Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has strongly condemned the gruesome attack on Nuku village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State by armed bandits, which led to the killing of five forest guards.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the incident as “barbaric, senseless, and a painful loss not only to the affected families but to the entire state.”

He expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of the gallant forest guards who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, noting that their sacrifice in defending their community would never be forgotten.

Saraki prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, forgive their shortcomings, and reward their bravery with the highest place in Paradise.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, the families of the slain guards, and the entire people of the area, urging them to remain steadfast and united in the face of the tragedy.

While commending the efforts of security operatives and local forest guards for their bravery in repelling the attack, Saraki stressed the need for sustained vigilance and stronger collaboration among all security stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.

The former Senate President, further called on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in exposing and bringing the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice.

Saraki also prayed for continued peace, protection, and security across Kwara state and the nation at large.

Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has reacted to allegations by the Berom Youth-Moulders Association, BYM, that it had uncovered a plot by the Fulani organization to shield a suspect who was arrested during an attack.

The BYM in a statement on Thursday by its National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, had alleged that it had discovered a plan by MACBAN to shield the suspect by obtaining a forged medical report that would claim the suspect is mentally unstable.

In the statement, Mwantiri said the BYM had received credible intelligence from a very reliable source indicating that MACBAN had allegedly perfected the plan and was making desperate efforts to procure a forged medical certificate claiming that the suspect arrested in connection with the attack was mentally retarded and his confessions to security personnel should not be relied on.

But in a counter statement on Friday, the Fulani umbrella body refuted the allegations, saying they were not only misleading but baseless and a “deliberate attempt to incite tension and misinform the public.”

In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN expressed surprise at the allegations from the BYM and questioned how they could have been made, given the organization’s reputation for promoting peace and stability.

“The attention of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, has been drawn to the recent allegations circulated by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) concerning an alleged plan to shield a suspect linked to the unfortunate incident in Heipang.

“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to incite tension and misinform the public. MACBAN remains a law-abiding organization committed to peace, justice, and the rule of law in Plateau State and beyond.

“At no time has MACBAN engaged in, nor does it support, any act aimed at obstructing justice or shielding individuals involved in criminal activities. We strongly believe that anyone found culpable in any act of violence or criminality should face the full weight of the law, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or organizational affiliation.

“It is important to emphasize that Plateau State has suffered greatly from cycles of misinformation and mutual suspicion. Statements such as those issued by BYM only serve to heighten tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts among communities.

“We therefore call on the Berom Youth Moulders Association to refrain from spreading unverified claims and instead collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in promoting dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and unity in Plateau State.

“MACBAN reiterates its commitment to working with security agencies, government authorities, and community leaders to ensure lasting peace and stability.

“We urge the general public to disregard these unfounded allegations and remain calm, as security agencies are fully capable of handling any investigations professionally. Together, we must prioritize peace over provocation and truth over speculation,” the statement reads.

 

The David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to reverse the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which derecognised the party’s leadership.

Mark also asked Justice Emeka Nwite to grant an order of mandatory injunction setting aside INEC’s refusal to attend or monitor the ADC’s congresses or convention, pending the hearing and determination of the instant suit.

He equally sought an order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain the names of all ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) in its records and portal, prior to the filing of the suit, and pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Recall that INEC had officially removed the names of Mark (National Chairman) and Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal and website on April 1.

The motion on notice, dated and filed on April 7 was filed by Mark’s new lawyer, Sulaiman Usman, SAN.

The motion by the former Senate President, who is the national chairman of ADC, is in reaction to the March 12 Court of Appeal’s judgment in a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe before Justice Nwite.

The motion, which sought three reliefs, was brought pursuant to Order 26, Rules 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019; the inherent jurisdiction of the court and under the equitable jurisdiction of the court to grant injunctive reliefs.

The reliefs sought include; “an order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal and the decision of refusal to attend or monitor the applicant’s congresses or convention pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

He sought an order of mandatory injunction, directing INEC to forthwith restore the names of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as all members of the National Executive Committee .

He sought an order restraining INEC from tampering with, or otherwise interfering with the said leadership records of the 1st defendant, recognising or giving effect to any contrary or competing claims, pending the final determination of this suit.”

Giving seven-ground argument why the application should be granted, the lawyer submitted that the Court of Appeal, in its ruling delivered on March 12, ordered the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

Usman argued that the “status quo ante bellum” referred to the last lawful, uncontested state of affairs prior to the institution of the suit.

“As at September 2, 2025, when this action was instituted, the 2nd defendant (Senator David Mark) was the recognised National Chairman of the 1st defendant.

“The said leadership structure had already been constituted. The plaintiff had already resigned his prior office and had no subsisting role within the party,” he said.

The lawyer further stated that INEC, acting under a misapprehension of the Court of Appeal order, removed the names of the said leadership from its portal.

He said the electoral umpire then adopted a position of non-recognition and created a vacuum in the leadership structure of ADC.

Usman argued that INEC’s actions were inconsistent with the true meaning of the Court of Appeal order, capable of rendering the subject matter of the suit nugatory and prejudicial to Mark and Aregbesola.

“The law is settled that a mandatory injunction may be granted at an interlocutory stage to restore a party to the position wrongfully altered.

“This is a proper case for the exercise of the equitable jurisdiction of this honourable court,” the senior lawyer submitted.

Also, in another motion on notice dated April 2 but filed April 7 on Mark’s behalf, the lawyer sought an order granting accelerated hearing of the suit.

Usman, who prayed the court for an order abridging the time within which the parties are to file and exchange all processes in the suit, also sought an order directing that the suit be heard on day-to-day basis until its final determination.

On why the case should be given accelerated hearing, the lawyer stated that the suit had raised fundamental issues affecting the leadership structure of the ADC, a registered political party.

He said the subject matter of the suit has far-reaching implications for democratic governance and political participation.

According to him, the Court of Appeal has already directed that the matter be heard expeditiously.

He said the present uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the ADC is affecting its internal administration, impeding its participation in political activities and creating avoidable institutional confusion.

Usman further stated that the continued pendency of the suit is capable of rendering the subject matter nugatory, encouraging parallel structures and conflicting claims.

The lawyer, who said that the court has the power to accelerate proceedings in deserving cases, said it is in the interest of justice to determine the matter without delay.

It will be recalled that Justice Nwite had, on September 4, 2025, declined to grant an application seeking to stop Mark-led leadership of the ADC, pending the hearing of the substantive suit.

The judge had refused the three prayers sought in an ex-parte motion filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of ADC, and moved by his lawyer, Michael Agber.

Rather, the judge had directed Gombe, the plaintiff in the suit, to put all the defendants on notice to show cause why the motion should not be granted.

The judge then adjourned the matter til September. 15 2025, for the defendants to show cause.

However, the Mark-led ADC, approached the Appeal Court to challenge the lower court’s jurisdictional power to hear the suit and the appellate court ordered the parties to go back to the trial court and maintained status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the case.

Gombe, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, had sued ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Chief Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

Nwosu was the former ADC national chairman who stepped down for David Mark leadership.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove its top officials from official records.

The case followed INEC’s deletion of the names of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary from its portal on April 1.

In a motion filed on April 7, Mark, through his lawyer, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), asked the court to order INEC to restore the names of the party’s National Working Committee members as they were before the dispute.

Part of the request reads, “An order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal.”

The group also asked the court to compel INEC to recognise and maintain the names of Mark and Aregbesola, along with other members of the National Executive Committee.

In addition, they want the court to restrain INEC from interfering with the party’s leadership records or recognising any rival claims until the case is determined.

The legal action follows a Court of Appeal judgment on March 12 in a related dispute involving a former deputy national chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe.

Usman argued that the appellate court had directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the dispute.

He said, “As of Sept. 2, 2025, when this action was instituted, the 2nd defendant (Senator David Mark) was the recognised national chairman.”

He accused INEC of misinterpreting the court’s ruling by removing the names, saying the move created confusion within the party.

According to him, “The law is settled that a mandatory injunction may be granted… to restore a party to the position wrongfully altered.”

The lawyer also asked for an expedited hearing of the case, warning that the ongoing leadership crisis is affecting the party’s activities and could lead to parallel structures.

He said, “The continued pendency of the suit is capable of rendering the subject matter nugatory.”

Court records show the dispute began in September 2025 when Gombe filed a suit challenging the party’s leadership.

The trial court later ordered all parties to respond, while the Court of Appeal directed that the status quo be maintained.

Fulham are intensifying efforts to sign Samuel Chukwueze on a permanent transfer, DAILY POST reports.

Chukwueze arrived the Craven Cottage on season-long loan from Serie A giants AC Milan last summer.

The tricky winger has impressed head coach Marco Silva, who now want him to stay permanently at the club.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fulham are preparing €24 million deal to activate the purchase option in the Nigeria international’s contract.

Chukwueze has registered three goals, and four assists in 17 league appearances for the Whites this season.

He has two years remaining on his contract with Fulham.