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November 20, 2025

Education, News, Politics, Trending

NYSC Refutes Fake Pamphlet Suggesting Ransom Payment for Kidnapped Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted a viral claim suggesting that the Scheme advised corps members to pay ransom if abducted, describing the circulating document as fake and misleading.

The clarification, issued Thursday through the NYSC’s official 𝕏 handle, followed widespread social media posts alleging the Scheme had endorsed ransom payment as a safety option for serving youth corps members.

According to NYSC, the controversial document originated from a proposal submitted by a private consultant in 2021.

Although it was reviewed at the time, the management emphasized that the recommendation was never approved, adopted, or included in any official NYSC publication.

In the statement, the Scheme condemned the circulation of the false pamphlet and reaffirmed that it does not reflect NYSC’s stance on the security of corps members or staff.

“The Management of the NYSC wishes to categorically state that the pamphlet making the rounds is not an official document of the Scheme,” the statement said. “Though a related proposal was once submitted for consideration, it was rejected. Members of the public are urged to disregard the misleading publication.”

Also Read: Terry G Slams Benue Governor Alia for Denying Christian Attacks in Benue

The NYSC reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of corps members nationwide, noting that it continues to work closely with security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure a secure environment for all participants in the national service program.

“Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve,” the statement concluded.

News, Politics, Trending

Nigeria’s DSS Files Terrorism Cases Against Suspected IPOB Operatives Financed by Simon Ekpa

The Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated terrorism prosecutions against seven individuals described as frontline operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to the agency, the suspects were allegedly working under the influence and financial direction of Finland-based separatist figure, Simon Ekpa.

The charges—filed on November 19—were entered in three separate suits (FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025) before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

DSS: Suspects Were Financed From Abroad

In a statement released Thursday, DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozi, said the defendants occupied various operational roles within the organisation.

They were allegedly funded by Ekpa and other foreign-based associates to carry out violent activities across the South-East.

One of the accused, identified as Ibrahim Ali Larabo—described by the DSS as an illegal immigrant from Niger Republic—faces specific charges relating to terrorism financing.

Dozi stated that Larabo ran an unlicensed Bureau de Change operation through which he allegedly moved significant funds for the IPOB faction loyal to Ekpa.

“He provided financial services for the Simon Ekpa-led proscribed group, receiving and disbursing large sums of money to support IPOB’s terrorism activities in the South-East,” the statement noted.

The DSS said the group operated as arms suppliers, couriers, Eastern Security Network fighters, and other tactical units within the organisation.

Reference to Ekpa’s Conviction in Finland

Dozi reiterated that Ekpa himself had recently been convicted in Finland.

On September 1, 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced the Nigerian-born Finnish national to six years in prison for several offences, including:

* Participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation

* Incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes

* Aggravated tax fraud

* Violations of Finland’s Lawyers Act

Ekpa, a former local politician in Lahti, has long been accused by Nigerian authorities of fuelling separatist violence.

Other Prosecutions Announced

The DSS statement also highlighted unrelated terrorism convictions and ongoing trials.

A suspect identified as Ismaila, popularly called Mai Tangaran, was convicted for coordinating the 2012 attack on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, sentenced him on November 18 to a total term of 20 years—although the sentences will run concurrently.

Meanwhile, trial continues on January 15, 2026, for two fugitives previously placed on international watchlists:

Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Mamuda)

Abubakar Abba (Abu Baara)

UN Building Bombing Case and Owo Church Attack

The DSS further confirmed progress in the long-running prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged architect of the 2011 UN building bombing in Abuja. He and five others are also being tried in connection with the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Also Read: Federal High Court Convicts IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu in Absence, Upholds Jurisdiction

Among the defendants, the service named Abdulazeez Obadaki (Bomboy)—described as an ISWAP commander—who reportedly confessed to orchestrating the Owo and Okene attacks.

The DSS also disclosed the arrest of Musa Abubakar, said to be a major arms manufacturer and supplier operating in Plateau State.

Tinubu’s Directive and Ongoing Investigations

Ten additional suspects apprehended over recent attacks in Benue and Plateau States are also standing trial. The arrests followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for security agencies to identify and prosecute perpetrators of renewed violence in the region.

Dozi noted that since assuming office in 2024, DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi ordered a comprehensive review of all inherited terrorism cases and mandated fresh forensic investigations to strengthen ongoing prosecutions.

“Investigations and prosecutions are being pursued diligently and strictly in accordance with Nigerian law,” she said.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music, News, Trending

“No One Comes Close”: Slimcase Praises Wizkid’s Extravagant Yet Low-Key Lifestyle

Nigerian singer and hypeman Oluwafemi Oladapo, popularly known as Slimcase, has sparked conversation online after openly praising Wizkid’s understated but luxurious lifestyle.

In a post shared on his 𝕏 account on Thursday, Slimcase confessed that experiencing even *a fraction* of Wizkid’s comfort would be more than enough for him.

He described Wizkid as the benchmark of quiet opulence in the Nigerian music scene, noting that the Grammy-winning star manages to live lavishly without displaying it for social media applause.

According to Slimcase, “If I can enjoy just 10 percent of what Wizkid enjoys, I’m made for life. Nobody in this industry comes close. His lifestyle is the most extravagant, but he does it silently—no unnecessary show-offs.”

His comments come shortly after he weighed in on the evolving state of Afrobeats. Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, Slimcase lamented the overwhelming influx of new songs and albums, arguing that many artists are placing themselves under needless pressure to stay constantly active.

He urged musicians to slow down, citing Rihanna as an example of an artist who takes long breaks yet maintains relevance. Slimcase warned that the nonstop release cycle is diluting creativity and slowly draining the excitement from Afrobeats.

“Too many songs, too many albums,” he wrote. “You all are stressing yourselves for nothing. Take a break—be like Rihanna.

Also Read: Terry G Slams Benue Governor Alia for Denying Christian Attacks in Benue

Do other things and return with fresh energy. When the music comes too frequently, it gets boring. It’s only God that is new every morning. This back-to-back release culture is killing the fun in Afrobeats.”

Slimcase concluded by adding that he personally owes fans just one song this year—and that’s enough.

Entertainment, News, Politics, Trending

Terry G Slams Benue Governor Alia for Denying Christian Attacks in Benue

Nigerian singer and rapper Gabriel Oche Amanyi, better known as Terry G, has openly criticized Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia over the governor’s recent rejection of claims that Christians in Benue are facing targeted attacks.

Governor Alia, speaking at a consultative forum on the protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) hosted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja, dismissed accusations circulating in the United States that Nigeria is witnessing religious genocide. He challenged narratives being used by some American officials to advocate for Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a label reserved for nations accused of systemic persecution of religious groups.

According to the governor, such allegations are unfounded.

“In my state of Benue, we don’t have any religious, ethnic, racial, national, or state genocide. Nothing of that sort exists,” Alia stated. While acknowledging security challenges, he insisted the situation does not meet any internationally recognized definition of genocide.

His comments, however, did not sit well with Terry G, who hails from Benue. Taking to Instagram, the music star expressed outrage, accusing the governor—who is also a Catholic priest—of downplaying the suffering of Christian communities.

“Reverend, for that matter, why una too dey lie?” he wrote. “Why can’t you people just admit what is happening and take action? Saying there’s no Christian genocide in Benue—so you’re not hearing all the reports circulating? What kind of governor talks like that? Una just dey cap anyhow.”

Also Read: Omah Lay Urges Nigerians to Take Action, Not Just Pray, Amid Rising Violence

Terry G stressed that many in the state feel silenced and frustrated, insisting that the attacks on Christian communities are real and ongoing.

“We refuse to be quieted,” he added. “Christians in Benue are under attack, and no amount of denial can erase that truth.”

News, Politics, Trending

Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life as Court Convicts IPOB Leader

In a landmark judgment that concludes one of Nigeria’s most closely watched trials, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a series of jail terms—among them life imprisonment—to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The court, after reviewing years of submissions and evidence presented by the Federal Government, found Kanu guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges. Justice Omotosho affirmed that the prosecution had successfully proved that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives amounted to calculated acts of terror against the Nigerian state.

Under the sentencing breakdown, Kanu received life imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6; 20 years without the option of a fine for count 3; and five years without the option of a fine on count 7.

The judge further ordered that Kanu should not be incarcerated at Kuje Prison, where he has previously been detained.

In addition to the custodial sentences, the court directed the forfeiture of Radio Biafra transmitting equipment allegedly used to disseminate the inflammatory broadcasts.

Kanu was also barred from accessing social media platforms, which the court described as tools he had previously used to issue threats and incite unrest.

The Judgement

Justice Omotosho, delivering the judgment on Thursday, said the evidence established that Kanu used multiple broadcasts to issue life-threatening warnings, declare a sit-at-home order across the South-East, and incite attacks on Nigerian security personnel and their families.

These actions, the court held, constituted preparatory and active acts of terrorism under Nigerian law.

According to the judge, Kanu’s statements were neither accidental nor misinterpreted. “He knew precisely what he was doing. The threats were deliberate, coordinated, and intended to terrorise the populace,” Justice Omotosho said, adding that Kanu failed to offer explanations or challenge crucial elements of the prosecution’s case.

The court pointed out that the controversial sit-at-home order—which significantly disrupted economic activity in the South-East—supported the prosecution’s assertion that Kanu’s directives directly contributed to public fear and regional instability.

The ruling detailed specific allegations:

Count 2: Kanu was accused of threatening that anyone who ignored his sit-at-home directive “would be killed.”

Count 3: He was found guilty of publicly declaring himself a member and leader of IPOB, a proscribed organisation under Nigerian law.

Count 4: Evidence showed he used a 2021 broadcast to call for attacks on military and police personnel.

Count 5: The court held he went further by urging followers to target the families of security officials.

Count 6: He was found to have directed IPOB members to manufacture weapons.

Also Read: UPDATED: Judge Declares Nnamdi Kanu An ‘International Terrorist’

Count 7: The prosecution established that he imported and possessed Radio Biafra equipment used to transmit the inflammatory messages.

Conclusion

Justice Omotosho described the broadcasts as “deliberate and inflammatory” and concluded that they were designed to provoke widespread violence, destabilise security formations, and undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.

The judgment marks one of the most significant developments in the long-running case, which has drawn international scrutiny and shaped public discourse on national security, separatist movements, and the boundaries of free expression in Nigeria.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music, News, Trending

Omah Lay Urges Nigerians to Take Action, Not Just Pray, Amid Rising Violence

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has called on citizens to actively engage in addressing the country’s challenges, stressing that prayers alone are not enough to drive meaningful change.

In a recent social media post, Omah Lay wrote, “NO JESUS, NO ALLAH, NO PRAYER IS SAVING US. NOTHING CHANGES UNTIL WE WAKE TF UP 🇳🇬💔.”

His statement comes as the nation continues to grapple with violent incidents, including the recent attack on a church in Kwara State and the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

Many celebrities have voiced concern over the escalating insecurity. Music industry figures like Don Jazzy, Davido, Falz, and comedian Mr Macaroni have all urged authorities to take urgent steps to safeguard citizens.

Meanwhile, Nigerian singer Yemi Alade weighed in on security debates, opposing calls for foreign intervention.

She emphasized that African nations must take responsibility for resolving their own security issues rather than depending on external forces.

Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola also shared her perspective on the rising violence across Nigeria. She revealed that while she sometimes considers leaving the country for safety reasons, she remains in Nigeria because her family is still there. Ogunmola described the nation as her home and expressed her enduring connection to her roots despite the ongoing challenges.

Also Read: UPDATED: Judge Declares Nnamdi Kanu An ‘International Terrorist’

With these growing voices from the entertainment industry, the spotlight is increasingly on both citizens and authorities to find practical solutions to Nigeria’s persistent security concerns.

News, Politics, Trending

Federal High Court Finds Nnamdi Kanu Guilty of Inciting Violence Against Nigerian Security Personnel

The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for inciting attacks against Nigerian security forces through his broadcasts.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the landmark ruling on Thursday, addressing multiple terrorism charges brought against Kanu by the Federal Government. The court found that Kanu, in a 2021 broadcast, explicitly encouraged Nigerians to target and kill members of the country’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies.

“In the count filed against him, Kanu made a broadcast in 2021 to incite the people of Nigeria to kill all security personnel,” the judge stated, describing the speech as deliberate and inflammatory. According to Justice Omotosho, the broadcast was designed to provoke widespread attacks on soldiers, police officers, and other security operatives.

The ruling also highlighted a particularly disturbing aspect of Kanu’s actions under Count Five. The judge noted that the IPOB leader extended his threats beyond security personnel, urging attacks on their families. “In count 5, he made a broadcast to hunt and kill families of Nigeria security personnel,” Omotosho remarked.

The court classified Kanu’s statements as acts of terrorism under Nigerian law, emphasizing that such incitements pose serious threats to national security and contribute to ongoing violence in parts of the country.

This ruling marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing legal efforts to curb IPOB’s activities and underscores the seriousness with which the Nigerian judiciary treats threats against state security forces.

News, Politics, Trending

UPDATED: Judge Declares Nnamdi Kanu An ‘International Terrorist’

Justice James Omotosho has classified the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as an “international terrorist.”

Did You Miss? Federal High Court Convicts IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu in Absence, Upholds Jurisdiction

Delivering judgement in the terrorism case filed by the Federal Government against Kanu, the judge stated that he declared Kanu an international terrorist due to his intention to “bomb the British High Commission, and to kill the then British high commissioner Catriona Laing.

News, Politics, Trending

Federal High Court Convicts IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu in Absence, Upholds Jurisdiction

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a significant ruling in the high-profile case involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since 2021.

The judgement was handed down in Kanu’s absence after the court ordered security officials to remove him for disruptive behavior during proceedings.

Kanu, who faced seven terrorism-related charges ranging from alleged incitement to running an unlawful organization and acts perceived to threaten national security, had challenged the court’s authority to try him. He argued that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over his case and claimed that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he was charged had been repealed.

The IPOB leader also contested the validity of the plea of not guilty entered on his behalf, asserting that it was obtained through deception and contrary to Supreme Court directives. He urged the court to dismiss all charges, describing them as baseless, and to order his immediate release.

Delivering Thursday’s ruling, Justice Omotosho dismissed Kanu’s jurisdictional objections, affirming that the Federal High Court has the authority to hear the case. The judge also ruled against Kanu on the matter of extradition, citing prior Supreme Court decisions that had settled the issue.

On the question of fairness, the court held that Kanu received ample opportunity to present his case. Justice Omotosho noted that despite repeated encouragement to enter a defense, Kanu chose to remain silent, effectively leaving the prosecution’s case unchallenged—a decision the judge described as a “risky gamble.”

You May Like: Benue Governor: No Religious Genocide in Nigeria

The court ultimately found Nnamdi Kanu guilty on Count 1 of the charges brought against him. Justice Omotosho stated: “The court relies on the uncontroverted evidence presented by the prosecution. Count 1 has been proven beyond reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the defendant is hereby convicted in respect of this count.”

Further details of the judgement are still being read, and updates will follow as the proceedings continue.

News, Sports, Trending

Atalanta Coach Raffaele Palladino Backs Ademola Lookman Amid Slow Start

Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has thrown his full weight behind Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, expressing confidence in the 28-year-old despite a sluggish start to the season and swirling transfer rumors.

Lookman has found the net just once in ten appearances across all competitions this season, a statistic that has sparked questions about his form. The forward also spent a busy summer navigating the transfer market, with reported interest from European heavyweights such as Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid.

Ultimately, no move materialized, leaving Lookman to focus on proving himself at Atalanta.

The season has also seen moments of tension. Under former manager Ivan Juric, Lookman reportedly clashed with the coach during a 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Marseille after being substituted late in the match.

Juric’s eventual dismissal following a string of disappointing results paved the way for Palladino to take charge.

Since assuming the role, Palladino has made rebuilding his relationship with Lookman a priority. “I have a huge belief in Ademola,” Palladino said in an interview with Tuttoatalanta. “He’s a strong player who can make the difference.”

The coach revealed that he personally reached out to Lookman while the striker was on international duty, emphasizing the importance of understanding each player individually.

“He presented himself well upon his return,” Palladino added. “I’ll evaluate his deployment based on training performances and what I see on the pitch. But he’s a player I’m banking on.”

You May Like: Benue Governor: No Religious Genocide in Nigeria

With Palladino’s backing and renewed focus, Lookman now has the opportunity to rediscover his best form and prove that he can still be a decisive figure for Atalanta this season.

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