Terrorism: Court discharges, acquits 50 persons alleged to be IPOB members

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, discharged and acquitted no fewer than 50 persons alleged to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of allegations bordering on terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the Nigerian Police Force failed, in its entirety, to established a prima facie case against the 50 defendants, including four women.

Justice Omotosho, who upheld the no-case submission of the defendants, said that the prosecution failed to adduce any credible evidence, linking the defendants with the allegations they were charged for.

FIJ journalist Fisayo Soyombo arrested at oil bunkering site

The Nigerian Army has verified the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo at an illicit oil bunkering facility. 

The army issued a statement in reaction to widespread outrage about Soyombo’s incarceration.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) disclosed on X (previously Twitter) that Soyombo had been in Army captivity for three days.

“The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days running. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ said.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed his arrest in a statement on Friday.

He explained that the operation that led to Soyombo’s detention was prompted by intelligence about a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the region.

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Danjuma claimed that the suspects apprehended at the scene, including the investigative journalist, are currently conducting preliminary investigations to determine their involvement.

“You will recall that the Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes,” Danjuma said.

“Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.

“The Division reassures the public of its commitment to curbing criminal activities, particularly oil theft, in the region, which will ultimately help increase oil and gas production in the country,” Danjuma added.

FIJ journalist Fisayo Soyombo arrested at oil bunkering site

Many dead as boat carrying 200 people capsizes in Niger State

A boat accident along the Dambo-Ebuchi sections of River Niger in Niger State has claimed lives of travellers.

The boat was said to be carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm workers.

After throwing all on board into the water, rescue efforts immediately started with local divers working to recover the victims.

As of the time of this report, eight bodies have been recovered, while search and rescue operations continued to locate the remaining passengers.

This incident came just months after a similar one occurred on the Muwo Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State on October 1, 2024, resulting in the loss of many lives.

Preliminary reports indicate that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident which may have contributed to the high number of casualties.

No official statement about the latest incident but an investigation is expected to be launched to determine the cause of the accident.