Family Prepares Funeral for Abducted NYSC Member After ₦10m Ransom Fails

The family of an abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified as Abba, now fears he may have been killed by his captors, despite paying a ₦10 million ransom to secure his release. Communication with the kidnappers abruptly ceased after the ransom was delivered, raising deep concerns about his fate.

According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, all contact with the kidnappers stopped suddenly after the payment, leaving the family in distress. Sources within the family revealed that the abductors initially demanded the ransom, and later requested additional items, including motorcycles, even after receiving the initial payment. The family, however, refused to comply with further demands once the kidnappers became unreachable.

“Since receiving the ₦10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” the sources said.

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Given the situation, the family has concluded preparations to hold Abba’s funeral prayer in absentia (Janaza Gha’ib) in accordance with Islamic rites. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, as the family seeks closure amid uncertainty over his fate.

The family expressed profound gratitude to those who supported them during the ordeal. “Abba’s family wishes to thank everyone who offered support, prayers, donations, and kind words during this difficult period. May the Almighty reward your generosity abundantly,” they said.

Despite the grim circumstances, the family maintained hope for divine intervention. “If he has passed on, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” they added.

The case underscores the growing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly the persistent threat of kidnap-for-ransom attacks targeting students, NYSC members, and young professionals. Experts continue to urge families to cooperate with law enforcement rather than paying ransoms, as many abductions remain unresolved despite payment.

Family Prepares Funeral for Abducted NYSC Member After ₦10m Ransom Fails

Prof. Abdur‑Razaq Alaro Warns Misusing Orphans’ Wealth Could Lead to Hellfire

A Professor of Islamic Law at the University of Ilorin and Islamic finance expert, Abdur‑Razaq Alaro, has warned that squandering or misusing the wealth left for orphans is a grave sin that could lead one to hellfire in the hereafter. He made the remarks while delivering a lecture in Ilorin during the 5th Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) Muslim Community.

The lecture was themed: “The Role of Muslims in Supporting the Bereaved: Attitude and Responsibilities During and After Burial.” Addressing a large audience, Alaro — who also serves as an advisor to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on non‑interest Islamic banking — said caring for orphans and supporting the bereaved should be understood as a collective duty and shared responsibility in Muslim communities.

Alaro explained that an orphan, in Islamic jurisprudence, is defined as someone who loses their father before reaching maturity, while a bereaved person is someone who has lost a close associate or family member. He emphasised that support for the bereaved extends beyond attending funerals, and urged Muslims to maintain ongoing emotional, moral and material support for grieving families long after burial rites are observed.

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Drawing from Islamic teachings and prophetic traditions, the scholar noted that protecting orphan wealth is a religious obligation, and warned against misappropriating funds or property entrusted to guardians or custodians. He stressed that such misconduct is considered a serious violation of trust and justice, carrying severe spiritual consequences in the afterlife.

Alaro also reflected on broader social challenges, noting that wars and conflicts around the world have created increasing numbers of orphans and bereaved people. He referenced the ongoing Middle East conflict as an example of how human injustice and power struggles have deep consequences for vulnerable populations, including children left without parents.

“Do not be power drunk in life,” Alaro cautioned. “There have been civilizations that were global powers before, whom Allah removed from power, and Allah can do it again.” He urged Nigerians to value peace, coexist peacefully, and pray for wise and guided leadership.

In his remarks, Alaro called on Muslims to uphold justice, empathy and compassion in their personal and communal dealings, especially when it comes to protecting the rights and property of orphans. He noted that Islamic law strictly condemns any form of injustice, including financial exploitation, and that safeguarding orphan wealth is not only a moral duty but a religious obligation with eternal implications.

Earlier in the programme, the Director‑General of MINILS, Mr. Issa Aremu, said the annual lecture — now in its fifth year — has been designed to become a continuous initiative funded by members of the Muslim community. Aremu encouraged Nigerians to use the holy month of Ramadan and the concurrent Christian Lent season to deepen their spirituality and seek divine guidance.

He also urged citizens not to take peace for granted, stressing that conflict resolution remains the best option for resolving crises in communities and at the national level.

Prof. Abdur‑Razaq Alaro Warns Misusing Orphans’ Wealth Could Lead to Hellfire

Stella Oduah Enters Plea Bargain Deal in N2.5bn Fraud Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday heard that former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah and a co‑defendant, Gloria Odita, have opted for a plea bargain agreement in their N2.5 billion fraud trial before Justice Hamza Muazu. The announcement was made in court when the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the defendants had approached the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) seeking to enter a plea bargain under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. Oyedepo told the court: “They have made moves to refund a certain amount of money into the government coffers. What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government.” Defence counsel to both defendants confirmed the development in open court: Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, for Oduah, and Favour Osuanya for Gloria Odita each affirmed the parties’ intention to settle the matter through plea negotiation. After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 26, 2026, for parties to report the outcome of the plea bargain discussions and for the court to consider whether to adopt the terms.

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Oduah and Odita were arraigned in December 2025 by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on a five‑count charge relating to alleged criminal breach of trust, obtaining by false pretence and conspiracy to commit fraud. The prosecution alleged that the duo conspired to obtain N2.4 billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through two companies — Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd — via alleged fraudulent claims. According to court documents, the funds were purportedly diverted under the guise of procurement contracts, allowances and miscellaneous expenses, but were alleged to have been paid without proper documentation or due process. The EFCC had earlier explained that the charges stemmed from investigations showing that payments were made to the companies controlled by the defendants without due diligence or official approval, circumstances the prosecution said amounted to economic crimes punishable under Nigerian law.

A plea bargain is a legal arrangement under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which allows a defendant to acknowledge part or all of a charge in return for reduced penalties, fines, restitution or modified counts. By entering into the plea negotiation, the defendants are effectively agreeing to work with the AGF and prosecution team to settle the matter outside a full trial, subject to court approval of the agreed terms, including possible refund of funds and other conditions. Legal experts say that a plea bargain in high‑profile corruption cases is intended to reduce litigation time, secure restitution for recovered funds, and expedite resolution, even though it sometimes draws public debate about accountability and justice in corruption cases.

At the March 26 sitting, the court is expected to review the terms of the plea bargain, including confirmation that refunded funds have been received by the government, and determine whether the arrangement is fair, just and in line with the ACJA. Until then, the criminal prosecution will remain in suspense as both parties finalise the negotiated settlement.

Stella Oduah Enters Plea Bargain Deal in N2.5bn Fraud Case