From new diplomatic appointments to academic milestones and urgent security concerns, this Friday morning’s headlines highlight key developments shaping Nigeria today.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting of three ambassador-designates to France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, while the son of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike bagged a Master’s degree in London.
Security remains in focus as the US raises concerns over the abduction of worshippers in Kaduna, the Supreme Court closes the long-running Kudirat Abiola murder case, and the Lagos State Police Command responds to threats against top schools.
Here’s your complete morning roundup of the top stories:
1. Tinubu posts three ambassador-designates to France, US, UK
Fresh diplomatic appointments were announced as President Bola Tinubu approved the posting of three ambassador-designates to key nations.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, “The President has approved the posting of three ambassador-designates out of the 68 confirmed by the Senate last December.”
The postings include Ambassador Ayodele Oke to France, Colonel Lateef Are to the United States, and Ambassador Amin Dalhatu as High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.
Onanuga added, “In a memo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President urged the ministry to notify the governments of the four countries about the ambassador-designates, in line with established diplomatic procedures.”
These postings are part of the ambassadorial nominees screened and confirmed by the National Assembly in December 2025, which included 34 career ambassadors and 30 non-career appointees.
2. Wike’s Son Bags Master’s Degree from King’s College London
Celebrations marked a proud academic achievement as Joaquin Wike, son of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, graduated with a Master’s degree in Management and Technology Change from King’s College London.
The graduation ceremony was attended by family, including Justice Eberechi Wike and other children, as well as notable politicians. Senior Special Assistant Lere Olayinka shared photos from the event, writing, “FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s son, Joaquin bags MSc Degree in Management and Technology Change at King’s College London.”
Olayinka also highlighted the family’s academic tradition, noting that Joaquin’s brother, Jordan Wike, previously earned a Master of Laws from Queen Mary University, UK.
3. Abductions: US demands action, FG vows to track bandits
Concerns over security in Kaduna State escalated as gunmen abducted 177 worshippers from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area. Eleven victims escaped, while 166 remain in captivity.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker stressed the need for urgent action, saying, “Today, we are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities; prioritising countering terrorism and insecurity; investigating attacks and holding perpetrators accountable.”
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu assured that Nigeria is intensifying joint military operations and investigations, noting, “Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself. Our response, therefore, integrates security operations, rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication.”
Survivors, including 27-year-old Maimuna Babangida, described harrowing experiences. Babangida, eight months pregnant during captivity, said, “Throughout my 13 days in captivity, I received no medical attention, despite being heavily pregnant and extremely weak… The way food was given to us was degrading. I cried almost every day, especially seeing my children suffer.” She gave birth to a baby boy, Abubakar, while still in captivity.
Community and youth groups called for improved local security, urging that residents familiar with forest terrains be included in a functional Forest Guard system to prevent future attacks.
4. S’Court closes Kudirat Abiola’s murder case, frees Al-Mustapha
The Supreme Court brought closure to a decades-long legal saga as it dismissed Lagos State’s attempt to revive the prosecution of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (retd) over the assassination of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
In a unanimous decision, Justice Uwani Aba-Aji faulted the state government, saying its failure to take action for nine years was “inexcusable.” The ruling confirmed that Lagos State neither filed a notice of appeal nor took any step to implement previous orders.
The case originally stemmed from Al-Mustapha’s 2012 conviction by a Lagos High Court, later overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2013 due to insufficient evidence.
5. Attack scare: Police deploy officers to top Lagos schools
Heightened vigilance followed threats to schools in Ikeja, leading the Lagos State Police Command to deploy officers permanently to Grange School and Greensprings School (Anthony Campus).
The schools had temporarily closed after receiving WhatsApp messages warning of potential attacks. Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh said, “A painstaking and comprehensive sweep of the entire school environment… was conducted by our experts to rule out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices or any other dangerous or suspicious materials. The operation yielded no explosive or hazardous devices, and the schools were consequently declared safe.”
Authorities assured parents and students that investigations are ongoing, urging continued vigilance while highlighting the cooperation between private schools and security agencies.
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