Author: Naija Daily News

Judgment marks latest legal victory for Nigeria in long-running efforts to prosecute figures linked to the controversial P&ID gas contract scandal A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted British businessman James Nolan, a director of Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd, in absentia on multiple counts of money laundering, forgery and obtaining by false pretence. Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the judgment on Monday, also convicted Nolan’s co-defendant, Micad Project City Services Ltd, after finding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The ruling represents another milestone in Nigeria’s years-long legal…

FCT Minister claims party structure favoured Atiku as efforts begin to heal divisions after contentious presidential primary By Anselm Odiegie, Abuja The controversies from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary continued on Monday, with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, arguing that former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, entered a contest he was never likely to win. Wike’s remarks come amid growing concerns over divisions within the opposition coalition following the party’s presidential primary, which produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the 2027 election. Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja,…

By Didimoko A Didimoko, Warri Leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups in Delta State have threatened to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) against the chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing him of failing to implement a Supreme Court-backed delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency. At a press conference in Warri on Monday, the leaders alleged that INEC had delayed implementing a final ward delineation report presented on May 20, despite earlier assurances that the process would be carried out ahead of the 2027 general elections. The report established 20 electoral wards across Warri North,…

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has urged residents of Ogoniland to support a dialogue process led by Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), saying it could help resolve decades-long disputes between the Ogoni people and the country’s oil industry. Speaking at a meeting of MOSOP leaders in Port Harcourt over the weekend, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke said the talks represented a departure from previous government approaches and offered an opportunity to address issues that have persisted for more than three decades. “The ongoing dialogue process significantly departs from previous approaches and deserves to…

Photo: Gen Christopher Musa (retd) Defence Minister At least two people were killed and several others injured after a clash between soldiers and participants in the Echane Masquerade Festival in Kogi State, residents said on Monday, prompting authorities to suspend the event across Ebiraland. The violence broke out on Sunday in Ogaminana, headquarters of Adavi Local Government Area, after two soldiers in civilian clothes were allegedly assaulted by masqueraders, witnesses said. The soldiers later returned with reinforcements and opened fire, residents said, triggering chaos as some youths responded by throwing stones. One of those killed was a Point of Sale…

Protesters took to the streets of Ibadan on Monday over worsening insecurity in Oyo State and the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers, as public schools across the state remained largely shut following an indefinite strike by teachers. Members of the Take-It-Back Movement gathered at major junctions in the Oyo State capital, calling on authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and curb rising cases of kidnapping in the state. Carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” and “Protect farmers, traders and…

The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) in connection with the alleged killing of a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus. Christogonus, a 100-level Cyber Security student and member of the university’s Man O’ War organisation, reportedly died after he was allegedly assaulted by fellow members of the group over accusations that he stole N13,500. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, DSP Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was allegedly restrained and subjected to severe assault, which resulted in fatal injuries. The police…

A high-powered Federal Government delegation on Saturday visited Ogbomoso in Oyo State to meet with community leaders and families of teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, as authorities intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity. The delegation comprised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. Their visit followed the May 15 abduction of teachers and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in…

Suspected armed bandits have abducted retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife in Katsina State. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday along the Katsina–Matazu road while the retired senior military officer and his wife were travelling. According to sources, armed men intercepted their vehicle in Matazu Local Government Area and forcefully took the couple to an undisclosed location. The driver conveying the victims was said to have escaped the attack despite sustaining a gunshot wound during the incident. Major General Abubakar, who previously served as Director of Defence Information, played a prominent role…

A Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, has been convicted by a jury in Texas, United States, for sexually assaulting women under his spiritual care, following a trial that exposed allegations of abuse of clerical authority. Odiong, 57, was found guilty on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault by a jury in Waco, Texas. The verdict was delivered on Friday after approximately two hours of deliberation by a panel comprising eight women and four men. Prosecutors told the court that Odiong exploited his position as a Catholic priest to manipulate and pressure women…