Category Nigeria News

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspect linked to the attack on a church in Kogi State.

The suspect, identified as one Shafiu Usman, is said to have been the mastermind of the 2025 deadly assault on the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the North-Central state.

A DSS source confirmed the arrest to Channels Television via the telephone on Friday.

However, the source did not provide further details as to where or when the suspect was apprehended.

READ ALSO: DSS Captures Sixth Suspect In Owo Church Attack

Gunmen suspected to be terrorists had, on December 14, 2025, stormed the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).

The attack reportedly occurred when the assailants stormed the church during a worship service, firing indiscriminately to cause panic among congregants.

Eyewitnesses said that the gunmen arrived while the service was in progress, forcing many worshippers to flee, while an undisclosed number were seized and taken away through nearby bush paths.

The attack plunged the community into confusion and fear, as residents scampered to safety amid the sound of gunshots.

Owo Church Attack

The arrest comes a few days after the secret service announced the arrest of a “high-profile commander” of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) linked to the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state.

The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, is the sixth person to be arrested in connection with the attack, which left over 40 worshippers dead and several others injured.

The DSS is currently prosecuting five other suspects — Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — for allegedly masterminding the massacre.

According to a security source, the suspect was apprehended in the Iguosa community, along Powerline, in Ovia North-East, Edo state.

Yusuf was said to have served other top ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.

The incident is the second reported attack on a church in Okun land in recent weeks.

The National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the investiture of Mrs. Markie Idowu as its first female president.

Speaking at the investiture ceremoney, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the body, Professor Chris Onalo, emphasised the importance of the Act of Parliament 26 of 2022, which fully empowers NICA to regulate the profession.

The doyen of credit management explained that NICA recognises that credit economy management is the lifeblood of commerce, influencing every aspect of business.

According to him, credit management plays a leading role in how businesses access capital and thrive.

Renowned economist Professor Biodun Adedipe spoke on the “Role of Credit in Nigerian Economic Transformation” in a paper presentation at the event.

In her inaugural address, NICA’s new president said that the professional body would confront challenges in the profession head-on, calling for deeper collaboration with the Federal Government.

One of the highpoints of the ceremony was the conferrement of professional fellowships of the institute on deserving Nigerians, including Channels Television’s Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. Olusola Momoh.

Two business leaders also received honorary fellowships.

Watch the full video below:



NICA is the premier professional body for the control, supervision, and regulation of credit management profession in Nigeria; formed in 1992 as the “Institute of Credit Administration –ICA” and became chartered by the Act of Parliament No.26 of 2022.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the traditional title of Utukpa-Oritse of the Warri Kingdom in recognition of her public service and humanitarian contributions.

The conferment took place on Thursday during a ceremony in Warri, Delta State, where she was received by the monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse. III.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady used the occasion to emphasise the importance of national unity and social cohesion.

The title Utukpa-Oritse, also known as Ugbone, meaning “Light of God,” reflects the kingdom’s recognition of Senator Tinubu’s contributions to women’s empowerment and social welfare.

The First Lady, whose maternal roots trace to Warri, described the honour as deeply symbolic and a reaffirmation of her commitment to service.

Speaking during the event, she urged Nigerians to embrace unity irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political differences.

“The Bible tells us in Psalm 133, verses 1 to 3, that it is pleasant to dwell together in unity, for there is where God commanded blessings,” she said.

READ ALSO: My Successor Will Emerge Based On Loyalty To Oyo, Not Me — Makinde

She assured residents of continued government support and commended the efforts of the state administration, noting that the governor had been doing “a good job so far in the state”.

As part of her outreach, the First Lady, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, donated ₦50 million to support 1,000 women petty traders in the kingdom.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who was among the dignitaries that attended the event, described the First Lady as compassionate and consistent in her engagement with the state.

Oborevwori said that she had visited Delta on three occasions.

“She has a large heart, and those visits where she flagged off the women’s petty traders’ empowerment and the launch of the Free to Shine campaign encouraged me to make up my mind,” he said.

“May God continue to empower you to continue to put smiles on the faces of more Nigerians.”

In his remarks, the Olu of Warri urged citizens to let go of past grievances to foster peace and development, stating that the kingdom was proud of the First Lady.

“We are proud of who you are and who you have become. Our women know how to take very good care of their husbands. Thank you for being a very good example to our girls and women,” he noted.

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, members of the state government, traditional rulers, and community leaders.

Senator Tinubu has received honours and traditional titles from different parts of Nigeria.

In December 2025, the Ooni of Ife gave her the title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua, a title once held by the late HID Awolowo.

She was also named Iya Oba of Ikorodu in August 2025, Sarauniyar Yaki (Warrior Queen) by the Akko Emirate in October 2025, and Ugosimba 1 of Enugu in June 2025.

She has also received national honours. She is a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), one of Nigeria’s top awards.

Internationally, she was recently praised by United States President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in February 2026

Trump called her a “very respected woman” and highlighted that she is both Nigeria’s First Lady and an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu also received a traditional title in May 2025.

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has warned that Nigerians could react strongly at the ballot box if current economic and security challenges continue, drawing parallels with the 2015 electoral defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Galadima spoke on Thursday while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s political programme, Politics Today, where he criticised the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and dismissed claims that living conditions have improved.

Weighing in on political dissent and governance, Galadima said authorities should not underestimate public sentiment, citing incidents of arrests over public commentary.

“Look at young men in Kano who go to the radio to make an opinion. They have been arrested and sent to jail. Sometimes tried in the night by judges who are forced to jail them.

“This, now things start small, small. You don’t know how they can blossom and become something else. They shouldn’t play. They shouldn’t presume that Nigerians are gullible and that they cannot react,” he said.

READ ALSO: Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Other Opposition Leaders Hold Joint Press Conference In Abuja

The NNPP chieftain argued that the 2015 election demonstrated Nigerians’ willingness to vote out an incumbent government over insecurity.

“They should remember, and they know better, that when things got to less than 10 per cent of the situation we find ourselves in in 2015, Nigerians rose to the occasion and removed that government.

“If you can remove Jonathan’s government for a simple insecurity in the Northeast, what would you be doing to the APC government? I think we have to cut them into pieces,” he said.

Economic Policies

Galadima also accused the government of undermining agriculture through import policies and rising production costs, particularly fertiliser prices.

“This government has killed agriculture deliberately, disenfranchising farmers who are 75% of the Nigerian population… You have to buy a bag of fertiliser for 60,000 naira to 70,000 naira.”

He rejected the administration’s position that hardship is easing, insisting that rural farming activity is declining.

“How can you disenfranchise 75% of your population for the interest of one contractor or one supporter? The massive importation of grains… Now this year I travelled to Maiduguri… there is nobody [who] is doing any dry farming.

“Let the government send researchers to find out now… If there is no famine… all the rice mills, over 1000 of them established during Buhari’s time, will be killed,” he said.

Political Backdrop

The transition from the Jonathan administration to the APC-led government was marked by what critics said was persistent insecurity and economic challenges.

In 2015, the APC campaigned to remove President Goodluck Jonathan, citing failures to contain Boko Haram and the Chibok girls’ abduction, which sparked the global “Bring Back Our Girls” movement.

APC leaders, including now President Bola Tinubu, argued that Jonathan lacked the capacity to secure the nation.

Since taking power, the APC, under Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, has faced criticism over the economic differences, reforms, GDP, and insecurity.

Meanwhile, since Tinubu got into power in 2023, his administration has pursued some ‘hand-biting reforms’, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, triggering record-high inflation and rising living costs.

Protests and opposition calls for accountability have intensified, with recent arrests of military officers allegedly plotting a coup.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, Nigerians and opposition parties are mobilising for change, while the government pushes for constitutional reforms to strengthen security.

Galadima’s remarks also come amid intensifying political debates ahead of the 2027 general election cycle, with opposition figures increasingly criticising the economic reforms and security record of the APC administrations.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, shifting dates for the presidential and governorship polls in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026. 

READ ALSO: [UPDATED] Tinubu Signs Electoral Act 2026 Into Law, Says ‘We Need To Avoid Glitches, Unnecessary Hacking’

In a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the introduction of new statutory timelines.

“The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.

“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026… the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” Haruna noted.

Gov Polls Now Feb 6

According to the revised timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

Party Primaries 

The Commission also outlined key milestones leading up to the polls.

Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” Haruna stated.

INEC added that the revised timetable was consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, and had been published on its official platforms.

Osun Poll

The Commission also announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, moving it from August 8 to August 15, 2026.

It noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all remaining processes would strictly follow the new Electoral Act.

Haruna emphasised that the success of the elections would depend on collective effort.

“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he stated.

The change came 13 days after the electoral umpire first announced dates for the general elections on February 13, 2026.

But the decision was faulted by many Nigerians, including politicians, who pointed out that the dates coincided with Ramadan, a period of fast for Muslim faithful.

The new dates also came eight days after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law, following the passage of the bill by the National Assembly after months of deliberations.

The shift in dates marks one of the earliest major administrative consequences of the new electoral framework ahead of 2027.