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Fr. Mbaka’s Utterances Misleading, Says Enugu Catholic Diocese

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Dailygazettenig
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The longstanding friction between the fiery Reverend Father Camillus Ejike Mbaka and the Enugu Catholic Diocese has intensified once again.

The Diocese has issued a forceful response to what it calls Mbaka’s “misleading utterances,” warning that these statements risk confusing the faithful and undermining Church unity.

According to a statement issued by the Diocese’s Communications Department, officials felt compelled to “set the record straight” following Mbaka’s public address on August 1, 2025, during which he levelled several accusations against Church authorities.

“The allegations made by Fr. Mbaka, particularly those concerning the governance and disciplinary actions of the Diocese, require a clear and measured response to ensure that the faithful are not misled and the unity of the Church is preserved,” the statement reads.

“Pastoral Leave” Mischaracterised

The Diocese defended its directive requiring Mbaka to undertake a 30-day pastoral retreat:

It was “not intended to harm him or the Adoration Ministry” but was a “necessary pastoral measure rooted in fraternal charity” aimed at encouraging spiritual renewal and prompting him to reconsider “inflammatory political utterances” that violate canon law.

They adamantly rejected claims that the move was designed to shut down the ministry:

“This leave was never about shutting down Adoration Ministry. … Any claims to the contrary are ‘both inaccurate and contrary to the spirit of ecclesiastical obedience.’”

Vandalism and Reparation

The Diocese also responded to Mbaka’s denial of Adoration Ministry supporters’ involvement in vandalising Church property during 2021 protests.

“Pictures and videos clearly showed the Bishop’s Court at Igboeze Street and buildings at Holy Ghost Cathedral were vandalized. It was a desecration that required an act of reparation,” the statement declared.

Unity and Obedience Under Threat

Dismissing suggestions of a conspiracy against Mbaka, the Diocese emphasised the principle of Unum Presbyterium, a sacred fraternity among priests that requires unity with the bishop.

“Unfounded public accusations against Church authorities risk undermining ecclesial unity and confusing the faithful,” the statement warned.

It reminded all clergy, including Mbaka, of their promise of obedience to their bishop, both in private and in public.

On His Brother’s Marriage

Addressing Mbaka’s contention that the Diocese approved his brother’s marriage despite his objections, Church leaders reiterated:

“No priest … has the authority to unilaterally approve or veto sacramental celebrations based on personal sentiments.”

They affirmed that all canonical investigations and pre-marital procedures had been properly observed.

Allegations Against ‘Princess’ Deemed False

Mbaka’s claim of undue influence by a woman named “Princess” over the Diocesan Curia was promptly dismissed by the Diocese as:

“Gross disinformation. No internal or external interference from any person or institution can influence, inform, or direct the decisions of the Curia. It is an insult to the hierarchy of the Church to suggest otherwise.”

A Call for Reconciliation

The statement concluded with a plea for healing and spiritual renewal:

“The Catholic Diocese of Enugu remains steadfast in prayer, seeking divine guidance and spiritual renewal for Rev. Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka. May the Holy Spirit guide us all towards humility, peace, and mutual understanding.”

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Lead Poisoning: Zamfara Sitting On A Time Bomb, Vice Chancellor Warns

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Dailygazettenig
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The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, Professor Mu’azu Abubakar, has raised alarm over the growing threat of lead poisoning in Zamfara State, warning that the state is “sitting on a time bomb” due to widespread and poorly regulated mining activities.

Speaking at the university’s maiden seminar on environmental sustainability, themed “From Gold to Poison”, Abubakar painted a grim picture of the health and environmental risks associated with both legal and illegal gold mining across the state.

“Many people have abandoned their businesses because of the gold mining, which is more lucrative,” he said, adding that farming activities had declined drastically.

“You can hardly see cotton being sold in our ginneries, and this has resulted in the closure of all the textile industries in the state.”

The don lamented the increasing involvement of children in mining, warning that if urgent steps are not taken, Zamfara could soon be declared a danger zone for lead poisoning.

“The mining activity is seriously causing great havoc to our communities because of the lead poison issue. If you could recall, many children have died of lead poison in Zamfara, while several others are physically deformed.” he said.

Despite past bans on mining by the government, Abubakar noted that over 100,000 artisanal miners and licensed firms continue to operate in the state, further exacerbating environmental hazards.

Abubakar also linked the state’s security crisis to its mineral wealth, alleging that powerful individuals were using bandits to drive residents away from gold-rich areas.

“You can imagine that despite the persistent killings and kidnappings, there are many gold miners and mining companies in Zamfara State, but you hardly hear any news where the miners are attacked by bandits,” he noted.

“This is an indication that the miners are together with the bandits.”

He urged authorities to intervene swiftly, warning that both environmental degradation and insecurity could spiral further out of control if ignored.

In response, the Managing Director of the Zamfara State Mineral Development Company, Nasir Alhassan, assured participants at the seminar that the government would address the twin challenges of lead poisoning and insecurity.

He also disclosed plans by the state to explore the possibility of establishing a dedicated centre at the university to monitor and manage lead poisoning cases.

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Ebonyi Man Recounts How He Lost Both Arms Trying To Save A Friend’s Shop

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Dailygazettenig
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David Simon, a native of Onicha Igboeze in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has shared the painful story of how he lost both arms as a teenager in 2014 while trying to help a friend salvage his shop from demolition.

Now 29 years old, Simon recalled that he was just 18 when the tragic incident occurred at Apo Mechanical Village in Abuja, where he was working as a general apprentice learning how to repair Peugeot vehicles.

According to him, the shop in question, owned by a spare parts dealer, was marked for demolition alongside others.

“I lost my two arms in February 2014 while trying to assist somebody to save his shop from being demolished because the shop was among those that were marked for demolition at Apo Mechanical Village in Abuja,” he explained.

“The shop owner asked me to bring a metal pole from outside to the entrance. While trying to raise it from my right-hand side to a secure side at my left, without knowing that there was a high-tension wire above us, the pole touched the high-tension wire, and it caused me a lot of damage. I was shocked by electricity and had severe burns on my hands and legs.”

Simon was rushed to multiple medical centres before finally being treated at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja, where he underwent two surgeries.

Unfortunately, one of his arms became severely damaged and blackened, prompting doctors to recommend amputation.

“The doctor said there was no other option than to amputate the affected parts, and my arms had to be cut off,” he said.

However, his family was reluctant and sought a traditional alternative.

“We were discharged from the hospital and got admitted to a traditional centre where herbs and roots are used for treatment. I stayed there for only one day and some hours before the hand became more infected,” he recounted.

The worsening condition led to a referral to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu, where both arms were amputated.

Despite the trauma, Simon has managed to develop ways to carry out daily tasks independently.

“It’s not really easy, but I don’t allow it to bring me down,” he said.

“There are other methods I tried that failed, but I got the particular one that I’m now used to, even washing my clothes and shoes, bathing myself or picking up my bag.”

He explained that necessity pushed him to adapt.

“There were people who would volunteer to do it for me at that time. But they will not continue to do it for me… So, I had to start developing myself on my own.”

Simon says that living with a disability has exposed him to stigma and judgement.

“Losing my arms made me see life in a very different way. I got to know a certain kind of life or the behaviours of some other people in terms of discrimination and stigmatisation… It is sad that I faced all this.”

“Within the first year and a few months when it happened… I found it difficult going out because of the kind of looks I got from people. They stared at me differently as if I looked different,” he said

“Even when I go out now, there are some people who still see me and give me some kind of weird look.”

Simon said he draws strength from within.

“My motivation is myself and what I want to become in life. Knowing that this particular thing I want to do, if I call Mr A to help me do it, he or she may be in a good mood at that time… So, I motivate myself to do those things by myself before anyone else even tries to help me.”

Although he has learned to cope, certain challenges persist.

“There are some things I know that at my age, I am supposed to know how to do… but due to being conscious of my arms and not to cause more injuries or harm myself, I will be restricted.”

One of the most painful parts of his journey was the betrayal by the man he had tried to help.

“The man I went to help the other time, when the incident happened, later denied ever calling me to assist him,” Simon said.

“When he was asked what really happened, he denied ever calling me. He said he didn’t even know I was there. The whole issue became like a drama between him and my family members.”

“So, I had to send for him, and when he came, I asked him the same question as my dad, but he didn’t say a word and left.”

“Whenever I remember his action, sometimes I feel like if I had known or foreseen what would happen, I wouldn’t have been there in the first place.”

He also described how misinformation and assumptions about his condition continue to follow him.

“I don’t have the time to explain myself too much because no matter how many times I explain myself, I still get those comments,” he said.

“Sometimes on my TikTok page, whenever I post, I get comments like ‘Don’t help him o.’”

“Most people come up with negative words. I just leave them to their thoughts because I believe one day, they will realise that, truly, it wasn’t what they were thinking.”

Simon expressed interest in getting prosthetic arms but said financial limitations have been a barrier.

“I’m interested in getting prosthetics, but I don’t have the money to get them,” he said. “Some people I know call and make videos of me… promise, but they never fulfill.”

“Someone got my video from my TikTok page and posted it on his Facebook page… he didn’t post my account number; rather, he posted his.”

Currently, Simon runs a business selling cold pure water in bulk at a market that operates once every four days.

“After selling, I may realise a gain of N20,000 to N30,000, depending on the fuel consumption,” he explained.

“We don’t have electricity here, and I can’t afford solar lights at the moment.”

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Enugu Varsity Don, Prof. Nnam Congratulates New UNN VC, Says Appointment A Victory For Merit, Competence

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Dailygazettenig
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…hails Gov. Mbah for supporting excellence in Education

Professor Victor Nnam, a renowned academic and former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, has congratulated Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya on his appointment as the 16th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Speaking to journalists in Enugu on Friday, Prof. Nnam, a distinguished scholar in Surveying and Geoinformatics, described Ortuanya’s appointment as “well-deserved” and “a victory for merit, competence, and dedication to academic excellence.”

“I warmly congratulate Professor Ortuanya on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of our premier university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His emergence is not only merited but also timely. He is a man of immense academic pedigree, leadership experience and vision,” Nnam said.

Prof. Nnam, who has spent years teaching and mentoring students without financial compensation, praised the new VC for his long-standing commitment to education, intellectual growth and institutional development.

He also commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for creating an enabling environment for intellectual excellence and for always supporting the aspirations of capable individuals from the state.

“Governor Mbah’s consistent support for education and merit-based appointments is highly commendable. The state’s development is closely tied to the strength of our academic institutions, and I believe Professor Ortuanya will take UNN to greater heights,” he added.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Professor Ortuanya had served in various academic and administrative capacities, including as Secretary to the Enugu State Government.

Prof. Nnam expressed confidence that the new Vice Chancellor will foster inclusive growth, restore UNN’s global academic standing and prioritize student and staff welfare.

He called on all stakeholders, staff, students, alumni and the academic community to rally behind Professor Ortuanya so as to ensure a successful tenure.

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Court Bars Police From Harassing Action Alliance National Chairman

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Dailygazettenig
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Kenneth Udeze,

The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Nigeria Police and other security agencies from harassing or arresting the National Chairman of the Action Alliance, Kenneth Udeze, along with members of his executive.

Justice Chizoba Oji, ruling on an ex parte motion, directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and an individual named Yakubu Sule to maintain the status quo until a fundamental rights case currently before the court is heard.

The judge also barred the police from taking any action based on a contentious letter dated July 10, 2025, which had escalated tensions within the party.

According to the court’s ruling, legal documents must be served on the police through the Legal Department at the Force Headquarters.

For the fifth respondent, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, service will be effected by pasting court documents at his Abuja residence.

The court order protects several key AA officials alongside Udeze: National Secretary Vernimbe James, Treasurer Ekeng Effiom, Financial Secretary Ali Abacha, and Legal Adviser Emeka Anukwuem.

Omoaje, a former party member, is accused of instigating police involvement in the dispute after a series of failed legal attempts to claim the party’s leadership.

In a statement released to DAILY GAZETTE, the AA leadership noted that at least nine court judgments including rulings from the Supreme Court, had reaffirmed Kenneth Udeze as the legitimate National Chairman.

The statement further alleged that Omoaje, whose appeal is still pending before the Supreme Court, had “resorted to the police for self-help” and was “mounting pressure on INEC” (the Independent National Electoral Commission) to recognise him as the party’s chairman.

“Instead of waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision, Omoaje is trying to stop the legitimate leadership from performing its duties. This madness must stop,” the party said.

The AA urged INEC to respect the outcome of the party’s last National Convention, held on February 22, 2025, and “resist any temptation from these expelled former members.”

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We Won’t Accept US Deportation Deal Like Rwanda, South Sudan – FG Tells Trump

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Dailygazettenig
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly restated its refusal to accept deportees from the United States, distancing itself from other African countries like Rwanda, Eswatini, and South Sudan that have agreed to receive foreign nationals expelled by the US under Donald Trump’s revived “third-country deportation” policy.

Speaking to journalists, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed Nigeria’s firm stance, pointing to national security and economic pressures as the primary reasons for rejecting the arrangement.

In July, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed that the Trump-led US government had been putting significant pressure on African nations to accept deportees, including individuals convicted of crimes and even non-African nationals such as Venezuelans.

“The US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prisons,” Tuggar disclosed.

He called the proposal “unacceptable” and warned it would unfairly burden already struggling nations like Nigeria.

“It will be difficult for countries like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own, we cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria for crying out loud. We already have 230 million people,” Tuggar stressed.

While he did not give detailed insight into the diplomatic pressure, his comments follow the US government’s broader immigration crackdown.

In June, the US Department of State revised its visa policy for Nigeria, reducing non-diplomatic visa validity to a single entry within three months, a major shift from previous reciprocity agreements.

Additionally, the Trump administration has threatened countries that resist cooperation on deportations with visa sanctions.

This is backed by Section 243(d) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the US to suspend visa issuance to countries that obstruct repatriation efforts.

In April 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all visas held by South Sudanese citizens would be revoked, citing the country’s refusal to accept its deported nationals.

“I am taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and to restrict any further issuance to prevent entry into the United States, effective immediately, due to the failure of South Sudan’s transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner,” Rubio stated on X (formerly Twitter).

He added that the US would also “prevent further issuance to prevent entry into the United States by South Sudanese passport holders.”

The US “third-country deportation” policy gained legal backing after a Supreme Court ruling on June 23, 2025, allowing Washington to deport individuals to countries other than their own especially when their home countries refuse to take them back.

According to the Institute for Security Studies, the US paid El Salvador $5 million in March to detain over 250 Venezuelans with suspected gang ties in a maximum-security prison notorious for human rights abuses.

The policy has since expanded into Africa. South Sudan accepted eight deportees in July, followed by Eswatini, which received five from countries like Vietnam, Cuba, and Yemen.

Rwanda has also agreed to take up to 250 deportees under a controlled framework.

Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed the deal to CNN, stating:

“We agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants,” while emphasizing that the government would vet each case before approval.

She added: “When approved, the migrants will be provided with workforce training, health care, and accommodation support to jump-start their lives in Rwanda,” enabling them to “contribute to one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the last decade.”

In his interview, Ebienfa reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to the arrangement, citing the country’s domestic challenges and sovereign decision-making.

“Even if other African countries are accepting deportees from the US, Nigeria will not accept them. We are a sovereign country and we take decisions only after fully analysing the implications to our national security,” he added.

Ebienfa stressed that accepting such deportees would amount to taking on “additional baggage.”

“We have our own issues we are struggling with. We will not allow ourselves to be pressured into accepting deportees, regardless of what other nations are doing.”

He also pointed out Nigeria’s strategic global importance, including major projects such as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and valuable rare earth mineral deposits.

“Our national interest, as it stands now, is not favourably disposed to accepting deportees from the American government.”

Retired diplomats have also thrown their weight behind the government’s decision.

Ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode questioned the US logic behind deporting individuals to countries they are not originally from.

“Why deport the citizens of a country, say Venezuela, to another country like Nigeria? The logic and rationale behind this are totally lost on me.”

He praised Tuggar’s stance, calling it “a response with dignity.”

“There’s certainly no merit in Mr. Trump’s new visa regime when viewed from the principle of sovereign equality of states.”

“Since diplomacy is largely a game of reciprocity, Nigerians should request an exchange agreement, receive Venezuelan deportees in exchange for repentant Boko Haram operatives to be ‘exported’ to them.”

Also weighing in, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie said that decisions by other countries to accept deportees were their internal matters.

“The decision of some African countries to accept deportees is an internal and private affair, which no other country can make logical comments on.”

He made it clear that Nigeria would only accept its own citizens, not foreigners with unclear backgrounds.

“Nigeria cannot take deportees of another nationality, whose identity and background are not known. What if these people are criminals?”

Akinkuolie drew parallels with how Nigeria handles illegal entries:

“People who qualify are still being issued visas to the US. Those who do not meet certain criteria may be denied. Nigeria also does the same to undesirable people.”

He recalled an incident where foreigners entered Nigeria illegally and formed a criminal gang, saying they were either deported or prosecuted.

“What the USA is doing may be in its national interest, who knows?” he concluded.

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Benue Assembly Suspends Screening Of Commissioner Nominees Over Governor’s ‘Disregard’ For Resolutions

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Dailygazettenig
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The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended the ongoing screening of commissioner-nominees sent by Governor Hyacinth Alia, citing the governor’s continued disregard for legislative decisions.

At Friday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh, lawmakers unanimously agreed to halt all official correspondence from the executive until the governor complies with previous resolutions.

Raising a motion of urgent public importance, Shimavever Jiji, who represents Gwer West State Constituency, condemned the governor’s repeated snubbing of the assembly’s directives.

“The governor has consistently treated the House with total disregard and ignored all resolutions we passed,” Jiji declared.

The motion was seconded by Thomas Dugeri, who echoed concerns over what he termed as executive high-handedness.

“The governor has shown no respect for the hallowed chamber. Issues of public interest raised here are ignored, and this is unacceptable,” Dugeri stated.

Other members who contributed to the discussion clarified that the assembly’s move was not an act of hostility but a firm stance to protect legislative authority and uphold the rule of law.

The most immediate outcome of the House’s decision was the suspension of commissioner-nominee screenings, which had been ongoing.

Lawmakers emphasized that their decision was not aimed at derailing governance but rather to insist on mutual respect between the arms of government.

They also listed a series of unmet demands, including the provision of official vehicles to seven legislators who have yet to receive theirs, despite previous agreements.

Furthermore, they reiterated their resolution urging Governor Alia to suspend key officials.

These include the Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, and the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Sports Lottery and Marketing Board.

Reading the formal resolutions of the House, Speaker Dajoh declared:
“The House resolves that any letter or correspondence from the governor will no longer be honoured until the mentioned persons are suspended.”

He added, “The House also resolves that the seven vehicles must be released to members before any further requests from the executive are considered.”

After each resolution was read aloud, the Speaker posed the standard question, “Is that taken?” to which the members responded in unison, “Yeah.”

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‘I Take Full Responsibility’ – KWAM 1 Apologises For Abuja Airport Incident

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Dailygazettenig
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Popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has tendered a public apology following a recent altercation involving him and staff of ValueJet Airlines at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

In a video released on Friday and made available to Daily Gazette, the music icon admitted fault and described the incident as regrettable.

He also expressed remorse to multiple stakeholders affected by the episode.

“I take full responsibility for all incidents,” KWAM 1 said. “Once again, I seek forgiveness from Mr. President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who’s also my father and father of the nation, the Honorable Minister for Aviation, the pilot, the airline, the airline staff, passengers, and above all, my fans across the globe, my family, for the incident.”

The singer, who has long portrayed himself as a cultural ambassador of Nigeria, said he deeply regrets that he was involved in such a confrontation.

“I have been a good ambassador of this country in very many ways, and therefore should not be found in such incidents,” he said.

Further explaining his side of the story, K1 clarified that the container which sparked the dispute was filled with water due to a medical recommendation related to dehydration.

“I poured water in it [the container] because of my health situation. I need to be sipping water because I’m dehydrated, as recommended by a doctor to me,” he said.

Reiterating his remorse, the Fuji legend added, “I accept responsibility and appeal to Mr. President, the country, the Minister for Aviation, the FAAN, the NCAA, and my fans across the globe to please pardon my behaviour.”

Despite the backlash, KWAM 1 reaffirmed his loyalty to Nigeria and commitment to national values.

“My love for the country is unshakable. I am still the darling ambassador of our nation, and I’ll continue to carry the banner of this great country everywhere all my life. Thank you once again. Please accept my apology,” he concluded.

The apology comes amid heightened scrutiny. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday ordered the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending further investigation.

Keyamo noted that both sides were responsible for escalating the situation but emphasised the seriousness of what occurred.

Describing it as “obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides,” Keyamo warned that such behaviour “could have led to serious fatalities.”

In addition to the no-fly directive, the NCAA has also petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to initiate prosecution against the singer.

According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), KWAM 1 displayed unruly behaviour during boarding procedures for a Lagos-bound ValueJet flight.

FAAN spokesperson Obiageli Orah claimed the artiste attempted to board the plane with a flask containing liquid, later said to be alcohol, in violation of aviation rules and that he spilled the contents on an airline security officer.

A viral video of the scene showed the singer positioned directly in front of the aircraft, preventing its movement before security officers intervened.

Keyamo, reacting on social media platform X, said, “The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here, which is akin to a hostage situation.”

He continued, “The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby attached. On the other hand, no amount of provocation should make the captain and pilot of an aircraft begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away who is standing in front of an aircraft.”

In the aftermath, the NCAA suspended two pilots from ValueJet for their involvement in what it termed “a serious breach of safety protocols.”

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WAEC Releases Revised 2025 WASSCE Results, Apologises For Grading Error

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Dailygazettenig
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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has released corrected results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, following the discovery of a grading error that significantly distorted students’ performance outcomes.

Speaking at a press conference held on Friday at the council’s national office in Yaba, Lagos, Head of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, offered a public apology over the grading discrepancies.

“With deep sorrow and regret, I, on behalf of the Registrar to Council, Management and Staff of WAEC Nigeria, apologise for the discrepancies discovered in the grading of serialised papers.
This is very difficult for us to say, but we have to admit that it is very embarrassing,” Dangut stated.

He explained that the issue arose from the implementation of a new security feature known as paper serialisation, which had been previously adopted by another examination body.

Unfortunately, a technical fault occurred during the scoring of the English Language Objective Test (Paper 3), due to the use of an incorrect serialised code file.

“We investigated and discovered that a serialised code file was wrongly used in the printing of the English Language Objective paper.
This resulted in them being marked with incorrect answer keys. It is important to note that candidates who wrote the exams using the computer-based mode were not affected,” he clarified.

In addition to English, other affected subjects included Mathematics, Biology, and Economics. Following the correction of the error, updated statistics now show that 1,794,821 candidates, representing 91.14%, obtained credit and above in at least five subjects (with or without English and Mathematics).

Of greater significance, 1,239,884 candidates, or 62.96%, obtained credits in five subjects including English and Mathematics.

This marks a sharp increase from the initially reported 38.32%.

Breaking down the figures, 657,819 of these candidates (53.05%) were female, while 582,065 (46.95%) were male.

However, despite the correction, this still represents a 9.16% decline compared to the 72.12% success rate recorded in 2024.

WAEC disclosed that a total of 1,969,313 candidates participated in the 2025 WASSCE, including students from schools in Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea, all operating the Nigerian curriculum.

Special needs candidates were also accommodated, with 12,178 students requiring various levels of support.

This group included 112 visually impaired candidates, 615 with hearing impairment, 37 physically challenged, and 52 with spastic or mental challenges.

WAEC confirmed their results have also been processed and released.

“All these candidates were adequately provided for in the administration of the examination,” Dangut added.

As of now, 1,763,470 results, representing 89.55% have been fully processed and released.

However, 205,916 results (10.45%) are still being processed due to technical issues, which the council assured are being resolved.

In a related development, WAEC reported that 191,053 candidates, about 9.7% have their results withheld due to allegations of examination malpractice.

This figure is a slight improvement from the 11.92% reported in 2024.

“WAEC will continue to sanction all cases of examination malpractice. All hands must be on deck to sanitise the system,” Dangut stated, while encouraging affected candidates to file complaints at waecinternational.org/complaints.

Candidates can now check their results at www.waecdirect.org and are advised to apply for their digital certificates, which will be available within 48 hours of result verification.

Physical certificates will be ready within 90 days.

However, Dangut reminded the public that students sponsored by state governments owing WAEC will not be able to access their results until those debts are cleared.

“We appeal to the concerned authorities to do the needful to enable affected schools and candidates to access their results,” he urged.

Concluding the briefing, Dangut extended a heartfelt apology to all stakeholders affected by the mishap.

“We acknowledge the emotional ordeal that candidates, parents, teachers, school administrators, Ministries of Education, and the media must have endured.”

“This is a trying time for us at WAEC. We are doing everything we can to ensure this dismal situation does not recur,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Minister of Education, and all state education bodies for their support throughout the review and correction process.

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Sowore Regains Freedom, Says Detention ‘Nothing To Celebrate’

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Dailygazettenig
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Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has confirmed his release from police custody following a controversial detention by the Nigeria Police Force.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Sowore announced his release and used the moment to call out the police and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), whom he described as “illegal.”

While thankful to his supporters, he stressed that the situation was far from over.

“The Nigeria Police Force and its illegal IGP have capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention,” he wrote.

“However, it is nothing to celebrate, work tongues, but I can’t do without thanking you all for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity #RevolutionNow.”

Sowore was arrested after he appeared at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, following a police invitation over allegations of forgery and inciting disturbance.

However, reports quickly surfaced on Thursday that he was detained, prompting widespread backlash.

Images and videos shared after his release show Sowore surrounded by supporters, confirming his return from detention.

The situation drew strong condemnation from across the country and beyond.

Amnesty International alleged that the activist was subjected to violence by police officers during his time in custody.

According to the global rights organisation, Sowore was physically assaulted by security agents at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja at about 6 am Thursday.

“As a result, he sustained a severe injury on his left hand and has since been taken to an unknown location,” Amnesty International posted on its Facebook page.

It further demanded accountability, stating: “We are calling on Nigerian authorities to call the police to order and halt any further physical harm to Sowore.”

“He must be immediately given adequate medical care. Attempting to drag Sowore to a judicial process without recourse to his lawyer is a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.”

Reports also indicated that his hand was broken during an alleged attempt by officers to forcefully move him from custody to court.

Reacting to the development, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticised Sowore’s detention, calling it an abuse of state authority.

In a post on X, Obi stated: “From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment.

“To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power.”

Obi had previously spoken out during a political programme aired on July 6, 2025, reiterating his support for democratic principles and civil liberties.

Public outrage over Sowore’s arrest was amplified by protests at both the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the Lagos State Police Command on Thursday.

Protesters, mostly clad in black and waving the Nigerian flag, demanded Sowore’s immediate release while chanting slogans critical of the government.

One of the demonstrators, speaking to journalists, said they were confronted by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who allegedly tried to intimidate them.

“We are exercising our fundamental constitutional rights.
We did not block any road; an Assistant Commissioner of Police is here to intimidate us. He came alongside a dog to attack us. We are here within the ambit of the law,” the protester declared.

Despite the attempt at intimidation, the protesters maintained their peaceful stance and continued their demand for justice.

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