Author: Lawrence Idoko

Nigeria and India have agreed to work toward restoring bilateral trade to its previous peak of nearly $15 billion, with New Delhi seeking to resume larger purchases of Nigerian crude oil. The commitment was reached during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit. Trade between the two countries declined to $7.13 billion in the 2024–2025 financial year from $14.95 billion in 2021–22, largely because of a drop in India’s crude-oil purchases from Nigeria. Bilateral trade recovered to about $9 billion in 2025–26, according to the officials.…

President Bola Tinubu has directed that a property recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to be handed over to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission(NDPC) as its new permanent headquarters in Abuja, a move described as putting assets once tied to corruption to work safeguarding citizens’ digital rights. The announcement came on Monday at the commissioning of the facility in the Mbora District, where Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister, Bosun Tijani said the president acted following complaints that its expanding mandate and international profile were outpacing its office. “What was associated with the consequence of corruption is…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has mocked the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after reports that the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urged former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar to step down and back Peter Obi’s 2027 bid. APC national spokesperson Felix Morka said opposition talks about swapping candidates or bargaining for offices before voters decide the next president are premature and showed a lack of seriousness. Kwankwaso cited Atiku’s age and health in making the appeal. He said the former vice president, who turns 81 next year, would be taken care of if the opposition ticket wins the election. In a…

Senator Abdul’ aziz Yari on Sunday condemned the abduction of several Islamic clerics during their prayer session at his residence in Zamfara State. Yari, a former Governor of Zamagara State in a statement on his official X-handle (formerly Twitter) confirmed that several Islamic clerics travelling to a prayer session at his home were abducted on the road, highlighting the persistent security challenges that have plagued the region for years. Senator Yari said he was “deeply saddened” by the reports that the clerics were seized en route to Talata Mafara, a town in Zamfara State, and that he had been in contact…

At least eleven people, including four police officers and seven civilians were killed when suspected armed herders attacked the Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, according to the Benue State Police Command. The assault began on the evening of September 10 and stretched into the early hours of September 11 before security operatives forced the attackers to retreat. Police said a large group of armed assailants invaded Ayilamo at about 6:12 p.m. on Thursday, prompting an immediate response from Police Mobile Force units, tactical teams and conventional officers deployed to the area. The police mobile forces…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, setting the stage for a crowded contest featuring 18 presidential tickets and 4,860 legislative aspirants. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding candidates for all 469 National Assembly seats, a move observers described as a “declaration of intent” to dominate the legislature alongside the presidency. President Bola Tinubu, 74, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, 59, headline the APC ticket as they seek a second term. They face a familiar trio of challengers: Former Vice President Atiku…

Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted several Islamic clerics following a prayer session at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari in Zamfara State, according to Bakatsine, a popular crisis reporter who monitors insecurity in the northwest. Senator Yari was recently appointed as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council for President Bola Tinubu re-election bid for the 2027 election. The incident occurred in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the stare after more than 2,000 Islamic scholars and Imams assembled at the Senator’s home for special prayers ahead of the 2027 general elections, the reporter said in a…

By Tunde Rahman A fresh thaw in relations between National Democratic Congress presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Mr Seyi Makinde is fueling renewed talk of a possible opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The two leaders, who were on opposite sides during the 2023 election cycle, were seen together recently at a private meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, followed by joint appearances at public events including the inauguration of the Allied People’s Movement Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja last Monday. That campaign office belongs to Governor Makinde, a candidate in the race…

The Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] has published the names and personal particulars of presidential candidates who will contest the 2027 general election. The list puts the number of presidential candidates at 19, with each candidate accompanied by a nominated running mate. The publication brings further clarity to the field ahead of the presidential election and places the candidates’ credentials and other personal information before the public. President Bola Tinubu is seeking another term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, [APC] Vice President Kashim Shettima remains his running mate. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the…

The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into allegations that a serving captain sexually assaulted a 13-year-old deaf and non-speaking girl in Taraba State, after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) pressed for disciplinary action. Captain Etim Essien, posted to the Headquarters of the Army’s 3 Division in Jos, is accused of repeatedly abusing the teenager while she was living under the care of his family in Taraba. Reports say the girl, described as his wife’s younger step-sister, was taken into the household so she could attend school, and that the abuse occurred over a period of time while she…