Converseer

Category: Metro

  • Army kills 4 gunmen, repels ambush in renewed communal dispute in Obubra

    Army kills 4 gunmen, repels ambush in renewed communal dispute in Obubra

    By Frank Ulom

    OBUBRA (CONVERSEER) – Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have repelled an ambush by suspected armed criminals while responding to a distress call linked to a communal dispute in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The incident occurred on 12 March 2026 in Odonget Community after troops deployed at Ochon and Alesi received credible intelligence about rising tensions stemming from a communal disagreement in the area.

    According to a statement by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, the troops moved swiftly to the community to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Upon arrival, they conducted patrols and a show of force, which helped to calm the situation and restore normalcy among the parties involved in the dispute.

    However, while the soldiers were returning to their respective locations after stabilising the situation, they discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by unidentified individuals.

    The situation quickly escalated when the troops came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen while attempting to clear the obstruction.

    Following a contact report from the soldiers on ground, reinforcements from the 245 Battalion, Afi, were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles to counter the attack.

    The prompt reinforcement enabled the troops to repel the ambush and secure the area after a fierce exchange of gunfire.

    During the confrontation, four of the armed attackers were neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped from the scene.

    The statement disclosed that one soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and was promptly evacuated to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, Obubra Local Government Area, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

    In the aftermath of the attack, troops have commenced cordon and search operations in communities suspected to be linked to the attackers, with the aim of tracking down the fleeing criminals and preventing further security breaches.

    The Army has also imposed a curfew in the affected area to forestall a further breakdown of law and order and to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate.

    Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

    He reassured residents of Cross River State of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across its area of responsibility.

    “The Nigerian Army remains resolute in protecting law-abiding citizens and ensuring stability in all communities under our watch,” he stated.

    The Army also urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators.

    The statement said further updates would be communicated as the situation develops.

  • Ex-Gov Sule Lamido and 2 sons, rearraigned for fresh trial in N1.35bn fraud

    Ex-Gov Sule Lamido and 2 sons, rearraigned for fresh trial in N1.35bn fraud

    By Our Reporter

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed April 1 for the fresh arraignment of former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido for his fresh arraignment in the N1.3 billion corruption charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Justice Peter Lifu fixed the new date following the absence of the former governor and his sons in court to take their plea.

    Lamido will be rearraigned on the adjourned date alongside his two sons, Aminu Lamido and Mustapha Lamido who allegedly committed the fraud with their father through a fictitious contract award.

    Although, the fresh arraignment was scheduled to hold on Friday, their counsel, Joe Agi SAN, apologised for their not being in court, explaining that information about the trial came on Thursday evening.

    He said that the former governor and his children are residents in Kano and could not make it to the court because of the distance and lateness of the notice of hearing.

    However, counsel to the EFCC, Chile Okoroma SAN, said he was taken aback, that the three defendants were not in court having been served with the trial notice.

    Okoroma SAN said that the EFCC had written a letter to the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho, demanding that the initial trial judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, now in Calabar on transfer, be brought back to Abuja for the trial of the defendants.

    Justice Lifu said that the issue of the EFCC letter was an administrative one and would be determined by the Chief Judge but fixed April 1 for arraignment.

    The EFCC had in 2015, charged Lamido, his two sons and their companies before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 27 counts of money laundering involving 1.35 billion naira allegedly siphoned from the state in a money laundering scheme.

  • Alleged Cyber Stalking: Court threatens to revoke Sowore’s bail, issue arrest warrant

    Alleged Cyber Stalking: Court threatens to revoke Sowore’s bail, issue arrest warrant

    By Our Reporter

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – A Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to revoke the bail it granted Omoyele Sowore in his ongoing trial on charges bordering on cybercrime.

    Justice Mohammed Umar, who issued the threat on Thursday, said he would issue an arrest warrant for his forceful production should he fail to attend court on the next hearing date.

    Justice Umar’s position was informed by observations and applications made by the prosecuting lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who noted that Sowore chose not to attend court despite evidence that he was served with a hearing notice through his team of lawyers.

    Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making a false claim against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

    At Thursday’s hearing, Sowore was absent and so were all his lawyers.

    Reacting to the development, Kehinde noted that the business of the day was for the defence to conclude his cross-examination of the first prosecution witness.

    The prosecuting lawyer said he confirmed from the court’s registry that a hearing notice was served on the defendant through his lawyers, just as the prosecution was also served.

    Citing the provision of Section 352(1)&(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Kehinde prayed the court to among others, order the revocation of the bail granted the defendant and issue a bench warrant against him for his immediate production in court to face his trial.

    Ruling, Justice Umar, who confirmed that Sowore was duly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers, however noted that the defendant has always attended court since the case began late last year.

    The judge also noted that past adjournments granted in the case had been at the instance of both the prosecution and the defence.

    The judge then adjourned till March 16 for continuation of the trial and ordered that a hearing notice be further issued on the defence.

  • Police arrest woman for allegedly brutalising 5-year-old niece in Calabar

    Police arrest woman for allegedly brutalising 5-year-old niece in Calabar

    By Frank Ulom

    CALABAR (CONVERSEER) –

    The Cross River State Police Command has arrested Mrs Ibiong Unyime Bassey, for allegedly brutalising her 5-year-old niece, Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok Ekpene.

    According to eyewitnesses, Mrs Bassey, whose husband is a mechanic, allegedly committed the act at their residence at 8 Stream Road, off Atimbo, Calabar Municipality. The victim is the daughter of the suspect’s brother and has been staying with her for a while now.

    Ukorebi Esien, a conflict management expert and former State Coordinator of Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta, said the victim has been running errands and taking care of the suspect’s child of the same age.

    5-year-old Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok Ekpene, victim of alleged brutalisation

    Giving his account, Esien said, “Mrs Unyime Bassey beat this little girl, Edidiong, who is less than 7 years old,” and inflicted a high degree of injury on her.

    Adding, “Mrs Unyime, has four children, the last child, Blessing is of the same age as Edidiong, but Edidiong is Blessing’s nanny. Edidiong runs errands and takes care of Blessing.

    “At any slightest provocation, Edidiong is beaten to pulp. This is the last beating Edidiong got from her aunt, because she was accused of stealing meat from the pot of soup.

    “All of her children are in school, except Edidiong. Neighbours report that this last beating shown is mild compared to others.

    “All of her children are in school, except Edidiong. Neighbours report that this last beating shown is mild compared to others,” Ukorebi said, stressing that the case has been reported at the Nigeria Police Force, Airport Division, Calabar Municipality.

    5-year-old Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok Ekpene, victim of alleged brutalisation

    In a statement on Wednesday, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, said Mrs Bassey has been arrested and is under detention.

    “We were able to arrest one Ibiong Unyime Bassey (female) in connection with a viral video depicting the abuse of a minor.

    “The suspect, a resident of Atimbo Road, was arrested on 11th March 2026 at about 10:45hrs by men of the A Division Calabar of the Command, following swift action taken after the video surfaced online.

    “Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly assaulted her five-year-old niece, Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok Ekpene, with a spatula, causing injuries around the child’s right eye. Further examination also revealed bruises on other parts of the child’s body, suggestive of sustained abuse.

    “Investigation is currently ongoing and further updates will be provided soon,” Eitokpah said.

  • UNICAL students prevent truck driver arrest after ramming into another vehicle on campus

    UNICAL students prevent truck driver arrest after ramming into another vehicle on campus

    By Joe Udo

    CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Tension gripped the campus of University of Calabar after a trailer reportedly suffered brake failure near the institution’s E-Library area, causing a brief scare among students and staff.

    According to Nsikan Umoh, who shared the video of the incident on Facebook on Wednesday, the incident occurred when the driver, who was coming from the university’s Main Campus axis, suddenly lost control of the heavy-duty vehicle due to a mechanical fault.

    According to him, the trailer veered dangerously along the road, raising fears that it could plough into pedestrians within the busy campus environment. However, in what several students described as a swift and deliberate action, the driver redirected the vehicle away from people and steered it into a nearby parking area.

    The trailer eventually collided with a parked car, bringing it to a stop and averting what could have been a more serious accident.

    Students who witnessed the incident said the driver appeared injured and visibly shaken after the crash. Security officials who arrived at the scene attempted to detain him immediately, but some students intervened, insisting that he should receive medical attention first.

    “We told them the man needed to go to the hospital first because he was clearly hurt and in shock,” one student said. “From what we saw, he tried his best to avoid hitting people.”

    Many students present at the scene defended the driver’s actions, noting that his decision to redirect the trailer away from pedestrians may have prevented casualties on the busy campus road.

    At the time of filing this report, discussions were ongoing between security personnel and students on the next steps, with calls for the driver to be taken for medical treatment before any further action is considered.

    Watch the video below:

    See more photos below:

  • Nigerian teenage footballer sentenced to 6 months jail for sexual act without consent in Norway

    Nigerian teenage footballer sentenced to 6 months jail for sexual act without consent in Norway

    By Joe Udo

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Nigerian Flying Eagles midfielder, Daniel Daga, has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent.

    The 19-year-old, who plays for Molde FK, was also ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner ($920) in legal costs, according to TV 2 Norway.

    The case stems from an incident reported to Norwegian police in late April 2025.

    Daga was charged under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code, which deals with sexual activity without consent. During court proceedings, prosecutors requested a six-month sentence, which the court upheld. Limited details about the incident have been made public.

    Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the player was disappointed with the ruling and maintains that the encounter was consensual. She added that the verdict is not legally binding and that Daga intends to appeal.

    “He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad told TV 2.

    “The verdict is not legally binding yet. He should be treated like anyone else until the case is finalised.”

    Molde FK confirmed that the player will not be included in the club’s matchday squad until further notice. Club chairman Tarje Nordstrand Jacobsen described the situation as “very demanding” and said the club respects the seriousness of the matter, while also ensuring employee welfare.

    Converseer reports that Daniel Daga hails from Benue State, North Central Nigeria. He plays for the Under-20 national team.

  • Calabar water distributors threaten strike over multiple daily levies

    Calabar water distributors threaten strike over multiple daily levies

    By Frank Ulom

    CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Tricycle operators and vehicle drivers engaged in the distribution of sachet water, popularly known as pure water, in Calabar Metropolis and surrounding communities have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over what they describe as excessive daily levies imposed by revenue agents in Cross River State.

    The operators, who distribute sachet water to shops, markets, and households across the city, said the development has generated widespread frustration within their ranks.

    Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, in Calabar, Mr Desmond Okra, who represented the aggrieved operators, stated that distributors are currently subjected to several levies collected by different agents on a daily basis.

    According to him, the operators are compelled to pay a combination of charges that amount to N1,800 each day before they are allowed to operate.

    Okra listed the levies to include a Daily Operation Toll of N200, an Economic Development Levy of N300, a Commerce Development Levy of N200, an Air Pollution and Climate Change Levy of N300, a Cross River Traffic Authority (CTRA) Daily Operational Toll of N200, a Delivery Tricycle Levy of N300, and a Ministry of Environment 2026 Ecology Levy of N300.

    He explained that the total daily charges are significantly higher than the N500 levy reportedly approved by Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, for mini-bus and tricycle operators following earlier protests by transport unions.

    “Our members are struggling under the weight of these levies. When you add everything together, it amounts to N1,800 daily, which is far above the N500 that the governor approved for keke and mini-bus operators,” Okra said.

    He warned that the operators may suspend the distribution of sachet water across Calabar if their concerns are not addressed urgently.

    “We are considering an indefinite strike to press home our demand to be included in the review of these daily tickets. The situation is becoming unbearable for many of our members,” he added.

    However, the Chairman of the Association of Table Water Producers in Cross River State (ATWAP) and Chief Executive Officer of Marian Table Water, Mr Maurice Etim Okon, said he was unaware of any planned strike by distributors.

    Okon explained that registered members of the association are exempted from the levies due to an existing understanding between the association and revenue authorities in the state.

    “I am not aware of the planned strike. All registered members of the association are exempted from these levies because we have a smooth working relationship with the revenue agents and have taken the necessary steps to ease the burden on our members,” he said.

    Attempts to obtain official clarification from the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRSIRS) proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.

    The proposed strike, if carried out, could disrupt the supply chain of sachet water in Calabar, where the product remains a major source of affordable drinking water for many residents.

    Converseer reports that the Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRSWBL), a major source of safe drinking water in the state, remains dysfunctional in the last eight years.

  • Bandits kidnap Tinubu’s staunch supporter, demand N100m ransom

    Bandits kidnap Tinubu’s staunch supporter, demand N100m ransom

    By Joe Udo

    LAGOS (CONVERSEER) – President Bola Tinubu’s staunch supporter, Joseph Kayode, has been reportedly kidnapped and the kidnappers are demanding N100 million as ransom.

    According to reports, his struggling family is begging for the to help them raise the money to release their father.

    Sharing the plea on X, his supposed daughter, identified as Lady syrine (@lady_syrine), posted: “Good morning everyone. The most unfortunate thing happened to my family and I yesterday. My dad got kidnapped, and he was shot as well. Please, we are trying to raise a 100 million naira, I want them to release my daddy so that I can take care of him.”

    Social Media posts show that last month, Kayode, on his Facebook page, wrote: “TINUBU used decades to build a strong political structure and after using the structure to attain power, instead of making money for himself and the enduring structure, he starts series of legendary reforms, putting huge money in the public Treasury, removing feeding bottles from petrol and FX subsidy merchants, cutting the corruption pipeline of the NNPC, building unimaginably gigantic infrastructures, collaborating with powerful nations to end internal insecurity and combating the menace of food hoarders!!”

    In an earlier post, he called for Tinubu’s reelection. “I am 100% committed to the reelection of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,” Kayode wrote on Facebook on February 15.

  • Nigerian soldier’s grievous foot injury sparks sacrifice debate

    Nigerian soldier’s grievous foot injury sparks sacrifice debate

    By Joe Udo

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Photos of a Nigerian soldier, reportedly known as Umar’s severe wound from a likely blast have drawn thousands of views on how people who sacrifice their lives for others are treated in the West African country.

    Posted by @DanielofTruth, the photos of Umar’s wound also drew hundreds of replies voicing heartbreak over government neglect and poor care at places like 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

    “I’m amazed that mostly people don’t know what’s going on in this country. Last year I visited a military friend at 44 Military Hospital, he was shot during an ambush, he was lucky to have survived with bullet wounds.

    “There is a ward for wounded soldiers, immediately I got there, I didn’t know where the tears came from, young vibrant men, in good numbers, amputated legs, hands, some both hands and legs, just forgotten there,” @DanielofTruth posted.

    In a reply, @DanielofTruth wrote: “His name is Umar, His case is really less compared to others. If you go to 44 military hospital in Kaduna, you will cry and cry.”

    Adding, “Last year, a friend and his battalion were ambushed along the Abj-Kd Expressway. I paid him a visit at 44 Military Hospital, and I was in tears, young vibrant soldiers, rendered almost useless filled the ward, no hands, no legs.”

    Many highlight low pay, lack of support for the injured, and frustrations amid ongoing fights against Boko Haram and ISWAP, while a few defend the honour of serving.

    The army insists it provides medical care, insurance, housing, and pensions, but complaints of overcrowding and delays continue from the 2009 insurgency onward.

    Another X user, @Seniormandre, wrote: “Them no even fit give soldiers proper medical treatment chai.”

    @karosamDraxler wrote: “After all these stress, you go back home with Zero power supply, you beg and even cry just to get your allowance. Mehn country is gone.”

    @theamrif: “The painful part is that these soldiers take up these jobs because of poverty and not patriotism. If these lads were patriotic, a proper mutiny would have happened a long time ago.”

    @carlos_drogo: “After using you as the trash that you are, they dump you to live the rest of your days in pain, regrets and agony. This is the same nation you pledged to serve come rain come sun. Your country betrayed you.”

    @Lacey_xenon: “It’s not worth the sacrifice.”

    @ffjongu: “Some years back when I do go visit my sch father anytime he returns from borno I noticed scarcity of men in the barrack and out of 10 men I saw 4 were always with crutches.”

  • Nigerian secret service arrests Influencer Sarki (@Waspapping_) over pro-Iran posts

    Nigerian secret service arrests Influencer Sarki (@Waspapping_) over pro-Iran posts

    By Joe Udo

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested a social media influencer, Sani Sarki (@Waspapping_) over social media posts supporting Iran, following the ongoing conflict involving the Islamic State, the United States and Israel.

    According to reports from familiar sources, Sani was arrested on Friday evening alongside a friend, who was later released.

    Sources link the detention to his sharp commentary on alleged Israeli actions in Gaza and shares urging stronger responses from Iran, though no official DSS statement confirms the reasons.

    Associates report he’s been moved to an undisclosed location, past the 48-hour legal window for charges, sparking calls from activists like Omoyele Sowore and Amnesty International for his release on free speech grounds, while unverified claims of extremist ties circulate without evidence from authorities.

    An X user, Engr. Khalid (@KHALYD16), familiar with the situation, wrote: “It is no longer a secret that, Sani Waspapping, has been abducted by the DSS.

    “From what we have gathered so far, on Friday evening around NEPA Roundabout in Kaduna, @Waspapping_ was picked up alongside a friend who was later released. The arrest is allegedly linked to a post he made on X regarding the US and Israel.

    “At the time, we deliberately chose to exercise restraint because some individuals came forward claiming they were ‘handling it’ and assured us they were mediating behind the scenes to secure his release ‘everything is under control’. We gave them the benefit of the doubt.

    “But it is now Tuesday, and Sani’s whereabouts remain unknown. We have also received information that he has been moved to an undisclosed location.

    “At this point, it is becoming increasingly clear that some people are more interested in protecting their own positions and keeping their noses clean than actually doing what was necessary.

    “Let me be honest: People in power can burn anyone if it helps them remain close to power. I know a lot of you might not agree with what Sani was doing and rightly so, I don’t either. Desperate times…Enough of the pretence.

    “We are, therefore, calling on everyone who genuinely believes in justice and due process to step forward. Do what you must on your end, and we will do what we must on ours, because this situation is clearly getting out of hand.

    “We call on the DSS and all relevant authorities to immediately release Sani Waspapping. If there are allegations against him, he must be formally charged and taken before a court of law without delay. Due process is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation.

    “A team of lawyers is already being assembled to formally engage the DSS and other relevant authorities in order to establish the legal basis for his detention and demand accountability.

    “Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by law. Our institutions must operate within the framework of the Constitution, not in a manner that suggests arbitrary detention, external pressure, or disregard for fundamental rights.

    “The silence, the secrecy, and the games being played around this matter must stop.”

    On his part, 2023 Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, said: “I have learned that the lawless Department of State Services (DSS) has arbitrarily and unlawfully detained a social media influencer known as Sarki @Waspapping_.

    “He was reportedly arrested over comments he made about the Israel–Iran war, particularly criticisms directed at the State of Israel over its egregious warmongering and crimes against humanity in Gaza and elsewhere.

    “No Nigerian citizen should be arrested or detained simply for expressing opinions about the actions of foreign governments or commenting on ongoing international conflicts. Freedom of expression must apply equally to discussions about global affairs and acts of war involving foreign interests.

    “The DSS must, therefore, immediately release Sarki @Waspapping_ and end this unlawful detention.

    “Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while citizens are arrested for expressing views on international events.”

    Meanwhile, Omotayo Williams claimed there was more to arrest than just social media tweets from Sani.

    “Waspapping_ was not arrested because of social media tweets alone. If it was, he would have been released since Friday by his allies.

    “It has been establish he has ties to Boko Haram and ISIS. He is undergoing serious grilling at the moment. Fingers Crossed. I wish him well.”

    Abu Amir also claimed, “The Waspapping has been moving on this app, you will think that man owns the Nigerian government in his pocket or he’s untouchable. He runs PR for many big politicians.

    “Today, he has been behind bars for more than 3 days and neither the official he runs PR for nor their appointee were able to intervene.

    “Lessons: politicians don’t value their attack dogs.”

    See some of the posts from @Waspapping_ below:

     

    We’ll update you once we have more details…