A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Samaila Kaigama, an alleged ransom negotiator for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending his trial on terrorism-related charges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Ibrahim Salim issued the order on Tuesday after Kaigama pleaded not guilty to seven amended charges filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The judge fixed November 13 for the commencement of trial and directed that the defendant remain in custody until his bail application is heard.

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Oyedepo Rotimi, led the prosecution team, while Chris Abengowe appeared for the defendant.

During the proceedings, Rotimi urged the court to remand Kaigama at the Kuje facility and ensure an accelerated hearing of the case.

However, Abengowe’s attempt to move his client’s bail application was unsuccessful because the application was based on charges that had already been struck out.

Rotimi also informed the court that the prosecution would file a counter-affidavit opposing the bail application.

In the amended charge, the prosecution accused Kaigama of supporting the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP by maintaining unauthorised contact with members of the groups and negotiating ransom payments.

He was also accused of collecting ransom from families of kidnapped victims despite allegedly having reasonable grounds to believe that the money would be used to finance terrorism.

Another count accused him of withholding information about the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP that could have assisted security agencies in arresting and prosecuting members of the groups.

The prosecution further alleged that Kaigama solicited and mobilised financial contributions from relatives of hostages before transferring the funds to the terrorists.

According to the charge, the defendant allegedly used a WhatsApp group known as BOSYA, alongside Facebook, to demand ransom payments from victims’ families, resulting in a loss of more than ₦1.8 million.

Kaigama was also accused of inciting protests against Senator Ali Ndume and the Borno State Government.

Part of the charge alleged that he mobilised members of affected communities in July 2026 to organise protests against the senator and the state government, an act the prosecution said amounted to incitement to public disorder.

The charge read in part: “That you, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, adult male of FCT Abuja, on or about July 2026, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did mobilise members of the affected communities to stage protests against Senator Ali Ndume and the Borno State Government, thereby inciting public disorder, contrary to and punishable under Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 LFN 2004.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the growing hardship faced by young Nigerians, noting that many are struggling to make ends meet despite working.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Atiku raised the concern in a post on X while reacting to the rising cost of living and worsening insecurity in the country.

The former vice president criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of making life increasingly difficult for Nigerians.

He observed that many families were finding it difficult to afford basic necessities, while citizens continued to live in fear of kidnappings and attacks.

Atiku also urged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections.

“My fellow Nigerians, young and old, I know the pain you are carrying,” he wrote.

He noted that many parents were struggling to provide food for their children, while pensioners were being forced to choose between buying food and purchasing essential medication.

The ADC chieftain further raised concerns about insecurity across the country, saying families were increasingly anxious about the safety of their loved ones amid persistent reports of kidnappings and attacks.

“No family should have to face hunger and insecurity at the same time. We cannot allow this hardship and fear to become the future our children inherit,” he stated.

Atiku called on eligible voters to collect and safeguard their PVCs, describing the cards as essential tools for citizens to express their choices and pursue political change through the ballot box.

He concluded by promising to address the rising cost of living and improve security if given the opportunity to lead the country.

“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” Atiku said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified its alliance with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that the arrangement will not affect the party’s candidates in other elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Adeleke was reportedly appointed as a coordinator of Tinubu’s presidential campaign in Osun State, despite the APC’s established political structure and its recent electoral contest against the governor’s party.

Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, APC National Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, explained that the alliance was specifically aimed at securing Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.

According to Bashiru, the agreement does not require the APC to abandon its candidates contesting for other political offices.

“Our agreement, our understanding is for us to work together for the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Then let us contest the space among the electorate for our candidates at other levels,” he said.

Bashiru further clarified that the arrangement would not compel APC members to support candidates of the Accord Party seeking election into the Senate, House of Representatives or Osun State House of Assembly.

The APC chieftain acknowledged that he had campaigned against Adeleke during the governorship election but maintained that their political differences would not prevent them from working together to secure Tinubu’s re-election.

He said he had made his position clear during a visit to the governor, stressing that the outcome of an election must ultimately be respected.

“Notwithstanding that we are entrenched against each other, to the extent that we see eye to eye on the question of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, irrespective of personal sentiment that I may have against that arrangement, I’m bound as a party bureaucrat who is committed to the success of his leader to work together with Governor Ademola Adeleke,” Bashiru stated.

He also dismissed suggestions that Adeleke’s appointment would automatically give the governor control over the APC’s entire political structure in Osun State.

According to Bashiru, the campaign arrangement is intended to accommodate different political interests and does not place all responsibilities in the hands of a single individual.