By Patrick Idowu

Concerns over security have risen in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory following an influx of non-indigenes into the area.

The Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, raised the alarm during a security meeting at his palace attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions and security agencies.

The monarch expressed worry over the growing presence of unfamiliar persons, particularly from Kogi State, where security forces are intensifying operations against bandits. He said many of the new arrivals were seeking refuge in Abaji to evade security checks.

Briefing the meeting, the Abaji Police Area Commander, Sadiq A. Yusuf, disclosed that seven rooms had recently been rented to some of the strangers at Unguwar Abattoir. He said police promptly intervened and ensured the occupants vacated the premises.

Yusuf assured the monarch of sustained collaboration among security agencies, stressing that visitors from neighbouring states would be properly profiled before being allowed to settle. He noted that Abaji’s strategic position as a major entry point into Abuja made vigilance imperative.

Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer, MD Kudu, said raids were ongoing at brothels and lodging houses to prevent criminals from finding safe haven in the area.

A representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency added that recent operations led to the arrest and prosecution of a suspected drug dealer who operated between Abaji and neighbouring communities.

By Onyeanya Immaculata

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has filed a suit against the governors of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged failure to account for billions of naira spent as security votes since May 29, 2023.

The suit, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks an order compelling the defendants to publicly disclose details of security vote expenditures, including allocations, implementation status and measures taken to improve security across the states and the FCT.

SERAP cited reports that over N400 billion is budgeted annually nationwide for security votes, with 10 governors alone reportedly earmarking about N140 billion for 2026, despite worsening insecurity in several states.

In the suit filed by its lawyers, SERAP argued that Nigerians have a right to know how public funds meant to protect lives and property are utilised. The group warned that secrecy surrounding security votes increases the risk of misappropriation and undermines accountability.

SERAP also contended that failure to disclose security vote spending violates constitutional provisions, anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s international obligations. No hearing date has been fixed.

By Onyeanya Immaculata

Preparations have been concluded for the wedding of nine children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, scheduled to hold on February 6 at the Abuja Central Mosque.

An invitation card circulating on social media indicates that the ceremony will take place at 1:30pm and will involve five sons and four daughters of the minister.

Confirming the development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris, said arrangements were at an advanced stage, noting that he is part of the organising committee.

“By the grace of God, the ceremony will be conducted at the Abuja Central Mosque on February 6. The minister’s children who are getting married are five sons and four daughters,” Idris said.

The children slated for the same-day wedding are Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi and Farida.