The United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, has intercepted a Nigerian-owned supertanker, Skipper, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and other transnational crimes.

Authorities said the tanker was illegally flying the Guyanese flag at the time of the arrest. In response, Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that Skipper is not on its national ship registry and that the vessel was using the flag without authorization.

BREAKING: The United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, has intercepted a Nigerian-owned supertanker, Skipper, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and other transnational crimes.

Authorities said the tanker was illegally flying the Guyanese flag at the time of the arrest. In response, Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that Skipper is not on its national ship registry and that the vessel was using the flag without authorization.

BREAKING: Erika Kirk addresses conspiracy theories surrounding her husband’s assassination:

"I do not have time to address the noise. My silence does not mean that I'm complacent."

“No rock will be unturned. I want justice for my husband, for myself, for my family more than anyone else out there.”

"Come after me, call me names, I don't care. Call me what you want, go down that rabbit hole, whatever. But...when you go after the people that I love and you're making hundreds of thousands of dollars every single episode going after the people that I love because somehow they're in on this? No."

"This is not okay, it's not healthy. This is a mind virus."

“This is a duty to my husband, and it's an absolute honor. And I will never back down. And so my message to them is to stop — to stop.”

@MrsErikaKirk

@OutnumberedFNC

@HARRISFAULKNER

New: Eight Philadelphia Teens Arrested for $2,296 Theft at ****’s Sporting Goods in Polk County

Polk County deputies responded to ****’s Sporting Goods after a store manager reported a retail theft in progress.

Deputies arrived within minutes and detained eight teens, identified as members of a Philadelphia youth football team in town for a national tournament.

All eight were charged with retail theft over $750 and conspiracy to commit retail theft.

Because of the arrests, the teens were unable to participate in their scheduled championship game, and their team lost the game.

The Police Command in Sokoto State has arrested three suspected financiers of banditry and several other individuals linked to motorcycle theft and criminal conspiracy, recovering rustled cattle as well as stolen motorcycles in two coordinated operations.

Court Adjourns NDDC Ex-Director Tuoyo Omatsuli’s N3.6bn Fraud Trial to March 2026

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned to March 3, 2026, for judgment in the N3.6 billion fraud case involving former NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Tuoyo Omatsuli. He is standing trial alongside Don Parker Properties Limited, Francis Momoh, and Building Associates Limited on a 46-count charge filed by the EFCC, covering conspiracy, corruption, unlawful gratification, and money laundering.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants diverted billions recovered as statutory levies from oil companies through Starline Consultancy Services, funnelling the funds into shell companies, converting large sums into dollars, and acquiring high-value properties in Lagos. After years of legal battles, rejected no-case submissions, and appeals, the case is now set for a final ruling in one of the most significant corruption prosecutions linked to the NDDC.

Nigeria Secures IMO Council Seat for 2026–2027 as Tinubu Hails Rising Maritime Influence


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term, marking the nation’s return after 14 years. He described the victory as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s growing maritime leadership, commitment to safety, security, and environmental standards. Tinubu praised the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, and the diplomatic team for their strategic efforts. The renewed mandate aligns with his administration’s plan to expand the blue economy, boost maritime infrastructure, enhance anti-piracy efforts, and strengthen Nigeria’s global shipping role. He affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to support safer seas, cleaner oceans, and fair maritime governance.

#hashtags:
#NigeriaMaritime #IMOCouncil #BlueEconomy

In this opinion piece, Charles O. Chukwunaru argues that Justice Omotosho’s recent conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has backfired, strengthening Kanu’s global profile rather than diminishing it. He notes that the international community rejects Nigeria’s attempt to label Kanu a terrorist, viewing him instead as a separatist leader advocating for a Biafra referendum.

Chukwunaru highlights key events: Kanu’s escape after a 2017 military raid, his 2021 abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya, and the 2025 Kenyan High Court ruling declaring his transfer illegal and awarding him compensation. He also recalls that Nigeria’s Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022, yet he remains detained.

He stresses that IPOB is legally registered in the UK and not designated a terrorist group by the US or UK. He criticizes Nigeria’s terrorist designation of IPOB through an ex parte order and notes that some Nigerian courts have deemed the label unconstitutional.

While urging Eastern Nigerians to remain calm, Chukwunaru condemns what he describes as a politically driven conspiracy to impose a life sentence on Kanu for advocating a referendum abroad—especially when compared with the government’s leniency toward violent extremist groups. He argues this fuels claims of discrimination against the Igbo and elevates global calls for a Biafra referendum.

Chukwunaru concludes that although he disagrees with some of Kanu’s past rhetoric, the current actions of the Nigerian state only strengthen Kanu’s moral standing and political cause.

EFCC Declares Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8 Million Scandal — Aide Cries Political Witch-Hunt

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the funds in question were reportedly part of an investment made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.

The EFCC urged anyone with useful information about Sylva’s whereabouts to contact its nearest office or the police.

However, Julius Bokoru, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, dismissed the EFCC’s move as a “digitally orchestrated political attack” designed to discredit his principal.

“It is, to say the least, curious that what was once whispered as a coup matter has now metamorphosed into a financial allegation,” Bokoru said.
“No formal communication was made to him — just a sudden digital proclamation meant to inflame public sentiment.”


Bokoru alleged that “shadowy political forces” threatened by Sylva’s influence were behind the renewed attacks. He confirmed that the former minister is currently in the United Kingdom for medical treatment and would honor the EFCC’s invitation upon his return.

“Chief Timipre Sylva has clean hands. He has not diverted a single dollar, and the refinery project is transparent, legitimate, and verifiable,” Bokoru insisted.


The media aide urged supporters to remain calm, stressing that “truth, though often delayed, remains immutable.”

In October, security operatives reportedly raided Sylva’s residences in Abuja and Bayelsa, arresting his brother amid allegations linking him to a failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu — claims his camp has also branded politically motivated.

Prison Break: Nigerian Kidnap Convict Escapes UK Prison, Sparks Major Police Manhunt.

A Nigerian man, Ola Abimbola, convicted of kidnapping and serving a 21-year sentence, has escaped from an open prison in Sussex, United Kingdom, sparking a widespread police search.

The 36-year-old, jailed for conspiracy to kidnap, grievous bodily harm, blackmail, and false imprisonment, reportedly walked out of HMP Ford around 8 a.m. on October 10 — barely a month after being transferred there. He has been missing ever since.

Abimbola’s transfer to the open prison, also known as a Category D facility, was made under new Labour government rules aimed at easing overcrowding in higher-security prisons. The relaxed policy allows inmates to move to open conditions earlier in their sentences, even if they are not yet close to release.

Under the old system, Abimbola would not have qualified for transfer for another six years. Open prisons have minimal security and are meant to help low-risk prisoners reintegrate into society a move that has now come under scrutiny following his disappearance.

Sussex Police have launched a manhunt, urging the public not to approach the fugitive and to report any information by calling 999. Authorities admit that efforts to track him down have so far been unsuccessful.

The escape has intensified political pressure on Justice Secretary David Lammy, already facing criticism after the mistaken release of two foreign sex offenders and a British fraudster. Opposition figures say the justice system is “in chaos,” blaming government policy changes for endangering the public.

Mark Drury of the Prison Governors’ Association said the rise in absconders from open prisons shows a troubling trend, noting that many prisoners now housed in such facilities “would not have been considered suitable two or three years ago.”

In response, the Ministry of Justice defended the system, insisting that all transfers follow “strict risk assessments” and that any offender breaching the rules can be “immediately returned to closed conditions.”

Alleged Genocide: Christian Council says Trump’s intervention is an answered prayer, not an invasion.

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has urged Nigerians to view the recent US designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) not as an invasion, but as a call to tackle the nation’s decades-long insecurity challenges.

In a statement signed by Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha, President, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara, General Secretary, CCN said: “This is not the time to debate the existence of Christian persecution in Nigeria. Political, ethnic, and religious divisions must be set aside so that all Nigerians can work together to confront this crisis decisively. Instead of spinning conspiracy theories around the US warning, leaders should focus on collaborating with international partners to confront these enemies of humanity, whether local or foreign.”

CCN emphasized that the continued lack of political will to stop the widespkkread violence including killings, kidnappings, banditry, and religious intolerance is a grave reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating mooral and governance standards. “Every life lost diminishes our humanity and offends the image of God. While insecurity is not new, protecting citizens remains the sacred duty of any government,” the council said.

The faith-based organization called on all Nigerians of goodwill to pray fervently for the nation, stressing that peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice. CCN reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, civil society, and international partners to build a just, peaceful, and united Nigeria where every individual’s dignity is protected.

“History will be kind to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he seizes this opportunity to end the long-standing killings in the country. Every right-thinking Nigerian should pray for him to have the wisdom and courage to act decisively,” the statement concluded.

Pretty Mike Granted N50m Bail Over Alleged Drug-Related Offences.

Popular Lagos socialite and nightclub owner, Mike Nwalie, popularly known as Pretty Mike, has been granted N50 million bail by the Federal High Court in Lagos after being arraigned on alleged drug-related offences.

Nwalie, who owns Proxy Lagos Night Club, was arraigned alongside the club’s supervisor, Joachim Hillary (32), by the Federal Government through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). They were charged with conspiracy, unlawful possession, and allowing the nightclub premises to be used for illegal drug activities.

According to NDLEA prosecutor Buhari Abdullahi, the alleged offences occurred on October 26, 2025, at the club located at No. 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The agency claimed the duo conspired to organize a drug party at the venue.

During a follow-up raid, officers reportedly recovered 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa and 177 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), weighing 364.662 kg. Hillary was further accused of possessing 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa on October 25, 2025.

Pretty Mike, 45, was accused of permitting his premises to be used for drug-related activities, contrary to Sections 14(b) and 20(1)(c) of the NDLEA Act.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel, Dr. B.S. Awosika (SAN), urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, arguing that the men had no prior cr+minal record and would appear for trial. The prosecution opposed the application, saying the defendants had not provided enough supporting facts.

In his ruling, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa held that the prosecution failed to show sufficient grounds to deny bail, noting that the defendants remain presumed innocent. He granted each N50 million bail with two sureties in the same sum and ordered the sureties to swear to an affidavit of means. The defendants were released to their counsel pending completion of their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to January 14, 2026, for trial.

Court Jails Man Three Years for ₦8.56bn Bank Fraud in Lagos.

A Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced one Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu to three years’ imprisonment for his involvement in an ₦8.56 billion fraud scheme linked to one of Nigeria’s first-generation banks.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the judgment on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, convicting Asiegbu after he pleaded guilty to a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and unauthorized access to a computer system with intent to commit fraud, contrary to Sections 409 and 386 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2011.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Asiegbu alongside several others on June 23, 2025.

While all defendants initially pleaded not guilty, Asiegbu later changed his plea, leading to his conviction and sentencing.

Justice Oshodi sentenced the defendant to 10 months and 8 days’ imprisonment on count three and 1 year and 8 months on count four, both without an option of fine. The sentences are to run concurrently, effectively amounting to three years in total. Consequently, counts one and two were struck out.

The court adjourned the case to November 14, 2025, for further proceedings against the remaining defendants.

Ex-Bank MD jailed 5 years for steahhzgyvujhbkgcling ₦32 million and sending part of it to a man.

Grace Andreas Karka, former Managing Director of Bonghe Microfinance Bank, has been sentenced to five years in prison for misappropriating N32 million from her own bank and transferring part to a man identified as Prince Moses Batalu.

Justice Benjamin Lawan Manji of the Adamawa State High Court, Yola, found Karka guilty of criminal conspiracy and ch+ating after the EFCC proved she diverted the funds between August 2020 and March 2021.

The EFCC stated that Karka moved large sums from the bank’s First Bank account (No. 201****57) to accounts linked to Batalu, who was not a bank customer. The fraud was uncovered during an internal audit, which revealed suspicious transfers and missing funds. Failed recovery attempts led the bank to report the matter to the EFCC.

During the trial, EFCC counsel presented witnesses and documents connecting Karka to the theft, while her defense called three witnesses in her favor.

Justice Manji ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, sentencing Karka to five years imprisonment, with an option of ₦3 million fine per count, to run concurrently. She was also ordered to refund N29.8 million to the bank.

The case, filed under the Adamawa State Penal Code Law of 2018, exposed how the former bank chief abused her office for personal gain.

Attorney-General Sues Lawyer, Engineer, Others For Alleged Forgery.

Attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice (AGF) has dragged a legal practitioner, Bob Chiedozie Ugu and five others, including a civil engineer, Nnaemeka Chukwueke, to court for alleged forgery of title documents, theft, conspiracy and impersonation.

Other defendants in the charge dated April 8, 2025, are Samuel Udo-Imeh, Ifeanyi Abaekwueme, Earth Conscience Limited and NBC Infrastructure West Africa Limited.

Meanwhile, Justice Samira Umar Bature, of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has fixed January 27, 2026, for their fresh arraignment.

The commissioner of police had earlier filed a seven-count charge (FCT/HC/CR/302/2023) against Bob Chiedozie Ugu, Samuel Udo-Imeh, Ifeanyi Abaekwueme, and Earth Conscience Limited before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

However, the AGF after taking over the prosecution, increased the counts to 12 with two additional defendants, Nnaemeka Chukwueke, a civil engineer and NBC Infrastructure West Africa Limited.

The fresh charge was filed by a private counsel with the fiat of the AGF, Abdul Ter Kohol.
Meanwhile, the defendants who had pleaded not guilty to the previous charge, are yet to take their plea in the fresh charge.

In the fresh charge, the prosecution said the defendants allegedly forged title documents including the power of attorney with fraudulent intention of converting the property belonging to Nexune Nigeria Limited.

While Bob Chidozie, an Abia State-based legal practitioner, who also doubles as the managing director of Earth Conscience Limited, was a former commissioner for works in state, Samuel Udoh-Imeh, who works in the Information Technology and Services Sector, is an Abuja-based businessman.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs.

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act.

He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

Court remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Ejimakor, others in Kuje Prison.

A magistrate court sitting in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, alongside his legal counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

Their remand followed their participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which took place on Monday in Abuja.

Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Kanuta Kanu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the court session on Tuesday, described the action as a “conspiracy among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial scheduled for Thursday.”

According to court documents shared by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the police arraigned Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others on charges bordering on incitement and breach of public peace.

The charge sheet alleged that the accused persons violated a court order by staging a protest that disrupted public movement, obstructed traffic, and chanted songs calling for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier disclosed on a live television programme that those arrested during the protest would face prosecution after investigation.

Both Ejimakor and Kanu’s brother have now been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Court Remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother and Lead Counsel Over Abuja Protest.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu the younger brother of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu along with his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

The development was made public by Kanunta Kanu, another sibling of the IPOB leader, who alleged via a post on X that the move was part of a coordinated effort by the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government to frustrate Nnamdi Kanu’s upcoming trial scheduled for Thursday.

“The magistrate sitting in Kuje remanded Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, his youngest brother. This is a conspiracy from the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial on Thursday,” Kanunta Kanu posted.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police had earlier arraigned Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others in connection with a protest held in Abuja on Monday.

Court documents shared by the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, revealed that the defendants were charged with inciting disturbance and breach of public peace.

According to the charge sheet, they allegedly obstructed traffic flow, restricted citizens’ movement, and chanted war songs while demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Kano govt sues Ganduje, sons, others over alleged N4.49bn fraud.

The Kano State Government has filed a lawsuit against former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, two of his sons, and several others before the State High Court over an alleged N4.49 billion fraud.

The suit seeks to recover the state’s 20 per cent equity stake in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited and to reclaim public funds totalling N4,492,387,013.76, which were allegedly misappropriated.

Filed on October 13, 2025, the case lists as defendants Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; his sons, Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro, his former Special Adviser; Hassan Bello, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council; Adamu Aliyu Sanda, a legal practitioner; and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.

The defendants face a ten-count charge, including criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently transfer 80 per cent of the dry port’s shares, including the state’s 20 per cent equity, to private interests under a shell company known as City Green Enterprise.

Prosecutors allege that the transaction was deliberately structured to conceal the true ownership of the port project, which was initially conceived to boost Kano’s economic infrastructure.

“The defendants deliberately hijacked a federal initiative and used proxies and fake entities to conceal the diversion of public assets meant for the people of Kano State,” the prosecution stated.

The prosecution further claims that over N4.49 billion in public funds was siphoned under the guise of infrastructure development at the dry port, including the construction of a dual carriageway, electricity, and fencing.

Court remands students who gouged out teachers eyes.

A Magistrate’s Court in Noman’s Land, Kano presided over by Magistrate Hauwa Abdulkadir has remanded several suspects to a reform facility over charges of conspiracy and murder.

The accused stand indicted for the brutal killing of a teacher, whose eyes were gouged out and other mutilations after they murdered him.

According to the police charge sheet, the incident occurred in Center Abuja village, located in the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.

The prosecution alleges that on April 22 of this year, the suspects colluded, abducted the victim (a teacher), and then orchestrated a gruesome execution — including removing his eyes and other body parts.

It is further alleged that they raised ₦800,000 to hire youths to carry out the murder.

Barrister Salma Garba, the prosecuting counsel, requested an adjournment.

The trial has been adjourned to the 13th of next month for further submissions and defense arguments.