Rountrip

In the spirit of ongoing security fortification championed by the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, arresting a suspected gang member and recovering two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition after foiling an abduction attempt in Port Harcourt. The operation followed a distress call received in the early hours of March 20 from a 35-year-old resident, Fadi Nasser, who reported that a group of armed men invaded his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of the state capital. According to police sources, the attackers attempted to abduct the victim and opened fire during the incident. Despite the intensity of the attack, the victim managed to escape, a development described by security officials as both fortunate and critical in triggering a swift police response. Investigations took a decisive turn after a mob...

By Dr. Olusola John Ojo, PhD As Nigeria gradually marches toward the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is already thick with permutations, alliances, and calculated rhetoric. Yet, beneath the noise of emerging coalitions and hurried political realignments lies a fundamental truth: no amount of orchestrated gang-up by opposition figures can easily derail the growing momentum of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated a rare blend of courage and pragmatism in confronting some of Nigeria’s most deeply rooted structural challenges. His administration has not taken the easy road. Instead, it has embraced bold reforms decisions many before him avoided due to their political sensitivity. From the removal of fuel subsidy to the unification of the foreign exchange system, these policies, though initially painful, are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability and national renewal. Understandably, critics particularly those now rally...

A Lagos State Magistrate Court has cautioned the Lagos State Police Command and directed that proper procedures be followed in the handling of the case involving Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, also known as Hammed Ajiran, in what is seen as a setback for individuals including Bashir Fakorede, Jide Akinloye, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Jimoh Moshood. Presiding over proceedings in the Ogba Magisterial District, Magistrate A. J. Odueke, in Charge No: MISC/126/2026, held that the police must formally invite Akanbi rather than declare him wanted. The Court further stated that an order for arrest would only be considered if he fails to honour such an invitation. The Court noted that it was mindful of previous proceedings in Charge No: MCIK/60A/2026, where a similar application had earlier been set aside by another Magistrate on March 23, 2026, on the grounds of illegality. Consequently, the Court declined to entertain what it described as a repetition of a defective process. ...

The All Progressives Congress Youth League has called on the leadership of the party at both state and national levels to strategically consider Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin as the most sellable, credible, and widely acceptable candidate for the party in the build-up to the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State. In a statement issued by the Diaspora Director of the Forum, Adebayo Oketooto, the group noted that the forthcoming governorship contest in Oyo State would require the APC to present a candidate with proven administrative competence, broad public appeal, and the intellectual depth necessary to challenge the incumbent People's Democratic Party government led by Seyi Makinde. According to the Forum, the political realities in Oyo State demand that personal ambitions within the APC be subordinated to the larger objective of reclaiming the state for progressive governance. It stressed that while several aspirants may have legitimate political interests, the overriding concern must b...

The Supervisor for Works, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Aduragbemi Olanrewaju Olaide, has celebrated President Bola Tinubu on his 74th birthday. Olaide in a statement released to our coresspondent said that the President is a visionary leader whose life has become a guiding light for democracy, governance and nation-building. He said: "On this special occasion of your birthday, I extend my profound congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to a visionary leader whose life has become a guiding light for governance, nation-building and progressive politics in Nigeria. "You have consistently demonstrated that true leadership transcends the mere holding of office; it is about shaping destinies, building enduring institutions and raising men and women who will carry forward the torch of sustainable development. "As a father and mentor, your deliberate investment in people continues to produce a legacy of competent and transformational leadership across...

The Centre for Justice and Accountability has commended the Federal Government for adopting a plea bargain arrangement in the N2.5 billion fraud case involving former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, describing the judicial resolution as a lawful and practical step toward strengthening accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s justice system. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Comrade Ochiaga Jude, the group said it noted with keen interest the discharge of the former minister by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja, following the acceptance of a plea bargain arrangement reached between the prosecution and the defendants. The civil society organisation stated that reports from the court indicated that Justice Hamza Muazu granted the discharge after the prosecution, acting through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, informed the court that the matter had been discontinued in line with the agreement reached under the plea...

As Kwara State prepares for the 2027 gubernatorial election, the electorate is confronted with a decisive question: which candidate possesses the vision, experience, and integrity required to translate aspiration into measurable development. Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, widely known as AMBA, represents that candidate. *A Business Leader with Practical Economic Acumen* Prior to his active political career, AMBA founded and serves as Managing Director of Kursi Investments Limited. His experience building and managing a successful enterprise has provided him with direct expertise in job creation, capital mobilization, and private-sector growth. These competencies are essential for Kwara’s next phase of development—attracting domestic and foreign investment, strengthening small and medium enterprises, and expanding employment opportunities for the state’s youth. AMBA brings an operator’s mindset, grounded in fiscal discipline, efficiency, and results-oriented management. *Proven Po...

By Suleiman Adamu The people of Niger East Senatorial District have proverbially tasted the honey and its sweetness, and are most unwilling to let go of it. For so many who are used to sloganeering and emotive politics, the clamour for the continuity of Senator Sani Musa remains a surprise, but for those moved by tangible people-oriented programmes, it is not. Indeed, it is no longer news that there is a serious quest for his return to the National Assembly. What is indeed news is the momentum and compelling clamour by the resilient constituents, who are unwilling to go back to the harrowing days of political false promises and sweet-talking. Equally, the push for his continuity is associated with the several laudable projects and enduring people-focused programmes carried out by the radical leader and objective grassroots mobiliser. While over eighty-five percent of the constituents, cutting across all walks of life, have avowed their loyalty to him and are determined to ensure his re...

The Youth Wing of the Ojomu Royal Family has strongly condemned the 72-hour ultimatum issued to the Lagos Chief Judge by a faceless group, describing the move as baseless and provocative.  In a statement released on Saturday, the group alleged that the individuals behind the anonymous threat have been identified as Basir Fakorede, Jide Akinloye, and Benson Olagbade, urging authorities to investigate their roles and bring those responsible to justice. Full Statement:   Rejoinder: The So-Called "Concerned Youth Movement" And Its 72-Hour Ultimatum To The Lagos State Chief Justice  The attention of the Youth Wing of the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, has been drawn to a reckless and unfounded publication by a faceless group styling itself as the “Concerned Youth Movement,” purporting to issue a 72-hour ultimatum to the Chief Judge of Lagos State. Ordinarily, such a puerile and intellectually hollow publication would not merit any r...

The Civic Centre for National Security and Civic Responsibility (CCNSCR) has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for what it described as “notable and encouraging improvements” in security operations across Nigeria’s North Central region. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Executive Director, Dr Johnson Audu, the group said recent military gains in the region reflect a renewed operational drive and stronger coordination under the current leadership of the Armed Forces. The group noted that communities across several North Central states, previously plagued by banditry, violent attacks, and persistent security disruptions, are beginning to witness a gradual restoration of order, improved troop presence, and more responsive military interventions. According to the statement, these developments point to a more proactive and intelligence-driven approach by the military, resulting in the disruption of criminal netwo...

The decision by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to resume the issuance of petrol import licences has drawn sharp criticism from industry advocates, who warn that the move risks undermining domestic refining efforts and exposing the market to substandard fuel products. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Energy Transparency and Market Justice Initiative (ETMJI) condemned the regulator’s action, describing it as a policy reversal that could weaken recent gains in local supply while encouraging the inflow of lower-quality petroleum products. The regulator had earlier maintained that domestic refining capacity was sufficient to meet national demand, suspending the issuance of import licences in February. However, following supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, the agency granted fresh licences to six marketers to import about 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol in a bid to stabilise supply. While the NMDPRA has framed the move as...

The Northern APC Peace Agenda has commended the political reconciliation between Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, describing their alliance under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a stabilising development ahead of the 2027 elections. In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna and signed by its president, Alhaji Rabiu Ahmad, the group said Matawalle’s decision to forgo any governorship ambition and back Lawal reflects political maturity and a broader commitment to unity within the ruling party. Matawalle, who currently serves as minister of state for defence, had publicly declared that he would not contest the 2027 governorship election, throwing his weight behind Lawal during a high-profile reception marking the governor’s defection to the APC in Gusau. Lawal’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC effectively realigns Zamfara’s political landscape, bringing both the incumbent and former governors into the same p...

A human rights group, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), has strongly condemned and opposed the appointment of AIG Moshood Jimoh as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Police Command. The group said in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, that its position was informed by AIG Jimoh's antecedents while serving as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, which, they said fell short of acceptable standards of professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights. "During his tenure, there were persistent reports of restricted access to justice, including the refusal to entertain or allow follow-up on petitions and complaints—leaving many victims without recourse. "Furthermore, his record reflects actions inconsistent with democratic policing. Notably, he was associated with the declaration of a citizen as wanted for participating in a protest against the demolition of the Oworonshoki community; an incid...

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, has set aside its earlier ex-parte order authorizing the arrest, remand, and “wanted” declaration of Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, also known as Hammed Ajiran. The development follows the earlier declaration of Akanbi as wanted for alleged multiple murder by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Olorundare Jimoh, on February 19, 2026. However, in a ruling delivered today, Magistrate L.A. Owolabi of Magistrate Court 3 nullified the ex-parte order initially granted on February 16, 2026. In his decision, Magistrate Owolabi held that the order was obtained through the concealment of material facts. The court specifically noted that the counsel who filed and argued the application, Nosa Watson Uhumwangho, was under suspension by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee at the time and therefore lacked the right of audience before the court. The ruling sparked jubilation among members of the youth wing of the Ojomu royal family, who...

The Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Hon. (Barr.) Rosiji Oluyemisi Adenike has congratulated Muslim faithful as they celebrated the 2026 Eid-El-Fitr.   In a statement she personally signed, Hon. Rosiji Adenike stated that that Eid is a season that reminds everyone of the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, compassion and unwavering faith in Almighty Allah.   The Chairman added that it is a time of gratitude, renewed hope and strengthened unity within the communities.   The state full statement reads;   "On the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, I heartily felicitate with all Muslim faithful and the entire good people of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area.   "Eid is a season that reminds us of the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and unwavering faith in Almighty Allah. It is a time of gratitude, renewed hope, and strengthened unity within our communities.   "As we celebrate the successful completion of the h...

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens’ Rights has urged the Inspector General of Police to rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the President of the Coalition, Adeyemi Olorunsogo and its Secretary, Kolawole Abe Emmanuel, said Nigerians expect professionalism, impartiality, and accountability from the leadership of the Force. The Coalition expressed concern over consistent and clear repeated interference of the Lagos police command in matters that are purely civil in nature, and actions that suggest a troubling pattern of bias in the handling of sensitive disputes. It said: “Over the past few weeks, our coalition has repeatedly drawn the attention of the public to the disturbing conduct of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State, particularly under the leadership of the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olorundare Jimoh Moshood. “We, therefore, call on the newly appoi...

An energy policy group has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the wider economic consequences of newly issued permits allowing marketers to import petrol into the country, warning that the move could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen domestic refining and stabilise the economy. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the Energy Transparency and Market Justice Initiative (ETMJI) said the approvals granted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) could produce unintended consequences if not carefully managed. The group’s president, Dr. Salako Kareem, said Nigeria was at a delicate moment in its energy transition and that policy choices made now would determine whether the country finally escapes its decades-long dependence on imported refined petroleum products. Kareem said while the regulator’s responsibility to guarantee adequate fuel supply is understood, expanding import permissions at this stage could weaken the poli...

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations has announced the suspension of it's planned protest in Lagos over the decision of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, to declare the Youth Forum leader of the Ojomu Royal Family, Hammed Tajudeen, as a wanted person. In a statement by its Chairman, Adeyemi Olorunsogo, the coalition expressed deep concern over what it described as persistent bias and selective actions by the Commissioner of Police against certain members and youths of the Ojomu Royal Family. The coalition had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum, scheduled to expire on March 9, 2026, during which it demanded an investigation into the matter.  The group had also planned to stage a peaceful protest should its demands remain unmet. However, the coalition announced that it has decided to suspend the planned protest for an additional seven days following the recent change in leadership within the Nigeria Police Force.  According to the group, the decisi...

A group of concerned stakeholders within Nigeria’s student movement has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging large-scale corruption, diversion of public assets and criminal infiltration within the leadership structures of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). In a letter obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday the group accused the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday Dayo, and two former NANS leaders — Akinteye Babatunde (popularly known as Babtee) and Lucky Emonefe — of misappropriating federal government interventions meant for Nigerian students. The petitioners alleged that about 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated by the Federal Government to ease transportation challenges on tertiary campuses were diverted, shared among individuals, and in some cases sold. According to the letter, the buses were allegedly retained for private...

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens Rights has called for investigation into the alleged accusation against the Chairman of the Youth Forum of Ojomu Royal Family in Lagos State, Hammed Tajudeen. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the Coalition, Comrade Adeyemi olorunshogo , said the allegations by the Lagos State Police Command against Tajudeen are baseless.  The Coalition threatened to embark on protest if the police command fails to retract its allegations with the next seven days. It said: "Consequently, we make the following demands and expect it will be met in 7 days from today and otherwise, we shall proceed on a protest not just against the commissioner of police and the Lagos State Police Command but mention names of other individuals fingered in this whole plot.  "The constitution of a special, neutral, and professionally competent investigative team to review the allegations; the prosecution ...