The 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has insisted that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, must be thoroughly questioned regarding his controversial statement that the Federal Government has been paying bandits. Baba-Ahmed expressed his concerns on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television. He strongly criticized the dismissal of El-Rufai’s claims by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, describing the rebuttal as weak and unconvincing. According to him, if the NSA’s office could treat such a serious statement with levity, then it raises doubt about Ribadu’s credibility. “If the so-called office of the National Security Adviser would take this allegation lightly, then Nuhu Ribadu was never a policeman; he is not a qualified lawyer; and he should not even be occupying that office,” Baba-Ahmed stated firmly. He further stressed that El-Rufai ought to be questioned by law enforcement agencies, saying that the former governor should already be submitting written statements to both the police and the courts. LMSINT MEDIA recalls that El-Rufai had previously alleged that the Federal Government in collaboration with Kaduna State authorities was paying monthly allowances to bandits. He further claimed that food supplies were also being delivered to these criminal groups under the guise of non-kinetic approaches to insecurity. El-Rufai described this move as nothing but a “kiss-the-bandits” policy, sparking outrage among Nigerians who have continued to demand accountability and transparency on the issue. The controversy has reignited debates on the Nigerian government’s counter-terrorism strategies, with many questioning whether non-kinetic measures are being mismanaged or misrepresented.
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has raised serious allegations against Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a company led by Chief Oweizidei Thomas Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. The security outfit is accused of human rights violations, torture, and the unlawful operation of detention centers in the Niger Delta region. CSOs Demand Investigation into Tantita Security’s Activities During a press conference on Wednesday, following a peaceful protest at Shoprite, Alausa, Lagos, the CSOs released a statement signed by their Convener, Comrade Abe Emmanuel. The coalition urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action by investigating these allegations to prevent further human rights abuses. The CSOs acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s focus on economic recovery, governance reforms, and the protection of fundamental rights since assuming office. They emphasized that ensuring the rule of law and due process remains crucial to maintaining public trust in government policies. Allegations of Illegal Detentions and Human Rights Violations Human rights advocacy groups claim to have received multiple reports of unlawful arrests, torture, and detentions allegedly carried out by Tantita Security Services. According to the CSOs, the security firm has been operating outside its legal jurisdiction, detaining innocent citizens under questionable circumstances. One particular case involved Jolomi Abechukwu and his friend Bade, who were reportedly apprehended on December 2, 2024. The duo was allegedly held at a detention facility in Oporoza before being released in January 2025. Such incidents, according to the coalition, illustrate a worrying trend of extrajudicial actions by the private security firm. Violation of Constitutional Rights and International Human Rights Laws The coalition pointed out that Tantita Security’s reported activities breach Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. They stressed that a pipeline surveillance contract does not empower the security firm to conduct arrests and detentions—duties that legally fall under the jurisdiction of the country’s official security agencies. The CSOs called on the federal government and international human rights organizations to intervene, warning that unchecked violations could expose Niger Delta youths to continued abuse. The coalition also expressed confidence that the Tinubu-led administration, known for its commitment to due process, would not deliberately permit such unconstitutional actions. Call for Accountability and Government Intervention In light of these allegations, the CSOs have urged President Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into Tantita Security Services. They demand measures to protect innocent citizens and ensure accountability for any rights violations committed by the private security firm. Reliable Sources and Further Reading For more insights on human rights laws and security policies in Nigeria, refer to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Nigeria Human Rights Commission. African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Afenifere Youth Council President Kidnapped in Abuja: N100 Million Ransom Demanded The President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, was abducted in Abuja on Monday, February 17, by unidentified gunmen. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N100 million for his release. This alarming news was confirmed by the Council’s National Secretary, Abiodun Aderohunmu, who expressed deep concern for Ojajuni’s safety. In a press statement, Aderohunmu revealed that the youth leader sustained a bullet wound on his buttock during the abduction, heightening fears about his well-being. “The Afenifere National Youth Council is devastated by the abduction of our National President, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, in Abuja. The kidnappers have demanded N100,000,000 as ransom for his safe release,” Aderohunmu stated. The Council has urgently appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Ojajuni’s freedom. They also called on the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the rescue operation. Despite the growing concerns, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. The abduction of a prominent youth leader in the heart of Nigeria’s capital has once again raised concerns about the nation’s security and the growing rate of kidnappings. Stay updated on this developing story as we bring you the latest news and official statements. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
