metro

US, Nigerian security forces reportedly raid Abuja Estate

Published

3 years ago

October 27, 2022

Few hours after the United States Department of State, granted authorised departure status to the Embassy of the United States, Abuja, residents of the Trademore Estate in Abuja, were on Tuesday night thrown into confusion as security forces reportedly raided the premises following a tip off on the presence of a terrorist.

The sting operation in the Phase 4 section of the estate had led to a complete shutdown of the area, as armed intelligence personnel and others suspected to be American special forces, swooped on a building where a middle aged man was picked up.

A resident confirmed the raid to Daily Sun. He said a message was dispatched to residents by the leadership of the estate to keep them abreast on the latest development.

He told Daily Sun that residents have been warned by security agents not to divulge further information to the media, warning that there would be repercussions and possible arrest.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, has, however, dismissed the rumoured sting operation as fake.

Its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, spoke on the command’s WhatsApp platform while reacting to questions from journalists.

However, the message to residents read: “It’s no longer news that there was a High Powered Sting Operation in Phase 3 this afternoon, culminating in a complete shutdown of our estate. A combination of American Army and our DSS team were responsible.

“We are unable to give full details of the reason(s) behind the operation, however, we can confirm that there was an allegation of terrorist activities.

READ ALSO:

“It is therefore desperately incumbent on every resident to remain vigilant, KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS and report any suspicious movement, person or activities to the Exco, Street Reps and/the Police.

“We will continue to do our utmost best to keep the estate safe for all of us. Everyone is responsible for security and there should no iota of abdication of this responsibility.

“Finally, let’s remain calm and continue to carry out our daily activities within the parameters of the Law. God bless and protect us all.”

According to a resident, the suspect who was picked up, has claimed innocence, alleging that he was set up by a governor in the North Central zone based on political differences.

“Yes, there was a raid. Boxes of grenades and other explosives were recovered. Two pistols were also allegedly recovered, from what we heard.

“Although, it was learnt that the suspect had plans to attack three churches in the area, I cannot immediately confirm that,” he stated.

The development at Trademore came a day after men dressed in Nigerian Navy woodland camouflage trousers and “Special Forces” shirt picked up one Shafiu, a native of Kogi State in the Lugbe area of Abuja.

Shafiu, a death row inmate at the Suleja Custodial Centre was, however, released in controversial circumstances just weeks to the 2019 general election.

He was picked up by a squad led by a certain Lt. Charles, just few days after declaring support for one of the opposition parties.

Meanwhile, he US authorisation which was granted on October 25, according to the Embassy of the United States, Abuja, permits the voluntary departure of family members and certain employees due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.

“The U.S. Consulate in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria,” the emergency information for American citizens read.

The United States Government further directed its nationals to have a personal emergency action plan that does not rely on government assistance, and to take advantage of commercial transportation options, if they wish to depart Nigeria.

READ ALSO:

“Monitor local media for breaking news on the security situation. Be aware of your surroundings.

“Keep a low profile,” the United States instructed its citizens.

•Nigeria safe

The Federal Government has stated that it cannot be stampeded by what any government instructs its citizens to do in response to the most recent travel advisory from the United State Department urging their citizens to reconsider traveling to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said despite the attempts by terrorists to embarrass government, security agencies have in the last few months taken firm control of the situation.

Asked if he was still standing by his previous assurances that citizens and non-citizens alike are safe in Nigeria, he replied: “Now, of course, this so-called travel advisory as far as we’re concerned, as a government we have in the last few months, taken a firm handle of security.

“What I said is that click baiting, which is, you find a story which is not verified and you immediately share it, always causes panic.

“But I want to reassure both citizens, non-Nigerians, Nigerians living in this country, that security agencies are on top of this matter.

“Of course, the terrorists would not stop to try to embarrass or intimidate government but what I’m saying is that this country is safe. And there’s no cause for alarm. No cause to panic. Unfortunately, because of that travel advisory on Sunday many schools were closed, shops were closed, travel plans were disrupted, we don’t need it. The security – our soldiers, our police are working round the clock to contain any terrorist attack. This is where we stand.”

Reminded that the travel advisory specifically mentioned vulnerable states that Americans must not travel to, Mohammed affirmed that it was not strange as even Nigeria Mission in the US can advise Nigerians on their movement in the country.

On whether government is worried by the perception the advisory can create with investors and steps that might be taken to prevent it, the minister advised citizens to desist from spreading unverified news.

He added: “The concrete step is that people should stop spreading unverified news that is what saying. You see, look how many school shootings happen in the US? how many senseless killings happened in the US?

“So have they been able to predict what’s going to happen next which school is going to be a victim next? Do Nigerians in the US also feel safe?

Up Next

Canada, Australia Raise Fresh Alarm Over Likely Terrorist Attack In Abuja

Don't Miss

Prohibition Of Muslim Students From Entering Redemption Camp: MURIC Accuses RCCG Of Lying

metro

Senate Summons Kyari, Ojulari Over ₦210 Trillion NNPCL Audit Queries

Published

13 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Immediate past GCEO Mele Kyari and Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari

Senate Summons Kyari, Ojulari Over ₦210 Trillion NNPCL Audit Queries

The Nigerian Senate has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to appear before its Committee on Public Accounts on April 29, 2026, to explain an alleged ₦210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.

The directive followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during plenary, reflecting growing legislative pressure over the company’s financial disclosures and audit compliance.

The committee also mandated the appearance of top former and current officials of the oil company, including Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, immediate past GCEO Mele Kyari, former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, Bala Wunti, as well as the company’s external auditors, insisting that their attendance is compulsory.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said lawmakers remain dissatisfied with explanations provided by NNPCL regarding the disputed figures, stressing that the queries raised in audit reports require full and detailed clarification.

According to Wadada, the committee rejected what he described as a “blanket explanation” from NNPCL regarding ₦103 trillion categorised as liabilities, noting that the breakdown of the figures was insufficient and lacked transparency.

He explained that the Senate expects detailed clarification on the components of the liabilities, including retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees, with specific amounts attached to each category.

READ ALSO:

Wadada further stated that the committee is also demanding clarity on an additional ₦107 trillion reportedly linked to Joint Venture (JV) cash calls and other financial obligations, including funds allegedly associated with defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.

He said:
“The NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to unfailingly appear before this committee. The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29, 2026.”

Lawmakers also criticised the company’s response to 19 audit queries, describing them as inadequate and failing to meet expectations for public accountability and financial transparency.

Earlier during the session, Senator Abdul Ningi urged the Senate to invoke its constitutional powers to compel compliance, citing repeated failures by key officials to honour legislative invitations.

He warned that the legislature risks undermining its oversight authority if agencies continue to ignore summons, stressing that democratic accountability depends on the strength of parliamentary scrutiny.

The latest development intensifies scrutiny on the oil giant, which has faced increasing public and institutional pressure over financial transparency, revenue management, and audit reconciliation gaps in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

The Senate’s directive signals a stronger push for accountability in one of Nigeria’s most sensitive revenue-generating institutions, as lawmakers demand full disclosure of all queried funds.

Senate Summons Kyari, Ojulari Over ₦210 Trillion NNPCL Audit Queries

metro

UNILAG Lecturer Sexual Assault Trial: Student Testifies in Lagos Court

Published

13 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Trends Admin

UNILAG Lecturer Sexual Assault Trial: Student Testifies in Lagos Court

A 20-year-old student of the University of Lagos has testified before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, detailing allegations of sexual assault against a 53-year-old lecturer, Samuel Obinna Ojogbo.

The case, which is being prosecuted by the Lagos State Government, involves two counts of rape and sexual assault, with the student appearing as the first prosecution witness before Justice Oyindamola Ogala.

According to her testimony, the incident allegedly occurred on August 22, 2025, at the university’s Akoka campus after the lecturer invited her to his office following an earlier interaction during an examination the previous day.

The witness told the court that she had initially attempted to meet the lecturer after her exam but was unable to do so until the following day, when she encountered him again near her faculty and accompanied him to his office.

READ ALSO:

She described the office as secluded and said that during their interaction, other students briefly entered but were asked to leave by the lecturer.

The student further testified that after the alleged incident, she left in distress and immediately reported the matter, beginning with a friend and later escalating it within the institution.

She said the case was first reported to a lecturer in her department, who contacted her uncle—also a lecturer—before the matter was taken to the Head of Department. However, she indicated that the initial response raised concerns about lack of evidence.

Despite this, the complaint was escalated to the university’s Servicom office, leading to a medical examination at the school’s health centre.

The witness added that she later reported the case to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, which referred her to the police. The case was initially handled at Bariga Police Station before being transferred to the Gender Unit for further investigation. She also underwent further evaluation at WARIF.

She told the court that there were attempts by individuals connected to the defendant to resolve the matter outside court, but the case proceeded to trial.

The defendant has denied the allegations.

Justice Ogala adjourned the case to April 27, 2026, for cross-examination, as the UNILAG sexual assault case continues to draw public attention and fuel conversations around campus safety, sexual misconduct, and accountability in Nigerian universities.

UNILAG Lecturer Sexual Assault Trial: Student Testifies in Lagos Court

metro

Grandfather in police net for impregnating granddaughter

Published

14 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Grandfather in police net for impregnating granddaughter

The Niger State Child Rights Agency says a 65-year-old grandfather, Musa Gado, is detained in Police custody for allegedly impregnating his 16-year old granddaughter (name withheld).

The Director General of the agency, Hajiya Kaltume Mohammed, made this known to newsmen in Minna on Wednesday.

She said that a Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) Test confirmed that Gado, the maternal grandfather of the victim from Mashegu LGA of the state, is the biological father of the four-month-old baby delivered by his granddaughter.

According to the DG, the suspect made several fruitless attempts to abort the pregnancy.

She revealed that the victim’s father, Mr Lawal Nababa, registered a complaint in 2025 for alleged repeated sexual assaults on his daughter by her maternal grandfather.

The director general said at the time the matter was reported at the agency, the victim was six months pregnant and was kept in the agency’s custody until she delivered a baby boy in December 2025.

She said the teenager, whose parents are still alive, was reportedly taken by her maternal grandmother since childhood.

READ ALSO:

Mohammed, however, said the suspect had denied responsibility for the act, thus forcing the agency to order the DNA test that was conducted in a laboratory outside Nigeria at a cost of N500,000.

“When the girl was brought to the agency, she was actually six months pregnant. We had to do some medical checkups, and she was kept under the custody of the agency from that time until now.

“She gave birth in December, and we agreed that the only way we could get to the root of the matter and establish the fact was to go for the DNA test, which was agreed by both parties.

“After she gave birth, we waited for her to be strong before we went for the paternity test and within five weeks the result came out, and it was announced that the grandfather was the father of the baby because the result was 99.9999 per cent positive,” she said.

The director general revealed that the suspect, currently in Police custody, would be charged to court after police had completed its investigation.

Mohammed also disclosed that the agency was currently handling six similar cases, including that of a father who had been having carnal knowledge of his biological daughter.

“Child molestation and rape are alarming in the state.

“I assumed office as the DG Niger State Child Rights Agency in November 2025, and honestly, we have had a lot of issues of rape where children were molested by their parents, neighbours and some people within the community.

“Right now, we have six cases we are prosecuting, and the most important one we are handling right now is that of the 16-year-old girl who was impregnated by her grandfather.

“This case was reported to the agency by the father of the girl on 5th October 2025,” she said.