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Four Defence Ministry Directors Regain Freedom After Two-Week Ordeal In Captivity

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Four of the six female directors of the Ministry of Defence earlier abducted in Kogi State have regained their freedom after nearly two weeks in captivity.

Sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters said the rescued officials were forced to trek long distances through the Kogi forest belt into Kaduna State before reaching safety.

Two of the women, Mrs C.A. Emeribe and Mrs J.A. Onwuzurike, were, however, feared dead, reportedly succumbing to exhaustion during the gruelling ordeal.

The source said, “I learned they have been released, but two of them unfortunately couldn’t make it.

“They died out of exhaustion after trekking from Kogi to Kaduna through the forest. The remaining four are currently undergoing medical examinations.”

The six victims Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs C.A. Emeribe, Mrs C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs C.A. Ladoye, Mrs J.A. Onwuzurike and Mrs Catherine O. Essien, were traveling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion course and examination when they were ambushed.

The incident occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the Kabba–Lokoja highway. Armed men reportedly intercepted their vehicle in what security sources later described as a “well-coordinated attack.”

The gunmen whisked the women into the forest, where they were held under harsh conditions, with limited food, water and little rest.

“They spent almost two weeks with their abductors in the forest. It was a terrible experience,” the source added.

The abduction sparked tension within the Ministry of Defence and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).

In a statement jointly signed by ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, the union confirmed the names of the abducted directors and condemned the attack.

“These Directors, who are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the statement read.

The union said the Defence Ministry had deployed operatives and activated emergency measures to secure their release.

ASCSN criticised the Federal Civil Service Commission for compelling civil servants to travel long distances for promotion examinations despite rising insecurity and poor road conditions.

“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states.

“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks,” the statement added.

The union warned that unless the government decentralises promotion and verification exercises, more tragedies could occur.

Authorities are expected to give updates on the condition of the freed officials in the coming days.

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EFCC evicts Malami from Abuja home amid forfeiture dispute

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Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami says Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives forcefully evicted him and his family from their Abuja residence despite ongoing court proceedings over the property’s forfeiture.
He described the action as unlawful and vowed to challenge it in court.

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Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

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The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

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Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

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