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Riley Moore Warns Ribadu, Bianca Ojukwu, IGP: Trump Doesn’t Make Empty Threats

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Riley M. Moore, a US congressman, met with a group of high-ranking Nigerian officials.

The group met in Washington, D.C., under the direction of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser.

Discussions regarding the alleged continued persecution of Christians and persistent terrorist threats in Nigeria were at the top of the agenda.

In order to put an end to the violence, they also discussed ways that the US and Nigeria could work together more closely.

Nigerians are terrified as terrorists go on the rampage and attack big gatherings.
Nigerian officials discussed the difficulties and worries of their administration in relation to counterterrorism, security support, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and persistent problems with violence throughout Nigeria.

Congressman Moore reaffirmed that President Trump will not put up with ongoing violence against Christians or other types of religious persecution, and that the United States is willing to work with Nigeria.

He cautioned that Trump doesn’t just make threats.

Moore stated in a statement, “President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.”

“I implore Nigerians to cooperate and coordinate with us on this vital issue.”

The delegation comprised:

The NSA and head of the delegation, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Her Excellency, Bianca Ojukwu is the Foreign Affairs Minister.
Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defense Staff; Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defense Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Advisor to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Nigerian Embassy
Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Division, Nigerian Embassy

Live TV Coverage as Court Prepares to Deliver Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Case

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The verdict in Nnamdi Kanu’s accused terrorist trial will be broadcast live on Thursday by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

On Thursday morning, the News Agency of Nigeria received confirmation of the development from the court registrar.

Among the broadcast station employees in the courtroom with their devices for the live broadcast were cameramen from various television networks, such as NTA, Channels TV, AIT, and TVC.

According to NAN, Justice James Omotosho scheduled the verdict for today on November 7.

After Kanu’s defense was foreclosed because to his insistence that he would not enter his defense under a repealed legislation, Justice James Omotosho set the date.

Judge Omotosho ruled that Kanu had waived his opportunity to present his defense after using up the six days the court had given him.

The judge stated that if Kanu had chosen to open it, he would have given him more time to present his defense.

He stated that Kanu could not claim to have been deprived of the constitutionally provided right to a fair hearing because he had not used the opportunity to present his defense.

ISWAP Commander Gets 20-Year Sentence as Ansaru Terrorists’ Trial Set for January

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Hussaini Ismaila, a leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province, was given a 20-year prison sentence by the Federal High Court in Abuja for crimes related to terrorism.

Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, altered his plea from not guilty to guilty on four counts brought under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, and Judge Emeka Nwite rendered the verdict on Tuesday.

In 2012, Ismaila was charged with planning coordinated assaults on Kano State police formations.

Several persons were reportedly hurt in his attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, the Mobile Police Base on Kabuga Road, the Pharm Centre Police Station, and the Angwa Uku Police Station.

On August 31, 2017, he was taken into custody at Tsamiyya Babba Village in Kano State’s Gezawa Local Government Area.

Interlocutory appeals and a trial-within-trial to ascertain the voluntariness of his extrajudicial utterances caused delays in the trial.

Five witnesses, including operatives and eyewitnesses, were called by the Department of State Services.

Ismaila modified his plea when the fifth witness testified.

His attorney, P. B. Onijah of the Legal Aid Council, pointing out that Ismaila was repentant and had entered a guilty plea to save more delays, requested the court to balance justice with mercy.

He was found guilty on all four counts by Justice Nwite, who sentenced him to 15 years for count one and 20 years for counts two, three, and four, to be served concurrently.

The punishment goes into effect on August 31, 2017, the day of his arrest.

After serving his sentence, the judge mandated that Ismaila undergo rehabilitation and deradicalization.

The trial of Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, two suspected Ansaru leaders, has been postponed until January 15, 2026.

The DSS has filed a 32-count complaint against the defendants for suspected offenses ranging from kidnapping and terrorism to illegal mining, financing terrorism, and purchasing weapons between 2015 and 2024.

Usman has denied the other counts but entered a guilty plea to Count 10, which relates to an economic offense.

He had already received a 15-year sentence for using illicit mining to finance kidnapping and terrorism. Abba has entered a not guilty plea to every accusation.

According to the charges, the two bombed the Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State, received training in improvised explosives and weapons handling, abducted security personnel, including an immigration officer and a customs officer who were later killed, and obtained millions of naira in ransom payments to buy weapons and train followers in Sudan and Mali.

In the proceedings on Wednesday, defense attorney B. In order to enable access for the trial, I. Bakum asked that the defendants be moved to a correctional facility; however, DSS counsel David Kaswe objected, citing procedural restrictions.

Justice Nwite ordered the defense to adhere to the correct procedure when obtaining access to their clients and postponed the case to January 15, 2026.

Ondo Govt, Partners Launch Joint Venture to Build 500,000 bpd Refinery

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With the creation of Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited, the Ondo State government and its investment partners have started the process of establishing a free trade zone and a refinery capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day.

The Ondo State Government, represented by the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency, or ONDIPA, will collaborate with the partners—Backbone Infrastructure Limited, BINL, NEFEX Petro Line Limited, and Cooldeal Limited—through Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited to actualize the refinery and free trade zone.

In an update on the refinery and free trade zone projects, BINL Vice President of Corporate Services Barrister Wale Adekola said that various executives from NEFEX, BINL, and Cooldeal Limited are involved in the joint venture.

According to the statement, ONDIPA leaders guided the joint venture team and consultants—including China Harbour, China Engineering, Honeywell, and UOP—to the project locations in the Ilaje region of Ondo State.

The team engaged with key stakeholders during the tour.
According to the statement, the crew made a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty (HRM), the Olugbo of the Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, before to moving on to the project locations across the waterways.

“The team was cordially welcomed by the Kabiyesi, particularly the foreign partners, including the team lead, Messrs. Egbal, JM, and Maryam, among others.” According to the release, he promised the JV team and the Ondo State Government the full support of the Kingdom and all parties engaged, including the protection of the lives and property of every group and individual involved in these projects for everyone’s benefit.

The group, which was headed by former Senate President and BINL Chairman Ken Nnamani, also paid Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa a courtesy call.

The governor notes that the development will propel Ondo’s and Nigeria’s overall industrial growth and expresses gratitude to the joint venture for choosing Ondo State as its investment location. Additionally, he promised a favorable atmosphere that will guarantee a prosperous enterprise and relationships that benefit all parties involved.

In addition to ensuring that the projects are carried out successfully, the JV team and ONDIPA reaffirmed their commitment to providing the stakeholders with all the benefits of modern social facilities, such as schools, hospitals, potable water, and settlement centers.

In the Ilaje region of Ondo State, the government plans to establish a 500,000 barrels-per-day refinery and a 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone.

BREAKING: Tinubu Postpones G20, AU-EU Summit Trips, Issues Fresh Directives to Military and Police

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The planned trip to Luanda, Angola, and Johannesburg, South Africa, has been postponed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This was reportedly done while he awaited additional security briefings regarding the abduction of Kebbi schoolgirls and the assault on worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, revealed this.

President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State in response to the governor’s request. He has also instructed the police to pursue the bandits who attacked worshippers.

Recall that Tinubu was supposed to depart Abuja today to attend the 20th G20 Summit of South African leaders before traveling to Luanda to attend the 7th AU-EU Summit.

President Tinubu chose to postpone his trip after being alarmed by the security lapses in Kebbi State and the bandits’ attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku on Monday.

He is still awaiting reports on the incident in Kwara from the Department of State Services and the police, as well as from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi in sympathy.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his order to the security services to do all within their power to free the 24 schoolgirls who were kidnapped by the bandits and return them home safely.

Court Fixes January 15 as Trial Date for Suspected Ansaru Commanders

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The terrorism trial of two suspected Ansaru sect leaders, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, will begin on January 15, 2026, according to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Judge Emeka Nwite postponed the trial, which was originally scheduled to start on Wednesday, after defense attorney B. I. Bakum informed the court that he had not received the accusations and supporting documentation from the Department of State Services (DSS), where the defendants are presently detained.

Additionally, Bakum said that his clients’ current incarceration at the DSS facility restricts their access and trial preparation, so he asked the court to compel their transfer to a penitentiary facility.

David Kaswe, an Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice and DSS attorney, disagreed with the action, arguing that the trial should go forward since prosecution witnesses were already in court.

Noting that the defense had not yet submitted such letters, Kaswe contended that the DSS follows an established system requiring written requests before counsel may access detainees.

He asked the court to order Bakum to follow DSS guidelines and include the prosecution in all future correspondence.

In a succinct decision, Justice Nwite ruled that the defense must be allowed enough time to examine the case file in order for the hearing to be fair.

The judge decided that “counsel must have adequate access to their clients and study the evidence before trial can begin” before rescheduling the start date to January 15, 2026.

In order to facilitate access, he directed the defense to write formally to the DSS and to include the prosecution in all correspondence.

Usman and Abba are charged with 32 counts that include terrorism, financing of terrorism, kidnapping, manufacturing of weapons, illegal mining, and connection to overseas terror networks.

Usman, whose real name is Abu Bara’a, admitted guilt to Count 10, an economic felony associated with illicit mining, but disputed the other 31 counts. To every charge, Abba entered a not guilty plea.

Usman was given a 15-year prison sentence in September for engaging in illicit mining and using the money he made to purchase weapons for kidnapping and terrorism.

The defendants committed several offenses between 2015 and 2024, according to the DSS, including:

bombing Niger State’s Wawa Military Camp

Training in firearms in Sudan and Mali

Making homemade explosives (IEDs)

Security personnel being abducted

financing terrorism using money obtained through illicit mining

Ansaru fighter training and operations coordination

The prosecution claims that millions of naira obtained through illicit mining were utilized to purchase weapons, ammunition, and IED components.

Between May and July of 2025, both suspects were apprehended through intelligence-led operations.

Ansaru, a Boko Haram offshoot group, has been connected to a number of high-profile incidents, such as assaults on military units and kidnappings of foreigners.

‘You Cannot Serve Two Masters’ – Gov. Eno Warns PDP-Loyal Appointees of Action

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Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, has threatened to take severe measures against his political appointees who continue to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The warning was issued just 48 hours after the governor fired two appointees for disobeying his directive to attend the PDP’s just finished national convention.

Speaking at the inauguration of Elsie Anietie Peters as the new head of the Civil Service (HoCS), the governor stated that his administration will continue to be hostile to appointees who did not pledge their complete allegiance to him.

He issued a warning, saying, “You cannot serve two masters at the same time. Those who eat at the King’s table must stand up to be counted, so anyone who is not willing to serve in a government area is free to go.”

Prince Enobong Uwah, the secretary to the state government (SSG), stated that Peters’ swearing-in confirms the administration’s dedication to setting up the civil service for increased efficiency and professionalism.

According to reports, the new HoCS was appointed when Elder Effiong Essien, the previous HoCS, retired. She has been exhorted to view her appointment as a call to duty and a significant step toward revitalizing the state’s administrative structure in the direction of a smooth reform process.

Tinubu Supporter Behind This – I’m Used to Their Lies,’ Mr Macaroni Responds to Rape Allegation

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Nigerian skitmaker cum Nollywood actor, Debo Adedayo, also known as Mr Macaroni, has fumed at a social media user over an accusation of rape.

It was stated that a 𝕏 user had accused Macaroni of raping a 17-year-old girl and used the police to punish the victim’s family.

The statement reads, “This guy actually raped 17 year old girl and used police to oppress her family. Now he’s an activist?”

In reaction, Mr Macaroni pointed out that the charge is from a fan of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he is not new to their lies.

He wrote, “Normally I shouldn’t respond to a tweet like this because i would just be giving it more Visibility. But because of the nature of the awful and unpleasant claim, I have to. This is a Tinubu and APC fan.

“I am not new to their lies and attacks anytime I criticize their evil government! But this isn’t just any other assault, this is a false claim of rape which any rational human being should never use as propaganda merely because I am holding our government accountable as any good citizen of this country should.

“But again, this is an APC supporter. I do not naturally expect any type of sanity or dignity from him or her. However if we don’t take actions against crazy individuals like this one, they will continue to infest society with their disease and portray onto others who they truly are.

“I checked their profile and saw that this is what they have been doing. Praising the President and government, then attacking anyone who dares question them. I would welcome any information about this individual that will help us take required action against this ranting madman.

“This tweet also serves as an opportunity to strongly refute this ridiculous accusation and any other kind from the infested supporters of the APC because I expect their disease to continue to spread as I won’t stop criticizing this abomination of a government!!!”

INEC Points Out Main Barrier to Instant Election Result Uploading

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The main barrier to uploading election results in real time has been identified by the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC.

Speaking at the 2025 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibitions in Abuja, Commission Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stated that poor telecommunications connectivity continues to be the commission’s biggest barrier to real-time result uploads, despite significant advancements made possible by the implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.

The inconsistent quality of network coverage throughout Nigeria continues to impede the smooth transmission of polling-unit results to the INEC Result Viewing page, Prof. Amupitan admitted on behalf of National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu.

Dayo Oketola, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, stated in a statement on Tuesday that although multiple voting and voter impersonation have been successfully reduced, the Commission is still facing connection issues in a number of regions of the nation.

“Achieving real-time upload of Polling Unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal remains one of the most difficult battles for transparency on Election Day, with 176,846 polling units tucked into swamps, perched on mountains, and hidden in remote communities.”

Amupitan stated, “A tool like the BVAS is only as good as the network it runs on.”

He stated that INEC would keep working with network providers and the Nigerian Communications Commission to find solutions to the problem while actively looking into other technologies to fill in the gaps.

The head of INEC insisted that the long-standing issue of identity theft during Nigerian elections has been resolved with the implementation of BVAS.

Speaking to a group of tech entrepreneurs, legislators, and representatives from civil society, he proclaimed the end of identity fraud and multiple voting.

He referred to BVAS as an impenetrable method of voter verification and called it a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“The BVAS device, which guarantees that only the legitimate, eligible voter can be accredited at the polling place, has become our first line of defense against identity fraud. Voter impersonation has essentially been eradicated from our election system with the implementation of biometric measures,” he stated.

Turaki, Makinde, Bala Mohammed, others, Expel Wike’s faction out of PDP secretariat [VIDEO]

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Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, alongside the newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taminu Turaki, have reportedly driven out the faction loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, from the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The incident occurred on Monday amid heightened tensions as both factions attempted to hold separate meetings within the PDP headquarters.

The National Working Committee (NWC) elected in Ibadan, Oyo State, and the Wike-backed faction had each scheduled meetings for the same day, creating a volatile atmosphere around Wadata Plaza.

Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the pro-Wike bloc, arrived at the secretariat with some loyal members. However, a confrontation reportedly broke out, resulting in the Wike faction being forced out of the premises.

Despite the unrest, Makinde, Bala Mohammed, and Chairman Turaki pushed their way into the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) hall, where they eventually held their scheduled NEC meeting.