Abdulsamad, also known as Kesh, was reportedly killed inside his bedroom in the early hours of Saturday, April 26, 2026.

His mother, Habibat Abubakar, who is hypertensive, was in Okene, Kogi State, alongside her husband for a burial and firdau prayers when the incident occurred. She was said to have been shielded from the full details until she returned to Abuja, where she reportedly fainted upon hearing what happened.

Speaking to Vanguard, she questioned the circumstances surrounding her son’s death and the actions allegedly taken by soldiers after the incident.

“Why did they jump my fence? Why did they enter my son’s room? Why did they kill him? Why did they call the vigilance team to come and mop his blood? Why did they instruct them to go and bury my son’s brains?” she asked.

She described her son as a disciplined and promising young man with clear goals for his future and family.

“He was a responsible boy. He was prayerful, focused, and had a bright future. His dreams were cut short right inside his room,” she said.

Abubakar appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, his wife Sefiya, civil rights activists, and Amnesty International to intervene and ensure justice is served.

“This fight is too big for me. This pain is too heavy for me to bear,” she added.

Jamiu, who has since been buried at the Muslim Cemetery in Kubwa, is survived by his parents, his sister Farida, and his younger siblings.

This development means that 32 nominees are still awaiting approval from nations where they are expected to serve.

The confirmation was given by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who told Punch that the number of approved envoys had increased to 33.

“Thirty-three ambassadors have now secured agréments from host countries,” he said.

Ebienfa explained that those who have been cleared will proceed to their assigned missions after completing a mandatory induction programme, which began on Monday and is scheduled to end on Wednesday.

“After the induction, those who have been accepted will proceed to their missions,” he added.

The ministry had earlier reported that over 25 nominees had already secured agrément as of April 17. Agrément refers to formal approval granted by a receiving country after vetting a nominated diplomat.

Envoys Urged to Project Nigeria’s Image

At the opening of the induction programme in Abuja, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged the newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to project a positive image of Nigeria globally.

She stressed that diplomats play a key role in shaping the country’s international reputation and promoting national interests.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, resource constraints, and infrastructure gaps, she urged envoys to highlight the country’s efforts toward reform and development.

“Locally, our nation faces genuine challenges of insecurity, resource mobilisation, and infrastructure development,” she said. “Your task is not to hide these realities but to secure international attention and partnership.”

Other Developments

Meanwhile, one of the ambassador-designates, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, Nigeria’s appointed envoy to Algeria, reportedly passed away on April 23.

Concerns have also been raised that some nominees may experience delays or difficulties in securing agrément due to the late submission and processing of their appointments.

President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, but delays in appointing ambassadors left several missions without substantive heads, with many being managed by chargés d’affaires.

To address the gap, the Presidency forwarded a list of 65 nominees to the National Assembly in late 2025. Although the nominees were screened in December, the delay is believed to have affected the speed of approval from host countries.

The development was confirmed on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesman, Malam Dauda Iliya, who told Daily Trust that Gubio recently met with Zulum shortly after obtaining his nomination form in Abuja.

He said, “Yes, Gubio is the anointed candidate of His Excellency who visited him shortly after the purchase of nomination form in Abuja.”

The endorsement was further highlighted by the circulation of a photograph showing Gubio presenting his expression of interest and nomination forms to the governor during a meeting attended by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and other supporters.

Meanwhile, in a separate political development, indications suggest that Oyo State residents may still have to wait before knowing Governor Seyi Makinde’s preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.

Makinde stated that he would announce his choice before the end of the first week of May, as consultations with key stakeholders continue across the state.

He explained that discussions are ongoing with elders, religious leaders, and other influential groups, noting that while several aspirants have emerged, no final decision has been reached.