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Gumi: Media Encouragement Equals Complicity — Musa
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has clarified what constitutes support for terrorism, stressing that any form of encouragement, justification, or assistance to criminal groups amounts to complicity and should be treated as such.
General Musa made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, January 15, 2026, while responding to questions about his recent warning to individuals accused of supporting or sympathising with terrorists. The discussion referenced figures such as Sheikh Gumi and sought clarity on what, in his view, qualifies as support for terrorism.
According to the Defence Minister, support goes beyond material assistance and includes verbal or public encouragement. “Support is when you encourage them one way or the other,” he said. He explained further, “When you tell them what they are doing is right, that the government is wrong, and that they are victims—that is support.”
General Musa firmly rejected any attempt to justify the actions of armed groups, insisting that criminality should not be excused under any guise. “No, a criminal is a criminal,” he stated, adding, “Anybody who supports a criminal to us is a criminal.”
He emphasised that tackling insecurity requires a united national front against crime. “We must all come together to understand that criminality must be addressed,” he said, describing such unity as critical.
The Defence Minister outlined the various forms support could take, whether direct or indirect, noting that it could involve funding, logistics, or intelligence sharing. “In one way or the other, it’s either you are giving them funds, providing logistics, or giving them information,” he said.
He also warned against media narratives that portray armed groups sympathetically. “If through the media you are trying to encourage them, then it means you are also part of them,” Musa said, stressing the seriousness of such actions.
General Musa used the opportunity to appeal to influential figures across the country to exercise restraint in their public comments on security issues. He urged opinion leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to be mindful of their words. “We should be careful what we say,” he cautioned.
While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, he warned that public statements could have far-reaching consequences. “Yes, your freedom shouldn’t be infringed on,” he said, but added that comments made “rightly or wrongly” could fuel violence or negatively affect communities.
He concluded by underscoring the need for responsibility in public discourse, especially in light of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, describing caution as “very, very important.”
Suwaiba Said Ahmad has announced that the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions will be the final one to be hosted by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Is-haq Oloyede.
Speaking during the meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the minister praised Oloyede for his decade-long leadership of JAMB, describing his tenure as transformational.
“This is the last policy meeting you will be holding. He has been here for ten years. He has done a lot of good things. Ten years is a long time but he is not tired,” she said.
“Notwithstanding, we thank you very much. Definitely, you are not tired. We will just give you a resting period to relax a bit and then we will just call you back.”
Oloyede was appointed JAMB Registrar on August 9, 2016, and is widely credited with reforming the board’s operations and financial system within a few years of assuming office.
Under his leadership, JAMB’s remittances to the Federal Government increased significantly. While the board reportedly remitted less than N50 million between 1978 and 2016, it generated and remitted N7.8 billion in 2017 alone.
Between 2016 and 2026, JAMB reportedly remitted N20.7 billion in operating surplus while also funding infrastructure and staff development projects through internally generated revenue.
The improved financial performance also enabled the Federal Government to reduce application fees for tertiary institution admissions by 30 percent.
Before joining JAMB, Oloyede served as Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin from 2007 to 2012. He also chaired both the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors between 2011 and 2012.
A professor of Islamic Studies since 1995, Oloyede has published nearly 100 academic papers and attended several international conferences.
His contributions to public service and education have earned him several honours, including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2014, the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2022, the National Productivity Order of Merit Award in 2019, and the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service in the Education category in 2022.
Oloyede, who is 71 years old, is married and has four adult children and grandchildren.
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Hyacinth Alia has congratulated the James Iorzua Ayatse on the occasion of his 79th birthday anniversary.
By: Fabian Apechihin
In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia described the Tor Tiv as a respected traditional ruler, scholar, statesman, and patriot whose wisdom, courage, and dedication to peace, justice, and the preservation of Tiv cultural heritage continue to inspire people across Benue State and beyond.
The governor praised the monarch for his fatherly role in promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and constructive dialogue among the various ethnic groups in the state.
He also noted that the Tor Tiv, also known as the Begha U Tiv, has continued to uphold the dignity and honour of the traditional institution through exemplary leadership and service.
Governor Alia further prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the royal father, asking for more years of good health, strength, wisdom, and grace as he continues to provide leadership to the Tiv Kingdom and the Benue State traditional institution.
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The official vehicle of Sesoo Gboko has reportedly been snatched by armed men in Abuja.
By: Fabian Apechihin
In a statement released by the lawmaker’s Senior Legislative Aide, Bem Adzaagee, the incident occurred around the Gudu area of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the statement, the yet-to-be-identified gunmen forced the lawmaker’s driver to hand over the vehicle while he was parking at a public location in the area.
“The gunmen compelled the Honourable Member’s driver to surrender the vehicle to them as he parked at the car park of a public place in the Gudu area of the Federal Capital Territory and was making his way into the premises,” the statement read.
It added that the driver had just returned from an errand and had gone to pick up the lawmaker, who was attending meetings at the location.
Adzaagee confirmed that neither the driver nor anyone else at the scene was harmed during the incident.
He also praised the prompt response of security agencies, stating that efforts were already underway to track down the stolen vehicle and apprehend those responsible.
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