Category: cover

 

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reclaiming ungoverned areas, particularly forests from terrorists and other criminal elements in the country.

 

Tinubu said advanced surveillance and technology would be deployed to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

 

The President made the promise while addressing elders and leaders of Katsina State at a state dinner held at the Government House on Friday night.

 

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of Friday’s engagement in a statement he signed on Saturday.

The President reportedly said, “On the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Bello Masari again this evening, I agree that security is a challenge for the country. I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry.

 

“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security.

 

“Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism. We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils.”

 

He highlighted encouraging signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery, attributing recent positive growth indicators to bold policy decisions.

The President said the Federal Government would consider upgrading the airport in Katsina State to create jobs and expand the economy.

 

Tinubu also assured that victims of terrorism would receive support to pick up their lives.

 

In his remarks, Governor Radda said the state had established a security outfit that gathers and supplies intelligence.

 

He disclosed that the proposed airport expansion, including the cargo terminal, passenger terminal, and fire truck, would create 2,700 direct jobs and cost N54bn.

 

Masari thanked the President for appointing two ministers from the state to the Federal Executive Council.

 

On why he supported the President’s ambition to contest the 2023 elections, he said, “You have the political will and courage to face the challenges of this country. You know the problem with humans: There will be resistance when new changes and a new social order are coming. And if you are not strong enough and determined, you will succumb, and the problem continues.

“But leadership is not about when it is all well. The hard way is the best; you know leaders during hard times. I know and believe you can do it; you have the courage.”

 

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee, Texas, Mr Ike Chidolue, has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to present credible evidence to support her allegations or resign from the Senate.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to kill her.

Chidolue made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

 

His reaction followed the senator’s recent Facebook post, in which she dismissed a viral May 1 Facebook Live broadcast by Dr Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke).

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan had described the broadcast which featured audio recordings and screenshots that appeared to contradict her public denials on several matters as “manipulated” and “politically motivated.”

However, Chidolue said the senator had failed to present any facts or evidence to defend her position.

 

According to him, “Her post offered no facts, no forensics, and certainly no credibility.

 

“What it does offer, unfortunately, is a continuation of a now-familiar pattern sensational allegations, quickly recycled into conspiracy claims once confronted with inconvenient evidence.”

 

Chidolue added that if the materials presented by Duru were authentic, they portrayed a troubling picture of a public official weaponising unproven accusations for political mileage.

 

He cited a number of claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan which had not been substantiated with verifiable evidence. These included allegations of sexual harassment by Senate President Akpabio, claims that former Governor Yahaya Bello was contracted to assassinate her, and accusations that the Akpabios were involved in the 2021 death of a minor.

 

He also referred to her assertion that her reassignment on the Senate floor was punishment for rejecting advances.

 

“Not one of these claims has been substantiated by a police report, sworn affidavit, Senate resolution, or authenticated document.

“When confronted with contradictory evidence, the senator’s response has been predictable: attack the source, dismiss the proof, and shift the goalposts,” Chidolue stated.

 

He therefore recommended a four-step approach to restore public confidence.

 

According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan should first verify or refute Duru’s recordings through an independent forensic laboratory publicly.

“She should also present evidence including police reports, court filings, and Senate records to support every claim, or pursue legal redress if defamed,” he said.

 

Failing all else, Chidolue added, she should issue a public apology and vacate her Senate seat.

 

“Let it be said plainly that Nigeria’s public institutions are not theatres for trial-by-sentiment.

 

“When elected leaders make explosive claims, they owe the public facts, not theatrics. Nigerians deserve better than conjecture and drama.

 

“The time for storytelling has expired. The burden is now hers: evidence or exit,” Chidolue concluded.

 

British police on Sunday said they had arrested five men, including four Iranians, on suspicion of “preparation of a terrorist act”.

 

The arrests were carried out in London, Swindon and the Greater Manchester area, with all five arrested on suspicion of “terrorism offences”, London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

 

The men aged between 29 and 46 were detained by Counter Terrorism Police on Saturday in relation to “a suspected plot to target a specific premises” — wich was not named — and remain in custody.

 

The nationality of one of the men is still being established, police said.

 

“This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated,” said Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism chief Dominic Murphy.

 

“The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter,” he added.

Meanwhile, three other men, all Iranian nationals, were arrested in London in a separate Counter Terrorism Police operation on Saturday.

 

The men, aged 39, 44 and 55, were arrested under the National Security Act — which gives law enforcement greater powers to disrupt “state threats” including foreign interference and espionage — the Met Police said in a statement on Sunday.

 

Interior minister Yvette Cooper “thanked” the police in a statement.

 

“These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats,” Cooper told the PA news agency.

 

“The government continues to work with police and intelligence agencies to support all the action and security assessments that are needed to keep the country safe.”

 

AFP

 

Inter Miami CF returned to winning ways on Saturday night, capturing a 4–1 win over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium, snapping a three-match losing streak in all competitions.

 

According to a post on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Sunday, Argentine legend Lionel Messi’s 67th-minute strike in the goal rout was his 859th career goal.

 

Romano posted, “Leo Messi scores for Inter Miami now reaching 63 G/A in 53 games for the MLS side. 859 career goals so far.”

 

Winger Fafa Picault, who did not play in the midweek Concacaf Champions Cup defeat against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, scored for his second straight game, netting the opening goal on a volley in the 9th minute.

 

Defender Marcelo Weigandt added a second in the 33rd minute after a lengthy VAR review, before Luis Suárez bagged his third goal of the 2025 season in the 39th. Lionel Messi added a second-half cushion, finishing a volley in the 67th minute to make it 4-1.

The Red Bulls pushed back before the end of the opening half, with a 43rd-minute goal from Mohammed Sofo, who nodded in a deep corner kick to keep the 2024 Eastern Conference champions within comeback distance.

 

The win brings Miami’s total to 21 points in 10 games and keeps them at only one loss in the MLS season.

 

Speaking in the post-match press conference at Chase Stadium, the Miami FC, Javier Mascherano acknowledged the physical demands of the match and the much-needed lift it gave the squad.

 

“It was a very physically demanding game – we needed it,” Mascherano said. “It was important to get back to a good feeling. In the first half, we were clinical in front of the goal, something we lacked in previous matches. In the second half, we tried to control possession more, and be less direct. At the end of the first half, we lost control of the ball and didn’t want to give them momentum.”

The New York State Catholic Conference, an organisation that represents the bishops of the state in working with government to shape laws and policies that promote social justice and respect for life, has criticised United States President Donald Trump for sharing seemingly AI-generated images of himself dressed as the Pope.

 

In a post on X.com on Saturday, the NYS Catholic Conference wrote: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr President.

 

“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us.”

PUNCH Online reported on Saturday that Trump sparked a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate after sharing the image on his Truth Social platform.

The digitally altered image, later reposted by the White House’s official X account, showed Trump in full papal regalia—flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre—with one finger raised skywards.

The post comes just days after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he backed as the next head of the Catholic Church.

 

His comment came shortly before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

 

While Trump didn’t endorse any contender, he alluded to “a very good” cardinal in New York, widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative with a clear stance against abortion.

 

Trump also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week, marking his first international appearance since returning to office.

Eight Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries +member countries, on Saturday, announced a sharp increase in oil production for the month of June, at the risk of driving down already very low prices.

 

Saudi Arabia, along with Russia and six other members of the oil cartel, will implement a production adjustment of 411,000 barrels a day out of the ground, as in May, according to an OPEC+ statement, whereas the initial plan called for an increase of just 137,000 barrels.

 

Numbering a total of 22 countries, most of which are highly dependent on oil, the group had until recently been exploiting supply scarcity to boost prices, holding millions of barrels in reserve.

 

“OPEC+ has just thrown a bombshell to the oil market,” Jorge Leon, analyst with Rystad Energy, told AFP.

 

“Last month’s decision was a wake-up call. Today’s decision is a definitive message that the Saudi-led group is changing strategy and pursuing market share after years of cutting production,” he added.

 

That about-face will also provide an opportunity to build good relations with Donald Trump’s United States, he went on.

Shortly after taking office in January, Trump called on Saudi Arabia, which heads the cartel, to up production in order to bring prices down.

 

Last month, the group slightly lowered its forecast for oil demand growth, citing the impact of US tariffs on the world economy.

 

OPEC in 2016 came up with OPEC+ to strengthen its weight on the global market.

 

The eight countries that have agreed to additional increases are Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman.

 

AFP

 

A mother, Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo, crying profusely on Facebook, has called on members of the public and security agencies to help locate her son, Oladipupo Siwajuola, a student of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo.

 

Omotayo, in a live video on Facebook, said she dropped off her son at the university on the evening of Sunday, 27 April 2025.

Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo (l), mother of the missing Oladipupo Siwajuola (r), a student of Babcock University. Credit: Screenshot, Facebook.

She said, “Members of the public should please help tell Babcock University to produce my son. I dropped him off at the school myself on Sunday evening, but for the past three days, I have not been able to sleep as I cannot find my son.

 

“I was even at the school yesterday and they said that’s how students behave sometimes that they might be within the school premises but hiding themselves… Babcock University should please help find my son.”

In an earlier post, the distraught mother stated: “Babcock University, Ilishan, could you please inform me about the whereabouts of my son, Oladipupo Siwajuola? Can you explain why Lampard and Tobi, who were the last to see him, are being shielded? It has been over 72 hours since I last spoke to my son.

 

“I personally dropped him off at school on Monday, April 27, as I always do, and I have been unable to locate him since then. Please provide information about my son’s whereabouts. My family and I should not suffer due to your lack of accountability. My son is not a piece of furniture.”

 

The Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, in a Facebook post, said he had spoken to the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, who had also contacted the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo, regarding the incident.

Ojo said, “Madam Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo, I just got off the phone with the State Commissioner for Education, who had earlier spoken with the Vice-Chancellor of the university to find out what is going on and what has been done so far.

 

“According to the VC, this is the first time he’s heard about the issue. He now has your son’s name, picture, the videos you’ve shared, and some other relevant updates. He has assured us that he will look into the matter immediately.

 

“Security agencies are also involved, and by God’s grace, this will be resolved positively and soon.”

 

The Director of Marketing and Communications at the university, Dr Joshua Suleiman, on Saturday, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, saying the school’s security department had commenced an investigation into the worrying development.

 

Suleiman said, “The school is aware of the case. It is being handled by our security department and is under investigation.”

 

Similarly, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

 

Ogunlowo, in a phone conversation, said, “The woman just reported this case to the police today and we are already investigating the matter. We have been trying to get in touch with the university, so we are on it.”

 

The Police Command in Gombe State has arrested a 27-year-old Taraba-bound Joseph Babari contracted to fight in Plateau State.

 

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Gombe, the state capital.

 

Abdullahi said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday around 11.30 PM by a police patrol team attached to the Pero-Chonge Division of Shongom Local Government Area ( LGA) of Gombe.

 

He said that the arrest was made while the team was conducting a stop-and-search along the border between Gombe and Taraba State.

 

According to him, Babari confessed to having been contracted by one Isah to go to Bokkos LGA of Plateau to fight for a period of two months.

 

He said the suspect claimed to have been paid N180,000 for the job, which he had executed and was returning home before he was apprehended.

 

The police spokesman said that when the team apprehended Babari, he was found in unlawful possession of a locally fabricated automatic rifle, eight rounds of live ammunition, a locally made black vest and some charms.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect disclosed that he was travelling from Maikatako, Bokos LGA of Plateau State, with the intention of reaching Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State.

 

“However, further investigation revealed that the suspect had been contracted as a fighter at the rate of N180,000 to operate in Bokos LGA for a duration of two months by one Isah whose surname remains unknown,” he said.

 

The spokesperson said that the suspect was currently in police custody along with the recovered exhibits, as further investigation was ongoing to determine the source and intended use of the weapon.

 

He assured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms.

 

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.

 

NAN

 

President Bola Tinubu said his administration is committed to reclaiming ungoverned areas, particularly forests, in the North West and across Nigeria, deploying advanced surveillance and technology to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

 

“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests,” Tinubu said when he addressed the Katsina elders and leaders at a state dinner held at the Government House on Friday night.

 

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of Friday’s engagement in a statement he signed Saturday titled ‘We will secure our forests and enhance surveillance in the Northwest, President Tinubu assures in Katsina.’

 

Nigeria’s Northwest has seen a hail of terror activities in the past decade. A UNIDIR survey of 2,947 residents found that bandit attacks jumped 731 per cent between 2018 and 2022, leaving 8,300 people dead and 9,527 abducted between 2019 and Q1 2024—62 % of all kidnappings nationwide.

In Katsina, RouteWatch’s Security Risk Index recorded 277 attacks and 684 fatalities in June 2024 alone, and a twin assault on Layin Gara and Maikuma villages on April 8, 2025, killed six residents and dragged 59 hostages into the bush.

 

Those raids are launched from the 220‑km‑long Rugu Forest, where security officials say over 100 armed camps sprawl across Sabuwa, Faskari, Dandume, Safana, Batsari, Danmusa and Jibia LGAs, giving gunmen a maze of caves and thickets in which to regroup whenever the armed forces strike.

 

The National Bureau of Statistics’ capital‑importation data shows that Katsina drew zero foreign direct investment in the first nine months of 2024, placing it among 34 states that received no new capital, while neighbouring Kaduna was the north’s lone recipient. Tallies show two factory closures in Katsina between 2020 and 2024, part of a wider exodus of 102 plants nationwide blamed on insecurity and rising operating costs.

 

At Friday’s dinner, Tinubu argued that “Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism. We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils.

 

“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security.

 

“On the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Masari again this evening, yes, I agree that security is a challenge for the country. I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry.”

 

The President highlighted encouraging signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery, attributing recent positive growth indicators to bold policy decisions.

 

He said the federal government will consider upgrading the airport in Katsina State to create jobs and expand the economy.

 

Tinubu also promised that victims of terrorism will receive support to pick up their lives.

He thanked former Katsina Governor, Aminu Masari, for his role in ensuring that he got the endorsement of the North West and emerged as the APC presidential candidate.

The President also thanked the governors who honoured the invitation of the Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, for the commissioning of projects and his daughter’s wedding.

 

The governors were those of Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kwara States.

 

He acknowledged the leadership roles of Katsina indigenes in the country and described President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of integrity who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.

 

“I wish him well,” Tinubu said.

 

In his remarks, Governor Radda said the state had established a security outfit that gathers and supplies intelligence.

 

He projected that the proposed airport expansion, including the cargo terminal, customer terminal, and fire truck, would create 2,700 direct jobs and cost N54bn.

 

Meanwhile, Former Governor Masari thanked the President for appointing two ministers from the state to the Federal Executive Council.

 

Masari also thanked the President for appointing Kaduna indigenes as special advisers, chairmen of boards and heads of regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission and Transmission Company of Nigeria.

 

On why he supported the President’s ambition to contest the 2023 elections, he said:

 

“You have the political will and courage to face the challenges of this country. You know the problem with humans: There will be resistance when new changes and a new social order are coming. And if you are not strong enough and determined, you will succumb, and the problem continues.

 

“But leadership is not about when it is all well. The hard way is the best; you know leaders during hard times. I know and believe you can do it; you have the courage.”

 

Masari said the insecurity in the North West must be tackled holistically from the bottom up.

 

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the 2014 Constitutional Conference in honour of Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark.

 

George appealed at a media briefing on Friday in Lagos.

 

Adebanjo, the late leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, who died at 96 on 14 February, will be buried today (Saturday) in Ogun State.

 

Similarly, Clark, the late Niger Delta leader, who died at 97 on 17 February, will be buried on 13 May in Delta State.

 

Both deceased nationalists are said to have inspired and participated in the 2014 Constitutional Conference convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

 

Speaking on how to immortalise the duo, George said the best way to honour them was to release and implement the resolutions into which they invested all their life’s experience, in the national interest.

 

The retired naval commodore and former military governor of Ondo State said he had become closer to Adebanjo and Clark during the Confab, having worked with them in the same sub-committee on what constitutional system should be adopted.

 

George said, “Mr President, I am appealing to you today, May 2 to release the report of the 2014 Confab for the benefit of the people of this country, in memory of the two old men, to immortalise their names.

 

“These people (Adebanjo, Clark, and other elder statesmen) are crying to Tinubu to release and implement that report.

 

“The report was unanimously agreed upon at the plenary session by the delegates. That is where we can achieve peace.

“When I saw all the work — the contributions of these two elders — and look at it, they died three days apart, I am not afraid to say we are going to take over from where they stopped.”

 

According to him, it has become imperative for the nation to revisit the report now that the ship of state appears to be drifting in terms of the economy, politics, security, and other areas.

 

He added that the current system and constitution had become incapable of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

 

The elder statesman said implementing the Confab resolutions would help resolve numerous challenges facing the country, including corruption, nepotism, sectionalism, and poverty.

Speaking on security and economic challenges, George urged the President not to relent in tackling hardship and security threats.

 

He said there was also an urgent need to reform the electoral process so elections reflect the will of the people.

 

On recent defections of some PDP bigwigs to the ruling APC, the PDP chieftain noted that he was yet to understand what genuinely attracted the defectors to the APC.

 

However, he said there was an urgent need to resolve all internal crises in the PDP to rebuild confidence in the party.

 

While urging PDP leaders to shelve personal ambitions and work in the national interest of the party, George insisted that “the PDP is not finished”.