Nigerian scholar, and professor of History, Toyin Falola is billed to deliver the maiden edition of Founder’s Public Lecture Series of Atiba University Oyo (AUO).

According to a statement by the institution, Falola, while responding to the institution’s invitation, said he was honoured to be part of the event.

“When contacted, he(Falola) said he considers it an honour for the privilege the management of Atiba University, Oyo State, Nigeria, extended to him to deliver a lecture to a team of highly cerebral teachers and students,” the statement said.

According to the organisers, the programme will be held on Wednesday, March 19, in the university.

The Founder/President of AUO, Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode and the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi are hosts.

The event will be chaired by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu.

More than 700 Nigerians alongside nationals of other countries serving jail terms in different prisons across England and Wales may soon be repatriated to their various countries. National Director, Church God Chaplains Commission (NTCG, England & Wales) and Coordinator, Nigerian Overseas Prisoners Support Initiative, Rev. Michael Angley Ogwuche, disclosed this, among other revelations, in a chat with The Nation’s INNOCENT DURU.

Is it true that there are plans by the UK govt to deport more than 700 Nigerian prisoners and those of other nations?

A recent announcement by the UK government reveals a new £5 million investment aimed at accelerating the deportation of foreign national offenders (FNOs) from prisons across England and Wales. This development, which includes the deployment of specialist staff to 80 prisons, is part of a broader strategy to address overcrowding and reduce costs to British taxpayers. While this move promises significant benefits for the UK’s prison system, it also raises critical questions about its impact on Nigerian citizens currently incarcerated in the UK and the readiness of Nigeria to reintegrate these individuals.

Furthermore, the potential diplomatic hurdles involved cannot be overlooked. Foreign nationals currently make up about 12% of the UK prison population, with a significant portion being Nigerians. The UK government has intensified efforts to expedite the removal of these offenders, removing 2,580 foreign criminals since July 2024; a 23% increase compared to the previous year. The newly announced funding will create 82 specialist roles focused on speeding up deportations, with these officers set to be fully operational by April 1, 2025.

The 700 prisoners may not all be affected, as some may have legal grounds for remaining in the UK due to established family ties and may not have exhausted their legal appeals. Accelerated deportations could potentially infringe upon their right to due process.

What, in your view, gave rise to this?

According to James Timpson, the UK’s Minister for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending, British taxpayers should not have to bear the cost of housing foreign criminals. He emphasised that faster deportations are a crucial part of the government’s plan for change, which aims to reform the prison system and enhance public safety. However, for the estimated 700 Nigerian citizens currently serving sentences in the UK, this development could significantly alter their circumstances potentially fast-tracking their return to Nigeria under the Early Removal Scheme. This scheme allows for the deportation of foreign offenders up to 18 months before the completion of their sentences.

How does this affect Nigerians?

Many Nigerian prisoners may not have exhausted their legal appeals in the UK. Accelerated deportations could potentially infringe upon their right to due process. Moreover, the speed of deportations might strain diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UK, particularly if Nigeria is perceived as being unprepared to reintegrate these returnees.

Do you think Nigerian prisons have the capacity to handle this?

Nigeria’s prison system is already overstretched, with issues such as overcrowding and limited rehabilitation resources. An influx of deported prisoners could exacerbate these challenges, making reintegration and rehabilitation efforts even more difficult.

Furthermore, early deportation could lead to severe emotional and financial strain for those with established family ties in the UK, separating families across continents without adequate support mechanisms in place.

What economic and Social pressures could this cause for Nigeria?

Repatriating a significant number of Nigerian prisoners could burden Nigeria’s already overstretched correctional facilities and rehabilitation programmes. The economic cost of reintegrating these individuals many of whom may lack employable skills or support networks could pose an additional challenge.

Do you foresee any diplomatic strain between Nigeria and the UK?

In January 2014, the BBC reported that the UK and Nigeria signed a prisoner-exchange deal. The agreement was intended to allow citizens convicted in either country to serve their sentences in their homeland, promoting reintegration into the community upon release. However, it remains unclear whether this agreement has been fully implemented or what its impact has been on Nigerian prisoners in the UK. The speed and scale of the current deportation efforts could lead to tension between the two countries, particularly if deportations are seen as abrupt and lacking proper coordination. Ensuring a smooth and humane process would require extensive dialogue between the Nigerian High Commission in London and UK authorities.

Do you foresee any form of stigmatisation and reintegration challenge?

Returning prisoners often face significant stigma upon arrival in Nigeria, complicating efforts at reintegration. Without comprehensive support systems, these individuals risk becoming marginalised, which could increase the likelihood of recidivism or lead to other socio-economic problems. From the UK’s perspective, the financial savings and reduction in prison overcrowding are clear benefits. By removing foreign offenders faster, the UK could save millions in incarceration costs and free up prison spaces.

What is the economic implications for Nigeria?

For this new policy to succeed without causing undue strain on Nigeria’s resources, a strategic partnership between the UK and Nigeria is essential. This could involve capacity-building support for Nigerian correctional facilities; Funding for rehabilitation programmes to ensure effective reintegration of deportees; Bilateral agreements that clarify the responsibilities of both nations regarding deportation and reintegration.

In the coming months, it will be important to monitor how this new measure is implemented and to advocate for a process that respects the dignity and rights of Nigerian prisoners. The Nigerian Overseas Prisoner Support Initiative (NOPSI) will continue to ensure that the voices of Nigerian prisoners are heard and that their rights are upheld during this transition.

Lastly, the UK’s plan to speed up deportations may offer a short-term solution to its prison overcrowding crisis, but it also presents a significant challenge for Nigeria. The diplomatic and ethical dimensions of this policy cannot be ignored. Ensuring that deportations are conducted fairly, humanely, and in close cooperation with Nigerian authorities will be essential to preventing further strain on Nigeria’s correctional system and its diplomatic relations with the UK.

The Northern Christians Accord (NCA) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over an alleged ₦423 billion fraud.

In a statement on Thursday, February 6, signed by NCA President Barr. Gideon Jato and Secretary Bro. Sunday Adoka, the group accused the EFCC of inaction despite multiple petitions and the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s indictment of El-Rufai.

“It is glaring that the law in Nigeria favours some and witch-hunts others. We remember how the EFCC pursued former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, yet it has remained silent on El-Rufai despite his indictment,” the statement read.

The Kaduna Assembly had, in June 2024, alleged widespread corruption in contract awards and loan management under El-Rufai’s administration from 2015 to 2023.

The House recommended investigations into former Commissioners of Finance and Accountants General.

Despite petitions from groups like Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG), the EFCC and ICPC have yet to act.

“If no action is taken, we will mobilise our members across 19 northern states and stage protests at the EFCC and National Assembly,” NCA warned.

El-Rufai dismisses allegations of fraud

Meanwhile, El-Rufai has described the allegation of misappropriation of loans against him by the state House of Assembly as a “politically motivated hatchet job.”

Responding in a statement through his spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai said he led a government of integrity and competence during his eight-year administration.

Adekeye also affirmed the integrity of the El-Rufai government, dismissing the committee’s claims as “scandalous.”

“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is,” the statement reads partly.

The EFCC has not yet responded to the ultimatum.

Pulse.ng

South Korea was in shock Thursday after news broke that two fighter jets had mistakenly bombed a local village, wounding 15 people and damaging eight buildings.

Eight bombs, dropped by two locally made KF-16 fighter bombers, hit a village in the county of Pocheon, northeast of Seoul, and 15 miles south of the inter-Korean frontier, midmorning on Thursday.

The village lies just outside the Seungjin Live Fire Range, where South Korea-U.S. firing drills had reportedly been underway. Early indications are that the lead pilot entered incorrect target coordinates.

“We are sorry for the civilian damage from the abnormal [bomb] release accident and wish for the swift recovery of those injured,” South Korea’s Air Force said in a statement, announcing plans for an immediate investigation. “We will actively take all necessary measures, including compensation for the damage.”

In a televised briefing, Pocheon Mayor Paek Young Hyeun called the bombings “awful” and urged the military to halt drills in the city until it formulates reliable steps that can prevent a recurrence, The Associated Press reported.

The embarrassing episode comes just ahead of South Korean-U.S. “Freedom Shield” war games, the first to take place since President Trump took office. The exercises are aimed at deterring North Korea and set for March 10-21.

It is even worse PR for a South Korean military, whose top officers faces parliamentary, media and public scrutiny for their role in last December’s shock martial law decree by now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Thursday’s bombing incident signals problems in the middle ranks of South Korea’s military as well, with implications for Seoul’s combat readiness. But sources tell The Washington Times that little-noticed tactical and technical innovations in the Russian-Ukraine war are overcoming combat leadership skills shortfalls.

“It’s a miracle nobody died: Eight bombs! Can you imagine!” said Chun In-bum, a retired South Korean general. “They need to find out who made the mistake and what the responsibility is.”

Asked if timing was especially bad for the military’s image, he replied: “Yes. We did not need this.”

The bombing incident comes while many of the army’s top officers and commanders of intelligence and counterintelligence operations are under parliamentary and legal probes over their roles in the short-lived martial law decree ordered by Mr. Yoon on Dec. 4.

That night, elite troops deployed to seize control of both the National Assembly and National Election Commission. As angry parliamentarians and civilians gathered, troops backed down: Nobody was injured, let alone killed.

Martial law was voted down within three hours, rescinded in six. Mr. Yoon was impeached and has been tried by the Constitutional Court, which is expected to announce his fate within days.

Despite the nonviolent resolution of the December crisis, “dozens” of troops have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to local media reports. The commander of the elite 1st Airborne Brigade wept at a parliamentary inquiry, and the commander of the Tier-1 707 Special Mission Battalion broke down during a press conference.

Gen. Chun, who formerly led South Korea’s Special Warfare Command, said he was torn by the incident and its aftermath for the military.

Asked if he was relieved by the restrained behavior of commandos, he answered: “As a retired civilian: Yes.”

But, he continued, “as a military guy, I am worried that if there are ’confusing’ times, I need soldiers who will obey orders. I don’t need soldiers who overthink issues.”

Tech solutions to tactical skill shortfalls

South Korea is not a NATO member, but frequently hosts troop contingents from the U.S. and other allies for exercises. South Korean soldiers have a reputation for being well-armed, well-equipped and well-housed, they say. Despite language barriers and unfamiliar rations, South Koreans work well with their foreign counterparts.

But with Seoul fielding a conscript, not a professional army, weapons skills, fitness and even cold-weather expertise are lacking, foreign observers claim. The most striking skills shortfall is among noncommissioned officers — the corporals and sergeants who, in professional armies, play core roles in leading troops on the ground.

The U.S. Army — a professional force — is the key mentor to South Korea’s army, but the Russian army — which historically suffered from a weak NCO corps — may offer more useful pointers.

A military professional informed about combat in Ukraine, who recently visited South Korea, said Russian forces today are using technical innovations to overcome tactical command weaknesses. Officers oversee assaults in real time from low-level drones hovering directly over the battlefield, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Drones’ detached, vertical positions offer superior views to ground-level perspectives. After spotting Ukrainian positions, officers immediately direct individual soldiers’ movement and fire using the tactical communications net, which every soldier is synced into.

“The Russians are not doing as badly as some say,” the source said, referencing media reports of Russian blunders. Innovations deployed in the ongoing conflict elevate Russian and Ukrainian tactical procedures over those used by NATO forces, the source suggested.

Former presidential aide, Dr. Doyin Okupe is reportedly dead.

The prominent Nigerian politician passed away at the age of 72.

It was gathered that Dr. Okupe died on Friday morning after battling a protracted illness suspected to be cancer.

From Boko Haram To IPOB… Nigeria gets new ranking in Global Terrorism Index

Okupe was in 2022 appointed as the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.

He was, however, forced to step down following a court conviction over alleged money laundering.

According to sources close to the family, Okupe was critically ill in the weeks leading up to his demise.

From Boko Haram To IPOB… Nigeria gets new ranking in Global Terrorism Index

First Bank of Nigeria has said its journey as a financial institution has been defined by resilience, adaptability and an unshakable commitment to its customers.

Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu who made statement in Lagos at the Groundbreaking ceremony of the bank’s new building said FirstBank is “more than just a bank; we are an institution with a proud heritage of trust and reliability, an institution that has played a pivotal role in empowering individuals, businesses and industries across Africa.”

He said the moment signifies more than just the construction of a building; it is the beginning of a new chapter in the bank’s enduring legacy – a legacy that has stood the test of time for over 13 decades, evolving with the financial landscape of our great nation, and continuously shaping the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking further, he said “This groundbreaking ceremony is a momentous occasion for us, signifying our commitment to repositioning sturdily as ‘the’ Bank for the future.

“Therefore, this new head office complex is not just about a modern architectural masterpiece; it is about reimagining banking for generations yet unborn. It will serve as a hub for financial innovation, digital transformation and operational excellence; ensuring that FirstBank remains ahead in an era where technology is reshaping the industry.”

He said that beyond its significance to FirstBank and its people, this project will contribute to the broader economic landscape of Lagos, Nigeria and Africa and will promote urban development and reinforce Lagos as a global financial hub.

He, however, explained that the building situated in the heart of Eko Atlantic City, the iconic FirstBank headquarters complex – a 40-story edifice will become the tallest building in Nigeria and West Africa upon its completion, it will be a symbol of strength, embodying the progress we have made as an institution and reflecting our ambition to set new benchmarks in service delivery, operational efficiency and customer experience.

He explained that since its establishment in 1894, FirstBank has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s financial evolution. We have been a trusted partner in the country’s economic transformation, weathering global disruptions, embracing innovation, and driving financial inclusion across all regions.