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ADC Seeks Urgent Clarification On Reporters Of Ransom Payment, Prisoner Releases In Papiri School Abduction Case
ADC Seeks Urgent Clarification On Reporters Of Ransom Payment, Prisoner Releases In Papiri School Abduction Case
ADC seeks urgent clarification on reporters of ransom payment, prisoner releases in Papiri School abduction case – says Tinubu Government’s hypocrisy encouraging kidnapping.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded urgent clarification from the Federal Government over international media reports alleging that the Tinubu administration paid over N10 billion in ransom and released two senior Boko Haram commanders to secure the release of abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, the party stated that while it welcomed the safe return of all abducted victims, it warned that such deal contradicts the Federal Government’s public posturing against ransom payments and risks undermining Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts by potentially financing terror networks.
The full statement read:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reviewed reports in sections of the international media alleging that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paid a ransom of over N10 billion and released two senior Boko Haram commanders to secure the release of the abducted pupils and school staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
We recall that shortly after the kidnapped victims were released the Federal Government as well as the various security agencies denied variously that government paid any ransom to secure their release. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu reportedly described ransom payments as “one of the worst things” promoting insecurity in the country. Quite significantly, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, expressly outlaws negotiations and ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorists.
However, what this report would mean is that government has been doing brisk business with terrorists all along and passing off ransom payments as rescue operations.
Allegations of ransom payments at this scale, and the possible release of high-value terror elements, raise serious concerns about terrorism financing, the rule of law, and the safety of citizens. Nigeria cannot claim to discourage ransom payments while operating in a manner that, if confirmed, rewards terror networks, incentivises future abductions, and puts more communities at risk.
ADC
Accordingly, the ADC calls on the Federal Government to issue a categorical explanation on whether any ransom, directly or indirectly, was paid in relation to the Papiri abduction, and whether any detainees or captured terror actors were released, exchanged, or otherwise discharged as part of negotiations.
While government maybe acting under pressure to win short term political gains for bringing kidnapped victims back home, its hypocritical posture on the issue of ransom payments risks confusing citizens and promoting the vicious cycle of kidnapping in the country.
No serious government will sacrifice national security principles on the altar of political expediency and short term media applause.
Signed:
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Peter Obi, Catholic Bishop meets Obasanjo
Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, amid growing debate over the former leader’s political role ahead of the 2027 general election.
Eereporter.com
Photos from the meeting were shared on X by Obi’s campaign photographer, Esther Umoh.
In a brief statement accompanying the images, Umoh wrote, “Earlier today, the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, met with former president Olusegun Obasanjo.”
The photographs showed Obi, dressed in a blue traditional outfit, walking alongside Obasanjo, who wore a white native dress and a blue patterned cap.
A Catholic bishop was also seen with the two leaders during parts of the meeting, with some of the images taken outdoors and others indoors.
Neither Obi nor Obasanjo disclosed details of their discussions as of the time of filing this report.
The meeting comes days after fresh controversy erupted over Obasanjo’s political alignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
However, Obasanjo’s former Political Adviser, Akin Osuntokun, dismissed the claim, insisting that the former president played a key role in brokering a presidential ticket of Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who will contest as Obi’s vice president.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Osuntokun said Obasanjo remained one of the principal supporters of the opposition alliance.
“If you can say that Obasanjo is supporting any ticket, it is the Peter Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. As a matter of fact, he is the principal sponsor of that ticket,” he said.
Obasanjo
The latest meeting between Obi and Obasanjo is expected to fuel further speculation over the former president’s involvement in ongoing opposition consultations ahead of the 2027 polls, although no official statement has been issued on the purpose of Wednesday’s visit.
Eereporter.com
NAFOWA Secondary School Celebrates Historic Milestone As Pioneer Students Graduate
The Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) Secondary School, Asokoro, Abuja, has celebrated a historic milestone with the graduation of its pioneer set of students, marking a defining moment in the school’s history.
Eereporter.com
The maiden graduation ceremony brought together senior Nigerian Air Force officers, members of NAFOWA, parents and invited guests to celebrate the successful completion of the students’ secondary education and the realisation of the Association’s vision of providing quality, affordable and value-based education.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the President of NAFOWA, Mrs Ngozi Aneke, described the event as the fulfilment of a vision sustained through dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment. She noted that the graduation of the pioneer class demonstrated that the school’s mission of nurturing academic excellence, discipline, integrity and leadership was already yielding positive results. Mrs Aneke also paid tribute to the former NAFOWA National President, Mrs Elizabeth Amao, for her visionary leadership in establishing the school.
She urged the graduating students to remain worthy ambassadors of their families, the institution, NAFOWA, the Nigerian Air Force and the nation by upholding the values of integrity, humility and excellence. She further encouraged the younger students to draw inspiration from the achievements of the graduating class, reminding them that success is earned through hard work, consistency and resilience.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to deserving students, underscoring the school’s commitment to recognising academic excellence and good character.
In her vote of thanks, the Commandant of NAFOWA Secondary School, Flight Lieutenant Ngozi Ogbo, expressed profound appreciation to the NAFOWA President, members of the Association, parents, teachers and guests for their unwavering support towards the growth of the school. She commended the staff for their dedication to nurturing the pioneer students and congratulated the graduating class for making history as the school’s first alumni.
NAFOWA Secondary School
Flight Lieutenant Ogbo reaffirmed the school’s commitment to sustaining high standards of academic excellence, discipline and moral values as it continues to mould future leaders.
Eereporter.com
NPF Repatriates Wanted Wildlife Trafficker To Shangai, People’s Republic Of China
The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, has successfully arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Cai Jinlian, 42, to the People’s Republic of China to face charges relating to the trafficking of endangered wildlife.
Eereporter.com
Jinlian is wanted for smuggling approximately 12 tonnes of tree pangolin scales from Nigeria into China in two consignments between November 2018 and April 2019, following investigations by the Anti-Smuggling Sub Bureau of Wenzhou Customs. His two accomplices were convicted and sentenced to over 14 years’ imprisonment by the Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court of Zhejiang Province in December 2020.
After fleeing China to Egypt on July 12, 2019, a warrant for Jinlian’s arrest was issued on March 24, 2020, followed by the publication of an INTERPOL Red Notice on May 10, 2020. Intelligence later established that he had relocated to Nigeria around 2023, moving between Delta and Plateau States. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested him in Abuja on July 18, 2026, and repatriated him to Shanghai on July 29, 2026, under bilateral police cooperation arrangements to face the pending charges.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olutunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, commended the professionalism and dedication of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja team in the successful operation, charging the Environmental Crimes and Works of Art Team to intensify intelligence-led efforts against wildlife trafficking and other transnational organized crimes.
Police
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening international law enforcement cooperation through INTERPOL and other strategic partnerships to combat transnational crime and protect endangered wildlife.
CSP ANI INIEDU, anipr,
Force Public Relations Officer,
Force Headquarters, Abuja.
29th July, 2026.
Eereporter.com
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