Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of 43 inmates from correctional facilities across Lagos State, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest custodial centres and strengthen reforms within the criminal justice system.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, who noted that the move forms part of a strategy to address overcrowding and improve correctional infrastructure.

“It would be recalled that a few months ago, in December 2025, ninety-one inmates were also released from the custodial centres,” Pedro said.

He explained that the latest action was taken under the governor’s constitutional powers.

“The decision to release inmates who were yet to complete their terms was taken pursuant to the power of prerogative of mercy, conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” he stated.

Pedro further disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

“The released inmates were duly recommended by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in accordance with established legal and administrative guidelines,” he added.

He emphasised that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to justice sector reforms and improved conditions in correctional facilities.

“This exercise reflects the State Government’s commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law, alongside improving conditions within correctional centres by proactively addressing the challenges of overcrowding,” he said.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reiterated its long-standing position that it is a cultural and socio-political organisation that does not engage in partisan politics.

Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, ACF Publicity Secretary, said in a statement, “Members and officials of ACF are free to hold personal political beliefs and affiliations, but they do not represent the ACF in such capacities.”

He explained that the attention of the forum had been drawn to a statement issued by someone purported to be speaking for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), claiming that the ACF was represented at a meeting held in Ilesha, Osun State, on March 31, 2026, to endorse their party and candidate.

According to Muhammad-Baba, “We wish to clarify that Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, Mutawallen Gombe, the Secretary General of the ACF attended the meeting at the invitation of Afenifere to witness their General Meeting in Ilesha to further improve the relationship between the socio-cultural groups – ACF, Afenifere, and Northern Elders Forum – to discuss ways to move the country forward.

“He was, therefore, at the meeting as a representative of ACF, as an observer. He was there specifically to meet with Afenifere to discuss cooperation among the regional groups.”

He stated, “ACF therefore hereby distance itself from the announcement made by the agent of the SDP” and emphasised that “the ACF name and reputation should not be used to imply endorsement of any partisan political interest or, for that matter, representation of the organisation.”

It urged the general public to disregard the statement and to understand that the ACF remains committed to its principles and objectives, uninfluenced by partisan politics.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has said that the exit of the former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, from the party means the party is dead in Kano and beyond.

Spokesman for the Movement, Habibu Mohammed, made this statement on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television.

He was reacting to the recent defection of Kwankwaso from the NNPP into the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

“Everybody knows that the NNPP is synonymous with Kwankwaso and him leaving the NNPP automatically means that the NNPP is actually dead in Kano, and maybe beyond Kano, which might be seen to be dead across the nation.

“Just like what Kwankwaso meant for the NNPP in Kano, he will now be seen to be the ADC in Kano State, and it will be an interesting scenario.

“So many people believe in Kwankwaso and his principles. There will be a lot of influx into the ADC.

“And I believe from the recent happening, it is going to be a very interesting scenario in Kano, because there are several others that are actually going to come along, and this is the result of the fact that so many people believe that Kwankwaso is a man with principle, and he’s the man that doesn’t actually meander. He goes straight to the point.

“He’s somebody who is ready to actually say it as it is, and for both parties to understand.

“So there are so many politicians that knew very well that they can align with him, even if they have different opinions, but the fact that he can lead, he can provide direction, he can protect his own and he will be able to actually turn things around, so many other people are coming,” Mohammed said.

The Federal High Court in Abuja will today deliver ruling in a legal battle seeking to prohibit Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in all activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following her alleged suspension from the party by the Wuse Ward Executive in Abuja.

Justice Peter Odo Lifu is billed to deliver the ruling following the service of hearing notice on the party that filed an ex-parte application in the legal battle.

Senator Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, was said to have been suspended on March 10 by her Wuse Ward Executive and ratified by two thirds of the leaders on allegations of anti-party activities and disregard to the Constitution of the ADC.

Those who sued the Senator in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CV/539/2026 are Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, on behalf of themselves and ward members as plaintiffs, while the serving Senator is the sole defendant.

In an ex-parte application filed on their behalf by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kolawole Olowookere and argued before Justice Lifu, the aggrieved ADC members in Wuse of Abuja applied for an order of interim injunction restraining Kingibe from parading herself as a member of ADC pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

They also asked the judge to restrain the Senator from performing any function, attending meetings or performing activities reserved for ADC members or representing the party in any activities.

Besides, the Ward Executive Committee asked that she be restrained from further interfering with the administration of the ward, ward register and other activities.

The suit was predicated on five grounds among which are that Mrs Kingibe was placed on suspension due to anti party activities, gross misconduct and confiscation of the ward statutory records.

“That the suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC Constitution and ratified by the two thirds majority of the Exco members.

“That despite the communication of the suspension to her, she has continued to hold parallel meetings, issues press statements as ADC members and using her security details to intimidate the Executive Committee.

“That her actions constitute flagrant disregard to the internal mechanism of the party,” they claimed.

After taking arguments, Justice Peter Lifu had fixed April 1 for ruling on whether to grant the request of the plaintiffs or not.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has directed the State’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr Uwaoma Ukandu to liaese with Monday Ubani, SAN, in resolving the problem between the Chairman of Ikwuano LGA of the State, Mr. Anthony Nwaubani and one of his Councillors.

This followed the allegations that the Local Government Chairman had been withholding the salary of the Councillor since December, 2025.

The Local Government Chairman was also alleged to have seized solar-powered street light meant for Oboro Ward 2 in Ikwuano LGA.

Governor Otti, who was responding to a question from a journalist during his media chat at the Government House, Umuahia, said he was aware of the problem, assuring that he had directed that the issue be resolved amicably.

“Question about Ikwuano Local Government, I am aware of it and I have directed the Commissioner for Finance and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Monday Ubani to sit down and resolve the problem,” Governor Otti said.

He assured the people that those he mandated to resolve the matter would bring a lasting solution.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has rolled out special train service arrangements ahead of the Easter celebrations to cater to the expected rise in passenger movement across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the corporation said the measures are aimed at easing travel for commuters during the holiday period.

As part of the plan, the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three trips on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to accommodate the anticipated surge in passengers. From the Lagos end at Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, trains will depart at 7:45 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Meanwhile, from the Ibadan end at Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, departures are scheduled for 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.

The NRC also disclosed that a special train service will run on the narrow gauge corridor in partnership with the Osun State Government, which has fully funded the service to allow passengers travel at no cost.

According to the clrporation, the train will depart Iddo Station, Lagos, for Osogbo at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, while the return journey from Osogbo to Iddo is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026, also at 10:00 a.m.

On other routes, the corporation said operations will continue as usual. The Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will maintain its regular timetable, with two trips on Thursdays and three trips on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, covering morning, mid-day, and afternoon schedules between Idu and Rigasa.

Similarly, the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) will continue to operate daily, except on Thursdays, which are set aside for maintenance to ensure safe and efficient service. Trains from Warri to Itakpe will run on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., while services from Itakpe to Warri will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, departing at 12:00 noon.

On the Eastern corridor, the Port Harcourt–Aba Train Service will also maintain its existing schedule, with trains leaving Port Harcourt for Aba at 8:00 a.m., and returning from Aba to Port Harcourt at 3:00 p.m.

The corporation assured passengers of its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient rail transport services across all routes.

Passengers were advised to plan ahead, arrive early, and comply with ticketing and security requirements.

“Passengers are advised to plan their trips, arrive early at stations, and adhere to all ticketing and security procedures,” the statement said.

The NRC also wished passengers a peaceful and enjoyable Easter celebration and encouraged continued patronage of rail transport as a safe and dependable means of travel.

With the return of calm and relative peace following the Palm Sunday night attack in the Gari Yawaye community, Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, the government has announced the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew it had imposed on the council.

The state government had imposed a two-day curfew which had restricted movement and commercial activities across the LGA following the attack by gunmen which claimed the lives of over 30 residents, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

In a statement announcing the relaxation of the curfew, issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government said the decision was taken after security assessments indicated an improvement in the situation.

Ramnap stated that the curfew relaxation will take effect from Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with movement permitted between 7am and 3pm daily, and urged residents to use the approved window to carry out their lawful activities while strictly adhering to security guidelines.

The Commissioner reiterated the need for citizens and residents of the state to be vigilant, remain calm, and law-abiding as security agencies maintain surveillance and patrols to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“The Plateau State government under His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has assured citizens that efforts are ongoing to consolidate peace and prevent further unrest in the area.

“Government also commends residents for their resilience and cooperation during the period of restrictions,” Ramnap said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the State.

Director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, says the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, is a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, not because of hierarchy but a moving force of his faction.

Amadi stated this on Monday during a live appearance in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television.

He was speaking on the recently concluded national convention of the PDP in Abuja shortly after that of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

He stressed that Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President, would concede because Wike has more political gravitas and more institutional capacity than he does.

According to him, the faction has been thriving on Wike getting things done.

“Wike tried to be smart. He tried to say, we are all leaders. But clearly he didn’t fight back not because of hierarchy.

“But again the moving force behind this brand of PDP is Wike. Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki pretend to be on the sideline and then get himself up and say, well, let’s come together. So he’s not the guy who’s driving this. Wike is the leader.

“Is it odd? Not necessarily, Saraki himself will concede that at this point, perhaps Wike has more political gravitas, more social capacity than he does, even though he’s former Senate President,” Amadi said.