President John Mahama of Ghana has assured Nigeria of the safety of its nationals residing in Ghana, stating that there is no place for xenophobia in the country.
Mahama also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African States protocols, especially those concerning the free movement of persons and goods within the region.
A statement on Friday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, said the Ghanaian president gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving President Bola Tinubu’s special envoy, led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.
“Tell President Tinubu not to lose sleep over the recent protests. Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with a shared history, and we won’t allow anything to come between us,” the statement titled, “Mahama to Tinubu: No room for xenophobia in Ghana,” quoted Mahama as saying.
He attributed the tension to the recirculation of a video recorded over a decade ago by a Nigerian residing in Ghana, saying the incident was promptly managed.
The Ghanaian president promised to protect the lives, properties, and businesses of Nigerians in Ghana.
“The recirculation of an old video made by a Nigerian residing in Ghana over 10 years ago actually generated tension, but gladly, the situation was swiftly managed.
“The protesters were not more than 50. I assure the envoy of the safety and protection of the lives, properties and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana, ” he stated.
Earlier, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the visit was to douse tension following the circulation of the video that triggered concerns back in Nigeria.
“Every Nigerian back home is apprehensive about the safety of Nigerian nationals in Ghana. We are here to reaffirm the safety of our citizens and to seek ways to strengthen bilateral ties,” she said.
The minister also disclosed plans to facilitate the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, which she said would help address youth migration driven by high unemployment rates.
She added that she would be meeting with the Nigerian community in Ghana to encourage them to obey local laws and conduct themselves as good ambassadors of their country.
Seven farmers who were kidnapped last Saturday while working on their farmland in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their freedom.
The victims were released on Wednesday night after spending five days in captivity, a relative of one of the abductees told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.
The relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “I’m happy to tell you that the kidnappers released all seven farmers on Wednesday night. They are back with their families.
“I want to let you know that when the kidnappers demanded ransom, which was N100 million initially before it was reduced to N20 million, we were only able to raise N5 million.
“They were released in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti, on Wednesday night after collecting the N5 million and food items.
“The victims are now in the hospital for medical attention.”
Efforts by NAN to speak with the state Commander of Amotekun Corps, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, were unsuccessful as calls to his cell phone were not answered.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, simply said, “I’m not aware of their release.”
Amnesty International says that one year after the Nigerian police used lethal force and carried out mass arbitrary arrests of peaceful #EndBadGovernance protesters, the authorities have failed to ensure justice for victims and survivors.
The organisation made this disclosure in a statement posted on its website and social media handles on Friday.
It could be recalled that the #EndBadGovernance protests began on August 1, 2024, and lasted for 10 days, ending on August 10, 2024.
The protests were sparked by widespread discontent among Nigerians over various economic and governance issues, driven by economic hardship, fueled by skyrocketing inflation and high food prices, as well as the hike in the price of fuel in the country.
The protests, which saw widespread participation across major cities, turned violent in some areas due to clashes with security forces, resulting in fatalities and arrests.
According to the Amnesty International’s investigation, the Nigerian police killed at least 24 people between August 1-10, 2024, in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Kaduna states.
Several protesters were also said to have been convicted, allegedly based on bogus charges, while trials continue in Abuja, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kaduna states.
“The Nigerian authorities are yet to take appropriate and effective measures to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” said the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, in the statement.
The statement added, “Amnesty International found that the police fired live ammunition at close range, often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill.
“Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, while others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas.”
It also said “some protesters were tortured and punished with starvation while in detention, leading to the collapse of minors facing trial before the Federal High Court Abuja on November 1, 2024.
“The Nigerian authorities pressed on with all charges brought against #EndBadGovernance protesters despite overwhelming evidence that they did not break any law.”
Accordingly, the statement quoted that, “In Maiduguri, Borno State, several #EndBadGovernance protesters were convicted and sentenced to community service, caning, or imprisonment after a sham trial on bogus charges. The charges included forming a group named ‘Zanga Zanga’ Group and agreeing to take up arms against the government.”
In Abuja, Amnesty stated that several #EndBadGovernance protesters continue to face sham trials in a Federal High Court.
The charges against them include levying war against the state, inciting to mutiny, and destabilising Nigeria.
The organisation condemned what it described as “the Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests, seeing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s utter disregard for human rights.”
Therefore, the organisation called for accountability and justice for the victims and survivors of the protests, adding that “the Nigerian government has failed to hold the police accountable for the horrific attacks on #EndBadGovernance protesters. Failing to hold the police accountable will only encourage the security forces to continue using firearms as a tactical tool for managing demonstrations.”
The organisation also emphasised that “the #EndBadGovernance protests were a call for better governance and accountability in Nigeria. The government’s response to the protests has been widely criticised, with many calling for an end to police brutality and impunity.”
“One year after the protests, the victims and survivors are still waiting for justice. The Nigerian government must take immediate action to address the human rights abuses and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” the statement revealed.
It further stated, “The international community must also take a stand and call on the Nigerian government to respect and protect human rights. The use of lethal force and arbitrary arrests is unacceptable and must be condemned,” adding that “the Nigerian government must prioritise the safety and well-being of its citizens and ensure that the security forces are held accountable for their actions.
“The #EndBadGovernance protests may be over, but the fight for justice and accountability continues. The Nigerian government must be held accountable for its actions, and those responsible for human rights abuses must be brought to justice.”
The National Association of Nigerian Students on Monday raised the alarm over what they described as the “nefarious and atrocious” activities of members of Dragon Squad, a police unit that has been terrorising residents of Ogun State, particularly students.
According to a statement signed by the National President of NANS, Ladoja Olushola, on Monday, in Abuja, the squad claimed to be established by the Office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State, has continued to harass and intimidate residents and students of Abeokuta, on the pretext of going after “Yahoo Boys”.
Olushola added that the squad, being led by one DSP has its office in the Laderin Estate in the state capital, where several innocent people were being detained.
He said that the DSP, who was part of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (
and Zonal Intervention Squad located in Obada-Oko Area of the state, has continued to lead his team to terrorise, extort, detain and raid the homes of residents illegally.
The NANS National President further stated that the squad, apart from arresting and detaining Ogun residents who are mainly youths and students, has been acting as security backing to suspected land grabbers who invaded part of Ita Oshin and Oke Ata communities in Abeokuta, to unleash mayhem and wreak havoc.
He noted that despite several complaints made by the residents to the office of the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, the “heinous activities of the Dragon Squad have continued unchecked”, calling on the Inspector General of Police to urgently intervene and rein in the terrors of the DSP and his team.
Olushola disclosed that the senior police officer claimed that his squad was sent by the AIG in charge of the Zone 2, Onikan to Ogun, hence, the Commissioner of Police in the state cannot interfere with his operations.
He maintained that the excesses of the police squad have spread fear in the hearts of Ogun residents, particularly students and their parents who had either been detained or forced to cough up an exorbitant sum of money.
Olushola observed that the Gestapo style of operations of the squad, is gradually bringing back the inglorious era of SARS’s brutality and inhumane treatment meted out to the people.
While reiterating NANS’s call to the IGP to order the AIG in charge of Zone 2 in Lagos, to disband the Dragon Squad in Ogun, Olushola declared that the student body will mobilize students and stage a massive protest against the “nefarious and illicit activities” of the squad.
He further expressed dismay that that a police officer whose notorious and obnoxious activities in Ogun State largely contributed to the disbandment of the defunct SARS and ZIS, could be assigned by the AIG to surreptitiously revive SARS modus operandi in the state.
The statement reads further: “NANS has viewed with dismay and unpleasantness, the nefarious and atrocious activities of members of a police unit, dubbed Dragon Squad in Ogun State. The squad being led by one DSP Akeem Adeyemi, has not only been terrorizing residents of Abeokuta, especially students, who have fallen victim, but it has also become a ready-made tool of oppression in the hands of land grabbers in the state.
“The office in Laderin Estate in Abeokuta has a holding cell where innocent people are being detained for up to a month without being charged to court. No victim has come out of the detention without tales of horror, extortion and intimidation. On the pretext of going after Yahoo Boys, several students have been arrested, detained and extorted. Their parents are not spared.
“These policemen have turned Ogun, Abeokuta specifically, to their workshop. They carry out dirty jobs and extort the youths and students. In fact, NANS was reliably informed that a sum of N1.5m was collected from a male victim last week.
“While NANS will not condone or support crimes in any guise, even from our members, the student will stand against and resist any violation of rights of our members, harassment and intimidation from any security agency, particularly the ones that engage in activities not backed by the Nigerian Constitution”.
“We, however, call on the Inspector General of Police not to allow DSP Adeyemi and his cohorts in the Dragon Squad, constituting himself into a terror and above-the-law personality, in the state of origin of the IGP. The AIG in charge of the Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, whom Adeyemi claimed birthed Dragon Squad, should also be called to order.
“To this end, NANS will mobilize massively and storm the office of AIG, Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State, on Wednesday, to protest the nefarious, obnoxious and notorious activities of the police Dragon Squad in Ogun State
“By next week Monday, NANS will mobilize and march in protest to the office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja; the National Assembly and the Office of the Secretary of Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Police Service Commission office, in order to call their attention to the aberration and siege on the innocent people of Ogun, courtesy DSP Adeyemi and his team.”
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the alleged involvement of the State Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi, in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Wawu.
The governor’s directive follows public uproar and mounting concern after reports emerged that the Commissioner’s name featured in official documentation reportedly used to secure the suspect’s release.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, said the state government was treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, noting that any attempt to shield individuals suspected of sabotaging the fight against drug-related crimes would not be tolerated.
“To ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry,” the statement read, “Governor Yusuf has constituted a special investigative committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend appropriate measures.”
The committee, chaired by Aminu Hussain, who is also the Governor’s Special Adviser on Justice and Constitutional Matters, has been tasked with investigating the case and submitting its findings with immediate effect.
Other members of the panel include: Hamza Haladu; Hamza Nuhu Dantani; Alhaji Abdullahi Mahmoud Umar; Maj. Gen. Sani Muhammad (retd.); Kabiru Said Dakata and Hajiya Bilkisu Maimota – Secretary.
Governor Yusuf, while unveiling the committee, expressed grave concern over the potential abuse of public office by political appointees and restated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and related social vices.
“Let it be known that our administration will not condone any act that compromises the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. We are fully committed to the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse, and anyone found culpable—regardless of their position—will face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.
Although no official response has been issued by the Commissioner for Transport as of press time, the formation of the investigative panel suggests a decisive move by the Kano State Government to maintain public trust and ensure transparency in governance.
The alleged drug baron at the centre of the controversy, Dan Wawu, is said to have been arrested on charges related to narcotics trafficking.
His sudden release, which allegedly involved political interference, has raised eyebrows across the state.
The probe comes at a time when the state government is ramping up campaigns against drug abuse and criminality, particularly among youths, which Governor Yusuf has repeatedly described as a major threat to the security and future of Kano State.
Several persons were feared dead on Friday night after a trailer lost control and rammed into them along the Chisco Park Junction in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was gathered that the fatal accident occurred around 9:30pm when the driver of the trailer experienced brake failure and crashed into pedestrians on the roadside, resulting in multiple fatalities.
The incident which was also captured on the Amichi City-wide CCTV system, showed some of the knocked-down victims lying on the ground, while some residents and other road users were seen bemoaning the incident and offering rescue assistance to the victims.
Some eyewitnesses near the scene told our correspondent said the accident occurred within a short period of time as the victims who were mostly doing their usual night business did not see the incoming trailer towards them.
One of the eyewitnesses, who gave his name simply as Uche, said, “The crash, which occurred at about 9:30pm yesterday(Friday) came as a shock given the short period within which everything happened.
“The people were doing their usual night business and engaging in their usual activities while some passengers were waiting to board vehicles when the trailer uncontrollably rammed into them, knocking many down, including motorcyclists, a little girl, bystanders, and some petty traders.
“Some road users who saw the trailer on time as it was dangerously approaching the area were able to escape the tragedy. Several persons who were knocked were mostly those waiting to board vehicles and some people doing business near the park.
“The bodies of the victims lay on the ground before the rescue operations from pedestrians and the arrival of security operatives.”
When contacted on the development on Saturday, the Spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra sector, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident, but could not give the actual casualty figure.
“Yes, we received the accident of the accident, but information about the crash and the casualty rate is still being gathered, we will issue a statement soon,” Onabe said.
Russia struck several regions of Ukraine overnight, officials said Saturday, reporting one person killed in Dnipro, while Moscow said two people died after a Ukrainian drone attack in the Rostov region.
Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov said one person was killed in a high-rise apartment complex.
Across the border, Russia’s acting governor of Rostov said a car caught fire following a drone strike.
“Tragically, two people died,” Yuri Sliusar posted on Telegram.
Ukrainian officials in Dnipro, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia all reported coming under Russian fire overnight.
In Dnipro, Filatov urged people to take precautions during Russian attacks.
“I understand that there aren’t enough shelters, but I must say: during shelling, it is absolutely not advisable to stay on the upper floors, especially when there is an underground parking area available,” he posted on Telegram.
Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said that his city had come under sustained bombardment “for almost three hours”.
“The enemy used several types of weapons simultaneously: guided bombs, ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones,” he added.
In Zaporizhzhia, Governor Ivan Fedorov said several fires broke out following Russian drone attacks, one of which hit a residential building while another damaged a farm warehouse.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pushing for a meeting with counterpart Vladimir Putin to end the war, with Kyiv proposing talks by the end of August.
But the Kremlin on Thursday downplayed the likelihood any such meeting was imminent.
Both sides have radically different positions at the negotiating table, and Ukraine has accused Russia of sending only low-level officials with no decision-making power.
Russia has called on Ukraine to effectively cede four regions that Moscow claims to have annexed, a demand Kyiv has called unacceptable.
Ukraine meanwhile has been pleading with its Western backers to send more weapons for its troops to withstand daily Russian attacks.
The Ogun State police command on Saturday said that its Anti-Cultism Unit in collaboration with other tactical squads have arrested two soldiers and 20 others suspected to be cultists during a midnight raid on Hilton Hotel, Osiele, Abeokuta.
The Spokesperson of the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Saturday.
Odutola said, “Acting on credible intelligence, a joint team comprising operatives from Odeda Division, Aregbe Division, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and SWAT, led by SP Adejoh Israel, stormed the location at about 2020hrs on 25th July, 2025.
“The operation was targeted at suspected members of the Aiye confraternity gathered at the hotel.
“In the course of the operation, twenty-two (22) suspects were arrested, including two (2) soldiers, nineteen (19) male suspects, and three (3) females.
“Recovered from the suspects were one cut-to-size locally made gun, one UTC axe, and several blue beret caps associated with the cult group”
She stated that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Anti-Cultism Unit, Eleweran, for further investigation and that no casualty recorded during the operation.
Odutola disclosed that the state police command remains resolute in its fight against cultism and other violent crimes and urges residents to continue providing useful information to aid ongoing operations.
The Ogun State Police Command is investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, whose mutilated body was discovered days after he was declared missing.
Wahab, who was living with his grandmother, was reported missing by his father, Lawal Olumide, before his decomposing remains were found on July 23 along the Old Express Road in Igbile-Ijebu.
In a statement released on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, described the case as a disturbing case of suspected ritual murder.
She said, “A preliminary examination revealed that the head, both wrists, heart, and genitals had been gruesomely removed — suggesting ritualistic motives.”
Odutola confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the killing.
“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, officers from Omu-Ijebu Division apprehended suspects identified as Salawu Omikansola (25 years), Serefusi Agemo, and others,” she said.
According to her, one of the suspects made a voluntary confessional statement, which was also recorded on video.
Odutola confirmed that the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the condition of his remains.
“The deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the state of the remains,” she said.
Odutola said that the case file and relevant exhibits were being prepared for immediate transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran.
She added, “Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing accomplices.
“The Ogun State Police Command condemns this heinous act and assures the public that justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion.”
She further urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control on Wednesday in Kano State destroyed 491,000 tablets of tramadol worth N91 million.
The destruction of the drugs which was seized by the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, was witnessed by the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.
Speaking at the occasion, Adeyeye thanked the NCS for successfully intercepting the consignment and handing it over to NAFDAC.
The Tramadol tablets are being destroyed in an incinerator at AKTH on Wednesday. Source: NAFDAC
“We are pleased to have you witness this important exercise today. On May 28th, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, headed by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, successfully intercepted and handed over 491 rolls containing 10 x 10 x 10 tablets each, equivalent to 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg.
“The NCS intercepted this consignment when unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria. The culprits abandoned the consignment when overwhelmed by NCS operatives,” she said.
She said it was in line with international best practices for the destruction of pharmaceutical products, the agency invited journalists to witness the destruction exercise using an incinerator.
The seized Tramadol tablets before they were destroyed on Wednesday by NAFDAC in Kano State. Source: NAFDAC
“According to the NCS, the duty value of this consignment would have been N91 million,” Adeyeye said.
The NAFDAC DG said the operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnership aimed at strengthening control measures and curbing the menace of illicit drug trade.
“We remain committed to strengthening this partnership, in line with our national action plan and memorandum of understanding between the two foremost agencies of government,” she said.
Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians, urging anyone with information on those perpetrating such acts to report to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action.
The destruction that took place at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital was witnessed by the NAFDAC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the AKTH Chief Medical Director.
