Crime
BREAKING: Uche Nnaji Pleads Not Guilty to Certificate Forgery Allegations
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to allegations of forging his university degree and his NYSC discharge certificate.
The former Minister who has been charged to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji is facing six counts of forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges further cover claims of receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretenses, as well as money laundering allegations
After giving his not guilty plea Monday the prosecutor informed the court that he was ready to proceed to trial, with three witnesses available in the courtroom already.
Ogwu Onoja, SAN, counsel for the defendant pleaded for more time to prepare for trial and informed the court of a pending application for bail filed on 9 July. The prosecutor did not oppose to the application for bail.
In a short ruling, the trial judge granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20million with one surety who must not be below level 15 in the Federal civil service. The surety must be residing in Abuja. Other terms of bail include that Nnaji deposits his official and personal passports.
Nnaji being charged to court follows months of investigation questioning the authenticity of his documents. Both UNN and the NYSC have reportedly disowned the certificates in question.
He was arrested on June 30, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his arrival from Enugu.
The arrest was executed following a Federal High Court order issued on June 11, 2026, after he allegedly failed to honor multiple invitations for investigative interviews.
Nnaji resigned from his ministerial position on October 7, 2025, describing the move as a “principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process” amid ongoing judicial proceedings, and denying any wrongdoing. He has previously described elements of the case as politically motivated.
The defendant is the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Enugu State.
Crime
BREAKING: Tragic One-Way Crash Claims Tricycle Driver’s Life in Meiran Lagos
A commercial tricycle driver has been killed in a fatal one-way crash in the Meiran area of Lagos State.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when a vehicle travelling against the designated flow of traffic on a one-way road collided head-on with the tricycle.
The impact left the tricycle driver with severe injuries, and he was confirmed dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigeria Police Force were quickly mobilised to the location. The crash site was secured, and traffic was temporarily disrupted as recovery operations got underway. The body of the deceased has been evacuated to a nearby mortuary pending formal identification and further investigations.
Authorities say the exact circumstances surrounding the crash, including the identity of the tricycle driver and details of the other vehicle involved, are still being established. Police have launched a probe into the incident, with particular focus on the alleged one-way driving that led to the collision.
Road safety officials have once again cautioned motorists against driving against traffic, describing the practice as a major contributor to fatal accidents on Lagos roads. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Crime
JUST IN: Zamfara LG Chairman Freed After 61 Days in Captivity
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the release of Nura Abdullahi, Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, after spending 61 days in the captivity of kidnappers.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the development to Arise News in a telephone interview on Thursday. He said the chairman is presently receiving medical attention in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, following his release.
According to the police, Abdullahi regained his freedom alongside other persons who were abducted with him on the same day and taken to an unknown location. The exact circumstances surrounding the release were not immediately disclosed.
Police authorities have remained silent on whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom. However, unconfirmed reports circulating in the state claim that the sum of ₦200 million was earlier paid to the kidnappers. The reports further allege that the abductors refused to free the chairman at the time and continued to hold him, demanding additional payment.
The abduction occurred when heavily armed attackers invaded Abdullahi’s residence in Bungudu town. During the assault, two security agents attached to the local government chairman were killed. His elder brother was also shot and later died in hospital from the injuries sustained.
The release of the Bungudu LG chairman marks the end of a prolonged ordeal that had drawn concern across Zamfara State. Further details on the condition of the other freed victims and any ongoing investigations are still being awaited from the police.
Crime
Boko Haram Attacks Adamawa Community, Kills Residents
Boko Haram militants have launched a deadly invasion of a community in Adamawa State, killing several residents and setting multiple houses ablaze.
The attack, described by local sources as sudden and coordinated, saw the fighters storm the area, opening fire on civilians and torching homes. Survivors reported scenes of chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the assault. A number of people were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
The burning of houses has left many families displaced, with properties and livelihoods destroyed in the violence. The community remains tense, and residents are calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.
Security forces are yet to issue a comprehensive official update on the incident, though reports indicate that troops have been mobilised to the area.
The assault is the latest in a series of raids attributed to the group in the northeast, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents in Adamawa and neighbouring states.
-
Sports3 days agoFIFA to decide 2030 World Cup final venue in 2028 as Morocco, Spain wait
-
News3 days agoNGE Tasks Newsrooms, INEC on Must-Do Measures for Credible 2027 Polls
-
Entertainment3 days agoBBNaija season 11: “And The Winner is Temi Nkem”
-
Business3 days agoNaira Rates To Dollar , Pound, EURO… Monday, October 5
-
Politics2 days agoI sleep And Eat Thinking About Tinubu’s Re-Election – Wike
-
Politics1 day agoBREAKING: APC Chairmen Accused of Leading Armed Attacks on ADC Members in Igueben
-
News12 hours agoMilitary Chiefs Visit Ondo Crash Site As Underwater Search Intensifies
-
News2 days agoMilitary Aircraft Crashes Near Ondo Naval Base; 32 On Board
