News
Gunfire erupts as soldiers confront Wike’s associates during an attempt to demolish a building in Abuja.
On December 18, 2023, a disturbing incident unfolded in the Sabon Lugbe Area of Abuja, where soldiers allegedly following the orders of a Major General reportedly assaulted officials from the Development Control Department. These officials were executing a directive from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, aimed at dismantling illegal structures in the vicinity, specifically targeting a property on Plot 416.
Upon their arrival, the enforcement team was met with hostility. Soldiers, traveling in a vehicle with obscured license plates, blocked the exit to the property and issued threats of violence, declaring that “someone would die that day.” The situation escalated when gunshots rang out, purportedly fired by the soldiers to intimidate the officials engaged in their lawful duties.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with a Private Jamilu coercing a caterpillar operator—who was tasked with the dismantling—by brandishing his rifle and threatening immediate violence. Following this confrontation, the soldiers allegedly beat the operator and other enforcement officials, subjecting them to severe physical abuse. The officers were reportedly held hostage for hours, and their vehicles were vandalized, including the flattening of tires.
Local law enforcement, represented by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Trademore, attempted to intervene but were rebuffed by the Major General, who declined to cooperate. This confrontation raises significant concerns regarding the abuse of power, the rule of law, and the safety of public officials performing their duties.
This incident exemplifies the critical issues surrounding the enforcement of building regulations and the potential for military overreach in civilian matters. As the situation develops, it remains imperative for authorities to uphold accountability and ensure the protection of public officials acting in accordance with the law.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
