The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service will resume next week, marking the end of a month-long suspension following a derailment incident near Asham.

Operations on the route were halted on August 26, 2025, after a section of the track was damaged, prompting safety concerns and a full suspension of service.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Callistus Unyimadu, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, the Corporation confirmed that repairs and safety evaluations on the affected track have been successfully completed.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation is pleased to announce that the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service is set to resume operations next week, following the successful completion of repair and safety checks on the affected section of track at Asham,” the statement read.

Unyimadu noted that NRC engineers and technical teams had worked “tirelessly” to restore both infrastructure and rolling stock to international safety standards and emphasized the Corporation’s commitment to passenger safety and service quality.

As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the disruption, the NRC disclosed that refunds have been issued to 512 passengers out of the 583 onboard the train at the time of the incident.

The Corporation said it is working to reach the remaining passengers to complete the refund process.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued passengers during this period,” Unyimadu said.

“Safety, comfort, and satisfaction remain our top priorities.”

The NRC also acknowledged the role played by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, and the media in supporting the recovery process.

While no specific date was provided for the resumption of services, the Corporation assured the public that train schedules and operational details will be announced in the coming days.

The derailment, which occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja en route to Kaduna, caused panic among passengers.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic,” with travelers scrambling for safety.

A preliminary investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) identified multiple lapses that contributed to the derailment.

Key findings included poor maintenance of the track, with previously damaged sleepers only patched rather than fully repaired, a faulty track switch that had to be manually operated using a broken point clip, lack of refresher training for NRC personnel, raising concerns about operational preparedness and limited access to essential maintenance tools and spare parts from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

The NSIB’s report has raised fresh questions about NRC’s safety protocols and its preparedness for emergencies.

An Edo-based activist, Precious Oruche, popularly known as “Mama Pee,” has been taken into custody following a heated confrontation with Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The incident, which has drawn widespread attention, reportedly escalated further upon arrival in Benin.

Eyewitnesses say the confrontation began as Abure prepared to board a Max Air flight to Benin.

According to several accounts, Mama Pee approached him and accused him of being responsible for the hardships Nigerians are facing.

“Is this not Julius Abure? You’re the one frustrating Nigerians,” she reportedly said.

When Abure asked, “How can?” she replied, “In case nobody has told you, you’re the one frustrating Nigerians. What are you doing with the Labour Party? Police are looking for you. You’ve destroyed the Labour Party.”

The tension reportedly intensified in Benin. Videos circulating online show a physical scuffle near the airport exit, with individuals attempting to restrain or drag Mama Pee before security and immigration personnel intervened.

In one recording, Mama Pee claimed:

“Look at them! They want to beat me after I told Julius Abure he’s frustrating Nigerians. He brought thugs to harass me.”

She added that she saw Abure on the plane and accused him of using his connections to have thugs wait for her.

Following the arrest, Peter Akah, also known as “Peter for Nigeria,” released a video call for her immediate release.

He appealed to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebolo and Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika to intervene, alleging that she is a victim of political violence.

Meanwhile, the Abure-led faction of the Labour Party issued their own response.

The party described Mama Pee’s actions as an unprovoked attack and claimed that she continued recording videos even after the confrontation.

In a statement, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh said:

“Abure was forced to be escorted to safety by security agents, while Mama Pee was handed over to police for questioning.”

The party also accused her of boasting in videos about connections to police, and vowed that she would continue targeting party executives.

The LP statement further called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate what they termed political provocation and cyberbullying, and asked party members to remain calm pending the outcome.

As of this report, attempts to reach SP Moses Yamu, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, for comment were unsuccessful.

However, a video published Saturday night shows that Mama Pee has been released from custody.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a human rights lawyer have strongly criticised the ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which rejected the no-case submission filed by IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice Omotosho, in his ruling on Friday, held that the Department of State Services (DSS) had established a prima facie case against Kanu, stating that he must enter his defence.

The court ruled that evidence presented by five DSS witnesses was sufficient to warrant an explanation from the defendant.

But IPOB condemned the decision, calling it a miscarriage of justice and an attempt to shift the burden of proof onto Kanu.

In a statement issued Saturday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group described the ruling as a “judicial charade” that defies constitutional protections.

“Justice Omotosho’s remark that Kanu ‘needs to explain certain things’ violates Section 36(11) of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits compelling a defendant to testify against themselves,” IPOB stated.

“Is the judge suggesting that Kanu fill the gaps in a case riddled with contradictory witnesses and no investigation report?”

The group argued that the ruling reflects an ongoing trend of Abuja courts prioritising executive interests over impartial justice.

Also reacting, Human Rights Lawyer and Public Advocate, Christopher Chidera, faulted the court’s decision, saying it represents a dangerous departure from legal norms.

“Justice Omotosho’s ruling failed to properly evaluate the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence, which fell apart under cross-examination,” Chidera said.

He further criticised the court for relying on a repealed law, the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act of 2013, saying it renders the charges a “legal nullity.”

According to Chidera, the Evidence Act (Section 122) obliges courts to take judicial notice of repealed legislation, and ignoring this undermines the court’s jurisdiction.

He warned that by asking Kanu to “explain” himself in such a context, the court had improperly shifted the burden of proof to the accused, a direct violation of constitutional rights and international fair trial standards.

“This ruling sets a dangerous precedent, compromises judicial independence, and further erodes public trust in the Nigerian judiciary,” Chidera added.

He called on the Court of Appeal to review and correct what he described as “egregious legal errors,” while urging the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council to investigate repeated lapses in adherence to due process in the case.

Chidera also appealed to the international community to monitor the proceedings, noting that continued violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights may be at stake.

“A trial based on a defunct law, lacking credible evidence, and placing the burden on the defendant is not justice, it’s political theatre in legal disguise,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force has paid final respects to former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, with a ceremonial Guard of Honour held in Abuja on Saturday as his remains were moved to his home state of Edo.

Photos of the solemn occasion were shared by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirming the tribute to the late police chief.

“The Nigeria Police Force today mounted a Guard of Honour for the late former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, as the remains of the former IGP depart for Edo State,” Hundeyin posted.

At the event, the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, praised Arase’s distinguished service and integrity, describing him as “an officer with enviable strength of character.”

“The Nigeria Police Force bids a poignant farewell to a distinguished national figure,” Egbetokun said.

Dr. Arase, who passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69, served as Nigeria’s 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police. He was widely respected for his commitment to police reforms, community safety and philanthropy.

The funeral arrangements, announced earlier on September 17, began with a Day of Tribute held in Abuja on September 24, followed by a requiem mass and lying-in-state ceremony.

His funeral mass and interment are scheduled for October 3 in Edo State, followed by a reception. The ceremonies will conclude with a thanksgiving mass on October 5.