Ex‑Otukpo LG Chairman Shot Dead as Fresh Attacks Kill 12 in Benue

Gunmen have assassinated a former Local Government Area chairman in Otukpo, Benue State, as violence continues to escalate in the region, with a separate attack in Kwande Local Government Area claiming at least 12 lives and leaving several others injured.

On Thursday night, Honourable Udeh Ijachi, a former caretaker chairman of Otukpo LGA, was gunned down in front of Okabido Hotel, where he was lodging. Eyewitnesses said the assailants approached him, fired multiple shots at close range, and fled immediately, leaving residents in shock. Ijachi’s younger brother, Ejeh Ijachi, had also been killed under similar circumstances in September 2025, highlighting a disturbing trend of targeted killings in the area. Ijachi had survived several prior assassination attempts following a 2017 crisis that claimed eight lives, including that of a former state PDP chairman, Maj Lawrence Ugboh (retd).

Confirming the attack, Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri described the killing as “shocking, painful, and unacceptable” and urged security agencies to investigate thoroughly to prevent further incidents. He noted the brazen nature of the assassination, emphasizing the need for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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In a related and violent incident, at least 12 people were killed in attacks on villages in Kwande LGA, including Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in the Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable,” extending condolences to the families of the victims and affirming his administration’s commitment to restoring peace. He called on residents to cooperate with security forces while ensuring the deployment of additional personnel to conflict-prone areas like Jato Aka and surrounding communities.

Residents described horrifying attacks by suspected herdsmen, forcing men, women, children, and the elderly to flee their homes in panic. Some victims were injured, while others remain missing. Named victims of the Kwande attacks include Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terease, Liambee Yohane, Tordue Dooshima, Akule John, Adezamber Gyuse, and Terundu Tyozuur. Survivors are currently receiving medical treatment, with some still in critical condition.

These twin incidents underscore the escalating insecurity in Benue State, where clashes between armed groups, suspected herdsmen, and local communities continue to claim lives and displace residents. Authorities and community leaders are calling for urgent and coordinated security interventions to protect citizens, restore peace, and address the underlying causes of violence, including land disputes, herding conflicts, and ethnic tensions.

Ex‑Otukpo LG Chairman Shot Dead as Fresh Attacks Kill 12 in Benue

Nigeria Immigration Service Denies Connection as Cleric Scams Nigerians in US

A growing number of Nigerians living in the United States have fallen victim to a suspected passport scam allegedly orchestrated by a Texas-based man identified only as “KO”, who claims to be a Prophet of the Most High God. The suspect reportedly defrauded citizens under the guise of a “Passport Intervention Program”, claiming connections with the Nigeria Consulate in Atlanta. KO is said to operate through a Texas-registered company, Global Tours and Partyride LLC, promoting fast-tracked passport processing and visa facilitation for fees ranging from $500 to over $800. Victims allege that after collecting payments — some as far back as October 2024 — KO ceased all communications and failed to deliver the promised passports or services.

Several victims have recounted how KO exploited the credibility of the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta, advertising his services under the consulate’s name to gain trust. One victim, Tobi Jaji, said on social media: “I paid for my passport and never got it.” Another, Isaac Olorunisola, described KO as a “scammer of the highest order”, whose actions have damaged the reputation of pastors and community leaders. Attempts to locate KO at his provided Texas address or via phone were unsuccessful, with victims reporting that he disconnected his lines and disappeared. The scandal has also highlighted frustrations with consulate services, with victims claiming slow responses or ignored communications made them more vulnerable to the fraud. Some have attempted to seek recourse through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local police, and Nigerian government channels, with limited success.

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed that KO is not an employee or authorized agent and has denounced his activities. A senior NIS official explained that passport applications are largely digital and should be completed through the official online portal, warning Nigerians not to rely on third-party intermediaries. “People have been using this online option successfully. You just visit our website and follow the necessary prompts. Do not pay anyone claiming to be our agent,” the official said. The service also indicated it is tracking KO and launching a sensitization campaign to inform Nigerians in the diaspora of legitimate procedures.

Immigration specialists advise Nigerians in the US to apply directly through official consulate channels and avoid any individuals promising expedited or guaranteed services. Payments should only be made online through verified portals. Victims are encouraged to report fraud attempts to both US authorities and the Nigeria Immigration Service to prevent further exploitation.

Nigeria Immigration Service Denies Connection as Cleric Scams Nigerians in US

Omoile Admits Lying to EFCC in Emefiele $4.5bn Fraud Trial

Henry Omoile, the second defendant in the ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, admitted on Friday that he lied in the statement he gave to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He told the court that he wrote what investigators asked him to write rather than the truth, raising questions about the reliability of his previous testimony.

The admission came during a trial‑within‑a‑trial before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. This mini-trial is meant to determine whether Omoile’s statements to EFCC investigators were voluntary or obtained under duress.

Omoile, who is facing three counts of unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, told the court that the statements, marked as Exhibits TWT 1–4, did not contain a genuine confession.

“I did not confess in that statement. I lied. EFCC threatened that if I did not write what they wanted, they would charge me to court,” he said.

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During cross-examination, Omoile admitted that he had been read his cautionary rights and had signed the cautionary words before making his statement. He also confirmed that he had discussed with his lawyer the possibility of filing a fundamental human rights enforcement suit and that a motion ex parte had been filed earlier in the day.

Omoile further alleged that the head of the EFCC investigative team, identified as Alvan, told him he could be granted bail or might not be charged if he cooperated by providing incriminating evidence against Emefiele. When asked whether he had filed any complaint against EFCC over these alleged threats, Omoile said he had not done so.

The main trial involves Emefiele, who faces 19 counts filed by the EFCC, including receiving gratification and making corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to April 17, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by the prosecution and defense. The court will then decide whether Omoile’s statements can be admitted as evidence in the main fraud case.

The $4.5 billion alleged misappropriation has drawn national attention, as it raises concerns over governance, financial oversight, and anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria. Analysts say Omoile’s admission could affect the credibility of key evidence against Emefiele, potentially influencing the outcome of the trial.

Omoile Admits Lying to EFCC in Emefiele $4.5bn Fraud Trial