Ebonyi court releases 24 Biafran agitators after four years in detention

 

An Ebonyi State High Court, on Thursday, July 17, discharged and acquitted the last batch of 24 Biafran freedom fighters who had been standing trial for conspiracy and treason since their arrest on May 24, 2020. 

The presiding judge, Justice I.P. Chima, ruled in favour of a preliminary objection filed by the defence, which argued that the defendants had already been discharged and acquitted by other courts on similar charges and therefore could not be retried on the same facts. 

The objection was anchored on Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits double jeopardy — a legal principle known as autrefois acquit, meaning no individual shall be tried again for an offence they have already been acquitted of. 

Delivering the ruling, Justice Chima ordered the immediate release of the 24 detainees from custody, declaring their prolonged detention unconstitutional. 

Lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who represented the defendants, welcomed the ruling with praise for the judiciary. 

“This is a historic victory,” Ejiofor said. “These innocent citizens were kept in custody under recycled and repackaged allegations even after being discharged and acquitted by not less than five different High Courts in Ebonyi State.” 

The lawyer also called on the state government to consider rehabilitation and compensation for the released individuals, citing the emotional and economic toll of their long incarceration on their families. 

“Justice was delayed but not denied. Today marks the end of a painful four-year ordeal. The light of justice has finally pierced the clouds of oppression,” Ejiofor stated.

Bandits abduct ward councillor and others in Katsina

Armed bandits have abducted several people, including a ward councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

 

Security analyst Bakatsine, who disclosed this on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 said the attack occurred on Monday night in Daudawa community. 

 

According to the conflict journalist, the gunmen kidnapped Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, who serves as the councilor representing Daudawa ward, along with several other residents.

 

"Yesterday night, bandits invaded Daudawa in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. They abducted several people including the ward Councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

 

The exact number of abducted victims is still unknown at the time of filing this report. 

Aisha Buhari, Zahra Buhari Indimi and other family members weep as late Muhammadu Buhari’s body is brought out of the aircraft

Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Zahra Buhari Indimi and other family members wept as the body of late former President Muhammadu Buhari was evacuated from the aircraft that conveyed it from the UK to Katsina where it will be buried today July 13.

Mamman Daura speaks on Buhari’s last moment on earth

Nephew of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Mamman Daura, has recounted what transpired during the last moment of the former President.

In an interview with Thisday Daura revealed that he was with Buhari on Saturday, July 12 and that preparations were already made for the former President’s return to Nigeria.

According to Daura, efforts were being made to settle the hotel bills of those who had travelled to London in support of Buhari ahead of his planned discharge.

He explained that he left Buhari’s bedside in high spirits on Saturday, with plans to return on Sunday, as Buhari had looked forward to a scheduled visit by his doctor that morning.

However, things took a critical turn on Sunday as Buhari’s condition reportedly worsened around mid-day.

By midday, he began experiencing breathing difficulties, prompting doctors to intervene. Despite their efforts, the former leader passed away at about 4.30pm.

“We were together on Saturday talking and laughing and Buhari was in high spirits in the London Clinic where he was admitted. We talked about everything. He even had the plan to depart for Nigeria upon his discharge this week and made sure that arrangements were made to sort out the hotel bills of everybody who was in London on his behalf before departing. 

“I left him about 9pm on Saturday in high spirits and promised to see him on Sunday afternoon. He was looking forward to his doctor’s visit on Sunday morning.. But around midday, he started having breathing challenges and doctors rushed to his side to try and manage it. But unfortunately, around 4.30 pm, he gave up the ghost.” he said

Father allegedly impregnates 14-year-old daughter in Ibadan

A 14-year-old Junior Secondary School (JSS) student in Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, has reportedly been impregnated by her father, Kayode Oluwaseunfunmi. The victim, whose identity has been withheld, revealed that the alleged s3xual abuse began in December 2024.

The teenager, now seven months pregnant, disclosed that her father had been her primary caregiver since the death of her mother a decade ago. She expressed mixed emotions, stating that while she was deeply hurt by his actions, she did not want him punished, fearing further disruption to her family.

She told Vanguard: 

“I never wanted this to happen. My father has always been my protector since our mother passed away, and I feel so torn inside. He has been there for me and my siblings, doing his best to provide for us, and despite what he did, I still love him deeply.

“It’s hard to reconcile the person I know with the actions that have hurt me. I don’t want our family to be broken apart by this situation; we’ve already lost so much.

“I just wish things could go back to the way they were, before all of this. I hope people can see that there’s more to our story and that we need support, not just punishment. My father made a terrible mistake, but I believe there’s a way to heal without completely destroying our family.

” I want help to find a path forward, to ensure that my siblings and I are safe and cared for. I hope the authorities understand my feelings and consider what’s best for all of us.” 

Due to her pregnancy, the girl was unable to sit for her ongoing JSS 3 examinations. Following an investigation, the suspect was arrested and is currently detained at the Orita Police Station in Challenge, Ibadan, pending further legal action.

Scores arrested as police, NDLEA, DSS clamp down on notorious drug dens and brothels in Yobe

Security operatives have clamped down on notorious drug hotspots and brothels within Damaturu, the Yobe State capital and its environs.

 

The operation spearheaded by the Chairman of Damaturu Local Government, Alhaji Bukar Adamu, led to the arrest of multiple suspects found in possession of suspected illicit drugs and substances.

 

Focal Person, Digital and Strategic Communications to Yobe State Government, Yusuf Ali, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, July 10, 2025 said the decisive move aligned with the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni, to eradicate drug abuse and related social vices across the state. 

 

“Acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with security agencies, the enforcement team including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of Security Services and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stormed several areas notorious for the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances, including Zango, YBC, Bakin Kasuwa, Maduri, and Daki Goma,” the statement read. 

 

According to the Executive Chairman, the operation is part of a broader mission to dismantle identified enclaves that harbor criminal activities, especially the sale and open consumption of prohibited and controlled drugs.

 

"This effort is in strict compliance with the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni, who has declared zero tolerance for drug abuse and charged local government authorities and traditional institutions to act swiftly in addressing this growing menace,” Alhaji Bukar Adamu stated.

 

The NDLEA, in a statement, confirmed that several joints and drug hubs were raided during the operation. 

 

The arrests mark the beginning of a sustained effort to rid Damaturu of drug-related crimes and restore social order.

 

"We are targeting both the supply and consumption chains of illicit drugs. Low-level dealers and users will be brought to justice, and we will continue to expand our surveillance and enforcement activities throughout the week,” the statement added.

 

It would be recalled that on Monday, Governor Buni formally declared war against drug abuse across the state. 

 

He directed all local government chairmen and traditional rulers to mobilize resources and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to flush out dealers, dismantle hotspots, and rehabilitate users.

 

“The Damaturu raid is the first major enforcement action under this renewed statewide anti-drug campaign, and more operations are expected to follow across the remaining 16 local government areas,” the statement added. 

 

“The public is encouraged to support the initiative and report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. As the campaign continues, authorities have assured that the public will be updated regularly as developments unfold.”

 

Gunmen abduct RCCG pastor in Nasarawa

A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, or RCCG, named Faturoti Olaniyi, was abducted by gunmen in Karu, Nasarawa State. 

Early on Wednesday, June 24, 2025, the gunmen stormed Olaniyi's home at the Redeemed Christian Church of God property near Bristol Academy, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Karu, and kidnapped him. 

Zagazola Makama, a security analyst, stated that the attackers entered the building at around 1:30 in the morning, fired several shots, and then took the victim away to an unidentified location. 

According to source, residents fled for their lives as the gunmen operated for several minutes without encountering any immediate opposition, causing panic in the area. 

A manhunt was initiated in response to the incident by joint teams of police, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security personnel. They blocked suspected escape routes and searched the surrounding hills and bushes for the kidnappers. 

The victim is still in captivity, and search and rescue efforts are still underway as of the time this report was filed.

Davido gifts his PA, Lati, a Range Rover as a birthday present

Davido has gifted his Personal Assistant, Lati, a Range Rover as a birthday present.

Lati who has worked for the singer for years, turned a year older and he was treated to a birthday dinner attended by Davido, Cubana Chief Priest and others in Paris. 

Davido shared a photo of the Range Rover as well the keys on his Instastories as he wished Lati a Happy birthday.

Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson hit with two-match ban for Club World Cup red card against Flamengo

FIFA have slapped Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson with a two-game ban for the straight red card he received in Chelsea’s Club World Cup loss to Flamengo on Friday, June 20.

 

The 24-year-old received an automatic one-match suspension, ruling him out of Tuesday's final group-stage clash against Esperance Sportive de Tunis which Chelsea won 3-0.

 

He was sent off for a nasty studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas, his second red card in his last four matches in all competitions.

 

 

However, Fifa's disciplinary committee reviewed the incident and deemed it serious foul play, and extended the ban.

 

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanction on Chelsea's player Nicolas Jackson who was sent off as a result of a direct red card during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between his team and CR Flamengo...” FIFA said in a statement as quoted by ESPN on Tuesday.

“(A) 2-match suspension for breach under article 14 paragraph 1 e) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This decision is final and binding and cannot be appealed.”

 

Jackson apologised for his actions on social media after the match. He will miss Chelsea's round of 16 game against Benfica.

 

Rules say the standard punishment for a red at this tournament in the United States is a one-match suspension. However, FIFA reserves the right to increase it if they see fit.

Gunmen abduct passengers in Benue

Gunmen intercepted a commercial bus along the Eke axis in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, abducting an unspecified number of passengers on board.

 

The incident occurred around 6:30 PM on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

According to community sources, the gunmen targeted a vehicle belonging to the Benue State Transport Company, known as Benue Links. They robbed the passengers and subsequently took them away.

 

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the attack on Monday. He stated that combined security forces are conducting searches in the nearby bush to rescue the kidnapped victims.

“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-43BN was parked by the road in Ugbokolo, (Okpokwu LGA,” the PPRO stated. 

"On receipt of the information, police tactical teams,military and Benue State Protection Guard arrived at the scene.

"They combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terna who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.

“Additional reinforcement has been sent to locate other passengers as soon as possible."