The Sun Reporters

06/21/2025

BREAKING: Armed Herdsmen Strike Again in Benue, Just 48 Hours After Tinubu’s Visit

A youth corps member currently serving in the Wannune community, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, described a scene of utter panic as residents fled into nearby bushes to escape an attack by armed herdsmen. The assault occurred just 48 hours after President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state, which was aimed at addressing escalating insecurity.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters on Friday evening that the assailants set houses and properties ablaze, leaving destruction in their wake and forcing residents to abandon their homes.

“It’s terrifying—everyone is running into the bushes,” the corps member said in a distress message, appealing to Nigerians for prayers and urging security agencies to intervene swiftly. “The herdsmen are wreaking havoc right now.”

This new wave of violence raises fresh doubts about the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s recent visit and the directives he issued to combat insecurity in the region.

During his trip, Tinubu met with local stakeholders and instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to apprehend those behind recent killings. His visit followed the tragic massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where an estimated 200 people lost their lives.

The Yelewata incident drew national outrage, with many questioning the federal government’s capacity to safeguard its citizens. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized Tinubu’s visit, describing it as a “political performance” lacking genuine commitment to solving the crisis.

“True leadership is about compassion and solidarity with the people in times of grief, but the visit was overshadowed by political posturing,” Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, remarked.

The renewed attack in Wannune underscores the persistent security threats facing Benue State and the urgent need for lasting solutions. Citizens and advocacy groups have called on the government to address the root causes of the violence and implement decisive actions to protect lives and property.

05/07/2025

VDM is OUT!

https://thesun.com.ng/news/breaking--vdm-is-finally-out

05/06/2025

https://thesun.com.ng/news/breaking--efcc-reveal-why-they-arrested-verydarkman

EFCC and VDM Arrest

05/05/2025

**EFCC Confirms Arrest of Social Media Activist VeryDarkMan Following Multiple Petitions, Plans Court Charges Soon**

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following several petitions lodged against him.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told BBC News Pidgin on Monday that Otse was taken into custody to respond to a series of allegations from various complainants. When asked whether the arrest was related to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Oyewale clarified that the complaints came from different individuals and that the agency was duty-bound to address them. He also revealed that the EFCC intends to charge the activist in court.

“We arrested him to respond to several allegations from petitioners. He’ll be released once he meets bail conditions, and we’ll take the case to court as soon as possible. We are law-abiding,” Oyewale said.

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned the arrest, demanding Otse’s immediate and unconditional release. According to the group, he was apprehended on Thursday, May 2, 2025, just after leaving the GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, where he had gone with his mother and a colleague to address unauthorized withdrawals from his mother’s account.

CCTV footage of the arrest, now circulating widely online, has triggered public outrage, with many seeing it as a deliberate move to silence a vocal critic of government and institutional abuse.

In a statement signed by Lagos State Coordinator Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek (Scotty Aluta), the TIB Movement described the arrest as unlawful and preplanned, accusing both the EFCC and GTBank of being complicit in what they termed a misuse of power.

The group also expressed deep concern over the disappearance of Otse’s mother, who has been missing since the incident and whose whereabouts remain unknown.

“This is not the first time Mr. Otse has been targeted for speaking out against injustice and corruption,” the statement noted. “We strongly condemn the illegal arrest and continued detention of VeryDarkMan. His case is part of a worrying trend of using state security forces to intimidate and suppress dissenting voices.”

04/27/2025

FCT Minister Pledges to Close Illegal Hospitals Following Pregnant Woman’s Death During Surgery

Despite the availability of free registration for pregnant women under the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), many continue to seek care from unsafe and unlicensed clinics.

The recent death of a pregnant woman following a caesarean section at an unregistered facility in Abuja has prompted the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to order a crackdown on illegal medical centres. In a statement released on Saturday by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s media aide for Public Communications and Social Media, Wike declared that anyone found operating or working in an unregistered health facility will now face arrest and prosecution.

This decision comes after 35-year-old Chekwube Chinagorom was brought dead to Asokoro District Hospital following surgery at Afolmi Hospital, an unregistered private clinic in Durumi.

The statement emphasized that while free enrollment into the FHIS is available for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, many still resort to unsafe clinics. “Through the FHIS, pregnant women can access a range of free services via Primary Health Care Centres as part of the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services,” Olayinka said.

He also noted that hospitals in areas such as Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje have been upgraded to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centres, providing free caesarean sections. Pregnant women were urged to make use of these facilities rather than risk their lives with unqualified personnel.

An investigation by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) found that Afolmi Hospital was not officially registered. During an inspection, only one staff member, Mr. Simon Elisha Godiya, a Junior Community Health Extension Worker, was present. Godiya reported that the surgery had been performed by a certain Murtala Jumma, assisted by an unidentified individual. Attempts to contact Jumma were unsuccessful.

Shortly after PHERMC officials arrived, officers from the Nigeria Police Durumi Divisional Headquarters joined the scene, and the case was handed over for further investigation. The PHERMC team was also asked to formally report the incident at the police station.

The Nigeria Police are now working to identify those responsible for the surgery, verify their credentials, and uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Chekwube Chinagorom at the unregistered facility.

04/22/2025

Top UK Fully Funded Scholarships Expiring in April 2025

As the application windows for major UK fully funded scholarships like the GREAT Scholarships at the University of Manchester and the Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship at the University of Nottingham close in April 2025.

04/14/2025

Eedris Abdulkareem: Tinubu Might Be a Good Dad to Seyi, But He’s the Worst President Nigeria Has Had

Eedris Abdulkareem Slams President Tinubu Over Nigeria’s Worsening State, Defends Controversial Song Amid Ban

Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has launched a fierce critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration during a recent interview on Rubbin’ Minds, a programme aired on Channels TV. The musician, known for his bold political commentary, spoke extensively about his latest song Tell Your Papa, which has sparked widespread reactions, drawn heavy criticism, and led to an official broadcast ban.

The track, which takes aim at Tinubu’s government, accuses it of mismanaging the country’s economy and failing to address critical issues. Abdulkareem stated that while Tinubu might be a good father to his son, Seyi, he has been, in his view, the worst president Nigeria has ever had.

Referencing a video of Seyi Tinubu campaigning for his father and praising his leadership, Abdulkareem commented, “Seyi kept repeating how great his father is, but he should’ve remained silent—it would have served him better. He doesn’t understand what Nigerians are going through.”

Abdulkareem added, “If he really wants to understand life in Nigeria, he should try travelling without security—from Yaba to Benin—on a public bus. Let him see what the average citizen experiences.”

The rapper emphasized that his song wasn’t a personal attack on Seyi Tinubu, but a response to the younger Tinubu’s public defense of his father’s administration. “If Seyi hadn’t spoken out, I wouldn’t have responded,” he said. “The song isn’t insulting—it’s a reflection of Nigeria’s harsh realities.”

He went on to highlight failures in the Tinubu government’s policies, stating: “They deceived us about the fuel subsidy, promised a stronger naira, a better economy—but everything has worsened. Inflation is out of control, electricity tariffs have gone up, and insecurity is rising.”

According to him, salaries remain low, transportation and food costs are soaring, and power supply is still unreliable. “People are starving, farmers can’t access their land, and now the government is pushing GMOs instead of focusing on real food security,” he lamented.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) recently banned Tell Your Papa, labeling it “objectionable” and in violation of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code’s standards on public decency. The ban was confirmed in a memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by NBC official Susan Obi.

Abdulkareem, however, was unfazed by the censorship. “It’s not the first time my song has been banned—it only brings more attention to it. Why silence a song that speaks the truth?”

He also revealed he had been approached with an alleged bribe to withdraw the song. “Someone claiming to be an honourable said they planned to offer me N200 million to stay quiet. I’ve been in this game too long. I’m not for sale,” he said.

The artist stated that his motivation isn’t wealth or popularity, but a genuine desire for a better Nigeria. He advocated for restructuring through a return to regional governance and a cleanup of the judiciary. “We need leaders who will rewrite the constitution and allow regions to control their resources,” he said, citing recent political unrest in Rivers State as an example of abuse of federal power.

When asked if he’s ever felt pressure to abandon activism, Abdulkareem responded firmly: “I’m content. I live well with my family, we’re raising our children. I even have a farm in Jos—but terrorists have taken it over. That’s the Nigeria we’re living in.”

He called out celebrities and influencers who support the government for personal gain, saying, “Shame on those who keep silent while Nigerians suffer. You collect blood money while pretending all is well.”

Abdulkareem reflected on the enduring impact of his classic protest song Nigeria Jaga Jaga, calling it the country’s unofficial second national anthem. “That song will remain relevant until Nigeria truly changes,” he said.

He described the ban of Tell Your Papa as a clear attempt to stifle dissent and free speech, arguing that the current administration is quick to silence truth. “This government is one of the most insensitive and vindictive we’ve ever seen,” he declared.

According to him, the track simply sheds light on Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis, rising poverty, and the administration’s inability to deliver on its promises. “In less than two years of Tinubu’s presidency, things have drastically worsened. Every Nigerian sees it—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or party—except the few benefitting from the system.”

This isn’t Abdulkareem’s first clash with the authorities. His 2004 protest hit Jaga Jaga, which condemned corruption under President Olusegun Obasanjo, was also banned by the NBC. Yet it became a rallying cry for youth activism across Nigeria.

He concluded, “It’s no wonder we’ve made little progress as a country. Only the truth can heal this nation—and I’ll keep telling it.

04/12/2025

Ibas Accused of Undue Favoritism, Unlawful Acts by Ex-Rivers Official Following Wike’s Cousin’s Appointment

Former Omuma LGA Chairman Accuses Rivers Sole Administrator of Bias, Illegality

Promise Reginald, the former chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, has leveled serious accusations against the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), alleging misconduct, bias, and undemocratic actions in the ex*****on of his duties.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Reginald claimed that Ibas has deviated from the core purpose of his appointment—promoting peace—and instead acted with impunity, failing to engage all political stakeholders in the state.

He accused the Sole Administrator of dismantling the existing local government structure and installing a new leadership in the Local Government Commission, notably appointing a close relative of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. According to Reginald, these actions reflect partisanship and a lack of transparency.

“The Sole Administrator appears to be working for one political faction alone,” he said. “What we are witnessing in Rivers State is the complete erosion of democracy. The Administrator was meant to foster peace, but he has gone far beyond his mandate.”

Reginald added that Ibas initially gave hope by engaging with traditional rulers and local government heads, but quickly shifted course, taking unilateral decisions that undermined the authority of the elected state government.

He criticized the dissolution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the appointment of individuals to oversee local governments, questioning the legitimacy of such moves. “Who provided those names? By law, the Sole Administrator has no authority to conduct elections or make such appointments,” he said.

He further warned that such actions could provoke unrest. “This is provocation designed to trigger resistance, which could be used to justify chaos. Let the world know: the Sole Administrator does not have the legal mandate to do what he’s doing.”

Reginald also questioned the ethics of appointing the FCT Minister’s cousin to a key position, saying it sends the wrong message about fairness and impartiality.

He emphasized the need for the Sole Administrator to engage both political camps—the Governor’s and the FCT Minister’s—in dialogue and reconciliation, urging him to stay true to the mission of restoring peace in the state.

It should be noted that Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in March, following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Since then, his tenure has been met with strong criticism, with many accusing Nyesom Wike of influencing the crisis and alleging that President Tinubu is enabling his political ally’s agenda in the state.

04/07/2025

Tensions Rise as Protesters Defy Police, March in Ikeja Against Cybercrime Law and Emergency Rule

LAGOS – On Monday, members of the Take It Back Movement (TIBM) staged a peaceful protest in Lagos, defying police warnings and voicing their opposition to cybercrime and the perceived threat of emergency rule in Rivers State. The demonstration began beneath the iconic Ikeja Under-Bridge, with hundreds of participants marching toward the Lagos State Government House and State House of Assembly in Alausa.

Led by TIBM National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the protesters denounced what they see as failures in national security and governance. Sanyaolu is expected to address the crowd at Ojota and later at Gani Fawehinmi Park, where he will outline the movement’s demands and call for nationwide civic engagement.

The protest came just one day after Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged organizers to cancel the nationwide demonstration planned for April 7, citing its clash with the newly declared National Police Day. In a statement issued by police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the protest was described as “ill-timed” and accused of attempting to tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force.

Despite these warnings, the Take It Back Movement moved forward with their protest, emphasizing their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Marchers carried signs demanding stronger cybersecurity measures and questioning emergency policies being considered in Rivers State.

Observers say the demonstration highlights rising public frustration with government responses to cybercrime and growing concerns over civil liberties. It also underscores ongoing tension between civic groups and law enforcement over the right to protest versus maintaining public order.

As the protests continue in Lagos and potentially spread to other parts of the country, all eyes remain on how government officials and activists will navigate the increasing demand for transparency, accountability, and reform.

04/03/2025

**Elon Musk Seen as Political Liability to Trump, Set to Exit White House – Report**

**Elon Musk to Step Back from Key Role in Trump Administration**

Elon Musk is set to transition from a central figure in Donald Trump’s administration to a more informal advisory role, following concerns over his unpredictability and political risks, *Politico* reports.

Trump has privately informed his inner circle that while he appreciates Musk’s contributions to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), both have agreed it’s time for Musk to return to his business ventures. His departure coincides with the upcoming expiration of his 130-day special government employee status.

Tensions over Musk’s lack of coordination with senior officials, along with his controversial social media activity, contributed to the decision. His outspoken support for a conservative judge who lost a Wisconsin Supreme Court race further underscored concerns about his role.

Despite these challenges, Trump has consistently praised Musk’s work. During a recent Cabinet meeting, he commended Musk for exposing government inefficiencies, calling him “a patriot” and “a friend.” However, Trump also clarified that agency cuts were ultimately the responsibility of department heads, signaling a shift away from Musk’s influence.

While some officials welcomed his departure, others acknowledged his significant role in advancing Trump’s agenda. A longtime adviser noted that while Musk is seen as a “genius,” his unpredictable nature made him a “one-man wrecking ball.”

Trump himself has suggested that Musk’s exit was inevitable, stating, “At some point, Elon’s gonna want to go back to his company. I’d keep him as long as I could.” Insiders believe that while Musk may no longer have a formal role, he will remain a valued ally within Trump’s orbit.

03/27/2025

USCIRF Calls on Trump Administration to Appoint Special Envoy for Nigeria to Tackle Religious Freedom Violations

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the U.S. State Department, under the Trump administration, to classify Nigeria, along with Afghanistan, India, and Vietnam, as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs). It also called for the appointment of a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin to address religious freedom violations and the risk of atrocities.

In its March 2025 annual report, USCIRF accused the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, and state governments of either tolerating or failing to effectively respond to religiously motivated violence. It highlighted attacks by Islamist extremists, Fulani militants, and other non-state actors targeting religious communities across Nigeria.

The report recommended the redesignation of 12 countries as CPCs, including Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Additionally, it suggested keeping Algeria and Azerbaijan on the Special Watch List (SWL) and adding 10 more nations, such as Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, and Turkey.

USCIRF also called for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to be redesignated as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs), along with groups like al-Shabaab, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and the Houthis.

The report criticized Nigeria’s enforcement of blasphemy laws, which can carry a prison sentence of up to two years. Some state governments imposed even stricter blasphemy laws, leading to the imprisonment of individuals, including humanists, Christians, and Muslims. It noted that at least five people remained in custody on blasphemy charges, including Mubarak Bala and Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.

USCIRF also documented widespread religious persecution. In 2024, suspected insurgents killed 14 people, including a pastor, in Yobe State. Ansaru militants allegedly kidnapped 160 Christian children in Niger State, while ISWAP executed three Christians and publicized the killings. Bandits were reported to have murdered 49 people in Zamfara and 70 Christians in Benue. The report criticized Nigerian security forces for their slow response to these attacks, allowing continued violence against religious minorities.

USCIRF estimated that approximately 30,000 Fulani bandits operate in northwest Nigeria, forming groups of up to 1,000 members. These groups have been accused of disproportionately targeting Christians and disrupting agriculture through violent raids and extralegal taxation.

03/09/2025

**Security Agencies Petitioned to Halt Illegal Mining at Libata Site in Kebbi**

**El-Tahdam Exploration Limited Calls for Urgent Government Intervention Against Illegal Mining at Libata Site**

The Nigerian Police, Army, and other security agencies have been petitioned to halt illegal mining activities at the Libata Mining Site in Kebbi State. In a statement released on Saturday, El-Tahdam Exploration Limited revealed that, despite a court order, illegal miners had resumed operations, causing economic sabotage.

The petition also called on the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Mining Cadastre Office, Nigerian Immigration, the Minister of Interior, the National Security Adviser, and the President to take urgent action.

A court ruling on February 27, 2025, in case No. FHCKB/CS/39/2024, affirmed El-Tahdam’s legal rights to Exploration Licence No. 45689 EL and Mining License No. 62680 ML. Justice E. Gakko ruled in the company’s favor and dismissed a competing claim by Three Crowns Mines Ltd as premature.

Despite a prior interim injunction on December 5, 2024, ordering a halt to all mining activities, Three Crowns Mines Ltd and its Chinese partner, Canmax, allegedly resumed operations illegally. Canmax reportedly claimed an 85% stake in disputed licenses (45158 EL and 46216 SSML) and, by February 7, 2025, had resumed activities under the protection of armed security personnel.

El-Tahdam’s Managing Director, Adamu Tah, condemned the ongoing violations of court orders, emphasizing his company’s commitment to the rule of law. He urged the Nigerian government to take immediate action against Three Crowns Mines Ltd and its partners to restore legal mining operations.

“This blatant disregard for judicial authority not only undermines our legal system but also threatens the orderly development of Nigeria’s mining sector,” he said. He stressed that strict adherence to court orders is crucial for maintaining confidence in the judiciary and ensuring economic stability.

El-Tahdam reaffirmed its commitment to compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks and expressed hope that swift federal intervention would uphold the rule of law and protect law-abiding businesses.