New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • BREAKING: Peter Obi, ADC Leaders Escape Assassination Attempt in Edo State

    BREAKING: Peter Obi, ADC Leaders Escape Assassination Attempt in Edo State

    BENIN CITY, NIGERIA (NPA): The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, alongside senior figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), narrowly escaped an attack by armed hoodlums in Edo State, southern Nigeria.

    The incident occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. According to Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, the assailants trailed party leaders to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where they opened fire at the gate and vandalized several vehicles.

    Dr. Tanko described the incident as a “survived assassination attempt,” warning that “democracy is in danger.”

    As of press time, neither the Edo State Police Command nor the state government has issued an official statement. Attempts by our correspondent to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Nkereuwem Ikoedem, were unsuccessful.

  • Reno Omokri Urges El-Rufai to Be Thankful in Detention, Citing Dadiyata’s Disappearance

    Reno Omokri Urges El-Rufai to Be Thankful in Detention, Citing Dadiyata’s Disappearance

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, has criticized calls for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over reported health concerns in detention. The appeal was made by El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, who disclosed that the former minister was experiencing nosebleeds.

    In a Facebook post titled “So El-Rufai’s Family Want Him Released Because of a Common Nosebleed?” Omokri dismissed the claims, noting that nosebleeds are common among Nigerians during the Harmattan season. He argued that El-Rufai should be “thankful he is alive, eating, and has access to his lawyers and medications,” contrasting his situation with that of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.

    Dadiyata, a Nigerian academic and social media critic, was abducted outside his home in Kaduna on August 2, 2019, and has not been seen since. Omokri stressed that El-Rufai’s family should consider the plight of Dadiyata’s wife, Khadija Ahmad Lame, and their two daughters, who have lived in trauma since his disappearance.

    Omokri further alleged that El-Rufai himself bears responsibility for his current detention, referencing an Arise TV interview in which the former governor admitted knowing at least one police officer linked to Dadiyata’s disappearance. He suggested that the officer should be detained alongside El-Rufai for interrogation.

    Dismissing the severity of El-Rufai’s condition, Omokri recalled that under his administration, prominent figures such as Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky suffered grave abuses in detention, while journalists including Luka Biniyat, Midat Joseph, Jacob Dickson, Sunny Yayock, and Stephen Kefas, as well as lawyer and music mogul Audu Maikori, were also detained.

    Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over El-Rufai’s health, warning that the government would be held accountable should his condition worsen.

  • AIG Tunji Disu Launches Public Feedback Channel to Monitor Police Misconduct in Lagos

    AIG Tunji Disu Launches Public Feedback Channel to Monitor Police Misconduct in Lagos

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Police officers in Lagos State will face stricter accountability measures following the launch of a public feedback channel by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu. The initiative, aimed at curbing misconduct, allows residents to report complaints directly to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, which is personally overseen by the AIG.

    In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the FCID Annex, ASP Aminat Maiyegun, encouraged members of the public to share concerns or commendations through official channels: 07068865833, 08067167605, or pprofcidannex@gmail.com. She emphasized that the feedback system is designed to “promote accountability and professionalism” within the police force.

    AIG Disu, who previously commanded the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and earned recognition for crime prevention successes, has introduced this direct interface with the public as part of his broader strategy for practical and transparent policing.

    Reports of police misconduct in Nigeria remain widespread, ranging from arbitrary arrests to roadside extortion and bribery. In Lagos, civil society groups and media outlets documented multiple cases in 2025 of officers extorting motorists at checkpoints, often demanding cash under threat of unlawful detention. While the Lagos State Police Command confirmed disciplinary action against some officers, watchdogs argue that accountability has been inconsistent.

    The new feedback mechanism is expected to strengthen oversight and rebuild public trust in law enforcement across Nigeria’s commercial capital.

  • US Congressional Committee Calls for Disarmament of Fulani Militias to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria, Other Measures

    US Congressional Committee Calls for Disarmament of Fulani Militias to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria, Other Measures

    WASHINGTON, U.S. (NPA): A United States congressional committee tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate allegations of widespread violence against Christians in Nigeria has submitted its recommendations to the White House.

    In a report released Monday by Congressman Riley Moore, the committee endorsed the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing what it described as systematic attacks on Christian communities.

    The committee, which included Chairman Tom Cole and members of the House Appropriations Committee, stated: “Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian. Christians face ongoing violent attacks from well-armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, the destruction of churches and schools, and widespread kidnappings. Blasphemy laws in northern states are used to silence dissent, target minorities, and justify convictions without due process.”

    Key Recommendations

    The report outlined several measures aimed at curbing violence and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the United States and Nigeria:

    • Bilateral Agreement: Establish a binding accord to protect vulnerable Christian communities, counter jihadist activity, expand economic cooperation, and address regional influence from China and Russia.
    • Humanitarian Assistance: Co-fund donor-supported aid programs, including faith-based initiatives, prioritizing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and underserved communities.
    • Security in the Middle Belt: Deploy capable security forces to prevent attacks and kidnappings, ensure rapid response, and hold negligent officials accountable.
    • Land and Resettlement: Expel armed groups from confiscated farmland, enable displaced communities to return, and rebuild infrastructure to reduce reliance on aid and boost agricultural productivity.
    • Disarmament of Militias: Implement measures to reduce and eliminate violence by armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs to curb illicit weapons while safeguarding legitimate self-defense for farmers.
    • Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Expand joint operations to combat foreign terrorist organizations, including the provision of defense equipment and intelligence-sharing.
    • Economic Safeguards: Address destabilizing practices such as illegal mining operations allegedly linked to foreign actors funding militias.
    • Visa Restrictions & Legal Reform: Maintain visa bans on perpetrators of religious violence, repeal blasphemy laws, and review sharia-based criminal codes in northern Nigeria.
    • Trade Measures: Consider restrictions on cattle exports to regional markets as leverage to compel disarmament of armed herdsmen.
  • ‘If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable’—Atiku Abubakar

    ‘If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable’—Atiku Abubakar

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed grave concern over the reported deteriorating health of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

    El-Rufai has been in detention since Monday, February 16, 2026, after reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Atiku, a presidential aspirant, urged the Federal Government to clarify which agency is holding El-Rufai, citing uncertainty over whether he is in the custody of the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or another security body.

    “The government must end the secrecy surrounding his detention, which only fuels suspicion,” Atiku said. “Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to his family and legal representatives.”

    He condemned reports that El-Rufai has suffered nosebleeds while family members were allegedly denied access to him. “This is unacceptable in a democracy. If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable.”

    Atiku also criticized what he described as “selective prosecution,” warning that anti-corruption efforts risk losing credibility if they appear partisan. “Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all—without fear, without favour, and without political bias,” he added.

    Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, issued a statement confirming that the former governor is unwell and bleeding in detention. He noted that the courts are scheduled to hear two matters concerning El-Rufai this week. On February 25, the FCT High Court will hear his fundamental rights case against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the DSS, in which he seeks bail. On the same date, he is also scheduled for arraignment on charges filed by the DSS.

  • Nigeria Accused of Paying Billions in Ransom to Boko Haram for Release of Schoolchildren — AFP

    Nigeria Accused of Paying Billions in Ransom to Boko Haram for Release of Schoolchildren — AFP

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Agence France-Presse (AFP) has reported that the Nigerian government allegedly paid millions of dollars in ransom to Boko Haram to secure the release of more than 230 children and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November. Intelligence sources cited by AFP claim that, as part of the deal, two senior Boko Haram commanders were also freed.

    According to AFP, the ransom money was flown by helicopter to Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, near the Cameroon border, and handed over to militant commander Ali Ngulde. Due to poor communications in the remote area, Ngulde reportedly crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt of the funds before the first group of 100 children was released.

    The mass abduction at St. Mary’s Boarding School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21 triggered widespread outrage across Nigeria. While dozens of children managed to escape, the remaining captives were freed two weeks later following negotiations led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The Nigerian government has consistently denied paying ransom to terrorist groups, reiterating its stance after the Papiri incident.

    Boko Haram, founded in northeastern Nigeria in 2002, began as a religious movement opposing Western-style education and secular governance. Over time, it transformed into a violent insurgency responsible for mass abductions, attacks on schools, and widespread displacement. The group seeks to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, rejecting democracy and secular institutions. Though splinter factions such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have emerged, Boko Haram’s core objective remains the destabilization of Nigeria’s secular governance.

    Here’s a rewritten version of your report section, expanded to about two hundred words:

    The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the recent AFP report. However, its stance on matters of national security remains consistent and firm. Authorities continue to emphasize that ransom payments to terrorist groups are strictly against policy, reiterating that such actions only serve to embolden criminal networks and undermine broader counterterrorism efforts. Instead, the government has pledged to intensify its strategies for combating terrorism, focusing on renewed vigour in both military operations and intelligence-driven approaches.

  • Armed Intruder Shot Dead at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate: Motive Still Unclear

    Armed Intruder Shot Dead at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate: Motive Still Unclear

    Palm Beach, Florida (NPA) – U.S. authorities are continuing to investigate the motive of an armed man who was fatally shot after breaching security at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida.

    The suspect, armed with a shotgun and carrying a fuel container, attempted to enter the property through the north gate at approximately 1:30 a.m. He was confronted by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy. The incident ended when the man crossed into a restricted zone and was shot.

    As of the time of filing this report, investigators have not established a definitive motive. Authorities are examining whether the breach was politically motivated, driven by personal grievances, or linked to mental instability. So far, only the circumstances of the intrusion and the weapons carried have been confirmed.

    The breach raises questions given Mar-a-Lago’s extensive security measures. The estate is protected by a layered system overseen by the U.S. Secret Service, including robotic patrol units equipped with cameras and sensors, multiple gated entry points monitored by armed agents and local law enforcement, high-definition surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and strict access controls with background checks for visitors and staff. A 24/7 rapid response protocol is also in place.

    Investigators now face the challenge of piecing together what the suspect intended before entering the restricted zone and being neutralized.

  • Obidient Movement Rejects Abuja Council Poll Results, Urges INEC to Address Allegations

    Obidient Movement Rejects Abuja Council Poll Results, Urges INEC to Address Allegations

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): The Obidient Movement has rejected the outcome of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election held over the weekend, alleging irregularities and violence during the polls. Speaking at the group’s secretariat in Abuja on Monday, National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko described the election as “a brazen assault on the foundations of democracy,” accusing security agencies and electoral officials of failing to ensure transparency.

    Tanko claimed that party agents were harassed and intimidated, leading to the killing of one agent, Musa Abubakar, at a polling unit in Gwagwa. He alleged that ballot boxes were targeted by hoodlums and that voter apathy was worsened by poor communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding polling unit changes. The group, which backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Dr. Moses Paul, demanded a full review of the results and justice for the slain agent.

    The Obidient Movement praised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for mobilizing supporters, noting that his involvement boosted turnout despite challenges. Tanko insisted that the people’s mandate was “stolen in broad daylight” and urged INEC to act swiftly to restore confidence in the electoral process. In Saturday’s election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of six council chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada.

  • Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

    Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that countries seeking to exploit the recent Supreme Court ruling against his tariff program could face even higher duties. His comments follow the Court’s February 20, 2026 decision, which struck down his sweeping tariff regime in a 6–3 ruling, declaring that existing law did not authorize the president to impose tariffs of unlimited scope, duration, or amount.

    In posts on his Truth Social account, Trump said: “Any country that wants to play games with the ridiculous Supreme Court decision, especially those that have ripped off the U.S.A. for years, will be met with a much higher tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. Buyer beware!” He added that he does not need congressional approval for tariffs, insisting authority had already been granted “in many forms, a long time ago.”

    The Supreme Court’s ruling dealt a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda, which relied heavily on tariffs to reshape trade relations and protect U.S. industries. The decision is expected to have significant implications for businesses and consumers. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing in favor of broader presidential authority. The outcome underscores limits on executive power in trade policy and represents a rare judicial rebuke of Trump’s approach.

  • Spain Buying Israeli-Designed Missiles Through Germany — Hananya Naftali

    Spain Buying Israeli-Designed Missiles Through Germany — Hananya Naftali

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Israeli journalist and pro-Israel social media influencer Hananya Naftali has accused Spain of acquiring Israeli-designed missiles through indirect channels despite its public suspension of a major arms deal with Israel. Naftali, a former digital aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made the allegation in a post on his verified Facebook page, claiming that Spain’s government blocked a €285 million Rafael Spike missile deal over Gaza but later purchased the same weapons via Germany.

    Naftali argued that the move demonstrated the indispensability of Israel’s defense technology, stating that it was “too advanced to boycott and vital for global security.”

    His comments come amid heightened tensions between Spain and Israel over the Gaza conflict. Spain has imposed a permanent arms embargo, restricted Israeli officials from entering the country, and banned ships carrying fuel for Israeli military personnel from docking in Spanish ports, citing humanitarian concerns. Israel has rejected Madrid’s accusations, with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of antisemitism and recalling Spain’s ambassador from Tel Aviv.

    Naftali, who previously worked on Netanyahu’s communications team, has not held a formal government office but has played a significant role in shaping Israel’s digital outreach strategy. His remarks underscore the growing diplomatic rift between Spain and Israel, as Madrid aligns more closely with Palestinian advocacy while Israel insists its military campaign in Gaza is essential for national security.