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Tensions Rise as ECOWAS Weighs Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Withdrawal Plans
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to hold a high-level meeting in Accra, Ghana, from Tuesday through Wednesday, to address the official withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This two-day summit will focus on the strategic and logistical implications of the three nations’ departure and how ECOWAS institutions can continue to operate in their territories. In a statement released on Tuesday, the organization disclosed that the agenda would center on establishing a framework for dialogue with each of the withdrawing states and assessing broader regional consequences.
According to Naija News, ECOWAS aims to design a mechanism that will enable constructive engagement with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso as they implement their exit. The meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in outlining how the bloc will navigate this critical transition period while preserving regional cooperation and institutional stability.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States — comprising the military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — after the latter imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods entering their countries from ECOWAS members. Humanitarian shipments remain exempt from this levy.
The import tax move starkly contradicts ECOWAS’s long-standing objective of promoting the free flow of goods within the region and further complicates the economic relationship following the trio’s formal departure announced in January.
The Accra session will also delve into other pertinent regional matters, as the bloc evaluates how best to respond to evolving geopolitical dynamics in West Africa.
On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja initiated an investigation into the unauthorized release of a video linked to the ongoing trial of six individuals accused of conspiring to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Investigation into the Leaked Video
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Court Directive: Following a complaint from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), regarding a video statement that surfaced on the social media platform of influencer “VeryDarkMan” despite a court-imposed restriction, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct an inquiry.
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National Security Concerns: The DPP characterized the leak as a national security risk that prejudices the ongoing judicial proceedings, noting the video had already surpassed 6,000 views.
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Defense Stance: While defense counsel denied involvement in the leak, they held varying views on a probe; some welcomed an investigation, while others, like Sanusi Musa (SAN), cautioned against acting without formal evidence.
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Judicial Ruling: Invoking Section 232(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Justice Abdulmalik mandated the DSS to identify and bring any responsible parties before the court, noting that such prosecution would be handled separately from the main coup trial.
Trial Testimony and Bail Proceedings
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Witness Testimony: A prosecution witness, an Army officer codenamed “DDD,” testified that the investigation was conducted by a multi-agency team—including the Army, DSS, DIA, and EFCC—and explicitly denied that the defendants were chained, coerced, or tortured during interrogation.
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Defense Challenges: During cross-examination, defense lawyers challenged the interrogation process, specifically noting the absence of family members or legal representation during the suspects’ questioning; however, the witness stated no such requests were made by the defendants.
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Bail Applications: The court heard bail arguments from the defense, which the DPP opposed; Justice Abdulmalik has reserved her ruling on these applications and adjourned the trial-within-trial for the first three defendants until June 25 and June 30.
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Deportation of Nigerian National: A Nigerian citizen named Ayodeji Ajayi has been deported from the United States following a series of criminal convictions, which include domestic violence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Immigration Status: According to a statement released by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on their official account, Ajayi had been living in the US illegally for nearly two decades after failing to depart the country following the expiration of his student visa.
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Criminal History: ICE reported that after abandoning his studies, Ajayi amassed a significant criminal record that includes convictions for domestic violence, trespassing, intimidation, and obstruction. Furthermore, his record includes charges involving kidnapping, rape, and family neglect.
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Administrative Context: ICE attributed the removal of Ajayi to the immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump, noting the administration’s commitment to deporting criminal undocumented immigrants.
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Missing Details: While the agency confirmed the deportation, they did not specify when it occurred, nor did they provide additional details regarding the jurisdictions of the convictions or the current status of his pending criminal charges.
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Policy Enforcement: This action reflects the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to intensify enforcement and increase the number of removals of undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds across the United States.
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Latest News
“It Wasn’t Illness”: Gen. Rabe’s Widow Shatters Silence, Exposing True Cause Of Husband’s Death In Captivity.
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While the Katsina State Government attributed the retired general’s death to complications from diabetes and hypertension, his widow, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, reportedly disputes this.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Sources close to the widow during her hospitalization state that she insisted her husband was healthy and had no history of either condition prior to their abduction.
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Hajiya Amina recounted that the General’s health declined rapidly after his leg became swollen.
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The widow believed the General had been bitten by a snake, an assessment the kidnappers reportedly confirmed to her.
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Despite the captors applying local herbal remedies to the swelling, the General’s condition worsened, and he ultimately passed away in his wife’s arms.
Context of the Abduction and Rescue
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Major General Rabe and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, while traveling through the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
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The kidnappers, linked to a criminal network led by bandit kingpin Kachalla Muhammad Fulani, had demanded the release of detained associates.
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Following the General’s death, military troops from Operation Fansan Yamma intensified search-and-rescue efforts.
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During an encounter near Tunga Village, troops engaged the bandits, who shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing the area.
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Security officials are currently investigating the possibility of intelligence leaks or sabotage regarding the rescue operation, as the kidnappers appeared to be aware of the military’s movements.
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