlash from observers who questioned whether it was appropriate given the seriousness of the remarks. The aide, who has previously faced allegations of issuing threats regarding Peter Obi’s s...

The Lagos State Government has i$$ued a clarification on its policy regarding solar panel installations, following widespread reactions to a viral video that suggested residents must pay fees before adopting solar energy. The clarification was provided by Wale Ajetunmobi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. According to him, the requirement applies only to residents living in government-owned social housing estates. Ajetunmobi explained that installing solar panels in such estates is considered an external modification to the building structure. As a result, residents—referred to as allottees—must obtain approval from the Ministry of Housing, particularly its Phys!cal Planning and Survey departments, to ensure safety and protect shared inf...

The administration of Donald Trump has started rolling out its controversial “gold card” residency programme, which allows individuals to secure U.S. residency in exchange for a large financial payment. The policy, introduced via an executive order signed in September last year, sets the cost of residency at $1 million. Applications opened in December, and U.S. authorities have confirmed that at least one applicant has already been granted approval. Speaking before a congressional panel, Howard Lutnick revealed that hundreds more applicants are currently in line and undergoing review. In addition to the main fee, applicants must pay a $15,000 processing charge to the Department of Homeland Security, with officials promising a thorough and rigorous screening process. While individu...

Nicolás Maduro was captured during a major U.S. military mission known as Operation Absolute Resolve, a carefully planned operation involving intelligence gathering and special forces deployment. A U.S. Special Forces Master Sergeant, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, has now been arrested for allegedly exploiting classified military intelligence linked to that mission for personal financial gain. According to prosecutors, Van Dyke is accused of placing a $32,000 wager on the outcome of the operation, ultimately earning about $400,000 after predicting that Maduro would be removed from power. Investigators say he created an account on a prediction platform shortly before the covert mission and placed multiple high-risk bets between December and January, forecasting Maduro’s capture ahead of tim...

Donald Trump has stated that he would not consider deploying nuclear weapons against Iran, despite earlier rhetoric that hinted at the possibility of severe military action. Speaking to journalists at the White House, Trump dismissed the need for nuclear force, emphasizing that conventional military operations were more than adequate. “No, I wouldn’t use it,” he said, adding that there was no justification for nuclear weapons when significant damage could already be achieved through standard military means. He also stressed that such weapons should never be used by any nation. His comments mark a noticeable shift from his earlier warning on April 7, when he suggested that an entire civilisation could be wiped out—remarks that triggered widespread international concern. Shortly after ...

Gunmen have kidnapped a woman, Olanike Ogundare, from her residence in the Ijedodo area of Lagos, demanding a ransom equivalent to ₦60 million in U.S. dollars. The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at her home on Olufemi Ogundare Street in the Oke Agaye neighbourhood. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers carried out a coordinated operation, overpowering the security guard at gunpoint before taking the victim to an undisclosed location. Local leaders and security groups have since been mobilised, including Gani Adams, as efforts intensify to secure her release. Sources revealed that the abductors have contacted the family twice, initially demanding ₦60 million but later insisting the payment be made in U.S. dollars—an approach ...

The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly criticised a recent meeting held by some medical practitioners in Abuja on April 22, describing it as illegal and a threat to the unity of the association. In a statement, the Lagos chapter said the gathering was held in defiance of an earlier directive from the National Officers Committee of the NMA, arguing that it had no constitutional backing within the association’s recognised structure. The branch warned that any resolutions or decisions reached at the meeting would not be accepted, stating that such actions could weaken the association’s constitutional order and institutional stability. It also accused the organisers of prioritising personal interests over the welfare and professional concerns of ...

The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has scheduled June 9, 2026, to deliver judgment in the ongoing fraud case involving former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. The trial judge, James Omotosho, announced the date on Thursday during court proceedings. Mamman is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge related to alleged conspiracy and money laundering amounting to ₦33.8 billion. During the hearing, Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh (SAN), informed the court that the defence had submitted its final written address on April 1, 2026, along with a reply to the prosecution’s arguments, urging the court to acquit his client. On the other hand, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), stated that their final written address was filed...

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Adebayo Adelabu, was given a rousing reception on Thursday as he arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State. Adelabu, who recently stepped down from his role as Minister of Power in the administration of Bola Tinubu, was greeted by supporters and well-wishers in what many described as a heroic homecoming. Reports indicate that after his resignation, he is preparing to formally declare his intention to contest in the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.