• Kudirat Abiola in 1994.

The Supreme Court has dismissed the long-standing attempt by the Lagos State Government to reopen the trial of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, over the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.‎‎

Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief MKO Abiola—the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election—was assassinated in Lagos on June 4, 1996, during the nationwide unrest that followed the annulment.‎‎

On Thursday, 22 January 2026, a five-member panel of Justices led by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji ruled that Lagos had abandoned its appeal.

The Court noted that since 2014, when permission was granted to reopen the case, the state had failed to file any process or provide legal representation despite repeated hearing notices.‎‎

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Daudu, representing Al-Mustapha, informed the Court that Lagos had ignored the 30-day ultimatum issued in 2014 to file its notice of appeal.

He urged the Court to dismiss the matter entirely, a position the Justices unanimously upheld.

‎‎Justice Aba-Aji, delivering the ruling, emphasized that nine years was more than sufficient for Lagos to act.

The Court expressed dismay that no steps were taken, describing the state’s conduct as a clear abandonment of the case.‎‎

Accordingly, the matter marked SC/CR/45/2014 was dismissed, along with another related appeal, SC/CR/6/2014, filed by the Lagos State Government.

‎‎In 2014, the Supreme Court had granted Lagos permission to challenge the Court of Appeal’s July 12, 2013 judgment, which discharged and acquitted Al-Mustapha.

The then Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, extended the time for Lagos to file its appeal, but the state failed to comply.‎‎

The Lagos Government had sought to overturn the appellate court’s decision and reinstate the January 30, 2012 death sentence handed down by Justice Moji Dada of the Lagos High Court, which convicted Al-Mustapha, Mohammed Abacha, and Lateef Shofolahan of conspiracy and murder.

The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has expressed deep sorrow over the brutal attack by suspected terrorists on a mining camp in Kuru District of Jos South Local Government Area, which claimed several innocent lives.

In a heartfelt condolence message to the bereaved families, signed by Gyang Bere , Director of Press and Public Affairs, Governor Mutfwang described the attack as barbaric, senseless, and most unfortunate, especially at a time when the government has intensified efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace across the state.

The Governor strongly condemned the recent coordinated attacks in Kuru, Gyel, and Buhum communities in Chugwi Village of Vwang District, reaffirming his administration’s firm commitment to safeguarding lives and property in every part of Plateau State.

He lamented the tragic loss of innocent lives, stressing that such acts of terror will not deter the government’s resolve to decisively confront banditry, terrorism, and all forms of criminality.

Governor Mutfwang commended the resilience and dedication of the security agencies in the state and charged them to intensify intelligence-led operations to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the heinous crimes in the affected communities.

He further directed security agencies to work closely with local communities to proactively identify and neutralize emerging threats, while reiterating the government’s solidarity with families who have lost loved ones to violent attacks across the state.

The Governor also urged personnel of Operation Rainbow to strengthen intelligence gathering and early-warning mechanisms to enable prompt and effective security responses.

He assured the people of Plateau State of his steadfast commitment to their safety, wellbeing, and overall welfare.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to pilot national communal ranches in six locations as part of efforts to modernize the livestock sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (especially methane from livestock), boost productivity, and help resolve farmer-herder conflicts.

The selected pilot sites are Adamawa State, Benue State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Plateau State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy for climate-smart livestock production and improved feed and fodder systems.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, revealed the plans while restating the administration’s commitment to moving away from open grazing toward structured ranching. He highlighted plans for large-scale fodder production supported by solar-powered irrigation, micro earth dams, and upgraded grazing reserves.

According to the minister, land allocation for these national communal ranches is expected to be finalized ahead of the next rainy season. “This is no longer about theory. It is time for boots on the ground,” Maiha said, pointing to Nigeria’s available land, political will, and partnerships as key drivers to transform the sector while addressing climate change, security concerns, and food system challenges.

The development marks a significant step in implementing the National Ranching Policy and related reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The goal is to establish sustainable, conflict-free livestock hubs that create economic opportunities across the value chain.

While some stakeholders have welcomed the move as a practical step toward modernizing pastoralism, previous attempts at similar initiatives have received mixed reactions. Further details on implementation, timelines, and funding are expected in the coming months.