House of reps condemns US bill alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has strongly condemned a bill proposed by United States lawmakers that seeks to hold Nigerian officials accountable for allegedly “facilitating the mass murder of Christians.”

During Wednesday’s plenary session, the lower chamber passed a resolution rejecting the allegations, stressing that there is no state-sponsored persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The motion was sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu alongside 359 lawmakers.

The bill in question, titled the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,” was introduced by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. It calls for targeted sanctions against Nigerian government officials accused of enforcing Sharia and blasphemy laws, urges the U.S. Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” and maintains that Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa should remain listed as entities of particular concern.

The proposed legislation follows recurring international claims that Nigerian Christians face systematic persecution, a narrative the Nigerian government has consistently rejected.

Moving the motion, Kalu said that while the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently recommended Nigeria for designation as a country of concern, the claims fail to reflect the true situation. “Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion,” he said, emphasizing that “successive administrations, security agencies, faith leaders, and civil society continue to take measures to protect all worshippers and prosecute offenders.”

He argued that insecurity in Nigeria stems from complex and multi-dimensional issues — including insurgency, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, separatist violence, and communal disputes — which affect citizens across all faiths. Kalu warned that “external legislative actions based on incomplete or decontextualised assessments risk undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, misrepresenting facts, straining strategic relations, and unintentionally emboldening violent actors.”

Contributing to the debate, Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere noted that the U.S. bill has already passed its second reading in the Senate, warning that its passage could damage Nigeria’s reputation and cost significant resources to reverse. “Nigerians are facing economic, social, and security challenges, not religious persecution,” he said, describing the move as a “deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic progress.”

Oluwole Oke, Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, criticized the U.S. Senate for excluding Nigerian officials and diplomatic representatives from the bill’s public hearing, describing it as “a deliberate attempt to damage Nigeria’s image.” Similarly, Billy Osawaru, representing Edo State, called it a case of “global politics” and lamented that Nigeria currently lacks an ambassador to the United States who could have engaged with the American lawmakers.

Following the debate, the House rejected narratives portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a religious conflict or as state-sponsored persecution and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to constitutional freedom of religion and belief.

The parliament directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C. to lodge a formal complaint at the United Nations and urged U.S. legislators to consider a joint Nigeria-U.S. fact-finding and dialogue mission.

The Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with ensuring the execution of the resolutions and reporting back to the House within 28 days.

Stop badmouthing your nation, Remi Tinubu appeals to Nigerians

Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to stop badmouthing the country, insisting that the era when Nigeria was branded the “most corrupt country” is over. 

Mrs Tinubu, who is on a two-day working visit to Gombe State, stated this while speaking at the palace of the Emir of Akko,  Lamido Akko, HRH Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku on Thursday, October 2, 2025. 

According to Mrs Tinubu, the world now regards Nigeria as a nation of opportunity and growing interest. 

She argued that international perception of the country is shifting positively and that Nigerians must embrace national pride. 

“Calling on us as Nigerians, stop badmouthing your nation. Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again,” she declared. 

"Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination,” she added. 

The First Lady praised Gombe’s natural scenery, describing it as comparable to the English countryside. 

She stressed that Nigeria’s unique beauty, combined with its vast human potential, should make citizens more confident about the country’s future.

"We have to be proud. Your landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like that. You see that in the London countryside, but I’m seeing it here in Gombe and in other states too,” she said. 

Mrs. Tinubu linked her call for national pride to the administration’s ongoing programmes in security, education, and grassroots development, noting that traditional and religious leaders have vital roles to play in shaping citizens’ attitudes. 

She further explained that her work as First Lady is driven by a desire to leave Nigeria better after her husband’s tenure. 

 

“I’m 65 years old now, I pray I live long. But I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, me too I can walk around safely. That is what drives me," she added. 

Meanwhile, Mrs Tinubu was conferred with the traditional title of Sarauniyar Yaki (Queen Warrior) of Akko Emirate in Gombe State.

The Lamido Akko, who bestowed the honor on Mrs. Tinubu said the title was in recognition of her commitment to protecting the interests of vulnerable groups across the country.

 

Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 895 confirmed cases and 166 deaths in 2025 – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released its latest Situation Report, covering Week 37 (September 8–14, 2025), confirming a total of 895 Lassa fever cases and 166 deaths across the country so far in 2025.

The latest weekly update reported 11 new confirmed cases in Ondo, Bauchi, Kogi, and Anambra States, representing a slight decline from the 13 cases recorded in the previous week.

The cumulative figures translate to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.5 percent, which is higher than the 16.9 percent CFR reported during the corresponding period in 2024.

Lassa fever has now been confirmed in 21 states across 106 Local Government Areas (LGAs). However, approximately 90 percent of all infections are concentrated in just five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, highlighting the sustained severe burden of the disease in these regions.

The NCDC report also indicated that the 21–30 age group remains the most affected. Encouragingly, no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the reporting week, and both the suspected and confirmed cases show a downward trend compared to the same period last year.

While reaffirming its commitment to outbreak control, the NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain vigilance and adopt crucial preventive measures, including avoiding contact with rodents, ensuring proper food storage, and seeking early medical attention for any suspected symptoms.

FCT begins probe into de@th of Arise TV anchor, Sommie Maduagwu

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with Arise News Channel, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.

Describing the incident as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society. The Commissioner of Police assured that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.

In a statement released, the command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the FCT police boss has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

She mentioned that the police commissioner has further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.

While assuring residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to public safety and the prevention of similar occurrences, the CP called on members of the public to support ongoing investigations by providing timely and useful information to the Police. He charged all FCT residents to always ensure they raise prompt alarm in every suspicious situation with a view to denying criminal elements in our society, opportunity to carry out their evil plans.

Adeh mentioned that residents of the FCT can reach the Command through the following emergency lines O8032003913, 08028940883 and its complaint Response Unit (CRU): 08107314192

She concluded by saying every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Repentant bandit shot d3ad in Benue market

Panic broke out in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State when unknown gunmen shot and k!lled a repentant bandit, identified as Kyoga Joka.

 

Joka was shot d3ad in the town’s main market on Monday, September 29, 2025.

 

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the busy market and opened fire on Joka, who was a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum.

 

He d!ed on the spot, causing traders and shoppers to flee in confusion.

 

The k!lling of Joka has heightened fear and suspicion across the community, with residents pressing security operatives to act swiftly by inviting several individuals for questioning. 

 

Many believe the tragedy may be tied to earlier threats and local rivalries that had been openly discussed before the assassination.

 

According to credible reports, the suspects were seen meeting shortly before Joka’s d3ath. 

 

 

Journalist, Rufai Oseni shares throwback tweet of President Tinubu questioning ex-President Jonathan's competence over the spate of insecurity

As residents of Kwara state battle insecurity in some of its communities, Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, has shared a throwback tweet of President Tinubu questioning ex-President Goodluck Jonathan's competence over the spate of insecurity while he was in office. 

See the post below…

Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Move To Expose Nigerian Politicians Accused Of Aiding Bandits

 

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have said they are preparing to expose the names of prominent Nigerian politicians aiding bandits in the north-western region of the country. 

The three neighboring nations said they are working on confirming the identities of political figures accused of links with criminal groups in the region, DW Hausa reports.

Authorities further explained that information has already been gathered on certain political actors said to be involved in supplying weapons to the bandits.

The authorities said they already have the names of some top Nigerian politicians and have arrested some individuals involved in supplying weapons to the bandits, adding that investigations are already underway. 

The announcement comes against the backdrop of years of killings, abductions, and displacement carried out by armed bandits across Nigeria’s north-west. 

In Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, villages have been repeatedly attacked, homes destroyed, and farmers forced from their lands. 

The violence has also included mass school kidnappings that drew global attention. 

It was also reported that also in Kwara State, the police command confirmed the killing of 12 vigilante members, including the Baale of Ogbayo by bandits, following an attack in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, when armed men invaded the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode at about 7am, shooting sporadically.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, a combined team of police operatives and members of the National Forest Security Service (NFSS) swiftly responded to the distress call. 

Ejire-Adeyemi explained that on arrival, the police discovered the lifeless bodies of 12 vigilante members, including the community head.

The statement added that four persons who sustained gunshot injuries were rushed to hospital for treatment, while the corpses of the deceased were evacuated from the scene. 

Culled from Sahara Reporters.

Nanny kidnaps employer’s baby to cover up a fake pregnancy scam

Police in South Africa have arrested a 35-year-old nanny accused of kidnapping her employer’s baby after allegedly faking a pregnancy to extort money from her boyfriend.

The ordeal began on Saturday afternoon when the infant’s mother returned home to find the house disturbingly quiet, her child and the nanny were both missing. Alarmed, she immediately tried to contact the caregiver. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza, the mother confronted the woman over the phone.

“The mother contacted the nanny asking her where she was as she had not consented to the child being taken from the house,” Magwaza said. But the nanny’s responses only deepened the panic. She first claimed to be in Empangeni, yet offered no credible explanation for taking the child without permission.

Magwaza explained further: “Communication between the mother and the nanny suggested that the mother needed to go alone to Empangeni to fetch her child.” Sensing something was terribly wrong, the mother refused to comply and instead reported the case at Durban Central Police Station.

Investigators quickly mobilized, and what they uncovered painted a startling picture. The nanny, police allege, had been deceiving her boyfriend into believing she had given birth to his child. She reportedly used the infant to support this falsehood, collecting R2,500 a month from the man under the pretense that it was for the baby’s care.

The discovery added urgency to the case. In the early hours of Sunday morning, police executed an operation in Empangeni, where they located the suspect and safely recovered the baby.

“The child was found unharmed and has been taken for precautionary medical examination,” Magwaza confirmed. The woman was taken into custody and is expected to appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The case has sparked widespread concern over the vulnerabilities of families employing domestic caregivers, while also highlighting how deception and financial desperation can fuel disturbing crimes.

PENGASSAN declares nationwide strike over ‘mass sack’ of 800 workers at Dangote refinery

 

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has directed all its members to embark on a nationwide strike starting from on Monday, September 29 following the sack of over 800 workers by Dangote refinery.

PENGASSAN, described the recent mass sack of Nigerian workers at Dangote Refinery as a violation of labour rights and a dangerous precedent. In a strongly worded statement, the union alleges that Nigerians were dismissed for joining PENGASSAN and replaced with over 2,000 foreign nationals, describing the move as an “enslavement of Nigerian workers.

The National Executive Council of PENGASSAN directed all members across oil companies, institutions, and agencies to withdraw services beginning from 12am on Monday, September 29, 2025. The action includes shutting down control room operations, panel operations, and ramping down crude and gas supply to the Dangote Refinery. PENGASSAN leaders also called on its members to embark on a night vigil as soon as the strike kicks off.

”All PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions, and agencies should withdraw all services effective 00:01 on Monday, 29th of September, 2025.

All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.

The prayer point should include a call to God Almighty to give courage to those in authority to rein in Dangote and his co-travelers on the need to obey the laws of our country. No man is bigger than our country, An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement said

Ballon d’Or: Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie ranked fourth-best Goalkeeper in the world

Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned global recognition after being ranked the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris.

The Nigerian international, who plays her club football with Paris FC in France, was named among the top five in the prestigious ranking for the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy — an award dedicated to the best female goalkeepers in the world.

England and Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton made history by becoming the first-ever winner of the award, after an outstanding year that saw her inspire the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory and lead Chelsea to a domestic treble. Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger claimed second place, while Spain’s Cata Coll finished third.
 

For Nnadozie, the recognition is another milestone in a rapidly rising career. She first gained worldwide attention at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she produced a Player of the Match performance in Nigeria’s shock victory over co-hosts Australia. Since then, she has established herself as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers and a key figure for both club and country.

Hampton’s landmark award capped a remarkable season in which she kept 13 clean sheets in the Women’s Super League, shared the Golden Glove, and played a decisive role in England’s European success.