Borno Farmer Jailed 15 Years for Failing to Report Boko Haram Activities

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 55-year-old farmer, Ali Mustapha, to 15 years imprisonment for concealing information about the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in his community in Borno State.

Mustapha, a resident of Katara Village, was prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation after being held in custody since 2013.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge brought against him. Following his plea, Justice Binta Nyako convicted and sentenced him to 15 years in prison without the option of a fine.

In her ruling, the judge acknowledged the convict’s claim that there were no government officials or security agencies available in his remote community through whom he could have reported the insurgents’ activities.

Justice Nyako, however, held that the offence had been established and subsequently imposed the prison term. She further ordered that the sentence should take effect from 2013, the year Mustapha was arrested and remanded in custody.

El-Rufai Appears in Court as ICPC Corruption Case Continues

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna as hearing resumed in the corruption case filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai arrived at the court complex accompanied by officials of the anti-graft agency, as well as security personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The day’s proceedings are expected to centre on various applications and legal arguments submitted by both the prosecution and defence teams as the case advances to a new stage.

The ICPC has accused the former governor of alleged abuse of office, fraudulent practices, and financial irregularities connected to projects executed during his tenure in Kaduna State. According to investigators, public funds were approved for certain projects that were either not executed or were allegedly handled in breach of established procurement and due process procedures.

However, El-Rufai has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that all actions taken during his administration were lawful and in the best interest of the state.

Tragedy Strikes Ijebu Igbo as Mother and Son, Man Found Dead In Home

Tragedy strikes the Egbe Subair area of Ijebu Igbo following the shocking discovery of a Mother, her boyfriend and son found dead inside their residence on Wednesday morning.

Information gathered from the scene, revealed that the man, popularly called shanko and the woman were reportedly found dead inside the toilet, while her son was discovered lifeless in a room within the house.

According to preliminary reports circulating within the community, the family may have been poisoned.

Although authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death, there may have been a struggle before their deaths, due to the level damaged items found at the scene.

The tragic incident has caused widespread heartbreak and attention in the area, with concerned residents gathering around as the news spread all over town.

Police officers and other security personnel were seen at the scene on Wednesday morning, carrying out investigations and gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

As of the time of filing this report, officials have yet to release a formal statement regarding the cause of the incident or the identities of the deceased.

Protesters storm National Assembly over level of Insecurity

Nigerians staged a protest in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to address the worsening insecurity across the country.

The protesters, operating under the banner ‘Nigerians Unite Against Terror’, on Tuesday, marched peacefully from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded stronger action against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

The convener of the protest, Isah Abubakar, while addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex, stated that bandits do not care about party or faith.

He emphasized that the government’s first duty is to protect its people, but lasting security will require everyone’s involvement.

Abubakar, therefore, called on service chiefs and lawmakers to act with urgency and sincerity, and urged citizens to join with the government in restoring peace and security across the country.

Witness Says Emefiele’s Case Suspects Confessed to Fraud

The 14th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that some suspects confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23m from the apex bank.

Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division of the court on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $6,230,000.

The money was said to be meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the former CBN governor of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

UN chief asks South Africa to end xenophobia

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged South Africa to end xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals in the country.

Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the situation and strongly condemned criminal acts and incitement to violence against migrants in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province.

He reminded the international community that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid was built on a foundation of global and African solidarity.

“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said.

The UN chief noted that South Africa’s development has long been shaped by the contributions of people from across the continent.

El-Rufai pleads not guilty to amended wiretapping charges

The Department of State Services on Thursday, arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security.

El-Rufai, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

At the resumed proceedings, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), informed the court that the matter was fixed for the defendant to take his plea, adding that a further amended five-count charge was filed on April 13.

He urged the court to substitute the earlier three-count charge with the amended one.

Counsel to the defendant, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed he had been served with the amended charge and indicated that he was not opposing the substitution.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for hearing.

US mission reaffirms deep-rooted ties with Nigeria

The United States Mission has reaffirmed its strong partnership with Nigeria, highlighting deep cooperation across security, trade, health, education, and cultural exchange.

In a statement on the mission’s X handle on Monday, the mission said both countries continue to share enduring ties that support mutual prosperity and development.

The statement underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between both countries in addressing regional and global challenges, particularly in areas such as security cooperation and economic development.

It noted that the relationship between both nations extends beyond government-to-government engagement, reflecting strong links between citizens, institutions, and private sector actors.

The Mission added that these partnerships continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening stability, expanding economic opportunities, and improving social outcomes in both countries.

Plateau Relaxes Curfew in Jos North

The Plateau Government has further relaxed the curfew it earlier imposed on Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

Mrs Joyce Ramnap, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.

The state government had imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North LGA, following the attack by gunmen on the Angwan Rukuba community of the area.

The government later relaxed the curfew, allowing movement between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Ramnap said that following the improved security situation in the locality, the state government has further reviewed the curfew.

Effective Wednesday, April 8, 2026, curfew has relaxed in Jos North, and movement will be between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.

EFCC Arrests Man Over Naira Abuse During Birthday Celebration In Enugu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a 24-year-old palm kernel dealer, Ikechukwu, for allegedly abusing the Nigerian currency during his birthday celebration in Enugu State.

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