Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Jimmy Fatunbi A total of 416 women and children abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State have regained their freedom after spending months in captivity. The development was confirmed on Sunday by the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, who disclosed that the victims were released by their captors on Saturday, June 6. Kaigama said the alliance had played a key role in securing the release of the captives through sustained engagement and advocacy efforts. “BOSYA has secured the release of all the 416 women…

By Jimmy Fatunbi The Nigeria AI Film Festival (NAIFF) returns this September 2026 at Alliance Française Lagos to continue exploring the growing role of AI in filmmaking across Africa. Following a strong debut, the festival founded by Obinna Okerekeocha has quickly become a gathering point for filmmakers, technologists, and creatives examining the intersection of AI and storytelling. Last year’s inaugural edition recorded over 400 submissions and featured curated screenings, industry panels, and the AI Academy—an initiative providing creatives with practical tools for AI-driven production. Chidera “Odera Collins” Okonji, the festival’s Director of Communications, described the experience as “a necessary disruption,”…

By Jimmy Fatunbi The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s expenditure of N110 billion on vehicles and allowances for federal lawmakers, ruling that the spending violated procurement regulations, constitutional provisions, and principles of accountability in public office. In a judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, the court held that the allocation of N40 billion for the procurement of 465 vehicles and N70 billion as support allowances for newly elected legislators amounted to arbitrary and disproportionate spending that failed to comply with due process requirements. The suit was instituted by the Socio-Economic…

By Our Correspondent The rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, stands as a remarkable example of intelligence-led policing, operational discipline, and professional coordination by the Nigeria Police Force. The nightmare began on the morning of June 3, 2026, when armed kidnappers intercepted Mrs. John-Paul’s vehicle while she was taking her children to school in Ibadan. The brazen abduction sent shockwaves across Oyo State and beyond, triggering widespread concern and an immediate response from security agencies. What followed was a textbook demonstration of…

By Jimmy Fatunbi The presidential bid of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is drawing contrasting reactions across Northern Nigeria, with some political stakeholders questioning the alliance’s prospects while party supporters insist momentum is building ahead of the 2027 general election. Investigations by Sunday PUNCH indicate that although the duo’s newly formed platform, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has begun establishing structures in parts of the North, concerns remain over its visibility and acceptance among many voters in the region. Some northern political leaders argued that the party is yet to gain widespread recognition, while…

IBy Kolawole Omotola Olaide The Chief of the Air Staff, , has assured Nigerians that the remains fully committed to supporting efforts aimed at securing the safe release of victims abducted during recent attacks in Oyo State. The assurance was conveyed on Saturday in Abuja during the Nigerian Air Force’s second-quarter route march exercise for 2026. Speaking through the Chief of Policy and Plans, , Aneke stated that the Air Force would continue to deploy its resources and capabilities in collaboration with other security agencies to tackle insecurity and protect citizens across the country. He emphasized that the service remains…

By Kolawole Omotola Olaide Governor has applauded the efforts of the for its crucial support in ongoing security operations aimed at rescuing victims of recent abductions in parts of Oyo State. The governor made the commendation during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Air Force led by , who represented the Chief of the Air Staff, . Makinde said the visit offered him an opportunity to acknowledge the vital contributions of the Air Force in tackling security threats across the state, particularly in areas affected by recent kidnapping incidents. According to the governor, aerial surveillance operations carried out…

By Kolawole Omotola Olaide A touching moment between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzette Wike, stole the spotlight during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of University of Port Harcourt on Friday. The event, attended by dignitaries, academics, students, and guests, took an emotional turn while Wike was delivering his remarks before the convocation audience. In a gesture that drew admiration from many present, Justice Suzette approached the podium and lovingly attended to her husband by wiping sweat from his face and helping to straighten his ceremonial cap. Witnesses at the ceremony said…

By Kolawole Omotola Olaide Policy strategist Baba Yusuf has decried the horrific acts allegedly committed by terrorists in Zamfara State, describing the suffering endured by victims and their families as deeply heartbreaking. Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Yusuf reflected on the devastating impact of insecurity on communities across the state, citing a disturbing incident involving abducted residents of Kauran Namoda. According to him, about 200 people were reportedly kidnapped in the area in May 2025 and taken into captivity by armed terrorists. Among the victims was a heavily pregnant woman who later gave birth to twins while being…

By Kolawole Omotola Olaide A disturbing video showing retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife in captivity has surfaced online, raising fresh concerns over their safety following their abduction in Katsina State.The retired army officer, who previously served as Directorof Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, wasreportedly kidnapped alongside his wife while travellingthrough the Matazu area of Katsina State. In the footage, which has circulated widely on social media and among security stakeholders, the couple appeared visibly distressed as they appealed for assistance and pleaded for their freedom. The video marks the first visual evidence of their condition since…