By Ezinwanne Onwuka
Nigerian Activist Mahdi Shehu Arrested Over Alleged Misleading Video on French Military Base
A popular public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu was arrested over the weekend by the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s secret police, for allegedly sharing a misleading video online. The video, which suggested plans for a French military base in Nigeria’s North-West region, was later deleted but had already sparked concerns about national security.
According to Nigerian media, Shehu is being held in Kaduna and may face legal proceedings soon. “He was arrested by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters IN Abuja,” a source close to Shehu confirmed to SaharaReporters.
Shehu’s lawyer, Mustapha Abubakar, said he learned of the arrest from the activist’s family but could not provide further details as he is currently out of state. The DSS has not yet issued an official statement.
Gunmen Kidnap 2 Nigerian Pastors in Adamawa State
Kidnappers have abducted two pastors of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) in Adamawa State, Northeast Nigeria.
The clerics, Rev. James Kwayang and Rev. Ishaku Chiwar, were taken from their homes in Malabu district in Fufore County around 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, according to police spokesman Suleiman Nguroje.
Nguroje confirmed that police personnel had been deployed to rescue the pastors and apprehend the kidnappers. “The commissioner of police, CP Dankombo Morris, deployed the command’s operational and manpower assets to give a hot chase to the kidnappers, rescue the victims, and apprehend the perpetrators,” Nguroje said as quoted by TheCable.
EYN president, Daniel Mbaya, called for swift action from security operatives and urged Nigerians to pray for the pastors’ safe release.
Court Freezes 24 Accounts in Nigeria Over Terrorism Allegations
The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, to freeze 24 bank accounts linked to alleged terrorism financing.
The accounts, some reportedly linked to Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, are under investigation for suspected involvement in kidnapping and illicit financial activities. An affidavit by EFCC investigator Mohammed Khalil revealed a syndicate had been threatening senior operatives in the office of the National Security Adviser.
The threats included ransom demands and kidnapping, with evidence tied to cryptocurrency exchanges allegedly used to support terrorism. Presiding Judge Emeka Nwite approved freezing the accounts for 90 days and adjourned the case to March 24, 2025, for further proceedings.
Nigeria’s Warri Refinery Running Again After Years of Inactivity
Nigeria’s energy sector just got another boost as the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company resumed operations, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced. The refinery, one of Nigeria’s state-owned facilities, is producing again, a month after the old Port Harcourt Refinery came online.
During a facility tour on Monday, NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari shared the exciting news: “This plant is running. Although it is not 100 percent complete, we are still in the process.”
President Bola Tinubu called the reopening a “remarkable way to end the year,” applauding NNPCL for restoring the 125,000-barrel-per-day refinery. “This milestone strengthens Nigerians’ confidence in a brighter future,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s focus on repairing all four state-owned refineries.
While the Warri Refinery is currently operating at 60 percent capacity, work on the Kaduna and second Port Harcourt refineries is next on the government’s agenda.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
