Morning recap: Terrorists exploit dead persons’ accounts, Obi, Amaechi, Duke clash over insecurity, other top stories

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From the NFIU’s disclosure that terrorists are exploiting crowdfunding and accounts linked to deceased persons to move funds, to sharp disagreements among 2027 presidential contenders over insecurity and fuel subsidy, fresh US military training for Nigerian troops, a court battle over the stalled selection of a new Awujale, and protests over Governor Seyi Makinde’s exclusion from the flag-off of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road reconstruction, these are the major stories making headlines this morning.

The developments span national security, politics, traditional institutions and infrastructure, with authorities and political actors outlining their positions on issues affecting the country and the 2027 elections.

Here’s your complete morning roundup:

1. Terrorists using dead persons’ accounts, crowdfunding – NFIU

Fresh financial intelligence has revealed that terrorists are using crowdfunding networks, women’s bank accounts and SIM cards registered to deceased persons to raise and move funds for operations in Nigeria. The NFIU said foreign-based facilitators solicit donations through social media under humanitarian or educational claims before transferring the money through multiple channels.

The agency said donors typically contribute between $50 and $500, while the funds are later fragmented and sent through money-transfer operators and remittance apps to Nigerian money mules. “Terrorist facilitators use phone numbers for mobile banking or account alerts that are not registered to the account holder or the true beneficiary,” the report stated.

The NFIU said students, small-business owners and relatives were among those used as money mules, while terrorists also exploited women’s accounts as fronts to conceal the identity of male commanders and logistics managers.

2. 2027: Obi, Amaechi, Duke differ over insecurity, subsidy

Rising political disagreement marked the NBA conference in Port Harcourt as 2027 presidential contenders presented contrasting positions on insecurity, policing, fuel subsidy and economic management. Peter Obi advocated a security overhaul, while Rotimi Amaechi stressed intelligence and economic empowerment.

Obi said insecurity could not be separated from poverty and unemployment. “You need to do a comprehensive overhaul or study of our strategy to a security problem today,” he said. Amaechi, meanwhile, said creating an economy that puts money in Nigerians’ pockets was central to tackling crime.

Donald Duke rejected the existence of fuel subsidy, saying, “You can’t remove what doesn’t exist.” Omoyele Sowore, however, said he would retain subsidy if elected, arguing that poor Nigerians should benefit from it.

3. US steps up military training for Nigerian troops

Strengthened security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has seen American forces train Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care, weapons familiarisation and explosive ordnance disposal in Bauchi.

The US Africa Command said the exercises also covered small-unit tactics, camouflage and water treatment. “U.S. and Nigerian forces are conducting a series of training events at Operating Location Bauchi, Nigeria, aimed at sharing military expertise, strengthening partner capacity and building relationships,” it said.

The training was tailored to areas identified by Nigerian counterparts, with unmanned aircraft systems attracting particular interest. Captain Gabriel Feingold said, “We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them.”

4. Awujale: Ruling house sues Ogun, kingmakers

Fresh legal action has stalled the selection process for a new Awujale as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House sued the Ogun State Government and kingmakers before the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode. The suit seeks orders compelling the completion of the process.

The ruling house wants the court to determine whether the government had the legal authority to halt the process and lock the Awujale Palace. It also wants the kingmakers compelled to select from the 95 nominees submitted to them.

The claimants alleged that police prevented the kingmakers from meeting after the list was submitted, while the government had cited security concerns and allegations of bribery and inducement for suspending the process. The ruling house said investigations found no wrongdoing.

5. Oyo protests Makinde snub as FG launches Ibadan-Ijebu road reconstruction

Amid political tension, the Federal Government has flagged off the N297bn reconstruction of the 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road despite protests from the Oyo State Government over Governor Seyi Makinde’s exclusion from the ceremony.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the road would be completed within 36 months. “It is more than just a flag-off; it is a connection between the two states economically,” Tinubu said.

Oyo’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the exclusion was unnecessary because an acting governor was in place while Makinde was on leave. “Governor Makinde is unperturbed and regrets that the event was reduced to a political jamboree,” he said.

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