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Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State
A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”
Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.
“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”
He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”
Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”
He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”
He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.
“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.
“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
Troops neutralise notorious kidnap kingpin in Jama’a LGA, Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have neutralised a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Amadu, during a raid in Malafiya town, Atiku Ward of Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources said that Amadu was the leader of a criminal syndicate terrorising Malafiya and surrounding communities with crimes ranging from kidnapping and cattle rustling to armed robbery.
According to the sources, Amadu had been on the most-wanted lists of security agencies and was linked to several high-profile crimes in the area, including the killing of a businessman in September 2025 and an attempted abduction of a prominent local figure’s relative.
The sources said that following credible intelligence on the gang’s hideout, troops conducted a raid on Jan. 25, 2026, to apprehend the remaining criminal elements. During the operation, there was an exchange of fire between the troops and the suspects.
“In the course of the engagement, Amadu attempted to escape and was neutralised. A search of the scene led to the recovery of a locally made pistol,” the sources said.
The sources added that the general area has since been calm, while clearance and confidence-building patrols have been intensified to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.
Troops neutralise notorious kidnap kingpin in Jama’a LGA, Kaduna
IBUAM: A New Chapter in University Education, Changing the Phase of the Aviation Industry
By: Balami Lazarus
The quest and search for knowledge by men is an unending process, a continuous tense as long as humans live here on the mother planet. Therefore, the quest and thirst for knowledge is like mwala in the Bura dialect, which simply means to dig continuously.
For some decades Nigerian educational space has experienced growth and progress in her university system. The emergence of universities to cater to the educational needs of the citizens is clear evidence that there are positive changes in the system. It has also brought improvements and innovations, walking like a giant with nobility robes in the gown of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom provided by the ivory tower.
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic Management (IBUAM) is one university that was established recently in the bustling Centre of Excellence, Lagos. Registered and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The aviation sector, I have observed, is what many lack understanding of. For some, it starts and ends with airports, aircraft, and pilots. But for Isaac David Balami, it begins with aeronautic and management knowledge provided by his university.
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic Management (IBUAM) is the first of its kind in the aviation industry/educational landscape of our nation. IBUAM is beginning to change and impart on the aviation industry through academic courses offered at the university.
IBUAM disciplines are in aeronautics and management as its academic training. Its objective, therefore, is to train students in aeronautics, engineering, and aviation management and techniques. To further equip students with “skills in aviation operations and airline management.”
Some courses at IBUAM are aerospace engineering, mechatronics engineering, and aviation operations/airline management, among others.
Isaac David Balami is an aeronautic engineer, aviation expert, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Isaac has also distinguished himself in union leadership of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
IBUAM: A New Chapter in University Education, Changing the Phase of the Aviation Industry
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Katsina State have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims after intercepting an armed bandit attack on Yankara-Funtua highway in Faskari Local Government Area.
Sources said on Jan. 24 at about 1:25 a.m., unidentified armed bandits blocked the highway and abducted six occupants of a green Honda Civic, registration number AAA 518 BC, en route from Funtua to Faskari.
The DPO Faskari, on routine patrol, promptly engaged the hoodlums in a tactical gunfight.
The bandits were overpowered and fled into the bush, abandoning their mission. All six victims, Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida, were rescued unharmed and safely returned to their homes.
Intensive patrols continue in the area, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
Troops neutralise notorious kidnap kingpin in Jama’a LGA, Kaduna
Army troops thwarted attack by bandits in Qua’an Pan, Plateau, recover AK-47 after gun battle
IBUAM: A New Chapter in University Education, Changing the Phase of the Aviation Industry
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