News
Ansaru Terrorists court trials adjourn until September 5 as Lawyers and Defendants absent today
The US government had placed a $5 million bounty on Mohammed Usman in 2012, designating him as one of three Nigerian “specially designated global terrorists.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has condemned the decision of a terrorism suspect to skip trial, describing the action as ‘unfortunate.’
This remark by the judge is in respect of Mohammed Usman also known as Khalid Al-barnawi, allegedly link to Ansaru the splinter group of Boko Haram.
Al-barnawi and four others-Mohammed Saleh, Umar Bello, Mohammed Salisu and Yakubu Nuhu- are alleged to have conspired to carry out terrorist activities between 2011 and 2013 in several northern Nigerian states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe.
During Tuesday’s court session, the prosecution, led by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), informed the court that proceedings were due to continue with a trial-within-a-trial phase.
However, he noted with concern the absence of the first defendant, Mohammed Usman, and his counsel.
Lawyers for two other defendants were also not present.
Dr. Izinyon revealed that Usman’s lawyer claimed to be away in Enugu and had promised to send a representative, who did not appear.
He described the no-show and lack of communication as disrespectful and contrary to the court’s efforts to expedite the long-running case which has been on since 2017.
In response, Justice Nwite expressed his dissatisfaction with the absence, emphasizing the importance of an expeditious hearing.
He warned that the court would not tolerate defendants absence from the proceedings.
The judge instructed the parties to collaborate and clarify the reasons behind the absence to prevent further delays.
He then adjourned the case until September 5 and 12 for the continuation of evidence from the third prosecution witness and the playback of relevant videos as part of the trial within a trial.
The US government had placed a $5 million bounty on Mohammed Usman in 2012, designating him as one of three Nigerian “specially designated global terrorists.
“Ansaru, ideologically linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, is accused of targeting Westerners and carried out a notable attack on a maximum-security prison in Abuja in 2012, freeing dozens of inmates.
News
Lagos Announces Traffic Diversions for Wednesday and Thursday Project Commissionings
The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for Wednesday, April 8, and Thursday, April 9, 2026, in preparation for the commissioning of several key infrastructure projects by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the state Ministry of Transportation, partial road closures and diversions will be implemented in affected areas to ensure smooth movement during the events, which include the inauguration of the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge and other major projects such as the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building in Alausa and the Tolu Schools Complex.
On Wednesday, April 8, diversions will be enforced around venues for the commissioning ceremonies, while on Thursday, April 9, restrictions will apply between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. during the Tolu Schools Complex event and additional project unveilings.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays. The government urged residents and commuters to cooperate with traffic management officials and security personnel deployed to the areas.
The projects form part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and education facilities across the state. Further details on specific diversion routes are expected to be released by the Ministry of Transportation in the coming hours.
Commuters are encouraged to monitor official announcements via Lagos State traffic radio and social media handles for real-time updates.
News
Abiodun Presents Ceremonial Sword to Tinubu, Urges Sustained War on Crime
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has presented a ceremonial sword to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, symbolically conferring on him the title of “Jagaban” (leader of warriors and conquerors), while calling for continued aggressive action against crime and insecurity across Nigeria.
The presentation took place during President Tinubu’s official visit to Ogun State on Saturday, where he was received warmly by the governor and other dignitaries.
Governor Abiodun described the sword as a mark of appreciation and a charge to the President to press on with his administration’s security efforts.
In his remarks, Abiodun reminded Tinubu of the strong political and personal ties between them, noting that Ogun State was where the President had previously made significant declarations.
He urged Tinubu to maintain the momentum in the war against criminal elements, banditry, and other threats to national peace.
President Tinubu, who has repeatedly vowed to defeat insecurity by mobilising all military and law enforcement assets, received the gift amid smiles and applause. His administration has emphasised reforms in security architecture, including procurement of new equipment for the armed forces and enhanced coordination among agencies.
The event formed part of a broader visit during which the President is expected to commission key infrastructure projects in the state, including developments linked to the Gateway International Airport. Governor Abiodun used the occasion to commend Tinubu’s economic reforms, such as foreign exchange unification and fuel subsidy removal, describing them as necessary steps that are already yielding positive impacts.
Security analysts view the symbolic gesture as a show of solidarity between the state and federal government in tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. The “Jagaban” title, rooted in Yoruba cultural and warrior traditions, underscores expectations of strong, decisive leadership in the ongoing fight against crime.
The Presidency has not issued a detailed official statement on the sword presentation, but sources close to the visit described it as a morale-boosting moment that reinforced the alliance between the two leaders.
This development comes as the federal government continues to prioritise national security, with recent commitments to equip the military and intensify operations against threats in various parts of the country.
News
BudgIT appoints Nigeria Country Director
He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.
BudgIT has appointed Mr. Vahyala Kwaga as Country Director for Nigeria.
The appointment took effect on April 1, 2026.Kwaga was appointed following a leadership transition within the civic-tech organisation.
He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.
Since joining BudgIT in 2021, Kwaga has held several leadership roles, including Senior Researcher, Head of the Open Government and Institutional Partnerships (OGIP) Unit, Group Head of Research and OGIP, and Deputy Country Director.
In these positions, he contributed to strengthening BudgIT’s research output, deepening its policy engagement, and improving coordination across programmes.
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