Sheikh Gumi Links Foreign Powers to Nigeria’s Escalating Security Crisis

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Mahmoud Gumi has raised concerns about possible foreign involvement in Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis, suggesting that powerful external actors may be supporting armed groups operating in the country.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Kaduna, Sheikh Gumi pointed to recent attacks across Nigeria, noting that the patterns of violence contradict earlier signs of improvement in national security.

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He highlighted the Abuja–Kaduna highway, historically one of the deadliest routes for commuters, which had become safer in recent months before the resurgence of violence. Similarly, farmers in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, who had abandoned their lands due to persistent threats, had started returning to cultivate their farms, signaling temporary stability before the recent spike in attacks.

Gumi said the sudden reversal in security progress raises critical questions about possible external support for insurgent activities.

He urged the Nigerian government to intensify intelligence operations, strengthen diplomatic engagements, and thoroughly investigate all external links that may be fuelling the country’s insecurity.

Sheikh Gumi Links Foreign Powers to Nigeria’s Escalating Security Crisis

VIO to Challenge Court of Appeal Ruling Barring Vehicle Impoundment

The Department of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), also known as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), has announced plans to take its legal battle over vehicle impoundment and fines to the Supreme Court following the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of a ruling prohibiting the agency from seizing vehicles or penalizing motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Acting Director of DRTS, Deborah Osho, stated in an interview on Thursday that the appellate decision has worsened traffic indiscipline in Abuja. She warned that despite relying on ticketing as an alternative enforcement mechanism, unpaid penalties have exceeded N409 million.

Earlier, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, in a judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, upheld the October 16, 2024 ruling of the Federal High Court, which barred VIO officials from stopping, impounding, or levying fines on vehicles. The three-member panel dismissed the DRTS appeal as lacking merit.

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Osho expressed frustration over motorists’ disregard for traffic rules, citing chaotic conditions on Airport Road, and criticized the inability of the agency to enforce compliance. “Have you ever seen anywhere in the world where traffic is well coordinated without enforcement?” she asked.

The original suit was filed by public interest lawyer Abubakar Marshal (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) after his vehicle was seized by VIO officers in Jabi on December 12, 2023. Marshal argued that the officers acted unlawfully, infringing on his rights, including freedom of movement and ownership of property.

Federal High Court Justice Nkeonye Maha ruled in favor of Marshal, declaring that no existing law empowered DRTS officers to stop, impound vehicles, or impose fines. The court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the agency from further infringement and awarded N2.5 million against the DRTS, its Director, the Abuja Area Commander, team leader Solomon Onoja, and the FCT Minister.

Dissatisfied, the DRTS appealed, but the Court of Appeal on Thursday confirmed the lower court’s ruling in full, prompting the agency to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

VIO to Challenge Court of Appeal Ruling Barring Vehicle Impoundment

Akwa Ibom police arrest five over fake kidnap news

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested and begun prosecution of five individuals for allegedly fabricating and circulating false news on social media.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Mohammed Azare stated that the suspects shared a fake kidnap incident involving students of Oron Secondary School in Oron Local Government Area (LGA). Azare described the act as “reckless, dangerous, capable of inciting panic and undermining public confidence.”

At a meeting with youth leaders from all 31 LGAs of the state on Thursday, CP Azare emphasized the police’s commitment to taking “decisive action against anyone who spreads misinformation or attempts to destabilize the peace of the state.”

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He commended youth leaders for their intelligence sharing, responsible conduct, and timely interventions, which have helped prevent crises and contributed to the Command’s operational successes in 2025. The CP also praised traditional rulers and the state government for supporting Akwa Ibom’s security infrastructure.

Urging dialogue over confrontation, Azare advised communities to engage respectfully with investors, contractors, and development partners. Regarding Governor Umo Eno’s ban on masquerade displays, he cautioned that any community wishing to hold masquerade activities must seek formal permission from the CP, after which adequate security will be provided for peaceful conduct.

Several youth leaders present at the meeting praised CP Azare’s impactful policing and pledged continued cooperation to ensure the security and stability of Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom police arrest five over fake kidnap news