PORT HARCOURT — Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped woman, killed two suspects, and recovered firearms and ammunition during a daring operation in Emohua Local Government Area.
The rescue mission was carried out by personnel attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, based on a tip-off, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
The victim, abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road, Emohua, was held captive for days while her kidnappers demanded a ₦1.2 million ransom and threatened to kill her if payment was delayed.
According to Iringe-Koko, the police acted swiftly after the victim’s brother lodged a formal complaint on December 9. A coordinated operation was launched, culminating in a covert raid on a forest hideout off Ozuaha Road at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.
“On sighting the operatives, the armed kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun battle. Two suspects were neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
The police recovered part of the ransom at the scene, along with one pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two expended cartridges, and one locally made pistol. All exhibits are now in police custody as investigations continue.
The rescued woman was found unharmed and has been reunited with her family.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and “smoking out” all criminals from the state.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public with credible information on the fleeing suspects to cooperate with the police, noting that investigations have been intensified to apprehend those at large, recover the outstanding ransom, and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
ABUJA — The Ogbia Kingdom, spanning Bayelsa and Rivers states, has pledged its full political backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing his inclusive governance and renewed development focus on the Niger Delta.
The endorsement was delivered on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, by a high-powered delegation led by the paramount ruler, Obanobhan III, King Dumaro Charles Dwaba, and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
In a speech read by King Collins Daniel, the delegation commended President Tinubu for appointing and reappointing prominent Ogbia indigenes to key national offices, describing the move as a “powerful affirmation of our people’s faith in your administration.”
The leaders specifically acknowledged the appointments of:
· Justice Moore Abraham Aseima Adumein, Supreme Court Justice
· Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director and CEO
· Sir Tonye Okio, Federal Character Commission Commissioner for Bayelsa
· Barrister Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reform and ICT
“In light of the above, it is our firm belief that Mr. President has done us well and as such we cannot help but to reciprocate your kind gesture by inviting Mr. President to contest the next Presidential election. You have the full support of the Ogbia Kingdom,” King Daniel stated.
The kingdom also praised the performance of the NDDC under Ogbuku’s leadership, noting “unprecedented infrastructural and human capital development” since his appointment in August 2023. They highlighted projects including solar-powered street lighting, road construction, health facility upgrades, and the youth empowerment scheme Project HOPE.
Ogbia leaders further pointed to ongoing federal projects in the region, such as the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Centre and the rehabilitation of the Ogbia–Nembe–Brass Road, as evidence of the administration’s commitment.
Recalling the kingdom’s historic role as the cradle of Nigeria’s oil industry—where crude was first discovered in commercial quantity in 1956—the delegation argued that Ogbia deserves “greater attention, recognition and development support, not as a favour, but as a just acknowledgment of our place in Nigeria’s history.”
They presented specific requests to the President, including the establishment of an Institute of Energy and Petroleum Studies in Ogbia, federal partnership on the Akaba–Emaduke Road, and shoreline protection for erosion-threatened coastal communities.
In his response, President Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration would deepen collaboration with Niger Delta leaders, particularly through the NDDC, to accelerate development in the region.
“We cannot excuse the neglect of the past, but living in the past will do us no good, except take it and run with it now, carefully,” the President stated.
The delegation concluded by inviting President Tinubu for a visit to Ogbia Kingdom and reaffirming their “unalloyed loyalty and support.”
ABEOKUTA — The race for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland has taken a dramatic turn as the Fidipote Ruling House has formally declared itself eligible to present a candidate, citing the lapse of the statutory period granted to the initially entitled Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
This development introduces a new layer of complexity to the contest, which already includes popular musician and Olori Omo’ba of Ijebuland, Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), who had earlier declared his intention to contest under the Fusengbuwa House.
In a letter addressed to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Fidipote Royal Family invoked provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021, and the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959. The family argued that the Fusengbuwa House failed to present a candidate within the legally mandated 14-day window, which expired on December 16, 2025.
“Under Section 16(1)(c) of the Chieftaincy Law, where an entitled ruling house defaults, the next ruling house in the order of rotation automatically becomes eligible to present candidate(s),” the document stated. According to the 1959 declaration, Fidipote is next in line after Fusengbuwa.
Consequently, the family announced it is now legally empowered to submit candidate(s) for screening by the Awujale Kingmakers.
To this end, the Fidipote Royal Family has scheduled a general meeting for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the Fidipote Royal Hall in Ijebu-Ode. The meeting will serve as a forum for intending candidates to formally express interest, undergo customary screening, and participate in a voting process to select the candidate(s) to be forwarded.
The letter, signed by Oba Tajudeen Ibirogba Ishola Omotayo (the Onimope of Imope and Olori Ebi of the Fidipote Royal Family) and Omooba Tunde Aderibigbe (the family secretary), assured authorities that the process would be conducted “peacefully, transparently, and strictly in accordance with extant laws and established customs.”
As of press time, neither the Ogun State Government nor the Ijebu-Ode Local Government had issued an official response to the Fidipote House’s letter.
The move sets the stage for a potential contest between the procedural rights of the next ruling house and the political momentum behind candidates who may have aligned with the initially entitled house, ensuring that the succession process for one of Yorubaland’s most prominent thrones remains closely watched.
ABUJA — A political storm has erupted over the state of the South-East in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pitting a key opposition figure against a senior cabinet minister in a debate that cuts to the heart of Nigeria’s national unity.
The controversy was sparked when the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, declared during a project inspection tour that Igbos are now “well integrated” and “comfortable” under President Tinubu’s inclusive governance. He attributed past separatist agitation to marginalization, suggesting those grievances are being addressed.
That claim has been forcefully rejected by Comrade Adolphus Ude, a major stakeholder in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State and a former deputy chairman of the APC in the state. In a scathing press statement, Ude labeled Umahi’s comments “misleading, selfish, and unwarranted,” asserting that Igbo marginalization has, in fact, “worsened” since May 2023.
The Heart of the Dispute: Projects and Appointments
The clash centers on two main fronts: the allocation of federal infrastructure and political appointments.
Ude launched a direct challenge, questioning the minister’s definition of inclusion. “Which inclusive governance is the minister talking about,” he asked, “when the entire South East was excluded from the two outrageously priced signature road infrastructure projects of the Tinubu administration—the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway?”
He lamented that neither multi-trillion naira project passes through any of the five South-East states, while highlighting a media report that the Federal Executive Council approved projects worth about ₦3.9 trillion for Lagos State alone in two years. “Let him [Umahi] say the monetary worth of the ongoing federal road infrastructure projects in the entire South East,” Ude challenged.
On appointments, Ude pointed to a glaring imbalance: “Ogun State alone has four ministerial positions, one shy of the five ministerial positions given to the entire South-East region.”
The Government’s Defence: Legacy Projects and Integration
Minister Umahi’s perspective, articulated during his tour, presents a different narrative. He has consistently pointed to the administration’s commitment, listing the South-East as a key beneficiary of President Tinubu’s “Four Legacy Projects.”
He highlights ongoing major works, including the access roads to the 2nd Niger Bridge, the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Onitsha expressways, and the approval of the 9th Mile-Enugu-Makurdi Road. Beyond roads, he cites the ongoing Port Harcourt-Aba railway project and the recent establishment of the South-East Development Commission as evidence of federal attention.
On political inclusion, Umahi has pointed to symbolic corrections of past exclusions, such as the appointment of a South-East officer as the Chief of Naval Staff.
A Deeper Historical Grievance
Beyond the exchange of project lists, Ude’s criticism taps into a deeper historical sentiment. His questions—”What has the Tinubu government done for the Igbos, different from what successive governments did?”—frame the current debate within a long-standing narrative of perceived neglect.
Ude, while stating his group’s belief in “one strong, united and indivisible Nigeria,” warned that “without equity, fairness and justice in the allocation of infrastructure… people would continue to engage in one form of agitation or the other.”
He also cautioned the Works Minister against “making unguarded utterances that could be detrimental to Igbo interest,” asserting that “no wise politician plays politics with the destiny of his own people.”
A Political Battlefield Ahead of 2027
The sharp exchange is widely seen as an early skirmish on the political battlefield ahead of the 2027 general elections. For the ruling administration, winning trust and votes in the South-East is a crucial strategic goal. For opposition figures like Ude, highlighting perceived inequity is a powerful tool to counter the government’s narrative of national inclusivity.
The debate remains unresolved, hinging on a fundamental clash of perspectives: the government’s view of progressive integration versus the opposition’s claim of persistent marginalization. As both sides dig in, the conversation continues to reverberate across the region and the nation.
ABUJA — Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, has called on anti-graft agencies to investigate and prosecute the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, following corruption allegations raised by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote.
Frank, in a statement on Thursday, welcomed Ahmed’s resignation but insisted that stepping aside “should not bring closure to the matter.”
The activist, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, stressed that resignation is not an admission of guilt, but “only the first step.”
“What must follow is a full investigation and, where necessary, arrest and prosecution,” he declared.
Frank expressed concern that more than 72 hours after Dangote’s allegations became public, anti-corruption bodies—except for the ICPC’s acknowledgment of a petition—have remained largely silent.
“More than 72 hours after these weighty allegations were made public, the silence of our anti-corruption agencies is deeply troubling and unacceptable in a country that claims to operate under the rule of law,” he stated.
He warned that the continued silence could further erode public confidence in institutions, especially given Dangote’s stature.
“If Aliko Dangote cannot get justice in a matter of this nature, then one must ask what hope is left for ordinary Nigerians,” Frank added.
The activist highlighted the gravity of the accusations, noting that the alleged sum—approximately $7 million (about ₦10 billion)—was staggering amid widespread economic hardship in Nigeria.
“This amount is more than enough to fund entire communities, yet Nigeria is constantly on strike over the inability of government to meet relatively small financial demands in the education sector,” he said.
Frank questioned how a public servant reportedly earning about ₦50 million annually could spend such an amount on the secondary education of four children.
“What example is a public servant setting in a country where millions of parents cannot afford ₦100,000 in school fees?” he asked.
He also cautioned that unresolved allegations could damage Nigeria’s image and investor confidence.
“No serious investor will put money in a country where allegations of corruption involving a key regulator are left hanging without resolution,” he said.
Noting Ahmed’s expressed willingness to submit to investigation, Frank urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC to act without delay.
“Now that he has stepped aside and indicated willingness to cooperate, there should be no delay. The agencies must act fully, independently and without fear or favour,” he asserted.
Frank further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene should the agencies fail to act promptly.
“A government that is serious about fighting corruption must show it through action, not prolonged silence,” he emphasized.
He assured that Nigerians would not allow the case to be swept under the carpet.
“This is one case Nigerians will not allow to be buried. Only transparent investigation and prosecution can restore confidence in our institutions and in the fight against corruption,” Frank concluded.
Lokoja — Two suspected kidnappers allegedly carrying identity cards of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) were killed by Nigerian Navy personnel during a security operation along the Inele/Inabe Road in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources confirmed that the incident occurred late Tuesday night during a routine patrol following repeated reports of abductions and armed robbery along the route.
According to the source, the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to carry out a kidnapping operation. They engaged naval operatives in a gunfight and were fatally wounded.
Photographs obtained show the deceased dressed in military-style camouflage uniforms. Identity cards bearing the name and logo of MACBAN were also recovered from them.
Security officials stated that investigations are ongoing to verify the authenticity of the IDs and determine whether the suspects were part of a larger criminal network operating in Kogi and neighboring states.
Related Incident: Bandits Attack in Yagba East
This development follows reports of a bandit attack in Jege, Yagba East Local Government Area, on Monday night, December 15. Local sources said assailants abducted an unconfirmed number of residents, heightening tension in the community.
No official statement has been issued by security agencies or the state government regarding the Jege incident. Residents have called for increased patrols and urgent intervention.
Earlier on Monday, the elder brother of the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Mr. Tosin Oluokun, was kidnapped while working on his farm in Yagba West LGA.
These incidents underscore growing security concerns in Kogi State, where communities continue to face recurring threats of banditry and abduction.
Abuja — In a significant political realignment, former Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bafarawa, who governed Sokoto State from 1999 to 2007 under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), announced his move on Wednesday, citing confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
In a statement, the former governor expressed admiration for President Tinubu’s “bold economic reforms” and leadership style, while also commending Governor Aliyu’s “excellent leadership” in Sokoto.
Bafarawa pledged to actively support both President Tinubu and Governor Aliyu in their re-election bids ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defection marks a major gain for the APC in Sokoto and the North-West region, bolstering the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the next electoral cycle.
ABUJA — The Chief Executives of Nigeria’s two main petroleum regulatory agencies have resigned amid a widening controversy sparked by allegations of misconduct and a petition filed by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
The Presidency on Wednesday announced the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The move follows days of escalating accusations by Dangote, who publicly alleged that Ahmed paid about $5 million for the secondary education of his four children in Switzerland—a claim he labeled economic sabotage. Dangote subsequently petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the NMDPRA boss.
Presidency Nominates Replacements
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayi Onanuga, confirmed the resignations and announced that President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm new nominees for the positions.
The nominees are:
· Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan — nominated as CEO of NUPRC. A University of Benin economics graduate, she spent 33 years at the NNPC, retiring as Executive Vice President, Upstream.
· Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed — nominated as CEO of NMDPRA. A chemical engineering graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, he previously served as Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and the Nigerian Gas Company.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict dates to 2024, when Dangote Refinery officials accused the NMDPRA of indiscriminately issuing import licenses for refined products, which they said undercut local production. Tensions peaked last week when NMDPRA data showed marketers imported 1.5 billion litres of petrol in November—the highest since Dangote began petrol production.
Dangote accused Ahmed of sabotaging the economy by approving “reckless” import licenses while the refinery’s storage tanks were full. In a televised statement on Sunday, he questioned Ahmed’s source of wealth and called for a probe.
Komolafe’s Exit
Although not directly implicated in the recent allegations, Komolafe’s resignation is linked to longstanding disputes between Dangote Refinery and the NUPRC over domestic crude supply obligations. The refinery had previously accused international oil companies of selling crude above market rates, with the NUPRC accused of failing to enforce local supply rules.
Industry Reaction
Oil marketers expressed anxiety over the developments, warning that the regulatory shakeup—coupled with Dangote’s aggressive price cuts—could accelerate business failures in the downstream sector.
“There is tension,” a major marketer said anonymously. “Since Dangote crashed petrol prices to ₦699 per litre, we’ve lost over 90% of marketers who lift from our depots.”
Energy lawyer Rasheed Osagie said the outcome was inevitable given Dangote’s economic influence. Professor of Petroleum Economics Wumi Iledare described the resignations as a “moment of truth” for regulators under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Civil society leaders, including Auwal Rafsanjani and Debo Adeniran, called for full investigations, insisting that resignation alone was not enough.
The leadership change throws Nigeria’s petroleum sector into a period of uncertainty as operators await whether the new appointments will restore stability or deepen fears in an industry already shaken by a fierce price war.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of two mortgage banks—Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc—as part of efforts to reposition the mortgage sub-sector and enforce strict compliance with regulatory standards.
The decision was announced in a circular issued on Tuesday and signed by the Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department, Hakama Ali. The apex bank said the action was taken in line with its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and Section 7.3 of the Revised Guidelines for Mortgage Banks in Nigeria.
According to the CBN, the affected institutions breached several regulatory provisions, including failure to meet the minimum paid-up share capital required for their licence category and inability to maintain sufficient assets to cover liabilities.
Other infractions cited include critical undercapitalisation, with capital adequacy ratios falling below prudential minimum requirements, as well as persistent non-compliance with directives and obligations issued by the regulator.
“The CBN remains committed to its core mandate of ensuring financial system stability,” the bank stated, adding that the move underscores its resolve to strengthen confidence and discipline within the financial system.
LAGOS — A tanker explosion in the early hours of Wednesday damaged six vehicles along the Temu–Sabo route near the Bypass Pobona area of Epe, Lagos State. No casualties were recorded in the incident.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, confirmed that the explosion occurred around 2:05 a.m. and was reported five minutes later. Operatives from the FRSC Epe Unit Command arrived swiftly at the scene.
According to preliminary investigation, the accident was caused by brake failure, which led to a loss of control and a lone crash involving a commercial MACK tanker. The crash subsequently triggered an explosion that affected five other vehicles.
Superintendent Route Commander (SRC) Oluwadamilola Jayeola, the Sector Public Education Officer, stated that although two adults were involved, no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
Following the explosion, FRSC personnel established traffic control to prevent secondary accidents. They collaborated with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Lagos State Fire Service, which contained and extinguished the fire.
A private tow truck was placed on standby to facilitate the removal of damaged vehicles and clear the roadway.
The Sector Commander, FRSC Lagos Sector Command, Corps Commander Kehinde Ganiyu Hamzat, reiterated the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, especially for heavy-duty vehicles, with particular attention to braking systems.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos FRSC to prompt emergency response, effective traffic management, and the protection of lives and property on the state’s roads.
