Crime
Supreme Court Orders Sule Lamido ₦1.35bn Corruption Trial to Resume
In a landmark unanimous decision delivered today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has set aside the July 2023 ruling of the Court of Appeal that discharged former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, his sons Mustapha and Aminu Lamido, and their associated companies from corruption charges.
The five-man panel, led by Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar, upheld the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), declaring it meritorious.
The apex court has now directed the defendants to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja to continue their defense against the allegations.
The long-running case stems from a 37-count charge bordering on money laundering, abuse of office, and related offenses. The EFCC accuses Lamido of laundering approximately ₦1.35 billion in alleged kickbacks from contractors during his tenure as governor between 2007 and 2015. His sons and companies Bamaina Holdings Limited and Speeds International Limited are also implicated in the alleged financial misconduct.
After the prosecution closed its case, the defendants filed a no-case submission at the trial court presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu. The Federal High Court rejected the submission, ruling that the evidence presented was sufficient to require the defendants to enter a defense.
The defendants successfully appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal, which discharged them in July 2023. Dissatisfied, the EFCC escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing that the appellate court erred in law by halting the trial despite a prima facie case having been established.
Today’s ruling reinstates the charges and paves the way for the trial to resume at the lower court, marking a significant development in one of Nigeria’s most prominent high-profile corruption prosecutions spanning over a decade.
Legal analysts view the decision as a reinforcement of the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability in public office cases, with the matter now set to proceed to full trial and potential conclusion.
Crime
Tinubu Mourns Soldiers Killed in Benisheikh Terror Attack
Describes Them as ‘Unforgettable Heroes’
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the deaths of soldiers from the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, who were killed during a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State, early on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen troops, the military leadership, and the people of Borno State.
Tinubu particularly condoled with the family of Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who led the troops and made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the nation.
The President praised the gallant soldiers for fighting valiantly to repel the attackers and prevent Boko Haram from overrunning protected communities. He described the insurgents’ counterattack as “a sign of desperation” amid sustained military offensives.
“Our armed forces have been conducting intense land and air operations, neutralising many terrorists and their commanders,” Tinubu said.
He urged the military not to be discouraged, assuring them of continued government support in equipment and welfare. He also called on Nigerians and the media to stand firmly with the Armed Forces.
“These soldiers are our heroes unforgettable and irreplaceable. We should desist from celebrating or condoning attacks against our troops,” the President stressed.
Tinubu added that the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers will not be in vain and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and achieve lasting peace in collaboration with the Borno State Government.
Crime
Three Killed, One Injured in Fresh Jos Attack (Video)
The attack comes 48 Hours After Bola Tinubu Visit.
Three people have been killed and one injured in a fresh attack in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South LGA of Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
The attack occurred just 48 hours after President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau, where he met stakeholders on security.
The victims, Luka Sandu Pam (36), Samuel Davou (38), and Deme Saidu (36) were ambushed around 7 p.m. on Friday while returning from Gero on a motorbike.
They were part of a group of about 15 youths heading home from a mining site. Eyewitnesses say the group was attacked by suspected armed herdsmen, forcing others to flee.
Gyel Youth Leader, Dung Davou, confirmed the incident, while Chairman of the Berom Youth Moulders.
Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, described the killings as a sign of worsening insecurity. He noted the victims had gone to observe Good Friday before the attack.
Police spokesperson SP Alfred Alabo could not be reached for comment as of press time.
Watch video below:
Crime
Ebonyi: Gunmen Assasinate Another Traditional Ruler
The latest incident brings to five the number of traditional rulers killed in Ebonyi in recent times, deepening concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders.
• Ebonyi map
Gunmen have assassinated another traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, in what residents describe as a brazen and targeted attacks.
The victim, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu of Ishinkwor community in Onicha Local Government Area, was reportedly shot dead at his private residence after the assailants gained access under the cover of darkness.
Eyewitnesses said that the attackers fired through a window before forcing their way into the building, and killed the monarch in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.
The Chairman of Onicha LGA, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, has condemned the killing as barbaric, confirming that security agencies have launched an investigation.
Police spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu, also said that the command has commenced a full probe.
The latest incident brings to five the number of traditional rulers killed in Ebonyi in recent times, deepening concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders.
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