By Our Correspondent

To end incessant insecurity situation in parts of the country, a Middle Belt group under the platform of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Associations (CONEACDA) has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, warning that continued attacks, political tensions and alleged threats to indigenous rights could further destabilize the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CONAECDA raised the alarm while speaking to newsmen in Jos on pressing national issues affecting indigenous communities and Nigerians in general.

According to the Secretary General of CONAECDA, Suleiman Sukukum, the recent attacks in states including Niger, Kwara and Kogi represented “a new frontier” of violence, while noting that insecurity persists in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi and Kaduna states.

Sukukum also raised concerns over what he described as the “massive influx” of herders into remote areas of the Federal Capital Territory, warning that the development portent a serious security threat to residents.

“Reports suggest that several forests and grazing reserves across the country now allegedly harbor sleeper cells and active terrorist groups”, Sukukum state.

CONAECDA scribe further revealed that the killing of the second-in-command of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to what it described as Nigeria’s growing relevance in global jihadist activities.

On the recurring violence in Plateau State, particularly following the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba in Jos, CONAECDA said conflicting narratives surrounding the crisis continue to deepen divisions among communities.

The group identified issues such as farmer-herder clashes, land disputes, religious persecution, indigene-settler tensions and political exclusion as some of the factors often associated with the violence.

However, Sukukum maintained that regardless of the narratives, “all lives are sacred and should never be trifled with.”

CONEACDA also revisited the longstanding debate surrounding indigene and settler rights, arguing that colonial administrative structures had historically recognized native tribes, native lands and indigenous authorities.

The association defended the rights of indigenous communities to preserve what it described as their constitutional and historical identity, particularly in Plateau and other Middle Belt communities.

While acknowledging that all Nigerian citizens have constitutional rights to contest political offices anywhere in the country, the group stated that political leadership should ultimately be determined through democratic processes and the confidence of voters.

The association called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair elections across the country and urged marginalized native communities to organize politically to pursue their aspirations democratically.

On insecurity, CONAECDA expressed solidarity with Nigerian security agencies while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts toward rehabilitating victims, rebuilding destroyed communities and ensuring the safe return of displaced persons.

The group also urged the Federal Government to acknowledge the existence of terrorist groups allegedly pursuing religious persecution and genocidal objectives.

As part of its resolutions, CONAECDA declared the last Thursday of every month as “Black Thursday,” a symbolic day aimed at promoting the sanctity of human life irrespective of religion, ethnicity or social status.

The association further condemned what it described as the conversion of sacred hills and groves into grazing areas across parts of the Middle Belt, calling on local and state governments to halt the practice and preserve historic and cultural sites.

On religious freedom, the group decried cases of alleged forced conversion, abduction and child marriages involving minors, describing the trend as alarming.

CONAECDA commended the efforts of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and states that have domesticated the Child Rights Act, while renewing its call for the establishment of a religious rights and equities commission.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 general elections, the association warned against what it called rising anti-democratic conduct among political actors and parties.

It urged politicians to adhere to democratic principles and appealed to community leaders to actively participate in voter education, candidate selection, town hall engagements and election monitoring.

By Our Correspondent

In a bid to stamp out criminality in the country, the Federal Government on Monday commenced the prosecution of social media activist and influencer, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, over alleged cybercrime and felony offences before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Chidiebere, who was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on an amended three-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime-related offences, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At the resumed proceedings, the prosecution’s first witness, Oronto Douglas, told the court that audio and video recordings obtained during the defendant’s interview had been transferred onto a flash drive for evidential purposes.

Douglas said he also signed a certificate of compliance in accordance with legal provisions regulating electronically generated evidence.

The defence, however, opposed the admissibility and playback of the flash drive, arguing that the contents could not be independently verified.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently criticised the prosecution for failing to properly apply for a playback device to enable the evidence to be viewed openly in court.

Although the prosecution explained that it had submitted a request to the office of the deputy chief registrar for the device, the judge held that the application should have been directed to the head of the court’s Information Technology Department.

Following the development, counsel to the defendant urged the court to allow the bail conditions earlier granted to Chidiebere to remain in effect pending the continuation of trial.

The prosecution did not oppose the request, and the court accordingly upheld the existing bail conditions.

Justice Abdulmalik thereafter adjourned the matter until September 28 for continuation of hearing.

The case has continued to generate public attention since Chidiebere’s controversial arrest earlier this year.

The activist was reportedly declared missing by his family in April 2026 after allegedly dropping his child at school in Abuja and failing to return home.

The incident triggered widespread outrage and allegations of enforced disappearance by civil society groups and rights advocates.

Amid growing public pressure, the Nigerian Army later confirmed that the influencer was in military custody.

Military authorities alleged that Chidiebere was linked to viral social media videos showing soldiers complaining about poor feeding, welfare concerns and harsh frontline conditions.

The military accused him of actions capable of inciting personnel and undermining national security before handing him over to civil authorities for prosecution.

He was later arraigned by the Department of State Services on charges including cybercrime and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

After regaining his freedom, Chidiebere broke his silence in a statement posted on his verified X account, where he thanked Nigerians, journalists and rights advocates who campaigned for his release.

“My dear Nigerians, colleagues in the media, critics, and everyone who lent their voice during this difficult period, I sincerely thank you all,” he wrote.

While denying any intention to undermine state institutions, the activist said his actions were motivated by a desire for a better Nigeria.

“My desire has never been to bring down any institution or create division.

“I respect the sacrifices of the men and women serving this country, just as I remain committed to speaking for ordinary Nigerians who dream of a better nation”, he stated.

He also pledged to avoid comments capable of interfering with the ongoing proceedings, expressing confidence in the judicial process.

“At this moment, my focus is not bitterness, blame, or conflict. My focus remains the Nigeria we all deserve, a Nigeria that works for everyone”, he added.

The substantive hearing in the case is expected to continue before the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 28.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

After two years of legal tussle against the former lawmaker representing Bosso Constituency at the Niger State House of Assembly,Hon Abdulmalik Madaki, Justice Mikhail Abdullahi has found him not guilty.

The former lawmaker was dragged to Minna High Court by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) through a petition filed by Arch. Abubakar Gwamna alleged that the former law maker diverted funds meant for constituency projects to his personal pocket.

During the trial five witnesses testified against the former which include the prosecuting witness from the EFCC while one one Awaisu Wana who was said to have the petition for the petitioner,Arch Abubakar Gwamna refused to appear before the court to testify.

Also the then Clerk of the Niger State House of Assembly,Mallam Abubakar Kagara was called as a witness and some documents were tendered as evidence.

Abubakar Gwamna who succeeded Hon. Abdulmalik Madaki in the state house of Assembly filed the frivolous petition alleging that his predecessor collected huge amount of Millions of Naira as Constituency allowance through out his stay as member representing Bosso State Assembly without any project in the constituency.

All the documents tendered in the court during trial were all admitted as evidence for the prosecution of the former lawmaker.

Two of his Defence Attorney Admu Umar Esq.and Ishyaku Barau, in their separate submission during the trial, prayed the court for no case submission in favour of the former law maker as most of the evidence and the prosecuting witnesses were not consistent.

While ruling on the no case submission as prayed for by the both Attorneys, Justice Mikhail Abdullahi held that the prosecuting counsel of the EFCC failed to prove all the allegations brought against the defendant and the court find him not guilty “ because the prosecutor failed to establish any case against the defendant and is discharged accordingly”