metro
Abuja–Lokoja Expressway Traffic Restored After Truckers-Military Clash
Abuja–Lokoja Expressway Traffic Restored After Truckers-Military Clash
The Abuja–Lokoja Expressway has been fully reopened after a temporary disruption caused by a confrontation between truck drivers and military personnel over the weekend, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, confirmed.
The incident followed the smashing of a truck’s windscreen, which prompted truckers to block a section of the highway, resulting in heavy traffic congestion and delays for motorists heading towards Lokoja and surrounding areas during the festive season.
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In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Works, signed by Director of Press and Public Relations Mohammed A. Ahmed, said immediate action was taken to restore free movement. Minister Umahi directed the opening of completed sections of the expressway and deployed measures to ease traffic congestion.
The Federal Controller of Works in Kogi State, Engr. Patiko Isah, stated that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies successfully restored traffic flow at about 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Engr. Umahi urged motorists to exercise patience, drive cautiously, and remain orderly while travelling, especially during the holiday travel rush. He also reassured the public of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing safe, efficient, and dependable road transportation across Nigeria.
Abuja–Lokoja Expressway Traffic Restored After Truckers-Military Clash
metro
EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud
EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha), alongside three corporate entities, over an alleged ₦206 million fraud before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.
Babafemi — Managing Director and CEO of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited — faces five counts of conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between 2013 and 2018. The EFCC claims the offences involved large sums, including ₦37.6 million and ₦93 million transferred to third parties, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.
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When the charges were read, Babafemi pleaded not guilty. His defence lawyer, SAN Kunle Adegoke, filed a bail application, which the court granted, ordering that Babafemi be released to his counsel upon signing an affidavit of undertaking to appear in court. The trial is now scheduled to commence on March 24, 2026.
The EFCC said Babafemi acted in concert with Mompha and other co-accused — Ridwan Momodu Allison (Osama) and Richard Ugbah, who are currently at large — to facilitate the alleged money laundering scheme. This latest prosecution comes as part of broader EFCC efforts to tackle financial crimes and fraud networks linked to high-profile figures in Nigeria.
EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud
metro
Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed
Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed
The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that worshippers were abducted during attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, after initially denying the reports. The reversal comes as security agencies deploy tactical units to rescue the victims and secure the area.
Eyewitnesses and local sources say armed gunmen stormed multiple churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim, during Sunday services, seizing dozens of worshippers. Community leaders report that over 170 people may have been abducted, with some survivors managing to escape.
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other local bodies have condemned the attacks and called for an urgent and thorough rescue operation. Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to locate and safely recover the victims, amid growing national concern over mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State and other northern and central regions, where armed gangs and kidnappers frequently target vulnerable communities, often for ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for swift action as the rescue operations proceed.
Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed
metro
Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria
Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria
The Presidency of Nigeria has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of deliberately spreading false claims of a Christian genocide, saying the narrative is being amplified to mislead international opinion and influence foreign policy. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, described the reports as propaganda lacking verification and stressed that they do not reflect the reality of Nigeria’s security situation.
Bwala’s remarks follow widespread reports linking the so-called genocide narrative to statements from IPOB and affiliated actors, which have circulated on social media and attracted attention from international media and some foreign lawmakers. According to the Presidency, these claims oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, rather than targeted religious persecution.
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The controversy has drawn U.S. congressional attention, with some lawmakers reportedly considering diplomatic responses. In response, the Nigerian Government has engaged U.S.-based lobbyists to highlight its efforts in protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and to correct misleading narratives surrounding violence in the country.
Religious and civic leaders in Nigeria remain divided. While some dismiss the genocide claims as exaggerated and potentially divisive, others acknowledge violence against Christians but caution that framing it as genocide misrepresents the broader security context. Analysts warn that the debate over religious persecution and misinformation has significant implications for national unity, international perception, and Nigeria’s foreign relations.
Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria
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