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Category: News

  • Zelensky urges pressure on Russia to end war

    Zelensky urges pressure on Russia to end war

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday urged “pressure” on Russia to end the three-year war as his top aides visited Paris for talks with US and EU officials on the conflict.

    At least 10 people were reported killed and dozens wounded Thursday as Russia pounded Ukraine with drone strikes and shells.

    “Russia uses every day and every night to kill. We must put pressure on the killers … to end this war and guarantee a lasting peace,” Zelensky said in a Telegram post.

    Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said he had arrived to Paris with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov for talks with US, British, Germany and French officials — without saying with who.

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, are meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday about crafting a ceasefire in Ukraine.

    The meeting comes after a spate of deadly Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities that has triggered outrage in Kyiv and Europe.

    Zelensky’s office said his team in Paris will discuss “bringing peace to Ukraine.”

    “Among other things, the parties will discuss ways to implement a full and unconditional ceasefire, the deployment of a multinational military contingent to ensure security, and the further development of Ukraine’s security architecture,” Ukraine’s presidency said in a statement.

    The Kremlin dismissed the talks and accused Kyiv’s allies of wanting to drag out the war.

    “Unfortunately we see from Europeans a focus on continuing the war,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, when asked about what he expected from the talks.

    Russia launched a “massive” drone salvo overnight on the city of Dnipro that killed three and wounded more then 30, local governor Sergiy Lysak said.

    Fires broke out at apartment blocks in the city after the attack.

    Two more were killed in artillery strikes in Nikopol, down south from Dnipro, Lysak added, while local officials also reported fatalities in the frontline areas in the Donetsk and Kherson regions.

    Russia’s army also claimed to have captured a small village in the eastern Donetsk region, where its troops have been grinding forward for months.

  • Kogi Revenue Services initiates moves to block revenue leakages

    Kogi Revenue Services initiates moves to block revenue leakages

    Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has once again warned illegal revenue collectors in the state to desist from the unconstitutional act to avoid facing the full wrath of the law.

    The Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Sule Salihu Enehe, gave the warning in Lokoja on Wednesday while interacting with journalists about the revenue service’s activities.

    Enehe, who vehemently vowed that the agency would continue to block all leakages in the system to boost the state’s revenue generation, promised that perpetrators of the illegal act would be apprehended and prosecuted according to the existing laws.

    “We are aware that despite our efforts, some individuals still hide under transport unions to collect certain amounts of money from motorcycle and tricycle operators.

    “They block roads in Adankolo junction, suya junction near the federal university Lokoja, first 200 housing unit junction, old market among other places”, he mentioned.

    The Chairman maintained that collection of revenue due for Kogi state is the statutory function of KGIRS as spelt out by the law, advising those indulging in illegal collection of revenue to change trade, stressing that the revenue agency would not have mercy for offenders.

    “We will not relent on our oars until we rid the state of illegal tax collectors because their actions and activities are already posing a security threat to the state. They blocked highways at will to extort money from people in the name of tax collection, and we don’t know them.

    “The law for revenue collection in Kogi State is very clear to everyone, and we don’t expect any union to collect revenue meant for the government. It is illegal, and we are appealing to the security agencies in the state to assist us so that we can continually clamp down heavily on them.

    “If they refused to change trade and leave the illegal act, we will not be tired of clamping down on them because no body is above the law in Kogi state”, he stated.

    Speaking on the ongoing process of implementing the Land Use Charged Law, the Executive Chairman of KGIRS stated that the law’s implementation would pave the way for better infrastructure, improved public services and a greater future for the people of Kogi State.

    hen fully implemented, it can foster data-driven decision making, pave the way for the development of smart cities and jobs creation in the state.

    “And in line with the ongoing tax reforms, the law aims at streamlining revenue collection , promote transparency and to ensure that all stakeholders contribute their fair share towards the development of Kogi state”, he stated.

  • Why the Trump administration is revoking student visas—and who’s affected

    Why the Trump administration is revoking student visas—and who’s affected

    International students across at least 32 states are losing their visas without clear explanations, according to a report by NBC News.

    Many are being detained by plainclothes officers, with visa revocations reportedly tied to political activism, old arrests, or social media posts.

    “It’s just part of their whole plan about reducing immigration entirely,” said Jath Shao, a Cleveland-based immigration attorney.

    “They come after the small and the weak — people who don’t have as many resources to defend themselves.”

    Most affected are those on F-1 and J-1 visas, which are for full-time students and exchange visitors.

    Students from California to North Carolina have had visas revoked. Schools like Stanford say they only discovered the cancellations through internal database checks.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “It might be more than 300 at this point. We do it every day. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas.”

    Some targeted students include Mahmoud Khalil of Columbia University and Rümeysa Öztürk of Tufts University—both pro-Palestinian activists. Others, like University of Minnesota student Doğukan Günaydın, were flagged for previous offenses like DUI.

    Officials are reportedly using a rarely invoked 1952 statute that allows visa revocation for “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Critics say the policy disproportionately affects nonwhite students.

    “U.S. immigration policy seems to be driven by xenophobia, white nationalism and racism right now,” said Elora Mukherjee of Columbia Law School.

    While the government has wide discretion in revoking visas, Mukherjee emphasised students still have due process rights. “We are at the brink of a breakdown in the rule of law and the immigration space,” she said.

    Shao urged universities to step up: “The school should try to help the kids as much as they can.”

  • Former Enugu APC chairman resigns amid party disintegration

    Former Enugu APC chairman resigns amid party disintegration

    The former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Barr. Ben Nwoye, has officially resigned from the party, citing deep internal crises and leadership disintegration as his reasons for departure.

    Speaking at a press briefing held at De Sheriff Hotel in Enugu, Nwoye, who also previously served as a Federal Commissioner at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) representing the South East, said the party he helped build has lost its cohesion and purpose.

    “The bunch of broom which we painstakingly tied together in 2013 has loosened and permanently scattered,” Nwoye said, referencing the APC’s symbol and the unity that once bound its members.

    He condemned the leadership of the party in the South East for prioritizing “vindictive politics” over growth and inclusion. According to him, rather than expanding the APC’s reach, the regional leadership has been more focused on suppressing dissenting voices and perceived political enemies.

    Nwoye also decried the lingering factional disputes within the party in Enugu, revealing that two rival camps are currently battling for control—one backed by a judicial pronouncement, and the other persisting in open defiance.

    He accused the national leadership of turning a blind eye to the crisis and failing to act on repeated calls for reconciliation by party elders. According to him, loyal party members who disagree with the central leadership have been treated with disdain, likening them to “prisoners of political war.”

    “I have engaged in extensive consultations with my grassroots followers and I have come to the conclusion that it is time to move on,” he said. “I refuse to be a political prisoner.”

    Extending his criticism beyond Enugu, Nwoye cited the marginalization of other prominent APC figures in the South East, including former Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra), and Dr. Ikechi Emenike (Abia), both of whom he said have been sidelined despite their significant roles in building the party.

    Nwoye’s resignation marks a significant blow to the APC in Enugu and raises fresh concerns about the party’s stability and internal democracy in the South East region.

  • Quadri: Lawyer demands apology, N100m compensation from police

    Quadri: Lawyer demands apology, N100m compensation from police

    Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has demanded a public apology and N100 million in compensation from the Nigeria Police Force for the unlawful detention and framing of Quadri Yusuf Alabi, a 17-year-old boy who gained public attention during the 2023 elections for boldly standing in front of Peter Obi’s presidential convoy.

    Alabi, who was discharged and freed by a Lagos Magistrate Court on April 17, 2025, had spent nearly three months at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri after being falsely accused of armed robbery—a charge which the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions later found to be baseless.

    In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Effiong, who served as lead counsel in the case, detailed how Quadri was abducted by two notorious area boys, known locally as Lege and Baba Waris, near his residence in the Amukoko area of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Lagos. According to Effiong, the teenager was dragged to the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters and framed by both the area boys and complicit officers.

    “The Area Boys had been threatening him since 2023 for not ‘sharing’ donations he received during the election period,” Effiong said. “The family was even pressured by the community’s Baale to buy a cow and rice to appease these hoodlums.”

    Initially accused of street fighting, Quadri’s situation escalated when officers at Amukoko police station conspired to charge him with armed robbery. On January 26, 2025, he was taken before a Magistrate and remanded in Kirikiri. Disturbingly, the police allegedly listed Quadri—who is a minor—as 18 years old and lumped him with four adult strangers as co-defendants in a fabricated robbery case.

    Effiong credited the intervention of civil rights activist Hassana Nurudeen, Co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, for bringing the case to public attention. Following their involvement, Effiong and his legal team swiftly moved to secure Quadri’s release.

    On Thursday, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi ruled that the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, indicated no evidence linking Quadri to any crime. The court accordingly ordered his immediate discharge.

    Effiong praised the DPP’s office for upholding justice but called for disciplinary action against the officers involved.

    “We demand that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Inspector General of Police immediately remove the DPO of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and subject him, along with Inspector Odigbe Samuel and other complicit officers, to orderly room trial,” Effiong stated.

    The legal team is also demanding financial compensation of N100 million for the teen’s unlawful detention, alongside a formal public apology from the Nigeria Police Force.

    “Quadri’s case is a tragic example of the deep-rooted corruption, impunity, and injustice that plague the police institution in Nigeria,” Effiong added. “There are many like him languishing behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit. This must stop.”

    Effiong warned that if their demands are not met promptly, legal proceedings will be initiated against the police authorities.

    Quadri’s release has sparked renewed calls for urgent police reform, particularly to address the abuse of minors and the manipulation of justice by unscrupulous law enforcement officers in collaboration with community miscreants.

  • Trump mulls closure of US embassies in Africa

    Trump mulls closure of US embassies in Africa

    The Trump administration is reportedly considering shutting down nearly 30 embassies and consulates worldwide—including several in Africa—as part of a broader plan to streamline America’s diplomatic presence abroad.

    This is according to an internal document from the US State Department, obtained by CNN.

    Among the proposed closures are American embassies in Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.

    A consulate in South Africa is also listed for potential shutdown.

    These developments come amid a sweeping attempt by the administration to shrink the size of the US federal government, with influence from the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency.

    In total, the document recommends closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates around the globe, including missions in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.

    Africa, however, features prominently on the list—raising concerns about the potential diplomatic and developmental fallout for the continent.

    While it’s unclear whether US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the recommendations, the document indicates that American diplomatic operations in affected countries would be consolidated into neighboring nations’ missions.

    The embassies and consulates in question are said to have been evaluated based on consular workload, cost efficiency, security, and feedback from regional experts.

    In Africa, where American diplomatic missions often support development initiatives, humanitarian programs, security partnerships, and visa services, these closures could have wide-reaching implications.

    Countries like South Sudan and the Central African Republic have been significant to US engagement on peacekeeping and stability, and any drawdown of presence there could complicate ongoing international efforts.

    The administration has only nominated new ambassadors for two of the embassies marked for closure—Malta and Luxembourg—further fueling speculation that the plan is more about reducing cost than strategic diplomacy.

    Responding to queries about the leaked document, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm the plans, urging reporters to await official communication from the White House and President.

    “I would suggest that you check with the White House and the President of the US as they continue to work on their budget plan and what they submit to Congress,” Bruce said.

    “The kinds of numbers and what we tend to see is reporting that is early or wrong, based on leaked documents from somewhere unknown.”

    While consulates and embassies may not always house large teams, they play critical roles in processing visas, supporting American citizens, and gathering vital political and security intelligence.

    Officials within the department have previously warned that reducing these global outposts—especially in geopolitically sensitive regions like Africa—could weaken US influence at a time when countries like China are expanding their own diplomatic networks.

    As part of its broader restructuring, the State Department is also exploring more flexible and minimal staffing models—such as “FLEX-style light footprint posts” and leadership roles covering multiple missions—to further cut costs.

  • Borno Assembly passes vote of confidence on Tinubu, Shettima

    Borno Assembly passes vote of confidence on Tinubu, Shettima

    The Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA) presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, on the presidential ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative aimed at tackling security challenges in parts of the North East and the country as a whole.

    The House equally gave its unwavering support and stood firmly behind Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on his 10-point agenda, which focused on restoring peace, stability and resentment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

    This also raised the alarm over the renewed Boko Haram attacks on several communities, urging the government at all levels and the military to be proactive in addressing it.

    These were disclosed after Thursday’s plenary and Notice of Motion sponsored by the member representing Marte Constituency, Hon. Engr. Mohammed Gambomi Marte, on ‘The Need To Address The Resurgence of Boko Haram Terrorists and Islamic State In West Africa Province (ISWAP)” in some parts of Borno and its environs.

    The Motion, which was co-sponsored by other honorable members, received a unanimous endorsement on the floor of the house after deliberations, during which ten (10) resolutions were reached.

    Earlier, according to Hon. Marte, “the alarming rate of the resurgence of terrorism orchestrated by Boko Haram/ISWAP after enjoying relative peace in the last two to three years calls for serious concern, as Guzamala and Abadam local government areas remained under Boko Haram control with no civil authority in any of its communities.

    “Likewise, some parts of Monguno, Hawul, Biu, Bama, Gwoza, Damboa Chibok, Kala Balge, Mafa, Dikwa, Kukawa, Ngala, Dikwa, Askira- Uba and Marte local government areas among others remained frequently hit places by terrorists in recent times.” He lamented.

    Also contributing, members representing Hawul, Dikwa, Damboa, Biu, and Nganzai local government areas, Mohammed Kwajaffa, Mohammed Zakariya, Wakil Korede, Yakubu Kimba, Mohammed Ali Gajiram and two other co-sponsors, argued that Borno people and the entire North East region had witnessed relative peace; unfortunately, the resurgence of activities of terrorists in Wulgo, Damboa, Sabon Gari, Wajiroko, Izge, Ngoshe, Tarfa, Ngohi, Kautikari, Damasak among other communities have dashed out the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, as unspecified number of troops and civilians were killed and injured in the renewed onslaught.

    Reading out the 10 Resolutions, Speaker Lawan said: “As you are aware, the Borno State Government recently voiced alarm over the increasing attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the state, similarly the Federal.

    The government acknowledged the challenges posed by these insurgent activities. The president condemned the act as a desperate move by terrorists facing mounting pressure.

    “In light of these developments, the Borno State House of Assembly has expressed its vote of confidence in President Bola.

    Ahmed Tinubu (Grand Commander of the Federal Republic) and the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger) administration on the presidential

    ‘renewed hope’ initiative aimed at tackling security challenges in the country.

    “Equally, the Borno State House of Assembly gave its unwavering support and stood firmly behind Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, the Governor of Borno State, on his 10-

    Point agenda focused on restoring peace, stability and resettlement in the state and repose 100% confidence in him and

    His administration in restoring Borno’s lost glory as a home of peace.

    “We also passed a vote of confidence on the military and other security agencies, including our Civilian Joint Tasks Force, local hunters and vigilantes, for their sacrifices.

    “These collaborative efforts between the state and the federal authorities underscore unified commitment to addressing the Security challenges in Borno State and the broader North East region.

    “This Honorable House, therefore, resolved as follows:-

    1. Called on the Executive to initiate a comprehensive review of our security frameworks and allocate adequate resources to bolster local security architecture and the need to adapt social intervention programs that address youth unemployment, social inequality, and the underlying grievances that often fuel unrest.

    “2. Called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy additional security forces and equipment to affected areas and ensure improved coordination among all branches of the security forces.

    “3. Called on the executive to increase funding and logistical support for the security architecture within the affected regions to rebuild public confidence and restore normalcy.

    “4. Encourage strategic intelligence-sharing, border surveillance, and regional cooperation among the countries.

    That bordered our states to contain the spread and influence of these terrorist groups.

    “5. Called on the relevant security agencies to intensify their

    Operations improve intelligence gathering and enhance community policing efforts.

    “6. Called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a Brigade (or Regiment) Command for a Large operational unit with combined arms capabilities at Guzamala LGA, which does not have any military formation at the moment to enable return.of displaced Persons within Guzamala and

    Abadam LGAs”. Rt. Hon. Lawan said.

    He continued, adding, “7. The House called on individuals and communities to encourage and adopt Community policing.

    “8. Called on our traditional and religious leaders to intensify prayers.

    “9. Urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

    Other humanitarian bodies should immediately provide relief materials and establish temporary shelter and medical aid for displaced persons.

    “Finally 10. The Honourable House called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate and reconstruct all Federal road network linking LGAs in Borno State and other States in the North East sub-region”. The Speaker concluded.

  • Gov Otti calls for speedy completion of Eastern railway corridor

    Gov Otti calls for speedy completion of Eastern railway corridor

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has urged the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, to facilitate the speedy completion of the Eastern railway corridor.
    Otti spoke when he received in the audience a delegation of the NRC led by the new Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, in Abia.
    He described transportation as a sector that is very important to economic development and growth.
    The Governor expressed concern that work had stopped on the Umuahia — Enugu section of the railway corridor originally scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2024.
    Gov. Otti expressed hope that the Eastern railway corridor would receive the required attention under the new leadership of NRC.
    He said,” I have no doubt that the ideas that have been on the table even long before you came on board may have been struggling, but I believe that as you (the new MD) get down to work, they will be done.
    “The speed with which the other parts of the corridor were executed and the speed at which the execution is happening right now are different, but I am sure you’ll change the trajectory very soon.
    “We felt it was important to replicate the transport system we have seen elsewhere, but not necessarily in Oshodi.
    “Actually, we were thinking of Paddington in the UK where you have the bus terminal, train and everything converging in a place. Paddington never sleeps, that’s the kind of business we want to introduce in Umuahia,” Gov. Otti assured.
    Concerns were raised about the security of NRC assets in Aba, and the Governor assured that he would investigate and provide necessary support, including logistics.
    He emphasized that his Government “does not discriminate between federal and state projects but is always willing to partner individuals or agencies that want to bring development to the State.
    Otti re-stated his administration’s commitment to overhauling the state’s transport sector to enhance economic activities.
    He disclosed that efforts were ongoing to modernize the state’s transport system.
    Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Cooperation, Dr Opeifa, said they came to deepen discussions and plans on how best to revive the Aba — Umuahia rail line.
    According to him, the corporation, which intends to add value to the nation’s economy, targets reducing inflation, stabilizing the economy and reducing the cost of transporting goods and services.
    He said they had the mandate to ensure that all major cities in the South-East were connected to the national rail line.
    The meeting featured a presentation by the General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr Kingsley Agomoh, on the ongoing construction of the Umuahia Railway and Bus terminal.
    Senior Government appointees, including the Honourable, attended the meeting.
    The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; the Special Adviser on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe; and the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, were among the top Government officials at the meeting.

  • Chidinma breaks silence, tells court how she found Super TV CEO, Usifo Ataga dead

    Chidinma breaks silence, tells court how she found Super TV CEO, Usifo Ataga dead

    The prime suspect in the murder of Super TV CEO, Michael Usifo Ataga, Chidinma Ojukwu, on Thursday told a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square how she discovered his lifeless body in a short-let apartment in Lekki on June 15, 2021.

    Testifying before Justice Yetunde Adesanya, the former 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos said she had returned from buying food and juice, knocked repeatedly without getting a response, then pushed the door open — only to find blood on the floor and Ataga lying motionless in a pool of blood.

    “I dropped everything and rushed to him,” she recalled emotionally, adding that his eyes were half-shut and there was no pulse.

    Led in evidence by her counsel, Mr. Onwuka Egwu, Chidinma recounted her relationship with Ataga, which began in November 2020.

    They met through a mutual friend, Fiyin, who was dating Ataga’s friend, James. She described Ataga as kind and supportive, claiming he paid her school fees and helped finance her cosmetics business.

    She revealed that Ataga, a media executive from Edo State residing in Victoria Garden City, had three children with his estranged wife based in Abuja.

    According to her, on June 13, 2021, Ataga informed her of his upcoming birthday and invited her to spend time with him before traveling to Abuja for a family gathering.

    “Due to ongoing renovations at his VGC residence, he suggested booking a hotel or short-let apartment in Lekki, where he had scheduled meetings,” she said.

    Chidinma stated that she found a short-let apartment at 19 Adewale Street, off Ologolo Road, Lekki, which Ataga approved.

    According to her, they met there that evening, went out to eat at Ango Villa restaurant, bought wine, and returned to the apartment to eat, drink, and smoke.

    On June 14, they woke up late and Ataga allegedly asked her to contact her supplier for ‘loud’ (cannabis) and rohypnol. She said he sent N15,000 for that and later N25,000 for food. She was out for about two hours buying meals due to COVID-related restrictions and delays.

    On June 15, she said Ataga requested more cannabis but asked her to pay since he was unable to transfer funds.

    He also gave her money for food and juice. After a delay caused by a mix-up over the okro soup she was asked to buy, she returned to the apartment — only to be met with a horrifying scene.

    “I saw blood stains, pushed the door open, and saw Michael on the floor, covered in blood. I checked for a pulse — there was none.”

    In panic, she said she cleaned blood off herself, changed clothes, and packed her belongings, including a brown envelope containing Ataga’s bank statements, ID cards, and documents belonging to one Mary Johnson. She also took some jewelry before leaving the apartment in a cab.

    The case was adjourned till April 28, 2025, for the continuation of trial.

  • Teen who stood in front of Peter Obi’s convoy freed after months in Kirikiri

    Teen who stood in front of Peter Obi’s convoy freed after months in Kirikiri

    Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old who became a symbol of youthful courage during the 2023 elections after standing in front of the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has regained his freedom after being wrongfully detained for months on a trumped-up charge of armed robbery.

    Quadri was discharged on Wednesday by a Magistrate Court in Apapa, Lagos, after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice found no evidence to support the allegations against him.

    The teenager had been remanded at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri since January 26, 2025, following what his legal team described as a “diabolical frame-up” by the police at Amukoko Divisional Headquarters.

    According to his lead counsel, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Esq., Quadri was abducted by two known area boys in his community — identified as Lege and Baba Waris — who had previously harassed him over donations he received during the 2023 election season.

    “Quadri was returning from work when he was grabbed by these individuals, who have repeatedly threatened him for not sharing financial gifts he received,” Effiong stated on his Facebook page. “His family was even pressured by the Baale (community leader) to appease the area boys with a cow, rice, and a feast.”

    Initially accused of involvement in a street fight, Quadri’s case took a darker turn when the police charged him with armed robbery and presented him before a magistrate. Shockingly, he was grouped with four adult suspects with no known ties to him. The police also falsely listed his age as 18 to avoid the scrutiny that comes with juvenile cases.

    Effiong’s team became involved in the case last week after the matter was brought to public attention by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach. Following swift legal interventions, the court reviewed the DPP’s legal advice, which recommended that Quadri not be prosecuted due to lack of evidence.

    Presiding Magistrate A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.) accordingly discharged Quadri, bringing a bitter chapter to an end for the teenager.

    Effiong has now called for the removal and disciplinary investigation of the Divisional Police Officer at Amukoko, the Investigating Police Officer (Inspector Odigbe Samuel), and all other officers involved in what he described as “an evil, sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme.”

    He also demanded a public apology and financial compensation of ₦100 million from the Nigeria Police Force, warning of imminent legal action if the demands are not met.

    “Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force,” Effiong said. “There are many Quadris languishing in detention across Nigeria because of the lack of accountability in the police and the weaknesses in our justice system.”

    As Quadri returns home to his family, his story has once again sparked outrage over police misconduct and the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.