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Obi’s Defection Breaks Labour Party’s “Shackles of Bondage” – Abure

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According to Factional National Chairman of the Labour Party Julius Abure, the defection of Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has removed the shackle of bondage holding the party down.

In his New Year’s letter to party members, Abure made this claim.

He claimed that the party is still the best option for building a successful country and has already formed a coalition with Nigerians.
He claims that 2025 was an amazing year full with conflicting emotions.

According to Abure, the Labour Party under his direction overcame almost all of the party leaders’ diversions that had jeopardized the party’s peaceful survival.

“I am delighted to greet everyone to the new year, fellow Nigerians and especially members of the Labour Party worldwide. Indeed, 2025 was an amazing year full of conflicting emotions, and we offer the Almighty all the praise.

“With the 31st December, 2025 incident in Enugu, the shackles of bondage holding the party down for more than a year are finally broken,” he declared.

Police Suspend Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit

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An interim court decision suspending the Tinted Glass Permit regulation has caused the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to halt its implementation nationally.

Remember that on December 15, 2025, the police declared that they will be enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit policy again, starting on January 2, 2026, citing their obligation to protect internal security and public safety.

However, the Force revealed that on December 17, 2025, it was served with an interim order in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, which prohibited it from carrying out the enforcement until the substantive suit was heard and decided or the order was vacated.

The police claimed they had entered presence in the case, made preliminary objections, and formally requested the vacation of the interim order in a statement released on Thursday by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer.

The statement claims that the court has postponed the case until January 20, 2026, for additional procedures.

The statement stated, “The Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court, in strict compliance with the subsisting court order.”

Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, reiterated the Force’s dedication to upholding the law while fulfilling its constitutional mission.

He declared that the police would keep using legal and intelligence-based tactics to deal with security issues and safeguard people’s lives and property nationwide.

In the sake of public order and national security, the Force promised the public that further information and precise instructions will be shared following the court’s decision.

NDLEA Arrests 1,389 Suspects, Seizes 7,773kg of Illicit Drugs in Kano

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Between January and December 2025, 7,773.06 kg of illegal substances were confiscated and 1,389 individuals were apprehended, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Kano Strategic Command.

In a statement released on Thursday in Kano by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the State Commander, Mr. Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, revealed this.

He said that the arrest was a component of the agency’s ongoing efforts to stop drug addiction and trafficking throughout the state.

He said that 1,346 men and 43 women were among the suspects who were detained for drug-related offenses during various operations.

Cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and psychiatric substances were among the drugs confiscated during the period under review, according to Yahaya-Lawal.

He noted that the seizures demonstrated the command’s dedication to establishing a drug-free Kano State and characterized them as a significant blow to drug trafficking networks.

He clarified that throughout the period under review, 133 cases were still pending before the Federal High Court, despite the command securing 141 convictions of narcotics traffickers and users.

“A house obtained through drug trafficking proceeds was forfeited to the Federal Government, and two other properties were placed under interim forfeiture,” he said, adding that “four major drug dealers were sentenced to 33 years imprisonment.”

According to the commander, the agency took a comprehensive approach, combining programs for drug demand reduction and rehabilitation with strict enforcement.

According to him, 1,009 people—including 28 women—received brief drug intervention services after being referred by investigators and other stakeholders, and 94 people benefited from recovery.

“We ran 254 anti-drug campaigns about the perils of substance usage and trafficking in schools, marketplaces, streets, and communities throughout the state.

“Through workshops and awareness programs, the agency through the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy, sensitized over 86,939 persons, comprising 41,225 males and 45,714 females,” he continued.

Yahaya-Lawal stated that in order to protect Nigeria’s reputation overseas, the command also looked at 598 applications for visa clearance from the Kano State Government, people, and organizations.

He continued by saying that 527 people were tested for substance misuse, and 64 of them tested positive for different narcotics.

According to him, the command worked with other security and pertinent agencies and forwarded cases to the proper authorities, such as NAFDAC, EFCC, DSS, and Police, involving offenses like gunrunning, banditry, fraud, theft, impersonation, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

He thanked Abba Kabir-Yusuf, the governor of Kano State, and retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa, the chairman and chief executive officer of the NDLEA, for their assistance.

Along with other security agencies, traditional institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the media, he also praised officers and men of the command for their contributions to the documented victories.

In order to destroy drug networks and guarantee a safer society, he promised that the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command would continue intelligence-led operations, collaboration, and community collaborations.

Nafiu Gombe-Led ADC Faction Rejects Peter Obi

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A formal clarification has been released by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) group led by Nafiu Bala Gombe in response to what it termed as false information about the party’s membership registration procedure that was making the rounds.

The party stressed that the ADC is based on the values of discipline, order, and rigorous adherence to its constitution, pointing out that the party’s membership registration procedure is unambiguous and well-defined.

The party distanced itself from reports that Peter Obi was registered at the party’s zonal office in Enugu, emphasizing that such an action violates the ADC’s constitution and established procedures, according to a statement issued by Gombe, who identifies himself as the party’s legitimate national chairman.

“We have learned that a certain Mr. Peter Obi was allegedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu,” Gombe stated. The National Working Committee would like to unequivocally declare that this action is in violation of the African Democratic Congress’s membership registration processes as outlined in the constitution.

“Order, discipline, and rigorous devotion to its constitution are the cornerstones of the ADC. The following is a detailed description of the ADC registration process:

“Ward Registration: In their home state or state of origin, prospective members must register at their respective ward levels. This is the main access point that is authorized by the constitution.

Documentation: In order to register, you must fill out official party forms and provide the information that the party’s registry requests.

“Issuance of Membership Card: A validated party membership card is issued following successful registration at the ward level.”

The statement emphasized that the party’s openness to all Nigerians must be exercised rigorously within the bounds of the ADC’s laws and regulations.

“The party’s constitution does not provide for the registration of individuals at Zonal or National offices outside of their designated wards,” he continued. Any registration made in violation of this clause is deemed irregular and void.

As a result, the Office of the National Chairman dissociates the reported registration of Mr. Peter Obi at the Enugu Zonal office from the original, legally governed ADC. This due process violation is being looked into by the party.

Reiterating that ward-level registration is still the only legitimate and accepted procedure, the ADC leadership further advised potential members, party sympathizers, and the general public to disregard any claims suggesting alternate avenues for party membership.

He continued, “The ADC insists on doing so within the bounds of its laws and regulations, but remains committed to providing a robust and credible platform for all Nigerians.”

No Decision Taken Yet – NJC Clarifies Report on 34 Lawyers’ Integrity Test

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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has denied popular rumors that 34 attorneys were excluded from consideration for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria after failing an integrity exam.

According to a statement released by the NJC’s secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, the reports that are currently in circulation are false and do not accurately depict what actually happened.

According to Saleh, some candidates were unable to proceed in the Federal Judicial Service Commission’s (FJSC) process due to unfavorable conclusions drawn from petitions the Commission received; a number of others were unable to proceed because they did not meet the necessary qualifying score to move on to the interview stage before the NJC.

He argued that a final decision about the impacted candidates has not yet been made by the NJC.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the processes mentioned in the report were conducted entirely at the FJSC level, and no decision or action has yet been taken by the National Judicial Council in respect of the candidates concerned,” the statement stated.

The Council emphasized that there is no independent or recently implemented “integrity test” whose failure automatically disqualified the impacted applicants, in contrast to the impression given by the media reports.

According to reports, the statement also stated that candidates must go through several stages of screening, such as structured, merit-driven, and multi-layered. These stages include written tests, performance standards, background checks, petition reviews when necessary, and interviews that are conducted strictly in compliance with established protocols.

“The publication of erroneous and speculative details has the potential to mislead the public and unjustly impugn the reputation of candidates who participated in the selection process in good faith,” the Council observes with worry.

“In light of the aforementioned, the NJC will take the necessary actions to safeguard the integrity and credibility of its processes and has started internal investigations to determine the source of the unauthorized press statement.”

“The Council encourages media practitioners to always seek clarification through authorized channels before publishing reports on sensitive institutional matters, and reassures Nigerians that it remains firmly committed to transparency, fairness, due process, and the highest standards of judicial integrity,” the statement continued.

Ondo Women Affairs Commissioner Ordered Arrested and Remanded by Court

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Seun Osamaye, the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, has been arrested and placed under remand by an Akure Magistrate’s Court due to an alleged attack on Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso.

The magistrate was purportedly on official business when the event happened on the grounds of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the police accused Osamaye of “assault,” citing verbal and physical abuse in court filings after the commissioner purportedly rendered an unfavorable decision.

Osamaye was not present in court on Wednesday, but her attorney, A.K. Adewusi, told the judge that she was being treated at a hospital in Ilara-Mokin, the state’s Ifedore Local Government Area.

The presiding magistrate allowed the lawyer’s request for a ninety-minute stand-down so that he could provide a medical report.

When things resumed, Adewusi submitted a hospital report stating that the commissioner was receiving treatment.

Suleiman Adebayo, the prosecutor, contested the medical document’s veracity, nevertheless.

Magistrate Damilola Sekoni dismissed the report in his decision, citing a lack of crucial information.

Sekoni declared, “The report did not indicate that the commissioner was on hospital admission or medically unfit to attend court.”

He added that the paperwork was deemed inadequate because it did not provide the time and date of the purported hospital stay.

Magistrate Sekoni ordered the commissioner’s immediate arrest and custody in a correctional facility, citing disrespect for court proceedings.

After that, the case was postponed until January 12 for another hearing.uyj7

Rising Inflation and Hardship: NLC Calls for New Minimum Wage in 2026

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Citing rising inflation and deteriorating hardship nationwide, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to review workers’ wages immediately in the next year.

Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, stated in his New Year’s speech to employees that workers’ pay should be a livable wage rather than just enough to survive.

In keeping with Mr. President’s pledge to pay living wages, we demand an urgent salary review given the rising inflation and hardship. A worker’s income must provide life, not just survival. We’ll use every legal tool at our disposal to pursue this,” Ajaero declared.

The labor leader admitted that 2025 was a particularly challenging year for Nigerian workers, characterized by growing vulnerability and economic distress.

“As we approach 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress offers firm brotherly greetings and strong solidarity to every person who is burdened by the burden of our current socioeconomic system. Without a doubt, the previous year was difficult and revealed our weaknesses,” he said.

Ajaero stated that organized labor was unwavering in its quest for social justice and fair income allocation in spite of the obstacles.

“But they did little to weaken our resolve or focus in our pursuit of social justice and equitable wealth redistribution as a means of fostering national unity,” he continued.

According to Ajaero, the Federal Government, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has promised more significant participation, therefore the new year is filled with cautious hope.

“We approach this new year with a strengthened commitment, bolstered by struggle and insight, rather than with naive hope. He stated, “The President’s pledges of a more devoted and significant engagement from the Federal Government have opened a potential vista for dialogue.”

But he cautioned that the NLC would continue to be watchful and would not think twice about organizing workers to demand accountability from the government.

“We must organize, mobilize, and hold every tier of government accountable,” stated Ajaero. Only governments and political players who exhibit a sincere desire to free the masses from oppression and poverty will have our cooperation and support.

According to the president of the NLC, organized labor will oppose political manipulation and reject politicians who profit from divisive politics and hollow promises.

He declared, “We categorically reject those mercantilistic politicians whose stock-in-trade is empty promises, divisive rhetoric, and policies that decimate our living standards for the benefit of a parasitic few.”

He emphasized that peace and safety are essential to national stability and that security must continue to be a major priority for governments at all levels.

“We acknowledge recent successes,” the NLC President stated. Since everyone deserves to live in peace and security, we will keep pushing the government to build on its current achievements. The administration ought to stop looking back.

In closing, Ajaero urged workers to stick together in 2026, stating that solidarity is the most powerful instrument for bringing about national change.

As a result, let’s proceed with greater unity, organization, and resolve than before. “Our victory lies in our unity, and our power remains in our numbers,” he declared.

Obviously lacking Jurisdiction, Abuja Judge Grants Exparte Order On Disputed Lagos Property

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Officers of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court, Abuja, Tuesday, sealed up a property located at Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos, following an Exparte Order granted by Hon. Justice Othman Musa of the court.

The sealed up property houses various business entities including Angelos, Café, Zevis, Pharmaceuticals, EOD PFM Ltd, Lord of Hosts Miracle Church, who have been carrying their various businesses in the premises for several years.

The Exparte Order was granted in a case for enforcement of Fundamental Rights in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/4636/2025, instituted by Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi Vs Nigeria Police Force and Others.

The plaintiff had alleged that his fundamental Rights as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 36, 37, 41, and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Articles 9 and 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, have been breached.

He claimed that he purchased 3,000 square meters of reclaimed land situated at the back of Plot No A Block 12, Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos State from the Landlord, Mr. Emecheta Elvis Eze, which has nothing to do with the premises where the business entities are located.

The plaintiff filed the suit to shield him from honouring invitation of the Nigeria Police Force, following a Petition against him by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, (lawyer to Mr. Emecheta) over Mr.
Henry’s conduct that amounts to criminal trespass, damage to property and threat to life.

In the fundamental Rights suit filed by the law office of Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, on behalf of the plaintiff, it was argued that the Police Invitation infringes on his fundamental Rights and is aimed at compelling him into relinquishing his lawful proprietary and contractual rights over the 3,000square meters of reclaimed land behind the sealed up property.

In his Exparte application before the Court, Ojukwu urged the Court to grant an Exparte Order to seal up the Lagos property.

The court presided over by Justice Musa granted the order on on November 24, 2025 to seal and secure the entire property, including the reclaimed land at the back of the property measuring 3,000 square meters

He also ordered the immediate stoppage of all construction works, activities, actions, or steps on the said property while ensuring that no person, authority, or entity howsoever described is permitted access to or entry upon the property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit pending before the court.

Following the order of the court which was supposed to have been vacated, having elapsed, on December 30, 2025,, all the occupants of the property and their workers were forcefully chased out of their business premises and the property was sealed up by people who introduced themselves as officers of the FCT High Court, from Abuja.

All efforts by the various business owners to explain to the FCT Court officials that their business premises is different from the 3,000square meters of the reclaimed land upon which the plaintiff claim is predicated, met stiff resistance as they were forcefully pushed out of the premises without being allowed any opportunity to remove anything from there.

The institution of this case in FCT Abuja and the grant of the Exparte Order suggests a grand and calculated scheme orchestrated to cause mischief and hardship on the Landlord of the Premises and the innocent occupants who have been deprived of access to their business premises. The Business owners are not parties to the alleged agreement between Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi, and Mr. Elvis Emecheta, over the 3,000 square meters of the reclaimed land behind their business premises and are not parties to the fundamental rights enforcement suit.

The Exparte Order of the FCT High Court over the Lagos property is a manipulation and abuse of judicial process using the instrumentality of the judiciary itself (FCT High Court) which has occasioned great hardship and injustice on the business owners and Landlord.

Police Confirm Wedding Attack in Nasarawa as Migili Youth Group Condemns Violence

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The Migili Youth Association denounces the attack, while Nasarawa Police confirm that wedding attendees were killed.

At least three people were killed and numerous more were injured in a violent attack on guests at a traditional wedding in Kunza Community, Ashige Chiefdom, Lafia Local Government Area of the state, according to the Nasarawa State Police Command.
The Migili Youth Association (MYA) strongly denounced the Tuesday night, December 30, 2025, attack, calling it “barbaric and reprehensible.”

The organization said in a statement released by its president, Comrade Ajeh Oli Christopher, that the attack has increased fear and insecurity in the community, particularly among women, children, and the elderly, and that it resulted in three fatalities and several injuries.
The statement said, “This senseless act of violence against innocent and law-abiding citizens constitutes a grave threat to peace and peaceful coexistence in the area and is an affront to humanity and the shared values of our society.”

The group called on the Nasarawa State Government to act immediately in response to what it characterized as persistent insecurity in Migili areas.
In order to prevent future attacks and rebuild public trust, the association especially urged Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to send enough security officers to Kunza Community and other vulnerable regions inside Ashige Chiefdom.
The MYA went on, “To ensure justice for the victims and serve as a strong deterrent, we demand the immediate arrest, thorough investigation, and prosecution of all those involved in this despicable act, in accordance with the law.”

The Nasarawa State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer confirmed the event and informed reporters that after the attack was reported, operatives moved quickly.
“Nine injured people were taken to the hospital for treatment, while we recovered two bodies at the scene,” the police official stated.
In order to bring peace and stop more violence, he continued, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, the Commissioner of Police, has sent more police officers to the region.

He added, “The Commissioner of Police has also offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that efforts are ongoing to track down those responsible.”

on order to guarantee long-term peace and security on Migili territory and throughout Nasarawa State, the Migili Youth Association asked locals to maintain composure, vigilance, and adherence to the law while promising to work with government officials and security organizations.

Ex-Ogun Legislator Kidnapped by Gunmen During Mosque Visit

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Moruf Musa, a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, was kidnapped by gunmen on Tuesday night in Ibiade in the state’s Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

Musa, who was the Assembly’s Majority Leader from 2007 to 2011, was allegedly apprehended at around 7 p.m. while attending Muslim prayers at a mosque on his property.

Ganiyu Odunoiki, the chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, confirmed the event on Wednesday. He stated that the kidnapping took place during the evening prayer and that the attackers also fired bullets along the road as they fled.

According to Odunoiki, the former congressman was kidnapped on Tuesday night. According to reports, the gunman also shot a few others on the road.

“Together with a few police officers, we are currently searching the surrounding bushes, but we are still awaiting the anti-kidnapping team, who are already en route to help us. The Nigeria Police Area Commander from Ogbere is also present.

The kidnapping was confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command as well.

The command was aware of the event and had put security measures in place to guarantee Musa’s safe return, according to DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the state police public relations officer.

The alleged kidnapping of Hon. Musa Moruf in Ibiade, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, is known to the Ogun State Police Command.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit has been deployed, and security measures have been activated. The public is advised to remain calm pending official updates,” Babaseyi said.

The former congressman allegedly battled his kidnappers for more than 20 minutes, attracting the attention of locals, according to a community source.

Before fleeing with the victim, the gunmen fired intermittently into the air to frighten away onlookers, according to the source.