Kaduna Cleric Denies DSS Arrest After Hosting Peter Obi

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Umar, has dismissed claims that he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a visit by former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The clarification comes amid widespread reports suggesting that the cleric was detained shortly after hosting the Labour Party figure in Kaduna.

In a video message circulating online, Umar refuted the allegations, stressing that he was never arrested or detained, but only invited for questioning by security operatives.

“I come today to correct a false report being circulated in some quarters. I was not detained by the DSS. I was invited for questioning. I cooperated fully, and I was released. I am free, safe and well,” he said.

Providing further clarification, the cleric explained that he honoured the DSS invitation without resistance and was allowed to leave shortly after the interaction. Sources familiar with the situation noted that such invitations are not unusual, particularly following engagements involving high-profile political figures, and may form part of routine security procedures. As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not issued any official statement regarding the development.

READ ALSO:

• 2027: Abia APC Assures Tinubu of 80% Votes, Dismisses Claims of Otti’s Support
• One Dead as Improvised Explosive Device Detonates in Kwara Community
• 5 Killed in Cult Violence in Lagos as Police Arrest 18 Suspects

Amid the controversy, Umar urged his followers and residents of Kaduna State to remain calm and law-abiding. He cautioned against any action capable of disrupting public peace, stressing that no situation should push citizens into taking the law into their own hands or creating disorder in the name of loyalty.

The cleric also touched on broader political developments, calling for patience in legal matters involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. He encouraged Nigerians to remain engaged in the democratic process, emphasizing that elections remain the most effective way to achieve political change.

The development follows an earlier claim by Obi, who raised concerns in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, suggesting that the cleric had been picked up by security agents shortly after hosting him. The situation has since sparked conversations around freedom of association, political tolerance, and the role of security agencies in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.

Kaduna Cleric Denies DSS Arrest After Hosting Peter Obi

Makinde Approves N10,000 Transport Allowance for Workers as Petrol Price Rises

The Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has approved a monthly transport allowance of N10,000 for state workers as a palliative measure to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs across Nigeria.

The decision, announced on Monday, March 23, follows a formal request and sustained engagement by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo State, which had urged the government to intervene amid increasing transportation expenses linked to higher petrol prices.

Chairman of the Oyo State NLC, Kayode Martins, disclosed that the approval was granted after discussions with the state government. According to him, the intervention reflects the government’s responsiveness to workers’ welfare concerns in light of current economic pressures.

He explained that the allowance is expected to take effect from April 2026 and will apply to all categories of workers in the state’s public service. The measure, he added, is designed to provide immediate relief to civil servants who have been significantly affected by rising commuting costs.

“The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges,” the statement noted.

READ ALSO:

• MC Oluomo Insists He Remains NURTW President Amid Baruwa Takeover
• Nigeria Becomes West Africa’s Largest Petroleum Products Exporter Under Tinubu – Reno Omokri
• Japan Announces Largest Oil Reserve Release as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

The development comes as fuel prices continue to fluctuate following the removal of petrol subsidies, a policy shift that has led to increased pump prices and higher transportation fares nationwide. As a result, many workers have faced rising daily commuting expenses, prompting labour unions to seek government intervention.

The NLC stated that the allowance was a direct outcome of continued advocacy efforts aimed at mitigating the economic burden on workers. It added that further details regarding the implementation framework would be communicated by relevant government authorities in due course.

Across Nigeria, several state governments have introduced similar palliative measures, including wage adjustments, transport support schemes, and other welfare interventions, in response to the broader cost-of-living challenges affecting households and public sector employees.

Analysts say such allowances are increasingly becoming necessary as inflationary pressures and energy costs continue to impact disposable income, particularly for salaried workers who rely heavily on daily transportation.

While the transport allowance is expected to provide short-term relief, its long-term sustainability will depend on the fiscal health of the state and broader economic conditions. Nonetheless, the policy is widely viewed as a proactive step toward easing the burden on workers amid ongoing economic reforms.

Makinde Approves N10,000 Transport Allowance for Workers as Petrol Price Rises

Tinubu Secures France Military Support to Boost Fight Against Terrorism in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed a new phase of Nigeria–France military cooperation, aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to tackle terrorism, banditry, and rising insecurity.

The development follows high-level talks between Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to secure international partnerships to reinforce its security architecture.

Tinubu disclosed this on Sunday during a meeting with state governors at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, shortly after returning from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where defence collaboration and military equipment acquisition also featured prominently.

According to the President, discussions with Macron were extensive and focused on practical measures to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations, including support in military hardware, intelligence, and operational logistics.

“I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” Tinubu said.

He revealed that his administration is broadening its diplomatic outreach to include multiple countries willing to assist Nigeria with military training, technology transfer, and procurement of modern defence equipment.

READ ALSO:

• State Police: Governors Submit Proposal to National Assembly Over Insecurity
• Kidney Failure: Experts Warn Nigerians to Drink Water, Exercise, Rest
• Nigeria Power Sector Crisis: DisCos Lose ₦2.3trn as Blackouts Intensify

“I’m making frantic efforts to contact other nations. If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training,” he added.

The renewed push for foreign military support comes amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria, where the Nigerian Armed Forces continue to confront multiple threats, including Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, and separatist tensions in the South-East.

Security analysts say Nigeria’s current challenges require advanced surveillance systems, drones, air power, and intelligence-sharing frameworks, areas where international partnerships—particularly with countries like France—could play a crucial role.

France has maintained a significant military footprint in West Africa, especially in the Sahel region, where it has led counterterrorism operations against extremist groups. Although its regional role has evolved in recent years, Paris remains a key partner in security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and defence training.

Tinubu stressed that insecurity remains one of the biggest tests facing his administration, warning that it threatens national stability, economic growth, and social cohesion.

“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face; it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said.

“I’m making all the efforts to ensure that collectively we share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny.”

READ ALSO:

• Iran Threatens to Shut Strait of Hormuz as US Ultimatum Escalates Regional Tensions
• Baba Ijesha Speaks Out After Prison Release, Denies Sexual Assault Conviction
• Kurds: The Sepia Pawn on the Chessboard

He called on state governors to deepen collaboration with federal authorities and security agencies, noting that subnational support is critical to achieving lasting peace.

The President also disclosed that his recent visit to the United Kingdom included discussions on equipping Nigerian forces with modern military hardware and technology to improve operational efficiency and response time.

“One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment,” he noted.

Beyond security, Tinubu raised concerns about the potential economic impact of global tensions, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. He warned that the situation could fuel inflation, higher fuel prices, and increased cost of living in Nigeria.

“I know this Middle East crisis will elicit inflation, will affect our purchasing power,” he said, adding that rising fuel costs could trigger transportation challenges and food price increases.

He acknowledged that organised labour and other stakeholders may respond to these economic pressures, stressing the need for proactive measures to cushion the impact on Nigerians.

The President thanked the governors for their swift response to his invitation, describing their presence as a demonstration of unity and shared commitment to addressing national challenges.

Tinubu reiterated that his administration is committed to investing in advanced technology, intelligence systems, and modern equipment to defeat terrorism and criminal networks.

“We must defeat terrorism and all of these criminal acts. As our investment in technology and equipment, we must defeat them,” he declared.

With Nigeria facing a complex and evolving security landscape, the strengthened partnership with France and other global allies signals a renewed strategy focused on international collaboration, military modernisation, and coordinated security operations to restore peace and stability across the country.

Tinubu Secures France Military Support to Boost Fight Against Terrorism in Nigeria