The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has disclosed that the gang responsible for the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, obtained their weapons from an arms dealer based in the Niger Republic.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the September 29, 2025 armed robbery and murder at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, which also claimed the life of a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
According to Adeh, preliminary findings showed that the group acquired a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, and a pistol from a supplier operating across the Nigeria–Niger border.
“All the suspects are from Kaduna and Katsina States and have confessed to obtaining their weapons from a yet-to-be-identified supplier in the Niger Republic,” she said.
The arrested suspects include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar (31).
Adeh stated that the gang also admitted to carrying out several armed robbery operations in Katampe 1, Apo, and Zuba before the fatal attack on the Arise News journalist and the security guard.
Further investigations confirmed that one of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, fired the fatal shot that killed Danlami during the incident.
To track down the perpetrators, the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, constituted a Special Investigation Team led by DCP Aliyu Abubakar and assisted by ACP Victor Godfrey. The team reportedly used digital intelligence and coordinated raids across the FCT, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States to apprehend the suspects.
Adeh urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines.
Nigeria continues to face the challenge of illicit arms proliferation from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The United Nations, in 2016, estimated that out of 500 million illicit small arms in West Africa, about 350 million were in Nigeria.
Venezuelan opposition leader and pro-democracy activist María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering fight for democratic rights and peaceful transition in her country.
Announcing the award in Oslo on Friday, Nobel Committee chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes praised Machado, 58, as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times,” highlighting her “tireless efforts to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
Machado has spent years campaigning against President Nicolás Maduro’s government, which much of the international community considers illegitimate. Despite repeated threats to her life and being forced into hiding for much of the past year, she has remained in Venezuela, continuing to push for reform.
The Nobel Committee described her as a unifying force within the country’s fractured opposition, saying she had inspired millions by choosing to remain in Venezuela despite the risks.
Machado was barred from running in last year’s presidential election, which saw Maduro secure a third term in a vote widely dismissed as neither free nor fair. Still, she managed to unite opposition groups behind Edmundo González, the candidate who replaced her on the ballot, and continued to campaign from hiding after the election results were announced.
In a video statement, Machado expressed surprise and humility over the award, saying it was “the achievement of an entire society.” González also celebrated the announcement, describing it as a recognition of “a woman and a people fighting for freedom and democracy.”
The committee warned that democracy is “in retreat” globally, citing Venezuela as one of several nations where the rule of law and freedom of expression are under threat.
There were 338 candidates nominated for this year’s prize, though their names will remain secret for 50 years, in line with Nobel tradition.
Among those who missed out was U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly sought the award, claiming credit for ending several global conflicts. Following the announcement, the White House accused the committee of “placing politics over peace.”
Frydnes said the decision was based solely on Alfred Nobel’s original principles, noting that Machado’s courage and persistence “embody hope for the future.”
Machado’s recognition marks a defining moment in Venezuela’s pro-democracy struggle and places renewed global attention on the country’s ongoing fight for freedom and political change.
Taiwan plans to construct a dome-like air defence system to protect the island from “hostile threats,” President William Lai announced on Friday, a day after Taipei warned that China was increasing its military capabilities for a possible attack.
Though Lai did not directly name China, Beijing has long claimed the self-ruled island as its territory and has not ruled out using force to take it. Lai said there was a “clear necessity” to increase defence spending, citing persistent Chinese incursions into Taiwan’s waters and airspace, as well as ongoing military drills that simulate an invasion.
The president announced that Taiwan’s defence budget would rise to over 3% of its GDP next year and up to 5% by 2030. However, opposition lawmakers have already blocked several spending bills, creating challenges for Lai’s proposed defence expansion.
Sources familiar with the plan told Reuters the so-called “T-Dome” would be modelled after Israel’s Iron Dome system, which intercepts short-range weapons and has been credited with protecting Israel during its conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Lai said the T-Dome would feature “multi-layered defence, high-level detection and effective interception” to “weave a safety net” for the island’s citizens.
China’s foreign ministry dismissed Lai’s remarks as “distorting facts” and “misleading public opinion,” labelling him a “troublemaker” and reiterating that Taiwan remains “an inseparable part of China’s territory.”
Analysts have cautioned that replicating Israel’s defence model would be expensive and take years to complete. Political scientist Hung-Jen Wang of National Cheng Kung University said the project “will require a massive budget,” while Dennis Weng of Sam Houston State University added that the timeline “extends beyond Lai’s current term.”
In his National Day address, Lai also urged Beijing to “renounce the use of force and coercion,” calling on China to “learn from the tragedies of history” and ensure that “the suffering of war is never repeated.”
Reviled by Beijing as a “separatist,” Lai has adopted a firmer stance toward China than his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, expanding military investments and intensifying readiness exercises as cross-strait tensions continue to rise.
Obiageli Amadiobi, Director-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), told reporters that roughly seven out of ten multinational companies operating in Nigeria have now registered their technology transfer agreements.
She revealed the figure while announcing the upcoming NOTAP Technology and Innovation Summit 2025 in Abuja, warning that some firms are still “hiding their technologies,” especially non-physical systems that power production and data handling.
Amadiobi said a number of overseas operators continue to withhold essential technical know-how and back-end tools, in breach of Nigeria’s technology transfer rules.
“We have started seeing results. At least 70 per cent of the companies are now complying. But there are still a few hiding their technologies, and not all technologies are physical. Some are backend systems that we have uncovered through our auditors.”
A technology transfer agreement legally permits a local business or institution to use a foreign company’s proprietary methods, patents, trademarks, manufacturing techniques or software inside Nigeria for commercial purposes.
While gaps remain, Amadiobi said cooperation has improved thanks to coordinated action with the Central Bank of Nigeria, which has tightened oversight on cross-border payments linked to tech services.
“Banks have now been mandated to ensure that no company remits money for technology-related transactions without obtaining a notarised certificate from NOTAP. This collaboration has significantly improved compliance,” she added.
Amadiobi confirmed the summit will take place on November 6–7, 2025, in Lagos under the theme “Harnessing R&D and Innovation Potentials of Nigeria’s STI Ecosystem,” and described the gathering as a focal point for stakeholders across the innovation landscape.
“The summit will serve as a strategic platform to strengthen dialogue and action around innovation policy, technology transfer, intellectual property, and commercialisation,” the DG said. “Our goal is to accelerate the transformation of research and creativity into commercially viable enterprises that drive national development.”
Organisers plan ministerial keynotes, panels on tech transfer and AI readiness, the launch of Project NOVA (Nigeria’s Outsourcing Value Acceleration), workshops on IP and funding, plus showcases, hackathons and investor-startup sessions.
Amadiobi criticised some foreign operators for exploiting Nigeria’s raw materials while relying on foreign R&D instead of establishing domestic labs — citing the palm oil sector as an example. “It is very pathetic,” Amadiobi lamented. She said NOTAP will summon the companies involved and press them to set up local research facilities to cut avoidable foreign exchange outflows.
She reiterated NOTAP’s push to expand the Local Vendor Policy beyond ICT, noting earlier wins in the tech space. “Through the LVP, we have achieved about 90 per cent success in ICT,” she said. “Nigerian developers are now exporting locally built applications, including banking software. We want to replicate that success in other sectors,” she stated.
The summit will also link innovators with finance partners such as the Bank of Industry while NOTAP finalises a support package for registered startups. But Amadiobi stressed that only genuine, original inventions will be spotlighted. “If someone presents us with bottled water branded differently, that’s not innovation, it’s imitation,” she said.
The Turan Concern Elites Foundation has raised alarm over what it describes as extrajudicial killings in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
At a press conference held in the community, the group alleged that soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians, leading to the death of five persons and leaving several others critically injured.
The press conference, held on October 3rd, 2025, and addressed by Hon. Dickson Akaatyoo and Iyua Joel Korinjo, brought together community leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the media.
Speaking on behalf of the Turan Concern Elites Foundation, the representatives expressed deep sorrow over the incident which, according to them, occurred on September 30th, when Nigerian soldiers allegedly opened fire on mourners in Jato-Aka.
Five persons were confirmed dead, including three school children identified as Tersoo Msurgter, Suur Atee, and Hiinengen Asongo, alongside Aondoakura Shija and Iorsuu Abuul — all residents of the Turan community.
Eight others were said to be receiving treatment for gunshot injuries at various hospitals.
The foundation described the attack as part of a recurring pattern of alleged military brutality in the area, citing previous incidents in 2014 and 2017 where similar violence was reported.
Hon. Akaatyoo called for the immediate withdrawal of the army unit currently stationed in Jato-Aka, led by Captain Jabir Ahmed, and demanded an independent investigation into the recent killings. The group also called for adequate medical support and compensation for victims, while urging both the federal and state governments to ensure lasting security for the Turan people.
According to the statement, the Turan community has faced years of displacement and insecurity from armed groups, but continues to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The Turan Concern Elites Foundation appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and the international community to intervene and ensure justice is served.
The group concluded its briefing with a call for peace, even as it demanded accountability for what it described as crimes against humanity.
As at the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Nigerian Army regarding the allegations. Our newsroom will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure.
The National Council of State confirmed his appointment on Thursday, marking a historic moment as Amupitan becomes the first Kogi-born Nigerian to head the country’s electoral body.
According to a statement by Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the appointment underscores the president’s commitment to credible electoral management under an experienced legal mind.
Who Is Professor Joash Amupitan?
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan is a distinguished legal scholar and administrator.
He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Professor Amupitan is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and they have four children.
Educational Background And Legal Career
Amupitan began his higher education journey at Kwara State Polytechnic (1982–1984) before earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
After his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in 1989, he joined the University of Jos as an Assistant Lecturer, rising through the ranks to become a Professor of Law in 2008. His expertise spans Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
In 2014, Amupitan was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in recognition of his significant contributions to the legal profession.
Professional Experience
Throughout his academic career, Amupitan has held several leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of the Department of Public Law, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at the University of Jos.
He has also represented the university on the Council of Legal Education and the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
Outside academia, Amupitan has served on various corporate boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited and Riss Oil Limited. His legal insight and governance experience have earned him national and international recognition.
A prolific academic, Amupitan has authored and co-authored numerous works on Nigerian corporate and evidence law, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), and Principles of Company Law (2013). His writings are widely referenced in academic and legal circles across Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, resigned on Tuesday following explosive allegations of certificate forgery.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), denied issuing the Bachelor’s degree that the former minister claimed to have earned in 1985, triggering a public outcry and his swift exit. President Bola Tinubu accepted his resignation amid mounting pressure from opposition leaders like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar’s aide, who demanded his prosecution.
Nnaji, in a statement, decried “blackmail and persecution” but stepped down to “save the administration’s image.” This high-profile resignation joins a growing list of Nigerian public officials forced to step down over scandals, ethical lapses, or political intrigues, reflecting persistent accountability issues and deepening public distrust in the nation’s leadership.
Public Holders Who Resigned
Nigeria’s public sector has witnessed numerous high-profile resignations tied to forgery, corruption, and ethical lapses, highlighting the ongoing challenge of sustaining public trust in leadership. Some departures, however, stemmed not from scandal but from political rivalries and internal party disputes that reveal the nation’s complex power dynamics. • Kemi Adeosun
In 2018, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun stepped down after reports surfaced that she forged her NYSC exemption certificate. Having lived much of her early life in London, Adeosun admitted the certificate was invalid but claimed she was unaware of its irregularities, saying it was obtained through a third party. Her resignation, two months after the story broke, confirmed public doubts and revealed major flaws in background checks for public officials. • Patricia Etteh
In 2007, Patricia Etteh, Nigeria’s first female Speaker of the House, resigned after just four months over allegations that she approved ₦628 million for home renovations and the purchase of 12 vehicles. The controversy triggered chaos in parliament, including physical confrontations between lawmakers. Amid mounting criticism, Etteh resigned and later pursued a law degree, effectively ending her legislative career. • Salisu Buhari
In 1999, House Speaker Salisu Buhari resigned after it was exposed that he forged a University of Toronto degree. He was convicted of certificate forgery and sentenced to two years in prison but avoided jail by paying a fine. Later pardoned by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Buhari’s case became an early symbol of weak accountability in public office. • Stella Oduah
Stella Oduah, Minister of Aviation from 2011 to 2014, resigned following accusations of purchasing two bulletproof cars worth ₦255 million in violation of procurement laws. Investigations later revealed she falsely claimed to hold a Master’s degree from a fictitious institution. Her departure came after probes confirmed financial and ethical misconduct. • Aisha Alhassan
In 2018, Minister of Women Affairs Aisha Alhassan resigned after the APC barred her from contesting the Taraba governorship primaries. She argued that the party’s decision suggested she was unqualified to remain a minister. Her open support for Atiku Abubakar, whom she described as her “political father,” further alienated her from the APC and led to her exit. • Barth Nnaji
In 2012, Minister of Power Barth Nnaji resigned after revealing that a company linked to him, though held in a blind trust, was involved in the power sector privatization bidding process. The disclosure raised conflict-of-interest concerns and reportedly deepened tensions with Vice President Namadi Sambo, prompting his resignation. • Bala Ngilari
In 2014, Adamawa Deputy Governor Bala Ngilari resigned alongside Governor Murtala Nyako amid impeachment proceedings tied to corruption allegations. His resignation letter, presented to the House, was quickly approved, reflecting how political pressure forced him out of office.
Demand for Accountability
From Nnaji’s recent exit to earlier scandals, these cases expose deep flaws in Nigeria’s governance. Forgery allegations, like those against Nnaji and the former Finance Minister, highlight weak vetting systems, while corruption charges in the pension and oil sectors erode public trust. Resignations often signal accountability, but the lack of prosecutions fuels skepticism. With the 2027 elections approaching, Nnaji’s departure may not be the last, as scrutiny intensifies. Calls for stricter vetting and transparency from the presidency could reshape official appointments, but Nigerians demand more than resignations—they seek justice and systemic reform to restore faith in governance.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a retired Director of Finance and Administration at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Garuba Mohammed Duku, to 24 years in prison for corruption and money laundering involving ₦318 million. Delivering judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022, Justice James Omotosho found Duku guilty on all six counts brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The court ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a doubt through credible documents and witness testimonies. Duku was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently. He was, however, given an option to pay a fine equivalent to five times the amount stated in each count, a total of about ₦1.6 billion. According to an ICPC statement signed by its Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, investigations revealed that between 2012 and 2013, Duku diverted ₦318,250,000 belonging to the AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account. The funds were reportedly received in tranches of ₦56.25 million, ₦71 million, ₦53 million, ₦54 million, ₦46 million, and ₦36.3 million, and subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized purposes. During the trial, Duku claimed the funds were handed to his superiors, but the court dismissed the defence for lack of evidence. Justice Omotosho held that the ICPC’s evidence was “credible, consistent, and sufficient to establish the offences charged,” describing the transactions as a “clear abuse of public trust.” Reacting to the verdict, Bakare hailed the ruling as a significant milestone in the ICPC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public service. “This judgment underscores the Commission’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that public officers who betray public trust are held accountable,” he said. “No one entrusted with public funds is above the law, and this conviction sends a strong message that corruption will not go unpunished.” The ICPC, one of Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agencies established in 2000, continues to prosecute cases of corruption and financial misconduct under the ICPC Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. The conviction adds to the Commission’s growing list of successful prosecutions, including the May 2024 conviction of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps commandant, Christopher Oluchukwu, for employment fraud, and the 2019 sentencing of former ICPC board nominee Dr. Saad Alanamu and businessman Salman Sulaiman for bribery.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspension followed a meeting between the police chief and a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Hundeyin explained that discussions during the meeting centred on the ongoing enforcement of the tinted glass law and the importance of cooperation between the Police and the Bar in promoting the rule of law and public confidence.
He noted that although there is “no clear court order stopping the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991,” the Force decided to suspend the exercise “out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association,” pending the hearing of a motion on notice scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.
The statement partly read, “The Inspector-General of Police has received a delegation of the NBA led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit, which centred on issues surrounding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, by the Force, provided an opportunity for robust deliberations on issues of mutual concern, particularly the need for synergy between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.”
“To further strengthen the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association, a Police–NBA committee has been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between the police and the bar,” the statement added.
The Force also urged motorists to take advantage of the suspension period to regularise their vehicle documentation and ensure compliance with laws regulating the use of shaded or tinted glasses.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, reiterates the resolve of the Force to enforce all extant laws with fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of all citizens while maintaining effective collaboration with critical stakeholders in the administration of justice,” Hundeyin stated.
Reports indicate that a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, had earlier ordered the police in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector-General of Police & Nigeria Police Force, to suspend enforcement of the law pending the determination of the substantive case. The court also directed the police to maintain the status quo until the matter is resolved.
However, on October 4, Hundeyin clarified via X (formerly Twitter) that the police had not yet been formally served with the court order.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind the campaign led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Atiku, in a post on his official X handle on Thursday, described Kanu’s continued detention as “an open sore on the nation’s conscience and a stain on Nigeria’s belief in the rule of law.” He condemned the Federal Government’s defiance of court orders granting Kanu bail, calling it “an abuse of power and an assault on justice.” “The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice,” Atiku said. “I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by Yele Sowore for his immediate release or due prosecution. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal.” Sowore, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the African Action Congress (AAC), had on Wednesday challenged prominent Southeast and national leaders including Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti to join him in a protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on October 20. “The time for rhetoric is over. Let every politician or person of good conscience who wants Nnamdi Kanu released join us in action,” Sowore declared, announcing that the “historic” #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would begin at 7 a.m. on October 20. The activist said he had personally reached out to several influential figures, including Atiku, Soludo, Otti, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, urging them to participate in the peaceful and lawful demonstration. He stressed that the movement was not about politics but about justice and national healing. Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release including an October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that acquitted him of all charges, the Federal Government has refused to comply. The IPOB leader faces charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement before the Federal High Court in Abuja, all of which he has consistently denied. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 16 after Justice James Omotosho adjourned proceedings to allow the Nigerian Medical Association to conclude an assessment of his health condition. With Atiku’s endorsement, Sowore’s campaign for Kanu’s release has gained renewed national attention, signaling a rare moment of unity among opposition figures in calling for adherence to the rule of law.
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