A six-month investigation reveals that 578 people were killed by bandits and herdsmen across North Central Nigeria, with Benue and Plateau states accounting for the majority of casualties.

Banditry Crisis: 578 Killed in Six Months Across North Central Nigeria

Banditry Crisis: 578 Killed in Six Months Across North Central Nigeria No fewer than 578 people have been killed by armed bandits, suspected herdsmen, and other criminal groups across Nigeria’s North Central region between November 2024 and April 2025, a Saturday Sun investigation has revealed.

The figure, based on an analysis of media reports from the period, underscores the deepening insecurity in the zone, where mass killings, village raids, and coordinated attacks have become tragically routine.

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Benue State emerged as the worst hit, accounting for 244 deaths — roughly 42 percent of the total fatalities recorded. Plateau State followed with 137 deaths (24 percent), while Nasarawa State recorded 104 fatalities (18 percent).

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Other affected states include Kogi (57 deaths, 10 percent), Niger (29 deaths, five percent), and Kwara (seven deaths, one percent).

While security agencies and state governments have yet to release official casualty figures for the period under review, it is widely believed that several incidents remain unreported, suggesting the actual death toll could be even higher.

Benue: Epicenter of Attacks

Benue State bore the brunt of the violence, suffering over 27 reported attacks between November 2024 and April 24, 2025. The hardest-hit local government areas included Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Otukpo, Guma, and Makurdi.

In November 2024 alone, four major attacks left at least 44 people dead. Christmas Day turned bloody in Kwande, as over 30 residents were killed and thousands displaced.

Although only one fatal attack was recorded in January 2025, February witnessed four attacks with 33 deaths. March saw five violent incidents, including the murder of three hunters in Otukpo and the killing of 16 farmers whose bodies were dumped in River Katsina-Ala.

April 2025 proved especially brutal, with more than 10 separate attacks leaving at least 103 people dead across multiple communities.

Plateau: Rising Casualties Amid Renewed Hostilities

In Plateau State, no major incidents were reported in November 2024. However, violence flared in December, when 15 people were killed in Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government Area.

Three attacks were recorded in March 2025, including the killings of two police officers, a Miyetti Allah leader, and 11 mourners in Bokkos.

The violence escalated sharply in April, with 52 people slaughtered in Bokkos on April 2, and 53 more killed less than two weeks later in Zike Kimakpa, Bassa Local Government Area.

Nasarawa: April Bloodbath

Nasarawa State experienced relatively fewer attacks earlier in the review period. A November 2024 attack left three dead, while February 2025 saw three soldiers ambushed and killed in Katakpa, Toto LGA.

However, the state witnessed a devastating escalation in April 2025, when coordinated attacks across four local government areas — Obi, Awe, Doma, and Keana left 78 people dead.

Kogi: Gradual Rise in Attacks

Kogi State recorded seven deaths in November 2024 and 12 in December. Six people were killed in January 2025, followed by five in February. In March, 15 deaths were reported, and 12 more fatalities occurred in April.

Niger: Isolated but Deadly Incidents

In Niger State, sporadic but deadly attacks were documented. Seven people were killed on November 5, 2024, and a student was murdered on November 11. An improvised explosive device (IED) blast claimed another life in December.

In February 2025, 19 farmers were killed in a single attack on Karaga village, Shiroro LGA, marking the deadliest incident in the state within the period.

Kwara: Minimal but Tragic Losses

Kwara State recorded only one significant attack during the six months under review. On April 21, 2025, bandits attacked communities in Ilesha Baruba and Kemanji, killing seven people and injuring many others.

Despite multiple government interventions, insecurity in Nigeria’s North Central zone continues to escalate, leaving thousands displaced and communities devastated.

Observers warn that unless proactive measures are urgently implemented, the humanitarian and security crisis may worsen ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of 73 properties, including laptops and phones, linked to a Chinese cyber-terrorism syndicate arrested by the EFCC in a major crackdown on internet fraud.

EFCC Secures Forfeiture of 73 Properties from Chinese Cybercrime Syndicate in Lagos

Cyber-Terrorism: Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of 73 Properties Linked to Chinese Suspects in Lagos

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has granted an interim forfeiture order on 73 properties and items, including 1,596 laptop computers, linked to a group of Chinese nationals allegedly involved in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The suspects are said to be part of a syndicate of 792 individuals arrested during a coordinated sting operation known as “Eagle Flush Operation” carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 10, 2024, in Lagos. The group is alleged to have been engaged in cryptocurrency investment scams and online romance fraud.

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The order, granted on Wednesday, April 23, followed an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC on April 17, 2025, through its counsel, B.M. Isah, targeting Genting International Co. as a party in the case.

Items Seized Include:

1,596 laptops/computers

4,091 mobile phones

3,399 Nigerian SIM cards (1,122 MTN, 1,277 Airtel, 684 Glo, 316 9mobile)

350 foreign SIM cards

194 routers

205 sofas

501 bunk beds

754 mattresses

40 refrigerators, 10 microwaves, 13 electric kettles, 21 UPS units, two whiteboards, and six gas cylinders

43 CPUs/monitors, a ring light, two fuel tanks, a transformer

Seven vehicles

411 deep freezers, a network server, a toaster, an air fryer, a blender, and a spiral dough mixer

558 office desks, two television sets, two double-burner stoves, and a dining set

16 inverter batteries and 14 inverters

Three weight scales

The EFCC argued that these items were reasonably suspected to have been used for computer-related fraud and money laundering.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu stated, “I have read the motion and the accompanying documents, and I find sufficient merit in the application. Consequently, the motion succeeds and is hereby granted.”

The court further directed that a public notice of the interim forfeiture order be published in a national newspaper. This allows any interested party 14 days to come forward and show cause why the forfeited assets should not be permanently handed over to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Saudi Arabia sets April 29 deadline for Umrah pilgrims to exit the Kingdom or face fines, jail, or deportation. AI surveillance ramps up as Hajj season nears.

Saudi Arabia Warns Umrah Pilgrims to Leave by April 29 or Face Jail and Deportation

Saudi Arabia Sets April 29 Deadline for Umrah Pilgrims to Depart or Face Legal Consequences

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a strict directive requiring all Umrah pilgrims to exit the country by April 29, 2025, as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj season. Pilgrims who fail to comply with this deadline risk facing fines, imprisonment, and deportation, authorities have warned.

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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that overstaying pilgrimage visas is a serious offense under Saudi law, and will be treated accordingly.

Security is a red line,” said Lt. Gen. Mohammed Abdullah Al Bassami, Director of Public Security. “Our systems are designed to ensure the dignity, safety, and efficient movement of the guests of Allah.

Saudi Arabia has adopted advanced AI-powered crowd control systems to manage the large influx of visitors during religious seasons. Officials explained that pilgrims who overstay their visas disrupt these systems and pose a threat to the country’s ability to manage crowds effectively.

Between March 27 and April 2, Saudi authorities arrested more than 18,400 individuals for violations of residency, labor, and border regulations, as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.

Penalties for Overstaying or Visa Violations:

First offense: SAR 15,000 fine (approximately $4,000) and deportation

Second offense: SAR 25,000 fine, up to 3 months in jail, and deportation

Third offense: SAR 50,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, and deportation

Penalties for Aiding Violators:

Companies or individuals found guilty of harboring, employing, or transporting overstaying pilgrims may face:

Fines up to SAR 100,000

Jail terms

Confiscation of vehicles used

Deportation of any foreign accomplices

Pilgrimage service providers who fail to report overstaying pilgrims may also be sanctioned. Penalties for such providers start at SAR 25,000, and may escalate to SAR 100,000 for repeat violations.

Saudi authorities stressed that the safety and sanctity of the pilgrimage experience remain their top priority.

“We are committed to providing a secure and spiritually fulfilling environment for all pilgrims,” Al Bassami said. “Any violation of these rules will be met with the full force of the law.”

PDP chairman Umar Damagum calls Delta governor’s defection to APC “unfortunate” and says 2027 will be a battle between Tinubu and Nigerians, not governors.

PDP Reacts to Delta Governor’s Defection, Says 2027 Election Is Between Tinubu and Nigerians

Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has described the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other prominent party members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “unfortunate” and a betrayal of the party’s trust.

Speaking in Abuja during the presentation of Certificate of Return to PDP’s Anambra governorship candidate, Jude Ezenwafor, Damagum expressed deep disappointment, especially considering the support the party had given to Delta State over the years.

We least expected this action from them. PDP has been very magnanimous to Delta. We gave them everything grom the governorship to vice presidential candidacy,” Damagum said.

The defection, which also reportedly includes former Delta Governor and PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, was announced after a closed-door meeting in Asaba, led by Senator James Manager.

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Despite the high-profile exits, Damagum emphasized that the party remains unshaken and would immediately reconstitute its state leadership structures, beginning with the formation of a caretaker committee in Delta.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Damagum dismissed concerns about party defections and stressed that the real battle is not between political parties but between President Tinubu and the Nigerian people.

“This election in 2027 is not about how many governors you have. It’s APC versus Nigerians,” he declared.

Citing Peter Obi’s performance in 2023, Damagum reminded Nigerians that party machinery alone does not determine election outcomes, adding that citizens suffering under current economic hardship will decide the next administration.

He also encouraged PDP members across the country to remain united and resilient, stating that the party had overcome greater challenges in the past.

Meanwhile, Jude Ezenwafor, PDP’s candidate for the upcoming November 8 Anambra governorship election, expressed gratitude and confidence in securing victory.

Anambra is PDP and PDP is Anambra. I’ll surprise the world with the election result,” Ezenwafor said.

Labour Party’s Julius Abure insists he remains the party’s National Chairman, warns Peter Obi and Governor Otti against misinterpreting Supreme Court ruling.

I Remain Labour Party National Chairman, No Vacancy in Leadership  Julius Abure Declares

Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has declared that he remains the undisputed leader of the party, dismissing any claims of a leadership vacuum or alternative authority.

At a press briefing held Thursday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, spoke on behalf of Abure, describing the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee as illegitimate and lacking constitutional backing.

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Abure also warned key party figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, to stop misinterpreting the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 ruling, which he claims reaffirms his leadership.

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“The Supreme Court actually validated the party’s national convention held on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, thereby affirming the legality of our National Working Committee,” Abure stated.

He criticized internal actors for exploiting a misunderstood judgment to sow division within the party, insisting all processes leading to the 2024 convention were constitutional.

Quoting directly from the Supreme Court judgment, he emphasized the autonomy of political parties:

“A political party is a corporate entity with its own constitution… binding on members who freely joined it,” referencing Abegunde Vs. Ondo State House of Assembly.

Abure urged both Otti and Obi to “hear the Supreme Court loud and clear” and to uphold the party’s constitution.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions, as the Obi-Otti faction recently presented a 48-page Certified True Copy of the judgment at a parallel National Executive Committee meeting, insisting the ruling invalidates Abure’s chairmanship.

Efforts to get a response from Peter Obi’s media team and Tony Akeni, spokesman for the Usman faction, were unsuccessful as of press time.

Suspected herdsmen launch midnight attack on Agbo Vengav community in Benue, killing seven and abducting others, including women and children.

Seven Killed, Others Missing in Midnight Benue Attack by Suspected Herdsmen

Seven people, including women and a young girl, have been confirmed dead following a midnight attack by suspected herdsmen on Agbo Vengav community in Udam, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

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The attack occurred around 1:00 am on Friday, catching residents off guard as they slept.

Eyewitnesses say the assailants, believed to be armed Fulani herders, stormed the village and opened fire, leaving seven people dead.

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“A little girl was killed while her mother was abducted. We still don’t know where she is,” a local resident said anonymously.

The community is still searching for several missing persons as fears of more fatalities mount.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement. Attempts to reach the Benue State Police Command spokesperson were unsuccessful, as calls to her mobile phone went unanswered.

The attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents in Benue State, which has been one of the hotspots of clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria.

EFCC and National Sports Commission strengthen collaboration to develop grassroots talents ahead of the 2025 OSOM Games aimed at fostering peace and unity.

EFCC, NSC Partner to Boost Sports Development Ahead of OSOM Games 2025

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have agreed to deepen their partnership in promoting sports development and national unity.

The resolution was reached during a courtesy visit by the EFCC’s Sports Committee, led by Assistant Commander Halilu Dauda, to NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, ahead of the upcoming One Service, One Medal (OSOM) Games.

The OSOM Games, an annual multi-sport tournament, brings together participants from Nigeria’s armed forces, law enforcement, and para-military agencies, fostering peace, camaraderie, and national integration.

Dauda commended Dikko’s efforts in revitalizing Nigerian sports, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development.

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“The OSOM Games will serve as a platform to harness talent that can bring Nigeria global recognition. We have exceptional athletes at home and abroad our focus should be on grooming the best from the grassroots,” he said.

EFCC Sports Committee PRO, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, also highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, stating that synergy among government institutions is vital to resource mobilization and talent discovery.

In response, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko emphasized the Commission’s commitment to early athlete development.

“We’re prioritizing grassroots and school-based programs. Waiting for competitions to start preparations is counterproductive our focus is on long-term training and talent grooming,” Dikko said.

The 2025 OSOM Games will include a diverse range of events such as swimming, taekwondo, weightlifting, beach volleyball, chess, football, golf, shooting, boxing, table tennis, tennis, squash, badminton, and scrabble.

The EFCC has arraigned Lexicon Media CEO Alex Ologbosele and two others for alleged N459 million fraud. Court adjourns bail ruling till May 2, 2025.

EFCC Arraigns Lexicon Media CEO for Alleged N459m Fraud, Court Remands Defendants in Kuje Prison

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Osabohem Alex Ologbosele, the Chief Executive Officer of Lexicon Multiconcept Media Limited, alongside his company and staff member Augustine Osas Iyoha, before Justice E. Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The three defendants face a six-count amended charge bordering on fraud, obtaining money under false pretense, and money laundering amounting to ₦459,050,000.

During the court session, EFCC counsel O.S. Ujam requested the court to substitute the initial charges filed on March 7, 2025, with an amended charge dated March 10, 2025, which the judge approved.

Details of the charges:

Count One: Ologbosele allegedly took possession of ₦340 million, transferred from the account of one Hope Onome Ogholemu, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Count Two: Lexicon Multiconcept Media allegedly received ₦16 million from Ologbosele’s Kuda Bank account into its Moniepoint account, also suspected to be laundered funds.

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All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the plea, Ujam requested an adjournment to allow the prosecution time to call witnesses. However, the defense counsel, Samuel Ogala, appealed for bail for all defendants, citing applications filed in March 2025.

Ujam opposed the bail, presenting a 17-paragraph affidavit detailing how the first defendant was arrested in November 2023, but failed to report back to the EFCC for several months until February 5, 2025, describing him as a flight risk.

Justice Akpan, after hearing both parties, adjourned the case to May 2, 2025, for a ruling on the bail applications and ordered the remand of all defendants in Kuje Correctional Facility.

President Tinubu declares “enough is enough” on killings in Nigeria, orders total security overhaul and collaboration with governors to restore peace.

Tinubu Orders Security Overhaul: ‘Enough is Enough,’ President Tells NSA, Service Chiefs

President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern directive to Nigeria’s security agencies, demanding an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security strategy. In strong terms, the President declared “enough is enough” in response to recent killings across Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states.

The marching order was delivered during a high-level security meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The session was attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, alongside the heads of the armed forces, police, and intelligence services. Details of the meeting were shared via a statement by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

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Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Ribadu revealed that President Tinubu demanded a new, coordinated approach to national security, emphasizing grassroots collaboration.

“Mr. President gave us the opportunity to provide a full update. It was a very lengthy and detailed session,” Ribadu said. “He directed us to intensify efforts and to work more closely with local communities, local governments, and state governors.”

Ribadu stressed that Tinubu remained actively engaged with security developments even while on official visits abroad, including trips to Paris and London, during which he continued issuing instructions to security operatives.

“The President was visibly concerned. He said clearly ‘enough is enough.’ His directive is for us to restore peace and stability, no matter what it takes,” Ribadu said.

Security agencies have now been tasked with implementing new strategies at every level, including reinforcing coordination at the community level where many of the recent conflicts have flared.

This renewed commitment underscores Tinubu’s resolve to end Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges and safeguard citizens in every part of the country.

EFCC obtains court order to arrest six CBEX promoters over alleged $1bn crypto fraud. Platform blocked withdrawals after luring investors with fake returns.

BREAKING: EFCC Secures Court Order to Arrest CBEX Crypto Fraud Suspects Over Alleged $1 Billion Scam

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the authority to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) over an alleged $1 billion cryptocurrency investment fraud.

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Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Thursday following an ex parte application filed by EFCC counsel Fadila Yusuf. The suspects are to remain in EFCC custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.

The individuals named in the arrest warrant include Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim. They are accused of operating CBEX through ST Technologies International Limited, a platform allegedly designed to exploit investors with promises of unrealistic 100% returns on crypto assets.

According to the EFCC, unsuspecting victims were encouraged to convert their digital currencies into stablecoins (USDT) and transfer them into wallets controlled by the suspects. Once over $1 billion had been collected, the platform became inaccessible, and investors were blocked from making withdrawals.

The anti-graft agency further disclosed that CBEX was never registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a key indicator that the operation was fraudulent from the outset.

The EFCC said the arrests are crucial to unraveling the full extent of the scam and securing justice for affected investors.