
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics couriers in Kogi State. The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdulahi, stated that troops initially arrested Mathew Elisha, also known as Nasara, on the Lokoja–Abuja Expressway. Elisha, who was on a security watchlist, was riding a motorcycle with a concealed compartment for ammunition. Following this arrest, troops intercepted two more suspected couriers, Mallam Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi, on April 20, 2026, along the Obajana–Kabba Road. They were traveling in a Toyota bus from Makurdi to Obajana. A search of their vehicle uncovered 314 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and three AK-47 rifle magazines. The suspects and recovered items, which also included mobile phones and identification documents, have been handed over to the 12 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

The Los Angeles premiere of the Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," took place on Monday, drawing fans and family to Hollywood. The film, which chronicles the artist's journey from child star to global pop icon, was previously released in Europe and is set to open in US theaters on Friday. Director Antoine Fuqua expressed his appreciation for the support shown by attendees. Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, stars in the film and described the experience of portraying his uncle as surreal, noting it was his first acting role. Michael's brother, Jackie Jackson, praised Jaafar's performance, stating it brought tears to his eyes and made him feel as if he was watching Michael on stage. Marlon Jackson, another member of the Jackson 5, reflected on the film's potential to offer insight into the family's life, emphasizing that the Jackson family experiences trials and tribulations like any other. Family members present on the black carpet included Marlon, Jackie, Jaafar, and La Toya Jackson, who met the actors portraying them and their parents. Nia Long, who plays Michael's mother Katherine, highlighted the significant role of the women in the family in a male-dominated world. She hopes the film will showcase Michael Jackson as a master artist who deeply cared about humanity. Colman Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson, expressed his hope that the film would serve as a valuable experience for audiences.
Must ReadThe Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, in connection with an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism. The defendants, retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, are scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also listed in the charge but is at large. The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, include treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired in 2025 to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act but failed to alert authorities or take preventive steps. Specific terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, include conspiring to commit acts of terrorism, attending meetings to destabilize Nigeria's constitutional structure, and providing support for terrorism. Several defendants are also accused of handling funds linked to terrorism financing, with Bukar Kashim Goni alleg

The Abia State Government is moving forward with modern transportation, urban renewal, and housing development initiatives, as announced by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu. Discussions are advanced with the Nigerian Railway Corporation for a new train station in Umuahia, which will be integrated with commercial activities and located near the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal. Access roads will also be developed to improve connectivity. In urban renewal, arrangements are complete to relocate traders from Isi Gate to the Relief Market in Afara, with compensation paid to landowners and construction ongoing. Commercial vehicles from Okigwe Park will move to the new bus terminal, and traders will temporarily use Okigwe Park until the Afara market is finished. The Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned, along with infrastructure for the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Scheme, including charging stations and bus shelters. Several projects by the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, including roads and a new daily market, are awaiting inauguration. Groundwork for a Federal Housing Authority estate in Umuahia, a joint initiative with the Federal Ministry of Housing, is set to begin on April 21, 2026. The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified the state's significant role in the housing project.
Must ReadAfrican cocoa and coffee farmers are facing worsening economic conditions despite record growth projections in the global sectors, according to the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa COCEFAAA. Adeola Adegoke, Global President of COCEFAAA, stated that while the cocoa and chocolate market is projected to rise from $169 billion in 2025 to nearly $246 billion by 2031, and the global coffee market from $284 billion today to around $486 billion by 2035, this growth is not reflected in farmer incomes. Smallholder producers are exposed to unstable pricing structures often falling below production costs, impacting their ability to afford essentials like fertilisers and healthcare. COCEFAAA describes farmers as "economic shock absorbers" and warns that this imbalance, compounded by climate change, undermines long-term sustainability. The association calls for three major policy shifts: increased investment in agricultural research and development, greater investment in local processing and value addition, and stronger regional cooperation among African producing countries. They also urge global buyers to adopt long-term purchasing agreements and invest in farmer training and climate adaptation, emphasizing that farmers must be central to the value chain for global projections to be realized.