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Nigeria: DSS quizzes seven foreigners as protest loses steam
Hunger protest loses steam as DSS grills seven foreigners
The hunger protests, which rocked the country, especially the northern part, from last Thursday, appears to have lost steam following the police crackdown on the organisers and protesters, many of whom had been detained.
Some of the #EndBadGovernance protest leaders have also gone underground and switched off their phones as the Department of State Services took custody of seven Polish nationals arrested for waving Russian flags during the demonstration in Kano on Tuesday.
DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, confirmed the arrests on Wednesday while explaining that the action was part of routine security enforcement rather than a targeted effort against Polish nationals.
The protest, which gained momentum in major cities such as Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja and other northern towns, were marked by escalating violence.
In some instances, security officials’ actions were the catalyst for the violence, while in other cases, it was driven by overzealous protesters or counter-protesters.
A few days ago, media reports and footage showed some #EndBadGovernance protesters carrying Russian flags.
In a national broadcast on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.
However, the protests scheduled nationwide between August 1 and 10, 2024, seem to have faltered as the demonstration was not held in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Borno and other states on Wednesday.
The development followed the arrest of 873 protesters by the police, and detention of 30 others for waving the Russian flag during the protest in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Bauchi states.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, had said the individuals waving the Russian flags committed treason and would therefore, be prosecuted.
The four political bigwigs, who hail from Katsina, Kaduna and Kano states, were being investigated for allegedly instigating the use of Russian flags by demonstrators in the north to orchestrate an unconstitutional regime change.
Confirming the probe of the seven Polish nationals, the DSS spokesman, Afunanya, explained that the action was in line with democratic principles and respect for human rights.
Afunanya addressed the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria during a briefing with the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, on Wednesday.
“Seven persons were picked up from Kano because of where they were found during the protest and display of foreign flag in Kano two days ago.
“As a responsible security organisation, we owe it an obligation to do some verification and ascertain basic reasons and circumstances for some cases.
“They were picked by security enforcement because of where they were when the incident happened. It is not a targeted operation,” the spokesperson stated.
He also issued a plea for international cooperation in maintaining global stability, urging other nations not to allow their citizens to be used as instruments for undermining domestic peace in any country.
Afunanya added, “As the foremost domestic security organisation, we believe we have to work in sync with all of you who are men and county of goodwill.
“Our operations must be governed by democratic principles and protocol that emphasises freedom and human rights and of course intelligence and security governance. We obey all of these, whether we are dealing with Nigerians or foreigners.
“But we have a plea. In the course of discharging of our duty, we also see that some Nigerians definitely would want to use foreign lands as a launch pad to attack domestic peace and stability.
“We plead that you do not offer your country to some persons who may be deviant or have a terrorist inclination in today’s global pursuit; if anything happens in a country, it affects the others. Nigeria is a country with a large population and I believe that the support other countries will give will help us.”
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Economic Community of West African States have called for dialogue to address the tension from the hunger protests.
This is as the international community expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, emphasising their importance for Nigeria’s future prosperity.
Diplomatic Corps
Speaking at a briefing of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, and his US counterpart, Amb Richard Mills, stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and peace-building efforts to address the issues raised by the protesters.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the parley to brief the international community about the protests over the economic hardships in the country.
The diplomats praised the Nigerian administration’s commitment to reform, while also urging continued dialogue to address the citizens’ concerns.
Montgomery commended the security agencies for their restraint in managing the protests, highlighting their avoidance of lethal force.
“I commend the synergy and policing agencies for avoiding lethal force. This is a big and complex situation, and we have noted very clearly the commitment to enabling a peaceful process and the commitment to policing proportionately.
“And I just wanted to put on record our appreciation of some of the handlings. We have a lot of empathy for people facing significant hardship. The level of inflation is significant, and I would endorse my colleagues’ question and interest in the dialogue and the peace-building that needs to continue in Nigeria given the hardship that people face.
“But I also want to put on record that we fully support the big and important economic reforms that are going on in Nigeria at the moment, which we see as essential for the future prosperity of the country, and indeed the economic relationships of many of us here with this major power,” Montgomery said.
Mills expressed his condolences for the losses caused by the recent events.
He reiterated the US support for the necessary reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration.
“I thank you for bringing us together for this useful and informative briefing. I also want to take this platform just to express my embassy’s condolences for the loss of life and suffering that Nigeria has seen over the past several days.
“And let me echo my British colleague’s comments that we understand the difficulty that the reforms President Tinubu and his administration have undertaken have imposed.
“We know that these reforms are necessary, and we have supported and worked with the administration as they have carried them out,” Mills stated.
Weighing in on the protest, the ECOWAS Commission expressed deep concern over the demonstration, lamenting the reports of violence, fatalities and property destruction.
In a statement on Tuesday, ECOWAS emphasised the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as enshrined in the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
“The ECOWAS Commission has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate death of some protesters as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties.
“The commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathises with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.
“The ECOWAS Commission recognises the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as guaranteed by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” the statement read in part.
The commission also welcomed the national broadcast by the President, urging the protesters and all stakeholders to heed Tinubu’s call for inclusive dialogue to address their grievances and ensure peace and security in Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.
“The commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of 4th August 2024 by H.E. President Bola Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large,” it added.
As the police and the DSS clamp down on protesters continued, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, says intelligence failure led to the attacks on public and private properties during the protest in the state.
Several public property and private businesses were attacked and looted by hoodlums, who hijacked the peaceful protest.
The Emir, who spoke when he paid an inspection visit to Kano Printing Press, the NCC Digital Industrial Park and Barakat Stores, on Wednesday, said the security agencies were notified of the plot to attack some public facilities in the state days before it occurred.
He said, “As we used to say, whoever had a hand in this is an enemy of Kano and he is an enemy of its people. What happened in Kano, whoever saw them, knew was planned. Kano was billed to be destroyed but we pray that God will not let them succeed. May God return all that was lost, we can only pray.
“Before this happened, the security operatives were notified in writing that it was going to happen but instead of preventing it, it was allowed to happen. Whoever did well knows, whoever did badly knows and they all will see their result. We pray that God gives the government the opportunity to return it.
“My grandfather had worked here (Kano Printing Press). It is sad that a place like this is destroyed by their grandchildren.
“We pray that God comes to the aid of these youth, and whoever is behind it God will deal with them. We pray that we may not witness anything like this in the future. I swear to Almighty God, those bent on destroying Kano will not succeed and God willing, the way they saw Kano they will leave it like that.”
The Commissioner, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Muhammad Othman, said the state government had secured the approval of the minister to restore the looted facilities.
The monarch had expressed deep concern over the incident during a press conference held two days after the incident.
The Kano Printing Press was established in 1938 and has been serving the state ever since.
The NCC centre was billed for commissioning this week before it was vandalised and a section of the building set ablaze.
Curfew lifted
As the tension over the protest subsided, a curfew imposed by the authorities to control the situation has been partially lifted in some northern states.
Following the last Security Council meeting in Borno State, which saw the temporary lifting of the curfew, protesters have deserted the streets and returned to their daily engagements.
Although there is still heavy security presence in strategic locations in Maiduguri, the state capital, the Internal Security Commissioner, Prof Usman Tar, said the city would remain under watch by security operatives to prevent a further escalation of violence.
The commissioner explained that the lifting of the curfew was temporary until it was confirmed that there was total peace in Maiduguri and its environs.
However, a police source confirmed that the curfew had helped in dousing the protest in the city.
“After the lifting of the curfew last Saturday, till this moment, we have not witnessed or heard of any protest in Maiduguri,” the police officer said.
A Maiduguri resident, Jeremiah Blessing, confirmed that “Maiduguri is now peaceful with less tension” while appreciating the effort of the state government and security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state.
In Kaduna, the shooting of a boy raised tension in the metropolis, forcing the State Security Council to extend the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria towns, despite initial plans to relax it.
A security source revealed that the government hesitated due to the killing of a 16-year-old boy by a soldier in Zaria, fearing potential escalation.
The source stated that the government was satisfied with the situation in the southern part of the state, where residents did not participate in the protests or were peaceful during the protest.
However, the reported looting and destruction of property made the government cautious about reviewing the curfew.
“An investigation is ongoing, and authorities have identified individuals responsible for manufacturing and distributing foreign flags, with some allegedly using children for this purpose.
“The curfew remains in place as the government prioritizes maintaining security and order in the affected areas,” the source said.
Speaking on the waning protests, the Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, argued that the demonstration had not died down, adding that the issue was the government clampdown on activists and protesters.
“The protest has not died down. We should be talking about how the government continually cracks down on free speech, making it unsafe for activists and citizens to express their human rights,” the activist stated.
The Methodist Church Nigeria has honoured the General Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, with the prestigious “Apostle of Faith Award” in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian services and contributions to community development.
The award was presented by the Methodist Diocese of Akegbe, Aninri and Awgu Archdiocese (AAA) under the leadership of Rt. Rev. C. Orji, the Methodist Bishop of AAA Diocese, Enugu.
According to the Church, the honour was bestowed on Hon. Ani in acknowledgment of his selfless commitment to community development, social welfare, and humanitarian service over the years. The Church noted that his contributions have transcended political considerations and have positively impacted countless lives across communities.
His consistent humanitarian interventions have earned him the popular title “Odoziobodo”, meaning “one who builds and restores communities.”
Hon. Ani is widely regarded as a passionate advocate for community service, driven by a desire to improve living standards and promote love, unity, and a sense of
belonging among the people. His dedication reflects Christ’s teaching on the greatest commandment—love for God and love for one’s neighbour—placing service to humanity at the centre of purposeful living.
Due to his unavoidable absence, the award was received on his behalf and later presented to him at his office by Dr. Okechukwu Animba, Vice President (South-East) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Responding to the honour, Hon. Ani expressed profound gratitude to Rt. Rev. C. Orji and the entire Methodist Diocese for recognising his humanitarian efforts. He prayed for God’s continued grace and strength to serve humanity and touch more lives through his work.
He also appreciated his principal, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for appointing him to lead the CSDA, an agency charged with driving community interventions and sustainable development across the state.
When the Enugu State House of Assembly adopted the report of its Special Committee on Land Matters and Disputes in 2024, many observers described it as a watershed moment in the long-running controversy surrounding the Centenary City land in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The report attracted national attention because it tackled a dispute that had generated numerous court cases, allegations of intimidation, destruction of property, community unrest, and claims involving some of the most influential figures in the state.
For many residents of Amechi and Obeagu, the Assembly’s intervention provided the first official platform where their grievances appeared to receive impartial consideration. The committee’s findings were widely commended for their detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and development of over 1,097 hectares of ancestral land.
At the heart of the controversy was the allegation that Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), operating under a development agreement with the Enugu State Government, relied on questionable documents to assert rights over vast portions of land originally linked to a proposed university project initiated during the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Jim Nwobodo.
After reviewing submissions from the parties, the Assembly committee identified several inconsistencies in documents connected with the acquisition process. Among its findings were concerns regarding the authenticity of a survey plan purportedly prepared for the “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” in 1985, despite the fact that Enugu State had not yet been created at that time.
Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement
The committee also questioned the authenticity of signatures and official endorsements appearing on key documents, including survey records, gazette notices, and correspondences allegedly executed on behalf of traditional authorities in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the host communities had established that they were not properly carried along in the acquisition process and recommended dialogue, compensation, government intervention, and a comprehensive audit of lands developed under the Centenary City project.
At the time, many hailed the report as evidence that the legislature was willing to confront powerful interests in defence of justice and accountability.
Two years later, events appear to have given fresh significance to those findings.
Today, Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, in connection with the alleged forgery of a survey plan linked to the disputed acquisition of ancestral lands in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
According to the charge sheet in Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, the defendants are accused of conspiring to forge a survey plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” purportedly dated 1985.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants knowingly made or uttered the survey plan as a genuine document despite its alleged falsity. The offences are said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The criminal charges have drawn renewed attention to the conclusions reached by the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2024, particularly its observations regarding inconsistencies surrounding the same survey plan and related acquisition documents.
The developments have also prompted further advocacy from civil society organisations. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to take over investigations and prosecutions connected with the dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against certain police officers, and review criminal proceedings allegedly used for harassment and intimidation.
In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, citing repeated failures by law enforcement authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.
The cases include Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.
As the criminal proceedings continue, many observers believe the matter has entered a decisive phase. The allegations that were once the subject of community petitions, legislative inquiries and public debate are now before a court of law for determination.
Whether the Assembly’s 2024 report marked the beginning of accountability or merely one chapter in a much longer struggle remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the issues raised by the Amechi and Obeagu communities have not faded away. Instead, they have evolved into a legal test that could shape public confidence in land administration, governance and the rule of law in Enugu State for years to come.
If the legislative findings, criminal investigations and court proceedings ultimately converge on the truth, then many residents may indeed conclude that, at long last, a Daniel has come to judgment.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
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