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How Boko Haram Leader, Terrorism Financing Suspects Were Released – Retired Army General Laments

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A retired Nigerian Army Major General, Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi, has demanded a thorough investigation into the release of 48 suspects linked to terrorism financing, including a figure flagged by foreign intelligence agencies as a senior Boko Haram leader, who were earlier held by the military.

Ali-Keffi, who was appointed in October 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the covert Operation Service Wide (OSW), said the circumstances surrounding the release raised serious national security concerns.

OSW was tasked with investigating terrorism financiers and collaborators and comprised personnel from the military, intelligence and security agencies, as well as legal officers from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Speaking in an interview with SaharaReporters, Ali-Keffi disclosed that the task force collaborated with about 33 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, under the cover of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

He alleged that the National Assembly failed to probe the matter due to what he described as compromise involving a former Army chief.

The retired general said OSW arrested 48 individuals identified as terrorism financiers, including one described as a principal Boko Haram leader by Western and Middle Eastern intelligence agencies.

“A significant amount of the huge funds meant for counterterrorism were shared amongst prominent military and government officials including National Assembly members and others,” he said.

“Putting the terrorism financing suspects on trial would have exposed the misappropriation of these counterterrorism funds and all the beneficiaries. That is why nothing has been done.”

He alleged that the NFIU traced large sums of counterterrorism funds diverted through some of the arrested suspects who operated Bureau De Change firms as fronts.

“These funds were laundered on behalf of top military and government officials,” Ali-Keffi said. “We should not forget that these same suspects also moved funds for Boko Haram operations.”

Ali-Keffi questioned the release of Hima Abubakar, whose $600 million account was allegedly traced by the NFIU to an offshore account.

“First, who ordered the release of the 48 terror financing suspects held in military custody? All those who played a part should be identified,” he said.

“Secondly, why were they released without being put on trial?”

“Thirdly, why did the government request the US to unfreeze the $600m of Hima Abubakar traced by the NFIU to an overseas offshore account?”

He recalled that Abubakar had been declared wanted by Nigerian and Nigerien authorities and was earlier indicted by the Committee on Defence and Arms Procurement (CADEP) for irregularities in arms procurement.

“So why did we request the US to unfreeze his account after CADEP found him liable of owing the country a huge amount of money?” he asked.

Ali-Keffi also expressed concern over the release of Alhaji Saidu Ahmed, also known as Saidu Gold, who he said was identified as a top Boko Haram leader.

“It is laughable that Saidu Gold was released from Army detention and allowed to walk free despite the abundance of evidence OSW had,” he said.

He referenced intelligence documents from the United Arab Emirates, which allegedly showed that Saidu Gold recruited six individuals later jailed in Dubai for terrorism-related offences.

“Yet, for some insane reasons, we didn’t even put him on trial,” he added.

The retired general further recalled that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, had initiated a forensic audit into counterterrorism funds and unexecuted procurement projects.

“He died three days before he was to act on the report,” Ali-Keffi said, alleging that the audit was suppressed to conceal fund diversion.

Ali-Keffi called for a full-scale investigation into the handling of terrorism financing cases and counterterrorism funds.

“If the NFIU under OSW should ever make its investigations public, I can assure you there will be a tsunami in Nigeria,” he said.

“Many military and government officials, including distinguished members of the National Assembly, would be implicated.”

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11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

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The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

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So Sad: Father Dies While Rescuing Daughter From Midnight Fire, Both Perish in Minna Tragedy (Photos)

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A father’s ultimate act of love has ended in heartbreak after a devastating midnight fire claimed both his life and that of his six-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State, leaving a family shattered and a community in mourning.

The tragedy struck at approximately 2am on March 2, 2026, when fire broke out at the residence of Ikechukwu Michael Njoku, 45, situated within the premises of St. Andrew Anglican Church in the Sabon Gari area of Minna.

According to accounts shared on Facebook by family acquaintance Offor Oscar Onyinye, Njoku was jolted awake by the smell of smoke and the sight of flames rapidly engulfing his home. Without pause for his own safety, he plunged into the inferno to rescue his young daughter, Esther, who was trapped inside the children’s room. Though he managed to pull himself out of the blaze, little Esther did not survive — she died instantly.

Njoku himself emerged from the fire with severe burns across his body. For nearly two weeks, he clung to life, battling his injuries at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna. His struggle ended on March 16, 2026, when he succumbed to his wounds — fourteen days after he had thrown himself into the flames for his child.

His wife and three other children survived the inferno but sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalised at IBB Specialist Hospital, where they continue to fight for recovery.

Father and daughter are to be laid to rest on March 27, 2026, in their ancestral hometown of Mebiokpa Okposi Ohozara in Ebonyi State.

“In just one night, a family lost so much — a father gone, a daughter gone, and others left in pain and trauma,” Onyinye wrote in a tribute that has since resonated widely across social media, with many describing Njoku as a hero whose love for his child knew no bounds.

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I Thought It Was A Joke — Nigerian Man Recounts What He Witnessed During “R@ping Festival” In Delta (Video)

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A video making rounds on social media has triggered widespread reactions after capturing a disturbing incident reportedly occurring in Ozoro, Delta State.

According to multiple posts online, there are claims that several women have been ass@ulted in the area during what some users are describing as a local gathering.

There are also warnings being shared online advising women and girls in the area to stay indoors, with concerns that those outside may be at risk. Some posts further allege that individuals who are unaware of the situation, including visitors and students, may have been affected.

Ozoro is home to Delta State University, and many online users have expressed concern about the safety of students and residents.

The situation has triggered widespread outrage, with many calling for urgent attention, proper investigation, and protection for those in the community.

Delta state police command, SP Bright Edafe, said the police has begun arresting some of the defaulting men.

Watch the video below..

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