Power Crisis Looms as NLC Shuts AEDC, Protests Sack of 900 Workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday shut down offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company across Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states in protest against the disengagement of over 900 workers.

Findings showed that the company’s headquarters in Abuja, as well as several offices within the Federal Capital Territory and branches in Kogi, Minna and Nasarawa, were under lock and key as of Wednesday morning.

The action represents an escalation in the ongoing dispute between organised labour and the management of the electricity distribution firm.

The shutdown came barely 24 hours after the NLC, led by its President, Joe Ajaero, picketed the company’s headquarters over what it described as an unjust and controversial mass dismissal of workers.

The union had earlier condemned the development, insisting that due process was not followed and alleging that the exercise violated prior agreements reached with the company’s management.

Addressing the crisis, Ajaero explained that the dispute began about six months ago when the firm reportedly assured labour leaders that only employees who had attained or were nearing retirement age would be affected by any disengagement.

“At that time, the union intervened based on that understanding. No responsible labour leader would oppose the exit of workers who have legitimately reached retirement age,” he said.

However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as a breach of trust by the company, alleging that many of those affected were far from retirement.

“The majority of those affected were not at retirement age. Some had not even spent up to five or six years in service. In fact, many had only worked for two to three years. That is the height of deceit,” he added.

Amid the standoff, the NLC had on Tuesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the management of the company to resolve the dispute or face intensified industrial action.

The union warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to a disruption of electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory and the affected states.

“If nothing is done within that time, we cannot guarantee power supply. The workers who keep the system running will stay at home, and if they are not at work, the system will naturally be affected,” Ajaero warned.

The development has heightened concerns among residents and businesses in Abuja and neighbouring states over the possibility of a blackout if the dispute is not urgently resolved.

As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company had yet to issue an official response to the latest action by the labour union.

Power Crisis Looms as NLC Shuts AEDC, Protests Sack of 900 Workers

Driver of Emir Sanusi’s Wife Remanded Over Alleged ₦60 Million Jewellery Theft in Kano

A Kano Magistrate Court has remanded a driver and two accomplices over the alleged theft of jewellery, cash, and a mobile phone belonging to the wife of Muhammadu Sanusi II. The case has drawn widespread attention in Kano State due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.

The defendants—Sulaiman Yakubu Kulkude, Idris Musa, and Abdullahi Usaini—were arraigned on three counts of conspiracy, theft, and receiving stolen property before Magistrate Halilu Abdurahman at the Nomansland Magistrates’ Court in Fagge LGA.

Prosecuting counsel Barrister Abubakar Ibrahim told the court that Sulaiman Yakubu, the driver to the Emir’s wife, unlawfully entered her room and took jewellery valued at ₦60 million, alongside cash and a mobile phone.

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When the charges were read, Sulaiman pleaded guilty to all counts, while Musa and Usaini pleaded not guilty, accused of involvement in handling or receiving the stolen items.

Defence counsel, Barrister A.A. Abdullahi, filed a bail application for the defendants. In his ruling, Magistrate Abdurahman granted bail under strict conditions, requiring each defendant to provide a surety who must be either a father or brother, a civil servant of at least Grade Level 15, and a bail sum of ₦10 million each.

The court adjourned the case to April 14 for further hearing, with the defendants remanded pending fulfilment of their bail conditions.

The alleged theft has raised questions about security and trust within high-profile households. Authorities are conducting further investigations, including gathering forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses, and determining if more accomplices were involved.

This incident occurs amid heightened public interest in the Kano Emirate, one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional institutions. Legal experts say the case will be closely watched due to its potential implications for palace security and household trust.

Driver of Emir Sanusi’s Wife Remanded Over Alleged ₦60 Million Jewellery Theft in Kano

Plateau: JNI Confirms 4 Members Killed, 10 Missing as Death Toll Rises to 27

The Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has confirmed that four of its members were killed and 10 others remain missing following a deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area on Sunday night. The group said its findings were based on reports from Muslim communities in the area.

At least 27 people died in the incident, which was widely condemned by religious and community leaders and heightened fears over recurring violence in central Nigeria. Security sources and eyewitnesses said attackers, reportedly wearing military camouflage and riding motorcycles, stormed the Angwan Rukuba community at around 7:30 p.m., opening fire on residents and triggering widespread panic as people fled for safety.

Initial reports indicated that 14 people were killed at the scene, but the toll rose after critically injured victims later died in the hospital, bringing the total confirmed deaths to 27. Angry youths in the community reacted to the violence by staging protests, blocking major roads, and attacking some motorcycle riders and passengers in retaliation, further complicating the security situation.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, the JNI said thorough investigations and community reports revealed that four Muslims were among those killed and that 10 individuals remain unaccounted for. “The bodies of the victims have been identified at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), while the ten missing persons remain unaccounted for, with their families having no contact with them since Sunday and their phone numbers switched off,” the statement read.

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The group added that two injured victims are currently receiving treatment at JUTH and that JNI has been in contact with affected families, offering support and prayers. JNI also condoled with the bereaved families, urged residents to remain calm, and commended the government’s efforts to restore order in the aftermath of the attack.

The Plateau State Government, led by Caleb Mutfwang, imposed a 48‑hour curfew in the Jos North LGA as a precaution to prevent further bloodshed and enable security forces to operate more effectively. Additional security personnel were deployed to the area to bolster safety and assist in ongoing investigations.

Security agencies are currently combing nearby bushes and trails in a bid to apprehend the attackers, with combined efforts from the army, police, and paramilitary units. Authorities have also been collecting evidence and speaking to survivors to identify possible motives and networks behind the attack.

The incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violent clashes and gunmen attacks in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region, where disputes over land, ethnicity, and resources have fuelled cycles of violence for years. The toll in Plateau has often been underreported in national statistics, and experts say the long‑standing security challenge requires sustained and coordinated intervention from both federal and state security forces.

Religious and community leaders have condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling on authorities to ensure justice and protect lives and property. A joint statement from JNI, the Jasawa Community Development Association, and local council representatives described the killings as “barbaric and senseless,” urging citizens to uphold peace and avoid retaliatory violence.

The attack, coming on Palm Sunday, has heightened inter‑communal tensions and reignited calls for more effective peace‑building mechanisms in Plateau State, where multiple communities have endured repeated outbreaks of violence over the past decade.

Plateau: JNI Confirms 4 Members Killed, 10 Missing as Death Toll Rises to 27