Alleged incitement of soldiers: DSS arraigns blogger/influencer

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Justice Mark Chidiebere, a social media influencer, over an alleged attempt to incite soldiers and breach of military social media policy.

 

Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack”, was arraigned before Joyce Abdulmalik, judge of a federal high court in Abuja on Monday.

 

He pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime.

 

In the first count, the DSS alleged that Chidiebere circulated false information to the public through his X handle, @JusticeCrack, regarding inadequate feeding of soldiers, with intent to cause annoyance, ill-will and hatred among citizens.

 

The offence is said to be contrary to section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).

 

In the second count, the prosecution alleged that the defendant published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army which generated widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and breach of peace, contrary to section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.

 

The third count accused Chidiebere of attempting to commit a felony by publishing what the prosecution described as a derogatory video and statements about the Nigerian Army, an offence punishable under section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.

 

After the defendant’s plea, E. Orubo, prosecution counsel, prayed the court to order the defendant’s remand in DSS custody. He also asked for a fixed date for trial to commence.

 

Marshall Abubakar, counsel for the defendant, made an oral bail application, but the trial judge ordered him to file a formal bail application.

 

In her ruling, Abdulmalik ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the DSS and adjourned until May 25 for the commencement of trial and hearing of bail application.

 

Chidiebere was arrested by the Nigerian army last week after he shared complaints by some soldiers about their feeding and welfare on social media.

 

In a statement on Saturday, Appolonia Anele, acting director of the army’s public relations, said: “…preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere, who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system”.

 

“An example was a chat bothering on subversion which Chidiebere had with the soldiers,” the statement reads.

 

“It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security.”

 

Anele said Chidiebere was arrested alongside the soldiers for investigation. Thecable

WAPP Chairman pushes urgent reforms to strengthen regional power market

 

The Chairman, Executive Board of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, has called for decisive action to strengthen the institution’s governance and accelerate the development of a reliable regional electricity market, describing ongoing restructuring efforts as a “strategic necessity” for the future of power integration in West Africa.

 

Speaking at the 67th meeting of the WAPP Executive Board held in Lomé, Togo on May 4, 2026, Abdulaziz emphasized that as cross-border electricity exchanges expand, WAPP must reorganise its structures, increase transparency, and improve efficiency to meet growing demand and expectations across member states.

 

He noted that the meeting comes at a critical time for the regional power sector, with increasing pressure to deliver a more integrated, competitive, and sustainable electricity system. However, strengthening interconnections, advancing the Regional Electricity Market, and maintaining effective governance arrangements, he said, remain central to WAPP’s mandate.

A key focus of the meeting was the review of a restructuring study and its recommendations, which the Chairman described as essential to improving WAPP’s institutional effectiveness. He urged board members to assess the proposals critically, identify immediate priorities, and ensure that reforms are implemented in a practical, results-driven manner.

Abdulaziz outlined three guiding principles for the reform process, including continuity of WAPP’s mandate, strong governance discipline, and realistic implementation supported by adequate resources and measurable outcomes these he said would ensure that reforms translates to progress. He emphasized the need for the Executive Board to provide clear direction while equipping the Secretariat with the mandate and tools required to act effectively.

 

The Chairman also highlighted the link between governance and financial stability, noting that unlocking predictable market based revenue streams through the reforms are critical to sustaining progress in market development, system coordination, and regional capacity building. Financial discipline, he added, is central to the organisation’s credibility.

 

He commended the WAPP Secretariat for its efforts under challenging conditions and called for continued support, with sustained emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and prudent resource management.
He equally noted that a strong and well-governed regional market operator is essential to increasing electricity trade as this will improve supply reliability, reduce costs through regional optimisation, and attract investment into the sector.

 

In his welcome address, the Secretary General of WAPP, Mr. Addoulaye DIA, described the meeting as a critical milestone governance reform. He highlighted the importance of assessing implementation of past decisions, evaluating progress, identifying constraints, and setting clear directions for accelerating regional energy integration.

 

He reaffirmed WAPP’s mandate to promote regional electricity infrastructure while coordinating power exchanges among ECOWAS Member States. He noted the progress in grid interconnections with countries and market preparation, and emphasized that though challenges persist, such as limited electricity access, rising demand, significant investment needs, and the fragile financial position of sector actors, there is the need to do the permanent synchronization of the West African utilities this year.

 

Addressing the restructuring agenda, Mr. DIA stressed that the reform is fundamental to building a more robust and efficient institutional framework aligned with the needs of a functional regional electricity market. He called for a transition from study to implementation through realistic, phased, and adequately funded reforms, including the gradual establishment of an independent market operator and clearer institutional roles.

 

While emphasizing the need for stronger financial discipline and collective responsibility, particularly in the timely payment of member contributions. DIA identified key priorities, including accelerating interconnection projects, improving system synchronization, strengthening market mechanisms, and enhancing institutional capacity, noting that delivering reliable, accessible, and affordable electricity remains the ultimate goal.

 

Three new rotating board members were introduced at the 67thWAPP Executive Board meeting including MDs of National Water and Electricity Company of Gambia represented by Mr. Gallo SAIDY, The BIU Power Authority of Ghana represented by Mr. Justice KYERE and The Societe Béninoise de Production d’Électricité represented by Mr. Mysbaou ADAM ASSA.

 

The meeting also brought together senior representatives of member utilities and Directors of WAPP Secretariat, to review progress and set strategic priorities for advancing regional energy integration across West Africa.

2027: ADC presidential form goes for N100m, set for primaries

The African Democratic Congress has fired the starting gun for 2027, releasing its primary election timetable and pegging its presidential nomination form at N100 million.

The party said the schedule, made public Sunday by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, shows its “commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and full compliance with electoral guidelines.”

Key dates

The process is already rolling:
– Application forms: April 1 – May 4, 2026
– Sale of nomination forms: May 5 – 10, 2026
– Submission: May 11 – 13, 2026
– Screening: May 14 – 15, 2026
– Screening results: May 17, 2026
– Appeals: May 18 – 19, 2026
– Final list of cleared aspirants: May 20, 2026

Primaries week

– May 21, 2026: State Houses of Assembly, House of Reps, and Senate primaries at ward level
– May 22, 2026: Governorship primaries
– May 25, 2026: Presidential primary
– May 26, 2026: NEC meeting
– May 27, 2026: Special National Convention for final ratifications

Cost of running

ADC set its nomination fees high:
– President: N100 million
– Governor: N50 million
– Senate: N20 million
– House of Reps: N10 million
– State Assembly: N3 million

But it’s offering discounts to boost inclusion: 50% off for youths, 25% off for women and persons with disabilities.

Abdullahi urged members and aspirants to “adhere strictly to the outlined schedule and guidelines” as ADC positions itself as “the primary platform for Nigerians seeking competent, accountable, and people-focused leadership in 2027.”

With primaries set for May 2026, the ADC is one of the first parties to lock in dates. The N100m presidential fee puts it in the same bracket as Nigeria’s major parties, signaling serious intent to compete at the top.
Conclave.

Peter Obi dumps ADC

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has confirmed his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal tensions and what he described as an increasingly hostile political climate.

In a personal statement shared on Sunday via his X platform, Obi reflected on the “toxic” nature of Nigeria’s political landscape and the mounting pressures faced by public figures. He stressed that his decision was not borne out of personal disagreements with leading figures in the party, including its National Chairman, David Mark, or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he continues to hold in high regard.

According to the former Anambra State governor, his exit was driven by recurring internal disputes and external interference, which he said were beginning to mirror the challenges that led to his earlier departure from the Labour Party.

“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” he said.

Obi pointed to ongoing court cases, factional divisions and a growing atmosphere of distrust within the party, warning that such distractions risk undermining efforts to address the country’s pressing challenges.

He also lamented what he described as a political culture in which integrity, humility and a commitment to service are often misconstrued as weakness. Those who seek to act in good faith, he suggested, are frequently subjected to criticism and misrepresentation.

“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider,” Obi said, adding that he and his team had, at times, become convenient scapegoats despite their contributions.

Reaffirming his broader mission, Obi emphasised that his political journey is not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to see a more equitable and functional society.

“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. I am desperate to see a society that works for all,” he said.

Despite his exit from the ADC, Obi maintained that his commitment to Nigeria’s development remains unwavering. He expressed optimism that the country can still achieve leadership rooted in justice, compassion and equal opportunity.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” he added.

Starnews.

UNN accused of arresting journalist for covering deplorable hostel conditions

 

The Afia TV Limited has condemned security operatives allegedly engaged by the authorities of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), for illegally arresting and unlawfully detaining one of its correspondents, Elijah Akuma.

Akuma, according to the Media Organization was on official assignment investigating poor conditions of UNN hostels.

According to the statement on Friday by its MD/CEO, Emeka Mba, the media organisation said Akuma was unlawfully arrested and held for about two and a half hours on May 1 by UNN security while carrying out follow-up reporting on deteriorating accommodation facilities at the university.

The journalist was only released after the intervention of Afia TV management and the Enugu State Government, the statement said.

“At the time of his detention, Mr. Akuma was lawfully on the UNN campus in the discharge of his professional duties: conducting follow-up field reporting on the widely documented and deeply concerning state of student accommodation facilities on the Nsukka campus,” the statement said.

Afia TV maintained that it acted responsibly by investigating the claims and offering university authorities an opportunity to respond.

“Our reporting has been thorough, balanced, and fair,” the statement said. “We gave UNN management the opportunity to respond, and they took it.

“The acting Public Relations Officer of the University. Mr. Agha Inya was interviewed alongside education activist, Mr. Alex Onyia.

“Both speakers engaged our hosts, Nathalie Ukwu and Orji Nwachukwu, in a moderated exchange on air.

“It bears stating clearly: both Nathalie Ukwu and Orji Nwachukwu are proud alumni of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Mr. Onyia is likewise a UNN alumnus.

“They have no motive, personal, institutional, or otherwise, to bring their alma mater into disrepute. The suggestion is not only false; it is insulting.”

The Management of the Afia TV further said that it interviewed a visually impaired 300-level student, Daniel Nnamdi, who complained about unsanitary hostel conditions and lack of accessibility infrastructure for students with disabilities.

“Shortly after his interview aired, it was reported that Mr. Nnamdi was evicted from his hostel. It was in the course of seeking to verify and follow up on that disturbing report that Mr. Akuma was detained,” the broadcaster said.

Afia TV condemned the detention as unlawful, unwarranted, and a direct attack on constitutionally guaranteed press freedom.

“The detention of Mr. Elijah Akuma was unlawful, unwarranted, and a violation of press freedom. No credible reason was given for his arrest. No legal authority was cited,” the statement said.

“Afia TV will not be intimidated. We will not be deterred from pursuing the truth by threats, harassment, or the unlawful detention of our staff.”

It also rejected allegations that it was engaged in a campaign to demarket or discredit UNN, calling such claims defamatory and demanding an immediate retraction.

“Afia TV is not engaged in any campaign to demarket or discredit the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” the statement noted.

“This allegation is without foundation. It is defamatory. We call on those responsible for propagating it within or outside the University to withdraw it immediately and without equivocation.

“We reserve all rights available to us under law,” the Organisation said while expressing gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah and the Enugu State Government for their swift intervention in securing the journalist’s release.

Afia TV pledged to continue serving the public with “truth, courage, and integrity.”

“We stand firmly behind the UNN community, its students, alumni, and staff. We are committed to the welfare of vulnerable students.

“The plight of visually impaired and other students with disabilities at UNN, denied both dignity and accessibility, demands urgent attention from University management. We will continue to amplify their voices.

“The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is a defining institution of Enugu, the Southeast, and Nigeria. It is precisely because we hold it in the highest regard that we believe it deserves honest, rigorous journalism, not silence, not flattery, and not cover-up,” the Organisation said.

Sunrisereporters.

Troops rescue six abducted victims in Borno

 

Soldiers of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, said they rescued six women and children abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Ngoshe village, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, North East Nigeria.

 

A statement on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba said the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation following sustained offensives, including air interdiction missions targeting terrorist hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.

 

He said troops acted on credible intelligence and intercepted the victims while returning from a successful overnight offensive operation in the early hours of May 1, 2026 around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava, known for terrorist movement.

 

Those rescued, he said were: 18-year-old Zainab Idris; 17-year-old Fatima Abubakar; 24-year-old Maimuna Abdulrashid; one-year-old Muhammad Idris; seven-year-old Sadiq Abdullahi, and five-year-old Fatima Abdulrashid.

According to the spokesman, preliminary debriefing showed that the victims were among residents abducted during an attack on the Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.

 

The victims were said to have been held in captivity in a terrorist enclave in Gava before they managed to escape.

 

The victims were given first aid and medical attention at a military facility before being handed over to community leaders and later reunited with their families in Ngoshe through the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in what the statement described as an emotional ceremony.

 

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, Uba said reaffirmed their commitment to securing communities, rescuing abducted persons and eliminating terrorist elements across the North-East, urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies. Sunrisereporters.

Kwankwasiyya chieftain resigns from ADC

 

A key figure in the Kwankwasiyya movement in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Kabiru Adamu Abdullahi, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Newspotng reports that Abdullahi, who is a House of Assembly aspirant, announced his resignation in a letter dated May 1, 2026, and addressed to the ADC chairman in Kofar Ruwa Ward.

 

According to Abdullahi, his resignation from ADC took effect immediately.

 

In the letter shared on his Facebook page, Abdullahi thanked the party for the opportunity to be a member.

He said, “I hereby formally resign my membership of All Democratic Congress (ADC) at Kofar Ruwa Ward with immediate effect.

 

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me to be part of the party and wish you and the party the very best in your future endeavours.

 

“Kindly accept this as my official notice and communicate the same to the appropriate authorities.”

 

Abdullahi is considered one of the prominent Kwankwasiyya leaders in Dala.

 

In a separate Facebook post, he linked his decision to the directive of the movement’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

 

“This is the order of Jagora,” he wrote, using the term commonly used by members of the movement to refer to Kwankwaso.

Top ADC leaders consider NDC after Supreme Court ruling

 

More leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are considering moving to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the Supreme Court judgment on the ADC leadership dispute.

The apex court had returned the substantive leadership dispute to the Federal High Court for continuation, a development some party leaders said had left the ADC facing fresh uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

An ADC chieftain who spoke with Punch said the Supreme Court ruling did not fully resolve the party’s leadership crisis, warning that the substantive case at the Federal High Court could still affect the party’s plans.

 

The chieftain said, “There is nothing much to celebrate in the verdict. It is like postponing the evil day. The substantive matter is at the Federal High Court, and we have many bridges to cross on that.

“If, as expected, the Tinubu administration manipulates the judiciary against us, that will be too late for us, and it may hand Tinubu a cheap victory.” Newspot.

2027: ALGON gives Tinubu unflinching support, suspends erring officers

 

 

As the next presidential elections gathers momentum, President Bola Tinubu has secured the full support of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) for his second term bid.

This was one of the major decisions of the Association at its recent National Executive Council (NEC) according to a statement signed by Hon. Anani Hamisu Mohammed, Plateau ALGON Chairman and National Publicity Secretary of the Association.

The meeting also meted out disciplinary measures against some of its members for anti-union activities.

Mohammed’s statement was based on the Communiqué of the 54th (expanded) National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Association held on 29th April, 2026, in Abuja.

 

 

The NEC which is the decision-making organ of the Association was presided over by the National President, Hon Bello Lawal, with NEC members drawn from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in attendance.

Also present, were three past ALGON National Presidents, Hon Felix Akabue, Hon. Alabi Kolade David and Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata alongside the Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Odunayo Ategbero and other Board Members.

 

According to the statement after a robust deliberation on the state of the Association and the nation, NEC resolved as follows: “ALGON NEC unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another term in office come 2027.

“ALGON NEC declared total solidarity with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, affirming that his policy trajectory has restored dignity, fiscal capacity and functional autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 Local Governments and Area Councils.

“NEC recognised that continuity of his administration will deepen the grassroots governance.

 

“NEC unanimously endorsed the indefinite suspension of Hon. Zakari Iliyasu – Chairman Agwara LGA and ALGON Chairman, Niger State for alleged impersonation, acting against the interest of the Association and abuse of constitutional provisions of the association.

“Also suspended from the Association are Hon. Abubakar Danladi Abdullahi, Chairman Kaiama LGA and ALGON Chairman, Kwara state alongside Hon. Abba Shehu Tambuwal of Tambuwal LGA, the ALGON Chairman, Sokoto state for their various roles in (allegedly) trying to destabilize and bring disunity to the Association,”, the statement said.

The Association then urged individuals and groups not to deal with the suspended persons on behalf of ALGON.

“NEC with one voice, unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the National President, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal” following the adoption of a motion to that effect.

The NEC urged security agencies to deal decisively with any individual or persons illegally parading themselves as agents or officials of ALGON.

FG okays ₦150bn PPP extension of Bodo-Bonny Road

 

 

The Federal Government has approved a ₦150 billion extension of the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project in Rivers State under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

 

This is part of a wider infrastructure push that includes solar lighting, landscaping, and CCTV surveillance on major highways.

 

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received the management of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited in his office.

 

A statement by the Director, Information  and Public Relations in the Ministry,  Mohammed  Ahmed,  said President Bola Tinubu had approved the extension of the recently completed Bodo-Bonny Road, with a 12-month completion deadline and a clause to prevent cost variation. The project will use concrete technology for a lifespan of 50 to 100 years and will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for ratification.

 

“Government is not only constructing roads but delivering world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth, enhances safety, and improves the quality of life,” Umahi said.

 

He added that the administration had also approved solar-powered street lighting and tree planting along major corridors to improve night-time visibility, boost security, beautify the highways, and stimulate commerce in host communities.

 

To strengthen road safety, the government plans to deploy Closed-Circuit Television surveillance systems on key highways, backed by monitoring centres. Umahi said the measure would cut emergency response time to under 10 minutes.

 

The project design includes rest areas, relief stations, and truck parking yards at strategic locations. Umahi said engagements with host communities were ongoing to secure land for the facilities. Contractors have been directed to use savings from project costs to fund solar lighting and tree planting.

 

Umahi  commended stakeholders, noting that the infrastructure drive under the Renewed Hope Administration had recorded “unprecedented” impact across all regions.

 

During the visit, NLNG Managing Director, Engr. Adeleye Falade, presented a model of a Compressed Natural Gas ship to the minister, signaling the company’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions in transportation and maritime sectors. Both parties discussed collaboration on sustainable infrastructure.

End.