Metro Files

The Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted and discharged suspended DCP Abba Kyari and his two brothers in a 23-count case brought by the NDLEA over alleged non-declaration of assets. Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient, describing the case as ‘watery’ and noting that there was no proof linking Kyari to disputed properties in Abuja, Maiduguri, or Borno State. The court faulted the inclusion of Kyari’s brothers in the conspiracy charge, characterizing it as unsubstantiated and malicious. The ruling pertains only to asset declaration allegations, with other cases, including drug-related charges, still pending. 96 Views

It is not news that the stool of the Awujale, the revered monarch of Ijebu land, is currently vacant, and the competition to occupy this esteemed position is intensifying. Prince Abimbola Onabanjo’s name has been gaining traction online, with some quarters projecting him as a strong contender for the crown. However, in a surprising turn of events, Prince Abimbola has distanced himself from the speculation by releasing a statement to debunk the rumors. The statement reads, “I, Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo of the Fusengbuwa Royal House, sincerely appreciate the outpouring of goodwill, prayers, and expressions of support received from friends, associates, and well-wishers across various platforms in recent days. I feel the love overwhelmingly and remain deeply grateful for it all. I am truly honoured by the love and confidence shown by you all and feel profoundly humbled. However, I respectfully emphasise that the process for the selection of the Awujale of Ijebuland is a sacred and time-honoured tradition, governed strictly by established customs. As the saying goes, ‘ilufẹ́mil’óyè’ it is the town that bestows the crown and I feel the love from my people, which is why, in the interest of preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of Ijebu tradition, I, Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo, humbly appeal to supporters, well-wishers, and members of the public to kindly refrain from referring to me as the Awujale or circulating materials that suggest a conclusion has already been reached. I remain committed to upholding the values, unity, and heritage of Ijebuland and respectfully urge all concerned to allow the rightful processes to take their course. I am sincerely grateful for the continued goodwill and assure everyone of my utmost respect for tradition, peace, and harmony within Ijebuland. 87 Views

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Isah Abdullahi, attached to the armoury of the 12 Police Mobile Force in Minna, Niger State, has allegedly died by suicide amid investigations into the illegal sale of arms and ammunition. The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a press statement, noting that DSP Abdullahi was arrested on December 15, 2025, following allegations that he was involved in the unlawful sale of arms and ammunition to bandits. According to the police, an arms audit was conducted on December 16, 2025, to determine the number of missing rifles and ammunition. During the audit and ongoing investigation, DSP Abdullahi reportedly shot himself in the head with a pistol and died instantly. SP Abiodun further disclosed that the officers assigned to conduct the audit and investigation have been arrested for negligence, for allegedly allowing the suspect access to a firearm. He added that other suspects connected to the incident are currently under investigation. 118 Views

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have discovered a large sum of counterfeit foreign currency notes, totaling $3,430,000 and €280,000, in the possession of a five-member syndicate that was arrested for allegedly defrauding one Halima Sanni of the sum of N26,550,000. The arrested herbalists, Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan (female), and Familola Sunday Olaitan, were arrested on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their shrines in Osun and Lagos States, respectively, following a thorough surveillance and intelligence gathering on their fraudulent activities. Investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly defrauding unsuspecting individuals of their legitimate earnings under the guise of providing spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments. They also allegedly assured their victims of their powers to conjure up large sums of money, which would need to be cleansed by a genie through spiritual sacrifice before being spent. The suspects achieved this by hypnotizing their victims into providing money for the sacrifice. Other items recovered from the suspects include two exotic cars and a mobile phone. 121 Views

Although AFRIMA is striving to position itself as Africa’s version of the Grammys, history reminds us that the continent once had a stronger contender, the Kora Awards. For years, Kora held its ground as Africa’s biggest celebration of music, drawing continental attention and even competing in relevance with the Grammys. But contractual disputes and funding shortfalls soon became its undoing. The last edition was held in 2012, a sad marker of another promising African idea lost to mismanagement and neglect. That story captures a recurring theme across Africa’s creative landscape: a tendency to undervalue our own initiatives and let them fade. Many African music and film awards start with lofty ambitions but rarely stand the test of time. Internal politics, greed, and an enduring inferiority complex often cloud the vision. Everyone wants a piece of the presumed largesse that comes with organizing an award, and soon enough, the focus shifts from excellence to entitlement. Of course, the problem isn’t peculiar to Africa. Around the world, some awards have been accused of bias or influence-peddling. But in many African contexts, the issue runs deeper. Recognition too often depends on who you know or how much you can offer, rather than on genuine merit. Still, awards play an important role. They reflect a spectrum of human motivation, from those who simply value acknowledgment, to those who crave the spotlight, to those who appreciate recognition most when it comes unexpectedly. This dynamic also fuels corporate sponsorship, as brands align themselves with the celebration of excellence and visibility. But it’s worth remembering: the Grammys, often seen as the global gold standard, didn’t earn its prestige overnight. Like ancient Rome, it was built over time, surviving storms known only to its organizers. Its endurance lies in a clear mission, consistency, adaptability, and, most importantly, an institutional system that believes in and supports it. African and Nigerian music awards, on the other hand, often fail not for lack of talent or creativity, but because of poor management and shortsightedness. Ironically, this decline comes at a time when African music, especially Nigerian sounds, is dominating the global stage. Now more than ever, Africa’s creative community must rally together to build a credible, all-inclusive award system that transcends regional and national divides. One that represents every genre, upholds integrity, and earns at least 85 percent credibility in the eyes of the people. And perhaps most crucially, African artistes themselves must learn to value and support what is theirs, through their presence, their platforms, and their voices. Because without their buy-in, even the brightest ideas will keep fading before they find their light. (#VoicesInMyHead By Omogbolahan Akinwumi, renowned journalist formerly known as Kazeem Popoola) 178 Views

A soldier by the name, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi has been ‘confirmed’ to have killed his wife and committed suicide. The tragic incident which occurred on 11th of October, 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused a tensed atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident. Lance Corporal Femi who was serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on duty within the Cantonment, and had sought permission from his superior to attend to personal needs and return to duty. This followed the discovery of the dead bodies lying in their apartment. The remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assures the general public that the circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly. 274 Views

According to the Police, the suspects are: 1. Shamsudeen Hassan ‘m’ from Malumfashi LGA Katsina state 2. Hassan Isah ‘m’, 22 years from Zaria kaduna State 3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba ‘m’, 27 years from Musawa LGA katsina state 4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume ‘m’ 20 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state 5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba ‘m’ 28 years from Igabi LGA kaduna state 6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. dan-sule ‘m’ 21 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state 7. Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu ‘m’ from katsina lga katsina State 8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska ‘m’ 23 years from chikun lga kaduna state 9. Musa adamu a.k.a. musa hassan ‘m’ 30 years from malumfashi lga katsina state 10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. baby ‘m’ 27 years from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna state 11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. abbati ‘m’, 25 years from Zaria LGA, Kaduna state 12. Musa Umar a.k.a. small ‘m’ 31 years from Maiduguri LGA Borno state. Shortly after the robbery incident, four (4) of the suspects shamsudeen hassan, alkamu, sirajo and one other person were apprehended through the tracking of phones stollen from the apartment during the robbery. During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan confessed that he shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the apartment. Sani Sirajo confessed to have tried to hold Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight. Shamsudeen further confessed that he drove the white honda CR-V jeep out of the apartment after the operation. The four suspects admitted that they each received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the crime. Recovered exhibits include: One (1) fabricated ak-47 rifle Thirty-six (36) rounds of 9mm live ammunition One (1) locally made pistol One (1) pump-action gun Two (2) live cartridges Four (4) mobile phones of the victims Two (2) sharp knives One (1) cutlass Nine (9) torchlights used during the operation In continuation of investigations, yesterday, 08/10/2025, acting on a tip-off and actionable digital intelligence also provided by us, the remaining members of the gang, Musa umar a.k.a. small, Hassan Isah and other accomplices involved in the Gishiri robbery were intercepted while enroute to an already planned armed robbery operation scheduled to hold at maitama in the early hours of this morning. All suspects have confessed to the crimes, investigation is ongoing. 345 Views

Uche Nnaji has stepped down as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology due to allegations of certificate forgery. Nnaji has been under fire for allegedly falsifying credentials submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial confirmation. PREMIUM TIMES’ investigation revealed that Nnaji did not complete his university education and that the bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he presented to Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Senate were forged. In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that President Bola Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation. Nnaji’s resignation letter thanked the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria, citing blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Nnaji’s service and wished him well in future pursuits. 306 Views

Lagos Police Command has confirmed the arrest of John Samuel, a notorious armed robbery kingpin, hired assassin, and murderer behind the Allen Avenue gold jewellery armed robbery attack. On 19/09/2025, at about 1400hrs, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command successfully tracked, trailed, and arrested John Samuel, a notorious armed robber, hired assassin, and murderer, later identified as John Samuel, 28 years old, from Akwa Ibom State, in his hideout at Epe. The suspect, who was recently released from prison on 18/08/2025, fired and wounded a businessman, Gbenga Obama, and robbed him of an expensive gold necklace and other valuables in broad daylight at Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. John Samuel, an ex-convict, is vicious and notorious for armed robbery, assassination, and murder of some of his victims. He was released recently after serving a six-year jail term for the capital offence of armed robbery. After his release from prison, he returned to crime and criminality with even more viciousness. He is notorious for shooting at victims before dispossessing them of their valuables. CCTV footage of the 18/08/2025 incident obtained clearly captured the suspect when he fired at the victim with an English pistol before dispossessing him of his gold necklace jewelry while his accomplice waited on a motorcycle for their escape. The victim, who sustained serious gunshot wounds during the attack, has since been treated and discharged. The suspect, John Samuel, confessed to selling the stolen jewelry for ₦4 million, far below its actual value. The Lagos State Police Command is currently intensifying efforts to arrest other members of his gang and bring them to justice. They will all be prosecuted on completion of investigation. 314 Views

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, a 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, attempted to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using a fake pregnancy as a means to avoid detection. The widow, a mother of one and owner of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago palace way, Okota Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba area of the state on Friday, 22nd August 2025, while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja. A follow-up operation at her house in Ago palace area led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine. According to Ezewuike, she inherited the illicit trade from her late husband, who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years. 376 Views