Author: Candid Reporters

The federal government of Nigeria has filed criminal charges against three men over their alleged involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo state. The 10-count charge, filed before the federal high court in Abuja, accuses Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa (Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (Abu Itisar) of offences bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining. The defendants, all of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, are alleged to have conspired with one Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab…

The supreme court has ruled on the final forfeiture of properties and $2.045m linked to Godwin Emefiele, former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to the federal government. In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, the apex court overturned the decision of the court of appeal in Lagos, which had nullified the forfeiture order. The court held that the court of appeal erred when it overturned the forfeiture order and directed that the matter be reheard by the trial court. On November 1, 2024, Deinde Dipeolu, judge of a federal high court in Lagos, ordered the permanent forfeiture of…

The father of the late Miss Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), demanding the release of her remains for burial. Tanko Habila, who was accompanied by his wife, other family members and their lawyers, addressed the press shortly after submitting the petition at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday. The senior Habila, who spoke after the family lawyer, expressed sadness that almost two weeks after his daughter’s demise, the Ebonyi State Police Command had refused to release her body for burial. According to him,…

Suspected terrorists have reportedly invaded Eggi Oyo-Ipo community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State and abducted a businessman and an Islamic cleric after a late-night attack. The abductors have placed a ransom of N65 million for the release of the two victims. CANDID REPORTERS gathered that the incident was said to have happened last Wednesday night when the heavily armed assailants stormed the community, creating panic among residents before whisking away the two victims.

The amendment bill sponsored by Representative Gregory Steube of Florida’s 17th Congressional District of the United States seeking an amendment to withhold 100 per cent of assistance given to Nigeria until the federal government of Nigeria takes effective steps to prevent and respond to terrorism and violence has has gotten approval by the United States House of Representatives. The nod by the House of Representatives significantly tightens an earlier proposal that sought to suspend only half of the aid. The amendment was adopted by voice vote during consideration of the appropriations bill. The bill raises the aid withholding threshold from…

BY FERDINAND EKEOMA For years, Obohia Road in Aba stood as a painful reminder of neglect. It represented a signpost of sorrow and sadness. Once a strategic link connecting traders, residents, and businesses to the heart of Aba, the road gradually deteriorated into potholes, gullies, and stagnant water. Movement became a struggle. Businesses relocated. Property values crashed. And for the people who lived and worked along it, daily life was defined by frustration. In continuation of his road infrastructure revolution, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, directed and mobilised contractors to recommence work on the road. He didn’t…

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has welcomed investors proposing to establish a $145 million solar manufacturing plant in Umuelele, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the State. Receiving the investors, led by their Team Lead, Dr. Oko Jaja, in his office on Thursday, Governor Otti expressed delight that the project had reached the Final Investment decision stage, with the investors committing up to $145 million to the project. The Governor described the investment as a strong vote of confidence in Abia State’s improving business environment and economic prospects. He noted that his administration remains committed to creating and…

Jediel Sylvester, a father in Adamawa State has admitted to sleeping with her own daughter and getting her pregnant. Jediel Sylvester, a resident of Ganye Local Government Area in southern Adamawa, blamed lust for his actions during his arraignment in court. The Upper Area Court No.1, sitting in Ganye, presided over by Kabiru Musa, remanded the man at a correctional center after pleading guilty. Sylvester was brought before the court after a direct criminal complaint was filed against him by his daughter and an uncle, Mohammed Audi through their Counsel, Abdulrahman Njidda who cited Section 111 of the Administration of…

By Ferdinand Ekeoma (Umuahia) Agriculture remains the backbone of any growing economy, and in Abia State, Governor Dr. Alex Otti is making deliberate moves to reposition the sector from subsistence farming to a commercial, wealth-creating enterprise. The recent flag-off of the Farmers’ Input Support Programme at the Umuahia Township Stadium is more than a distribution exercise. It is a clear statement of intent: that Abia’s future will be built not just in cities and industries, but also on fertile farmlands. 1. Direct Empowerment of 18,634 FarmersWith 18,634 genuine farmers targeted under the programme, the Otti administration has expanded access to…

The pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have finally regained their freedom. Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga announced the development on X on Friday. He wrote: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies. In the video, one of the rescued victims, Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, said “President sir, our father, we are grateful, we understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us…. And every security operatives, they tried so much and that is why…