Wawa Barracks: Exposing Arbitrary Detention, Human Rights Violations, and the Moral Reckoning for Nigeria – OpEd by Evans Ufeli Esq

In this incisive OpEd, Evans Ufeli Esq examines alleged human rights abuses at Wawa Barracks in Niger State, where supporters of IPOB are reportedly detained without trial for years. The article highlights arbitrary detention, denial of due process, torture, poor living conditions, and lack of transparency, stressing violations of both Nigerian law and international human-rights standards. Ufeli calls for immediate reforms, including judicial oversight, independent monitoring, accountability for abuses, and systemic changes to safeguard detainees’ rights. The piece underscores that respecting human dignity in detention is essential for Nigeria’s moral and social stability.

The Wicked Zacchaeus Syndrome: How Corruption Hides Behind Law and Authority in Nigeria – OpEd by M. Musa

In this thought-provoking OpEd, M. Musa draws on the Biblical story of Zacchaeus to illustrate modern corruption in Nigeria. Unlike the Biblical Zacchaeus, who misused power for personal gain, today’s “wicked” exploit legal frameworks, manipulate laws, and hide behind authority to enrich themselves, while institutions fail to hold them accountable. Musa warns that corruption is no longer just about looting money—it can be the subtle theft of governance itself, where silence and inaction allow elites to prosper at the expense of justice. The piece urges society to demand accountability and highlights that history and divine justice ultimately record every wrongdoing.

Nigeria Taken to ECOWAS Court Over Alleged Killing of Adamawa Women Protesters by Soldiers, Families Seek Justice

Nigeria has been dragged to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over the alleged killing of women protesters in Lamurde, Adamawa State, on 8 December 2025. The suit, filed by Cadrell Advocacy Centre on behalf of the deceased women and their families, claims that soldiers of the Nigerian Army opened live fire on peaceful demonstrators protesting a government-imposed curfew amid clashes between the Bachama and Chobo communities. Reports indicate that at least nine women were killed instantly, while several others were injured. Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed and condemned the killings, though the Army denied responsibility, attributing the violence to a local militia. The legal filing requests that the ECOWAS Court declare Nigeria liable for human rights violations, conduct an independent investigation, prosecute those responsible, and award compensation totaling N10 billion to the victims and their families.

We Are Keeping Our Eyes on INEC’ — Kwankwaso Warns as NNPP Holds National Convention, Prepares for 2027 Elections in Abuja

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that his party will closely monitor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the NNPP national convention in Abuja shortly after newly re-elected party executives were sworn in, Kwankwaso stressed that INEC’s role is critical to the survival of democracy in Nigeria. He congratulated the commission on the appointment of its new chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, noting that public confidence in the electoral process depends largely on the conduct of the electoral umpire. Kwankwaso assured party members that NNPP leadership would continue strengthening the party nationwide, as the convention ratified key NEC decisions and elected members of the National Working Committee, signalling the party’s determination to build on its breakout performance in the 2023 elections ahead of 2027.

Nigerian Trade Minister, CAC, Police Accused of Complicity and Silence as Ghana Petitions River Park Estate Dispute to ECOWAS Court

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, along with corporate regulators and security authorities, has been accused of silence and inaction amid the escalating River Park Estate crisis, now formally petitioned to the ECOWAS Court by the Ghanaian government. The dispute centres on allegations by Jonah Capital Limited and Houses for Africa Limited that the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, unlawfully expropriated shares, removed directors extrajudicially and retroactively invalidated corporate filings dating back nearly two decades. Despite a formal petition submitted on December 8, 2025, accusing the CAC of abuse of power and actions detrimental to investor confidence, the Nigerian trade minister has remained publicly silent, raising concerns about regulatory capture and political shielding. The crisis has drawn diplomatic attention, with Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria confirming that Accra has escalated the matter to ECOWAS after failed bilateral engagements, warning that the conduct of Nigerian authorities risks undermining investor protection, judicial processes and Nigeria–Ghana relations.

Fire Guts FIRS Headquarters in Abuja as Electrical Fault Destroys Offices on Fourth Floor, No Casualties Reported

A fire outbreak caused by an electrical fault has damaged several offices at the headquarters of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Abuja. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, was detected early by on-duty security personnel, allowing for swift emergency response that prevented the fire from spreading beyond the fourth floor of the building. According to a statement released by FIRS on its official X account, emergency responders from the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service arrived promptly and successfully brought the situation under control. Although no lives were lost, a number of offices sustained damage. Preliminary findings suggest an electrical fault as the likely cause, while a full investigation is ongoing. FIRS said it has begun reviewing its internal safety measures and will strengthen existing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future, while commending staff and emergency responders for their timely intervention that minimised damage.

Ekiti Teacher Appeals for Help After Alleged Illegal Removal of Both Kidneys During Surgery at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital

A 39-year-old Ekiti State teacher, Joshua Afolayan, has appealed for urgent help after allegedly losing both kidneys following a routine surgical procedure at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. Afolayan, who was admitted after a road accident in August 2025, said doctors initially agreed to remove only his damaged right kidney, as medical scans confirmed that his left kidney was fully functional. However, after the surgery, he claimed hospital officials failed to release post-operative scan results, raising suspicions that later proved devastating when it was discovered that both kidneys had been removed without his consent. Afolayan further alleged that hospital staff later attempted to justify the action by claiming he had a “horseshoe kidney,” a condition not detected in any pre-surgery scans. Now dependent on regular dialysis and suffering chronic pain, the father of three said the hospital has only provided limited support despite the severity of his condition. Although the Ekiti State Government has reportedly set up an investigative panel, Afolayan insists urgent intervention is needed to save his life and secure proper medical care, warning that continued inaction could prove fatal.

President Tinubu arrives in Lagos for end of year break after visits to Borno and Bauchi .

12 Persons Killed, Two Injured as Abuja–Eastern Bound Bus Rams Into Broken-Down Truck on Ejule–Enugu Highway in Kogi State

No fewer than 12 people, including a child, lost their lives while two others sustained injuries in a fatal road accident that occurred late Friday night along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the crash, which happened around 11:30 p.m., involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country. According to the Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Tenimu Etuku, the bus rammed into a stationary articulated truck that had broken down on the highway due to excessive speeding. FRSC personnel carried out rescue operations, evacuating the injured to a nearby hospital and depositing the bodies of the deceased at a morgue. Etuku described the incident as tragic and preventable, urging motorists to avoid overspeeding, reckless driving, and fatigue, especially during the festive season when traffic volume on the major federal highway significantly increases.

CBN Directs Banks To Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication On Foreign Card Transactions
The new requirement applies to all withdrawals and online transactions above $200 daily, $500 weekly, and $1,000 monthly, or their naira equivalents, the apex bank said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the Federal Government to halt the implementation of the 2025 tax laws over what it called a “forgery” of some provisions.

CISLAC Condemns Alleged Discrepancies Between Tax Law Passed by National Assembly and Version Assented to by Presidency, Warns of Constitutional Breach

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has raised alarm over allegations that the tax law recently assented to by the Presidency differs materially from the version passed by the National Assembly. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC warned that any alteration of legislation after parliamentary approval violates Nigeria’s constitutional law-making process and undermines legislative integrity. The organisation cautioned that uncertainty surrounding tax laws could erode investor confidence, worsen economic hardship, weaken voluntary tax compliance, and deepen public distrust. CISLAC called on the Presidency to immediately publish the exact version of the assented law alongside the authenticated copy passed by lawmakers and urged the National Assembly to confirm the authenticity of the legislation, stressing that any discrepancy must be addressed through lawful means.

DSS APPLAUDED FOR SPEEDY TRIAL OF SUSPECTED DEEPER LIFE CHURCH ATTACKERS

Hope has been rekindled in Otite, near Okene in Kogi State, as the long-stalled trial over the 2012 Deeper Life Bible Church massacre gains fresh momentum. Victims’ families, survivors, and community members have commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the re-arrest and swift arraignment of Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the alleged Ansaru terror kingpin linked to the deadly attack.

In a letter addressed to the DSS, the affected community expressed renewed confidence in the justice process following Obadaki’s arraignment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after his re-capture. The development is widely regarded as a turning point in a case that has lingered for more than a decade, restoring faith in the judicial system among those directly impacted by the tragedy.

It will be recalled that the August 7, 2012 attack claimed the lives of at least 19 worshippers and left several others injured when gunmen invaded a Bible study session at the church. Obadaki was subsequently linked to other violent crimes, including deadly bank raids. However, his escape during the 2022 Kuje prison jailbreak deepened the anguish of victims’ families and heightened fears that justice might never be served.

Those fears began to fade in November 2025 with his re-arrest and the filing of six terrorism-related charges. Although he pleaded guilty only to escaping lawful custody, the court ordered his continued detention and adjourned the trial to January 26, 2026. As proceedings resume, the people of Otite remain cautiously optimistic that justice—long delayed—may finally be within reach.

FIRS Under Pressure as Accountability Group ICADAR Demands Full Disclosure of Tax Agreement With France, Gives Seven-Day Ultimatum

The Impacthive Centre for Accountability, Democracy and Rights (ICADAR) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), demanding full disclosure of documents relating to its tax cooperation agreement with France. Invoking the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, the group requested access to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between FIRS and France’s tax authority, DGFiP, alongside detailed information on the appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited as a Treasury Single Account (TSA) collecting agent. ICADAR also called for transparency regarding the company’s ownership structure and the percentage of revenue it is authorised to collect. The demand follows growing public criticism from political groups, including the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), which warned that the agreement could threaten Nigeria’s fiscal sovereignty, data security, and economic independence unless its full terms are made public.

of Nigeria’s industrial ambition, driven by a strong emphasis on local manufacturing across key sectors such as cement, sugar, and oil refining. Through these investments, Dangote positioned himself as a central figure in Nigeria’s push for self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on imports.

However, contradictions within Nigeria’s economic structure have raised questions. Dangote Cement, for instance, is often sold cheaper outside Nigeria than within the country, largely because exports avoid the heavy domestic taxes, levies, and regulatory costs imposed on locally sold goods. This highlights deeper structural inefficiencies within Nigeria’s fiscal and regulatory system, which ultimately drive up prices for consumers despite local production.

More recently, Dangote’s massive refinery project has attracted both praise and backlash. While it is celebrated as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s energy sector, critics have raised concerns about potential market dominance, pricing power, and the implications of such a critical national asset being privately owned.

Nigeria’s Blurred Foreign Policy Vision In A Fractured Global Order Under Tinubu Administration, By Owei Lakemfa

In this opinion piece, labour leader and columnist Owei Lakemfa examines Nigeria’s increasingly blurred foreign policy direction amid a fractured and unpredictable global order. Using the detention and eventual release of eleven Nigerian military officers in Burkina Faso as a case study, Lakemfa questions the Tinubu administration’s handling of diplomacy, security, and international relations. He criticises Nigeria’s reliance on ad-hoc presidential diplomacy, sidelining of the Foreign Ministry, prolonged absence of ambassadors, and embarrassing missteps involving the UAE and global shipping giant Maersk. Lakemfa argues that Nigeria’s traditional Pan-Africanist foreign policy vision has weakened, turning the country into a proxy in regional affairs, and calls for a return to professional diplomacy led primarily by experienced career diplomats to restore credibility and clarity in Nigeria’s global engagement.

Osun Governor Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Bandits’ Infiltration From Kwara Border, Urges Nigerian Army To Sustain Military Operations

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised fresh concerns over the threat of bandits infiltrating the state through its border communities with Kwara State, calling on the Nigerian Army to intensify and sustain ongoing military operations in the area. Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, the governor praised the military’s role in maintaining national security and revealed that troops are currently conducting special operations in border towns to curb banditry and kidnapping. Adeleke described the threat as real but preventable, reaffirmed the state government’s collaboration with security agencies, and assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property following recent bandit attacks in Ora Igbomina.

President Tinubu renames Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare after Late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

Lagos Driver Arrested After Commercial Bus Kills LAWMA Female Worker While Reversing on Meiran Expressway

A female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has lost her life in a tragic road accident along Meiran Road, inward Iyana Ekoro axis of Lagos, while carrying out routine sanitation duties. According to preliminary investigations, a blue Ford commercial bus transporting bottled and canned beverages was reversing on the expressway when it struck the LAWMA sweeper, causing fatal injuries. Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly responded to the distress call, arrested the driver who attempted to flee, and handed him over to the Meiran Police Division for investigation. Authorities described the incident as preventable, condemned reversing on expressways as a serious traffic offence, and expressed condolences to the victim’s family as investigations continue.

BREAKING: U.S. COAST GUARD INTERDICTS SANCTIONED VESSEL OFF VENEZUELA'S COAST

U.S. officials just confirmed the Coast Guard is actively interdicting a sanctioned vessel in international waters off Venezuela's coast.

3 sources speaking anonymously told Reuters the op is underway, with the Coast Guard leading the charge.

No details yet on the ship's name, cargo, or exact location, but this comes during Trump's renewed pressure on Maduro's regime - think oil sanctions, military posturing in the Caribbean, and efforts to choke off revenue streams.

The move fits the broader push to squeeze Venezuela's economy and force regime change or concessions.

U.S. Coast Guard cutters have been patrolling these waters more aggressively lately, boarding ships suspected of smuggling oil or violating sanctions.

Watch for more updates - this could escalate tensions fast, especially with Maduro already backed into a corner.

Source: Reuters