Category Nigeria News

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, its vice Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, described the cost as “crippling and unsustainable” by the management of the institution’s management.

Professor Ahmed stated at a press conference held in his office to discuss the university’s 63rd anniversary that the high energy bill was preventing research and academic endeavors.

He revealed that ABU had taken bold steps toward self-reliance in order to shoulder the strain, encouraging innovation from its staff and students, and pursuing partnerships for sustainable energy solutions.

According to him, the Federal Government acknowledged the crisis by funding a TETFund project that would provide the institution with 10 megawatts of renewable energy last year and recognizing the institution’s need.

We’ve also reached out to our alumni, particularly those from the 1975 SBS class, who are already running solar-powered projects for one of our CBT centers, Ahmed said. We’re looking forward to continued support from outside while taking our destiny into our own hands.

The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed that ABU was established to bridge Nigeria’s continent, pointing out that Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late premier, intended for the university to educate both the North and South without breaking any racial or religious boundaries.

Read more: First Lady: We Must Challenge Teacher Shortage Due to Urgency

He lamented, however, that insecurity and poverty had hampered the development of the North and hampered educational growth, and ABU would now concentrate on addressing these issues through research, agriculture, and policy advocacy.

No other West African university, he claimed, had the capacity to spur the agricultural and economic recovery, despite the country’s vast agricultural assets, including the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), NAPRI, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The Vice Chancellor also emphasized that using force alone to solve insecurity was not possible, and that dialogue, understanding, and community-based peacebuilding were key factors. He claimed that “we have the capacity, the research, and the networks.” “And we’re prepared to take the lead in finding long-lasting solutions.”

Professor Ahmed said the occasion gave him a chance to reflect on Sir Ahmadu Bello’s founding principles, which led to the establishment of the university and, consequently, the entire country. The VC said, “He envisioned an institution that was united by service, excellence, and unity.”

He noted that ABU, the largest university system in sub-Saharan Africa, has grown from its humble beginnings in 1962, when it had only four faculties, 15 departments, and 426 students. It now has 18 faculties, 110 departments, seven institutes, four colleges, and 17 research centers.

Ahmed claimed that ABU had won awards for internationalization and diversity, and that the Times Higher Education had named it Nigeria’s top public university in 2025. He continued, one of only three Nigerian universities to place in the QS 2025 World University Rankings.

He disclosed that the university has also received three more than $ 15 million grants from the World Bank’s Centers of Excellence and a $ 5 million Horizon grant for a project developing artificial intelligence to make microscopes more effective for diagnosing neglected parasitic diseases.

He claims that ABU’s staff and students have also registered more than 30 patents, including those relating to crude oil refining technologies and renewable energy sources, both domestically and internationally. These accomplishments demonstrate the university’s relevance for international research.

The VC expressed concern that sustainability is still threatened by funding constraints, brain drain, and infrastructure decay. He promised to support self-reliance by increasing ABU’s investment in digital learning, research commercialization, and start-up incubation.

He urged the university’s extensive alumni community, which he called “ABU’s greatest strength,” to support the institution through endowments, annual giving, and donations, in order to uphold the institution’s founding spirit of service.

10 robbery suspects have been detained by the Ondo State Police Command in the state’s Akure North Local Government Area, Igoba.

On Thursday, it was reported that the hoodlums stormed the neighborhood, killing some residents and removing some of their properties.

Oba John Adinlewa, the community’s traditional ruler, was alleged to have been able to escape the attack after the suspects allegedly invaded his palace.

DSP Olusola Ayanlade, the public relations officer for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday.

The 10 suspected criminals were detained by police, he claimed.

Also read: In September, Troops free 180 kidnapped victims and detain 450 terrorists.

He stated, “The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the public about the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with a violent attack on the Igoba community at about 11:30 pm.

“On that day, a group of hoodlums invaded the Igoba community with the intention of wreaking havoc with firearms, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons.”

One Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo was viciously attacked, hurt, and dispossessed of her belongings during the course of their violent behavior.

The assailants advanced further to Oba Adinlewa John of Igoba’s palace, where they made an assassination attempt on the monarch.

The royal father, fortunately, was only able to survive the potentially fatal assault.

Adebowale Lawal, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, immediately directed all necessary operational assets and manpower to the area after receiving the distress call.

The tactical team, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, managed the arrest of the ten suspects.

The suspects had all confessed to their various roles in the attack, according to a spokesperson for the Command, and would all be taken to court once the inquiries have been finished.

Ayanlade was informed that the suspects had some potentially dangerous items.

On Saturday, the military’s intelligence service revealed that troops conducting in-country operations to combat insecurity in September 2025 rescued 180 kidnapped civilians, detained 450 suspected terrorists and bandits, and neutralized numerous others in various encounters.

Additionally, security forces recovered 63 assorted weapons, 4,475 rounds of ammunition, and 294 explosive items, including grenades and materials used to create improvised explosive devices (IEDs), while 39 terrorists gave themselves to troops.

Hand-held radios, motorcycles, vehicles, and other items used in criminal activity were also recovered, according to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defense Media Operations, who made this known.

INCLUDE   16 officers are detained by the military for their indiscipline and service violations.

The Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) continued to operate in the region by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists the right to freedom of action during the week ending September 23 to 30. Our ground forces carried out provocative operations throughout the theater in collaboration with the Air Component and Hybrid forces and regional security organizations. Their efforts included the removal of several terrorists, their logistics partners, the recovery of weapons, the deconstruction of their networks, and support for the safe resettlement of displaced people and unhinged farming practices.

In Borno State’s Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Gukba, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, and Kukawa LGAs on September 30, 2025, troops carried out kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists. Additionally, they conducted operations in Yobe State’s Gujba LGA, Madagali, Hong, and Mubi South LGAs, as well as in Madagali, Hong, and Mubi South LGAs.

According to the soldiers, who had eliminated dozens of terrorists and recovered their weapons and ammunition during the encounters, destroyed their camps accordingly. From September 23 to September 30, 2025, troops carried out operations in Borno State’s Mafa, Magumeri, Konduga, Damboa, Chibok, Kaga, Abadam, and Kukawa LGAs, as well as in Mubi North and Hong LGAs in Adamawa State.

They also conducted operations in Yobe State’s Geidam and Nguru LGAs. 21 terrorists’ collaborators, informants, and sympathizers were detained during the encounters. Additionally, recovered were IED marking materials, weapons, logistics items, vehicles, motorcycles, and other items. While interrogation is ongoing, recovered items are being held by the troops. ”

Throughout the week, “Troops of OPFY” maintained operational tempo with significant activities in the North-West. Some terrorists were killed in firefights and the victims who had been kidnapped were saved. For instance, troops launched offensive operations in Zamfara State’s Anka, Bakura, Tsafe, Maradun, Shinkafi, and Maru LGAs between September 23 and September 30.

Additionally, troops carried out the same operations in Kano State’s Shanono, Gwarzo, and Tudun Wada LGAs, as well as Arewa, Mariga, and Kontagora LGAs of Kebbi State and Kaduna Metropolis.

While covering the Katsina State JTF Sectovere; A wanted terrorist named Ali Saidu was detained in the state’s Kankara, Faskari, Safana, and Malumfashi LGAs. During these operations, 13 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 46 of them were arrested. Terrorists who have been arrested are currently being interrogated.

The military noted for North-Central that, “Turks of OP Enduring Peace responded to distress calls about terrorists’ activities in some sectors during the period under review. For instance, troops launched offensive operations and responded to distress calls about terrorists’ activities on the continent of Plateau State, Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Bassa, Jos East LGAs, as well as Sanga and Jamaá LGAs of Kaduna Stae, between September 23 and September 30.

During the firefights, 12 extremists were killed in action, 12 were detained, and 4 were rescued. Some of their items included weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and other items. ”

During the week, Operation WHIRL STROKE’s members reported some successes in their Area of Responsibility. Between September 23 and September 30, 2025, they conducted operations in Benue State’s Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Gwer West LGAs, as well as Takum and Nasarawa LGAs in Taraba and Nasarawa.

They also conducted operations in Kogi State’s Kabba Bunu and Omala LGAs.
as well as the FCT’s Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils. During the operations,
In addition to rescuing two kidnapped victims, the troops killed some criminals while also detaining six suspected others. ”

Operation DELTA SAFE theater troops in the south-east of Africa stopped oil theft involving more than $2 billion that was worth over $2 billion. 00) only. The breakdown indicates; 13,175 litres of stolen crude oil and 7,230 litres of AGO. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 6 illegal refining sites, 9 dugout pits, 7 boats, and 11 storage tanks.

Additionally, assorted weapons and ammunition were recovered, along with eight oil thieves and other criminals. In addition to the reported reports, troops on an offensive operation detained 36 suspected and rescued 2 kidnapped victims in Delta State’s Bomadi, Ethiope West, and Warri South LGAs, as well as Yenagoa and Port Harcourt LGAs in Bayelsa and Rivers State, respectively. They were retrieved with weapons, ammunition, and other natural resources. ”

The Supreme Court of Nigeria’s Federal High Court has dismissed a lawsuit brought against Senate President Godswill Akpabio that challenged the legality of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension for alleged misconduct.

Ovavu Illiyasu and nine others filed the lawsuit, but the judge decided against it because the plaintiffs lacked locus standi (legal standing) to bring the matter before the court.

The lawsuit, which was filed on FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, sought to determine Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s eligibility for suspension for a variety of reasons.

The plaintiffs, among other things, requested that the suspension be voided because they thought their Senatorial District would suffer and demanded that she be immediately called in for her immediate recall.

Justice Omotosho entered a judgment on Friday, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the necessary locus standi to file the lawsuit. The lawsuit was later dismissed due to lack of merit.

Suspension and Resumption

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been suspended for six months, made her return to her seat at the National Assembly on September 23.

The Senate standing rules’ allegations that the suspension started on March 6 led to the suspension.

Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained her status as a senator, claiming that she had never had any shortcomings.

By removing her office’s door, which is located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, the National Assembly restored her access to the building.

READ ALSO: Police Are Still Receiving Court Order Regarding Tinted Glass Permit.

During her suspension, the office was kept secret for six months. Alabi Adedeji, the deputy director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, unlocked the office to confirm her anticipated resumption of legislative responsibilities and official recognition of her official return to the National Assembly.

Her followers, who had previously attended a defamation case filed by Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, applauded her return.

Her supporters celebrated her return as the Senate was currently in recess, putting an end to her suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a lawsuit against her suspension and had previously vowed to resume her duties. The Senate decided, however, that the court case would not be decided until the woman’s suspension was resolved.

The Senate maintains that no administrative action will be taken until the Court of Appeal renders a decision, but the case is still being looked at legal.

The former’s $ 32.8 million fine and a number of compliance orders issued against the latter for alleged data privacy violations involving Nigerian users have been settled between the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja, who had earlier scheduled the hearing on NDPC’s preliminary objection to Meta and its motion to amend its court filings, was informed of the development by the parties’ legal teams.

The NDPC argued in its preliminary objection that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case and that Meta’s lawsuit was blatantly incompetent.

According to the Commission, Meta disregarded the guidelines for judicial review procedures set forth in Order 34 of the 2019 Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

The parties have “reached an advanced stage of settlement” in this case, according to Meta’s attorney, Fred Onwuobia, SAN, who urged the court to postpone the decision regarding the preliminary objection and the motion on notice to amend at the day’s proceedings.

He claimed that the parties have decided to settle and that settlement is the best course of action. He also emphasized that they “are afraid” that the decision will have an impact on settlement discussions.

He urged the court to postpone the hearing for a report on settlement, noting that “the draft terms of the settlement have been exchanged.”

Adedipe, SAN, confirmed Meta’s lawyer’s assertions, noting that “settlement discussions have significantly advanced.”

He urged the court to adjourn so that the parties could file a settlement agreement that the court would designate as “consent judgment.”

Justice Omotosho responded to the parties by saying that the court favors settlement and that he was reluctant to issue his decision.

He then adjourned until October 31, 2025, for either a decision or an adoption of the settlement terms.

The NDPC issued eight corrective orders in February of this year in response to allegations that Meta had broken the Nigeria Data Protection Act and had been fined $32.8 million.

The Personal Data Protection Awareness Initiative (PDPAI), a civil society organization, claimed Meta engaged in behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram without getting Nigerian users’ express permission, according to a petition received from the Commission.

The Commission charged Meta with, among other infractions, including failing to submit a 2022 compliance audit, breaking cross-border data transfer regulations, and processing data from non-users of its platforms.

However, Meta fought the conclusions and the procedures that led to the NDPC’s Final Orders through its lawsuit.

Meta argued in a March 19 motion that it was denied fair hearing and due process, alleging that the Commission had not given it enough notice or opportunity to respond prior to issuing the orders.

According to Meta’s lead attorney, Prof. Gbolahan Elias, SAN, the enforcement orders violate Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which the court is required to reverse.

Adeola Adedipe, SAN, the NDPC’s attorney, argued that Meta’s original summons and its accompanying statements were inconsistent, making the entire case ineffective.

He claimed that Meta is trying to use an amendment to replace its already ex parte reliefs with new claims, which the court rules.

He pleaded with the court to completely reject the application.

Onumonu, a forward for the Super Falcons, is retiring from football.

In response, Meta’s legal team requested on April 23 to have the initial statement changed to reflect the relief that was already stated in the summons, in an effort to harmonize the documents.

Prior to now, Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, had previously allowed Meta to start judicial review proceedings but had refrained from granting the request to suspend NDPC’s orders.