Category Archives: Uncategorized

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By: Our Reporter

(Kaduna) – At least 20,000 displaced Christians of the Gbagyi ethnic group are preparing to return to their ancestral homes in the violence-ravaged counties of Chikun and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, after six years in exile.

Their planned return comes in the wake of a controversial amnesty program announced by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State in November 2024, which granted clemency to Fulani ethnic militias—commonly referred to as “bandits”—who pledged to halt attacks on Christian communities.

A Journey of Courage and Uncertainty

Journalists joined a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) on a reconnaissance mission to their former villages to assess safety for resettlement following the state’s peace accord with the Fulani militias.

Riding on about 14 motorcycles and escorted by a dozen volunteer guards armed with locally-made shotguns, the convoy set out from Kaduna city and veered off the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari expressway onto a narrow, untarred track, flanked by savannah scrub and thornbush. Along the way, they passed through deserted villages.

The mission was organized under the Rumana and Environs Displaced Persons Development Association (REDPDA)—a grassroots body advocating for the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced Gbagyi communities.

Rumana Gbagyi: A Community in Ruins

The group arrived at the ruined village of Rumana Gbagyi, a once-vibrant community now blanketed in silence and decay.

“This is my village,” said Caleb Nayaro, 51, a senior civil servant with the Kaduna State Ministry of Works. “This is my first time here since January 2020.”

Nayaro pointed toward the ruins: collapsed homes, a vandalized primary school, two churches without roofs, and the remains of the community’s only clinic.

“We had everything—livestock, crops, peace. But bandits destroyed it all,” he said, visibly emotional.

The Fateful Day of January 6, 2020

Nayaro recalled the day Rumana fell. “They came from the east and west—over 100 motorcycles, each with two armed Fulani militia. We tried to defend ourselves with what little we had.”

Although ill-equipped and outnumbered, the villagers mounted a defense to enable the evacuation of women, children, and the elderly.

“We lost 16 of our youths in the battle,” he said. “But we also killed seven of the invaders. I saw their corpses as we retreated,” he said.

After the fall of Rumana, nearby villages began mass evacuations, abandoning what they could not carry.

Returning Despite the Pain

The convoy continued deeper into the bush for another 20 minutes, encountering similar scenes of devastation. At Malomo, another ruined village, a hulking man named Yakubu Sarki, 48, guided reporters to what remained of their church.

“This was our sanctuary,” he said. “But after the attack on Rumana, we knew we had been overpowered. We had no choice but to flee.”

Now, seeing no signs of hostility from the Fulani in recent weeks, Sarki and others believe the time has come to return and rebuild.

“This rainy season, we are going back,” he declared.

Survivor’s Testimony: A Journey Through Pain

At Hayin Damisa, a village northwest of Malomo, 28-year-old Steven Isaac Yari, a biochemistry graduate of Kaduna State University, dismounted from his bike and limped toward the group.

“I thank Jesus Christ for sparing my life to see my village again,” he said.

In May 2024, Yari ventured into the village and was captured by armed Fulani.

“They beat me mercilessly and shot me below the ankle to stop me from escaping,” he said.

He was held captive until his family paid two separate ransoms totaling ₦10 million.

“That’s why I limp. But with today’s peaceful visit, I believe we’ll rebuild. By God’s grace, Hayin Damisa will live again,” he said.

Living in Dignity: Why They Must Return

Back in Gonin Gora, a suburb of Kaduna where many Gbagyi displaced persons have taken shelter, former REDPDA chairman Habila Sarkinoma spoke to our reporter.

“Seventeen communities fled on January 6, 2020, after the Rumana attack. Over 20,000 people scattered across Kaduna and beyond, seeking safety.”

He explained the unbearable conditions in the IDP camps: “We live with daily humiliation. We have no food, no work, no dignity. That’s why we are going back.”

Despite skepticism over the sincerity of the Fulani militias’ promise, Sarkinoma expressed hope.

“We trust God that they will keep their word. As Christians, we leave justice to the Lord, and we are determined to piece back our shattered lives.”

A Risky Gamble for Peace

The return of displaced Gbagyi Christians marks a bold step toward reclaiming ancestral lands despite past horrors.

The Kaduna State government’s amnesty program remains controversial, but for the displaced, staying in limbo is no longer an option.

Whether peace will hold in the rural hinterlands of Kaduna remains uncertain. But for the returning villagers, the longing for home—and a life lived in dignity—is worth the risk.

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Let me know if you want to include a callout box, quote highlights, or convert this into a newsletter or press release format.

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By: Our Reporter

(Kaduna) – At least 20,000 displaced Christians of the Gbagyi ethnic group are preparing to return to their ancestral homes in the violence-ravaged counties of Chikun and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, after six years in exile.

Their planned return comes in the wake of a controversial amnesty program announced by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State in November 2024, which granted clemency to Fulani ethnic militias—commonly referred to as “bandits”—who pledged to halt attacks on Christian communities.

A Journey of Courage and Uncertainty

Journalists joined a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) on a reconnaissance mission to their former villages to assess safety for resettlement following the state’s peace accord with the Fulani militias.

Riding on about 14 motorcycles and escorted by a dozen volunteer guards armed with locally-made shotguns, the convoy set out from Kaduna city and veered off the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari expressway onto a narrow, untarred track, flanked by savannah scrub and thornbush. Along the way, they passed through deserted villages.

The mission was organized under the Rumana and Environs Displaced Persons Development Association (REDPDA)—a grassroots body advocating for the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced Gbagyi communities.

Rumana Gbagyi: A Community in Ruins

The group arrived at the ruined village of Rumana Gbagyi, a once-vibrant community now blanketed in silence and decay.

“This is my village,” said Caleb Nayaro, 51, a senior civil servant with the Kaduna State Ministry of Works. “This is my first time here since January 2020.”

Nayaro pointed toward the ruins: collapsed homes, a vandalized primary school, two churches without roofs, and the remains of the community’s only clinic.

“We had everything—livestock, crops, peace. But bandits destroyed it all,” he said, visibly emotional.

The Fateful Day of January 6, 2020

Nayaro recalled the day Rumana fell. “They came from the east and west—over 100 motorcycles, each with two armed Fulani militia. We tried to defend ourselves with what little we had.”

Although ill-equipped and outnumbered, the villagers mounted a defense to enable the evacuation of women, children, and the elderly.

“We lost 16 of our youths in the battle,” he said. “But we also killed seven of the invaders. I saw their corpses as we retreated,” he said.

After the fall of Rumana, nearby villages began mass evacuations, abandoning what they could not carry.

Returning Despite the Pain

The convoy continued deeper into the bush for another 20 minutes, encountering similar scenes of devastation. At Malomo, another ruined village, a hulking man named Yakubu Sarki, 48, guided reporters to what remained of their church.

“This was our sanctuary,” he said. “But after the attack on Rumana, we knew we had been overpowered. We had no choice but to flee.”

Now, seeing no signs of hostility from the Fulani in recent weeks, Sarki and others believe the time has come to return and rebuild.

“This rainy season, we are going back,” he declared.

Survivor’s Testimony: A Journey Through Pain

At Hayin Damisa, a village northwest of Malomo, 28-year-old Steven Isaac Yari, a biochemistry graduate of Kaduna State University, dismounted from his bike and limped toward the group.

“I thank Jesus Christ for sparing my life to see my village again,” he said.

In May 2024, Yari ventured into the village and was captured by armed Fulani.

“They beat me mercilessly and shot me below the ankle to stop me from escaping,” he said.

He was held captive until his family paid two separate ransoms totaling ₦10 million.

“That’s why I limp. But with today’s peaceful visit, I believe we’ll rebuild. By God’s grace, Hayin Damisa will live again,” he said.

Living in Dignity: Why They Must Return

Back in Gonin Gora, a suburb of Kaduna where many Gbagyi displaced persons have taken shelter, former REDPDA chairman Habila Sarkinoma spoke to our reporter.

“Seventeen communities fled on January 6, 2020, after the Rumana attack. Over 20,000 people scattered across Kaduna and beyond, seeking safety.”

He explained the unbearable conditions in the IDP camps: “We live with daily humiliation. We have no food, no work, no dignity. That’s why we are going back.”

Despite skepticism over the sincerity of the Fulani militias’ promise, Sarkinoma expressed hope.

“We trust God that they will keep their word. As Christians, we leave justice to the Lord, and we are determined to piece back our shattered lives.”

A Risky Gamble for Peace

The return of displaced Gbagyi Christians marks a bold step toward reclaiming ancestral lands despite past horrors.

The Kaduna State government’s amnesty program remains controversial, but for the displaced, staying in limbo is no longer an option.

Whether peace will hold in the rural hinterlands of Kaduna remains uncertain. But for the returning villagers, the longing for home—and a life lived in dignity—is worth the risk.

---

Let me know if you want to include a callout box, quote highlights, or convert this into a newsletter or press release format.

---

By: Our Reporter

(Kaduna) – At least 20,000 displaced Christians of the Gbagyi ethnic group are preparing to return to their ancestral homes in the violence-ravaged counties of Chikun and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, after six years in exile.

Their planned return comes in the wake of a controversial amnesty program announced by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State in November 2024, which granted clemency to Fulani ethnic militias—commonly referred to as “bandits”—who pledged to halt attacks on Christian communities.

A Journey of Courage and Uncertainty

Journalists joined a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) on a reconnaissance mission to their former villages to assess safety for resettlement following the state’s peace accord with the Fulani militias.

Riding on about 14 motorcycles and escorted by a dozen volunteer guards armed with locally-made shotguns, the convoy set out from Kaduna city and veered off the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari expressway onto a narrow, untarred track, flanked by savannah scrub and thornbush. Along the way, they passed through deserted villages.

The mission was organized under the Rumana and Environs Displaced Persons Development Association (REDPDA)—a grassroots body advocating for the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced Gbagyi communities.

Rumana Gbagyi: A Community in Ruins

The group arrived at the ruined village of Rumana Gbagyi, a once-vibrant community now blanketed in silence and decay.

“This is my village,” said Caleb Nayaro, 51, a senior civil servant with the Kaduna State Ministry of Works. “This is my first time here since January 2020.”

Nayaro pointed toward the ruins: collapsed homes, a vandalized primary school, two churches without roofs, and the remains of the community’s only clinic.

“We had everything—livestock, crops, peace. But bandits destroyed it all,” he said, visibly emotional.

The Fateful Day of January 6, 2020

Nayaro recalled the day Rumana fell. “They came from the east and west—over 100 motorcycles, each with two armed Fulani militia. We tried to defend ourselves with what little we had.”

Although ill-equipped and outnumbered, the villagers mounted a defense to enable the evacuation of women, children, and the elderly.

“We lost 16 of our youths in the battle,” he said. “But we also killed seven of the invaders. I saw their corpses as we retreated,” he said.

After the fall of Rumana, nearby villages began mass evacuations, abandoning what they could not carry.

Returning Despite the Pain

The convoy continued deeper into the bush for another 20 minutes, encountering similar scenes of devastation. At Malomo, another ruined village, a hulking man named Yakubu Sarki, 48, guided reporters to what remained of their church.

“This was our sanctuary,” he said. “But after the attack on Rumana, we knew we had been overpowered. We had no choice but to flee.”

Now, seeing no signs of hostility from the Fulani in recent weeks, Sarki and others believe the time has come to return and rebuild.

“This rainy season, we are going back,” he declared.

Survivor’s Testimony: A Journey Through Pain

At Hayin Damisa, a village northwest of Malomo, 28-year-old Steven Isaac Yari, a biochemistry graduate of Kaduna State University, dismounted from his bike and limped toward the group.

“I thank Jesus Christ for sparing my life to see my village again,” he said.

In May 2024, Yari ventured into the village and was captured by armed Fulani.

“They beat me mercilessly and shot me below the ankle to stop me from escaping,” he said.

He was held captive until his family paid two separate ransoms totaling ₦10 million.

“That’s why I limp. But with today’s peaceful visit, I believe we’ll rebuild. By God’s grace, Hayin Damisa will live again,” he said.

Living in Dignity: Why They Must Return

Back in Gonin Gora, a suburb of Kaduna where many Gbagyi displaced persons have taken shelter, former REDPDA chairman Habila Sarkinoma spoke to our reporter.

“Seventeen communities fled on January 6, 2020, after the Rumana attack. Over 20,000 people scattered across Kaduna and beyond, seeking safety.”

He explained the unbearable conditions in the IDP camps: “We live with daily humiliation. We have no food, no work, no dignity. That’s why we are going back.”

Despite skepticism over the sincerity of the Fulani militias’ promise, Sarkinoma expressed hope.

“We trust God that they will keep their word. As Christians, we leave justice to the Lord, and we are determined to piece back our shattered lives.”

A Risky Gamble for Peace

The return of displaced Gbagyi Christians marks a bold step toward reclaiming ancestral lands despite past horrors.

The Kaduna State government’s amnesty program remains controversial, but for the displaced, staying in limbo is no longer an option.

Whether peace will hold in the rural hinterlands of Kaduna remains uncertain. But for the returning villagers, the longing for home—and a life lived in dignity—is worth the risk.

---

Let me know if you want to include a callout box, quote highlights, or convert this into a newsletter or press release format.

By Usman Zurmi

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has sharply criticized ex-Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai over his recent attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing him of lacking the moral authority to speak on issues of fiscal transparency.

In a post published on his verified Facebook page, Sani accused El-Rufai of hypocrisy, stating that the same man now lambasting Tinubu over alleged deductions from federal allocations was himself accused of diverting local government funds during his time as governor—without consequence.

“Is this not the same El-Rufai who allegedly tampered with LG funds consistently during his time as governor? How come no one held him accountable then?” Sani asked rhetorically, a question that resonated widely across social media platforms.

Throughout El-Rufai’s eight-year administration in Kaduna State (2015–2023), multiple local government chairmen reportedly complained of poor remittances and a lack of financial autonomy. Yet, despite the gravity of the allegations, the Kaduna State House of Assembly did not initiate any probe or impeachment process, leading many to question the effectiveness of institutional oversight under his government.

El-Rufai recently condemned President Tinubu’s economic decisions—particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and deductions from statutory federal allocations to states—accusing the administration of worsening the economic plight of Nigerians. While many citizens share concerns over rising inflation, high fuel prices, and the cost of living under Tinubu, El-Rufai’s intervention has been viewed by some as politically motivated.

“Shehu Sani is right. El-Rufai’s record in Kaduna hardly qualifies him to be a critic of bad governance. He centralized power and allegedly stifled the financial independence of local councils. Nigerians deserve consistent voices of accountability, not selective outrage,” said Aisha Mohammed, a governance analyst based in Abuja.

Political commentators argue that El-Rufai’s statements are part of a broader pattern in Nigerian politics, where former public officeholders seek to rehabilitate their image by posing as reformers, often while sidestepping questions about their own legacy.

Sani’s remarks have ignited fresh calls by civil society organizations for greater accountability, not just for current leaders but also for those who previously held office. The organizations are demanding that past governors—including El-Rufai—be investigated for financial mismanagement and abuse of power, particularly with regard to local government autonomy and transparency.

“The system of impunity must end. Whether you are in office or out, you should be answerable for how you governed,” said Daniel Onu, a spokesman for the Transparency Front Initiative.

While President Tinubu’s fiscal reforms continue to face national scrutiny, critics say the focus must also remain on ensuring that past leaders do not escape accountability under the guise of political opposition or elder statesmanship.

As the verbal sparring between Shehu Sani and Nasir El-Rufai continues to dominate headlines, the public appears to be demanding a more consistent and principled standard for political commentary—one based not on ambition or score-settling, but on a genuine track record of transparency and service.

Luka Soto

The much-anticipated prosecution of Mr. Sylvanus Enonche Okoh, accused of identity theft, fraud, and criminal conspiracy, suffered another setback yesterday as the second defendant in the case failed to appear in court, leading to yet another postponement of proceedings.

Mr. Okoh, who also goes by the alias Kenneth Ogbogu, is currently being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on related financial crime charges. However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force, which is spearheading the prosecution, was unable to present him in court due to custody complications.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the Police now require formal cooperation with the EFCC to secure the temporary release of Okoh for arraignment in the identity theft case. In addition to the EFCC’s probe, the suspect is under a parallel investigation by the State Intelligence Department (SID) of the FCT Police Command for alleged offenses including forgery, impersonation, and criminal conspiracy.

A senior police official, who spoke to TruthNigeria on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the current delay is rooted in inter-agency administrative hurdles. “This is not a matter of unwillingness to prosecute,” he said. “But we need the EFCC’s formal cooperation to have Mr. Okoh appear in court, as he is involved in overlapping investigations.”

The absence of Mr. Okoh—seen as central to the case—has left the complainants and their legal team increasingly frustrated. The victim’s family has raised concerns over the repeated adjournments, fearing they may embolden the accused and weaken the impact of the legal process.

“This kind of delay sends the wrong signal to other potential offenders,” said Luka Soto, co-author of this report and a legal correspondent. “When agencies fail to coordinate, justice is not only delayed but potentially denied.”

Legal analysts warn that high-profile fraud and identity theft cases such as this could lose public confidence if law enforcement bodies fail to align their efforts in a timely and transparent manner.

Court officials have not issued a new trial date, pending confirmation of the defendant’s availability. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting from civil society and legal advocacy groups urging the EFCC and the Police to streamline their collaboration to ensure that Okoh is produced in court without further delays.

The matter is expected to return to court as soon as inter-agency arrangements are finalized.

Abuja

Sarah Odoh

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has reacted to the passing of former Nigerian President and military ruler, General Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), describing his death as an opportunity for deep national introspection rather than mere ceremonial mourning.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by prominent regional leaders, the Forum said that while the death of a former head of state naturally invites grief, Nigerians must use the moment to assess the country’s leadership trajectory and the long-standing consequences of Buhari’s years in power—both as a military dictator (1983–1985) and later as a two-term elected president (2015–2023).

“His passing was received with sadness but also with sober reflection,” the statement noted. “General Buhari’s leadership—before, during, and after his presidency—has had a lasting impact on Nigeria’s history, one that must be critically evaluated.”

The Forum acknowledged Buhari’s perseverance in returning to power through democratic means, describing his eventual election in 2015—after three failed attempts—as “historic” and a show of “unyielding belief in the democratic process.”

However, the SMBLF was candid about the controversial legacy of his civilian presidency. “His eight-year administration was marred by serious national challenges,” the statement said. “From widespread insecurity to economic instability and worsening ethnic divisions, Buhari’s leadership remains one of the most debated in modern Nigerian history.”

Despite the criticism, the group affirmed that Buhari’s name “will forever occupy a space in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” though the full measure of his legacy is still being written.

SMBLF extended condolences to the late president’s family and to the nation. “We pray that his soul finds eternal peace with his Maker,” it said.

The statement was endorsed by the key figures of Nigeria’s Southern and Middle Belt regional organizations:

HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan, for Afenifere

Dr. Bitrus Pogu, for the Middle Belt Forum

Senator John Azuta-Mbata, for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Ambassador Godknows Igali, for PANDEF

General Muhammadu Buhari died on June 14, 2025, at the age of 82. He leaves behind a complex legacy—one that will continue to shape Nigeria’s political discourse for years to come.

By Mike Odeh James

In a country where telling the truth often comes with a price, few have paid it as dearly as Luka Binniyat.

The fearless conflict reporter and former Kaduna Bureau Chief for Vanguard Newspapers, who once languished in prison for daring to report on the massacres in Southern Kaduna, has just reached a monumental milestone in his journey of advocacy and resistance. Binniyat has been appointed the National Spokesperson of the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF)—a powerful coalition representing over 140 million Nigerians across Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Southern regions.

It’s a seismic moment not just for Binniyat, but for the communities he has consistently risked his life to defend.

The Price of Truth

Luka’s rise to national prominence was not paved with privilege or comfort, but rather with persecution, prison bars, and the haunting silence of solitary confinement. In 2017, under the repressive administration of then-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Binniyat was arrested for his relentless coverage of ethnically motivated killings in Southern Kaduna. His crime? Telling the truth.

Despite court orders demanding his release, the state—emboldened by impunity and intolerance—kept Luka in and out of prison and courtrooms for over seven years. His jailer-in-chief, El-Rufai, backed by his commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, treated Luka as a dissident rather than a journalist.

“I was once thrown into a dinghy Police cell with no ventilation, no toilet, no water,” Luka recalled. “Inmates were fainting, and some never woke up. The plan was simple: I was meant to die in that dungeon. But God had other plans.
“I have appeared before six Judges and detained in Kaduna prisons 3 times,” Luka recalled.

A Voice Amplified by TruthNigeria

Those plans took a transformative turn when Luka joined TruthNigeria, a fearless investigative media platform founded by Judd Saul, a renowned American filmmaker, journalist, and human rights advocate. TruthNigeria did not just give Luka a desk—it gave him a megaphone. Under the platform’s editorial vision, Luka’s voice grew louder, his reach extended, and the truth he carried could no longer be silenced by the corridors of power.

TruthNigeria, known for its unrelenting commitment to factual, faith-based, and humanitarian reporting, became the perfect ally for a journalist molded in fire.

Behind the newsroom was Douglas Burton, fondly known as “Uncle Doug” by colleagues—a master craftsman of storytelling and an editor with an uncanny ability to draw the best from his reporters. Burton nurtured Luka’s raw courage and refined his reporting into impactful journalism that caught global attention.

Together, with the support of Judd Saul and Douglas Burton, Luka revealed to the world stories that Nigerian mainstream outlets often buried under fear or compromise. From the ethnic cleansing of indigenous communities in the Middle Belt to the harrowing aftermath of the Chibok schoolgirl kidnappings, Luka remained on the frontlines—undaunted, unwavering.

In 2023, Luka returned to Chibok—this time undercover—to document the unspoken trauma of parents whose daughters had vanished into the hands of terrorists. It was one of many assignments that proved Luka wasn’t just a journalist. He was a voice for the voiceless.

When asked what drives him, Luka gave a chilling yet resolute answer—one that has become his rallying creed:
“I will not stop writing until the blood spilled in Southern Kaduna, across the Middle Belt, and throughout Southern Nigeria is stopped.”

From Journalist to Advocate

Recognizing his unflinching courage, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) appointed him Chair of its Kaduna Chapter. Within six months, his impact was unmistakable. Soon after, he rose to become MBF’s National Spokesperson.

Now, with his latest elevation to National Spokesperson of the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF), Luka Binniyat carries the torch for over 140 million citizens across Nigeria’s geopolitical south and central heartlands.
More specifically, he will be speaking for the over 40 million indigenous people of the Middle Belt—communities long trapped in the political and cultural contraption called Northern Nigeria, and for more than 100 million Southerners from the South East, South West, and South South, whose voices have too often been sidelined in national conversations.

This appointment places Luka not just at the podiums of press conferences, but at the heart of Nigeria’s struggle for equity, justice, and truth. He will speak for the persecuted, for communities still reeling from state-enabled terrorism, and for millions who refuse to be silent in the face of corruption and marginalization.

A Mandate Forged in Fire

Luka’s journey is more than a personal triumph. It is a testament to what happens when integrity meets opportunity—when a man refuses to compromise, even when the cost is his freedom.

He is no longer just a reporter. He is a national conscience, a moral compass in a land where truth is often the first casualty. With the power of TruthNigeria behind him, the mentorship of Douglas Burton beside him, and the spiritual covering of Judd Saul over him, Luka is poised to take the voice of the marginalized to national and global platforms.

This is not the end of Luka Binniyat’s story. It is the beginning of a larger assignment.

Now, that pen has become a microphone.

And the world is listening.

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has formally charged one Mr. Sylvanus Enonche Okoh, also known as “General Kenneth Ogbogu,” before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Apo in Abuja over allegations of a brazen scheme to impersonate a deceased businessman and fraudulently obtain valuable property documents.

The case, filed in the Abuja Judicial Division of the FCT High Court Apo lists multiple counts of criminal conduct including making false statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and cheating by personation.

According to the charges, the defendant in 2022 falsely claimed to be the late Mr. Kenneth Ogbogu—a man widely known to have died and been buried—by assuming his identity and using it in official dealings.

COUNT ONE of the charge sheet alleges that Sylvanus Enonche Okoh, in an attempt to mislead anti-graft investigators, knowingly made false statements to an EFCC officer in the course of the officer’s official duties. Prosecutors claim the defendant did so with full knowledge that the statements were untrue, in a bid to obstruct or derail the investigation into his activities.

This alleged offence is said to contravene Section 39(2)(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and is punishable under Section 39(2)(b) of the same law.

COUNT TWO accuses Okoh of cheating by personation—specifically, of misrepresenting himself as “General Kenneth Ogbogu” in order to fraudulently obtain title documents for a parcel of land described as Plot No. 1, Cadastral Zone 7, Sabo Gida District, Abuja.

According to the prosecution, the defendant presented himself as the deceased businessman and used the name and style of K.E. Keneco Nigeria Limited—a company formerly owned by the late Kenneth Ogbogu—in a deliberate attempt to seize control of the property.

The charges highlight the seriousness of the alleged fraud, suggesting a calculated effort to exploit the identity of a dead man to steal valuable assets, including real estate in Abuja’s lucrative property market.

The Federal Government argues that such schemes do not only victimize grieving families but also undermine public trust in legal, financial, and land registration systems.

The case has generated public interest after civil society groups last week issued a strongly worded statement accusing Okoh of “desecrating the memory of the dead” by forging corporate records, colluding with corrupt insiders, and plunging the late Ogbogu’s elderly parents into “protracted emotional trauma.”

In their statement, the coalition described the alleged impersonation as “a grave assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and corporate governance systems,” and demanded swift and transparent prosecution of all those involved.

Meanwhile, EFCC investigators are said to have been building their case for months, examining records from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) where the defendant allegedly attempted to alter corporate and land ownership records.

Legal analysts say the case may set an important precedent about identity theft and fraud in Nigeria’s real estate and corporate sectors, where corrupt insiders have been repeatedly accused of enabling scams by forging documents and subverting due process.

However, the court granted him bail but still in the EFCC custody till bail is perfected. Nonetheless, our correspondent gathered that Mr Sylvanus Okoh is not yet set for any break soon as other victims are said to be pursuing Justice on separate matter involving him.The matter which is already scheduled to proceed before the FCT High Court in Abuja, with prosecutors pledging to present detailed evidence of how the alleged impersonation was carried out.

If convicted, Mr. Okoh faces significant prison terms under existing Nigerian anti-fraud laws.

Authorities say they hope the case will send a strong message that crimes exploiting the dead will not go unpunished.

By Mike Odeh James

Asaba, Delta State — In a resounding appeal for proactive governance, the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN) has urged the Delta State Government, Stakeholders and well meaning organisations, to partner with youth-focused organizations to combat rising unemployment, drug abuse, and insecurity.

Speaking in Asaba during a youth-focused dialogue session, UYAN National Officer and Spokesperson for The Actual Voice of Truth and Advocacy Foundation” Comrade Chuba Okpuzor and The Delta State Chairman Comrade Gbenga Fajoye emphasized that empowering the youth through employment and skill development is the surest way to prevent the spread of drug trafficking, cultism, vandalism, and armed robbery.

“We are at a point where youth empowerment must become a top priority, not an afterthought,” said Comrade Gbenga Fajoye.
“The longer we leave millions of young Nigerians idle and untrained, the more we fertilize the ground for crime, drug addiction, and restiveness.”

Commendation and Constructive Critique

While acknowledging strides made by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, alongside other organisations domiciled within the state, in job creation and infrastructural development, UYAN leaders insisted that a deeper collaboration is needed between the government and grassroots organizations to ensure equitable access to opportunities.

“We commend Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the ongoing infrastructural projects and his visible commitment to development, as well as The MD Tantita Security Services Ltd High Chief Keston Pondi, ” said Comrade Chuba Okpuzor.
“However, youth empowerment is a grassroots issue that requires a decentralized approach. The state must partner with credible organizations like UYAN to reach distant but deserving communities.”

Comrade Okpuzor further explained that while government/public private led initiatives have created jobs in some sectors, many young people, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, remain excluded due to limited access to information, poor connectivity, or political isolation.

“Though the governor and other stakeholders have done a great job in reducing unemployment in the state,” he said, “there is still a need to spread these efforts across all senatorial zones by leveraging credible youth-based associations.”

The Drug Abuse Epidemic: A Social Time Bomb

UYAN emphasized the link between unemployment and drug abuse, describing it as a vicious cycle that continues to claim the mental and physical health of Nigerian youth.

“When youths are jobless, they lose hope. When they lose hope, they turn to hard substances, and from there, many fall into criminal networks,” said Fajoye.
“This is not just a health issue — it’s a national security threat.”

The association also expressed concern over the surge in drug trafficking activities in parts of Delta State, noting that many youths involved in these illegal trades are driven by economic desperation.

“We must understand that the poor are not the architects of drug trade — they are victims,” Okpuzor said. “Without intervention, our youths will continue to be exploited by criminal syndicates.”

UYAN’s Proposed Solutions: Skills, Not Slogans

The officials outlined practical, community-based solutions, urging the Delta State Government, stakeholders and well meaning Nigerians, to support vocational training programs and invest in agricultural-based entrepreneurship for youth.

“We are willing and ready to collaborate with state and federal lawmakers — senators and members of the House of Representatives and credible organisations— to roll out skill acquisition programs in fisheries, poultry, snail farming, carpentry, welding, and more,” Okpuzor said.

He explained that skill-based development programs, if well funded and supervised, could offer a sustainable path out of poverty for thousands of unemployed youths across the state.

“We don’t need handouts. What we need is a platform to train, produce, and contribute to the economy,” Fajoye added.
“With the right tools, our youth can become employers of labor, not liabilities.”

Call for Unified Action Across Institutions

UYAN called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, and educational institutions to support the government’s efforts by creating safe, moral, and developmental spaces for youth.

“The fight against insecurity, drug abuse, and unemployment cannot be left to the government and a few organisations alone,” said Okpuzor.
“Civil society, schools, and families must all work in synergy.”

They also urged the Delta State Ministry of Youth Development to create a robust directory of credible youth-based organizations in the state, as a way of formalizing partnerships and ensuring accountability.

UYAN’s message is clear: empowering the youth is not merely an economic policy — it is a security strategy and a moral obligation. In a state blessed with resources and human capital, the cost of inaction is far too high.

“This is the time to act,” Fajoye concluded.
“If we empower the youth today, we will not have to battle the criminals of tomorrow.”

The ball, they say, is now in the court of Governor Oborevwori, stakeholders, multi-nationals and the Delta State leadership to rise to the occasion, bridge the gap, and make youth development a central pillar of peace and progress.

Brenda Odogwu

A new Brand Ambassador, Anteyi Grace Ene popularly known as AGEless, was at the weekend unveiled just as erudite sports administrator and Chairman of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Chief Dr. Paul Edeh Esq, launched a real estate company named Signature Edge.

The high-octane event, which held inside the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, was well-attended by a teeming class of societal men and women including captains of industry, business executives, politicians, among others.

The real estate company’s founder and Chairman, Chief Edeh, at the unveiling, gave an overview as well as unique descriptive highlights of Signature Edge with its trademark Living The Future.

While describing the making of the real estate firm as historic and symbolic, Chief Edeh said the choice of Ageless is because her personality attributes resonate with the characteristics Signature Edge stands for.

The football club owner cum real estate doyen emphatically stated that Signature Edge is anchored on integrity and affordable opportunities, offering a wide range of building options to suit every individual’s taste amidst a variety of choices.

He said, “Signature Edge was born out of a conviction that every home, every space, and every investment should carry a mark of lasting value. We see real estate not merely as structures of brick and mortar but as living statements of who we are and what we believe the future must hold.

“We are here to set a new pace guided by integrity, inspired by culture, enabled by technology, and driven by a commitment to make decent shelter accessible for all. Whether you are seeking a sanctuary for your family, a fertile ground for enterprise, or a strategic portfolio for generational wealth, Signature Edge stands ready to bring that vision to life.

“Our approach is simple yet profound. We do not just sell property; we deliver the dignity of belonging, the security of ownership, and the promise of tomorrow. That is the Edge in Signature Edge the extra mile, the thoughtful detail, the unwavering standard that will become a reference point in Africa’s real estate landscape.

“With every project, we will bring the home to you rather than have you chase after it. In five years and beyond, Signature Edge will be the mark that elevates lives, communities, and the continent at large.”

He said the vision of establishing Signature Edge is one that will stay ahead and remain relevant for subscribers or those who seek to acquire property through it, adding, “We are a visionary real estate company building Africa’s future through culturally inspired, tech-enabled, and community-centred property development, sales, investment, and management.”

On what inspired Signature Edge with its logo featuring a thumbprint, Chief Edeh, with years of experience in real estate development, said, “The newly formed company seeks to supply what is culturally unique to everyone, and our vision is to ensure that every Nigerian, whether you have or not, should have a decent home over time.

“We believe that we are bringing to the fore a real estate company that in the next five years will be a pillar upon which every other real estate firm identifies. We seek to achieve this by bringing the home to you, rather than you looking for it.”

The company’s number one man then announced that already, Signature Edge has struck mouth-watering deals in about 24 hours after it was launched.

He said the company now has available property in Abuja, Lagos, Namibia, and parts of Africa.

The Brand Ambassador, after committing to pacts with Signature Edge, assured of her readiness to use her wealth of experience and reach to elevate the fortunes of the firm.

She said, “I am sincerely committed to justifying that trust which the Board and Management of Signature Edge have placed on me. Building on previous experience, I believe that my skills will bring tremendous success for the company. We will certainly achieve great things together.”

Some of those who spoke at the event, including a governorship candidate for the Anambra 2025 election and a former Speaker, hailed the concept and ideology behind Signature Edge and predicted that the company will soon make an incredible impact that will surpass ages.

Highpoint of the event was the symbolic signing of a long-term agreement between Signature Edge and Brand Ambassador AGEless.