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Nigeria Saves N4bn as FG Secures Landmark Arbitration Victory in Ajaokuta Steel Contract Case

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – The Federal Government has secured a major legal victory, saving the nation over N4 billion in liabilities after an arbitration tribunal dismissed a long-standing claim by construction firm Fougerolle regarding a decades-old contract in the Ajaokuta steel complex.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), expressed satisfaction with the favourable final arbitral award issued on November 11, 2025, by a Tribunal constituted under the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre of the Federal High Court.

The case originated from a contract dated March 31, 1981, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a joint venture of Fougerolle Nigeria Ltd and Fougerolle SA, a French company, for construction of civil works at the iron and steel complex in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

According to a statement from Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity in the AGF’s office, the claimant had sought additional payment of N3,846,098,403.00 and €185,733,496.00, despite having previously accepted a final settlement.

“The Federal Government engaged Messrs Price WaterCooperhouse to verify any indebtedness due to Fougerolle after terminating the contract,” the statement revealed. “This led to payment of N3,894,600,000.00 to Fougerolle via FGN Bonds on September 11, 2006.”

Crucially, Fougerolle had signed an indemnity on September 8, 2006, accepting this sum as “full and final settlement.” However, over 16 years later, the company initiated fresh arbitration proceedings in December 2022.

The Tribunal upheld the Federal Government’s preliminary objections, ruling the claims were statute-barred and disclosed no reasonable cause of action. The judges noted that the FGN bonds coupled with Fougerolle’s indemnity had extinguished the debt.

Even when considering the case on its merits, the Tribunal found that Fougerolle failed to establish its case and had indeed waived all rights to further claims against the Federal Government. The Tribunal also rejected Fougerolle’s expropriation claim and its assertion that the indemnity was signed under duress.

“The entire case was eventually dismissed thereby saving FGN of over N4 billion liabilities,” the statement confirmed.

The AGF emphasized that the case was successfully defended by officers of the Federal Ministry of Justice, highlighting the administration’s commitment to building the capacity of ministry officials to defend sensitive litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution matters.

This decision underscores the current administration’s determination to challenge all predatory and opportunistic claims against Nigeria, while also promoting ADR as an effective dispute resolution mechanism.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Kanu’s Life Sentence, Urges Tinubu to Seek Political Solution

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly criticized the life imprisonment sentence handed to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, warning that the judgment could exacerbate tensions in the Southeast and undermine national unity.

In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the organization expressed deep disappointment with the ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho, describing it as a development capable of inflaming sentiments in a region already grappling with fragility.

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, while appealing for calm amid rising public anger, has called on well-meaning Nigerians to join in urging President Bola Tinubu to pursue a political resolution to the crisis.

“Beyond the legal questions, the Igbo nation is deeply troubled by the pattern of harsh treatment meted out in this case, which many perceive as reflective of ethnic bias,” Dr. Chukwu stated. He emphasized that this growing perception is eroding trust in national institutions and striking at the core of the dignity and integrity of the Igbo people.

The organization also linked the worsening insecurity in the Southeast to the prolonged detention of Kanu, noting that his incarceration has become a flashpoint for unrest, frustration, and youth radicalization.

“Ohanaeze is equally alarmed by the worsening insecurity in the Southeast, much of which is tied to the prolonged detention of Kanu. Continued hardline responses will only deepen instability,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze reiterated that a political solution, not “cruel punishment,” remains the most viable path to restoring calm in the region and fostering genuine national reconciliation. It urged President Tinubu to embrace dialogue as a means of addressing the underlying grievances.

“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Only justice anchored on fairness, sensitivity, and inclusiveness can preserve the unity we all desire,” Chukwu added.

The life sentence for Kanu has ignited significant discourse across the country, with many watching closely to see how the Federal Government will respond to calls for a political settlement amid concerns over regional stability and national cohesion.

Kebbi Governor Demands Answers as Troop Withdrawal Precedes School Abduction

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

KEBBI STATE – In a dramatic revelation that has raised serious questions about security operations, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has demanded immediate explanations from military authorities over the withdrawal of troops from a school just 45 minutes before it was attacked by bandits who abducted dozens of schoolgirls.

The governor’s outcry came on Thursday while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who led a solidarity visit to the state over the abduction at Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

Governor Idris expressed deep concern over the security lapse, revealing that the state government had provided prior intelligence alerts about a potential attack. “We provided intelligence reports. We alerted them. So, who gave the order for troops to withdraw at that critical hour?” the governor questioned, his voice laden with frustration.

According to the governor’s account, soldiers who had been stationed at the school as part of enhanced security measures for vulnerable border communities were withdrawn around 3:00 am. The attackers struck less than 45 minutes later, at approximately 3:45 am, seizing the students in the cover of darkness.

The incident represents another devastating blow to Nigeria’s efforts to secure educational institutions in the violence-plagued northwestern region. This abduction follows a similar pattern seen just days earlier in Niger State, where bandits attacked St. Mary’s Private Secondary School in Papiri, abducting students and staff.

“What makes this particular case deeply troubling is that we had taken proactive measures, shared intelligence, and received assurances of protection,” Governor Idris stated. “The withdrawal of troops at such a critical hour contradicts earlier security assurances and demands thorough investigation.”

The governor’s demand for accountability comes amid growing national outrage over the persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria. Since the infamous Chibok abduction in 2014, at least 1,500 students have been kidnapped from educational institutions across the region, often held for ransom or used as bargaining chips by criminal elements.

NLC President Joe Ajaero, while expressing solidarity with the state and families of the abducted students, urged federal security agencies to intensify efforts toward the girls’ safe rescue. “This pattern of attacks on our educational institutions must stop. We cannot continue to gamble with the future of our children,” Ajaero emphasized.

Security analysts have described the timing of the troop withdrawal as “highly suspicious” and potentially indicative of either intelligence failure or possible compromise within security arrangements. The incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of security protocols around schools in vulnerable areas.

As of press time, military authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the governor’s allegations. However, security operations are reportedly ongoing in the surrounding forests of Kebbi State, with combined teams of military and police personnel working to locate and rescue the abducted students.

The situation remains tense in Kebbi State, with parents and community leaders awaiting both the safe return of the students and transparent answers about the security failures that led to this tragedy.

Jonathan, Adebayo, Ozekhome Advocate for New Development Blueprint for Niger Delta

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – A coalition of prominent Nigerian leaders has called for a decisive and unified national strategy to unlock the Niger Delta’s vast economic potential, arguing that the region’s development is crucial for the nation’s overall stability and prosperity.

The calls were made at the public presentation of “The Hidden Treasures,” a book by Deacon Chris Iyowaye, which served as a platform for urgent dialogue on the region’s future.

Former President Jonathan Calls for Stability and Investment

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his former Chief of Staff, Dr. Mike Ogiadomhe, emphasized that development cannot flourish amidst instability. He urged a collaborative approach involving government, investors, and local communities.

“The Niger Delta must not remain trapped in old challenges,” Jonathan stated. “We must work together… to build a region that is stable, prosperous, and fully integrated into Nigeria’s development agenda.”

He highlighted the need for stronger institutions, modern infrastructure, and sustained investment in education and technology as foundational pillars for progress.

Adebayo: Nigeria “Too Blessed to Be Poor”

Prince Adewole Adebayo, former Presidential candidate and chief launcher at the event, delivered a stark message on national leadership. He declared that Nigeria’s poverty is unjustifiable given its immense resource wealth.

“Nigeria is too blessed to be poor. Every square inch of this country contains treasure,” Adebayo asserted, placing special emphasis on the Niger Delta. He critiqued the failure of successive leaders to identify and harness these assets, stating, “Some treasures appear hidden because leadership has been blind to them.”

Ozekhome Frames Book as a “Movement” for Rejuvenation

In a keynote address delivered by Prof. Ezekiel Abalaba, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Senior Advocate of Nigeria Prof. Mike Ozekhome hailed “The Hidden Treasures” as a transformative work. He described it as “a literary goldmine,” “an economic forecast,” and “a development blueprint.”

Ozekhome argued for a paradigm shift, stating that the Niger Delta should be treated as a critical growth engine for Nigeria, not merely a zone for resource extraction. He urged policymakers to leverage the book’s insights on digital innovation, security, and inclusive economic reforms.

A Call to Action from a Former Minister

Chairman of the occasion, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Major General Ike Nwachukwu, challenged Nigerians to move beyond criticism to active participation. “Nations are not rebuilt by spectators,” he declared, stressing that meaningful civic engagement is essential for national transformation.

Author Commits to Tangible Development

The author, Deacon Chris Iyowaye, revealed that the book is the product of nearly two decades of research. He positioned it as a corrective to narratives that define the Niger Delta only by its conflicts and oil, instead portraying it as “a reservoir of brilliance and untapped potential” in agriculture, solid minerals, and marine resources.

Iyowaye announced that the book provides the conceptual foundation for the New Crete Oil Foundation, an initiative that will direct proceeds toward providing clean water, agricultural training for women, and leadership programs for the youth in the region.

“If we do not invest in our people, we have no moral right to speak of transformation,” Iyowaye said. “This project is not just a publication—it is a commitment.”

Adebayo Declares Nigeria “Too Blessed to Be Poor,” Blames Leadership Failures

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA –Prince Adewole Adebayo, a former Presidential candidate, has asserted that Nigeria’s pervasive poverty is a result of leadership failure, not a lack of resources, stating the nation is sitting on immense “hidden treasures” waiting to be harnessed.

Adebayo made the declaration on Friday in Abuja as the chief launcher at the public presentation of The Hidden Treasures, a book authored by Deacon Chris Iyowaye. He argued that every part of Nigeria holds sufficient human and natural wealth to guarantee national prosperity if properly managed.

“Nigeria is too blessed to be poor. Every square inch of this country contains treasure—human, mineral, solid, liquid, surface and subterranean,” Adebayo stated. “It is impossible for a country with this level of endowment to be poor. Some treasures appear hidden because leadership has been blind to them.

He identified the Niger Delta as a prime example of Nigeria’s strategic value and untapped potential, noting that the region has sustained the national economy and global energy markets for over a century.

“The Niger Delta carries resources that many nations can only dream of,” he said. “Nigeria must repay the Niger Delta with gratitude and development.”

Adebayo emphasized that the nation’s transformation hinges on internal discovery and innovation rather than reliance on external aid or solutions.

“The world is eager to exploit our resources because they see what we fail to see,” he said. “Leadership must stop waiting for windfalls. We must collectively discover, refine and deploy our treasures.”

Author Envisions a Post-Oil Future for Niger Delta

The author of the book, Deacon Chris Iyowaye, explained that The Hidden Treasures is the product of nearly two decades of research and is intended to redefine the narrative around the Niger Delta, shifting the focus from conflict and oil to its vast untapped potential.

He described the region as “a reservoir of brilliance” and warned that global shifts away from hydrocarbons make it imperative for Nigeria to prepare for a post-oil economy.

“Beyond oil and gas, there are treasures—solid minerals, marine resources, agriculture, and human capital—waiting to be responsibly harnessed,” Iyowaye said. “The tragedy is not the absence of wealth, but our failure to develop it.”

He announced that the book provides the conceptual foundation for the New Crete Oil Foundation, an initiative that will channel proceeds from book sales into community development projects in the Niger Delta. These projects will focus on providing clean drinking water, training women in modern agriculture, and funding youth leadership and educational programs.

“If we do not invest in our people, we have no moral right to speak of transformation,” Iyowaye stated. “This project is not just a publication—it is a commitment to shaping a better future.”

Intelligence Links School Abductions to Retaliation for Airstrike That Killed Top Terror Commander

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA –Fresh intelligence reports indicate that the recent mass abductions of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States are likely retaliatory attacks by a terrorist faction following the killing of a key commander, Babangida, in a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike.

According to credible security sources who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the airstrike occurred on November 18th on the outskirts of Kurebe community, neutralizing several terrorists. Babangida, a key lieutenant to the notorious bandit kingpin Dogo Gideh, later succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack while receiving treatment.

The death of the commander has been met with relief in communities along the riverside axis of Shiroro, where residents have been celebrating the development. However, the security victory appears to have triggered a violent backlash.

A senior security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the subsequent school abductions were likely orchestrated by Babangida’s loyalists. The attacks are seen as a retaliatory show of force, aimed at reasserting the faction’s dominance after suffering a significant operational and psychological blow.

The faction’s distress was further evidenced when community leaders from villages including Kwaki, Buresidna, and Chukuba visited the Palleli home of Dogo Gideh’s mother on November 19th, where she was observed in a state of mourning.

A senior intelligence officer, who also requested anonymity, described Babangida’s elimination as “a significant blow” to the terrorist network. However, he issued a stern warning, noting that the faction remains dangerous and may attempt further reprisal attacks.

“We assess that this faction may attempt additional reprisals targeting vulnerable communities, schools, and security personnel,” the officer said.

In response, security agencies have been placed on heightened alert. The officer confirmed that ongoing military and intelligence operations have been intensified with a dual focus: to prevent further attacks and to facilitate the rescue of the abducted students.

Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining coordinated land and air operations until the capabilities of terror groups are fully degraded across the region.

Zelensky Signals Readiness for US-Backed Ukraine Peace Talks, Despite Demands for Major Concessions

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

KYIV, Ukraine** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness Thursday to engage “constructively” with a leaked US-Russia peace proposal for ending the nearly four-year war, even as it demands Kyiv cede territory, slash its military, and abandon NATO ambitions—terms long deemed unacceptable.

The 28-point draft, hammered out quietly by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev, emerged amid Russian advances in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region and a domestic corruption probe engulfing Zelensky’s top officials, including a $100 million scandal. Presented to Zelensky by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll during a Kyiv visit, the plan envisions Ukraine relinquishing swathes of Donetsk it still holds, capping its forces at 600,000 troops, and forgoing NATO membership in exchange for vague “reliable security guarantees”—potentially including NATO-style protections and European jets in Poland.

Kyiv would also disarm much of its arsenal, while Russia anticipates sanction relief, G7 reintegration (reviving the G8), and a non-aggression pledge from NATO. Zelensky, in his evening address, reiterated Ukraine’s core stance: “We need a real peace—one that won’t allow a third invasion.” He plans direct talks with President Donald Trump soon to refine the “American vision,” appreciating US efforts to bolster European security but insisting on a “worthy peace” honoring Ukrainian dignity.

The White House, via Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, dismissed claims of Ukrainian exclusion, insisting the plan—developed over a month with input from both sides—is “good for both” and prioritizes a “lasting, durable peace.” A senior US official told CBS News that Zelensky’s defense minister, Rustem Umerov, endorsed most points after tweaks, though a Ukrainian MP countered that Kyiv joined discussions late.

European allies, sidelined in the drafting, voiced caution. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called it a mere “list of topics and options,” not a finalized blueprint, echoing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed: “For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans onboard.” With US aid now largely shouldered by NATO partners like the UK and France—who’ve pledged peacekeeping forces—Brussels fears the proposal tilts heavily toward Moscow’s maximalist demands, tantamount to “surrender” in Kyiv’s view.

Moscow downplayed the document, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting mere “contacts” but no formal consultations. He insisted any deal address the “root causes”—code for Russia’s territorial claims, including annexed Crimea and four partially occupied regions.

Trump’s push reflects frustration after an August Alaska summit with Putin yielded no breakthroughs; fresh sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Gazprom take effect Friday. Since reclaiming office, Trump has dispatched Witkoff to Moscow multiple times and hosted Zelensky, aiming for a swift resolution as the invasion’s fourth anniversary looms.

Yet the battlefield offers little respite. Russian strikes Thursday killed five in Zaporizhzhia and targeted Ternopil’s apartments, claiming 26 lives earlier this week with 17 still missing. Ukraine’s drone assaults on Russian infrastructure persist, but Moscow’s incremental gains underscore the war’s grind.

Analysts see Zelensky’s measured tone as diplomatic tightrope-walking: embracing talks to sustain US support while bracing for concessions that could fracture domestic unity. As one Kyiv-based expert noted, “This isn’t peace—it’s a pause, unless Europe amplifies Ukraine’s voice.” With Trump eyeing an “aggressive timeline,” the coming days may test whether flexibility yields resolution or merely prolongs the agony.

Bandits Abduct Students, Staff from Niger State Catholic School; Police Deploy Forces for Rescue

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Bandits Abduct Students, Staff from Niger State Catholic School; Police Deploy Forces for Rescue

MINNA –The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the mass abduction of an unconfirmed number of students from St. Mary’s Private Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, in a late-night raid by suspected armed bandits.

The attack occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025. According to local sources, the assailants invaded the school grounds and seized students directly from their hostel.

In a statement from the Catholic Diocese, the Diocesan Secretary, Jatau Luka Joseph, provided further harrowing details, indicating that the attackers were “armed with sophisticated weapons” and abducted not only students but also pupils, teachers, and a security guard. The guard was reportedly shot before being taken captive.

Joseph appealed for prayers “to ensure the safe return of the abductees” and that God would “touch the hearts of those behind the dastardly act.”

In response, the Niger State Police Command has initiated a large-scale rescue operation. A press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, confirmed that tactical units, military components, and other security agencies have been deployed to the scene and are currently combing surrounding forests.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterating the Command’s commitment to rescuing all victims unharmed. The police expressed optimism that the students and staff would be rescued alive and appealed to the public for calm and cooperation, urging anyone with useful information to come forward to aid the operation.

The police statement also revealed a critical factor that may have contributed to the tragedy, noting that the school’s management defied a standing state government directive to close all schools in the area due to prevailing security challenges. The Command stated that this defiance “may have led to the Papiri attack.”

An investigation has been launched, with the police vowing that “necessary actions [will] be taken against anyone or group of persons suspected to have played a significant role in the abduction, including the school’s management.”

Federal High Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment on Terrorism Charges

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on seven counts of terrorism, treasonable felony, and operating an unlawful society.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Omotosho found the evidence presented by the prosecution “uncontroverted,” including audio recordings from Radio Biafra broadcasts between 2018 and 2021 in which Kanu allegedly incited violence against security forces and civilians in Nigeria’s South-East.

The court rejected the death penalty sought by the prosecution on five of the counts, opting instead for life imprisonment on the lead terrorism charge, with concurrent sentences of 20 years and five years on the remaining counts.

Drama preceded the verdict: Kanu, who has been in DSS custody since his 2021 extraordinary rendition from Kenya, was removed from the courtroom after repeatedly interrupting proceedings and demanding that the judge specify the exact laws he had violated. The trial continued in his absence.

Lead prosecutor Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) had urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, arguing that Kanu’s refusal to present a defence amounted to an admission of guilt and that justice must be served for victims of the violence linked to IPOB activities.

Kanu’s counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, had earlier challenged the court’s jurisdiction and contended that some of the charges were based on repealed provisions of the Terrorism Act. The court overruled those objections.

The case has been one of Nigeria’s most politically charged trials in recent years. Originally arrested in 2015, Kanu jumped bail in 2017. A 2023 Court of Appeal ruling discharging him was overturned by the Supreme Court, which ordered the trial to continue.

Reaction to the sentence has been sharply divided. Supporters of the separatist leader have denounced the verdict as “judicial persecution,” while others hailed it as a decisive blow against violent agitation.

No formal notice of appeal has been filed yet, but Kanu’s legal team has consistently indicated plans to challenge any adverse ruling up to the Supreme Court.

The judgment comes amid ongoing security challenges in the South-East, where sit-at-home orders and attacks attributed to IPOB’s armed wing have disrupted economic and social life for several years.

Nnamdi Kanu to Be Sentenced Today at 4 p.m. After Full Terrorism Conviction

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA — Justice James T. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, will pronounce sentence on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at 4 p.m. today, hours after convicting him on all seven counts of terrorism brought by the Federal Government.

In a judgment delivered Thursday morning, the court found Kanu guilty of committing acts of terrorism, incitement to violence, and continued membership of a terrorist organisation following his Radio Biafra broadcasts between 2018 and 2021. The judge relied heavily on audio and video evidence in which Kanu was heard calling for attacks on security agents and threatening widespread disruption to achieve Biafran independence.

Justice Omotosho described the defendant’s conduct as deliberate and reckless, stating that Kanu “knew exactly what he was doing and was bent on carrying out the threats without regard for the consequences on his own people.”

The conviction marks the culmination of a decade-long legal battle that began with Kanu’s 2015 arrest on treasonable felony charges, his controversial bail jump in 2017, and his dramatic 2021 extraordinary rendition from Kenya. Although the Supreme Court in December 2023 overturned earlier treason charges, it upheld the terrorism counts, clearing the path for Thursday’s verdict.

Kanu declined to enter a defence during the trial, a gamble the court ruled had failed in the face of overwhelming prosecution evidence.

Sentencing under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act carries penalties ranging from lengthy imprisonment, life to death sentence. The courtroom was briefly disrupted when Kanu challenged the proceedings and was removed before the judgment concluded.

IPOB has rejected the verdict as “judicial terrorism” and vowed an immediate appeal, while the Federal Government welcomed it as a victory for the rule of law. Security has been tightened around the court complex and across parts of the South-East ahead of the afternoon session.

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