President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola, as he awaits further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

In response to the request by the governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of more security men to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, and directed the police to go after the bandits who attacked worshippers.

President Tinubu was scheduled to leave Abuja today to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders in South Africa and thereafter proceed to Luanda to attend the 7th AU-EU Summit.

Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure.

He now awaits reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid a sympathy visit to Kebbi on his behalf, as well as reports from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attack in Kwara.

President Tinubu reiterates his directive to the security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 schoolgirls, abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home, safe.

Bayo OnanugaSpecial Adviser to the President(Information and Strategy)November 19, 2025

• Federal High Court Abuja

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that the trial of two leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, captured by the Department of State Services (DSS), will commence on January 15, 2026.

‎‎The trial, initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, was adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite following pleas by defense counsel for additional time to be served with the charges and to study the proof of evidence.‎‎

During today’s proceedings, defense lawyer Bala Bakum informed the court that the charge and proof of evidence remained with the DSS, where the suspects are being detained on court orders.

He requested that the defendants be moved to a correctional facility to enable easier access and ensure a smooth trial.‎‎

However, DSS counsel David Kaswe, an Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, opposed the application, insisting that the trial proceed as scheduled since witnesses were already present in court.

Kaswe argued that DSS protocol requires defense counsel to formally request permission to visit clients and copy the prosecutor, a procedure he said had not been followed.‎‎In his ruling, Justice Nwite emphasized the need for fair hearing and adjourned the trial to January 15, 2026.

He directed the defense lawyer to comply with DSS protocol by formally writing for permission to visit the defendants and copying the prosecution.‎‎

Usman and Abba are being prosecuted on terrorism charges.

Usman has pleaded guilty to Count 10 of a 32‑count charge relating to economic crimes, while denying the remaining 31 counts. Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges.‎‎

On September 11, Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting to have engagied in illegal mining and using the proceeds to acquire arms for terrorism and kidnapping activities.

‎‎The defendants are accused of bombing the Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State, receiving weapons training, fabricating improvised explosive devices, and engaging in terrorism financing.‎‎

The DSS further alleged that the suspects kidnapped a Customs officer and an Immigration officer—who was later killed in custody—collected millions of naira in ransom payments, and engaged in unlawful mineral mining without a valid license.

Proceeds from these activities were allegedly used to procure arms and ammunition, including IEDs.‎‎

Investigators also claim the defendants received training in Sudan and Mali, facilitated similar training for followers, and concealed information on planned terror attacks in Niger State.

‎‎Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has been linked to several high‑profile attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria.

Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his alleged deputy Abubakar Abba, popularly called Mahmud Al‑Nigeri or Isah Adam/Mallam Mamuda, were captured between May and July 2025 in intelligence‑led operations.‎

Senator Okey Ezea, who represents Enugu North Senatorial District, is dead.

Senator Ezea, the only remaining Labour Party’s lawmaker from Enugu State in the Red Chamber, died yesterday in the United Kingdom, where he was receiving medical treatment.

Popularly known as Ideke, Ezea defeated former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of the Peoples Democratic Party to clinch the Enugu North seat in the 2023 senatorial election.

The news of his death was confirmed by his colleague, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who expressed deep shock and sorrow.

Kalu described Ezea as a close friend, noting that their bond extended beyond legislative work to shared moments of worship at a Catholic chapel.

He praised the deceased senator as humble, principled, and God fearing, adding that Ezea’s contributions to the Senate were marked by courage and convictions.

Senator Kalu also condoled with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and the Nsukka community, acknowledging Ezea’s dedication to serving his constituents.

He prayed for comfort for Ezea’s family, describing him as a noble man whose legacy will endure.

Senator Okey Ezea’s death marks the second death in the 10th Senate, following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah last year.