Edafe made the remark during a live interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, while addressing public outrage over the video, which shows a suspect being shot dead in public by an Assistant Superintendent of Police.

The incident, widely described as an extrajudicial killing, reportedly occurred on Sunday, April 26, 2026, when police operatives attached to the Area Command in Effurun acted on intelligence received from members of the public.

In an earlier statement on Tuesday, the command said the deceased, identified as Mene Ogidi, 28, was arrested while allegedly attempting to transport a parcel suspected to contain a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition. Police said operatives were deployed to the scene to effect his arrest.

However, the officer in charge of the operation, ASP Nuhu Usman, was said to have “in clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, discharged his firearm, leading to the death of the suspect.”

Speaking on the incident, Edafe said the command was still struggling to understand the motive behind the action.

“Since my six years in public relations, this is my most difficult moment,” he said.

“Because having an incident that cannot be explained is very difficult. There is no explanation for this. I just don’t understand what was wrong with the officer.”

He further added that while the police cannot officially attribute the incident to spirituality, it “may not be far from it,” describing it as the only possible way he could attempt to make sense of the action.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed that the officer involved has been arrested and transferred to Abuja for further investigation as internal disciplinary procedures continue.

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its stance against extrajudicial actions, assuring that due process will be followed and that officers found culpable will face appropriate sanctions.

The video has since sparked widespread reactions across social media and public platforms, with renewed calls for accountability within the police force.

PUNCH

In a statement released on Wednesday, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed concern over the worsening situation, noting that tensions targeting black immigrants persist despite previous diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa.

“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” she said.

The commission revealed that it had received distressing reports indicating that children of Nigerian descent are increasingly afraid to attend school, while some business owners have shut down operations due to fears of looting, harassment, and targeted violence. Community leaders have also reported fresh incidents of attacks within the past 72 hours.

NiDCOM urged South African authorities to act swiftly in safeguarding foreign nationals, stressing that such protection is mandated under international law and African Union protocols.

Rejecting the profiling of Nigerians, the commission emphasized that criminal acts should be treated on an individual basis and not used to stigmatise an entire nationality.

“Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” the statement read.

The commission warned against collective punishment and stereotyping, describing such actions as “dangerous and unacceptable.” It also called for increased security presence in affected communities, prosecution of perpetrators, and the creation of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum.

Additionally, NiDCOM urged South African authorities to publicly denounce xenophobia and promote messages of unity and non-discrimination.

Nigerians residing in South Africa were advised to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night. The commission also confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While acknowledging the peaceful coexistence shared with many South Africans, NiDCOM called for calm, restraint, and respect for human life, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to continued diplomatic engagement.

The latest concerns come amid renewed tensions linked to protests reportedly led by the anti-immigration group Operation Dudula, which has been accused of targeting African migrants and advocating for deportations.

The unrest has sparked diplomatic concerns following reported attacks on Nigerians and safety warnings issued to diaspora communities in cities such as Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal.

As the situation develops, NiDCOM insists that urgent and decisive action is needed to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of Nigerians and other migrants in South Africa.

PUNCH

The law, titled Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors Law, 2026, was signed on Monday at the Government House in Umuahia.

Speaking at the event, the governor praised the Abia State House of Assembly for the quick passage of the bill, describing it as a timely intervention.

He also acknowledged the efforts of key contributors, including his wife, for championing the initiative.

Otti, however, stressed that beyond setting up rehabilitation centres, there is a need to address the root causes of gender-based violence through proper societal reorientation.

According to him, crimes such as rape, child abuse, and human trafficking are not part of the values of the Igbo culture and must be strongly rejected.

He added that his administration is working to create job opportunities for young people, noting that meaningful engagement can help reduce crime.

Presenting the bill for assent, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, said the legislation was given accelerated consideration because of its importance to society.

He noted that the law is aimed at providing care, support, and rehabilitation for victims of abuse and violence.

Also speaking, the governor’s wife, Priscilla Otti, who initiated the bill, said the law would restore hope to survivors.

She explained that it would ensure victims receive the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

She also thanked the House of Assembly and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

There is an African Proverb that says, “However, long the night, the dawn will break.”

On this glorious day, Christians across every tongue, tribe, and nation gather together to proclaim the most world-changing truth in all of human history: the tomb is empty, death is defeated, and Jesus Christ reigns as Lord.

Easter is not just a symbol or a season. It is a fact — the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the first-fruits of a new creation.

Because He lives, we live. Because He has conquered sin and death, there is no corner of this earth, no depth of suffering, no weight of grief that stands beyond the reach of His resurrection power and endless love.

To our brothers and sisters around the world — in seasons of joy and in seasons of persecution — we say with one voice: Hold fast in the hope of the resurrection. The risen Christ holds you, He sees you, and He hears your prayers.

He who walked out of the grave on the third day is the same Lord who walks with you today. And as we joyfully proclaim every week in our services, Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.

This Easter, may the living hope of the resurrection fill your hearts, strengthen your faith, and send you out as witnesses to the world that Jesus Christ is alive — and that His Kingdom shall have no end.

Let us pray together:

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may, by your life-giving Spirit, be delivered from sin and raised from death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Grace and peace,

The Most Revd Dr Laurent Mbanda
Chairman of the Global Anglican Council
Easter Day, 5th April, 2026

The directive, announced in a statement on Sunday, is aimed at ensuring that telecom users are not left to bear the impact of service failures when operators fall short of required performance standards.

According to the Commission, telecom operators found to have breached established Quality of Service (QoS) benchmarks will be required to compensate affected customers directly. The penalties will apply to cases where poor service quality is recorded within defined time periods and locations.

“The compensation will be provided in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers’ average spending patterns and their presence within Local Government Areas where service failures occur”, the statement said.

The NCC noted that the policy reflects its broader commitment to prioritising consumers within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, while also strengthening accountability among service providers.

“Telecommunications services today underpins economic activity, social interaction, and access to digital opportunities. When service quality is poor, the consequences affect productivity, commercial activities, and even public confidence in our communications system.

“While regulatory fines have traditionally served as a deterrent against poor service delivery, the Commission is adopting a more consumer-focused approach that strengthens accountability within the industry”.

The Commission further explained that the initiative is designed to support ongoing measures aimed at improving service monitoring and enforcing compliance with performance standards across the industry.

In addition, the NCC disclosed that tower companies responsible for telecom infrastructure, such as masts, have also been directed to reinvest fines imposed on them into upgrading infrastructure. This, it said, would help improve overall service quality and ensure measurable outcomes.

“The Commission will continue to reinforce the obligation of operators to invest consistently in network resilience, capacity expansion, and infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing demand for telecommunications services.

“At the same time, it will deploy regulatory tools that promote fairness, transparency, and accountability across the sector, ensuring that every subscriber receives the quality of service they deserve while sustaining a telecommunications industry capable of powering Nigeria’s digital future”, the statement added.

ChannelsTv

The strategic meeting, held on Thursday night, brought together party leaders, influential members, and grassroots coordinators from across Adamawa State.

During the engagement, Atiku stressed the importance of building strong organisational structures and maintaining active participation among party members at all levels. He acknowledged that political parties often face challenges in mobilising support and sustaining enthusiasm but noted that such obstacles can be overcome through proper planning and inclusive leadership.

“We reviewed the current state of our party, particularly regarding the ongoing registration of members and mobilisation efforts. We are confident about where we stand now and enthusiastic about prospects,” he wrote on X on Friday.

He further explained that effective party organisation goes beyond numbers, highlighting the need for systems that promote participation, accountability, and a sense of belonging among members.

Atiku also urged party leaders to intensify grassroots engagement by building stronger community networks and involving young people, while ensuring that the ADC’s message reaches every part of the state.

Olowoniyi made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Arise TV, coming days after the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, apologised to Nigerians over the persistent power outages that have affected homes, businesses, and institutions nationwide.

Reacting to the apology, Olowoniyi described it as a demonstration of leadership rather than an admission of fault.

“I think, first of all, I’d like to start with the apology from the Honourable Minister, which we believe is all about taking leadership in the sector.

Not necessarily directly his fault for the challenges that we have, but as the Minister of Power, he just took—it was the right leadership step to say, okay, I take ownership of this issue, and I’m going to prefer a solution that would ensure power supply comes back in the shortest available time,” he said.

He explained that the current power challenges were mainly caused by maintenance work on a critical gas pipeline supplying fuel to power plants, noting that about 75 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity generation depends on gas.

“One of the major gas pipelines in Nigeria was undergoing maintenance, and gradually that process is being completed. We’re sure that within the next two weeks, full gas pressure will be back on the gas pipelines, and the power plants will be able to get enough gas at least to go back to their level of generation that they had in the last two to three months,” he said.

Olowoniyi added that the recovery process has already begun, with improvements expected to continue steadily in the coming days.

“I would already say that from yesterday, we would have gradually started to see some improvement as the pressure on the pipeline gradually starts to build up, and we will see continuous improvement over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

The development follows the minister’s earlier remarks in Abuja, where he assured Nigerians that the outages were due to factors beyond immediate control but promised noticeable improvement within two weeks.

“I can tell you… two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply. Two weeks,” Adelabu had said.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s plan to increase electricity generation to 6,000 megawatts before the end of 2026, describing the current situation as temporary.

Nigeria’s power sector continues to face longstanding challenges, including limited gas supply, ageing infrastructure, transmission constraints, and financial issues across the system.

This clarification comes amid rising concerns from families about the safety of corps members, particularly those posted to areas facing security challenges.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, stated that no such provision exists in the NYSC Act, its Bye-laws, or any official document of the scheme.

“The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps have noted with serious concern the circulation of a misleading and alarmist write-up titled ‘Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,” the statement read.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the NYSC categorically states that there is no provision whatsoever for any ‘ransom clause.’ This claim is entirely fictitious and should be disregarded in its entirety,” it added.

The scheme also addressed the case of Musa Abba, which has been widely referenced in connection with the allegations. According to the NYSC, the incident has been wrongly linked to its operations.

“We deeply empathise with Mr Musa Usman Abba and his family over the unfortunate incident… While this situation is distressing, it is important to clarify that he is not a serving Corps Member, having completed his national service in 2023,” the statement explained.

Amid the growing anxiety, the NYSC emphasised that it continues to work closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of corps members across the country.

It noted that corps members deployed to high-risk areas are provided with security support, including military escorts—an approach that has been consistently applied since 2024 in parts of the North West and earlier in the North East.

To further strengthen safety measures, the scheme has relocated orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to more secure locations, safeguarding both corps members and officials.

“The NYSC remains a responsible and responsive institution that places the highest premium on the welfare, safety, and well-being of corps members and staff,” the statement said.

In addition, all corps members are covered by a life insurance policy through a partnership with Capital Express Assurance Limited. The coverage extends up to three weeks after the completion of service, alongside enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The NYSC reiterated its commitment to its founding objective of promoting unity and national development, despite ongoing security concerns in some parts of the country.

It also warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that false reports can heighten fear and weaken public confidence in national institutions.

“The Scheme has been targeted on several occasions by purveyors of fake news and misinformation, making it imperative for the media and the general public to remain vigilant,” the statement concluded.

According to reports from Daily Post, tensions arose inside the courtroom when Sowore had a confrontation with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria while attempting to speak with journalists during proceedings.

A video circulating online captured the moment a lawyer challenged him, stating that the courtroom was not the right place to address the press. Sowore, however, pushed back, saying:
“You’re intimidating me and insulting my intelligence because you’re introducing yourself to me as a SAN. I also have my own SANs.”

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association acknowledged that courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to encourage transparency and trust. However, it stressed that such openness must be guided by discipline, restraint, and respect for judicial authority.

“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr Omoyele Sowore,” the statement said.

The NBA explained that Sowore entered the courtroom alongside individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to begin setting up for a press briefing within the court premises.

According to the association, members of his team attended to him “in a manner akin to a broadcast setting,” after which he moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began speaking on “a range of national issues,” despite the fact that his case was not scheduled for hearing and he was not accompanied by legal counsel.

The situation reportedly created tension and led to a confrontation with Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining order in the courtroom.

“Any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law,” the NBA stated.

It further emphasised that using a courtroom as a platform for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.”

While reiterating that Nigerians have the right to observe court proceedings, the association clarified that such access does not include turning the courtroom into a venue for press engagements or disruptive activities.

The NBA concluded by condemning Sowore’s actions and expressing support for Musibau Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who worked to uphold order.

“We also call on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice and free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners,” the statement added.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of the legal profession, stressing that courtrooms must always remain environments of order, respect, and disciplined advocacy.

Speaking at a press briefing in Madrid hosted by Aid to the Church in Need, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama openly addressed the difficulties Christians are currently facing across Nigeria.

He stated: “There is an Islamic programme to reduce the influence, growth and development of the Christian faith in Nigeria. A deliberate programme by Islamists to reduce the Christian presence in this country…”

The archbishop also pointed to the increasing influence of Shari’a law in certain regions, noting its impact beyond Muslim communities. He explained: “Shari‘a has also been imposed on many who are not Muslims. Although they say it is only for Muslims, many people in the north have lost their rights, their lives and cannot live in a proper way.

“If this continues, we will be in danger of losing our faith and of not having the necessary strength to sustain our faith and our Church.”

Northern Nigeria continues to experience unrest driven by extremist factions such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, alongside attacks linked to armed groups and a surge in kidnappings for ransom.

Archbishop Kaigama highlighted that both religious leaders and church members are increasingly being targeted to instill fear and disrupt worship activities.

“They are injecting fear into our priests, kidnapping priests again and again and again.

“They are injecting fear into the laity who gather to celebrate Mass by bombing them, shooting them, threatening them … to prevent them from getting together.”

Recent incidents further reflect the severity of the situation. On March 16, coordinated suicide attacks in Maiduguri hit a hospital, a market, and a post office, leaving at least 28 people dead and over 100 injured.

Even Abuja, the nation’s capital, has not been spared. According to the archbishop, priests within his diocese have been abducted, while others have abandoned their parishes due to persistent threats to their lives.

He also spoke about international responses to the crisis, including military actions associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump in late 2025.

While acknowledging that Trump “was the first international leader to announce that the Church of Nigeria was being persecuted”, the archbishop noted that the intervention “has further inflamed the Islamists in that territory”.

He added: “The number of attacks and kidnappings by Boko Haram and the other groups has been growing ever since …

“We thought he was going to come and attack the root of the problem, the root of Boko Haram, that he was going to eradicate all this and that we could live in peace. It has not achieved much – in fact it has achieved the opposite effect.”

Describing the current reality, Archbishop Kaigama said the scale of killings and kidnappings is “incredible”, stressing that his main concern remains “how to heal Nigeria”.