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Netherlands To Return 119 Looted Benin Bronzes To Nigeria
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has said Nigeria will be receiving 119 looted Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands in June.
The bronzes were looted during the British attack on Benin Kingdom in 1897 and found their way to the Netherlands. Nigerian home decor ideas
Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of them were among the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining six were returned by the Municipality of Rotterdam.
It was gathered that the repatriation agreement was signed on Wednesday between both countries.
The signing ceremony took place at the Wereld Museum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the Benin bronzes were previously displayed.
Mr Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of NCMM, in a statement on Monday, said that 119 Benin bronzes would be returned to Nigeria in batches.
Holloway said the circumstance surrounding the return was built on years of purposeful, joint pursuits and long-standing friendship between the two countries.
“NCMM wrote formally in September 2022, requesting an unconditional return of the Benin Bronzes in the Netherlands; he stated.
“In July 2024 at the European Union and African Union conference in Ethiopia, the discussion on repatriation was reignited between the Netherlands and Nigeria.
“And in November 2024, after several discussions, the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee was favourable and informed the Netherlands’s government decision to return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
“The return of the 119 objects will represent the single largest physical return of Benin antiquities directly linked to the 1897 British punitive expedition with the first batch scheduled to arrive in Nigeria by June.
“The circumstance surrounding this return is built on years of purposeful, joint pursuits and the long-standing friendship of our nations.
“This is witnessed in regular engagements in diplomatic consultations on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.”
Holloway noted that the Netherlands’ fair-mindedness was equally seen in the immense support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria to the NCMM.
He said their work and support leading to this repatriation could not be understated.
“The NCMM would like to take this opportunity to thank the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
“We also appreciate our Honorable Minister, Hannatu Musawa for all the invaluable support rendered in making this significant development possible,” he added.
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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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