Nigeria News (Standard)
Ebonyi Community Leaders Demand Full Prosecution Over Okporojo Killings, Reject Clemency Calls
Nzuko Edda in Abakaliki insists suspects must face trial for beheading of four indigenes amid political appeals for release
Nzuko Edda in Abakaliki insists suspects must face trial for beheading of four indigenes amid political appeals for release
Community leaders from Nzuko Edda, Abakaliki Branch, have called for thorough investigation and full prosecution of all those suspected in the killing and beheading of four people from Okporojo community in Ebonyi State. The demand was made on Tuesday after a meeting in Abakaliki, where the group rejected appeals for clemency and the unconditional release of suspects currently standing trial over the incident.
According to a communiqué signed by Chief David Nkama (Chairman) and Chief Stanley Ngwu (Secretary), Nzuko Edda maintained that any attempt to release the accused persons before the judicial process concludes would jeopardise efforts at achieving justice, peace, and reconciliation in Ebonyi State. The association’s position followed a separate communiqué allegedly issued by stakeholders and political leaders from Amasiri Clan after their meeting at De Baze Hotel on 6 May 2026, as well as social media posts on a Facebook platform known as Amasiri Odyssey calling for leniency towards those charged.
The background to the case involves an attack on Okporojo community where four indigenes were reportedly killed and beheaded during violence allegedly carried out by persons from neighbouring Amasiri. The killings have raised tensions between both communities within Ebonyi State’s South-East zone, prompting appeals for intervention from traditional rulers, security agencies, and civil society groups. Nzuko Edda’s stance signals local resistance against politicising such security cases or granting amnesty before court verdicts are reached.
“We insist that every suspect must be brought before the law,” Chief Nkama said in the group’s statement. “Granting clemency at this stage will only undermine our collective search for justice and lasting peace.” The group also expressed concern about what it described as attempts to politicise the matter through public campaigns seeking unconditional release of those standing trial. As at press time, representatives of Amasiri Clan had not responded publicly to Nzuko Edda’s position.
With judicial proceedings ongoing, community leaders urged Ebonyi State Government and security agencies to remain impartial and ensure transparent investigations leading to prosecution where evidence supports such action. Many residents are watching closely as outcomes may influence approaches to communal disputes elsewhere in the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abdulsalami Abubakar Dismisses Poisoning Rumours, Reveals Autopsy Found MKO Abiola Died of Natural Causes
Former Head of State cites international autopsy and Abiola’s medical history in new autobiography launched in Abuja
Former Head of State cites international autopsy and Abiola’s medical history in new autobiography launched in Abuja
Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has refuted long-standing claims that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was poisoned while in detention, stating that an international autopsy confirmed the June 12 icon died of natural causes. Abdulsalami made this disclosure in Abuja on Monday during the launch of his autobiography, ‘Call of Duty’, held as part of his 84th birthday celebrations.
In the book, Abdulsalami revisited the circumstances around Abiola’s death on 7 July 1998, which occurred during a meeting with a delegation from the United States government. The delegation included Tom Pickering, then US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, and Susan Rice, then Assistant Secretary for African Affairs. Shortly after the meeting began at an undisclosed Abuja location, Abiola developed a severe cough and complained of feeling hot before collapsing. A doctor was immediately called in and later pronounced him dead from what was diagnosed as a heart attack.
The development reignited decades-old suspicions among many Nigerians that Abiola had been poisoned—particularly theories focusing on a cup of tea served during the meeting. Abdulsalami, however, wrote: “I do not believe Abiola was poisoned. The family requested an autopsy and we assembled American, British, Nigerian and Canadian pathologists to conduct it. The autopsy report attributed his death to natural causes.” He further noted that medical records dating back to 1994 showed Abiola had pre-existing health conditions including hypertension and an enlarged heart consistent with hypertensive heart disease.
Drawing from Susan Rice’s memoir ‘Tough Love’, Abdulsalami described how Abiola began coughing severely almost as soon as the meeting started before suffering breathing difficulties and being rushed for urgent medical attention. “Efforts to save him were unsuccessful,” he added, citing also Tom Pickering’s account that detailed how visibly distressed Abiola became before he passed away. The former Head of State also recalled receiving news from his Chief Security Officer Abdulrasheed Aliyu: “Aliyu, my CSO, called me. As soon as I picked, he said in a shaky voice that there was a problem… He said Abiola was dead. My head went blank.”
Beyond clarifying the cause of death, Abdulsalami used his autobiography to address other key moments in Nigeria’s political history—including the annulment of the June 12 presidential election—and to counter persistent rumours surrounding deaths under military rule. As at press time, opposition figures could not be immediately reached for comment on Abdulsalami’s revelations.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Cancels Second South Africa Evacuation Flight, Hundreds of Nigerians Stranded in Johannesburg
Nigerian Union South Africa demands explanation as affected citizens say many cannot afford to return home independently
Nigerian Union South Africa demands explanation as affected citizens say many cannot afford to return home independently
The Federal Government has cancelled a scheduled evacuation flight for Nigerians stranded in South Africa, leaving hundreds in Johannesburg and other cities unable to return home as at 16 June 2026. The announcement, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs just one day before the planned airlift, gave no reason for the abrupt decision.
The first batch of evacuees, numbering over 260, had arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on 11 June aboard a special Air Peace flight organised by government to respond to rising anti-migrant violence in South Africa. A second flight was scheduled for 15 June but was called off via a brief statement from Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa: “There will be no evacuation flight tomorrow.” No further details were provided.
The cancellation has heightened anxiety among Nigerians still facing threats linked to anti-immigrant sentiment. The President-General of Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), Smart Nwobi, said many of those affected are distressed and unable to pay for flights on their own. “The inability of the scheduled flight of 15 June 2026 to airlift these Nigerians has further compounded their challenges and raised serious concerns among affected individuals and their families,” Nwobi stated in a written appeal. NUSA called on Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa and relevant ministries to publicly clarify the cause of the cancellation and provide concrete next steps.
Videos circulating online show displaced migrants gathering at temporary shelters across South African cities. One Nigerian business owner with valid documents told reporters he was being forced out despite employing more than 20 locals; he said he only wanted compensation for his assets but this was refused. In another case highlighted by foreign media, a Ghanaian woman described losing her salon to looting and now sleeps on the street with her son and nearly 200 others.
South Africans have reportedly set an informal deadline of 30 June for undocumented migrants to present themselves for repatriation or risk enforcement action. With government support now uncertain following the cancelled evacuation flight, stranded Nigerians say they face increased hardship and insecurity. As at press time, officials had not issued an updated timetable or provided any assurance regarding future flights.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-cancels-south-africa-evacuation-flight-2026061710585056115
Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims in Katsina During Military Operations
Katsina government confirms rescued victims receiving medical care as security forces intensify hunt for bandit leader
Katsina government confirms rescued victims receiving medical care as security forces intensify hunt for bandit leader
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four persons abducted by armed men in Katsina State during ongoing military operations targeting notorious criminal gangs. The rescue, which took place in areas identified as strongholds of the bandits, was confirmed on Monday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasur Muazu.
According to Dr. Muazu, the victims—identified as Musa Yakuba (62), Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi (68), Mukhtar Danja (36), and Salisu Danja (50)—were found after sustained search-and-rescue efforts by security forces. The operation followed a spate of abductions in the area, including the kidnap of late Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (retd.) and his wife around the same period.
The commissioner stated that medical personnel attended to all four individuals immediately after their rescue, as they had sustained gunshot injuries during captivity. “The Katsina State Government is pleased to announce the successful rescue of four kidnap victims by troops of the Nigerian Army during ongoing operations aimed at tracking and apprehending the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal gang,” Muazu said in a written statement released to journalists in Katsina.
The spate of abductions in Katsina North-West zone has heightened concerns among residents and led to increased pressure on security agencies to restore safety in affected local government areas. Government has recently approved additional measures, including recruitment of forest guards, to complement existing security strategies across rural communities.
Dr. Muazu assured that military operations will continue until those responsible are apprehended and normalcy is restored. He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities. As at press time, all rescued victims were reported to be responding to treatment while troops maintained their presence in vulnerable communities.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/troops-rescue-four-abducted-victims-in-katsina/
Abdulsalami Abubakar Dismisses Poisoning Rumours, Reveals Autopsy Found MKO Abiola Died of Natural Causes
Federal Government Cancels Second South Africa Evacuation Flight, Hundreds of Nigerians Stranded in Johannesburg
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims in Katsina During Military Operations
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