Court Grant FG Request for Suspects linked to Bello Turji Tried in Absentia

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Bello Turji 

ABUJA — In a major boost to the Federal Government’s crackdown on banditry, a Federal High Court in Abuja has granted leave for the prosecution of five suspects linked to the notorious terror kingpin, Bello Turji, to proceed in their absence.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday following an application by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). The move follows the repeated failure of the defendants to appear for trial, despite a standing bench warrant for their arrest issued earlier this year.

The defendants, identified as Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (alias Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma, are facing an 11-count terrorism charge. The Federal Government alleges these individuals formed the backbone of Turji’s logistics network, providing everything from heavy weaponry to basic survival items.

According to court documents, the suspects allegedly supplied: Military Hardware: A gun truck sourced from Libya for approximately N28.5 million. Logistics: Military and police uniforms, camouflage, boots, and building materials for forest camps. Medical Aid: Treatment for gunshot wounds sustained by Bello Turji during an attack on Tungar Kolo Village. Supplies: Illicit drugs (including cannabis and penta injections) and food items to camps across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.

The prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that the defendants have remained untraceable despite multiple adjournments. Invoking Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Kaswe successfully argued that the trial must proceed to ensure justice is not derailed by the suspects' evasion.

The case has seen a turbulent timeline. It was initially struck out in July 2025 due to a lack of diligent prosecution when the lead counsel was on an official assignment abroad. However, it was re-listed in December 2025 after the Federal Government filed a meritorious application to reopen the terrorism charges.

"We have been unable to trace the defendants... today makes the third time without the defendants appearing in court," Kaswe stated while moving the oral application for the trial to continue in absentia.

The charge sheet paints a grim picture of the sophisticated supply chain fueling insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Beyond the five immediate defendants, the charge includes Bello Turji himself, along with Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, who all remain at large.

Testimony from a protected witness earlier in the trial detailed how childhood friendships were exploited to facilitate the purchase of high-grade military equipment from neighboring Niger Republic and Libya.

Justice Nwite has adjourned the matter until April 13, 2026, for the continuation of the trial. This ruling sends a clear signal that the Nigerian judiciary is prepared to bypass stall tactics in high-profile national security cases.

Meet Tunji Disu, Nigeria’s New 23rd Inspector-General of Police

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Olatunji Disu 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Olatunji Disu as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The announcement, made on Tuesday, February 23, 2026, sees Disu succeed Kayode Egbetokun as the head of the nation's primary law enforcement agency.

Commonly known as Tunji Disu, the newly minted IGP is a seasoned career officer with over 30 years of dedicated service within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu’s journey began on May 18, 1992, when he first donned the police uniform. Since then, he has maintained a steady and distinguished climb through the ranks, earning a reputation for discipline and operational excellence.

Disu is widely regarded as one of the most intellectually grounded officers in the force. His academic credentials include: Bachelor’s Degree: English Education from Lagos State University (LASU). Master’s Degrees: Public Administration; Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology. Specialized Training: He has undergone extensive international training in strategic leadership, forensic investigations, and the combatting of internet fraud and small arms smuggling.

Before reaching the pinnacle of the NPF, Disu held several pivotal roles that defined his career. He first gained widespread public acclaim as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS)** in Lagos, where he pioneered proactive, technology-driven crime-fighting.

Following the suspension of Abba Kyari, Disu was handpicked to lead the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a role that required high-level discretion and tactical precision. His experience as Commissioner of Police in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) further solidified his status as a versatile leader capable of managing complex security landscapes.

Prior to his appointment as IGP, Disu served as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. In this capacity, he was instrumental in strengthening investigative capacity and instilling a culture of professionalism among detectives.

"Disu’s appointment marks a strategic shift toward intelligence-led policing and institutional reform."

President Tinubu Removes IGP Kayode Egbetokun

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Kayode Egbetokun 

ABUJA, Nigeria — In a major shake-up within Nigeria’s security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly removed Kayode Egbetokun from his position as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The decision, which sent shockwaves through the force's hierarchy on Tuesday, follows months of speculation regarding the IGP’s tenure and the legalities surrounding his retirement age.

According to high-ranking presidential aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the President delivered the news during a private meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. Sources indicate that Egbetokun was asked to "step aside" to make way for new leadership within the Nigeria Police Force.

"Yes, Egbetokun is gone," one aide confirmed. "A formal statement is being prepared as we speak, and the official announcement will be made to the public soon."

While the Presidency remains tight-lipped officially, insiders suggest that a successor has already been shortlisted. Rumors are swirling around Tunji Disu, the current Assistant Inspector-General of Police, as the top contender for the role.

Sources within the police hierarchy claim that Disu has already been contacted regarding the transition. However, as of Tuesday afternoon, neither the Force Spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, nor Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, have issued a formal confirmation despite multiple inquiries.

Egbetokun, who was appointed on June 19, 2023, has been at the center of a heated legal debate. The controversy peaked in September 2024, when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.

The Retirement Issue: Critics argued he should have vacated the office upon reaching the age limit on September 4, 2024.

The Police Act Amendment: His tenure was extended following a contentious amendment to the Police Act, which allowed for certain flexibility in the IGP’s term.

Despite the legislative backing for his extension, the move remained a point of friction among civil society groups and legal experts.

The nation now awaits the official gazette or a televised broadcast from the Presidency to confirm the new appointment. If confirmed, the exit of Egbetokun marks the end of a tenure defined by both internal reforms and significant external pressure regarding national security.

Dangote Truck Crushes three at Badagry Roundabout

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, Lagos — A somber atmosphere has enveloped the Badagry community following a horrific road traffic accident on Monday, February 23, 2026, which claimed the lives of a traffic officer and two commercial motorcyclists. The incident, involving a cement-laden Dangote truck, occurred at the ever-busy Badagry Roundabout, leaving commuters and residents in a state of shock.

The tragedy struck at approximately 9:45 a.m. as the heavy-duty vehicle, reportedly struggling with mechanical failure, careered out of control while approaching the junction. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moment the truck ploughed into a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) official who was actively managing traffic, alongside two motorcyclists waiting for passengers nearby.

“The truck hit the LASTMA staff on official duty and two cyclists waiting to carry passengers,” an official of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps (LSNC) reported. The witness added that while the driver attempted to maneuver the vehicle to minimize casualties, the momentum of the cement-laden truck proved too great to avoid the fatal collision.

Following the crash, a combined team of responders from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), LASTMA, the Nigeria Police, and the NSCDC arrived to secure the scene and restore order to the expressway. Mr. Yusuf Sanni, the Unit Commander of the FRSC, confirmed the fatalities and noted that the victims' remains have been deposited at a local hospital mortuary.

The driver of the truck was immediately apprehended by security operatives. CSP Folajimi Agosile, the Divisional Police Officer of the Badagry Police Station, confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody. “He will be arraigned at the Chief Magistrates’ Court after investigations are concluded,” Agosile stated, emphasizing that the police are treating the case with the utmost priority.

This latest incident has reignited a heated debate regarding the safety of articulated vehicles on Lagos roads. Road safety advocates have frequently called for stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance protocols, particularly for heavy-duty trucks transporting construction materials.

Nationwide Violence Erupts After Army Kills Cartel Kingpin ‘El Mencho’

By: Manoah Kikekon 

MEXICO CITY — Mexico has been thrust into a state of emergency following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Known globally as “El Mencho,” the kingpin was killed during a high-stakes military operation in his home state of Jalisco on Sunday, February 22, 2026. 

The aftermath has seen a wave of retaliatory violence, with cartel gunmen paralyzing major cities and forcing the closure of schools and businesses across the country.

The military strike, centered in the town of Tapalpa, triggered an immediate and brutal response. CJNG operatives deployed "narco-blockades," hijacking and torching more than 250 vehicles to seal off highways across at least 20 states. 

In Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and a 2026 World Cup host, the streets turned into a "ghost town" as residents hunkered down under a "Code Red" security alert. Smoke billowed over the tourist hub of Puerto Vallarta, where panicked travelers were seen sprinting through the airport as gunmen clashed with security forces nearby.

By Monday morning, the impact on daily life was total. Educational authorities in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and several other states officially canceled classes, citing the high risk of crossfire and ongoing criminal activity. 

Foreign governments, including the United States and Canada, issued urgent "shelter-in-place" advisories for their citizens, while major airlines suspended flights to the region due to the security vacuum at local airports.

El Mencho was the architect of one of the world's most militarized criminal organizations. Under his command, the CJNG became a dominant force in the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States. 

The cartel was notorious for its paramilitary tactics, including the use of weaponized drones, improvised mines, and rocket launchers one of which was used to down a Mexican military helicopter in 2015.

The $15 Million Bounty: The U.S. Department of State had long placed a $15 million reward on Oseguera’s head, and in early 2025, the U.S. government designated the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

The operation is being viewed as a significant political victory for President Claudia Sheinbaum. Since taking office, Sheinbaum has faced intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to deliver "results" or face potential tariffs and unilateral military intervention. While she has historically criticized the "kingpin strategy" fearing the violent fracturing of cartels that follows this operation, supported by U.S. intelligence, signals a more aggressive stance against top-tier criminal leadership.

While the "Lord of the Roosters" is gone, security analysts warn that the victory may be short-lived. The decapitation of the CJNG often leads to bloody internal power struggles or opportunistic invasions by rival groups like the Sinaloa Cartel. Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch who survived a 2020 assassination attempt by the CJNG—is now leading the national effort to stabilize the country and prevent a full-scale civil war between fractured cartel cells.

Mexico Confirms Death of CJNG Kingpin ‘El Mencho’

 By: Manoah Kikekon

El Mencho and the burnt Buss

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — In a seismic shift for global counternarcotics efforts, Mexican security forces have killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Better known as “El Mencho,” the 59-year-old kingpin was the primary target of a high-stakes military operation on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in the mountain town of Tapalpa, Jalisco. 

His death marks the end of a decades-long pursuit for one of the world's most ruthless drug lords.

The mission, executed by Mexican Special Forces with intelligence support from the United States, turned the picturesque town of Tapalpa into a battlefield. According to the Mexican Secretariat of National Defence (SEDENA), troops were met with heavy resistance from elite cartel gunmen. 

During the exchange, four cartel members were killed on-site. El Mencho was seriously wounded in the fray and reportedly died from his injuries while being airlifted to Mexico City for medical treatment and identification.

The confirmation of El Mencho’s death immediately triggered a violent backlash across western Mexico. CJNG henchmen deployed a "scorched earth" strategy, setting fire to buses and trucks to create narco-blockades on major highways. 

In Guadalajara, the state capital, residents described the city as a "ghost town" as civilians sought shelter. The unrest extended to the tourist hub of Puerto Vallarta, where burning vehicles blocked access to the airport, prompting several international airlines including United and Air Canada to suspend flights.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the nation via social media, acknowledging the military's success while calling for public order. “There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states,” Sheinbaum stated, urging citizens to remain calm and follow official channels. 

The administration has activated a "Code Red" security alert in several states, mobilizing the National Guard and Army to prevent a total security vacuum as rival factions potentially move to seize CJNG territory.

The fall of El Mencho is being hailed as a historic milestone in the fight against the fentanyl crisis. Under his leadership, the CJNG became a dominant force, pioneering the use of weaponized drones and improvised mines. 

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau lauded the operation on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “great development for the world.” The U.S. had previously offered a $15 million reward for Oseguera, who was a central figure in the trafficking of synthetic opioids across the northern border.

While the "decapitation" of the CJNG is a tactical triumph, security analysts warn of a bloody succession war. The cartel’s decentralized structure means that regional commanders may now fight for control, or the weakened group could face incursions from its arch-rival, the Sinaloa Cartel. For now, schools remain closed in several Mexican states as the government maintains a heavy military presence to suppress further retaliatory violence.

One Love Group of Friends Gifts Laptops to Tech-Savvy Badagry Youths

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Beneficiaries of One Love Group of Friends free Tech Empowerment Training Program 

BADAGRY, LAGOS– In a significant move to bridge the digital divide and foster grassroots innovation, the One Love Group of Friends has successfully concluded its intensive free Tech Empowerment Training Program for Badagry Youths.

The initiative reached its climax on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with the presentation of high-end laptops to the top ten outstanding participants in Badagry, Lagos State.

One Love Group of Friends 

The program, which has become a beacon of hope for local talent, began with a rigorous selection process. Out of numerous applicants, 50 determined participants were shortlisted to undergo a two-week "tech bootcamp." The curriculum was designed to meet modern industry demands, covering Graphics Design, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Google Workspace, UI/UX Design, and Web Development.

Members of One Love Group of Friends and Mr. Samuel Kapo 

At the grand finale, the atmosphere was electric as the organizers emphasized that the winners were selected strictly on merit. The ten beneficiaries who walked away with new laptops include: Muftaudeen Muhammed Olawale, Hunye Minasu Joseph, Job Oluwatobi Semawon, Oke Sesupe Deborah, Zinsu Joseph Jesuton, Olopade Mautin, Hunpe Daniel Pesu, Kiki Mawuyon, Tijani Abdulraheem Adebowale, and Gangbe Pemawuton Gabriel.

To ensure these tools don't go to waste, Help Fellows Development Initiative (HFDI) has pledged to provide advanced mentorship and further training for these winners. This follow-up initiative aims to refine their skills from "intermediate" to "expert" levels, ensuring they are ready for the global job market.

Certificate presentation to participants 

Mr. Emmanuel Esien, Managing Director/CEO of ZandexAfrique Technologies Ltd, served as the guest speaker. He addressed the common fear that automation might replace human workers. "AI is not going to take human jobs as we think," Esien stated. "AI is not going to debug or deploy on its own. The AI you use was coded by someone like you; its functions are limited to the abilities the coder provided."

He further encouraged the youth to shift their mindsets, noting that millions are being made through laptops by those who view the device as a portal to global opportunities. He urged the audience to see technology as a partner rather than a competitor.

Laptop presentation to participants 

Mr. Esien used the platform to send a message to local authorities. Speaking to reporters, he stressed that it is "high time the government of Badagry takes IT seriously." He noted that while the talent and skills are present in the region, the lack of an enabling environment remains a major hurdle for digital growth.

Mr. Tunde Ajose, a special guest at the event, challenged the graduates to move beyond theoretical learning. "Knowledge is one thing; application is another," Ajose remarked. He urged the beneficiaries to use their new tools to "change the story of Badagry and your families."

He also made a poignant plea to the organizers to include a "business of tech" module in future editions. According to Ajose, many youths possess world-class technical skills but lack the entrepreneurial knowledge required to convert those skills into sustainable income.

Mr. Akinosi David, a member of the One Love Group of Friends, expressed his joy at the success of the program. "This is the coming together of five friends to give back to society," he said.

In a move that sparked even more excitement, Mr. David announced that employment opportunities would be offered to several participants. He concluded by advising the youth of Badagry to embrace tech as a primary weapon against poverty.

Hunye Minasu Joseph, one of the top ten, admitted to having initial doubts. "With the caliber of people here, I began to doubt myself, but I did my best," Joseph said. "We must understand that the world we live in is tech-oriented."

Another beneficiary, Oke Sesupe Deborah, described the training as "wonderful." She emphasized that the changing landscape of the global economy means that technology is here to stay. "Any opportunity you get should be made use of," she advised her peers.

Mr. Kapo Samuel, the Senior Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Student Union Matters, lauded the uniqueness of Badagry's youth. He noted that Badagry is a focal point for the state and the country at large.

"You can't talk about Nigeria today without mentioning Badagry," Samuel stated. He praised the "One Love" initiative, noting that the government is keen on seeing more private-sector collaborations that empower the "most sought-after youths in the country."