Federal Govt warns States against negotiating with Bandits

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has urged state governments across the country to stop engaging in negotiations with bandits, warning that such actions undermine national security efforts.

Musa made the call during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he expressed concern that dialogue with criminal groups weakens ongoing military operations.

According to him, reaching agreements with bandits often proves futile, as they cannot be trusted to honour their commitments.

He argued that many of the criminals lack genuine remorse and are likely to renege on any deals struck with them.

The minister disclosed that the Katsina State Government was cautioned over its recent decision to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits from custody.

However, the Katsina government had defended the action, describing the move as essential to consolidating community-driven peace agreements with “repentant bandits” in several local government areas.

“Negotiation with bandits is not a way out, those people are not real, whenever they come for reconciliation, they need something,” Musa spoke in Hausa language.

“What’s happening in Katsina we told them, don’t ever make the mistake of reconciling with those people, they are liars.

“We begged people to stop negotiating with them and the government should stop. It’s not right and they will surely come back again. They don’t fear God.

“We already informed them it damages our work, we asked them to stop, you know it’s democracy now not military rule. But we are in talk with them.”

The defence minister refuted claim that the federal government pays ransom to kidnappers.

“Paying ransom is not good. People should stop paying ransom when they kidnap people. Report should be made and actions will be taken.”

“Federal government doesn’t pay for ransom. It might be other people and they are doing that on their own.”

KWAM 1 writes Governor Abiodun again over selection process of new Awujale

Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Adesanya, widely known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has rejected the nomination exercise recently conducted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, describing it as invalid and unacceptable.

The exercise, which took place last Monday, was meant to produce candidates for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland.

However, Ayinde alleged that the process was marred by irregularities and failed to comply with laid-down procedures.

In a petition dated January 14, 2026, written on his behalf by his counsel, Wahab Shittu, SAN, and addressed to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the musician claimed that he and several other qualified members of the ruling house were excluded from participating.

He accused those who conducted the exercise of violating statutory provisions, constitutional rights and principles of natural justice.

Based on these alleged breaches, Ayinde declared the exercise null, void and of no effect, urging the state government to disregard its outcome.

The Fuji star, who holds the traditional title of Olori Omooba of Akile Ijebu, called for a new nomination process that would be transparent, fair and all-inclusive.

He insisted that any fresh exercise must allow the participation of all eligible candidates of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including himself.

Ayinde further revealed that concerns over the conduct of the ruling house had earlier been formally raised. He recalled that an initial petition was submitted on December 23, 2025, followed by another letter highlighting what he described as illegal activities within the selection process.

He maintained that he remains a recognised and eligible member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and a legitimate aspirant to the vacant Awujale stool.

He said: “This petition addresses the grave procedural irregularities and the unlawful exclusion of our client and other legitimate members from the nomination meeting of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House held on January 12, 2026, which fundamentally undermined the integrity of the selection process for the revered Awujale stool.

“That the actions of the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, in collaboration with some security forces, constitute a clear contravention of established legal principles and statutory provisions governing chieftaincy affairs in Ogun State, as well as fundamental human rights.”

The music maestro further argued in the petition that the nomination process breached the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021.

“There is an approved method for the selection, appointment and recognition of Obas and Chiefs. Section 16(1)(f) of the law explicitly requires the ruling house to submit the names of candidates ‘nominated at a meeting of the ruling house’ to the kingmakers.

“The unilateral exclusion of eligible members and the imposition of a ‘delegate system’ without due process directly contravene the spirit and letter of this law, which emphasises transparency and a proper administrative framework to curb chieftaincy disputes.

“The purported nomination based on such an exclusionary process is fundamentally flawed and legally unsustainable.”

Anthony Joshua returns to gym for ‘Mental Strength Therapy’ after fatal crash

Anthony Joshua has shared signs of a tentative return to the gym, revealing he has resumed light training as part of what he called “mental strength therapy” following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.

The former world heavyweight champion survived the accident on December 29 while travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway.

The vehicle collided with a stationary truck, killing two of Joshua’s close associates and members of his backroom team, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Joshua suffered only minor injuries.

In the days after the crash, uncertainty surrounded the 36-year-old’s future in boxing, with suggestions that the emotional impact could keep him out of the ring for a prolonged period.

That uncertainty eased slightly on Thursday when Joshua posted footage on Instagram showing himself hitting pads with a trainer inside a gym.

The short clip, captioned “Mental Strength Therapy”, indicated the session was focused on recovery and wellbeing rather than a full return to competition.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has since urged patience, insisting there is no rush for Joshua to make decisions about his career.

Speaking earlier this week, Hearn said the boxer would be given all the time he needs to process the loss of Ayodele and Ghami, as speculation continues over whether and when he will fight again.

“I think AJ, as we have seen in the past on boxing-related stuff, is always a brave-face guy, a very positive guy,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“This is very different to that and I know he will take his time.

“He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually before he makes a decision on his future. I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right.”
The accident occurred while the boxer was on holiday in Nigeria following his win against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, the United States, on December 19.