Afternoon recap: Tinubu condemns mass abduction in Niger, London court confirms Poco Lee’s hearing, other top stories

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned a terrorist attack involving a mass abduction at a mosque in Gidan-Zana, Kpenya village, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. He directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and other agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation for the victims.

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President Bola Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other agencies to launch a coordinated rescue of victims abducted in a terrorist attack on a mosque in Gidan-Zana, Kpenya village, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the attackers as "enemies of peace and enemies of humanity." He extended condolences to the families of those killed and vowed that Nigeria would not yield to terrorism. The attack has prompted a swift response from the federal government to secure the release of the abducted individuals.

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In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity,” offered condolences to families of those killed, and vowed that Nigeria would not bow to terrorism.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticized the Nigerian Bar Association's decision to invite former Liberian President George Weah as a keynote speaker at its annual conference. Falana alleged that Weah's administration engaged in actions detrimental to the judiciary and allowed drug trafficking. In other news, a London court has confirmed that Nigerian dancer and socialite Iweh Pascal Odinaka, known as Poco Lee, is scheduled to appear for plea and trial preparation on September 15, 2026, concerning assault charges. Separately, police in Ogun State dismantled an alleged baby factory, rescuing two pregnant women and four children, and arresting six suspects.

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Speaking after Weah’s address, Falana alleged that Weah’s administration (2018–2024) captured the judiciary, refused to comply with ECOWAS Court judgments, and allowed drug trafficking to flourish.