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US Lawmakers Probe Religious Freedom In Nigeria, Criticize $9M Lobbying Agreement.

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US lawmakers on Wednesday intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record, highlighting concerns over religious freedom and criticizing the government’s lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a Congressional hearing, Nigeria was cited among nations where religious liberty is reportedly under threat—a characterization Nigerian officials have consistently rejected.

Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, spoke strongly, referencing Genocide Watch in describing Nigeria. “Nigeria is a killing field of defenseless Christians,” he said.

While acknowledging what he called “small steps” by the Nigerian government to improve religious freedom, Smith praised the Biden administration’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). “That wrong in our foreign policy has been righted with the President’s CPC designation. We commend and thank him for that action,” he added.

The hearing also addressed Nigeria’s lobbying activities in the U.S. Smith criticized the $9 million contract signed in December 2025 with DCI Group, a Washington-based lobbying firm, intended to shape U.S. perceptions of Nigeria’s religious freedom record.

He further cited a separate deal where Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, reportedly engaged Valcour Global Public Strategy at $120,000 per month to strengthen U.S.-Nigeria relations. “I am deeply concerned that Nigeria has hired the K-Street lobbying firm DCI to the tune of $9 million… and a Nigerian billionaire has entered into a $120,000-a-month contract with Valcour to influence Congress and the Executive Branch,” Smith said. “These firms create polished talking points to deflect criticism, and unfortunately, they are very effective at advocating for their clients on religious freedom.”

Lawmakers were divided over the impact of the CPC designation. Some dismissed it as symbolic “name and shame,” while others argued it draws renewed global attention to Nigeria’s religious freedom challenges.

Rep. Joaquin Castro criticized the Trump administration’s prior policy, claiming it cited Christian protection but simultaneously cut development aid aimed at addressing systemic religious discrimination. “They acted under the guise of protecting Christians but cut assistance that would actually address discrimination against religious communities,” he said.

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Insecurity Will Soon Be Defeated, Akpabio Assures Nigerians

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured citizens that the federal government will soon overcome the nation’s security challenges through a renewed, proactive strategy by security forces.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Akpabio emphasized that safety is vital for economic growth, noting that no local business or foreign investor can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos. He highlighted that security agencies have transitioned from a reactive stance to taking the fight directly to the enclaves of criminals, bandits, and insurgents.

Key highlights from his address include:

  • Collective Responsibility: Akpabio stressed that military hardware alone cannot end criminality, urging citizens to partner with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.

  • Economic and Banking Resilience: He declared that Nigeria’s banking sector has shifted from survival to absolute dominance, becoming one of the safest and most technologically advanced in Africa.

  • Reforms Yielding Results: He credited ongoing bank recapitalisation and financial reforms for ending the era where banks could suddenly collapse and cause depositors to lose their savings.

Ultimately, the Senate President maintained that a combination of proactive security operations, economic reforms, and civic cooperation will drive Nigeria’s path toward lasting recovery and national development.

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‘So Many In A Cell – Gov Bago Breaks Silence On Death Of 37 Miners In NSCDC Custody

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Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has addressed the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Severe Overcrowding: Governor Bago confirmed that NSCDC holding facilities were severely overcrowded, stating that “so many [were] in a cell” designed for a much smaller capacity.

  • Potential Causes Under Investigation: While highlighting the dangerous overcrowding, the governor also pointed to possible poisoning as a contributing factor, citing the victims’ foam-filled mouths and the presence of chemical substances at the arrest site.

  • Accountability and Autopsies: The state government has suspended the NSCDC Commandant and his team. Investigations, including autopsies and toxicology reports, are being conducted by multiple agencies, including the police and DSS.

  • Call for Calm: Governor Bago ordered the closure of the mining site in question and appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid unrest as the investigation proceeds.

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“POLITICAL BLOODSHED: Notorious Gunmen Assassinate Popular Enugu Politician In Midnight Ambush!”

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Prince Ikechukwu Oloto, a well-known politician in Enugu State also known as Okanga Moo, has been brutally murdered by unknown attackers in Nsukka Local Government Area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • The Attack: Oloto was reportedly ambushed and killed on Thursday evening inside his residence located in the Odenigbo area of Nsukka.

  • Confirmation: Social media influencer Sen. Chijinkem Ugwuanyi confirmed the tragic incident on Facebook, stating that the politician was brutally attacked and cut into pieces.

  • Police Status: At the time of reporting, the exact circumstances surrounding the assassination remain unclear, and the Enugu State Police Command has yet to release an official statement.

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