The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, has cautioned the national leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, led by Muhammad Haruna Ibrahim, against what it described as “political blackmail and malicious propaganda” targeted at the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.

The warning followed a recent press briefing held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, where SSANU leaders accused Prof. Fasina of plotting to influence the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election.

The union had also urged the Federal Government to remove him from office to “restore peace” on campus.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Vice-Chancellor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Wole Balogun, FUOYE’s management dismissed the allegations as a “desperate and unrelenting smear campaign.”

The institution alleged that the union’s leadership had embarked on a coordinated attempt to tarnish the Vice-Chancellor’s image after earlier failed efforts to implicate him in baseless claims of sexual harassment.

“The latest accusations are nothing but lies from the pit of hell. It is unfortunate that rather than uphold the integrity expected of university staff, some SSANU members have chosen to trade in falsehood and blackmail,” the statement read.

The university also alleged that certain leaders of FUOYE’s SSANU chapter were themselves guilty of gross misconduct, violence, and indiscipline, citing a recent incident in which they allegedly attempted to disrupt a peaceful staff meeting convened on October 14, 2025, by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Ndoma Egba (SAN).

FUOYE reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and academic excellence on campus, warning that it would not hesitate to take disciplinary action against anyone found undermining the university’s stability and reputation.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, has said that the FreeNnamdiKanu protest was completely ill-timed.

Maduabuchi made this statement on Tuesday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST.

“The Nnamdi Kanu’s question to us, Igbos, is a very sensitive issue. As an Igbo man, I want them to release him even yesterday, because according to them, he is a freedom fighter.

“But as a lawyer, when you have handed over your proceedings, you are no longer entitled to resort to self-help. What they are doing now is simply self-help, which is not allowed by law.

“I think the protest is completely ill-timed. Now the Federal Government has closed its case.

“The matter is pending in court, and the protest is asking the federal government to interfere and direct a judge to free Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has signed into law the Chieftaincy Appointment and Deposition Law, establishing 13 new emirates and over 111 district heads across the state.

The newly created emirates include Burra, Duguri, Dambam, Bununu, Lere, Darazo, Jama’a, Lame, Toro, Ari, Warji, Giade, and Gamawa.

The governor also signed the repeal of the Sayawa Chiefdom and the enactment of the Zaar Chiefdom Law, with its headquarters at Mhrim Namchi in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

During the signing ceremony at Government House, Bauchi, on Tuesday, Mohammed warned against politicizing or obstructing the implementation of the laws.

“This administration will not tolerate any attempt to undermine, obstruct, or politicize these reforms. Anyone found inciting division or disrupting public peace will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.

The governor also assented to the Local Government Pension Contributory Scheme, pledging to clear the backlog of pensions and gratuities owed to retired local government workers. He said the new scheme would promote transparency and accountability in pension administration.

In addition, Mohammed signed the 2025 Appropriation Supplementary Act to support ongoing developmental projects.

He directed the Attorney General and Secretary to the State Government to gazette and distribute the laws for immediate implementation, stressing that the reforms were aimed at deepening governance, strengthening traditional institutions, and promoting peace and inclusion across Bauchi State.

The Department of State Services has disclosed that intelligence revealed that the daredevil terrorists and members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, planned to attack some communities in Ondo and Kogi States.

The secret police made this public in an alert contained in a confidential letter to the Nigerian Army.

The letter which was signed by one H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security and addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, warned of “imminent attacks” by the bloodthirsty terrorists.

According to DSS, the communities where the terrorists planned to attack in Ondo State include, Oyin-Akoko and Eriti-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the letter read in part.

“It was further gathered that the group has commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations.

“Consequently, there is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation”, part of the letter read.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has launched a digital platform designed to make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible, and efficient, while curbing the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Abuja. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, declared that the launch signifies “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”

Marwa said that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the menace of illicit substances, focusing on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterized by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. This manual process was prone to human interference, delays, and other challenges.

“With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks. The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance, with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.

“It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the Agency as accredited centres for the Drug Integrity Test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility, and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home, choose a preferred location, and book a convenient date for both the applicant and the NDLEA desk officer, without having to wait all day at the NDLEA office.

“With the E-Certification and Verification system, the process eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsification and establishes reliability and transparency, with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations, and headquarters.

“The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions and others will significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without stigmatization, while our rehabilitation and counselling centres remain open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.”

Speaking further, the NDLEA boss explained that “the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels. This is a commitment to the Nigerian citizen, a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.

He added that the Agency’s primary mission is to save lives, hence its advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test, which is founded on the principle of prevention rather than punishment. It serves as an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.

According to him, “This new digital portal allows institutions, organizations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples, to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardized, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for demand reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force. This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.

“This initiative is proof that the NDLEA is committed to leveraging technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse. It is part of a broader strategy to digitize all our operations, ensuring our processes are modern, secure, and world-class. The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation. With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before.”

He urged all stakeholders to embrace the new system and make full use of the platform, stressing that its success is a shared responsibility.

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution to safeguard strategic private investments in Nigeria from future industrial actions.

This follows the recent strike action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, over its dispute with the Dangote Refinery.

The resolution was adopted after a motion jointly sponsored by Ado Doguwa and Abdussamad Dasuki was presented on the floor of the House.

The lawmakers, in the motion, stressed that the Dangote Refinery is located within a Free Trade Zone, FTZ, and as such, the strike action allegedly violated provisions of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Act.

DAILY POST reports that the Act stipulates a 10-year no-strike rule for investments operating within FTZs.

The House expressed concern that the recent industrial action may have breached the NEPZA Act and warned of the potential consequences such disruptions could have on investor confidence and the country’s economic outlook.

The lawmakers further noted the financial losses incurred during the three-day strike and called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and ensure that such disputes are resolved without jeopardizing vital economic assets.

The House also resolved to work on policy frameworks that will prevent similar occurrences in the future and charged its leadership to engage with stakeholders to address the growing concerns around labour actions affecting major private sector investments.

The Lagos State Government has disbursed over N1bn pension to 463 retirees from the state’s civil service.

The sum of N1,006,057,173.45 was credited into the Retirement Savings Accounts of retirees drawn from the mainstream civil service, local governments, local council development areas, the State Universal Basic Education Board, Teaching Service Commission, and other state parastatals.

Speaking at the 111th Retirement Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony held at the NECA Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, described the event as a testament to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, both serving and retired.

“Under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, Lagos has remained consistent in ensuring the prompt presentation of bond certificates to retirees, leading to the speedy payment of their retirement benefits,” Agoro said, adding that the gesture reflected the huge premium the governor placed on the welfare and well-being of senior citizens.

Agoro, who was represented by the Director, Post Service, Public Service Office, Bukola Durodola, urged the beneficiaries to use their entitlements judiciously, saying that the state government remained committed to the welfare of retirees after service.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of LASPEC, Babalola Obilana, said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to regular pension payments had positioned Lagos as a model of effective pension administration in Nigeria.

“Despite the economic challenges faced globally and locally, Lagos State remains one of the few in the federation that consistently fulfils its pension obligations,” Obilana said.

“This feat has been achieved through prudent financial management, fiscal discipline, and the governor’s strong political will to prioritise retirees’ welfare,” he added.

Obilana noted that LASPEC had automated its processes to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

In September, LASPEC also disbursed N1.52bn retirement bonds to 798 retirees.

Last week, it assured retiring public servants of prompt processing and remittance of their benefits, provided their documentation was in order.

The National Assembly, on Monday,  mourned the death of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, and several other soldiers killed in a terrorist ambush in Borno State.

The Senate Committee on Army, in a condolence message signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, described the fallen soldiers as gallant patriots who gave their lives in defence of the nation.

“On behalf of the Senate Committee on Army, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Nigerian Army, and the families of the gallant officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Yar’Adua said.

He assured the Nigerian Army of the legislature’s continued support, pledging that the Senate would “work tirelessly to provide adequate resources and welfare” for troops battling insecurity across the country.

The committee also prayed that Almighty Allah grants the fallen heroes Jannatul Firdaus and comforts their families.

“May their sacrifice never be in vain, and may their memory continue to inspire us to work towards a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” the statement added.

Earlier on Monday, the Nigerian Army confirmed that Paiko and a few other soldiers were killed during a fierce gun duel with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists around the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area.

In a statement, the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade had successfully foiled a planned attack by the insurgents on October 17, 2025.

“However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price as they fell in battle,” Anele said.

She added that the troops neutralised several terrorists and destroyed identified Boko Haram camps during the operation.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to honour the weight of their sacrifices. Their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out terrorism from our great nation,” the statement read.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, also extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing them as “not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed immeasurable courage in the face of adversity.”

Anele appealed to the public and the media to avoid sharing images of the fallen personnel to preserve their dignity and protect their families’ privacy.

The killing of Lt. Col. Paiko and his men marks yet another tragic blow to the military in its ongoing counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East.

Military sources said the troops were on a clearance operation when they came under heavy fire from terrorists. Despite fierce resistance, Paiko and several of his men were overwhelmed by superior enemy firepower.

The latest incident follows a spate of deadly attacks in Borno. In September, suspected Boko Haram fighters stormed Darajamal in Bama Local Government Area, killing 58 civilians and five soldiers.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who visited the scene, confirmed that “63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more.” He also called for the deployment of newly trained forest guards to support the military in securing vulnerable communities.

Similarly, terrorists recently attacked the 152 Task Force Battalion in Banki, another Bama community, killing one soldier and five civilians. Several survivors were evacuated across the border to Mora, Cameroon, for treatment, while many residents fled their homes.

Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Markus Kangye, confirmed the Banki attack, saying, “Our troops were not dislodged as alleged. There was a serious firefight, and although we lost a soldier, the troops remain in control of their base.”

Until his death, Lt. Col. Paiko was widely regarded as a brave and disciplined officer with an outstanding record in counterinsurgency operations.

His death, alongside that of his troops, has been described as a huge loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has announced the introduction of a contactless biometric capture system for driver’s licence issuance, marking a significant shift toward digitalisation in Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration.

The development came as the agency launched its 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign aimed at reducing road accidents during the busy festive period.

The campaign, launched on Monday in Abuja, is tagged “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

It targets dangerous driving behaviours often linked to increased crashes between December 15 and January 15.

Speaking during the flag-off, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, said the new licence system would not only eliminate delays but also remove the need for temporary documents.

“We have activated plans to overcome the perennial challenges associated with delays in obtaining the drivers licence and number plates. Our printing facility has been upgraded to print an average of 15,000 drivers licence daily.

“This production average will be increased to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025,” Mohammed said.

He further announced that the FRSC was “about to commence the contactless biometric capture with on-spot printing of the licence, which will eliminate temporary licences thereby signaling the beginning of digitalised one-stop-shop for processing drivers licence.

“With this development, it is expected that delays and other challenges related to the national drivers licence will be history.”

The corps marshal explained that the new system was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including state governments, noting that licensing falls under a concurrent legislative list.

“Globally, we have seen how driver’s licence has been obtained. As soon as you come, you get the driver’s licence. What matters is the comprehensive data, the adequate data that will be stored for usage at any given time,” he said.

He further explained that the system would fully integrate existing driving school, Vehicle Inspection Office, and certification processes, but with a faster and streamlined approach.

“Once you reach the point of capture, you get captured and you get your driver’s licence instantly. There is no longer going to be a temporary driver’s licence. There’s no longer going to be two weeks, one month, six months, one year before you get your driver’s licence,” Mohammed stated.

He said the new process is also synchronised with the National Identification Number database, ensuring data consistency and seamless identity verification.

He described the new contactless fingerprint system as “seamless,” saying it allows biometric data to be captured without physical contact, using advanced technology that reads fingerprints from a short distance.

The FRSC has also enhanced its cooperation with state governments and agencies such as the VIO and state revenue boards to ensure seamless implementation of the new system nationwide.

During a press tour of the FRSC’s Driver’s Licence Print Farm on Monday, Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, Aliyu Datsama, confirmed that the contactless system is already operational and will be rolled out across the country, including Lagos.

Crucially, Datsama disclosed that the corps had been dealing with a massive “backlog of 800,000 unprocessed driver’s licences, which has now been reduced to 400,000.”

“We are now working 24/7 to clear the remaining backlog.

“Our current daily production capacity is 40,000 licences, and by the grace of God, we will clear everything in the next few weeks,” he stated.

He also urged Nigerians who have already completed capture to check and collect their licences, noting that “over 206,000 licences remain unclaimed across various states.