Gunmen abducted 43 people, mostly women and children, during a midnight raid on Kakidawa village in Zamfara State, forcing residents to flee into the bushes. The attackers conducted house-to-house searches and have yet to make ransom demands. This incident reflects the worsening insecurity and frequent kidnappings plaguing northern Nigeria. Read More
Athena Commentary: The abduction of 43 people in Zamfara shows the worsening security crisis in northern Nigeria, where law enforcement struggles to respond effectively. In better-governed countries, robust policing, advanced surveillance, and quick crisis response systems help prevent such incidents and ensure prompt rescue efforts. Strengthening community security structures and investing in modern crime-prevention technology are critical steps Nigeria must take to protect its citizens.
2. Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate in the recent Ondo State governorship election, has filed a petition at the election tribunal challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC. Ajayi claims the election was flawed, accusing INEC of impartiality and the misuse of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, which he alleges undermined democracy. While expressing confidence in the judiciary to deliver justice, he has called for reforms to ensure more transparent and tamper-proof elections. Read More
Athena Commentary: The controversy surrounding Ondo’s election reflects lingering issues in Nigeria’s electoral process, including claims of bias and manipulation. In better-governed democracies, institutions like electoral commissions are designed to function independently and transparently, minimizing disputes and building public trust in election outcomes. For Nigeria to reach this standard, it must enforce stricter electoral reforms, ensure technology is safeguarded from misuse, and uphold accountability for fair governance.
3. Aisha Wakil, known as “Mama Boko Haram,” and two associates were sentenced to five years in prison each for a ₦6 million fraud involving a Toyota Camry. They were convicted of dishonestly obtaining the car under false pretenses through their NGO and failed to fulfill the agreement or return the vehicle. The court also ordered them to repay ₦3.5 million to the petitioner or serve an additional five years in jail.
Athena Commentary: This case highlights the need for stricter oversight of NGOs and stronger deterrents against fraud in Nigeria; as such scandals undermine public trust in charitable organizations. In better-governed countries, robust regulatory frameworks, routine audits, and severe penalties often prevent misuse of organizational platforms for personal gain. Strengthening these systems in Nigeria can ensure greater accountability and restore confidence in entities meant to serve the public good.
4.Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello has been remanded in Kuje Prison by an FCT High Court over an alleged ₦110 billion money laundering case, with his bail application deemed premature. The court adjourned the case to early 2025 for further hearings, granting bail to a co-defendant under stringent conditions. Bello’s legal team argued for his release, but the prosecution maintained that the bail application was procedurally flawed.
Athena Commentary: The remanding of former governor Yahaya Bello highlights the importance of accountability in governance but also reflects inefficiencies in Nigeria’s judicial process, where procedural issues can delay justice. In better-functioning systems, high-profile cases are expedited, and bail applications are handled swiftly and transparently to ensure fair trial rights while maintaining public trust. Streamlining legal procedures and reducing political interference could improve Nigeria’s judicial outcomes and strengthen its fight against corruption.
Compiled By
Ijeoma Esther Achebe