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Religious extremism: How poisoned traditions affect sitting positions inside vehicles and Keke napep in Maiduguri
Religious extremism: How poisoned traditions affect sitting positions inside vehicles and Keke napep in Maiduguri
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Some Nigerians are so dangerously and religiously inclined that they hardly know what wrong or right mores are even within their creed. They follow religion blindly and end up sometimes worshipping the very religion instead of the Almighty God. Some fuse their vein traditions to their religions making it quite difficult for none practitioners of over 1000 other religions to understand them. That was why Jesus Christ slammed the traditionalists within the Judaism religion for refusing to recognize Him as the way, the truth and life above what they know as laws draconian or not as spelt out by their progenitor Moses.
When people bend over to add their vein traditions into their religion it becomes deadly especially when young people are involved. When the insertion of human induced traditions are coming from those who should know like Pastors, imams and Ulamas as it applies, none practitioners become more confused if they don’t know the fundamentals of their creed.
Many residents have become slaves to religion such that they hardly know the God they claim to worship and how He reasons and thinks. Some do not even know the thoughts of God towards them which are thoughts of good and not of evil. They turn themselves into guinea pigs of their religion ready to be used for wickedness instead of good like children of God or heir apparent of the kingdom of heaven. That is why many young people fall easy prey to devious politicians who use them to kill one another during electioneer period.
How then do young people process directives to murder a neighbor or just an opposition member during political periods without asking questions. How can one explain why people take the laws into their hands in the name of religion? People killing in the name of a weak God who cannot fight for himself. Killing women and children without a second thought. You try to protect the women and children but rather they feel they should be protecting you in the name of any strange religion. How then do you explain a girl young enough to be your daughter stepping out of a vehicle for his grand father to go in before she sits at the door of the car which is the danger zone for car crashes or even summersaults?
Strange traditions practiced in some climes
If you are a visitor to Maiduguri, don’t be surprised if a small girl little enough to be your daughter stepping out of a Keke napep and forcing her daddy’s mate to go into the keke before getting into the edge of the seat. In sanner climes the men are programmed to protect the women no matter what. Children are not allowed to sit close to the doors because of accident and security reasons. Likewise the men are supposed to take the fall for their female counterparts. This means that if a Keke napep gets into an accident with a vehicle which is stronger, the men who are at the doors are supposed to be the first victims. The women and children are not supposed to be wounded were the men are .But in Maiduguri, the women prefer to be the first victims to be wounded in the case of emergencies rather than allow the men to take the fall for them or even paying the supreme sacrifice for them to stay alive. What a strange and obscene culture not found in other states of northern Nigeria?
Religious extremism: How poisoned traditions affect sitting positions inside vehicles and Keke napep in Maiduguri
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
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