Sam Nda-Isaiah’s Legacy Lives On: Azu Ishiekwene Reflects Five Years After His Passing”

In this reflective opinion piece, Azu Ishiekwene examines the enduring influence of Sam Nda-Isaiah, founder of LEADERSHIP newspaper, five years after his death. He highlights how Sam’s voice remains alive through his writings, especially his incisive columns on Nigerian politics, governance, corruption, and national security. Ishiekwene revisits several of Sam’s notable articles, showing how many of his warnings and analyses still hold relevance today—from the PDP’s internal crises to terrorism, corruption, and leadership failures. The tribute underscores Sam’s relentless fight against injustice, his bold political commentary, and the lasting imprint of his ideas on Nigeria’s public discourse.


#AzuIshiekwene

#SamNdaIsaiah

#Opinion

Malami Confirms EFCC Probe Over $310m Abacha Loot, Denies Terrorism and Money Laundering Claims

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has confirmed that the EFCC is investigating him over alleged duplication in the recovery of the $310 million Abacha loot, alongside allegations of abuse of office and money laundering. Through a statement by his media aide, Malami dismissed widespread reports linking him to terrorism financing, ownership of 46 bank accounts, and other accusations as false and part of a coordinated media trial. He clarified that his engagement with the EFCC focused solely on the Abacha loot recovery process. Malami reportedly remains in EFCC custody after struggling to meet bail conditions requiring two permanent secretaries as sureties.

#MalamiEFCCProbe #AbachaLoot #CorruptionAllegations

YRC Celebrates Acquittal of 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters, Demands Public Apology From Nigerian Government

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has welcomed the Federal High Court’s acquittal of 11 #EndBadGovernance protesters previously charged with treason and terrorism over the August 2024 demonstrations against hunger and economic hardship. Justice Emeka Nwite dismissed the case, citing the prosecution’s lack of diligence and repeated delays. The activists, who had spent weeks in detention before their arraignment, were discharged and acquitted after the prosecution failed to appear in court.
YRC described the ruling as a victory for democratic rights and accused the government of attempting to use the charges to intimidate future protesters. The group demanded a public apology, return of seized belongings, unfreezing of bank accounts, compensation for victims, and the release of other detained protesters, emphasizing that peaceful protest must not be criminalized in Nigeria.

U.S. Pledges Action on Religious Freedom in Nigeria After Lawmakers Visit Benue IDP Camps

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defending religious freedom in Nigeria following a visit by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State. During the visit, Moore met with Christian victims who recounted horrific attacks that left families murdered and communities displaced. The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responded by pledging that America “will not look away,” noting that the visit forms part of a fact-finding mission ordered by President Donald Trump to address Christian persecution and guide future policy. Moore later met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, discussing concrete steps to tackle terrorism and violence in the North-East and Middle Belt. While acknowledging some progress, the U.S. stressed that Nigeria’s security crisis remains severe and requires urgent action.

Lawyer Seeks Compensation, Apology After Court Acquits 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters

An Abuja Federal High Court has discharged and acquitted 11 #EndBadGovernance protesters after striking out all treason and terrorism charges filed by the Bola Tinubu administration. Justice Emeka Nwite described the case as baseless, leading human rights lawyer Abubakar Marshal to demand immediate compensation, restoration of frozen accounts and a public apology from the Nigerian government. Marshal condemned the prolonged prosecution as state-backed persecution, insisting the protesters were victimised for exercising constitutional rights to demand good governance. He said the ordeal—detentions, frozen accounts, and reputational damage—violated their freedoms and must now be remedied.


#EndBadGovernanc
#HumanRights
#NigeriaJustice

Tinubu Orders Shettima to Convene NEC Meeting on Ranching Amid Rising Farmer-Herder Clashes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to summon a special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting focused on resolving Nigeria’s escalating farmer-herder crisis through ranching reforms. The directive comes as violent clashes surge across several states. Tinubu also ordered the immediate training, arming, and deployment of additional forest guards to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. According to the presidency, the worsening insecurity demands a more aggressive, coordinated national response to protect citizens.


#Tinubu
#Ranching
#Insecurity

Abuja Court Frees 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters, Dismisses Treason and Terrorism Charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted 11 activists arrested during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, striking out all treason and terrorism-related charges brought against them. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the allegations were unfounded, marking what activist Adaramoye Michael Lenin described as a “historic victory.” The protesters had been detained for over a year after security agencies accused them of attempting to destabilise the country during nationwide demonstrations fuelled by economic hardship, insecurity, and public frustration under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Human rights groups consistently condemned the charges as politically motivated attempts to suppress dissent. With the ruling, all accused individuals have been fully discharged.

#EndBadGovernance

#HumanRights

#AbujaCourt

Tinubu Reaffirms Withdrawal of Police From VIP Escorts, Orders Strict Clearance for Exceptions

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive withdrawing police officers from VIP escort duties, insisting that only individuals who secure his personal approval through the Inspector-General of Police will receive special protection. Speaking before the Federal Executive Council meeting, Tinubu said the decision aims to redeploy security personnel to critical national security operations, particularly the fight against kidnapping and terrorism. He ordered the Interior Minister and NSCDC to replace withdrawn police escorts with civil defence operatives and directed the NSA and DSS to review nationwide security deployments. Tinubu also emphasised arming forest guards. The directive follows a national debate reignited by Wole Soyinka, who criticised the excessively large convoy attached to Seyi Tinubu, calling it a misuse of security resources.

BREAKING: EFCC Detains Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami Over Alleged Terrorism Financing, Money Laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), from the Buhari administration, over allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering. Malami was reportedly questioned about suspicious accounts, a N10 billion investment in Kebbi State, and his handling of recovered Abacha loot, including $322 million from Switzerland and $22 million from Jersey, UK. According to reports, the former minister remains in EFCC custody as investigations intensify.

Intelligence Report Uncovers 1,801 Bank Accounts Funding Boko Haram Across Nigeria and Abroad

A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast domestic and international network funnelling money and logistical support to Boko Haram through 1,801 bank accounts linked to individuals and companies across 18 financial institutions. The investigation identified 96 Nigerian suspects, dozens of businesses—including multiple Bureau De Change operators—and foreign collaborators spanning the UAE, India, Rwanda, Niger, Benin, Uganda, Cameroon, and Dubai. The network also connects to known kidnappers, bandits, and informants, illustrating the deep overlap between terrorism and organised crime. This intelligence provides a crucial blueprint for disrupting Boko Haram’s financial lifelines and strengthening national security operations.

Corruption Fueling Nigeria’s Security Crisis, CISLAC/TI Warn on UN Anti-Corruption Day

CISLAC and Transparency International-Nigeria warn that corruption is the driving force behind Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, accusing political leaders, security chiefs, and military elites of profiting from opaque defence spending and fraudulent security contracts. The groups cite diversion of funds, recruitment racketeering, illegal arms deals, extortion, and poor welfare for frontline personnel as key factors undermining the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and organised crime. They call for urgent reforms, full transparency in defence procurement, strict sanctions for corrupt officers, and independent oversight to stop what they describe as an entrenched “insecurity economy.”

Bandits Shoot Prominent Resident As Zamfara Community Suffers Second Attack in One Week

Bandits launched a midnight attack on Bakura town in Zamfara State, marking the second assault on the community within a week. The gunmen shot a respected resident, Alhaji Kabiru Daket, before fleeing into the night, sparking fear and unrest among locals. The attack comes amid broader security concerns as investigations reveal that bandit networks linked to kidnapping, terrorism, and cattle rustling have migrated from Niger Republic and Nigeria’s North-West into Kwara and Niger forests. Security forces recently intercepted seven fleeing suspects from the Gbubu Forest enclave, disrupting their operations but highlighting the spread of organised criminal camps across multiple states. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the Bakura incident.

NIGERIA–INDIA ADVANCES DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP AS INDIAN DEFENCE ADVISER VISIT COAS

The strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and India received a significant boost on 9 December 2025 when the Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and advancing shared security interests.

Colonel Singh while making his remarks commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in tackling security challenges nationwide and expressed appreciation for the warm reception. He emphasized India’s willingness to broaden defence cooperation, expand training opportunities for Nigerian Army personnel and deepen technical exchanges in critical areas of mutual benefit.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu stressed the importance of maintaining an enduring partnership with the Indian Armed Forces. He described India’s long-standing support in military training, capacity building and defence development as invaluable, noting the need to further enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, equipment support and professional military education.

The visit featured the presentation of souvenirs to the Defence Adviser by the COAS as a symbol of friendship and continued cooperation. Colonel Singh also signed the visitors’ book and a group photograph.

APPOLONIA ANELE
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
9 December, 2025

Retired General Reveals Covert Nigerian Operation That Led to Boko Haram Leader Shekau’s Death

Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi has disclosed how a covert Nigerian military intelligence unit, Operation Service Wide (OSW), weakened Boko Haram and engineered the events leading to Abubakar Shekau’s death. He credited the late Brig. Gen. Abdulrahman Kuliya, former Chief of Military Intelligence, for infiltrating terror networks and sparking the ISWAP–Boko Haram conflict that ended Shekau’s reign. Ali-Keffi detailed how political interference, intelligence leaks, halted operations, and the deaths of top officers—including Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru—nearly sabotaged the mission. He further alleged internal sabotage, plots against him, and complicity of powerful officials in rising banditry driven by illegal mining interests. His revelations shed light on high-stakes power struggles, covert operations, and deep-rooted security challenges in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

YRC Mobilises Nigerians for December 10 Protest, Demands Release of #EndBadGovernance Activists

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has urged Nigerians nationwide to join the December 10 protest marking World Human Rights Day, organised by the #EndBadGovernance Movement. The group warned that Nigeria is “on the brink” due to worsening repression, rights violations, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act to target critics under the Tinubu administration.

YRC is demanding the dismissal of treason and terrorism charges against 11 detained protesters arrested in 2024, accusing the government of delaying their trial to silence dissent. The group also highlighted ongoing persecution of activists, workers, students, and journalists, as well as widespread demolitions displacing poor communities. YRC says the protest aims to build a united resistance against anti-poor policies and systemic abuses.

US Rep Riley Moore Hails US-Nigeria Joint Task Force, Warns Insecurity Still Worsening

US Congressman Riley Moore has praised the newly established US-Nigeria joint task force as a major step toward ending terrorism and mass killings in Nigeria, following a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. In a statement on X, Moore said the US delegation discussed concrete security actions that could disrupt terrorist networks in the North-East and stop attacks on Christians in the Middle Belt — an issue he said concerns both him and President Donald Trump.
He commended President Tinubu for the rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren in Niger State but warned that Nigeria’s insecurity remains far from resolved. Moore urged the Nigerian government to turn its openness to US cooperation into real action, stressing that more work is needed to stabilise the country.



#USNigeriaSecurity

#RileyMoore

#InsecurityInNigeria

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.

Use Benin-Style Military Force Against Terrorists in Nigeria, Adeyanju Urges Tinubu

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Tinubu to apply the same decisive military strength used in stopping the failed coup in Benin Republic to crush terrorist groups operating across Nigeria. Praising Nigeria’s swift and coordinated intervention in Benin — involving Air Force jets and ground operations — Adeyanju said the same firmness is urgently needed to tackle terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism within the country. He added that Nigeria’s regional leadership means little if citizens at home continue to suffer relentless attacks, especially in the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions.

Macron Backs Tinubu as France Pledges Full Support to Nigeria Amid Escalating Terror Threat

French President Emmanuel Macron has assured President Bola Tinubu of France’s full support as Nigeria battles a worsening wave of terrorism, mass kidnappings, and violent attacks across the North and Middle Belt. Macron revealed via his official X account that he spoke directly with Tinubu, expressing solidarity and promising to strengthen France’s security partnership with Nigeria at the president’s request.

The call comes as Nigeria declares a nationwide state of emergency after multiple mass abductions of schoolchildren and deadly assaults on churches and rural communities. Tinubu announced plans to recruit 20,000 additional police officers, deploy forest guards, and reinforce security in schools and places of worship.

The crisis coincides with international concern, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings and rising criticism over Nigeria’s handling of insecurity. Analysts caution that Tinubu’s increased troop deployment may not be enough to curb the escalating violence.

Breaking News: President Macron just announced that he spoke with President Tinubu and expressed France’s solidarity as Nigeria confronts rising security challenges, especially terrorism in the North. At President Tinubu’s request, France will be strengthening its partnership and support for affected communities. He also urged global partners to step up their engagement because no one can afford to sit on the sidelines.