Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by the Federal Government seeking a bench warrant for the arrest of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in an ongoing defamation case. The defamation suit, filed by the government on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, is based on claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live appearance on Channels Television on April 3, 2025. During the broadcast, she allegedly accused both men of plotting to assassinate her. When the case was called on Monday, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. D.D. Kasue,…

By Atoyebi Nike The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged growing challenges to regional integration, pledging stronger unity and urgent reforms in response to recent setbacks. At the 37th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held Sunday in Abuja, Commission President Dr. Omar Touray — represented by Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja — warned that the bloc is facing an “existential crisis.” The meeting reviewed progress on programmes and projects, including the impact of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from the bloc. Touray said ECOWAS must act quickly to safeguard 50 years of…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu has condemned the mass killings in Benue State, calling them “depressing” and unacceptable. He has directed security agencies to act immediately. Tinubu also asked Governor Hyacinth Alia to hold talks between warring groups. The attacks happened overnight between June 13 and 14 in Yelewata and Daudu, Guma LGA. Over 200 people were killed, many of them IDPs under care at a Catholic hospital. Security forces have now been deployed. Tinubu urged political and community leaders to stop making comments that could incite more violence. Pope, CAN React Pope Leo XIV spoke from the Vatican.…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s flagship crude oil grades experienced a significant price surge over the weekend, crossing the $77 per barrel mark amid escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran, which have renewed global fears of a broader Middle East conflict. According to market data from Oilprice.com, Bonny Light crude rose to $78.62 per barrel by late Sunday, while Brass River and Qua Iboe settled at $77.09 and $77.14 respectively. These figures represent a sharp spike from the sub-$65 average recorded just a few days prior. This upward price movement puts Nigeria’s oil earnings in a more favorable position, as…

By Atoyebi Nike Iran’s judiciary has confirmed the execution of a man convicted of espionage for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, as tensions between the two rival nations intensify with deadly cross-border attacks. According to an official report by Mizan Online, the judiciary’s news outlet, Esmaeil Fekri was executed on Monday after being found guilty of serious charges, including “corruption on Earth” and “moharebeh” an Islamic legal term meaning “waging war against God.” The sentence was carried out following the completion of all judicial processes and was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, the report noted. Fekri’s execution comes as both nations…

By Atoyebi Nike The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilisation, Mr. Atu Joseph, has placed two of his top aides, Chief of Staff Mr. John Ukeyima and Chief Press Secretary Mr. Lubem Terkula on indefinite suspension for participating in a protest deemed contrary to state directives. The action, effective June 14, 2025, was formally communicated in a letter dated June 15. Joseph accused both aides of insubordination and a violation of official trust, citing their presence at a youth-led demonstration in Makurdi that condemned the escalating violence in the state. “This decision…

By Atoyebi Nike Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State and ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams following a series of brutal attacks that have left scores of people dead. The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the development on Monday in a terse post on its official X account: “IGP arrives Benue, orders for additional deployment of tactical teams.” The move follows a wave of violence believed to have been carried out by suspected herders in Guma Local Government Area, with local authorities confirming at least 45 deaths. However, community leaders and eyewitnesses suggest the actual…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu addressed a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday to mark Democracy Day 2025. In the speech, he reflected on Nigeria’s journey since 1999, paid tribute to June 12 heroes, and reaffirmed his pledge to uphold democratic principles. Tinubu thanked former President Buhari for formally recognizing June 12 and MKO Abiola’s victory in 1993. He emphasized the parliamentary role in defending democracy—from opposing third-term bids in 2006 to enabling Jonathan’s rise in 2010. The president dismissed concerns over a one-party state, vowing competitive politics and welcoming defections into the APC. He invited lawmakers…

By Atoyebi Nike As Nigeria commemorates Democracy Day on June 12, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has described the country’s democratic journey as a continuing work in progress, urging renewed citizen and civil society engagement to strengthen governance. In a statement issued by its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere underscored the importance of the day, which marks Nigeria’s transition from military rule to civil governance. Fasoranti credited the enduring democratic experience since 1999 to sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and civil society movements, especially the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), of which Afenifere was a central part. He noted that while…

By Atoyebi Nike A large convoy of over 1,500 activists from Algeria and Tunisia has arrived in Libya, continuing its journey to the Gaza Strip to challenge Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid. The group, traveling by cars and buses, aims to reach Gaza through Egypt’s Rafah Crossing. The convoy arrived in Zawiya, western Libya, on Tuesday and is heading through cities including Tripoli, Misrata, and Benghazi to reach the Egyptian border at Saloum. More supporters are expected to join from Libya. Algerian activist Jamila Sharitah said authorities in Tunisia and Libya have supported the convoy’s passage. Organizers say the mission…