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DSS Intervenes in Awujale Succession, Summons Nominees for Screening

By
Ola Akinola
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The stalled process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland has taken a dramatic turn, as nominees vying for the revered stool have been summoned by the Department of State Services (DSS) for a scheduled engagement in Ijebu-Ode.

The invitation, dated January 20, was issued by the Secretary of the Awujale Afobaje Council and forwarded to the heads of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House—Lateef Owoyemi, Dokun Ajidagba, and Fassy Yusuf. The directive mandates that all nominees present themselves at the DSS office on NTA Road, Ijebu-Ode.

In a related move, the Awujale Kingmakers Council has canceled a planned meet-and-greet session scheduled for Wednesday. A separate notice advised all nominees to disregard the earlier meeting and to comply fully with the DSS directive.

This intervention by the state security agency has further heightened political and traditional tensions surrounding the succession to the throne, which has been vacant since the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona last year.

The development comes barely 24 hours after the Ogun State Government, for the second time, ordered the immediate suspension of the entire selection process. The state cited multiple petitions and security reports as grounds for the halt, emphasizing the need to preserve public order and the integrity of the paramount stool.

Analysts suggest the DSS invitation indicates deeper concerns over the conduct and credibility of the aspirants, as well as potential security implications of a disputed succession. The involvement of a federal agency adds a new layer of oversight to what is traditionally a local chieftaincy process.

There has been no official statement from the DSS regarding the nature or purpose of the engagement. All parties are now awaiting the outcome of this unprecedented security screening as the journey to fill one of Yorubaland’s most influential thrones enters a cautious, state-monitored phase.

Rivers Police Hunt for Fleeing Suspect in Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minors

By
Ola Akinola
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0

 

The Rivers State Police Command has opened a formal investigation into disturbing allegations of sexual abuse involving two minors—an 11-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy—against a 45-year-old man identified only as Pascal, who is now on the run.

The case, registered at the Nkpolu Police Division (UST) in Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt, followed complaints lodged by the victims’ parents, facilitated by human rights advocate Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign.

According to statements gathered by investigators, the suspect, a former neighbour on Christ Apostolic Street, Mile 3 Diobu, now residing in the Pipeline area of Egbelu, Obio/Akpor LGA, allegedly abused the children repeatedly over several months.

The father of the girl reported that Pascal entered their home in his absence to assault his daughter and also took her to his own residence. The mother of the boy said she became aware of the abuse after her son complained of persistent anal pain and, upon questioning, confessed to being violated by the suspect for about six months.

Prince Wiro confirmed accompanying the families to the police station, where the children were issued medical forms and referred for examination. He commended the Divisional Police Officer for professional handling of the case while calling for a thorough investigation.

Wiro also condemned attempts by persons claiming to represent the Egbelu landlords’ association to mediate privately rather than ensuring the suspect faced legal action.

In a troubling disclosure, the suspect admitted in communication that he had begun negotiating a settlement with the girl’s father, describing the matter as “small” and claiming it would be resolved amicably.

However, the father of the girl has strongly denied any out-of-court settlement, insisting that the law must take its course.

Police sources say Pascal has since absconded, missing a scheduled meeting with the victims’ families, and efforts are underway to track and apprehend him.

The Rivers State Police Command has assured the public that the investigation will be pursued diligently to ensure justice for the minors.

Ogun State Halts Awujale Succession Process Amidst Security and Integrity Concerns

By
Ola Akinola
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The Ogun State Government has intervened to suspend the ongoing selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing overriding concerns for public order, security, and the sanctity of the revered throne.

The directive, issued via an official letter dated January 20, 2026, from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, orders an immediate halt to all activities related to the succession. The letter, signed by the Commissioner, Ganiyu Hamzat, and addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, was made public on Wednesday.

This move follows the receipt of multiple petitions and intelligence reports from security agencies and key stakeholders regarding the contested process to find a successor to the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose historic 65-year reign ended last year.

The government’s letter emphasizes the unique stature of the Awujale stool, describing it as a foremost traditional institution in Yorubaland and a paramountcy in Ogun State. It noted that the late monarch’s transformative reign had significantly elevated the throne’s prestige and modern relevance, consequently attracting intense public and institutional scrutiny to the succession.

“Given the reports at its disposal, the government has elected to act proactively without further delay by halting the process in its entirety,” the letter stated.

The suspension is enacted under the powers granted by the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which allows the State Executive Council to intervene in a chieftaincy appointment where necessary in the interest of peace, order, and good governance.

The Ijebu-Ode Local Government has been instructed to formally communicate the decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The ruling house, from which the next monarch must emerge, has been advised to suspend all activities and await further directives from the state government.

The intervention underscores the high stakes involved in selecting a successor to one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional stools and highlights the government’s determination to prevent any crisis that could arise from a disputed process. Political and traditional observers are now watching closely for the state’s next steps in guiding the landmark succession.

Obasanjo, Babangida Hold Closed-Door Meeting in Minna, Stir 2027 Election Speculation

By
Toyin Adebayo
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MINNA – In a move sparking intense political speculation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday paid a private visit to former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.

The unannounced meeting, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, is widely interpreted by analysts as a significant behind-the-scenes maneuver ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Photographs from the visit, confirmed by sources, show Obasanjo being received warmly by Babangida and members of his family, including his children, Aisha and Mohammed. Obasanjo arrived at the Minna airport via a protocol vehicle from the state government and departed shortly after the conclave.

While no official statement was released by either statesman, political observers note the timing and symbolism of the engagement between two of Nigeria’s most influential former leaders. The meeting has fueled discourse on the potential role of elder statesmen in shaping the upcoming electoral cycle and national direction.

“This visit cannot be dismissed as merely personal at this critical juncture,” remarked one Abuja-based political analyst. “It underscores a growing concern among Nigeria’s political old guard about the nation’s trajectory, both domestically and internationally. The focus appears to be shifting from partisan loyalty to broader consensus-building for the 2027 transition.”

The closed-door discussion aligns with persistent reports of heightened consultations among Nigeria’s former leaders. Insiders suggest these dialogues aim to promote credible elections and advocate for candidates with what they term “clean national and international records” across all levels of government.

General Babangida, though long retired from active politics, remains a noted figure whose political insight is still sought. The meeting with Obasanjo, a frequent critic of governance shortcomings, reinforces perceptions of his continued relevance in high-stakes political calculus.

Unconfirmed reports circulating in political circles suggest the engagement may also be connected to concerns over Nigeria’s diplomatic standing, with moves aimed at preventing further deterioration.

As the countdown to 2027 gains momentum, analysts expect such high-level consultations to intensify, setting the stage for what many predict will be a fiercely contested and strategically complex election season.

Wike Retains Protocol Guru, Names Sani Daura SSA

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has appointed a seasoned protocol expert, Mr. Sani Musa Daura, as Senior Special Assistant on Protocol Matters.

Daura, a career civil servant with over 30 years’ experience in the FCT Administration, was until recently the Director of Protocol, a position he assumed in 2019.

The appointment was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka.

According to the statement, Daura will officially assume his new role after retiring from the civil service on January 24, 2026.

The Minister’s decision to appoint Daura is seen as a move to retain vast institutional knowledge and expertise in protocol management within the FCT, given his long-standing service and professionalism in the system.

FCT Resident Doctors Commend Wike Over Settlement of Hazard Allowance Arrears

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA), has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for approving the payment of long-outstanding 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears and a one-month wage award to doctors in the territory.

In a letter of appreciation dated January 15, 2026, the association described the intervention as a demonstration of exemplary leadership and a clear commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers in the FCT.

Signed by the ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Israel Lissa, the letter noted that the payments had boosted morale among resident doctors and underscored the administration’s recognition of the sacrifices made by medical professionals in the course of duty.

The association stated that the settlement of the arrears reflected principles of equity and fairness, particularly at a time when health workers continue to face demanding working conditions.

The resident doctors reaffirmed their commitment to constructive engagement with the FCT Administration, pledging continued collaboration to strengthen the health sector and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services to residents of the capital.

They also acknowledged the roles played by key officials of the FCT Administration in facilitating the payments, including the Minister of State for the FCT, senior civil servants, and heads of relevant health agencies.

The association said it remained optimistic that sustained dialogue and cooperation with the FCT Administration would further improve welfare, service delivery, and overall stability within the FCT health system.

FCT Resident Doctors Applaud Wike Over 13-Month Allowance Arrears

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

NEWS FOCUS

 

Timely settlement of hazard pay and wage award boosts morale in capital’s health sector.

Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have commended Minister Nyesom Wike for approving the payment of 13 months of outstanding hazard allowance arrears and a one-month wage award, calling it a decisive move for healthcare worker welfare.

In a formal letter of appreciation dated January 15, 2026, the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA) praised the Minister’s “exemplary leadership and dedication to equity and fairness,” stating the long-awaited payments have significantly lifted morale among medical personnel.

The letter, signed by ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong and General Secretary Dr. Yusuf Israel Lissa, noted that the intervention “reflects recognition of the sacrifices made by medical professionals” in serving FCT residents. The doctors reaffirmed their commitment to constructive engagement with the FCT Administration to strengthen the capital’s health sector.

The association also extended gratitude to key FCTA officials who facilitated the payments, including the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe.

This development marks a significant step in the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve staff welfare and stabilise healthcare services across Abuja. The settlement of the 13-month arrears resolves a protracted concern for doctors who faced heightened risks during recent public health challenges.

IBBUL Student Dies by Suicide Following Financial Loss to Gambling

By
Ola Akinola
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0

University, Police Investigate as Tragic Case Highlights Pressures on Nigerian Students.

A 300-level Computer Science student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, has died by suicide after allegedly losing a significant sum of money intended for his rent and upkeep to gambling.

The student, Kelvin Danlami, was found deceased in his off-campus residence on Monday morning, in an incident that has sent shockwaves through the university community and sparked an ongoing police investigation.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the tragic event. Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu A. Abiodun, stated that a report was received around 10:30 a.m. concerning a suspected suicide.

“Information received indicates that in the early hours of the day, one Kelvin Danlami, a student of IBBUL was found to have hanged himself in his room with a cloth tied to the ceiling fan,” Abiodun said. “One of the neighbours who discovered the body…raised an alarm, and the victim was brought down and rushed to General Hospital Lapai, where he was confirmed dead.”

Preliminary accounts from friends and fellow students point to severe financial distress as a key factor. According to sources close to the deceased, Danlami was in a state of visible despair the day before his death, struggling to account for money he was allegedly persuaded to invest in a gambling scheme by an associate.

A close friend, who asked not to be named, recounted that Danlami appeared “devastated and downcast” and was unable to explain the disappearance of funds meant for critical expenses. This narrative of a mismanaged or lost sum, leading to overwhelming pressure, is at the centre of the informal inquiry among his peers.

Police operatives from the Lapai Division have visited the scene, conducted initial investigations, and notified the student’s family. PPRO Abiodun emphasised that “further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the reason” behind the tragic decision.

The incident has cast a spotlight on the compounded pressures facing Nigerian university students, who often grapple with academic demands, financial instability, and, in some cases, predatory schemes. While the police investigation continues to establish the definitive circumstances, the case has prompted urgent conversations on campus about student welfare, financial responsibility, and the need for accessible support systems.

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. Resources include the Lagos State Mental Health Helpline at 0800CORONA (0800267662) and support groups within university campuses.

DHQ Lauds Troops Amid Major Gains Against Insurgents, Oil Thieves

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Military reports seizure of large arms cache, neutralization of key terror leaders in nationwide operations.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has commended the “bravery and professionalism” of troops across Nigeria, citing significant recoveries of arms and successful operations against terrorist groups, kidnappers, and oil thieves in the first half of January.

In a comprehensive operational update released Tuesday, the military high command detailed a series of kinetic and non-kinetic engagements that resulted in the neutralization of scores of combatants, the arrest of key suspects, and the rescue of dozens of kidnapped victims.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remains committed to “denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action.” He affirmed that the recent successes are a testament to the troops’ “determination and resilience.”

Key Operational Highlights (1 – 15 January 2026):

· Large-Scale Arms Recovery: Troops nationwide recovered “large quantities” of automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, and assorted ammunition.

· North East Offensive: Operation HADIN KAI forces, in conjunction with air components and hybrid forces, sustained pressure on Boko Haram/ISWAP factions in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Operations neutralized several terrorists, including a prominent leader known as Munzir (Baa Yanziye), and led to the arrest of 34 suspects. Troops successfully repelled coordinated multi-directional attacks on bases in Madagali, Adamawa, and Azir, Borno, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.

· North West & North Central Gains: In Operation HADARIN DAJI (North West) and Operation WHIRL STROKE (North Central), troops conducted offensive operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and Taraba States. Results included the rescue of 52 kidnapped victims in the North West and 21 in the North Central. A major breakthrough in Taraba led to the arrest of the wife of a notorious extremist, John Gata, who guided troops to an armoury containing 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 magazines, over 690 rounds of ammunition, and four hand grenades.

· Oil Theft Foiled in Niger Delta: Under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops in the South-South region thwarted oil theft estimated at over N53.7 million, seizing 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Twenty illegal refining sites were destroyed and 31 suspects arrested.

· South East Operations: Troops of Operation UDO KA raided terrorist enclaves in Enugu State and cultist hideouts in Imo. Three suspected IPOB/ESN members were arrested in Anambra State, alongside a suspected arms dealer.

The DHQ reiterated its commitment to providing timely information and ensuring the safety of all citizens, maintaining that the operational tempo across all theatres will be sustained to promote national stability.

APC Launches High-Stakes Peace Initiative Amid Internal Rifts

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Buni-led committee, comprising governors and senior figures, begins delicate mission to unify fractured ruling party.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally commenced a critical internal peace mission, convening a powerful committee tasked with healing deep-seated rifts and preventing future crises that threaten the party’s stability.

Faced with lingering disputes that risk escalation, the ruling party has activated its Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation Committee, chaired by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni. The committee’s inaugural meeting on Monday signals a direct attempt by the APC leadership to confront its internal turbulence head-on.

In a statement released Tuesday by the Governor’s Director General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, the party outlined the committee’s initial focus: devising broad strategies to resolve existing conflicts and enhance mobilisation ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.

The composition of the committee underscores the urgency of the assignment, drawing on the influence of key powerbrokers from across the nation’s political landscape. The membership is a roll-call of senior party figures, including Governors Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and several others.

It also incorporates former governors, sitting ministers, and presidential aides, with legal practitioner Muiz Banire (SAN) serving as secretary.

The move follows the committee’s inauguration last December, where Governor Buni laid out an ambitious mandate centred on inclusion and proactive dialogue. “The committee will adopt strategic engagements and wide consultations to develop… results that will stand the test of time,” Buni was quoted as saying in the statement, aiming to give both old and new members “a sense of belonging.”

Significantly, Buni emphasised a forward-looking approach, stating the body would not merely react to disputes but “consider proactive measures and solutions to potential threats.” He issued a pointed caution to members, advising them against letting “personal interest and sentiments” override the critical goal of party unity.

With its work now underway, the APC is pinning its hopes on this high-powered panel to mend fractures, neutralise internal threats, and solidify its cohesion. The success or failure of this initiative is set to define the party’s operational unity as it navigates a complex political landscape.

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