Crime News March 25, 2026 Nigerian bags life in prison over murder of British woman

A 24-year-old drug dealer, Chukwuemeka Michael Ahanonu, was on Tuesday sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years and six months after a jury convicted him of murdering 56-year-old mother, Nila Patel in a random street attack in Leicester, United Kingdom last year.

Ahanonu, originally from Peckham in south-east London, crashed his car near Leicester Royal Infirmary on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, after driving dangerously through the city centre, swerving between lanes and ignoring traffic signals.

CCTV footage released by police showed the vehicle overturning.

Ahanonu, who was living on Dover Street in Leicester, then ran from the scene and launched an unprovoked assault on Patel, a complete stranger who was walking home after getting off a bus.

Witnesses and footage captured Ahanonu punching, kicking and stamping on Patel “with full force,” inflicting a fractured skull and catastrophic brain injuries.

The mother of two was left unconscious and died in hospital two days later on June 26, 2025.

Leicester Crown Court heard that Ahanonu, who was on licence from a previous 24-month prison sentence for offences including possession of a bladed article, had pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, as well as dangerous driving, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and assaulting an emergency worker.

He denied murder, claiming he had no memory of the attack beyond the car crash, but a jury convicted him of murder after a month-long trial on Monday.

Passing sentence, Judge Timothy Spencer KC told Ahanonu: “You murdered a wholly innocent woman. It was shocking, brutal and merciless.”

The judge said Ahanonu had been angry and actively looking for a victim, selecting 5ft 4in Patel because of her gender, slight build and height, and that her race was also a factor.

He added that he was satisfied Ahanonu retained “much more memory of this attack than you have ever had the courage to admit.”

In police interviews, Ahanonu laughed when shown footage of the assault.

When asked why, he replied: “If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry.”

He later expressed “sincere apologies” through his counsel.

Patel’s children, Jaidan and Danika, said in a statement, “Nine months ago today you murdered our mother. The pain of losing her in this way is impossible to accept.”

Danika added, “My mum was the most important person in my life. Losing her in such a violent and senseless way has shattered my world.”

They described her as having “so much life ahead of her.”

Detectives from Leicestershire Police described the attack as “the most horrific, violent and random attack.”

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Emma Matts said Ahanonu was unknown to Patel and had run from the crash scene before targeting her.

The convict was remanded in custody immediately after sentencing.

News March 25, 2026 FG unveils plan to lift 50m Nigerians out of poverty by 2030

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction,  Dr Bernard Doro, has inaugurated the “One Humanitarian-One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS)” aimed at lifting 50 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.

Doro unveiled the initiative at a National Technical Workshop for stakeholders in the humanitarian sector at the UN House on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister explained that the OHOPRS was a unified national architecture for ending poverty in Nigeria, adding that over 63 per cent of Nigerians faced multidimensional poverty.

He itemised the challenges facing the humanitarian activities as structural gap-chronic fragmentation across MDAs, states, and local governments, visibility crisis, and coordination conflict.

“Others include Siloed Data, uncoordinated beneficiary registers, inefficient funding, duplicated efforts that fail to reach the last mile, fragmentation, lack of synergy, limited social proof/impact, stagnation and lack of a unified “Poverty Exit” pathway.

“We have been managing poverty, not ending it. It is time for a paradigm shift.

“To end poverty, Nigeria does not lack interventions, but lacks the systems to facilitate the effective actualisation of the interventions.”

According to him, OHOPRS is the new national backbone designed to merge and integrate humanitarian relief, long-term development, and social protection.

He noted that the system also aligned MDAs, state governments, and development partners, but lacked individuals from vulnerability to support, exit and growth.

“There is a clear national direction on the OHOPRS; President Bola Tinubu ‘s vision is uncompromising. The mandate is to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.

“Also, to implement real-time, digital accountability, re-establish government-led coordination and align every stakeholder to a single national system.

“Meanwhile, the core principles are one system, one register and one pathway; one National Data Backbone: the “Single Source of Truth.”

“One Unified Beneficiary System: No more ‘double-dipping’ or exclusions, one Poverty Exit Pathway: A structured roadmap to self-reliance and one National Coordination Platform: Total alignment of all actors,” Doro said.

He further explained the OHOPRS’ architecture, poverty exit pathway, poverty intelligence lab, data-driven governance, evolution of the response, roles and responsibilities, expected national impact, and operationalisation of the vision.

“OHOPRS is more than a reform; it is Nigeria’s blueprint for lifting our people from poverty to prosperity.

“The focus is shifting from the ‘poverty line’ to the ‘prosperity ladder’. Yesterday, we managed the challenge. Today, we architect the end,” Doro said.

Also, the Minister of State, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction,  Dr Tanko Sununu, said the OHOPRS aimed to synergise efforts across various sectors and agencies to ensure a coordinated response.

“When we have one response plan, it means we are going to have a way that everyone can put effort together, so that we can have a proper plan, execution, tracing, tracking, and then measurement of internal outcomes.

“By allowing humanitarian aid with long-term development goals, the programme can address the immediate survival needs while also focusing on sustainable social mobility,” Sununu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the organisations in attendance include the International NGO Forum, European Union,  UNOCHA, IOM, UNICEF, ECHO, World Bank and other stakeholders from the subnational.

The organisations in attendance pledged their commitment and support to the successful implementation of the OHOPRS initiated by the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry. (NAN)

News March 25, 2026 Why poverty reduction efforts not working in Nigeria – World Bank

World Bank has identified lack of coordination as a factor affecting the fight against multidimensional poverty ravaging the country.

Nigeria’s Country Director  Bank, Lire Ersado, disclosed this yesterday at the launch of One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) in Abuja.

He noted that instead of Nigerians to reinforce each other, government officials sometimes clash because of the parallel systems it is running.

“I have come to realize why a lot of efforts that go into poverty reduction are not having the kind of impact we would like to see.

“The first reason is lack of coordination in my view. We are not well coordinated in the humanitarian development nexus. We run a parallel system in silos in terms of identifying the needy, in terms of targeting them, in terms of benefit design, in principle monitoring.

“We are not talking to each other as much as we should. As a result, our efficiency, our impact is not the level it should be.

“Instead of reinforcing each other, you will see some clashes because we are running parallel systems that are not talking to each other.”

Ersado said the system the minister is putting together would help in reducing poverty.

According to him, Nigeria had one of the most sophisticated social protection systems with one of the largest social registries in the world, adding that it is the largest in Africa, which comprises over 90 million households.

He added that about 40 percent of the Nigerian families are in the social registries, saying Nigeria also has one of the highly advanced digital delivery systems.

“Most of the major flagship cash transfer or other social safety programs are externally financed.

“We don’t want Nigeria to be in this very inefficient equilibrium. We want Nigeria to lead Africa, to have a national flagship social protection program, which would connect both the humanitarian needs as well as the development needs of this country.

“So adaptive social protection system, which is anchored through maybe a strong cash transfer programme or any other program, but it has a large social registry, very well elaborated digital payment system with a highly advanced national identity system, which we can pinpoint the beneficiary,” he added.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, concurred with the challenges listed by the World Bank, but noted that Nigeria was working to address the challenges.

To stem the tide, he unveiled the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) to address poverty, by lifting 50 million Nigerians out of poverty.

He described the initiative as a transformative national framework designed to move millions of Nigerians from poverty to prosperity.

Doro revealed that more than 63 percent of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, stating that the country’s challenge lies in weak coordination and inefficiencies. “We have been managing poverty, not ending it. It is time for a paradigm shift.”

The minister noted that fragmented data systems, duplication of programmes and poor coordination among ministries, departments, agencies, and development partners have long undermined poverty reduction efforts.

Also, he explained that the new framework would integrate humanitarian aid, social protection, and long-term development into a single coordinated platform, ensuring all stakeholders operate within one national structure.

The minister warned that rising economic pressures, climate-related challenges, and shrinking global aid would make it imperative for Nigeria to adopt a more efficient and unified response.

News March 25, 2026 ‘Share intelligence, not allegations’ — Presidency tackles Ndume

The Presidency has cautioned Senator Ali Ndume against making sweeping claims about terrorism on television, urging him instead to channel any credible intelligence to relevant security agencies for action.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the advice on Tuesday while reacting to Ndume’s recent appearance on Channels Television, where the lawmaker alleged that terrorists operate with informants embedded within Nigerian communities.

Onanuga said any actionable intelligence regarding terrorist activities, informants, or planned attacks should be shared directly with the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Security Adviser, and other intelligence bodies.

“If Senator Ndume has credible intelligence beyond what security agencies already know, the appropriate step is to share it with with the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Security Adviser, or relevant intelligence bodies, not to discuss it on television,” Onanuga said, stressing that such information requires confidential handling to enable effective operational response.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, had claimed that insurgents use commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, to transport explosives and rely on informants within local communities to coordinate attacks.

“What they do is hit and run. They gather, share information among themselves, and most dangerously, they get information from some citizens, too. They have informants within society,” the senator had stated.

He also criticised the government’s response, arguing that security agencies lack adequate training, equipment, ammunition, and motivation.

“The government, I must say, are not walking the talk. Security agencies and soldiers still do not have the training, equipment, ammunition, and motivation they need.”

However, Onanuga defended the administration of Bola Tinubu, noting that the government has taken significant steps to strengthen national security.

He cited increased defence spending in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, acquisition of military hardware from France and the United Kingdom, and the directive for security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri following recent attacks.

“The President has demonstrated commitment by approving the highest budgetary allocation to defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, securing military equipment from France and the United Kingdom, and directing security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri,” Onanuga stated.

He added that while public commentary on security matters is legitimate, disclosing specific operational details in the media could be counterproductive.

The Presidency’s remarks come amid intensified military operations in Borno State after the March 16 suicide bombings in Maiduguri that left 23 people dead and over 100 injured, prompting renewed efforts to combat insurgency in the North-East.

News March 25, 2026 Tinubu welcomes Lawal to APC, vows to tackle Zamfara insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has formally received Gov. Dauda Lawal into the APC and assured the people of Zamfara and the North West Region of renewed measures to end insecurity and banditry in the region.

The president gave the assurance in Gusau, Zamfara, while formally receiving Gov. Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.

Lawal, who was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had earlier announced his decision to join the APC, citing the unresolved crisis in the opposition party.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Kassim Shettima, addressed a mammoth crowd of supporters at the Gusau International Trade Fair complex, Gusau.

The president commiserated with all victims of banditry and kidnapping that had bedevilled the region for decades.

He said that the federal and state governments would reinforce military and other security measures to end the menace in the region.

According to him, Lawal’s joining the ruling APC would enhance coordination and support for security agencies to end banditry in Zamfara, in particular, and the region in general.

He commended Lawal for joining the APC, describing the move as a wise decision.

“Let me emphasise the federal government’s commitment to restoring law and order in all parts of the region,” he said.

He commended the former governors of the state, Sen. Ahmed Yerima, Alhaji Mahmuda Shinkafi, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), and Dr Bello Matawalle, Minister of State Defense, for accepting to support Gov. Lawal in the efforts to end banditry in the state.

The president assured supporters of the APC’s victory in the 2027 general elections with the unity among top party leaders and supporters in the state.

Shettima had arrived at the Gusau International Trade Fair, venue of the reception, to receive Gov Dauda Lawal of Zamfara into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at 4 p.m.

He was accompanied by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajjudeen Abbas, Chairman of APC Governors Forum, Gov. Hope Uzodima, and the Governor of Imo State, among other APC governors.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, handed the APC flag to Gov Lawal and promised him the party’s support in all areas of need. (NAN)

News March 25, 2026 Power supply to improve in 2 weeks, Adelabu tells Nigerians

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, assured on Tuesday that power supply would improve within two weeks and apologised to Nigerians for the current epileptic power situation in the country.

Adelabu gave the assurance while briefing newsmen in Abuja on the state of the power sector since he assumed office in October 2023.

“With the committee we have set up, the feedback from gas suppliers, and the timeline for repairing the gas pipelines, i can say that within two weeks we should start seeing improvements in power supply.

“Once the gas line repairs, particularly the one from Seplat, are completed and the committee ensures that gas companies meet their domestic supply obligations to power plants, timely payments will encourage gas suppliers and lead to improved power supply in the country,” he said.

Adelabu also appealed to Nigerians for patience regarding the temporary challenges currently being experienced in the power sector, adding that the ministry was doing everything possible to address the issue.

“We want to apologise to Nigerians for this temporary problem, which is causing hardship, especially during this dry season when the heat is intense and businesses, schools, and homes are being affected,” he said.

He attributed the challenge to a shortage of gas supply to power plants, noting that 75 per cent of power plants relied on gas.

According to him, 25 per cent of power generation comes from hydro, and without a gas supply, generation companies are unable to operate, leaving turbines idle.

“It is not our wish to find ourselves in this situation, but there are factors beyond our control.

” We are not relenting. We are working around the clock to return to the trajectory we achieved in 2025, when we were commended for a job well done.

“If we were able to provide such service in 2025, then in 2026, we are determined to do even more and do better,” he said.

The minister added that in the coming weeks, power generation would improve, with a target of 6,000 megawatts of electricity expected before the end of 2026.

Adelabu also revealed that the sector had recorded over three billion dollars in private sector investments over the past two years.

According to him, the sector also has a comprehensive, integrated policy on electricity, accompanied by a strategic implementation framework to guide every stakeholder and actor in the sector.

“Whether it is the government, sub-national entities, or the private sector, both local and international, there is now a document they can refer to.

“This document clearly outlines what is expected of each player, their responsibilities, and their limitations,” he said.(NAN)

News March 25, 2026 Kano govt issues deadline for political appointees seeking elective offices to resign

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

According to reports, the directive was conveyed in an official circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with laws governing the conduct of public officers.

The circular stated that the decision is in accordance with Section 88 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which regulates the participation of public office holders in partisan political activities.

It added that the measure is aimed at upholding neutrality, accountability, and integrity within the public service, while ensuring a level playing ground for all aspirants.

According to the circular, political appointees who intend to contest in the forthcoming elections are required to resign or retire, as applicable, on or before Tuesday, 31st March, 2026.

All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have been directed to give the circular the widest publicity and ensure full compliance.