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Police: Suspected herdsmen kidnapped Imo Catholic priest

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The Imo State Police command has linked the kidnap of an Imo Catholic priest, Rev. Prof. Izu Marcel Onyeocha, to some suspected herdsmen.

Its spokesman, Orlando Ikeokwu, in a statement on behalf of Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Muhammed, said the cleric was kidnapped when his car developed fault at Ihube in the Okigwe Local Government Area.

The victim, a lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities at the Imo State University, is a native of Avuru Community in the Ikeduru council area of the state.

The statement read in part, “On the 11/04/21, one Bissong Isa Atugu ‘m’, reported that on the 10/03/21, at about 7:45pm ,while driving from Enugu to Owerri with a Nissan Exterra SUV, in company with one Rev. Fr. Marcel Izu Onyeocha of Mother Theresa of Golgotha Catholic Church, World Bank Owerri, the vehicle developed fault around Ihube in Okigwe LGA, and as they stepped down to check the vehicle, a group of people believed to be herdsmen emerged from the bush and inflicted matchet cut injuries on him while the priest was kidnapped and taken to unknown destination.

“Sequel to the above, the Commissioner of Police for Imo State , CP Nasiru Mohammed, has activated all the tactical teams of the command, with a view to rescuing the priest, and possibly arrest the culprits.

“He however calls for calm as the command will do everything possible to ensure the rescue of the priest.”

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BREAKING: Senate Issues Arrest Warrant for CAC Registrar General

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Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

BREAKING: Senate Issues Arrest Warrant for CAC Registrar General

The Senate Committee on Finance has issued a warrant of arrest for Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), following repeated instances of refusal to appear before the panel during the ongoing budget defence session with the Federal Ministry of Finance and its agencies.

The development escalates tensions between the legislature and the CAC, the agency responsible for registering and regulating companies, business names, and incorporated trustees in Nigeria—a key institution for corporate governance and investment facilitation.

According to Senator Sani Musa, Magaji has serially ignored invitations and official summons to clarify discrepancies in the CAC’s revenue accounts, often sending junior officers in his place instead. “The Registrar General has refused on multiple occasions to honour invitations by this committee,” Musa said, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in agency operations.

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Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was reportedly the first to raise the issue, urging the panel to recommend Magaji’s removal from office to President Bola Tinubu if noncompliance persists. Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed withholding the CAC’s 2026 budget allocation until the Registrar General personally appears before the committee. He also recommended that the CAC be barred from spending its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) without prior approval from the National Assembly.

Lawmakers said the warrant is part of the Senate’s constitutional oversight powers, aimed at compelling officials to respond to lawful legislative requests and maintain financial accountability in government agencies. Observers note that failure to comply could trigger legal challenges or further escalation between the executive and legislative branches.

As of now, Magaji has not publicly responded to the Senate’s directive. The warrant is expected to be executed by the Nigeria Police Force or relevant authorities to ensure his presence before the committee for questioning.

The case underscores the Senate’s commitment to enforcing accountability within Nigeria’s public institutions while highlighting the critical role of the CAC in corporate regulation and national economic governance.

BREAKING: Senate Issues Arrest Warrant for CAC Registrar General

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Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Mosque in Kebbi, Kill Five Worshippers

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Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Muhammad Sani,
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Muhammad Sani,

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Mosque in Kebbi, Kill Five Worshippers

Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in Kebbi State, killing five worshippers and injuring three others in what security authorities described as a reprisal attack following a failed ambush on a Nigerian Army convoy.

The assailants reportedly stormed the mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area, on Wednesday evening and opened fire on worshippers during prayers, triggering panic and chaos within the congregation.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, Bashir Usman, said the attack was directly linked to an earlier military operation against the terrorist group.

According to Usman, the violence was a retaliation for a failed ambush on troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 8 Division, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

He explained that the chain of events began on February 24, when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Bemgha Koughna, came under attack while travelling to visit frontline troops deployed in Kebbi State.

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Usman said the GOC’s convoy was ambushed near Mayama Hill, a forested and rugged area known for terrorist activity. However, the troops reportedly responded with superior firepower, successfully repelling the attackers, killing five suspected terrorists, and preventing any casualties among the soldiers.

Security sources believe the failed ambush prompted the Lakurawa fighters to launch a retaliatory assault on soft civilian targets, leading to the deadly mosque attack later in the week.

The police spokesman confirmed that five worshippers died from gunshot wounds, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were immediately evacuated to nearby medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Following the attack, security agencies were said to have reinforced patrols in Maiyama and surrounding communities, while joint military and police units launched search-and-clear operations in nearby forests to prevent further attacks.

The attack has heightened fears among residents, particularly as it targeted worshippers during prayers, further underscoring the growing insecurity in parts of north-western Nigeria. Community leaders and residents expressed concern over the increasing boldness of armed groups and called for sustained military presence and intelligence-driven operations.

Security officials reiterated that efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain ongoing, with troops maintaining pressure on terrorist enclaves across Kebbi and neighbouring states. Authorities assured the public that those responsible for the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.

The Kebbi State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements promptly, and cooperate with security agencies as investigations and counter-terrorism operations continue.

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Mosque in Kebbi, Kill Five Worshippers

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Tinubu Charges Acting IGP Tunji Disu to End Impunity, Rebuild Public Trust in Police

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Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu
Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu

Tinubu Charges Acting IGP Tunji Disu to End Impunity, Rebuild Public Trust in Police

President Bola Tinubu has formally charged the newly decorated Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to transform the Nigeria Police Force and leave it better than he met it, as the country continues to grapple with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

The president gave the charge on Wednesday during a decoration ceremony held at the State House, where he personally presented Disu with his new rank. Tinubu described the appointment as coming at a defining moment for Nigeria’s internal security, expressing confidence that Disu has the experience and temperament to restore discipline and public confidence in the police.

Tinubu told the new police chief that the central expectation of his leadership is clear: to strengthen the force beyond its current state. He acknowledged the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that the country is facing persistent threats from armed bandits, terrorists, and organized criminal networks across several regions.

Drawing from his personal working relationship with Disu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu said he was confident in the dedication and professionalism the new IGP demonstrated while serving in Lagos. According to the president, Disu’s record of service and commitment to duty informed his decision to entrust him with the nation’s top policing role at such a critical time.

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The president outlined clear expectations for Disu’s tenure, placing strong emphasis on discipline, professionalism, accountability, and inter-agency collaboration. He directed the Acting IGP to lead firmly but fairly, insist on high standards across all ranks, and ensure that the protection of lives and property remains the police’s foremost responsibility.

Tinubu assured Disu of his full backing, describing the assignment as demanding but achievable. He pledged presidential support in advancing the security objectives of the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, adding that Disu’s reputation for discipline and integrity would be essential in driving reforms within the force.

The president also urged the new police chief to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, noting that Disu had worked closely with him as a principal staff officer and was already deeply involved in policy thinking and operational planning. Tinubu said this exposure positioned Disu well to innovate and adapt to evolving security realities.

While addressing the outgoing IGP, Tinubu expressed national gratitude for Egbetokun’s service, describing his tenure as one marked by commitment and leadership. He linked Egbetokun’s legacy to the success of his successor, stressing that a smooth transition and mentorship were critical to institutional continuity within the police.

In his response, Disu expressed deep emotion and gratitude for the trust placed in him, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him by enforcing zero tolerance for corruption and impunity within the police. He said the president’s remarks about his career and service record nearly moved him to tears, reinforcing his resolve to lead with integrity.

Disu declared that one of his immediate priorities would be to make it clear to officers that the era of unchecked misconduct is over. He pledged to strengthen training on human rights, professionalism, and ethical conduct, while ensuring that disciplinary mechanisms are applied without fear or favour.

The Acting IGP also emphasized a people-centred approach to policing, stating that Nigerian citizens are the true employers of the police. He said officers must understand that no police force anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation and trust of the public, adding that restoring that trust would be central to his leadership.

The appointment of Disu comes amid heightened public demand for police reform, accountability, and improved security outcomes, with expectations that his leadership will mark a turning point in the fight against crime and institutional misconduct within the force.

Tinubu Charges Acting IGP Tunji Disu to End Impunity, Rebuild Public Trust in Police

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