Author: Tribune Online

FRESH details have emerged on the next phase of regulatory actions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as it quietly tightens oversight of the country’s newly recapitalised banking sector in a move aimed at averting a repeat of past financial crises. Industry sources confirm that the apex bank is shifting focus from capital accumulation […]

From 2017 till date, the Nigerian military has been accused of accidentally bombing about 409 unarmed civilians while targeting terrorists and bandits in the northern part of the country.

Although the military denied some of the claims, insisting terrorists were targeted in the operations, reports indicate that several unsuspecting civilians have been killed in accidental airstrikes.

DAILY POST recalls that on 17 January, 2017, a Nigerian Air Force jet mistakenly bombed an Internally Displaced Persons, IDP camp near the Cameroonian border in Rann, Borno State.

The tragic incident led to the unfortunate death of at least 115 people including about six Red Cross workers.

The incident that was widely reported on both local and international news platforms also got over 100 IDPs injured.

On December 25, 2024, a similar incident occurred in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages in the Surame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to BBC, the military airstrikes were targeting the terror group, Lakurawa in the villages when it mistakenly killed at least ten ‘innocent’ villagers.

The military initially denied the claim but the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu insisted that 10 villagers were killed, while several others were wounded during the operation.

“The military jets were on their mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorizing the state, and mistakenly bombed innocent people of this community,” Aliyu said in a statement after visiting the scene of the incident.

Subsequently, the then Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Christopher Musa accused the two communities of harbouring the Lakurawa terrorist group.

Musa, however, admitted that airstrike, intended to flush out the Lakurawa terrorists mistakenly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, resulting in the deaths of villagers and wounding several others.

In December 2023, a Nigerian army drone strike accidentally killed several civilians observing a Muslim festival in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State.

DAILY POST recalls that the villagers had gathered for the Maulud celebration when at about 9pm they heard what sounded like an aeroplane followed by a huge explosion.

Amnesty International reported that no fewer than 120 unarmed civilians were murdered in the erroneous airstrike.

On December 18, 2022, an air strike by the Nigerian Air Force killed at least 64 people in Mutumji village in Zamfara state.

Reports indicate that the military targeted bandits causing mayhem in the state, when it allegedly struck ‘innocent’ villagers.

On 24 January, 2023 a military air strike allegedly killed about 50 herders in the Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.

According to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, the explosion that led to the death of its members occurred when some herders went to retrieve their seized cattle from the Benue livestock guards.

When the then Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, visited the place, he said the force acted on intelligence that terrorists were operating in the area.

Another erroneous airstrike was reported on Saturday, April 11, 2026 when the military allegedly struck the Jilli Market, located in Yobe State near Gubio local government area of Borno State.

About 50 civilians were reportedly killed, while several others were seriously wounded during the operation.

The military maintained that the location was a legitimate military target, describing Jilli as a known logistics hub and convergence point for fighters of the ISWAP terrorists.

In a statement on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, said the operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions that tracked the movements of suspected terrorists, including motorcycles and gun trucks, converging on the area.

Meanwhile the Nigerian Air Force, NAF said it has taken note of reports alleging an erroneous airstrike in Jilli Market.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, in a statement, said the NAF treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy, as the protection of innocent lives remains central to all its operations.

According to the statement, in line with its commitment, the Chief of the Air Staff has directed an immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission regarding the allegation.

DAILY POST reports that the latest incident is currently generating reactions as Nigerians call for a thorough investigation and improved intelligence.

Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi while reacting to the latest incident, questioned the accountability of those responsible for the operation, asking who authorised and executed the bombings that hit innocent civilians.

He called on the Senate to immediately conduct hearings into what he described as repeated “mistakes” involving the bombing of villages, markets, and other civilian locations.

On his part, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum is on the side of the Nigerian military, as he disclosed on Sunday that the said market was shut down five years ago.

Nigeria loses over 400 ‘innocent’ citizens to accidental bombing

The political map of the Ogun State House of Assembly has been redrawn following its transition to a one-party legislature.

What began in 2023 as a competitive chamber divided between 17 All Progressive Congress and 9 Peoples Democratic Party members is now an entire APC house, leaving the opposition party with zero representation in the state’s legislative chambers.

This happened following the defection of the final six members of the PDP to the ruling APC.

The crumbling of the opposition wall

The first crack appeared in November 2023 following a legal battle over the Ikenne State Constituency

DAILY POST reports that the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos nullified the election of Babajide Owoduni (PDP), who represented the constituency.

Recall that 12 days before the election, Owoduni resigned from the PDP and withdrew from the contest in letters delivered to the PDP and INEC.

He also swore an affidavit of his withdrawal from the race at the Ogun State High Court and in an effort to replace him, PDP wrote to INEC but they rejected the replacement, kept Owodunni as the recognized candidate, and subsequently issued him a certificate of return.

Owodunni told the tribunal that he was abducted and coerced into signing the affidavit and withdrawal letters.

However, Counsel for Olakunle Sobukanla and the APC presented evidence contrary to his claim, showing that Owodunni was openly endorsing the APC following his withdrawal from the contest.

The appellate court in the appeal with suit number CA/1B/EP/SHA/OG/23/2023 Hon Olakunle Sobukanla & Anor v. INEC & 2 Ors directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue Sobukola Certificate of Return as the duly elected member representing Ikenne State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, thereby reducing the PDP count to eight.

The Slow Erosion

The erosion continued last year when two lawmakers from the opposition party, Rasheed Kashamu representing Ijebu North I and Lukman Atobatele of Abeokuta South I crossed to the APC, leaving six members in the party.

The last shift occurred following the APC National Convention in Abuja, where two PDP members were seen, fully dressed in the blue APC crested attire, formalizing their transition and giving the party full control of the Assembly.

The recent six defectors are the Minority Leader Lukman Adeleye representing Odogbolu constituency, Lawal Samusideen of Ogun Waterside constituency and Adesanya Oluseun Samuel representing Ijebu North-East.

Others include Owode Waliu Ifedolapo representing Jebu East, Bello Oluwadamilare of Sagamu I, and Dickson Kolawole Awolaja representing Remo North.

The minority leader, Adeleye confirmed the move in a telephone interview, saying “That is a statement of fact. Yes, we have aligned with the APC”.

He cited the PDP’s internal crisis, with the national leadership divided between Kabiru Turaki and Nyesom Wike factions, as the reason for the defection.

Despite the court backing Wike’s faction, the lawmakers opted to join the ruling party, maintaining that it is safer to join the ruling party ahead of the next election.

His words, “We feel that instead of running under the Wike faction, which is more or less with the presidency, why not align with the presidency itself?

“Yes, we now have a homogeneous house. All APC members,” he affirmed.

It’s a move of betrayal – PDP Reacts

Reacting, the party’s state secretary, Sunday Solarin, condemned the move, describing the lawmakers’ exit as a profound betrayal of the political structure that sponsored their ascent to power.

He dismissed their justifications as opportunistic, arguing that the decision to abandon the party while clinging to legislative seats is an act of political bad faith.

According to Solarin, the move isn’t a principled stance on leadership, but a calculated abandonment of the voters who entrusted the PDP with their mandate.

Solarin stated that the lawmakers did not resign from the Assembly, pointing out the hypocrisy of rejecting the party while continuing to enjoy the constitutional privileges it provided them.

He contended that if the defectors truly believed they no longer belonged under the PDP umbrella, they should have the integrity to vacate their seats and seek a fresh mandate under the APC.

His words, “The lawmakers are citing leadership differences in the party for their defection, yet they cannot resign their seats from the Assembly because they were elected on the platform of the PDP.

“They want to continue to enjoy the privileges of their positions, yet they are not ready to remain with the party because things are not the way they want.

“They have shifted their loyalty and betrayed the party that brought them to office.

Despite the total loss of legislative representation, Solarin insisted that the core of the party remains unshaken and true believers will remain steadfast and undeterred.

“It is good for them, but those who truly believe in the party will not move an inch away,” he added.

It’s a testament to our sterling performance – Ogun APC

In contrast to the PDP’s cries of betrayal, the Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressive Congress in Ogun State, Nuberu Femi, described the transition as a testament to the exceptional performance of the party under the leadership of governor Dapo Abiodun.

In an interview with DAILY POST, he pointed out that the APC already held a clear majority prior to these defections, maintaining that effective legislation should not be defined by an “antagonistic disposition” toward the executive.

While acknowledging that the move has weakened the PDP representation in government, Nuberu opined that political harmony is the most effective vehicle for sustainable growth.

He said, “The implications are simple. It weakens PDP representation in government and strengthens APC. This equally attests to the sterling performance of the APC led government in Ogun State under His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON.

“Before now, the ruling party APC had a clear majority in Ogun State House of Assembly. Legislation is not about antagonistic disposition to the executive arms of government. For sustainable development, stability and peace are very cardinal.”

It creates a dangerous environment for democracy, limit choices – Public Affairs analyst

A public affairs analyst, Comrade Olayinka Folarin described the emergence of a monolithic legislature as a “sad and poor development” that pushes the nation dangerously toward a one-party system.

Folarin argued that while it is the constitutional right of individuals to choose their political affiliations, such mass defections leaves the public with the “terrible option” of having no alternative voice in governance.

“It is a sad reality that beyond the state, even at the national level, the political space is tilting towards one party system. It’s not too good for our democracy and it is a very unfortunate situation.

“To me I see it as a bad development, it’s a poor development. Although every one has their right to belong to any political party of their choice, it will leave the public with a very terrible option of not having an alternative.”

Folarin, who is also the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), asserted that once a lawmaker is elected, their primary allegiance must shift from their political party to the constitution and the people.

He warned that regardless of their new party, the lawmakers must discharge their duties without compromise.

“The party ends immediately after they are elected so they should discharge their duties accordingly,” Folarin said, calling on the lawmakers to abide by the law and the expectations of the electorate.

“They should abide by the constitution, what the laws say and what it wants from them.

“They should recharge their duties without any compromise. They are now from the same party but this should not be about the party anymor,” he asserted.

Mixed reactions as Ogun Assembly joins bandwagon, turns one party

THE African Development Bank Group has approved a $200 million loan to Nigeria to support a major digital infrastructure programme aimed at expanding the country’s fibre-optic backbone and accelerating job creation. The funding will go toward the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) Project, also known as Project BRIDGE, a flagship initiative designed […]

On March 24, 2026, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, publicly apologised for Nigeria’s persistent power outages, acknowledging the hardship on businesses and citizens and promising visible improvements within two weeks. On April 9, he inaugurated the Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee, bringing together stakeholders across the electricity value chain—the Ministry of Power, Nigerian Independent System Operator […]

A former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, has reacted to the Jilli Market airstrike which happened along the Borno-Yobe border.

Over 50 persons were reported to have lost their lives in the strikes, with many others were injured.

Buratai said that while any loss of innocent life was deeply unfortunate and painful, the Nigerian Air Force must be commended for the intelligence and courage and professionalism displayed in the operation in the area he described as a den of terrorists.

He said the strike was a targeted military action based on credible intelligence that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were using the weekly market at Jilli to collect illegal levies, procure supplies, and plan further attacks.

“The public should understand the history ofJilli Market. It has long been a notorious terrorist logistics hub,” Buratai said in a statement on Sunday.

He continued, “The Nigerian Army repeatedly raided and shut it down. In 2018, during Operation LAST HOLD, our troops occupied the area and engaged in multiple clashes with insurgents.

“Despite several closures, the terrorists continued to operate the market with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and supplied them.

“It is deeply regrettable that innocent lives may have been caught in the strike, but the sole responsibility rests with the terrorists who deliberately embed themselves within civilian spaces as human shields.

“No military wishes to harm civilians, but when a market is dominated by terrorist logistics and warnings have been ignored for years, the military has a duty to act.

“I appeal to the people of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and Ngamdu to cooperate with the military. Stop patronising or supplying goods to any market where terrorists establish or frequent. Communities that continue to trade with insurgents will inevitably find themselves in harm’s way.

“The armed forces deserve our support. They acted on solid intelligence and struck a legitimate target. While we mourn innocent lives lost, we must not weaken our resolve against an enemy that shows no mercy.

“Victory is certain with continued military action and civilian cooperation. May the souls of the departed innocent rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly.

“The military deserves our unwavering support. They acted based on credible intelligence and targeted a legitimate objective. Although we grieve for the innocent lives that have been lost, we must not allow our determination to falter against an adversary that exhibits no compassion.

“Success is assured with ongoing military efforts and the collaboration of civilians. May the souls of the innocent who have departed find eternal peace, and may those who are injured experience a swift recovery.”

Jilli Market airstrikes: ‘What I know’ – Ex-Army Chief, Tukur Buratai

A suspected leader of the Buccaneers confraternity in Surulere, Lagos, Adedipe Adeyinkan, popularly known as Yinka Agali, has been assassinated.

DAILY POST gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday night, April 11, 2026, in the Iponri area of Surulere, where the deceased was reportedly regarded as an influential figure within the group.

According to reports, Agali was attacked while driving along the Iponri axis. While some accounts attribute the killing to ongoing rivalry between cult groups, others suggest the possibility of political motives, especially in the build-up to local elections.

Videos circulating on social media have also linked the deceased to the All Progressives Congress, APC, although these claims remain unverified.

Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Command said it received a report of gunfire at about 11:30 p.m. near the National Stadium Bridge towards Iponri.

A patrol team from the Surulere Division was immediately dispatched to the scene, where officers discovered the victim inside an unregistered white Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, with multiple gunshot wounds.

Police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the victim was rushed to Mainland General Hospital, Yaba, where he was confirmed dead. His remains were subsequently deposited in a morgue for autopsy.

She further disclosed that the attackers abandoned an unregistered black Ford Edge at the scene and escaped in another vehicle. Both vehicles have since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible.

Adebisi added that the family of the deceased has retrieved the body and indicated that it would not pursue the case further.

Suspected cult leader assassinated in Lagos

NIGERIA’S cash held outside the banking system declined in February 2026, signalling a post-festive moderation in liquidity preferences even as digital payment adoption continues to accelerate across the economy. Latest money and credit statistics released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that currency outside banks fell by 3.66 percent to N5.21 trillion in […]

THE African Export-Import Bank has recorded a strong financial performance for the 2025 financial year, with total assets and contingencies rising by 21 percent to $48.5 billion, up from $40.1 billion in 2024. The bank, in its latest audited results released on Thursday, said the growth reflects sustained financial resilience, rising market confidence and effective […]

Former Manchester United striker, Michael Owen, has made a fresh Premier League title prediction involving Arsenal and Manchester City.

Owen believes the Gunners will still win the Premier League tie ahead of Man City despite their recent defeat against Bournemouth.

Recall that Arsenal were defeated 2-1 against Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium at the weekend, while Man City thrashed Chelsea 3-0.

Mikel Arteta’s side are now six points ahead of City, who have a game in hand.

“I think Manchester City have got the slightly more difficult games. They have got Bournemouth away, they have got Everton away,” Owen said as quoted by Metro UK.

“They are two tough games. However, when you look at this weekend, we thought Arsenal at home to Bournemouth and City away at Chelsea.

“Everything is pointing to City, the momentum, the record of Pep Guardiola, the experience of the players, the current form, City at home against Arsenal.

“It’s the toss of the coin, but I think Arsenal might just nick it.”

EPL: ‘They’ll nick it’ – Michael Owen makes fresh title prediction involving Arsenal, Man City