Court Clears Suspected Terror Suspect, Mike Nwaukoni, For UK Trip, Gives Tough Conditions

The Federal High Court sitting in Asaba on the 8th of December, 2025 delivered a ruling that sent a ripple through the courtroom and beyond, as Honourable Justice Olufunmilola Agbaje ordered the temporary release of the international passport of Mr. Mike Nwaukoni, one of the defendants standing trial over grave allegations bordering on terrorism, attempted murder and the orchestration of communal war.

Mr. Nwaukoni had approached the court by motion, seeking the release of his passport to enable him travel to the United Kingdom for a two-week period to attend the graduation ceremony of his son, Pascal Nwaukoni, scheduled to hold at the City of St George’s University, London, located at Barbican Central, Silk Street, London—a destination clearly outside the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Asaba.

The application was, however, vigorously opposed by the prosecution, led by Godwin Uangbaoje Esq, who appeared on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police. In a strongly worded counter-affidavit, the prosecution urged the court to refuse the request, contending that Mr. Nwaukoni was a flight risk, a danger to society, and a suspect currently under investigation for additional serious crimes beyond those already before the court.

After listening to detailed submissions from both sides, including arguments by E. L. Akpofure, SAN, counsel to the Defendant/Applicant, Justice Agbaje granted the application—but not without conditions that many observers in court described as very stringent.

In her ruling, the learned trial judge ordered that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing Mr. Nwaukoni must personally execute a written and signed undertaking to produce the defendant before the court on the next adjourned date. In addition, Mr. Nwaukoni himself was directed to sign a formal undertaking committing to return his international passport to the court not later than three (3) days after his return from the United Kingdom.

The court further ordered the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court to formally notify the Nigerian Immigration Service, mandating it to closely monitor Mr. Nwaukoni’s movement in and out of the country throughout the duration of the trip.
Justice Agbaje issued a stern warning that any breach whatsoever of the conditions attached to the temporary release of the passport would result in the immediate revocation of Mr. Nwaukoni’s bail and his remand in prison custody.

The case itself continues to attract intense public attention. Mr. Nwaukoni is standing trial alongside four other suspects on charges relating to terrorism, attempted murder and the deliberate instigation of communal unrest. Proceedings have already moved into substantive trial, with a senior police commander who was present at the scene of the alleged incident having testified for the prosecution.

During his testimony, the police commander told the court that Mr. Nwaukoni allegedly arrived at the palace with a mob of miscreants, thugs and fully armed men, leading to a violent confrontation. Under cross-examination, the witness further confirmed that he knew Mr. Nwaukoni very well and disclosed that barely a week before the commencement of trial, he had been invited to Mr. Nwaukoni’s private residence, alongside the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), shortly before he was due to give evidence in court.

With the passport now released under tight judicial surveillance, all eyes remain on whether the defendant will strictly comply with the court’s conditions and not run away from his trial—or risk being taken into custody as the high-stakes terrorism trial resumes.

Court Clears Suspected Terror Suspect, Mike Nwaukoni, For UK Trip, Gives Tough Conditions

Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than nine persons were injured on Monday following a clash between farmers and herders in Loko community, Nasarawa State.

Zagazola report that the incident occurred at about noon on Dec. 15 in Bakono village, Loko area, after a dispute over alleged damage to farmland.

The source said the farmland involved belonged to one Bako Usman.

According to the source, the clash resulted in injuries to five farmers and four herders.

Security forces stormed the scene to restore order, while the injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Loko, where they were admitted and are responding to treatment.

Sources said that a stakeholders’ meeting had been convened in the community to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

According to the sources, confidence-building patrols are ongoing, the situation is being closely monitored and the area remains relatively calm.

Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa

Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba

By: Zagazola Makama

A soldier has been killed, while two others are missing following an attack on troops escorting farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Monday during a security operation in a bush area of Takum, which has been prone to clashes involving militia elements.

The source said soldiers from a special forces unit along with police, NSCDC were deployed to provide security for Tiv farmers harvesting their farm produce when they were attacked by hoodlums suspected to be local militia in Taraba state.

According to the source, one soldiers was killed during the attack.

The source further disclosed that following the incident, soldiers cordoned off the venue of the Miyetti Allah executives’ election at the FGR Samsokwa Hall, in Takum, and arrested male executives of the association present at the venue. Though it was yet to establish if they were involved in the attack.

Another sources pointed accusing finger at the Taraba state special adviser on security allegedly to be behind the Militia. Though, Zagazola cannot independently verify the claim.

Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a group of suspected armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The suspects were caught with AK-47 rifles during an operation carried out on Friday.

After their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody. In a video that later surfaced online, the men were seen lying face down with their hands tied while security operatives questioned them about where they got the weapons.

One of the suspects alleged that some officials of the Kwara State government gave them both the vehicle and the rifles. He claimed they had been operating in the area under the cover of patrol duties.

According to him, the weapons did not belong to them personally. He said their leader collected the rifles and that they often went on patrol together with some individuals he mentioned by name. He insisted that the guns belonged to those officials.

Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba