Crime
Reactions Over Detention Of Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo
The detention of investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo by the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt has sparked widespread condemnation, reigniting concerns about press freedom in Nigeria.
Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has been held for three days without charge, prompting nationwide calls for his release.
FIJ, in a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, described the detention as a “blatant assault on press freedom.”
The organisation demanded the immediate release of Soyombo and called on the Army to safeguard critical evidence seized from him. “Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow,” the statement read.
READ MORE:Nigerian Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Detained For Exposing Smuggling, Corruption Ties
This development has drawn criticism from rights groups and prominent figures. Amnesty International Nigeria labelled the detention “arbitrary and unlawful” and urged the journalist’s unconditional release. Activist Aisha Yesufu also weighed in, criticising the Army for targeting journalists instead of addressing security threats. “Dear Nigerian Army, go and arrest Bello Turji, who has killed Nigerians and even your personnel. Leave Fisayo alone,” she wrote on X.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting echoed these sentiments, describing the arrest as an attack on press freedom.
The Nigerian Army has yet to officially acknowledge Soyombo’s detention or explain the reasons behind it. Efforts to reach Army spokesperson Clement Nwachukwu for comments have so far been unsuccessful.
Soyombo, known for his hard-hitting exposés on corruption and systemic failures, has faced similar challenges in the past. In 2021, he was briefly detained following an investigation into police corruption.
Nigeria remains a challenging environment for journalists, ranking 115th out of 180 countries on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.
The current incident adds to growing concerns about the safety of journalists in the country.
Crime
Court Pushes Malami, Son’s Terrorism Financing Trial to April 15
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
Crime
How Routine FRSC Patrol Exposed Wanted Driver, Recovered Stolen Sienna
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
Crime
Election Scandal in Abuja: Woman Busted With 20 Voter Cards in Kabusa
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.






171215 80076hey there, your web site is fantastic. I do thank you for work 399519
158695 13566I truly got into this post. I identified it to be intriguing and loaded with special points of interest. I like to read material that makes me think. Thank you for writing this wonderful content. 149522
955188 263025I really enjoyed your incredible internet site. Be certain to maintain it up. May possibly god bless you !!!! 316432