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Address unemployment, extremism to end insecurity – Kukah
The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has said Nigeria’s protracted insecurity cannot be resolved without addressing unemployment and violent religious extremism, which he described as breeding grounds for violence.
Delivering his Christmas message at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church, Sokoto Diocese, Kukah lamented the nation’s lack of measurable progress, which he attributed to a preference for “darkness rather than light.”
“Nigeria’s lack of visible and measurable progress is tied to the fact that we have chosen darkness rather than light,” he said. “Imagine if we let the light shine on our public service, on our politics, on our individual, community, and national life, and on our public institutions. Imagine what Nigeria would be like if we chose light instead of darkness.”
The cleric stressed that meaningful change requires embracing transparency, accountability, and integrity in both public and private life. He urged Nigerians to embody the Christian hymn “They will know we are Christians by our love” and to reject the divisive forces of ethnicity, nepotism, and greed.
“We are still unable to embrace the ideals of our national anthem that says: ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ Diversity is a gift from God. Let us use it effectively as a tool for national mobilisation and cohesion,” he said.
Kukah identified unemployment and religious extremism as major drivers of insecurity, adding that tackling these issues is essential for stability.
“Insecurity cannot be overcome without addressing unemployment and violent religious extremism, which breed conditions for violence,” he said. He further called for the strict enforcement of laws to prosecute extremists, describing them as “criminals and murderers.”
The Bishop commended the passage of the Not Too Young to Run Bill and the enactment of the Student Loan Act 2024, noting their potential to expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
“It is significant that the act does not limit access to university students alone. We hope this project will be free of bureaucratic bottlenecks and favouritism, ensuring that poverty does not exclude anyone from receiving a good education,” Kukah stated.
He urged the youth to seize these opportunities but noted ongoing barriers such as high political participation costs and weak internal democracy.
Speaking on the recent tragedies in Okija, Ibadan, and Abuja, where stampedes during food distributions led to loss of lives, Kukah described these incidents as “metaphors for the desperation Nigerians face daily.”
“These tragedies were avoidable. The government must collaborate more effectively with institutions that promote the common good to prevent such loss of life,” he said.
Kukah praised the Catholic Church’s efforts to support vulnerable communities through organisations like St. Vincent de Paul and called on the government to do more in safeguarding citizens’ dignity.
Bishop Kukah also encouraged Christians to stay committed to their faith and moral responsibilities, regardless of the nation’s systemic failures.
“We are the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. We must not allow the weaknesses and failures of the Nigerian state to become an excuse for doing wrong,” he said.
He urged Christians to prioritise divine law over human systems, noting, “The Constitution has its flaws, but the Word of God is a divine command, inerrant, and written in the hearts of good Christians.”
As the nation continues to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and corruption, Kukah called on all Nigerians to choose the path of unity, love, and accountability for a brighter future.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts and commit to living the ideals Jesus taught us. May this season bring joy, and the new year bring blessings,” Kukah said.
An Ikeja Special Offences Court has scheduled May 4, 2026, to deliver its ruling on whether an extra-judicial statement made by co-defendant Henry Omoile will be admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial involving former Godwin Emefiele.
The statement in question was allegedly made by Omoile, who is standing trial alongside Emefiele. Presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, fixed the date after both the prosecution and defence teams adopted their final written addresses during a trial-within-trial session.
The hearing is focused on determining whether Omoile’s statement was given voluntarily and is therefore admissible in court.
Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge bordering on alleged gratification, corrupt practices, and abuse of office, involving transactions estimated at $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
Omoile, meanwhile, is standing trial on a three-count charge relating to alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts connected to dealings with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Counsel to Omoile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Kotoye, argued that the statement should be rejected on the grounds that it was not voluntarily made. He cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, stressing the importance of video-recorded interrogations to ensure transparency.
The defence also raised concerns over possible coercion, inducement, and lack of proper legal representation during the recording of the statement.
Similarly, counsel to Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the statement, arguing under the Evidence Act that any involuntary confession is inadmissible.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the statement was properly obtained in line with legal procedures, adding that although it was not video-recorded, it was made in the presence of Omoile’s lawyer.
He further argued that the contents of the statement do not support claims of coercion, noting that Omoile did not implicate Emefiele and denied the allegations against himself.
After hearing all submissions, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter for ruling on May 4, 2026, while also fixing June 26 and June 30, 2026, for continuation of the substantive trial.
Nine kingmakers of Ijebu-Ode have been re-invited by the Ogun State Police Command to appear at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, next Monday and Tuesday over fresh allegations of bribery and financial inducement in the selection of the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
The development marks the second time the kingmakers are being summoned by the police on the matter.
Recall that the Ogun State Government, in January 2026, suspended the selection process through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
The suspension followed petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The kingmakers were first invited by the Ogun State Police Command in February over similar accusations of cash inducement. However, the probe was later dropped following the intervention of superior authorities.
In the latest development, the nine kingmakers have been re-invited through a letter dated April 17, 2026, signed by Gbenga Adeoye, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
One of the kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla, confirmed the invitation.
He disclosed that four of them are expected to appear on Monday, April 21, 2026, while the remaining five are scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2026.
Chief Okenla described the repeated invitations as a distraction, insisting that the allegations are unfounded.
“It’s true that the Ogun State Police Command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
Four of us are to be there on Monday while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday,” he said.
“None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebuland are equally not happy about it because it is becoming more of a distraction.”
The Kakanfo appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to conclude the selection process without further delay.
“We are only pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebuland without any further delay,” he added.
Parts of the police invitation letter read:
“In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on [Monday/Tuesday] April 21/22, 2026 at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.
“This is a fact-finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.
“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of criminal justice delivery and fairness. Should you require any clarification, kindly contact 08038455857. Please take note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer.”
Nigerian-American singer, David Adedeji Adeleke popularly known as Davido has commended Nigerian businessman Aliko Mohammed Dangote for his style of living.
According to him, the owner of Dangote cement is a different kind of billionaire.
He said unlike other billionaires who always buy luxury cars and show off, Mr. Aliko buys two cars every 8 years.
Speaking in an interview, Davido stated that the businessman always tells him to save his money.
“Uncle Aliko is a different kind of a billionaire, Uncle Aliko buys like two cars every 8 years. He is different ” Davido said.
“Anytime he sees me he just says one thing, save your money. There is nothing more he tells me than save your money.” He added.
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