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Judge Absent: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Postponed to 2026

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Federal High Court in Abuja has  adjourned the cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until February 4, 2026, after Justice Mohammed Umar failed to appear for the scheduled hearing on Monday.

The delay, the third in as many months, has fueled accusations of judicial foot-dragging in what critics call a politically motivated prosecution aimed at silencing a vocal female lawmaker.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, the firebrand senator representing Kogi Central, faces six counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

The charges come from a viral June 2024 video in which she alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to orchestrate her assassination. Prosecutors claim her statements were “false and injurious,” designed to malign reputations, incite unrest, and endanger lives, offenses punishable by up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines.

The 43-year-old senator, known for her unapologetic advocacy on women’s rights and anti-corruption crusades, was arraigned on June 30 and granted bail shortly after. What should have been a swift trial has devolved into a saga of postponements: September 22’s hearing was derailed by a preliminary objection from her defense team challenging the court’s jurisdiction; October 21 fell victim to chaotic protests outside the court led by activist Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; and now, the judge’s unexplained absence has kicked the can down the road for over two months.

Courtroom drama unfolded even in Umar’s absence. A television screen, prepared for video evidence playback, sat idly as lawyers clashed over the pending objection. Defense counsel Peter Olorunnishola urged the court to resolve the jurisdictional challenge first, arguing it strikes at the prosecution’s foundation. Prosecutor D.E. Kaswe, pushing to proceed, countered that the objection shouldn’t halt proceedings, but Umar’s prior ruling, insisting on a formal response, held sway, showing the judge’s intent to clear procedural hurdles before diving into evidence.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, poised and defiant in a tailored suit, declined immediate comment outside the courtroom, but her allies wasted no time. “This is persecution, not justice,” thundered Sowore on X, vowing renewed protests if delays persist. Supporters, including civil society groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), decry the Cybercrimes Act as a draconian tool for muzzling dissent, especially against women in politics who dare to name powerful men. Akpabio’s office has dismissed the allegations as “baseless fabrications,” while Bello’s camp remains silent.

The senator’s journey to the spotlight has been anything but smooth. A Delta State native who clinched her Senate seat in a bruising 2023 rerun amid vote-rigging claims, Akpoti-Uduaghan has clashed repeatedly with establishment figures, earning her the moniker “iron lady of Kogi politics.” Her cybercrime saga, they argue, is payback for exposing alleged corruption in the National Assembly and challenging patriarchal gatekeepers.

Legal observers warn that the extended adjournment could erode public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary, already battered by backlog scandals. “Adjourning to 2026 on a non-complex case like this raises red flags about external pressures,” said a source close to the bench, speaking anonymously. The next hearing promises fireworks: resolution of the objection, potential witness testimonies, and perhaps a deeper probe into the video’s origins.

 

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Chaos at Borno Girls’ School: Students Flee in Terror Amid Suspected Terrorist Raid

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By Prosper Mene 

Screams were heard at Government Girls’ Secondary School in Ngala, Borno State at dawn, as dozens of female students ran from their dormitories in a desperate bid to escape what locals described as a brazen suspected attack by Islamist militants.

The incident, happening early Monday morning, has plunged the already volatile region into renewed panic, evoking haunting memories of the 2014 Chibok kidnapping that claimed over 270 schoolgirls and ignited a global outcry.

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of utter bedlam around 4 a.m., when gunfire erupted near the school’s perimeter fence. “The shots came from the shadows, sudden, relentless, like thunder cracking the night,” said Aisha Mohammed, a 16-year-old student who hid under her bed before sprinting barefoot across the compound with classmates. “We didn’t wait to see faces; we just ran. Teachers were shouting for us to get low, but fear took over. Some girls tripped and cried out, but we pulled each other up and kept going.” At least 40 students fled into nearby scrubland and surrounding villages, according to school officials, while others barricaded themselves in classrooms until military reinforcements arrived an hour later.

The attack bears the hallmarks of operations by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a Boko Haram splinter group that has intensified assaults on soft targets in Borno State amid escalating insecurity. No group has claimed responsibility, but sources within the Nigerian military point to ISWAP’s recent pattern of hit-and-run raids aimed at sowing terror and abducting girls for recruitment or ransom. “This wasn’t a full abduction like before, but the intent was clear: to terrify and divide,” said a local vigilante leader, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The gunmen fired high to panic everyone, then probed the fence. Praise God, most girls slipped away before they could breach it fully.”

Borno, Nigeria’s northeastern epicenter of the 14-year insurgency, has seen a rise in such incidents. Just last week, 13 teenage girls were kidnapped while harvesting crops in a nearby community, forcing entire families to flee their homes. In a separate raid on November 17, suspected bandits stormed a girls’ boarding school in Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and abducting 25 students, though one later escaped through dense forests.

These events shows a grim trend: over 300 schoolchildren seized from a Catholic school in Niger State just days ago, with 50 managing a daring escape from their captors. Rights groups warn that such attacks disproportionately target girls’ education, with more than 1,000 students kidnapped nationwide since 2014.

The Nigerian army swiftly deployed a joint task force of soldiers, police, and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) vigilantes to secure the school and scour the Sambisa Forest, a notorious militant stronghold, for signs of the attackers. “We engaged the suspects in a brief firefight, forcing their retreat,” said Major Ibrahim Yusuf, a military spokesperson in Maiduguri. “No students were taken, but we’re treating this as a foiled abduction plot. Intelligence suggests they were scouting for vulnerabilities.” By midday, the school was locked down, with counselors on site to support traumatized students. Classes have been suspended indefinitely, and parents converged on the gates, some weeping as they reunited with their daughters.

The raid’s timing, mere weeks after the 11th anniversary of the Chibok abductions, has amplified calls for action. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar decried the “brutal reminder that the North is bleeding,” linking it to slain military officers and mass displacements in neighboring states. Amnesty International echoed the sentiment, urging the federal government to bolster school fortifications and prosecute enablers of extremism. “These girls deserve to learn without fear,” said Osai Ojigho, the group’s Nigeria director. “The cycle of violence must end now.”

 

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Women in NigeriaNews

Minister Calls for Renewed National Push to Boost Women’s Political Inclusion Benin City, Edo State

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By Prosper Mene

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has urged the nation to forge a stronger, unified commitment to amplifying women’s voices in political decision-making. Speaking at the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development (NCWACD) in Benin City, the Minister emphasized that true national progress hinges on dismantling barriers to women’s political participation, framing it as an “urgent national emergency” rather than a mere policy footnote.

The two-day council, hosted by the Edo State government and attended by commissioners from all 36 states, governors’ representatives, and development partners, served as a pivotal platform for aligning federal and subnational efforts. “Women’s political inclusion is not a luxury, it’s a strategic imperative for inclusive growth, peace, and electoral integrity,” Suleiman-Ibrahim declared, calling for immediate action on legislative reforms, enhanced funding, and grassroots mobilization. She highlighted the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu as a blueprint for change, praising its focus on economic renewal, education, and social investments that prioritize women.

Central to her address was a renewed push for the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill,” currently under deliberation in the National Assembly. The legislation, which proposes dedicated parliamentary seats for women to bridge the gender gap, was described by the Minister as a “matter of justice, representation, and securing the future for our daughters.” She commended the 10th Assembly’s leadership for sustaining the conversation, noting that Nigeria’s current female parliamentary representation, hovering around 4%, lags far behind global benchmarks, where women hold just 26.5% of seats worldwide, according to UN Women data.

The Minister’s remarks echo broader commitments from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), which on November 19 pledged to bolster subnational support for gender equality. Led by NGF Director General Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, the governors affirmed their dedication to inclusive governance, including the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy and expanded programs like the Nigeria for Women Project. State commissioners, including Edo’s Hon. Mrs. Eugenia Abdullah, outlined five key pledges: policy harmonization, increased women in leadership roles, data-driven initiatives, peer learning networks, and stronger ties with international partners.

Suleiman-Ibrahim also spotlighted the ministry’s flagship Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII-774), now active in all 774 local government areas. These initiatives aim to revitalize rural economies, promote community inclusion, and deliver gender-responsive services, with a special emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups like persons with disabilities and informal sector workers. “This is about restoring dignity, one woman, one family, one community at a time,” she said, underscoring the need for inter-sectoral collaboration to translate policies into tangible outcomes.

The timing of the council aligns with global milestones in 2025, including the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights and the UN’s Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. Yet, challenges persist: Globally, women comprise only 22.9% of cabinet ministers, with Nigeria’s figures even lower in key portfolios like finance and defense. Domestically, barriers such as violence against women in politics, limited party nominations, and resource disparities continue to stifle progress, as noted in recent UNDP reports.

Stakeholders at the event, including civil society leaders and UN representatives, hailed the Minister’s call as a “game-changer.” Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reinforced the message: “Our collective will must drive accountability and action, ensuring no woman is left behind in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

As the NCWACD concludes today, delegates are expected to adopt resolutions mandating state-level implementation timelines. For Suleiman-Ibrahim, the path forward is clear: “Women’s voices are the nation’s power. Let’s commit—not just in words, but in deeds—to build an equitable Nigeria where every seat at the table reflects our diverse strength.”

 

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Archbishop Adewale to Tinubu: “Nigeria Is in Chaos” – Demands Immediate Rescue of 24 Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls

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By Prosper Mene

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Adewale, has accused the country of sliding into “total chaos” and demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu use every available means to secure the immediate release of 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

In an open letter released Friday evening and now circulating widely across social media, the Archbishop wrote: “Nigeria is in chaos. Innocent children are being dragged from their hostels at gunpoint while a Vice Principal lies dead for daring to protect them. The tears of Kebbi mothers have reached heaven and must reach the seat of power. Mr President, these 24 girls must come home alive – not next month, not after another committee, but now.”

The attack took place in the early hours of Monday 18 November when more than 50 heavily armed bandits stormed the school around 4:15 a.m. They scaled the perimeter fence, opened fire indiscriminately, and shot dead the Vice Principal (Academic), Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, who tried to block their path. Speaking in Fulani and Hausa, the gunmen rounded up female students from the hostels, selected 24 girls aged 12 to 16, tied their hands, and marched them into the surrounding forest. One 14-year-old student, Aisha Usman, pretended to collapse and was left behind; she later raised the alarm.

President Tinubu condemned the kidnapping the same day and ordered full mobilisation of security agencies. On Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Birnin Kebbi, met Governor Nasir Idris, consoled affected families, and led special prayers at the Emir’s palace. On Thursday, the President directed the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, who as governor of Zamfara in 2021 secured the release of 279 abducted Jangebe schoolgirls without ransom, to relocate immediately to the Sokoto-Kebbi axis until the girls are freed. Matawalle arrived Birnin Kebbi yesterday morning with additional troops.

The President has also postponed scheduled state visits to South Africa and Angola to monitor developments hourly. Joint rescue teams from the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, Police Mobile Force, Department of State Services, and local hunters are currently sweeping Kyanbakibu and Rijau forests, supported by Nigerian Air Force helicopter surveillance. Security sources say the girls remain within a 30–40 kilometre radius and have not yet been moved across the border into Niger Republic.

Public anger has surged online, with #RescueKebbiGirlsNow trending nationwide and many accusing the government of repeating the slow response seen in past abductions. #BringBackOurGirls co-founder Oby Ezekwesili lamented that eleven years after Chibok, Nigeria is “still here.” The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs have jointly declared seven days of national prayer and fasting beginning tomorrow.

Parents continue to camp outside the school gate, sleeping on mats under lanterns as they await news of their daughters. In his closing words, Archbishop Adewale warned President Tinubu: “History is watching. Posterity will judge whether we protected our children or abandoned them to bandits. Let these 24 girls be the last.”

The nation now waits, watches, and prays for their safe return.

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Schoolgirls Escape After Kidnappers’ Car Breaks Down in Niger State Attack

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By Prosper Mene

Armed bandits stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School, a boarding school in Papiri town, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in the early hours of Friday morning.

The attack started around 5:00 a.m. when the gunmen arrived on several motorcycles. They fired shots into the air to scare everyone and quickly entered the girls’ hostel. Students and teachers who were still sleeping were forced outside at gunpoint.

According to an eyewitness who spoke anonymously for security reasons, the bandits spent almost two hours inside the school, beating doors open and gathering the girls. They took away many schoolgirls (mostly aged 12–16) and at least 12 teachers. The exact number of abducted students is not yet confirmed, but some reports say more than 50 children were taken.

The kidnappers tried to move fast. They stole a private car near the school and forced several girls into it while others were put on the motorcycles.

Just a few metres from the school gate, the stolen car suddenly stopped. Witnesses said the engine made a loud noise and died completely. The bandits became angry and started shouting at each other in Hausa language. Some tried to push the car, but it would not start.

In that moment of confusion, several schoolgirls saw their chance. They opened the car doors, jumped out, and ran into the nearby bush. Others who were near the broken-down vehicle also scattered and hid.

One of the girls who escaped is 14-year-old Eze Gloria Chidinma. According to her sister, Gloria jumped over the school fence during the chaos and ran to a teacher’s house close by, where she hid until it was safe.

Because the car broke down, at least five to seven girls managed to escape. The rest were taken deeper into the forest by the bandits on motorcycles.

This incident adds to the current surge of school attacks in Nigeria this week. On Monday, 25 girls were kidnapped from a school in Kebbi State; two of them later escaped.

The Niger State government said they had ordered all boarding schools in risky areas to close temporarily because of security warnings, but St. Mary’s had reopened without full permission.

Security forces, local hunters, and vigilantes are now searching the forests around Papiri for the missing students and teachers. No ransom demand has been received yet.

Parents have gathered at the school gate, crying and praying for the safe return of their children.

We continue to hope and pray that the remaining girls and their teachers will be found and brought home safely very soon.

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Hospital Cleaner Poses as Surgeon, Sexually Assaults and Defrauds Woman in Ogun State

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By Prosper Mene

The Ogun State Police have arrested a 28-year-old hospital cleaner who allegedly impersonated a surgeon to sexually assault and defraud a young woman he met on Snapchat. The suspect, Victor Cletus, exploited the victim’s trust by fabricating a medical crisis, only to betray it with violence and theft.

According to police spokesperson CSP Omolola Odutola, the ordeal began when Cletus, employed as a cleaner at Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilishan-Remo, connected with the victim on the social media platform. Posing as a qualified surgeon at the same facility, he convinced her to share concerns about a breast lump, promising expert intervention. Over time, he escalated his ruse by demanding payments for a supposed surgical procedure, totaling an undisclosed sum transferred to his account via the Opay mobile wallet.

On November 18, 2025, the pair arranged to meet at a location in Ogun State under the pretense of conducting the surgery. Instead of providing medical care, Cletus allegedly sexually assaulted the woman, leaving her traumatized and robbed of her funds. “Rather than offering any medical help, he sexually abused her and also stole money from her Opay account,” Odutola detailed in a statement released today.

The victim’s suspicions deepened the following day when Cletus, undeterred, continued pressuring her for sexual favors without any follow-up on her health concerns or the promised procedure. Alarmed, she independently contacted Babcock University Teaching Hospital to verify his credentials. The shocking revelation: Victor Cletus was no doctor but a low-level cleaner with no medical qualifications. Armed with this evidence, the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Cletus’s swift arrest.

Cletus, described by authorities as a “serial impostor,” remains in custody at the Ogun State Police Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his fraudulent activities and whether other victims have fallen prey to his scheme. He faces charges including impersonation, sexual assault, and theft, with prosecution expected in the coming weeks.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned the “heinous act” in the strongest terms, vowing zero tolerance for such crimes. “The Command will not tolerate any form of exploitation, deception, or sexual violence against women,” Ogunlowo stated. He issued a stark warning to online predators and impostors exploiting social media: “We will identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals who impersonate professionals or weaponize platforms to perpetrate criminal acts.”

Odutola urged the public, especially young females, to exercise extreme caution. “Avoid disclosing personal or medical information to strangers on social media,” she advised. “Verify credentials through official channels before engaging with anyone claiming expertise.”

 

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Kebbi Abduction: Senator Vows Swift Rescue of Schoolgirls, Rejects Chibok Repeat

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By Prosper Mene

Standing against the rising tide of school abductions in Nigeria’s northwest, Senator Garba Maidoki has pledged that the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls from a Kebbi boarding school will not echo the haunting legacy of the 2014 Chibok tragedy. “This will not be like the Chibok girls,” Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, declared during an emotional visit to the affected community, vowing a rapid and secure return for the students.

The attack occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Monday, November 17, when armed gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area. The assailants, believed to be bandits operating in the region’s dense forests, killed Vice Principal Hassan Yakubu Makuku in cold blood, injured a school guard, and herded the terrified girls from their dormitories into the darkness. The school, a beacon of education for girls in this remote agrarian community, was left in chaos, with families now clinging to fragile hopes amid the acrid smell of gunpowder and grief.

Maidoki, visibly shaken, described the incident as “the most unfortunate week of my life” during a Channels Television interview.He revealed that security forces have a “fair idea” of the girls’ location, confined within the Kebbi South Senatorial District, and commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their relentless pursuit. “They are right now in the forest,” he said, noting reports of seven soldiers wounded in clashes with the abductors just hours earlier. “There is high hope that these girls will be returned in the next one or two days.”

The full list of abducted students, released by Danko-Wasagu Local Government Chairman Hussaini Aliyu to counter misinformation, includes young women from junior and senior secondary classes: Fatima Sani Zimri, Hafsat Ibrahim, Nana Firdausi Jibril, Masauda Yakubu Romo, Hauwa Saleh, Hauwau Umar Imam, Salima Garba Umar, Salima Sani Zimri, Amina G. Umar, Rashida Muhammad Dingu, Saliha Umar, Aisha Usman, Jamila Iliyasu, Maryam Illiyasu, Najaatu Abdullahi, Zainab Kolo, Surraya Tukur, Hafsat Umar Yalmo, Maryam Usman, Amina Illiyasu, Ikilima Suleman, Khadija Nazifi, Hauwau Iliyasu, Hauwau Lawali, and one unnamed student. Amid the anguish, glimmers of relief emerged: At least two girls escaped the clutches of their captors during the chaos, one returning home safely and the other confirmed unharmed shortly after.

President Bola Tinubu swiftly condemned the assault, directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi and console the families on his behalf, while assuring the nation’s full commitment to the girls’ safe recovery. The Senate, erupting in bipartisan fury during Tuesday’s session, passed resolutions demanding urgent national security action, including an investigation into the underutilized Safe School Initiative Fund—a program meant to fortify educational institutions but plagued by questions of accountabiliy. Senator Adamu Aliero Abdullahi (Kebbi Central) labeled the raid a “slap in the face to our nation,” recalling a similar 2022 Kebbi abduction that dragged on for four agonizing years before resolution.

This latest horror revives painful memories of April 14, 2014, when Boko Haram insurgents seized 276 girls from Chibok, Borno State, in a mass kidnapping that ignited global outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls movement. Over a decade later, more than 80 Chibok girls remain unaccounted for, their plight a stark symbol of Nigeria’s enduring battle with insecurity.bab63b Northwest Nigeria, once spared the Islamist insurgency’s full fury, now grapples with banditry-fueled chaos, where armed gangs on motorcycles target schools for ransom, sowing fear and disrupting education. Just last March, over 200 pupils were freed from a Kaduna school after a similar ordeal.

As troops comb the surrounding forests under the directive of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu—who emphasized that “success is not optional”—communities in Maga huddle in prayer vigils. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) joined the chorus of condemnation on International Students’ Day, urging an end to the “barbaric” assaults on learning.

Maidoki’s defiance cuts through the despair: “We will not allow this to become another Chibok.” For the families of Maga, those words are a lifeline in the shadows.

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Nnadozie Claims Historic Third Straight CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been crowned the 2025 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, securing the prestigious accolade for the third consecutive season. The 24-year-old Super Falcons star received the honor at the glittering CAF Awards ceremony held here tonight, edging out formidable challengers Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.

Nnadozie’s latest triumph caps a banner year that has seen her elevate both club and country to new heights. With Paris FC last season, she played a pivotal role in lifting the Coupe de France Féminine in May, showcasing her shot-stopping prowess in high-stakes domestic action. Her move to England’s Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion has only amplified her global profile, where she has quickly become a cornerstone of the team’s defense.

On the international stage, Nnadozie was the undisputed hero of Nigeria’s triumphant 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco. As the Super Falcons clinched a record-extending 10th continental title, she anchored the backline with four clean sheets across six matches, conceding just twice from open play, including in the thrilling 3-2 final victory. Her commanding performances earned her the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper award, a fitting prelude to this CAF hat-trick.

This three-feat following wins in 2023 and 2024, places Nnadozie in rarefied air, unmatched by any other African women’s goalkeeper in recent history. Her sustained excellence has not gone unnoticed beyond the continent; just weeks ago, she was shortlisted for the 2025 FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award, positioning her alongside global elites like Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Spain’s Cata Coll.

Reflecting on her achievement via a post-ceremony statement shared on social media, Nnadozie expressed gratitude and resolve: “This is for every young girl in Nigeria and across Africa dreaming of standing tall in goal. Three in a row is special, but the work never stops. Thank you to my family, coaches, and the Super Falcons for believing in me.” Her words underscore a career defined not just by accolades, but by inspiring the next generation amid the growing momentum of women’s football in Africa.

As Nnadozie eyes upcoming challenges, including Brighton’s WSL title push and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, her legacy as Africa’s premier custodian is firmly etched.

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Super Falcons Crowned CAF Women’s National Team of the Year 2025

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By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again etched their name into the annals of African football history. The nine-time African champions were officially named the CAF Women’s National Team of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco.

This triumph marks the third consecutive year the Super Falcons have claimed the honor, following back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024, and their seventh overall since the award’s inception. It’s a resounding endorsement of their unyielding dominance on the continental stage, where they remain the most decorated women’s national team in Africa.

The award arrives on the heels of an unforgettable 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hosted by Morocco earlier this year. Under the guidance of head coach Justin Madugu, the Falcons delivered a masterclass in resilience and tactical brilliance, storming to their record-extending 10th title. Their path to glory included commanding wins over Zambia and South Africa in the group stages, before a heart-stopping final against the host nation, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses.

Trailing 2-0 after just 24 minutes in the decider, the Super Falcons refused to yield. A blistering second-half comeback, fueled by three goals in a frantic 24-minute spell—sealed a 3-2 victory and sparked wild jubilation among fans and players alike. Throughout the tournament, Nigeria won five of their six matches, boasting four clean sheets and conceding only twice from open play, a testament to their defensive solidity and attacking flair.

“We are overjoyed and deeply grateful for this recognition,” said Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was herself nominated for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. “This isn’t just about one tournament; it’s about the hard work, unity, and passion that define this team. Winning WAFCON was special, but bringing this home for Nigeria makes it even sweeter. We’re already looking ahead to more battles on the global stage.”

The Super Falcons edged out formidable contenders Ghana’s Black Queens, who secured bronze at WAFCON after a strong return to the competitio and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, who hosted the event with aplomb but fell just short in the final. The Black Queens’ inclusion in the shortlist highlighted their resurgence, while Morocco’s bid was bolstered by their impressive home performances.

Individual stars from the Falcons also shone brightly in the nominations. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie earned a spot on the shortlist for CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, her tournament heroics between the posts proving pivotal. Coach Madugu, meanwhile, was recognized for his leadership in guiding the team to glory, landing a nomination for Women’s Coach of the Year.

Nigeria’s influence extended beyond the senior side at the awards. The U-17 Flamingos were also shortlisted for the National Team of the Year (Women) category after reaching the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while Bayelsa Queens represented the domestic front with a nod for Club of the Year (Women).

The Super Falcons’ latest accolade serves as both a celebration of past triumphs and a clarion call for the future. With eyes now turning to qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and beyond, Africa’s queens of the pitch are poised to continue their reign, inspiring a new generation of female footballers across the continent.

 

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Missing FRSC Officer and Daughter Feared Killed by Osun Herbalist

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By Prosper Mene

In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s road safety community, the bodies of a senior Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer and her teenage daughter have been discovered at a suspected herbalist’s den in Osun State, fueling fears of a ritualistic murder.

SRC Funmilayo Oluwamayokun Lasisi, a 38-year-old Superintendent Route Commander with the FRSC Abeokuta Unit, and her daughter, Sewa Lasisi, vanished without a trace on November 2, 2025, after leaving their residence at Obasanjo Hilltop Estate in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The mother and daughter, last seen departing their home that Sunday morning without disclosing their destination, had been the subject of an urgent public appeal by Ogun State Police just over a week ago.

The grim discovery was reported today by local media, confirming the worst fears of family, colleagues, and authorities. According to emerging details, the remains were found at a location linked to a traditional herbalist in Osun State, raising immediate suspicions of involvement in money rituals or other occult practices, a recurring scourge in parts of southwestern Nigeria. Police investigations are now underway, with officers from both Ogun and Osun Commands collaborating to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The disappearance was first reported to the Kemta Divisional Police Headquarters on November 5 by an FRSC colleague, accompanied by family members. Despite exhaustive efforts, including phone tracing and community outreach, their phones remained unreachable, and no leads surfaced until this heartbreaking breakthrough. Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, had earlier issued a statement urging the public for tips, assuring confidentiality for all information provided.

Funmilayo Lasisi was a dedicated fourth-level operational officer in the FRSC hierarchy, renowned for overseeing multiple routes and spearheading enforcement operations to curb road fatalities across Ogun State. Her abrupt absence not only disrupted corps activities but also left a void in the lives of those who knew her as a pillar of discipline and maternal warmth. Sewa, her teenage daughter, was described by relatives as a bright and promising young girl whose future was cut tragically short.

This incident underscores the persistent menace of ritual killings in Nigeria, where herbalists and self-proclaimed spiritualists have been implicated in numerous abductions and murders targeting vulnerable individuals. Just last year, Ogun Police paraded suspects in similar cases, including herbalists arrested for dismembering victims for body parts used in purported wealth-attracting charms. Authorities have vowed zero tolerance, but such tragedies persist, often exploiting trust in traditional healers.

The FRSC has yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the agency express profound grief and a renewed call for public vigilance. Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a thorough probe, including forensic analysis and potential arrests.

As the nation mourns this profound loss, questions linger: Who lured the pair to Osun, and what dark motives drove this heinous act? The police urge anyone with information to come forward immediately, contactable via Kemta Divisional Headquarters or the command’s hotline.

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