DSS Kill Enugu Woman for Custody, RULAAC Dey Call for Justice Gobe don burst oo! Mrs. Calista Ifedi, wey DSS carry go Wawa Barracks, Abuja, don die while in their custody. RULAAC yan say dis na serious abuse of power and clear violation of Constitution, because na DSS suppose protect life, no be destroy am. Calista arrest together with her husband, Sunday Ifedi, for Enugu on 23 Nov 2021. Reason? People from IPOB reportedly buy food for her restaurant. She dey detained without charge, denied court access, and husband never see her again from March 2022 till her death. RULAAC talk say she dey complain chest pain many times, but DSS just dey give small medicine, dey mock her, no proper medical care. Even when civil society dey ask, DSS deny say dem dey hold her. Husband reportedly dey warned make e no talk publicly. RULAAC dey demand immediate investigation, free autopsy, closure of Wawa Barracks as detention centre, and protection for Ifedi family. As dem talk, “Justice delayed no go mean justice denied.”

AAU Students Wahala Don Burst! Take-It-Back Slams Police Over 52 Students’ Remand, Demands Freedom Now Wahala don set for Edo State as the Take-It-Back Movement has condemned the arrest and remand of 52 Ambrose Alli University (AAU) students in Ekpoma, describing it as a dangerous abuse of power and a clear violation of human rights. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, the group said police carried out midnight raids on student hostels, storming rooms and arresting youths who had earlier protested against rising kidnappings and insecurity in the state. The movement said the action was aimed at intimidating students who exercised their constitutional right to peaceful protest. It noted that while kidnappers continue to operate freely, authorities have chosen to chase protesters instead of criminals. Take-It-Back also revealed that another resident was abducted just a day after the protest, exposing what it called the state’s failure to protect lives. The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the 52 students, withdrawal of all “bogus” charges, an end to harassment of protesters, a public apology from the government and police, and punishment for officers involved, warning that repression will only fuel more resistance.

Free Speech Under Threat in Kaduna? Zango-Kataf LGA Chairman Accused of Using Police to Detain Julius Tagwai Over Facebook Post, Residents Allege Abuse of Power Is freedom of expression being criminalised in Kaduna State? This question has sparked public outrage following the alleged arrest and detention of Julius Shehu Tagwai, a young resident of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, over a Facebook post critical of the handling of Christmas welfare packages. According to community sources, Tagwai was invited to the Zonkwa Police Station on the evening of January 9, 2026, and went there voluntarily. However, residents claim that upon arrival, he was immediately taken into custody and detained without being informed of any specific offence. They allege that the arrest was carried out on the instruction of the Chairman of Zango-Kataf LGA, Mr. Bege Joseph Gaya, who was said to be the complainant. The Facebook post in question reportedly expressed disappointment over the alleged non-distribution of Christmas packages said to have been provided by the Kaduna State Government for residents. Community members insist the post was peaceful and amounted to nothing more than the exercise of the constitutional right to free expression. Matters reportedly escalated when Tagwai’s lawyer and younger brother arrived at the station to secure his release, only to be informed that he had already been transferred out of the division. The Divisional Police Officer allegedly disclosed that the transfer to the Kaduna State Police Headquarters was done on the instruction of the local government chairman. On January 10, Tagwai was moved to the state police headquarters. His legal counsel later claimed that after examining the police file, no formal written complaint or recognisable criminal offence had been documented against his client. The lawyer further alleged that Tagwai was denied access to his mobile phone, preventing him from contacting family or legal representatives and leaving relatives unaware of his whereabouts for hours. As of the time of reporting, Tagwai remained in police custody over an unspecified offence, triggering anger among residents who describe the incident as an abuse of political power and an attempt to intimidate critics and suppress dissent. Locals also referenced a similar recent arrest of another young man, Ayuba Black, raising fears of a growing pattern of targeting outspoken residents. Human rights advocates have warned that arresting a citizen over an opinion, denying communication, and holding a person without clear charges may violate Sections 34, 35, and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and freedom of expression. Residents are now calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other oversight bodies to urgently investigate the matter and ensure accountability. Attempts to obtain responses from the local government chairman and the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Is Nigeria Criminalising Dissent? Police Arraign Activist Salim Abubakar Over Anti-Government Posts, Court Remands Him Till January 13 The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned activist Salim Abubakar following a petition filed against him at the Central Police Station in Abuja, raising fresh questions about freedom of expression, digital rights, and the growing tension between civic activism and law enforcement in Nigeria. According to police authorities, the petition was received on December 19, 2025, after which Abubakar was repeatedly invited for questioning. Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the activist allegedly ignored several invitations and was subsequently arrested, investigated, and arraigned in court on January 8, 2026. The court, he added, adjourned the matter and ordered that Abubakar be remanded in custody until January 13. However, the arrest has drawn sharp criticism from Amnesty International, which insists that the case is connected to Abubakar’s social media posts criticising government officials. The human rights organisation has described the detention as an abuse of power, arguing that no citizen should be punished for expressing opinions about public office holders. Amnesty said Abubakar committed no crime and demanded his immediate and unconditional release. The organisation further warned that detaining individuals for online criticism undermines the rule of law and violates constitutional guarantees of free expression. It noted that young Nigerians increasingly face threats, harassment, arrests, and detention simply for speaking out on digital platforms—an alarming trend, it said, in a democratic society. While police maintain that the arrest followed due process based on a formal petition and non-compliance with invitations, rights groups argue that the broader issue is whether dissent is being criminalised under the guise of investigation. The case has therefore reignited national debate over the limits of state authority, the protection of civil liberties, and the shrinking civic space for activists and critics in Nigeria. As the court prepares to reconvene on January 13, observers are closely watching whether the judiciary will reinforce constitutional rights or endorse what many fear is a dangerous precedent—one in which social media criticism can lead to detention. The outcome of Salim Abubakar’s case could become a defining moment for digital freedom, youth activism, and the future of dissent in Nigeria’s democracy.

Jigawa Court Orders Arrest of DSS Officer Over Alleged Abduction, Sexual Exploitation, and Forced Conversion of 16-Year-Old Girl A Magistrate Court sitting in Hadejia, Jigawa State, has ordered the arrest of a serving officer of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), Ifeanyi Festus, over allegations of child abduction, sexual exploitation, unlawful detention, and forcible religious conversion involving a 16-year-old girl, Walida Abdulhadi. The directive was issued by His Worship, Sadisu Musa Esq., in Suit No: DCC/01/2026, following a petition filed by Abuja-based law firm Gamji Lawchain on behalf of Walida’s father, Alhaji Abdulhadi Ibrahim. The court ordered the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police or senior DSS officials to arrest the officer and discreetly investigate the allegations under Sections 125 and 102(5) of the Jigawa State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). It also directed the DSS to immediately release and reunite the girl with her parents. According to the petition dated January 4, 2026, Walida was allegedly abducted from Hadejia over two years ago when she was still a minor and legally incapable of consenting to any sexual relationship. The family reportedly searched for her for years, and the prolonged trauma is said to have contributed to the death of her mother. The case reportedly resurfaced on January 1, 2026, when the accused officer allegedly contacted the girl’s father, claiming Walida had been living with him, had given birth to his child, and that he was now prepared to marry her. When a family representative was sent to Abuja, he was allegedly taken to a DSS facility at Karmajiji, where officials reportedly confirmed that Walida had been living within the DSS estate. Requests for her release were allegedly refused. The petition further claims that while under this custody, the teenager was allegedly converted from Islam to Christianity without parental consent and subjected to sexual exploitation that resulted in pregnancy and childbirth while she was still underage. The lawyers alleged that the acts could not have occurred without the knowledge or tacit approval of other officers, describing the matter as potential institutional complicity rather than isolated misconduct. In its ruling, the court emphasized the need for immediate investigation and ordered that Walida be released and reunited with her family. The case has since generated widespread public attention, raising serious questions about child protection, abuse of power, religious freedom, and accountability within Nigeria’s security agencies.

Did an Ondo DPO Assault a Lawyer at a Police Station? Why a Law Firm Has Petitioned the IGP and Police Service Commission Over Alleged Abuse of Power A Lagos- and Ondo-based law firm, Tope Temokun Chambers, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Police Service Commission (PSC), and other oversight bodies over allegations of assault, intimidation, abuse of office, and obstruction of justice involving the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ore Division in Ondo State, Mr. Moses Adeduro. According to the petitions, the incident occurred on January 8, 2026, when one of the firm’s lawyers, Adedotun Emmanuel Adegoroye, Esq., accompanied a client—Mrs. Stella Oluwasegun, Managing Director of Niret Marketing Product Company Limited—to the Ore Divisional Police Station to formally report a case of alleged stealing and criminal conversion of company goods valued at about ₦20.4 million. The firm stated that the complaint followed the discovery that some employees of the company, allegedly acting in collaboration with a supplier’s staff and a driver, unlawfully removed and sold company goods. It added that some receivers of the allegedly stolen items had already been arrested prior to the visit. However, the law firm alleged that upon arrival at the police station, officers attempted to coerce the complainant into an informal settlement without first taking her statement or properly documenting the complaint. When their counsel reportedly objected and insisted on due process, he was directed to see the DPO. What happened next, according to the petition, escalated into intimidation and physical assault. The firm alleged that the DPO dismissed the presence of legal representation, reportedly stating that lawyers were not needed at the police station, and ordered that the lawyer be forcibly removed from his office. In the process, a police officer was said to have physically grabbed and ejected the lawyer. Tope Temokun Chambers described the alleged conduct as a grave abuse of office, an unlawful assault on a legal practitioner, and a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. The firm argued that the actions violated multiple laws, including the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Police Act and Regulations, and the Legal Practitioners Act, all of which guarantee citizens’ right to legal representation and protect lawyers in the lawful discharge of their duties. In its petitions, the firm demanded: An immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of the DPO and other officers involved, with appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations are proven; A formal written apology to the affected lawyer; and That the underlying criminal complaint be taken over by higher police authorities to ensure impartial investigation and public confidence. The firm further claimed it had been reliably informed of similar complaints of misconduct previously made against the same DPO, raising concerns about a possible pattern of abuse of authority. Emphasising that the petitions were filed in the interest of justice and professionalism, the firm stressed that lawyers must be allowed to perform their duties without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation, urging authorities to act decisively to uphold the rule of law and restore confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

Delta Police Accused of Extortion and Harassment After SaharaReporters Exposé on New Year’s Eve Arrests The Delta State Police Command is under scrutiny for alleged harassment, intimidation, and extortion following a SaharaReporters report exposing arbitrary arrests on New Year’s Eve in Asaba. Sources revealed that police operatives arrested over 40 individuals, including churchgoers attending crossover night services, allegedly demanding ₦150,000 to ₦200,000 for bail. The situation escalated when police reportedly rearrested a worshipper, Benjamin Eboka, after he was initially released, accusing him of leaking information to the media. Eyewitnesses described assaults, tear gas deployment, and wrongful detentions, highlighting claims of deep-rooted corruption within the Delta State Police. The arrests were reportedly orchestrated by DCP Adejobi Olumuyiwa, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, with many victims alleging extortion and abuse of power. Affected individuals include members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, traditional rulers, and innocent worshippers, raising concerns about human rights violations. SaharaReporters’ investigation paints a picture of a pattern of abuse, where officers allegedly label innocent citizens as hoodlums while extorting them and denying due process. Legal experts and victims have called for urgent government intervention and accountability measures within the police command. This story underscores ongoing issues of police misconduct in Nigeria, highlighting the need for transparent policing, protection of citizens’ rights, and institutional reforms to prevent arbitrary detentions and extortion.

Why Are Nigerian Nurses Being Forced to Do Cleaners’ Jobs? Are Hospital CMDs Exploiting Strikes to Intimidate Health Workers Across the Country? A growing controversy is shaking Nigeria’s healthcare sector after the Elegant Nurses Forum accused hospital managements across the country of forcing nurses to perform cleaning and other menial duties, a practice the group describes as unethical, unlawful, and professionally degrading. In a press statement signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum said it had received multiple complaints from health institutions nationwide, alleging that some Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) are exploiting the ongoing strike by hospital cleaners under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to compel nurses to take over sanitation work. According to the forum, this practice violates professional ethics, international best practices, and the legal framework governing nursing in Nigeria. It warned that compelling nurses to abandon clinical responsibilities for cleaning duties not only demeans the profession but also endangers patient safety and healthcare quality. The group disclosed that over ten days ago, nurses at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, Benue State, formally complained of threats and coercion to assume cleaners’ duties. Similar complaints were later received from the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, along with reports from other tertiary and secondary health facilities nationwide. The forum expressed particular concern over the leadership at OOUTH, alleging a persistent pattern of intimidation and harassment of nurses by the hospital’s CMD. According to the statement, nurses were reportedly threatened with job loss, with allegations that political connections were being used to exert pressure. The forum described this as a gross abuse of office, questioning the competence, temperament, and ethical standing of such leadership. It further alleged that political interference rather than merit has influenced some CMD appointments, warning that hospitals were being transformed into “tools of oppression” instead of institutions dedicated to patient-centred care. Emphasising the professional role of nurses, the forum stated that nurses are trained healthcare practitioners whose duties include patient care, disease prevention, health promotion, and clinical management—not sanitation. Forcing them into menial tasks, it said, devalues their expertise, undermines healthcare delivery, and weakens the entire system. In its demands, the Elegant Nurses Forum called for: Immediate cessation of all intimidation, threats, and coercion of nurses into non-nursing duties; Clear directives from federal and state health ministries prohibiting the assignment of cleaning or other unrelated tasks to nurses; Independent investigations and disciplinary action against erring CMDs and administrators; Protection of nurses from victimisation and harassment; and Transparent, merit-based appointments to hospital leadership positions free from political interference. The forum vowed it would not remain silent while nurses are treated as expendable labour and stripped of their professional identity. “Healthcare leadership must be about service, competence, and accountability—not intimidation, arrogance, and abuse of power,” the statement concluded. As the allegations spread across multiple states, the central question remains: are hospital authorities protecting patient care—or sacrificing professionalism for power?

Did Heaven’s Gate Founder Apostle Chikere Ship Her Lexus to Nigeria and Claim It Was Stolen? How an Ex-Husband Says £17,000 Was Collected From UK Insurers and What This Means for Accountability A major controversy has erupted around Apostle Chikere Nwafor, founder of Heaven’s Gateway Ministries, following allegations by her ex-husband, Martin Ogbulu, that she shipped her luxury Lexus SUV from the United Kingdom to Nigeria and later reported the vehicle as stolen to her insurance company—allegedly collecting nearly £17,000 in compensation. Speaking to SaharaReporters, Martin detailed a sequence of events he claims exposed what he describes as a calculated scheme. According to him, the first warning sign appeared when the Lexus, normally parked in its usual space in the UK, suddenly disappeared. When he questioned Chikere, she reportedly told him her cousins had borrowed the car for a family event, an explanation he initially found believable. Weeks later, Martin said Chikere contacted him in a panic from Nigeria, pleading for help and warning that her insurance company would soon reach out to him. She allegedly told him that she had already filed reports and emails claiming the vehicle had been stolen. When insurers later contacted him to ask whether the car was at home, Martin said he simply told them he had not seen the vehicle, unaware at the time that it had allegedly been shipped abroad. According to Martin, the insurance company subsequently paid Chikere close to £17,000. He later realised, he claimed, that the same Lexus RX450h she reported as stolen was already in Nigeria and in use. He alleged that he possesses photographs showing the vehicle in the UK before shipping and later in Nigeria, insisting that “the car didn’t disappear—it was moved.” Martin further alleged that this was not an isolated incident but part of what he described as a pattern of deceptive behaviour, claiming that Chikere used influence and connections to manipulate situations. He said the timeline suggested the car was shipped shortly before Chikere travelled to Nigeria, after which the insurance claim was made. As of the time of publication, Apostle Chikere had not responded to repeated requests for comment from SaharaReporters. The allegations also revive earlier controversies surrounding the cleric, including claims that she orchestrated the arrest and prolonged detention of a former church caretaker, Alfred Morris Oyawari, over alleged missing building materials. According to Martin, Alfred—who earned just ₦40,000 monthly and managed multiple construction projects for years—was arrested in April 2025 and has remained in custody at Ikoyi Prison, with allegations of police influence, court delays, and pressure on relatives not to pursue legal action. Together, the claims raise troubling questions about abuse of power, accountability, and the treatment of vulnerable individuals by influential religious figures. If proven, the Lexus insurance allegation would not only implicate possible fraud but also deepen public scrutiny of how authority and privilege can be used to evade responsibility.

Amnesty International Condemns Arbitrary Arrest of Activist Abubakar Musa by Nigerian Police in Abuja Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest of Nigerian activist Abubakar Salim Musa by the police in Abuja, describing it as a clear abuse of power and a violation of the right to freedom of expression. Musa, a young social media user, was reportedly tracked and monitored by officers attached to the Gusau Central Police Command, with no formal invitation, complaint, or allegation communicated to him prior to his detention. According to reports, Musa was abducted by heavily armed security personnel at Sounders Suites in Apo Legislative Quarters, Zone E, and detained at the notorious ‘Abattoir’ police detention center, where past detainees have allegedly faced torture. His family and lawyers were initially denied information about his whereabouts, raising concerns about arbitrary detention practices. Amnesty International emphasized that Musa’s arrest is unlawful, noting that criticism of government officials is a protected right under international law. The human rights body called for his immediate and unconditional release, stating: > “No one should be punished for criticizing a government official. Abubakar Salim did not commit any crime and his arrest shows clear abuse of power.” The organization also highlighted a troubling trend in Nigeria, where young people face harassment, threats, and detention for expressing opinions online. Amnesty warned that such actions undermine the rule of law and violate international human rights standards, stressing that social media criticism alone cannot justify police detention. This case raises broader concerns about freedom of expression in Nigeria and the increasing risks faced by activists and young citizens who hold government officials accountable online. Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to respect the rights of individuals to dissent, urging legal reforms and protective measures for those exercising their fundamental freedoms.

Zamfara Govt Accuses Defence Minister Matawalle of Using NSA Office to Target Opposition Figures The Zamfara State Government has accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of allegedly using the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to intimidate and harass opposition figures in the state. The claim was made in a press statement by Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, highlighting concerns over the politicisation of national security institutions. The government alleged that Saleem Abubakar, a Technical Assistant in the Zamfara Governor’s office, was abducted in Abuja by operatives linked to the NSA without an arrest warrant. According to the statement, Abubakar was moved between undisclosed locations, raising fears of a deliberate attempt to conceal his whereabouts. Zamfara officials described the alleged actions as a dangerous abuse of power and a threat to democratic norms, warning that such incidents could tarnish Nigeria’s democratic credentials and international reputation. The statement urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure due process is followed, stressing that legal charges should be preferred over illegal abductions. The state government vowed to monitor the situation closely, promising to pursue justice and hold accountable any parties involved in what it termed federal impunity. This development has intensified debates around the intersection of politics and national security in Nigeria, highlighting rising concerns over the misuse of security agencies for political purposes.

Did a Pastor Use Police and Courts to Silence a Worker? Ex-Husband’s Shocking Claims Against Apostle Chikere Nwafor | Fintter Can a religious leader allegedly use the police and the courts to keep a poor church worker behind bars—and get away with it? A disturbing set of allegations has emerged against Apostle Chikere Nwafor, founder of Heaven’s Gateway Ministries in Lagos, after her ex-husband, Mr. Martin Ogbulu, accused her of orchestrating the arrest, prosecution, and continued imprisonment of a longtime church caretaker, Mr. Alfred Morris Oyawari. According to Ogbulu, Alfred—who had overseen the church’s building projects, houses, and properties since 2018—has been languishing in Ikoyi Prison since April 2025 over allegations of missing building materials. The ex-husband insists the accusations were fabricated and driven by fear that Alfred might later sue the cleric for wrongful treatment. A Caretaker, Not a Criminal? Ogbulu describes Alfred as a loyal, humble worker who managed church construction and supervised contractors for years, often while both he and Apostle Chikere were outside Nigeria during the COVID-19 period. Despite the heavy responsibility placed on him, Alfred reportedly earned only ₦40,000 per month. He even volunteered to live alone on the church’s three-acre property in Ibeju-Lekki, near Amen Estate—an isolated area where no one else was willing to stay. From there, he acted as caretaker, site supervisor, and the main link between the church leadership and contractors. So how did such a worker end up in prison? “She Said She Had Locked Him Up” Ogbulu claims that in April 2025, Apostle Chikere informed him that Alfred had been arrested because some items allegedly went missing from the construction site. Even if there had been an issue, he questioned the moral basis of criminal prosecution by a religious leader. > “Even if it was him, what are you preaching? Are you not preaching forgiveness?” he asked. “You bundled a man who looked after your building from 2018 to 2025, locked him up, and took him to court.” Since then, Alfred’s case has reportedly been repeatedly adjourned, leaving him stuck in detention. Alleged Police Pressure and a Chilling Condition In one of the most troubling claims, Ogbulu alleged that the police demanded that Alfred’s relatives sign an undertaking promising that Alfred would never sue Apostle Chikere for wrongful detention as a condition for his release. According to him, the Investigating Police Officer handling the case allegedly said that “madam” was giving instructions, and that Alfred’s family must agree not to take legal action if he were freed. Ogbulu says he agreed in desperation—because Alfred is poor and has no means to fight the system. “He Calls Her From Prison, Begging for Mercy” Ogbulu revealed that Alfred occasionally gets access to a phone in prison and uses it to beg Apostle Chikere for forgiveness, calling her “Mummy” and pleading to be released. > “Seeing Alfred in prison breaks my heart,” he said. “This young man has begged her countless times, even from inside prison.” He further described Alfred’s family as extremely poor, saying his father—a retired security officer from a riverine community—lacks the resources to pursue legal action. Pattern of Abuse or Isolated Case? Beyond Alfred’s ordeal, Ogbulu alleged a broader pattern of intimidation within the church, recounting incidents in which members were allegedly humiliated or physically confronted, only to later be appeased with money. He warned that Alfred’s case might be one of many involving vulnerable Nigerians who allegedly fall victim to abuse of power within religious and law-enforcement structures. > “Can you imagine how many other people are languishing in jail that nobody knows about?” Silence From Those Accused When contacted for a response, Apostle Chikere Nwafor reportedly said she would “get back,” but did not. Attempts to reach the police officer allegedly in charge of the case were also unsuccessful. This leaves the public with unsettling questions about justice, power, and accountability in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. --- 💬 Questions for Fintter Readers Can a religious leader legally influence police and courts this way? Should clerics be held to a higher moral and legal standard? If these claims are true, what does it say about justice for the poor in Nigeria? How many similar cases go unnoticed because victims lack money or influence? 👉 Join the conversation on Fintter: Is this a case of religious authority abusing state power—or is there another side to the story we are not being told?

Was Justice Denied? Why Is Inspector Oboh Still Detained After Being Cleared of Murder Charges in Rivers State? | Fintter Was justice truly served in the case of Inspector Hycenth Oboh—or is this another troubling example of power, politics, and abuse within Nigeria’s law enforcement system? In a case that is raising serious constitutional and human rights concerns, Inspector Hycenth Oboh, a serving police officer attached to the Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, has allegedly been illegally detained for over 18 months without trial, court order, or lawful disciplinary sanction. His prolonged detention follows a tragic shooting incident that occurred on June 18, 2024, at the Eberi-Omuma Local Government Council Secretariat, where two people were killed during a crossfire. What makes this case particularly controversial is that Inspector Oboh was reportedly discharged and acquitted during an internal police disciplinary process in August 2024. Despite this, he has remained in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Port Harcourt—raising urgent questions about the rule of law, police accountability, and respect for constitutional rights in Nigeria. According to sources, Oboh was initially arrested alongside 11 other officers and subjected to investigations by the Homicide Department. They were later tried under the Police Act and Regulations on three counts: discreditable conduct, unlawful exercise of authority, and destruction of government property through the alleged waste of ammunition. All officers pleaded not guilty. Oboh, in particular, denied firing any weapon and reportedly presented medical evidence showing exposure to teargas. The internal proceedings reportedly ended with eight officers, including Oboh, being cleared of all charges. However, in a twist that has left many observers baffled, the Rivers State Police Command allegedly ordered a second disciplinary trial without presenting new evidence. While six officers were later dismissed and five released, Inspector Oboh alone was kept in detention, with no official explanation, court arraignment, or detention order. Even more disturbing are allegations of political interference. Sources claim that a serving federal lawmaker, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, who represents Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, may have influenced senior police officials to ensure Oboh remains detained—allegedly to prevent him from testifying or being fully investigated. Although these claims have not been independently verified and the lawmaker has yet to respond, they deepen public concern about whether the case is being driven by justice or by political interests. Beyond the legal questions, the human cost is devastating. Reports indicate that Oboh’s prolonged detention has destroyed his family life, with his wife reportedly leaving with their children due to lack of support. Paradoxically, despite being held over a murder investigation, he is said to have continued receiving his salary, further highlighting contradictions in how the case is being handled. Human rights advocates argue that this situation represents a clear violation of constitutional rights, particularly the rights to liberty and fair hearing. As one advocate put it: “You cannot acquit a man, detain him endlessly, and still call it justice. This is a dangerous abuse of power.” As of now, there is no known court order, no formal charge, and no legal justification for Inspector Oboh’s continued detention. Calls are growing louder for either his immediate release or for authorities to arraign him before a competent court if credible evidence exists. 💬 What Do You Think? (Comment Hooks for Fintter) If an officer is cleared internally, can the police legally keep him locked up without a court order? Is this a case of justice delayed, or justice deliberately denied? Could political influence be overriding due process in this matter? Should Nigeria reform how police disciplinary actions and criminal prosecutions are handled? 👉 Join the conversation on Fintter: Is Inspector Oboh a victim of systemic abuse—or are there facts the public still doesn’t know?

NCC Staff Allege Abuse, Corruption, Irregular Recruitment Under EVC Dr. Aminu Maida, Call for Probe Some staff members of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have accused Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Dr. Aminu Maida of widespread corruption, abuse of power, staff victimisation, and intimidation. Operating under the name Concerned Staff of the NCC, they allege management has refused to promote existing employees citing “no vacancies” while approving the recruitment of over 50 new staff. The workers further claimed that the introduction of a voluntary redundancy scheme is being used to force out existing employees to create vacancies for preferred candidates, amid alleged board interference and staff intimidation, including involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS). Sources also allege that Maida frequently travels abroad, particularly to the UK, without handing over responsibilities, leaving oversight to close associates. Staff warned that no individual is above the law and called on the Minister of Communications, anti-corruption agencies, the National Assembly, and the media to investigate irregular recruitment, the redundancy scheme, intimidation practices, and alleged declining service quality at the NCC. #NCCCorruption #AminuMaida #NigerianTelecoms #StaffAbuse #IrregularRecruitment

Delta Police Rearrest, Detain Church Worshipper Granted Bail After Alleged ₦200,000 Extortion Under DCP Adejobi Olumuyiwa’s Watch in Asaba The Delta State Police Command has reportedly rearrested and detained a church worshipper who was earlier granted bail after being among dozens of people randomly arrested on New Year’s Eve in Asaba. The operation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, targeted more than 40 individuals, many of whom were worshippers attending or returning from crossover night church services across different parts of the state capital. According to police sources, the suspects—arrested at locations including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road—were later handed over to the Eagle Net unit. While the police described them as “hoodlums” involved in violent conduct, multiple detainees told SaharaReporters that they were innocent worshippers who were allegedly framed and extorted before being released on bail. Some claimed they were forced to pay between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 to secure their freedom. One of those rearrested, Benjamin Eboka, a staff member of the Delta State Fire Service, was reportedly invited back to the command under the pretext of retrieving his impounded vehicle, only to be detained again. Sources said he was accused of leaking details of the alleged extortion to the media, even though he denied speaking to any journalist. His arrest, they alleged, was ordered by the DCP Operations. Eboka had originally been arrested alongside friends while driving to a church service on DLA Road. As of the time of reporting, he remained in custody, sparking renewed allegations of intimidation, abuse of power, and corruption within the command. The incident has prompted calls for the Commissioner of Police to intervene, investigate the alleged extortion, and ensure the unconditional release of the detained worshipper, as concerns grow over police conduct and the treatment of innocent citizens in Delta State.

Lagos Police Officers Accused of Extorting ₦3.3 Million From Innocent Couple, Return ₦2.2 Million After Public Exposure, Claim Remaining ₦1.1 Million Was Shared Police officers attached to the Area H Command in Ogudu, Lagos State, have been accused of extorting about ₦3.3 million ($2,000 USDT) from a couple who were allegedly wrongfully arrested while travelling out of Lagos on December 18, 2025. According to an investigation by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the officers detained the couple, seized the man’s phones, and allegedly coerced him into making a cryptocurrency payment without legal representation. After the incident was exposed on social media, the police reportedly returned ₦2.2 million but are said to be pleading to retain the remaining ₦1.1 million, claiming the money had already been shared among several officers. The victims, supported by a friend who reported the matter to the Police Complaints Response Unit, identified the officers involved during a visit to the station. Despite partial refunds, the couple has continued to demand a full return of the extorted funds, while the station officer, Olumide Jegede, reportedly acknowledged that not all the money could be recovered immediately. The case has renewed public outrage over police extortion, abuse of power, and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.

Ekiti 2026: APC Aspirant Kayode Ojo’s Supporters Allege Police Arrests, Intimidation and Secret Detention Under Governor Oyebanji as Party Crisis Deepens Supporters of Engineer Kayode Ojo, an aspirant in the 2026 Ekiti State governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have accused the Ekiti State Government and the police of sustained intimidation, arrests and harassment aimed at silencing dissent within the ruling party. The allegations were contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Kayode Ojo Campaign Organisation, Femi Awojobi, who described the situation as a serious threat to democracy, rule of law and internal party freedom in the state. According to the campaign, APC members who openly or quietly support Ojo have been targeted through arrests, unlawful detention and intimidation, allegedly under the administration of Governor Abayomi Oyebanji. Several party members across different local government areas were named as victims, including ward executives, women and youth leaders, raising concerns about what the group called a deliberate attempt to crush alternative political opinions within the APC. The statement highlighted the arrest and alleged secret detention of Akogun Abayomi, popularly known as Lustay, as the most alarming case. Abayomi was reportedly arrested on January 1, 2026, by police officers without a warrant or explanation and denied access to his family, lawyers and medication. The campaign alleged that police initially denied holding him, only for his wife to later discover his vehicle inside the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) premises, sparking fears of abuse of power and lack of transparency. The group further alleged that Abayomi was subjected to political intimidation, including pressure to renounce his support for Kayode Ojo, and accused the police of acting as a political tool. Describing the situation as a national embarrassment, the campaign called on the Inspector-General of Police, the National Judicial Council, civil society organisations and prominent Ekiti stakeholders to intervene, investigate alleged abuses and ensure the immediate release of all supporters detained over their political beliefs.

BREAKING: APC Senator Kelvin Chukwu Caught on Video Assaulting Constituent During Football Tournament in Enugu as Security Operatives Look On A serving senator of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial District, has come under intense public scrutiny after video footage emerged showing him physically assaulting a constituent during a football competition in Enugu State. The incident, which occurred during the final match of a community football tournament organised by the lawmaker on January 3, 2026, was exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters. The videos show Senator Chukwu visibly angry, engaging in a heated confrontation with the constituent before pursuing him outside the football pitch and slapping him, while armed security operatives attached to the senator reportedly watched without intervening. Another clip also captured one of the senator’s security aides assaulting the same individual, who was later arrested and detained despite being the victim of the attack. Eyewitnesses alleged that the assault followed a minor disagreement during the match, accusing the senator of staging the football competition mainly for political reasons ahead of upcoming elections. The incident has sparked outrage, raising serious concerns about abuse of power, police conduct, and the role of security personnel in protecting public office holders rather than citizens. Senator Chukwu, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the APC, was elected in 2023 following the assassination of his elder brother, Oyibo Chukwu. The latest development has reignited debates about accountability, political violence, and the treatment of constituents by elected officials in Nigeria.

Edo Governor Okpebholo’s Alleged Loyalist Who Brutalised Female Worker Over ₦40,000 Salary Petitions Police to Arrest Victim as Officers Allegedly Shield Him A political enforcer allegedly loyal to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, identified as Adam Ehigiamusoe, popularly known as Shaba, has sparked outrage after petitioning the Nigeria Police to arrest a female employee he is accused of brutally assaulting over an unpaid ₦40,000 salary. The incident reportedly occurred on December 23, 2025, at Destiny O Hotel Suites in Benin City, which Shaba owns. According to sources, the victim, Love Nehizena, also known as Bella, was beaten severely after demanding payment of her outstanding salary. Videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed her covered in blood with visible injuries, suggesting an assault described by witnesses as near-fatal. Despite the severity of the attack, Shaba was allegedly never arrested, reportedly boasting that his political connections made him untouchable. Sources disclosed that the Edo State Commissioner of Police had earlier directed Shaba to report himself, but he allegedly ignored the order and instead, through his lawyer, submitted a petition to the Zone 5 Police Headquarters in Benin, accusing the victim. Shockingly, police action reportedly followed against Bella rather than the alleged attacker, with a senior officer, CSP Christopher Ereshe, inviting her for questioning, raising concerns of intimidation and victim persecution. Witnesses expressed alarm that Shaba, whom police claimed they could not locate, was publicly seen days later distributing bags of rice in Benin City and freely engaging law enforcement. Bella, a single mother, narrated how she was beaten with wires, planks, and wooden objects, spat on, insulted for her poor background, and threatened with death if she reported the incident. Her phone was also destroyed during the assault. Human rights advocates and residents have condemned the episode as a gross abuse of power, politicisation of policing, and a dangerous example of how poverty and political influence are weaponised to silence vulnerable citizens. The case has intensified public calls for accountability and justice amid fears that political protection may obstruct due process.

EXCLUSIVE: Tiger Base Atrocities—Imo Police Staff Allege Threats To Life, Abuse Of Power And Dismissal Plot By Anti-Kidnapping Unit Commander ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa Police personnel attached to the notorious Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, popularly known as Tiger Base, Owerri, have raised serious allegations of intimidation, threats to life, and an alleged plot to dismiss one of their own by the unit’s commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa. In an exclusive account to SaharaReporters, a police staff member accused the commander of sustained harassment, humiliation, and professional victimisation, claiming the crisis escalated after she rejected an alleged personal relationship with him. She further alleged that she was falsely accused of collaborating with activists and social commentators, including Omoyele Sowore, VeryDarkMan and Nonso Nkwa, to expose alleged atrocities linked to Tiger Base. The staff member said she was transferred from Tiger Base to Egbema Division in October 2025, a posting she described as extremely dangerous due to repeated threats to her life. Despite raising safety concerns and receiving assurances from the commander that the posting would be reviewed, no action was taken. She also claimed that efforts to seek help through the Imo State Government’s Chief Security Officer, CSP Shaba—allegedly a close ally of the commander—proved futile. Months later, the officer was allegedly informed that a dismissal letter had already been prepared, with the commander reportedly blocking her calls and openly boasting about plans to sack her. The police staff described an atmosphere of fear within the Imo State Police Command, alleging that ACP Odeyeyiwa and CSP Shaba wield unchecked influence, making officers afraid to speak out. Fearing for her life and livelihood, the officer appealed for urgent intervention, warning that silence is enforced through intimidation and the risk of victimisation. SaharaReporters said attempts to obtain responses from the Imo State Police Command, ACP Odeyeyiwa, and CSP Shaba were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.