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Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Sunday morning

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Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has dismissed ASCII Maikano Sarkin-Tasha over his alleged collaboration with bandits terrorizing the state.

The suspect was alleged to have been supplying hard drugs and ammunition to the terrorists. The State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, disclosed this while briefing newsmen.

2. The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, as a public holiday to commemorate the nation’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this declaration in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on Saturday in Abuja.

3. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has mocked supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Peoples Party (APP) ahead of the October 5 local government election.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike expressed surprise that members of the PDP loyal to the governor could defect to APP, stating that he will teach them a lesson.

4. The Deputy Manager of the Command and Control Centre of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Murtala Muhammad, has disclosed that more than 8,000 illegal refineries have been destroyed within the last six months in the country.

Speaking on Saturday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ engagement session, Muhammad also said 5,800 illegal oil pipeline connections were detected and destroyed within the same period.

5. Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general election, Peter Obi, has said the security challenges bedeviling Africa are directly linked to poverty, with over 50% of the population being multi-dimensionally poor.

6. A notorious Boko Haram terrorist, Bochu Abacha, has surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force deployed in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

A statement on Saturday by the Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, noted that the terrorist admitted to being a notorious Boko Haram member who participated in several operations along the Monguno–Baga axis of the state.

7. Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested a man for allegedly impersonating a police officer and extorting money from the public.

The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Shafiu Abdulkadir, a resident of Anguwan Yelwa in Yola North Local Government Area, was apprehended on Thursday.

8. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said that crude oil production output of three million barrels per day is achievable, up from the current 1.7 million. The Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, stated this in an address at a stakeholders’ engagement session for journalists covering the National Assembly in Abuja.

9. An investigative report by FIJ reveals that social media influencer and crossdresser, Bobrisky, spent only three weeks of his sentence in prison and the rest in a secret location.

According to the FIJ report, while Bobrisky was indeed taken to Kirikiri prison in April after his sentence was pronounced, the report disclosed that he left after just three weeks.

10. Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command, in collaboration with soldiers, have foiled two different kidnap attempts in the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Police Command, on Saturday.

Business

Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress

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Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.

Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.

He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.

During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.

Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.

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Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest

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Dangote

By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.

Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.

The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.

Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.

“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.

He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.

“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.

Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.

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Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently convicted and handed a life sentence, had filed a new motion asking to be transferred to Sokoto prison.

The application was brought before the court by Emmanuel Kanu.

He informed the court that since it was impossible for Nnamdi Kanu to appear personally to move the motion, the judge should go ahead and hear the matter in his absence.

Kanu argued that it would serve the interest of justice for him to be moved to a correctional facility closer to Abuja so he can properly pursue his appeal.

However, when the case was called, Justice Omotosho refused to recognise the appearance of Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, who had attempted to stand in for the IPOB leader.

The judge informed Emmanuel that he was not permitted to move the application since he is not a qualified lawyer.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the trial judge insisted.

He advised the applicant to hire a qualified lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for proper legal representation, as provided by law.

“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.

“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice.

“But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.

“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge added.

Understanding the court’s position, Emmanuel then asked for a new hearing date.

Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the motion to December 8.

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