
Crime
Nigeria’s situation can’t be ignored -US lawmakers, hold fresh sessions with Reps

Committees of the United States Congress on Tuesday in Washington DC held a joint briefing over the ongoing kidnappings and the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The session was held at the instance of President Donald Trump, who earlier on October 31 instructed the House Appropriations Committee to investigate what he described as the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria and report their findings to the White House.
Separately, the Nigerian House of Representatives will also debate the state of security in the country on Wednesday (today).
The Congress session, led by House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, brought together members of the House Appropriations and House Foreign Affairs Committees alongside religious freedom experts.
Participants included Reps Robert Aderholt, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Chris Smith, US Commission on International Religious Freedom Chair Vicky Hartzler, Alliance Defending Freedom International’s Sean Nelson, and Dr Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Díaz-Balart began the briefing by describing global religious freedom as “both a moral obligation and an essential American interest.” He emphasised that “no one should have to fear for their safety because of how they choose to worship.”
He said he is “committed to advancing policies that protect the freedom to live according to one’s faith without fear of violence and retribution.”
Díaz-Balart noted that his FY26 funding bill addresses this commitment and added that he plans to reinforce these efforts by passing a full-year funding measure, which he noted is critical to advancing the America First agenda.
Aderholt echoed the same concerns, calling the situation in Nigeria “a crisis that can’t be ignored.”
He said, “We must stand firmly with Nigeria’s Christian communities and all persecuted believers worldwide, and I commend our collaborative efforts to provide the President with the information needed to confront this growing tragedy.”
Moore connected the briefing to the administration’s recent re-designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
The Congressman explained, “Our brothers and sisters in Christ are being persecuted and slaughtered in Nigeria simply for professing their faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ‘’The world will no longer turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”
Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mast framed the violence as part of a broader campaign.
“This is a targeted campaign of religious cleansing,” he said, arguing that extremist groups aim to “drive Christians out of their ancestral lands in the Middle Belt.”
He urged the Nigerian government to “disarm these militias, return displaced families to their homes, and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
In his remarks, House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee Chairman Smith described Nigeria as “the ground zero of religious violence,” saying Christians and moderate Muslims face “the constant threat of murder, rape, and torture.”
He criticised the Nigerian government for allowing perpetrators to act “with complete impunity,” adding, “We must act quickly and decisively to save more lives.”
Expert witnesses described an atmosphere of insecurity affecting multiple religious communities.
Hartzler cited recent attacks, including the November abduction of more than 300 children and 12 teachers from a Catholic school. “Religious freedom in Nigeria has been under siege in 2025 and, unfortunately, it seems to be getting worse,” she said.
The USCIRF chair called for improved accountability from the Nigerian authorities and better use of US security assistance and early warning systems. “Too many times, local villagers learn of an impending attack and reach out for protection, only to have their cries for help ignored,” she said.
Nelson detailed accounts from Christian communities, who described kidnappings, forced conversions, and deadly attacks.
“Our cases have involved Christians unjustly imprisoned by Sharia courts, false allegations of crimes merely for evangelism or protecting Christian converts; Christians kidnapped and tortured. I have visited villages directly attacked by Fulani militants and witnessed the aftermath of pastors beheaded, mass graves, widows and orphans,” he said.
He argued that authorities downplayed the role of religion in the attacks and highlighted Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, which in some states permit the death penalty.
Also, Obadare identified Boko Haram as the central driver of the violence. “The deadliest and most serious threat confronting the Nigerian state today is jihadist terror,” he insisted.
He noted recent Nigerian military actions following renewed US pressure, but urged Washington to maintain leverage.
“The policy goal should be two-fold: first, work with the Nigerian military to neutralise Boko Haram. Second, the United States should put pressure on President Tinubu to make Sharia law unconstitutional in the 12 Northern states where it has been adopted since 2000 and disband the various Hisbah groups.”
Committee officials said they are preparing a comprehensive report for President Trump with recommendations on how Congress can support the administration’s efforts to curb religious persecution in Nigeria and elsewhere.
The briefing comes amid strengthened US–Nigeria security cooperation. President Bola Tinubu recently approved Nigeria’s delegation to the new US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, established to implement security agreements from high-level talks in Washington led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The group, which includes senior ministers and security officials, aims to enhance counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, border security, and coordination on humanitarian and civilian security issues.
The initiative followed rising concerns over terrorism, banditry, and targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria, prompting increased US scrutiny and warnings about the protection of vulnerable faith communities.
On November 20, the US House Subcommittee on Africa opened a public hearing to review Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a move that places the country under increased scrutiny for alleged religious-freedom violations.
Lawmakers gathered to assess the potential consequences of the designation, which, if affirmed by the Senate, could clear the way for sanctions against Nigerian officials found complicit in religious persecution.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is expected to begin debate on the state of security in the country on Wednesday (today).
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this on Tuesday while presiding over the day’s plenary.
Crime
Police Arrest Pastor, Accomplice Over Alleged Car Theft in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a Benue-based pastor, Edwin Nwabueze, and his alleged accomplice, Sadiq Jamiu, in connection with the theft of a Toyota Camry in Abuja.
The vehicle was reportedly stolen at UTC Plaza in Garki, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of Nwabueze at his residence on October 27, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that Nwabueze identified himself as a pastor with Salvation Power Bible Ministry in the North Bank area of Benue State.
The suspect, who hails from Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, reportedly led police operatives to another location where Jamiu was subsequently arrested.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Nwabueze had previously been arrested by the Benue State Police Command in connection with vehicle theft cases.
The command further alleged that both suspects belonged to an interstate car theft syndicate specialising in stealing and selling vehicles across different states.
Police authorities said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and track down other members currently at large.
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Crime
Businessman’s Suspected Suicide: Family Alleges Foul Play, Demands Autopsy

The family of a 46-year-old Ondo State businessman, Kayode Akinbolusere, popularly known as Tolufe, has raised suspicions over the circumstances surrounding his death, calling on security agencies to investigate claims that he may have been forced to record a farewell video before his demise.
Akinbolusere, who owned Esther Estate in Ondo State, was reportedly found dead in his office in Igba on Thursday after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance.
Before his death, the businessman reportedly recorded a video in which he reflected on his personal struggles, acknowledged his wife’s support over the years and expressed his intention to leave his properties to her and their three children residing in Canada.
In the footage, which subsequently circulated on social media, Akinbolusere maintained that he was making the declaration voluntarily and had not been pressured by anyone.
He recalled starting his business from scratch and praised his wife, Esther, for standing by him during difficult times, particularly when he worked as a barber.
However, the deceased’s uncle, Femi Akinbolusere, has questioned the circumstances surrounding the recording, suggesting that his nephew’s statements and mannerisms raised serious concerns.
Speaking with newsmen, Femi wondered why the businessman repeatedly spoke about surrendering his properties, alleging that he might have been acting under duress.
He urged investigators to critically examine the footage to establish whether another person was present or exerting pressure on the deceased.
The grieving uncle further demanded an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death, insisting that the family deserved answers.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the incident were too suspicious to be dismissed without a comprehensive investigation.
He also called on the police to question individuals who might have information about the businessman’s final moments, including his wife.
Police Recover Suspected Poison Bottles, Rule Out Visible Signs of Violence
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation has commenced into the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the businessman, a resident of Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, was discovered dead in his office beside BOVAS Petrol Station at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday.
According to the police, operatives from the Bolorunduro Division visited the scene following a report of the incident and recovered two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide from a nearby bush.
The command also acknowledged the existence of the viral video in which the deceased reportedly lamented his personal difficulties.
Police said his remains had been evacuated to the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.
Although preliminary examination revealed no visible injuries or signs of violence on his body, the command maintained that investigations were ongoing.
The family’s allegations of possible coercion have not been independently established, while the precise circumstances surrounding Akinbolusere’s death remain under investigation.
Crime
Tenant Smashes Landlord’s For Increasing Rent Increase From N300,000 to N1 Million

A disagreement over a sharp rent increase has reportedly turned violent in Benin City, Edo State, after a tenant allegedly smashed his landlord’s head during a confrontation.
The incident followed a dispute over renovation work carried out by the tenant at his own expense to improve the apartment for his business.
In a video shared online by Edo TV on Friday, October 30, the tenant narrated how the disagreement began when his landlord questioned him over tiling work done on the property.
According to him, the landlord subsequently demanded additional payment for the renovation before increasing his annual rent from N300,000 to N1 million, representing an increase of over 233 per cent.
The tenant alleged that the disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation after the landlord slapped him, prompting him to retaliate.
“He slapped me first and out of my defence, I smashed his head. It wasn’t intentional,” the tenant claimed.
The landlord reportedly sustained serious head injuries during the altercation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over landlord-tenant disputes, particularly disagreements involving arbitrary rent increases and improvements undertaken by tenants at their own expense.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmation of police intervention or whether any arrest had been made in connection with the incident.
Crime
BREAKING: Sowore Hospitalised After Attack in Ekiti, Brother, Campaign Members Reportedly Macheted

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been rushed to hospital following a violent attack by suspected political thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday.
The attack, which reportedly occurred at Tawakal’tu Restaurants and Catering Services, left several members of Sowore’s entourage, including his brother, with suspected machete injuries.
Eyewitnesses alleged that armed men stormed the restaurant, attacked Sowore and members of his campaign team, and briefly abducted the activist before he was reportedly taken to hospital.
Sources linked the attackers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) provided information about Sowore’s location.
However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
One source claimed that Sowore was rushed to hospital after the incident, although details surrounding his reported abduction, subsequent release and the extent of his injuries remained unclear as of press time.
The attack reportedly triggered panic at the restaurant, forcing customers and other occupants to flee for safety. Several people were said to have sustained injuries during the disturbance.
Sowore’s Team Accuses DSS
Reacting to the incident, Sowore’s media team accused the DSS of compromising his security by allegedly disclosing his exact location to the attackers.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the team described the assailants as government-sponsored thugs and vowed that the attack would not deter Sowore’s political activities.
The African Action Congress had earlier raised concerns over his whereabouts, calling on the Ekiti State Governor, the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to urgently establish his location and guarantee his safety.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, the party demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack.
The AAC further warned that it would mobilise a mass protest at the Ekiti State Government House should security authorities fail to take decisive action.
Similarly, Sowore’s campaign organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to intervene.
The incident occurred during Sowore’s visit to Ekiti State for political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
On Thursday, October 29, his defence counsel informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the activist was in Ekiti for campaign engagements. The court subsequently adjourned his ongoing cyberbullying trial until November 3, 2026.
Meanwhile, the police have reportedly confirmed that an attack occurred but disputed claims that Sowore was abducted.
As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the incident, the identities of the attackers and the extent of the victims’ injuries had yet to be independently established.
Crime
Estate Developer Commits Suicide After Emotional Farewell Video, Leaves Properties to Wife, Children

A prominent estate developer in Ondo City, Mr Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, has reportedly died in a suspected suicide incident after leaving behind an emotional farewell video containing messages to his family.
Kayode, the owner of Esther Estate, reportedly recorded a video which subsequently surfaced on Facebook, addressing his family, speaking about his properties and paying a heartfelt tribute to his wife.
In the recording, the deceased reportedly stated that he was acting without coercion, although he did not disclose the circumstances that informed his decision.
He appealed to his relatives and other concerned individuals to ensure that all his properties were handed over to his wife and children, who currently reside in Canada.
In what appeared to be an emotional farewell, Kayode described his wife as a wonderful woman who stood firmly by him throughout his life, expressing appreciation for her loyalty, sacrifices and unwavering support during their marriage.
News of his death has thrown parts of Ondo City into mourning, with residents, friends and associates expressing shock over the tragic development.
Members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Omolore Parish, Yaba, Ondo, where the deceased was reportedly a prominent member, were also said to have been deeply saddened by his passing.
The video has since generated reactions on social media, with sympathisers extending condolences to his family.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, while official confirmation of the suspected cause of death was not available at the time of filing this report.
Kayode’s passing has left his family, associates and members of the Ondo community mourning a man whose final message centred largely on the welfare of his wife and children.
Source: Myexclusiveinfo
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