Nigeria Allegedly Paid Boko Haram to Free Abducted Schoolchildren, Teachers – AFP Report

An Agence France‑Presse (AFP) investigation has reported that the Nigerian government may have paid a large ransom to Boko Haram, an extremist group, in exchange for the release of more than 200 abducted schoolchildren and teachers, although government officials reject the claim.

According to multiple intelligence sources cited by AFP, the payment — described as **“huge” and potentially amounting to billions of naira — was delivered to Boko Haram commanders to secure the freedom of victims seized during a November 2025 abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State. The incident saw both pupils and school personnel taken hostage by militants in the country’s northwest.

The purported ransom is reported to total around N10 billion, with sources telling AFP that sums of money may have been passed to insurgents in Borno State, near the border with Cameroon. The funds were allegedly handed over to a Boko Haram commander known locally as Ali Ngulde, who then released the hostages.

AFP’s report claims that, in addition to the cash, two suspected Boko Haram commanders were freed in the course of negotiations, a move that would directly contradict Nigerian law, which forbids ransom payments to kidnappers or terrorists and stipulates penalties for those involved in such transactions.

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However, the Nigerian government has strongly denied that any ransom was paid. Officials — including representatives of the Department of State Services — insist that “government agents don’t pay ransoms,” and that negotiations were conducted without financial settlements.

The differing accounts have ignited debate over how hostage negotiations are handled in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insurgent groups. Security analysts warn that paying ransom could provide financial incentives for further abductions and strengthen militant groups’ resources, potentially worsening the country’s long‑running security challenges.

Critics of ransom payments argue that rewarding kidnappers with money or prisoner exchanges may embolden criminal networks. Supporters of negotiated releases stress the humanitarian imperative to secure the safe return of innocent victims, particularly children and educators.

The alleged ransom payment, if confirmed, would mark one of the largest such claims involving a government and an extremist group in recent Nigerian history, underscoring the complex balance between security policy, legal constraints, and efforts to protect civilians amid ongoing insurgency and instability.

Nigeria Allegedly Paid Boko Haram to Free Abducted Schoolchildren, Teachers – AFP Report

Ijebu Ruling House Appeals to Tinubu to Resolve Awujale Stool Deadlock

The Keregbetu family of Ijebu-Ode, alongside members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the prolonged stalemate over the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland, warning that the delay threatens peace, cultural heritage, and socio-economic stability in Ogun State.

The petition follows the suspension of the selection process by the Ogun State government, which cited numerous petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders. The Awujale stool has remained vacant since July 2025, following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

At a nomination meeting last year, 95 aspirants — 94 princes and one princess — emerged from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to contest the throne. However, the suspension of the process has prevented the kingmakers from completing their constitutional duty, generating anxiety across Ijebuland and creating uncertainty over the future of the ancient kingdom.

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In a statement, the head of the Keregbetu family, Adegboyega Olowu, urged President Tinubu to prevail on Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the suspension and allow the selection process to resume without further delay. Olowu said the deadlock is “illegal and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in the kingdom,” adding that one of the aspirants had begun presenting himself as Awujale-elect without completing the traditional procedures.

The family emphasised that the Awujale stool is a symbol of Ijebuland’s cultural heritage and a pillar of peace, unity, and socio-economic development. They warned that failure to resolve the impasse before the upcoming Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival could negatively impact the Ojude Oba Festival, an internationally renowned cultural event that attracts both indigenes from the Diaspora and tourists worldwide.

Over 500 members of the Keregbetu family and Fusengbuwa Ruling House met on February 22, 2026, to deliberate on the issue and resolved to make what they described as a third urgent appeal to the president. They stressed that restoring the selection process will safeguard peace, preserve the integrity of the stool, and protect the kingdom’s rich cultural traditions.

Observers note that while the Ogun State Government has denied endorsing any aspirant and maintains that the suspension was meant to ensure proper review of petitions, the appeal highlights the urgent need for leadership intervention to prevent further tension in Ijebuland.

Supporters of the appeal say a swift resolution is essential not only for maintaining social harmony but also for sustaining the kingdom’s tourism and cultural economy, which thrives during annual festivals. The royal family called on all stakeholders to respect traditional norms and allow the kingmakers to carry out their duties lawfully, transparently, and fairly.

Ijebu Ruling House Appeals to Tinubu to Resolve Awujale Stool Deadlock

Human Rights Lawyer Says Amupitan’s INEC ‘Failed Woefully’ in FCT Election

Human rights lawyer and former Chidi Odinkalu, has expressed strong doubts about the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Chairman Joash Amupitan to conduct credible 2027 general elections. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Odinkalu criticised the commission’s handling of the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections, declaring that “INEC failed.” He said, “Amupitan’s INEC failed woefully. On this evidence, nobody can trust Joash Amupitan to organise credible elections in 2027. It is not about the law; it is about the failure of will and the failure of electoral administration.”

Odinkalu pointed to poor logistics, including late deployment of election materials and personnel, as well as voter reassignment without adequate notice of polling unit changes on election day. He argued that these administrative lapses risked disenfranchising voters and undermined public confidence in the electoral process. He urged INEC officials to either adequately prepare for their responsibilities or step aside for “more capable hands.” Odinkalu also rejected arguments that it might be too early to assess Amupitan, noting that the chairman previously oversaw a governorship election in Anambra State, which provides a measure of his track record.

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“The commission must acknowledge its shortcomings, apologise to Nigerians, and take personal responsibility for lapses,” Odinkalu said. “Nigerians are not asking for perfection, but they want to see sincerity and concrete steps toward improvement.” Political analysts say Odinkalu’s remarks reflect broader concerns about INEC’s credibility and readiness to conduct nationwide elections. Parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) highlighted issues with pre-election curfews, logistics, and voter management, while civil society groups like the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticised the FCT minister and INEC for actions that may have undermined the polls.

INEC, for its part, defended its operations, highlighting voter registration technology, election officer training, and electronic result transmission as evidence of improved procedures. Nevertheless, critics maintain that the commission must address systemic gaps to restore confidence ahead of 2027. With Nigeria’s 2027 elections approaching, Odinkalu’s comments underscore the urgent need for INEC to enhance transparency, improve voter communication, and strengthen election logistics. Observers stress that rebuilding trust in the electoral system is essential for national stability and the credibility of future elections.

Human Rights Lawyer Says Amupitan’s INEC ‘Failed Woefully’ in FCT Election