On Monday, the Federal Government re-arraigned Tukur Mamu, a self-styled negotiator for terrorists, before Justice Mohammed Umar at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mamu pleaded not guilty to an amended 17-count charge, which now includes allegations of terrorism, financing terrorism, money laundering, and illegal possession of firearms.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The prosecution, represented by David Kaswe of the Federal Ministry of Justice, stated that the new charges were based on evidence already presented during the trial. Mamu, who was initially arrested in Egypt in September 2022, faced a previous 10-count charge before the scope was expanded. The specific allegations involve his purported role in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack negotiations, where he is accused of obstructing government efforts to extort ransom payments, laundering significant sums of local and foreign currency, and possessing an unlicensed pump-action firearm. The court has adjourned the trial to June 8 for the continuation of cross-examination.

Option 2: Bulleted Summary (Best for quick reading)

Case Update: Tukur Mamu Re-arraigned on Amended Charges

• The Proceedings: Tukur Mamu, previously charged with 10 counts, was re-arraigned on Monday on an expanded 17-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

• Key Charges:

  • Terrorism & Obstruction: Accused of inciting a boycott against government-led negotiation committees for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims to favor his own position as a negotiator.

  • Financing: Alleged to have received $120,000 in ransom payments and exchanged terrorism-related communications with a Boko Haram spokesperson.

  • Financial Crimes: Charged with money laundering involving ₦25.6 million and $269,200, alongside various foreign currencies.

  • Firearms: Accused of unlawful possession of a pump-action shotgun and 47 cartridges.

• Trial Status: Having completed the prosecution’s case with seven witnesses, the defense began its testimony on April 23. The trial is scheduled to continue on June 8 for further cross-examination.

Option 3: Narrative Summary (For a briefing or report)

Tukur Mamu’s trial took a significant turn on Monday when the Federal Government introduced an amended 17-count charge against him. The charges, which focus on terrorism, money laundering, and illegal arms possession, solidify the government’s case against him regarding his controversial role in the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

According to the prosecution, Mamu not only allegedly obstructed the government’s official negotiation team for his own financial gain but also processed vast amounts of illicit funds—ranging from millions in Naira to various foreign currencies—linked to terrorist activities. Mamu maintained his innocence during the session. With the prosecution’s case-in-chief concluded, the trial is now focused on the defense’s testimony, with Justice Mohammed Umar adjourning the matter until June 8 for ongoing cross-examination.

The National Democratic Party (NDP) has officially named Ada Fredrick as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Emeka Wachuku, Fredrick emerged as the standard-bearer through a process of consensus affirmation following primaries conducted across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Wachuku described Fredrick as a young, tenacious grassroots politician possessing strong leadership capacity and a commitment to “national renewal.“

Tracing her political trajectory, Wachuku noted that Fredrick initially founded the grassroots support group, Ward2Ward. She subsequently established the NDP in 2026, serving as its first national chairman alongside members of the National Working Committee during the party’s first National Executive Council congress.

The party spokesman stated that the selection exercise was observed by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Elaborating on the party’s ideology, Wachuku emphasized that the NDP is built on inclusion, actively promoting youth participation and women’s involvement in leadership.

“NDP is a progressive political family that recognizes the inherent value of the female gender and the energy of the youth,” Wachuku stated.

He further explained that Fredrick’s candidacy embodies the party’s mission to offer Nigerians hope, promote a brighter future, and place the national interest above all other considerations.

Wachuku outlined the party’s key policy focus areas, which include:

• Development of basic infrastructure to support economic growth.

• Job creation.

• Accessible and affordable healthcare.

• Quality education and human capital investment.

• Welfare and social support for the elderly and retirees.

He also highlighted a deliberate economic plan to shift Nigeria from an exporter of raw materials to a producer and exporter of finished goods by processing natural resources locally.

On the administrative front, Wachuku pledged that the NDP would run an inclusive government giving women and youth a strong voice in decision-making. He expressed confidence that the party would secure at least 25% of the votes in two-thirds of the states, driven by credibility, discipline, and grassroots mobilization.

In her acceptance speech, titled “Nigeria Needs Women,” Fredrick characterized her emergence as a significant responsibility. She emphasized Nigeria’s urgent need for compassionate and empathetic leadership, noting the crucial role women must play in the nation’s search for better governance.

“This responsibility is huge, but with God on our side, we will do our best,” Fredrick said. “Nigeria has come a long way; a lot is happening, and we need women. At this point in our lives, we need great women who can speak out passionately and be heard. We will do our best to make sure we give Nigerians the light of hope and fulfill all the promises in our manifesto.“

Fredrick announced that the party’s full manifesto, demonstrating why the NDP is a strong political option, will be unveiled shortly.

“I will not fail you; I will not fail my country,” she promised. “I will do my best as a woman, a mother, and a sister. We are calling on Nigerian women and the youth to join hands with us to make Nigeria a better place for all of us.“

Also speaking at the event, David Oroge, the NDP candidate for the House of Representatives (Abuja South), attested to Fredrick’s mobilization skills. Having worked closely with her, Oroge expressed strong belief in her leadership capacity, urging Nigerian youths to support her.

He described Fredrick as “a woman with pure hands and a pure heart, not to rule, but to lead.“

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of potentially orchestrating the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area to blackmail President Bola Tinubu. During a Monday interview on Channels Television, Fayose expressed suspicion regarding the timing of the incident and the Governor’s delayed response, suggesting a parallel to the insecurity-related political pressure previously faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Fayose noted that while he had previously commended President Tinubu’s management of inherited national challenges, he believes this specific incident was maneuvered to discredit the current administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a recent interview on Channels Television, former Governor Ayo Fayose alleged that the Oyo State government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, may have been involved in the kidnapping of 46 pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15. Fayose argued that the Governor’s lack of immediate action following the abduction—prioritizing political nominations over visiting the affected families—raised significant red flags. According to Fayose, the incident appears to be a calculated effort to blackmail President Tinubu, mirroring past tactics used to destabilize previous administrations.

Option 3: Condensed Summary Ayo Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, has leveled serious allegations against Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, claiming that the recent mass kidnapping in Oriire local government was likely an “orchestrated” event designed to blackmail President Bola Tinubu. Citing the suspicious timing and Governor Makinde’s delayed public response to the crisis, Fayose suggested on Channels Television that the abduction serves a political agenda intended to undermine the President’s administration.