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INEC Holds Emergency Meeting Today after Recording 47 Attacks In 33 Months

Published

3 years ago

November 11, 2022

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will hold an emergency security meeting in Abuja today over attacks on its facilities.

It convened the meeting following the latest attacks on its offices in Ogun and Osun states on Thursday.

With Thursday’s attacks, the INEC has suffered 47 attacks on its facilities and offices since February 2019. A source at the commission said that the attacks are deliberate attempts to stop them from carrying out their duties.

Another source not from INEC but works with knowledge of the commission’s works, said the Yoruba Nation agitators are being fingered.

“They recently attacked a military facility in Ogun State and carted away with some weapons.

“Security forces have not yet commented on this allegation but sources said they are not ruling out any possibilities,” the source said.

Hoodlums Thursday set an office of INEC at Iyana Mortuary, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on fire leaving a total of 65,699 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) destroyed.

Sources said the hoodlums, numbering about eight, scaled the fence to gain entry into the premises of the electoral body.

A security guard at the facility, Azeez Hamzat, was said to have made a distress call to the police around 1 am on Thursday. Our correspondent gathered that the store, registration area and conference room were affected by the fire.

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In Osun, suspected hoodlums yesterday set on fire the INEC office in Ede South LGA of the state.

The hoodlums, it was gathered left immediately after setting the office located at Oke Iresi in Ede ablaze. It was gathered that residents trooped out and put the fire out after the arsonist left the premises.

Head of the Department of Public Education of the commission, Ayoola Balogun while confirming the incident told Daily Trust that the fire did not affect important documents.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola also confirmed the incident and assured that it would be investigated.

Emergency security meeting

National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, said the emergency meeting was triggered by the attacks on the commission’s local government offices in Ogun and Osun states on Thursday.

The meeting, which will be attended by heads of security agencies, who are members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) including the National Security Adviser (NSA), will discuss the trend and fashion out ways of curbing the development ahead of the 2023 elections.

Okoye said in Ogun, “The main building and all the Commission’s movable assets in the office were destroyed. They include 904 ballot boxes, 29 voting cubicles, 30 megaphones, 57 election bags, 8 electric power generators and 65,699 uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

“Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, reported that our office in Ede South Local Government Area was attacked and set ablaze.”

He added that the attention of the Nigeria Police Force and other security and safety agencies has been drawn to the incidents. He said the security agencies have commenced investigations.

“With just 106 days to the 2023 General Election, when the commission has commenced the movement of materials to our offices nationwide, these simultaneous attacks are very worrisome indeed, “he said.

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He also said that the rising incidents of attacks on supporters of various political parties since the commencement of the campaign barely two months ago and the use of hate and incendiary language by some politicians are extremely disturbing.

IGP probes attack on Atiku’s convoy in Borno

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has disclosed the plan to constitute a team to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the attacks on the convoy of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by suspected thugs in Maiduguri, Borno State on Wednesday.

He spoke on Thursday while featuring at the State House Media Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Baba, who reacted to questions on the recent attacks on campaign rallies and political events in Rivers, Kaduna and Borno States, said the state police spokesperson in Borno might have reached a conclusion too quickly in his assessment.

He explained that assessment from the state PRO might have been too hasty and not conclusive, hence the need to establish a team to make a holistic assessment from the various narratives to ascertain the true picture and prevent a reoccurrence. The convoy of Atiku was reportedly attacked on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The IGP urged politicians to play by the rules ahead of the elections and avoid violent clashes during electioneering.

“On how realistic it is in stopping the issue of violence in our political agenda, either in rallies or campaigns. Well, it takes two to tango. There are laid down means, ways procedures to do rallies and campaigns.

“On our part, we have gone out to appeal to politicians to play the game by the rules. And at the same time allow us to regulate political processions, campaigns and rallies, to avoid clashes and so forth.”

He said the force was fully prepared to ensure peaceful general elections and carry out its responsibilities in line with the provisions of the laws.

Related Topics:attacks Featured INEC Ogun Osun

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JUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria

Published

11 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Trends Admin

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

JUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria

The Federal Government has released a list of 48 individuals and organisations alleged to be involved in terrorism financing in Nigeria, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to disrupt funding networks linked to insecurity across the country.

The list was published on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), the inter-agency body responsible for enforcing financial sanctions in line with Nigeria’s counter-terrorism financing (CTF) and anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks.

According to the committee, the designated individuals and entities are suspected of providing financial, logistical, or operational support to terrorist organisations operating in parts of the country, particularly in the North-East and other security-affected regions.

The list reportedly includes individuals connected to proscribed organisations such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Ansaru, and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Among those named are Tukur Mamu, Simon Ekpa, Abdulsamad Ohida, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleman, Simon Njoku, Godstime Itare, Francis Nmaduabuchi, Chukwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, and others listed in the official document.

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Security and financial intelligence sources said the designation is part of strengthened efforts to enforce targeted financial sanctions against terrorism sponsors, in line with Nigeria’s obligations under international security and financial monitoring standards. The sanctions framework allows authorities to impose measures such as asset freezes, restrictions on financial transactions, and travel limitations on individuals and organisations identified as being involved in terrorism financing activities.

Officials said the move is aimed at cutting off funding channels that support insurgent groups and separatist-linked violence in affected parts of the country. The Nigeria Sanctions Committee explained that the publication of the list is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security by targeting the financial infrastructure behind terrorism.

It added that identifying and sanctioning individuals linked to terrorist financing is crucial to weakening the operational capacity of groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces. Authorities also stressed that the listings are part of ongoing investigations and do not replace judicial proceedings, noting that further legal and enforcement actions may follow where evidence is established.

The development comes amid intensified military operations against insurgent groups across the country, as well as increased coordination between security agencies and financial regulators to monitor suspicious transactions and disrupt illicit funding flows.

Officials reiterated that combating terrorism requires both military action and sustained efforts to dismantle the financial networks supporting terrorism in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government has not issued additional details beyond the published list, while reactions are expected from some of the individuals and organisations named.

JUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria

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42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man

Published

12 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Trends Admin

42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man

A 42-year-old woman declared missing in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, has been found in a hotel room in Ugbe-Akoko, sparking widespread reactions and renewed concerns over the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

The woman reportedly left her matrimonial home in Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area without informing her husband or family members, prompting fears that she had been abducted or harmed.

Her husband was said to have raised the alarm after repeated attempts to reach her failed, leading to concern among relatives and residents of the community. The development triggered a search effort as anxiety grew over her whereabouts.

According to sources familiar with the case, the woman was later traced to Ugbe-Akoko in Akoko North-East Local Government Area, located about 124 kilometres from Ilara-Mokin. The journey between both locations typically takes over two hours by road.

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She was reportedly discovered in a hotel in the area in the company of a 55-year-old man. Both individuals were taken in for questioning by relevant authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding their presence at the location.

Preliminary findings suggest that the woman may not have been abducted as initially feared but might have left home voluntarily without informing her family. However, officials are still working to establish the full details surrounding her movement and activities before she was found.

The incident has generated mixed reactions among residents of both communities, with many expressing shock, confusion, and concern over the circumstances that led to her disappearance and eventual discovery in a hotel.

Security agencies are continuing investigations to determine whether any offence was committed and to clarify the nature of the relationship between the woman and the man found with her.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from law enforcement authorities, while the case continues to attract attention across Ondo State.

42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man

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ADC Threatens Civil Disobedience To Force INEC Chairman To Resign

Published

12 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan

ADC Threatens Civil Disobedience To Force INEC Chairman To Resign

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of political bias linked to controversial old social media posts, while also threatening civil disobedience if he remains in office.

The opposition party said its position follows growing concerns about the neutrality of the electoral body ahead of future elections, insisting that the credibility of the electoral process in Nigeria must not be compromised.

The controversy centres on alleged archived posts on X (formerly Twitter) attributed to an account bearing Amupitan’s name, which critics claim contained expressions perceived as supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The allegations gained wider attention after US-based Nigerian scholar Farooq Kperogi referenced the purported posts in a public commentary, arguing that they raise questions about the independence of INEC leadership. The claims have since sparked heated debate across social media, with supporters of the electoral commission questioning their authenticity while critics insist they undermine public trust in the institution.

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In response, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, cautioned against misinformation and impersonation, warning that cybercriminals may be using fake accounts to circulate false narratives. He reaffirmed that INEC remains committed to delivering free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, urging the public to rely only on verified communication channels from the commission.

Reacting to the controversy, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the allegations as a serious breach of public trust and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity, arguing that an electoral umpire must not only be neutral but must also be seen to be unquestionably impartial. According to him, the allegations—if proven true—undermine confidence in the leadership of the electoral body. Abdullahi further alleged attempts to manipulate or alter digital records linked to the controversy, describing the situation as a “calculated assault on truth and accountability.”

He said: “The referee cannot be running around in the shirt of one of the teams he is supposed to officiate.” The ADC insisted that Prof. Amupitan must resign immediately, warning that failure to do so would trigger escalated action, including civil disobedience protests across Nigeria. The party also said it would update petitions to relevant professional and international bodies, including the Nigeria Bar Association (Nigeria Bar Association), as part of efforts to intensify pressure on the electoral commission.

The controversy adds to rising political tension surrounding the leadership of INEC, as opposition parties increasingly scrutinise the commission’s neutrality ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. Analysts say the situation highlights ongoing concerns about trust in Nigeria’s electoral institutions, especially in the digital age where social media content can significantly influence public perception.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued a fresh statement addressing the ADC’s latest demand for the chairman’s resignation or its threat of civil disobedience.