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Enugu Senator Kelvin Chukwu Allegedly Caught on Camera Assaulting Constituent
Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial District, was captured on camera physically assaulting one of his constituents during a football tournament organized by the lawmaker. The identity of the victim has been withheld.
As reported by Sahara Reporters, the exclusive footage showing the incident, which occurred during the tournament that began in December 2025, with the final match held on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The attack took place as security personnel attached to the senator watched.
In a separate video, one of Chukwu’s security operatives is also seen physically confronting the same constituent. The victim was later arrested and detained, despite being assaulted by both the senator and his security team.
In the footage, Chukwu appeared visibly agitated, engaging in a heated verbal exchange with the constituent before a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer intervened physically. The senator was later seen chasing the man outside the pitch and slapping him.
A source who witnessed the incident told SaharaReporters, “Senator Kelvin Chukwu slapped one of the players during his village Christmas football competition in Amurri after a minor disagreement. For years, he has done nothing for the community. He only came this December to organize a football tournament because the elections are approaching.”
Chukwu recently defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He had previously secured the LP ticket following the assassination of his elder brother, Oyibo Chukwu, on February 22, 2023. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) subsequently rescheduled the Enugu East Senatorial election to March 18, 2023, to allow the party to nominate a new candidate.
Chukwu won the LP nomination with 223 votes, defeating three rivals who received zero votes. In the general election, he polled 69,136 votes, defeating the incumbent senator and former Enugu State governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, who received 48,701 votes.
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Governor Yusuf Approves New Appointments, Promotions
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
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NIMR Warns Public Over Fake LinkedIn Account Impersonating DG
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
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PFN Condemn Calls for INEC Chair’s Removal Over Alleged Genocide Remarks
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.
