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FG Secures Release Of Kidnap Victims Without Ransom —Presidential Aide
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has clarified that the Federal Government does not negotiate with or pay ransom to terrorists, despite claims surrounding the release of kidnapped schoolchildren.
In an interview with Channels TV on Wednesday, Bwala acknowledged that in previous administrations, the government sometimes engaged in negotiations to protect citizens, saying, “There was a time the Federal Government was negotiating.
“When they said both states and the Federal Government can be in a situation where they will have to negotiate because if your duty is to preserve the life of people and citizens of Nigeria are in danger and negotiation is the only way to save them … you have to do all that you need to do to save them at that time.”
He, however, added that under Tinubu’s administration, the government maintains “a zero-tolerance policy on negotiation.”
Explaining the rationale behind this stance, Bwala said, “You are constructively financing terrorism without knowing it.
“Instead of targeting those sponsoring them, ransom payments only allow terrorists to buy more weapons. The Federal Government does not, and will not, tolerate the idea of negotiation.”
Asked specifically about the release of the Kebbi schoolgirls and St. Mary’s children, Bwala said there are “lots of factors that can occasion that, ”including pressure from negotiators, religious leaders, or intelligence operations, as well as interventions by families or state governments.
“But you ask the question whether the Federal Government did pay ransom, and I told you no,” he emphasised.
On reports that terrorists mocked the government in videos claiming negotiations took place, Bwala said, “That’s the whole essence of terrorism.
“Terrorism is a belligerent war; terrorists inflict fear. In terms of communication, they can say anything they want to say … but if they want to, the same way you want the government to support whatever claim the government is making, I believe that if the terrorists have facts as they claim, they will give those facts … confidence building will take time.”
He added that although the problem was inherited by the current administration, “our eyes are on the ball. Solving the problem is much more important to us than people having a meeting … to say government is doing well or not.”
Bwala’s clarification comes amid rising insecurity and frequent kidnapping incidents, including the recent release of some abducted schoolchildren, and amid speculation about whether the federal government negotiates with terrorists.
The Department of State Services (DSS) will arraign former Governnor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 25 over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court has fixed the date for the arraignment of the former Governor on a three-count criminal charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) after the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho assigned the case to her.
NAN earlier reported that the DSS, on Monday, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, instituted by the Nigerian secret police, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.
The service accused El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act (2024) and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003.)
In court, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Maureen Omorinola Badejo is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 20, 2026, following charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police over allegations bordering on defamation, cyberstalking, and related offences.
The charges arise from online publications made in November 2021, in which Ms. Badejo allegedly transmitted statements and videos on YouTube and Facebook concerning Apostle Johnson Suleman and his associate Dickson Omodiale Osajie.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that:
Ms. Badejo conspired with others to publish defamatory content against Apostle Suleman.
She allegedly portrayed him as a cultist, rapist, assassin, ritualist, and other criminal labels, knowing the claims to be false.
She is accused of sending false messages via computer networks intended to cause annoyance, hatred, intimidation, and injury to reputation.
Additional allegations state that defamatory statements were also made against Mr. Dickson Osajie, claiming involvement in crimes such as rape and ritual killing.
Authorities further allege that the publications caused fear for safety and threatened bodily harm to the complainants.
The offences cited fall under provisions of the Criminal Code Act (Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The case follows a formal petition submitted to the Nigeria Police Force by Mr. Osajie, who alleged persistent cyberstalking, harassment, invasion of privacy, threats to life, and dissemination of false information affecting himself, Apostle Suleman, and their families.
Statement from Maureen Badejo
Ms. Badejo maintains her readiness to face the court and present her defense, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judicial system to ensure fairness and justice.
“I will appear in court as required and trust that the truth will prevail through due legal process,” she stated.
However Ms. Badejo is expected to be formally arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, where the charges will be read and she will enter her plea.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.
More details later….
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