According to Nivo News, legal practitioner Ifeanyi Ejiofor has strongly criticised the Katsina State Government over its reported plan to release 70 individuals suspected to be involved in banditry, describing the move as deeply troubling and potentially dangerous.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released in Abuja, Ejiofor warned that the proposed action represents a distortion of justice, morality and national sovereignty, cautioning that it could further aggravate insecurity and embolden violent elements. He argued that releasing suspected bandits without due process sends a harmful message that the use of arms, violence and intimidation has become an acceptable means of negotiating with the state.

Ejiofor expressed concern that such a decision could worsen instability not only in Katsina State but across the wider North-West and other regions of the country. He also questioned whether the move had the consent of the Federal Government and relevant security agencies, insisting that Nigerians are entitled to a clear and constitutionally backed explanation. According to him, silence from federal authorities could be interpreted as implied endorsement of the policy.

The lawyer drew attention to what he described as a stark contrast in the handling of security-related cases across the country, noting that individuals in other regions, particularly the South-East, remain in prolonged detention without trial. He referenced the reported death of a detainee, Calista Ifedi, while in custody as evidence of what he termed a deep imbalance in Nigeria’s justice and security framework.

Ejiofor called on governors and political leaders in the South-East to urgently address the situation of detained citizens, stressing the need for accountability, fairness and adherence to due process. He maintained that suspects should be prosecuted openly in line with the law rather than released through administrative or executive arrangements.

He further cautioned that engaging armed groups from a position of weakness could erode state authority and encourage violent groups to expand their reach if such actions are left unchallenged.

According to Nivo News, Premier League side West Ham United have stepped up their interest in Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi as the 20-year-old continues his international assignment with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The London club has been closely monitoring the performances of the SV Zulte Waregem midfielder for several months, with officials impressed by his maturity, composure and consistency in the Belgian top flight. West Ham’s interest is said to have intensified following Nnadi’s inclusion in Nigeria’s final AFCON squad.

Reports indicate that West Ham representatives recently held discussions with the player’s camp during the tournament in Morocco, seeking to understand his willingness to make a move before initiating formal negotiations with his club. Sources familiar with the talks revealed that the engagement was exploratory, aimed at gauging Nnadi’s long-term ambitions and suitability for the Premier League.

West Ham are believed to view the midfielder as a key addition capable of bringing balance and defensive solidity to their midfield, with considerations already made for a long-term contract that could run for up to five years.

Nnadi’s rapid rise has also attracted attention from several other clubs across Europe. Premier League sides including Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are reportedly keeping tabs on his progress, while teams in Germany and Spain are also monitoring the situation. Despite the growing competition, West Ham are understood to be leading the race for his signature.

The former Flying Eagles star featured prominently at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where Nigeria reached the quarter-finals, and made his AFCON debut during the Super Eagles’ group-stage clash against Uganda. Since joining Zulte Waregem from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv in January 2024, Nnadi has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most highly rated young defensive midfielders.

According to Nivo News, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could rely on vast financial resources to influence delegates ahead of the party’s presidential primary, insisting that Atiku lacks access to state-controlled funds.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Momodu made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on a televised political programme, where he contrasted Atiku’s position with that of President Bola Tinubu and some other prominent politicians who currently wield control over state resources. He stressed that Atiku, having left public office in 2007, has remained a private businessman and does not preside over any state apparatus that could be used to bankroll delegate inducement.

Questioning the basis of the allegations, Momodu asked where Atiku would source “billions of dollars” to bribe delegates, arguing that political strategy rather than financial muscle was responsible for Atiku’s victory over former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike during the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary.

He maintained that Atiku’s success at the time was driven by effective planning and coalition-building, noting that Wike had been confident that his financial strength would give him an edge. According to Momodu, the outcome proved that money alone does not guarantee victory in party primaries or general elections.

The ADC stalwart further clarified that campaign funding should not be confused with bribery, explaining that resources are legitimately required for logistics, mobilisation and safeguarding votes during elections. He noted that adequate funding is necessary to manage polling units, protect electoral processes and prevent vote manipulation.

Momodu also referenced recent elections in the United States to underscore his argument, pointing out that heavy fundraising does not automatically translate into electoral success. He said even candidates who out-raise their opponents can still lose if strategic planning and grassroots engagement are weak.