Ibadan explosion, abduction epidemic, AFCON victory: Weekly roundup of top stories

As we conclude the week, here are some notable headlines from Nigeria.

A devastating explosion shook Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, causing widespread displacement. The Super Eagles secured a significant victory in the ongoing African Cup of Nations, while the public remains concerned about the alarming number of abductions occurring in the country.

Here are the highlights of the week’s biggest news stories, from January 4 to January 20, 2024.

Ibadan’s shockwave

A tragic explosion occurred in Ibadan this week. The blast affected government offices and residential areas.  Residents attributed the explosion to Malian illegal miners, prompting calls for their expulsion. Governor Seyi Makinde also linked the incident to illegal mining, revealing foreign names in company documents. The Federal Executive Council responded by setting up a committee to review explosive control laws. The incident highlighted the need for stricter regulations and preventive measures.

A nation held in hostage

A rising wave of kidnappings across Nigeria ignited widespread concern and demands for decisive government action. Stakeholders, including the Supreme Council for Sharia, South-South governors, and the National Association of Nigerian Students, have called on the Federal Government to address the escalating crisis. Kidnappings, once confined to the North-West, have now spread to Lagos, Ogun, Delta states, and the Federal Capital Territory.

Public outrage has grown, especially following recent high-profile abductions and killings, prompting calls for a state of emergency in the security situation. The recent tragic case of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, a 400-level student, and her siblings in Abuja has fueled public outrage.

The kidnappers killed four of the hostages, including Nabeeha. She was abducted alongside six other siblings.

Security analysts emphasise the need for a comprehensive security strategy, while affected communities resort to local vigilantes for protection.

AFCON glory beckons

In a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations encounter, Nigeria secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast, courtesy of William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty. The win places Nigeria atop Group A with four points alongside Equatorial Guinea, while Ivory Coast trails with three points. Troost-Ekong converted the penalty after a VAR-reviewed foul on Victor Osimhen. Despite a spirited performance from the Elephants, they now face a must-win scenario against Equatorial Guinea to progress. Nigeria, on the other hand, aims for a top-two finish and needs to avoid defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

The match, witnessed by a crowd of 49,517, marked Ivory Coast as the first host nation to lose a group stage match since 2012. The Elephants played without star forward Sebastien Haller, and Nigeria’s solid defense, led by Troost-Ekong, secured a historic victory in the AFCON clash.

Buhari’s ink of reflection

In a memoir, “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023),” presented in Abuja on January 17, 2024, former President Muhammadu Buhari revealed the reasons behind his decision not to sack the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele. The memoir was written by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

Despite speculations surrounding Emefiele’s presidential ambitions during the 2023 elections, Buhari explained that he refrained from removing him due to the lack of concrete evidence supporting the claim. Buhari emphasised the importance of fairness and avoiding unjust actions based on hearsay. The memoir provides insights into Buhari’s leadership and decision-making during his tenure. The unveiling ceremony witnessed President Bola Tinubu acknowledging Buhari’s non-interference in his administration and expressing gratitude for their partnership in strengthening democracy in Nigeria. The book sheds light on significant events and decisions that shaped the country during Buhari’s presidency.

Bwala’s political dance

Prominent Peoples Democratic Party member, Daniel Bwala, who has been critical of President Bola Tinubu, expressed his willingness to accept an appointment from Tinubu if offered. Bwala, who met with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, stated on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme that he would appreciate an appointment if it contributed to Tinubu’s development agenda. Emphasising that his support for Tinubu is not contingent on an appointment, Bwala highlighted his commitment to contributing value regardless of official positions. Last week, Bwala faced criticism for supporting Tinubu despite his role as the spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 elections. Bwala, who previously left the APC over disagreements, defended his choice to back Tinubu and compared his role as a PDP spokesman to that of a salesman promoting a product.

Shell: In or out?

Shell Plc stirred conversations on January 16, 2024, with an announcement of a $2.4 billion deal to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, SPDC, signalling a strategic shift. Speculation about Shell leaving Nigeria surged. Yet, on January 18, 2024, Shell clarified that while SPDC is on the divestment list, the company is staying committed to Nigeria. It said future investments will target Deepwater and Integrated Gas, ensuring long-term partnership. Other key Nigerian businesses, including deepwater operations and gas supply, remain unaffected. Shell’s 25.6% NLNG interest is also retained. Employment-wise, SPDC staff will seamlessly transition under new ownership, dispelling job loss concerns.

Soludo’s political chess?

In a prelude to the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s suspension of traditional rulers for conferring a chieftaincy title on opposition figure Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has triggered heightened tension. Governor Soludo suspended Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni, accusing him of violating traditional rulers’ codes by not seeking clearance before bestowing titles on individuals with “questionable character.” The move has raised concerns of political motivations, given Ubah’s reported interest in the 2025 gubernatorial race. While the APC condemns it as political interference, the Anambra State Government insists on upholding traditional norms and codes of conduct. The situation remains a focal point as political rivalries intensify ahead of the elections.

Piracy plagues Malaika

Nollywood star, Toyin Abraham, revealed that she was hospitalised after experiencing panic attacks triggered by the illegal online circulation of her high-budget movie, “Malaika,” which was exclusively released in cinemas on December 15, 2023.

Distraught by the unauthorised distribution of her film, Abraham recounted the emotional toll it took on her, emphasizing the financial loss and impact on the creative industry. She spoke passionately about her commitment to fighting piracy and protecting the entertainment sector. Some individuals connected to the movie’s illegal distribution were later arrested and paraded by the Federal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force.

Tunji-Ojo and the N438m contract

The Code of Conduct Bureau is considering a new date for the interrogation of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, regarding an ongoing investigation related to an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

The CCB had initially invited the minister for questioning on Tuesday over a N438 million contract awarded to a company, New Planet Projects, linked to him.

However, Tunji-Ojo did not appear, citing a national assignment. The CCB spokesperson, Veronica Kato, confirmed that the minister’s interrogation has been rescheduled, with no specific date determined yet. The investigation is centered on the company’s alleged involvement in a contract scam within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.