Wike Accused as Police Teargas Abuja Contractors Protesting ₦5.2bn Unpaid Debts

Police officers allegedly acting on the orders of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike tear-gassed protesting contractors who barricaded his office over ₦5.2 billion in unpaid contract funds. The contractors say all projects—from drain clearing to medical procurement—were completed, inspected, verified, and approved, yet Wike refused to sign off on payments for nearly two years. The prolonged debt has allegedly caused deaths, medical trauma, loan defaults, and family breakdowns among contractors. Despite appeals to the Minister, the Presidency, and the National Assembly, the group claims nothing has changed.

#Wike

#FCTContractors

#PoliceBrutality

Court Adjourns Hearing on Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Transfer From Sokoto Prison to January 27

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of Nnamdi Kanu’s application seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility nearer to the FCT. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to January 27, 2026, directing that the Correctional Service and prosecution be notified. Kanu, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges, argues that his distant detention location hinders effective legal consultation and obstructs his appeal process. His legal team maintains that relocating him to Kuje, Keffi, or any facility within the court’s jurisdiction is essential for fair defence.

Wike Rejects PDP Expulsion, Accuses Bala Mohammed & Makinde of Attempting to Hijack Party

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed an expulsion notice issued by factions loyal to Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, insisting no one can remove him from the PDP. Speaking at a meeting with the party’s BoT and NEC, Wike accused newcomers of trying to destroy the party he helped build, urging members to remain firm amid ongoing leadership crises since the 2023 election loss.

Nigeria Seizes 7.6 Million Tramadol Pills, 76,000kg Cannabis in Major Nationwide NDLEA Raids

The NDLEA has carried out sweeping nationwide operations between December 1 and 6, 2025, intercepting over 7.6 million tramadol pills and 76,273kg of cannabis across several states. Dozens of suspects linked to drug cartels and interstate trafficking networks were arrested. Major seizures occurred in Delta, Imo, Adamawa, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Niger, and the FCT, with drugs hidden in vehicles, warehouses, forests, and farms. The operations targeted large-scale distribution hubs and cultivation sites, dismantling multiple supply chains across Nigeria.

PDP Slams Rivers Lawmakers Over Fresh Defection to APC, Moves to Recover Mandates

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the renewed defection of 16 Rivers State House of Assembly members, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who announced their move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the second time. The lawmakers, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, claimed internal division within the PDP as their reason.
In response, the PDP accused them of acting as “political puppets” and vowed to begin legal proceedings to recover the mandates the lawmakers won under its platform. The party said their actions amount to “defection from APC to APC,” insisting they had long abandoned PDP values.
The development intensifies the political crisis in Rivers State and reflects broader power struggles involving Wike, who is reportedly trying to retain influence amid declining favour from President Bola Tinubu.

Wike Sacks FCT Revenue Chief Michael Ango as Tension Rises Over Revenue Reforms

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Michael Ango, in a sudden move aimed at restructuring the territory’s revenue system. The announcement, issued by the minister’s aide Lere Olayinka, stated that Ango’s removal takes immediate effect, with the most senior official directed to assume control of the FCT-IRS. Although no official reason was given for the sack, the decision comes amid heightened tension over ongoing reforms within the FCT’s revenue-generating agencies.

Akpabio Files ₦200bn Defamation Suit Against Senator Natasha Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of spreading damaging allegations that he sexually harassed her. Filed at the FCT High Court, the suit claims Natasha’s interviews on TV, radio, and online platforms portrayed Akpabio as a predator, causing reputational harm and public ridicule.

Akpabio is demanding retractions, removal of all online content containing the allegations, and apologies broadcast nationwide. The court has also granted his request to serve Senator Natasha through the Clerk of the National Assembly after attempts at personal service failed. The case is set to become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political legal battles.

Senator Natasha Challenges Akpabio, Says She’s Ready to Prove Sexual Harassment Claims in Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has responded to Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s ₦200 billion defamation suit, declaring she is fully prepared for a legal showdown. She says the case finally gives her the opportunity the Senate Ethics Committee allegedly denied her to present evidence of sexual harassment and subsequent attacks she claims followed her refusal to his advances. The suit, filed at the FCT High Court, has been adjourned to January 21, 2026.

Court Sets December 9 for Hearing in Tonye Cole’s ₦40B Defamation Suit Against FCT Minister Wike

The FCT High Court has scheduled December 9, 2025, for the mention of Tonye Patrick Cole’s ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Channels Television. Cole, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, accuses Wike of making false and damaging statements during a September 18 broadcast, alleging financial misconduct involving state resources, Rivers State gas, and the Olympia Hotel. Represented by senior lawyer J.S. Okutepa, Cole seeks ₦40 billion in damages, ₦500 million in legal costs, a public apology, retraction of the statements, and a perpetual injunction restraining further defamatory publications. The defendants have been ordered to enter appearance within 21 days of receiving the writ.

IPI Nigeria to Immortalise Late Treasurer With University Endowment Prize*

The International Press Institute (#IPI) Nigeria has promised to endow a prize at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) in honour of its late Treasurer, Rafat Idris Salami.

In a statement on Friday, IPI Nigeria said, the prize to be endowed will be to instil in students of the institution the values that the late Treasurer stood for.

The President of the body, Musikilu Mojeed, confirmed the decision during the opening ceremony of the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting on December 2, 2025.

Salami, the then Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), died on December 20, 2024, just days after the first annual conference and AGM of IPI Nigeria, where she participated actively despite being ill.

Speaking on her death in his welcome address at the second annual conference and AGM, Mojeed requested members and guests, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to observe a one-minute silence in her honour.

He said: “Last year, even in severe pain and confined to a wheelchair, she insisted on attending the conference.

“She greeted guests, co-ordinated logistics, took photographs with her phone and served with grace until her body could no longer carry her.

“Her commitment was a reminder that Journalism is not merely a job; it is a calling.

“It demands sacrifice; It demands conviction.”

Mojeed said: "to honour her legacy, the National Committee of IPI Nigeria will endow a prize in her name at the University of Abuja, which was her alma-mater.

He added: “We will work with the University to ensure that every year, young Journalists are inspired by the values Rafat lived by— integrity, courage, and selfless service.”

When she died last year, Salami was eulogised by the IPI; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, where she had served as Secretary; her employer, VON and colleagues.

The late Salami began her career with VON as a News Editor and correspondent in Lagos.

She rose through the ranks to become VON’s Assistant Director in charge of Digital Media before her demise.

16 Rivers Lawmakers, Speaker Defect from PDP to APC, Confirming SaharaReporters’ Exclusive

Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, announced during Friday’s plenary, confirms SaharaReporters’ earlier exclusive report that the lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike would dump the PDP. Amaewhule said the defection was triggered by a “clear division” within the PDP. The development marks a major escalation in the political crisis in Rivers State and further highlights the strained relationship between Wike and President Bola Tinubu, despite Wike’s attempts to regain favour with the presidency.

OAU Student Claims His Name Was Removed From Graduation List for Protesting Wike’s Visit

A final-year student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Joshua Temitope Oladepo, has accused the institution of deliberately excluding his name from the 2025 graduation list as retaliation for participating in a protest against former FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s campus visit in June. Despite paying the N40,000 convocation fee and possessing an official Notification of Results confirming his graduation with a Second Class Upper degree, Oladepo says he was shocked to find his name missing from the convocation portal. He insists the action is linked to his earlier arrest during the anti-Wike protest, calling the exclusion a form of punishment.

Lagos Tops 2025 Ease of Doing Business Ranking as PEBEC Warns States on Urgent Reforms

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has released the 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report, with Lagos leading at 85.6%, far ahead of other states. Kaduna, Oyo, FCT, and Ogun complete the top five, while Enugu, Plateau, Ekiti, Kano, and Nasarawa make the top ten. PEBEC says the ranking is based on hard administrative evidence across 16 indicators, highlighting gaps in power stability, investor aftercare, interstate trade rules, and MSME financing. The council warns that without urgent reforms, Nigerian businesses may continue relocating to more stable environments like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Mixer Truck Crash in Abuja Kills Police Officer, Injures Another on Duty

A tragic accident occurred along the Sani Abacha Expressway near the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, where a mixer truck lost control and crashed into two police officers on official duty. One officer died at the scene, while the other sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment. The FCT Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the truck driver has been arrested and the vehicles recovered for investigation. The Commissioner of Police condoled with the family of the deceased and assured the public of a thorough probe.

#Abuja

#FCT Police Command

Tinubu Donates N200m to Nigerian Legion, Calls for Stronger Support for Military Personnel and Families of Fallen Heroes




President Bola Tinubu has pledged N200 million to the Nigerian Legion during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Launch at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Emphasizing his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving soldiers, injured personnel, and families of fallen heroes, Tinubu urged government institutions, private organizations, and citizens to support the Legion’s humanitarian mission.

Other notable donations included N100 million from the National Assembly and N20 million from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courage and significant gains in combating insecurity, including the surrender of insurgents, the neutralization of terrorist leaders, and improved maritime security.

The President reaffirmed ongoing reforms to enhance troop welfare, including upgraded barracks, improved healthcare systems, and modernized pension verification. The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, called on Nigerians to back the emblem appeal, stressing national gratitude for the sacrifices of soldiers. Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to honor fallen and living heroes.



#Tinubunews

#NigerianLegiondonation

#ArmedForcesRemembranceDay2026

FCT Police Foil Planned Community Att@ck, Neutralize 3 B@ndits and Recover Arms

The FCT Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, successfully averted a planned large-scale att@ck on a community in the Territory. During a coordinated operation by the Anti-K+dnapping Unit, key suspect Sani Mohammed Umar a.k.a. Boko was arrested, and three b@ndits were neutralized in a g¥n duel at their forest hideout

Authorities recovered three AK-47 rifles, magazines, and 33 rounds of amm¥nition. The police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, continue to comb the area while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

The police have finally opened up on the report of withdrawing personnel attached to ex-VP Atiku Abubakar, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former First Lady Aisha Buhari. Details in the comment.

BREAKING: Wike’s FCTA Re-Enforces Ban on Smartphones, Allows Only Torchlight Phones for Staff

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reinstated a strict ban on smartphones and internet-enabled devices for staff on Grade Level 14 and below. In a circular dated November 28, 2025, the FCTA ordered full enforcement from December 1, requiring affected workers to drop their devices in secure cabinets and use only basic “torchlight phones” during office hours. The directive, signed by Assistant Director Amaka Ezike, follows an earlier policy reportedly approved at a staff meeting, with management instructed to enforce compliance or apply disciplinary action.
#FCTA #Wike #WorkplacePolicy

The largest bus terminal in Nigeria is nearing completion… love him or hate him, Wike continues to stand out as the most impactful FCT Minister ever.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, inspecting the ongoing construction of N11 roads, Guzape 2, Abuja today.