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Borno governor pardons 66 inmates on Democracy Day

Published

10 months ago

June 12, 2025

File photo

Borno governor pardons 66 inmates on Democracy Day

As part of the Democracy Day celebrations on June 12, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has granted state pardon to 66 convicted inmates at the Maiduguri Minimum Security Prison.

The gesture was accompanied by the donation of food items, livestock, and cash support for the remaining inmates.

Governor Zulum made the announcement during a visit to the correctional facility on Thursday, where he addressed the inmates and staff. He explained that the pardon was granted based on the recommendations of a special committee set up to review the welfare and rehabilitation prospects of inmates across the state.

“In exercise of my powers under the Constitution, I hereby grant a state pardon to 66 inmates,” the Governor said, adding that some sentences, especially those serving life terms, would be reviewed and reduced.

As part of the immediate humanitarian support, the Governor donated 300 bags of rice, cows, and ₦20,000 cash to each of the 1,280 inmates in the facility.

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Governor Zulum urged the inmates to remain law-abiding and reflect on the actions that led to their incarceration.

“You must not return to the same mistakes. This is a chance to start anew,” he said.

He also assured them that the ongoing construction of a mosque within the prison premises would be completed within the next month.

He promised to establish an enterprise skills acquisition centre and vocational training facilities in Maiduguri Maximum Prison to help the rehabilitated prisoners become self-reliant and fully reintegrated into society.

The Governor encouraged the inmates to remain prayerful and make positive use of their time behind bars, pledging continuous support to the correctional system.

This intervention reflects part of the Governor’s broader commemoration of Democracy Day.

Zulum also commissioned many projects executed by his government within the last year, including roads, housing estates, health centres, skill acquisition centres, mega schools, etc.

Borno governor pardons 66 inmates on Democracy Day

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Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

Published

8 minutes ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

Violence erupted on Monday in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the reported coronation of a Nigerian national as a traditional king, prompting the Nigerian High Commission to issue a 10-point safety advisory urging Nigerians in the country to prioritise safety and maintain a low profile.

According to the advisory titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa,” citizens were urged to exercise caution, limit movement, avoid interactions with unfamiliar persons, and suspend socio-cultural activities to reduce the risk of becoming targets amid rising tensions. The circular also advised Nigerians to respect local laws and customs and refrain from posting inflammatory content on social media that could escalate the situation.

What began as a peaceful protest over the alleged installation of Solomon Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo quickly escalated. Videos and images of the coronation circulated widely, sparking anger among residents and civic groups. Protesters torched vehicles, vandalised properties, and clashed with law enforcement. Police reportedly deployed teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, while fire services worked to contain the blazes.

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A man was stabbed during the unrest and taken to hospital. Authorities clarified that the victim was not linked to the demonstration, though some civic groups claimed one of their members was injured and also struck by a vehicle.

Several groups, including ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, and the civic movement March and March, joined traditional leaders in condemning the alleged coronation as illegal and unconstitutional.

Athol Trollip, ActionSA Eastern Cape leader, said: “There is no constitutional provision for any foreigner, legal or illegal, to coronate themselves in the Eastern Cape. We support existing local kings, not Nigerian kings.”
Steve Motale, Patriotic Alliance spokesperson, said: “We condemn this fake coronation. Even the Nigerian High Commissioner has denounced it.”

The Royal House of AbaThembu also denied involvement, calling social media claims linking King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to the coronation false and misleading.

The unrest follows recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where residents demanded stricter immigration policies targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. Analysts say the protests reflect broader xenophobic tensions and concern over foreign influence on local traditional structures.

The Federal Government of Nigeria continues to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens in South Africa to remain law-abiding, cautious, and vigilant until stability returns.

Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

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El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

Published

41 minutes ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that security operatives planned to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, if he returned to Nigeria for their mother’s burial — reportedly as a tactic to pressure him into negotiations.

In a video statement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said Bashir avoided attending the funeral to prevent detention. “My elder brother Bashir El-Rufai couldn’t make it because we learned there was a plan to arrest him… they believe if they get him, I will negotiate,” he revealed.

El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Her remains were flown to Abuja and buried on Sunday. The burial coincided with El-Rufai’s ongoing legal troubles, including his arrest and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

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The former governor was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge. His case was adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearings on pending applications, including his bail request. He was granted temporary release from ICPC custody to attend his mother’s funeral.

Observers say El-Rufai’s claims highlight concerns over the alleged use of family members as leverage in political and legal disputes, sparking debate over the conduct of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria. Analysts also note the potential political implications as El-Rufai continues to assert his innocence and challenge the legal proceedings against him.

El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

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Tinubu Appoints Senator Ibrahim Ida as CAC Chairman, Names Seven NPC Commissioners

Published

1 hour ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Appoints Senator Ibrahim Ida as CAC Chairman, Names Seven NPC Commissioners

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major leadership reshuffle in key federal institutions, appointing Senator Ibrahim Ida as Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and nominating seven individuals to fill vacant Federal Commissioner positions at the National Population Commission (NPC). The move is aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, promoting good governance, and improving data-driven planning and corporate regulation across Nigeria.

Senator Dr. Ibrahim Ida holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Abuja. Prior to his tenure in the Senate representing Katsina Central, he served as Commissioner of Finance in Katsina State and later as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. At CAC, he is expected to streamline company registration, enhance corporate governance, and boost investor confidence.

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The seven nominees for the NPC are:

Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi (Ekiti State)
Nasiru Mu’azu (Zamfara State)
Usman Abubakar Tuggar (Bauchi State)
Dr. Isiaka Alada Yahaya (Kwara State)
Professor Sadiq Isah Radda (Katsina State)
Suleiman Umar (Jigawa State)
Honourable Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo (Sokoto State)

These nominees will support the NPC in population data collection, census planning, and demographic research, crucial for effective national policy formulation. Their appointments are subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

In a related development, President Tinubu also appointed Bala Mohammed Bello as Special Adviser on Political Economy. Bello, a graduate of Accounting with an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, previously served as Deputy Governor (Corporate Services) at the Central Bank of Nigeria and as Executive Director at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank. Additionally, Dr. Yusuf Mohammed from Kano State was appointed Chairman of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo, a key institution for technical and vocational education in Gombe State.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in the appointees, emphasizing that their leadership will advance institutional reforms, enhance corporate regulation, and support data-driven governance, contributing to improved economic growth and service delivery across Nigeria.