NaijaChoice Newspaper: This Week in Review (April 12 – April 18, 2026)

Welcome to the NaijaChoice Newspaper Weekly Review, where we bring you a concise summary of the biggest stories, opportunities, and trends from the past week—all in one place.

Sunday, 12th, April 2026 — On the 6th of April, suspected bandits sent a threatening letter to communities in Katsina State and demanded 700 cattle’s and 1000 sheep or face an attack, giving them 6 days ultimatum.

This has caused so much panic and has made residents vacate affected communities leaving almost 10 villages empty as previously met demands has only bought them temporary relief. Maiwada Dan-Mallam, the director General Media and Publicity to the Katsina State Governor on Saturday, appealed for calm, stating that were investigating the development and cautioned that the letter may have been intended to cause panic.

—  The traditional ruler of Ochoa Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, popularly known as Ochoa I of Ochoa Kingdom and 5 others were ambushed and shot dead and set ablaze on Friday night. April 10. This attack is perceived to be a premeditated and well thought out as the Monarch was only just returning to the country after a prolonged stay abroad due to health issues.

Henry Okoye, Imo State command spokesperson confirmed the killings on Saturday and stated that their remains has been deposited at Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri for autopsy. He also said that the commissioner of police had immediately despatched tactical teams to the area upon receiving the distress call.

This incident marks the third killing of a traditional ruler in the South-east within the last two months, raising concerns about insecurity and the safety of traditional institutions.

Monday, 13th, April 2026 — The federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making notable progress on the Sagamu-Benin expressway reconstruction project, a notable route that links the South-South to the South- West and to the South- East. Project was launched in October 2024 after inspections by Minister Dave Umahi and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. This project uses reinforced concrete pavement designed to last 100 years, and involves other features like drainages and planned solar lightings.

Motorists praise the “world-class” quality for smoother rides, lower costs, and safety, with minimal disruptions. Officials aim for timely completion to boost trade and embody the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tuesday, 14th, April 2026 — An unidentified Northern cleric in a viral video offered a 1 million bounty with promises to increase it if not enough for anyone to behead a Christian cleric, showing off wads of cash while inciting violence and killing in a mosque. The motive behind this move remains unclear.

A woman in the video, condemned the cleric’s violent speech, and likened it to biblical beheading of John the Baptist, she further criticized this act saying, he could have used for the the rehabilitation of families dying of hunger on the streets. She called out security agencies for inaction, she urges them to make an arrest in order to prevent escalation and religious tensions.

— Residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State rejected relief materials sent by the Federal Government more than two months after a brutal terrorist attack on February 3, 2026, when suspected Boko Haram extremists killed over 200 people and abducted at least 176 women and children,many wives and kids of those killed after locals resisted their attempts to impose ideology and attend forced preaching sessions. A verified viral video shows community members angrily waving away items like mats, buckets, and school bags delivered by a government representatives in an ambulance, shouting, “We don’t need these things. What we want is security and the return of our people.”

Residents and leaders emphasized that minor aid insults their dignity amid captivity. They demand concrete security operations, not school bags. The rejection has ignited widespread debate on social media, condemning the Tinubu administration’s response as insensitive to North Central insecurity, with calls for federal and state action to prioritize rescues and restore peace before escalation. NaijaChoice News highlights this as a humanitarian crisis testing government resolve.

Wednesday, 15th, April 2026 — Ibadan TikToker AuntyAbake with the handle @its_abakeade died after collapsing live on TikTok Wednesday evening. Her fans watched in shock as she slumped mid stream.

This incident followed a recent burglary at her shop, where thieves stole expensive equipment’s and valuables, leaving her stressed and upset in her recent videos. Many think the stress might have contributed to her collapse, but no cause has been  confirmed yet.

She was known for fun and creating relatable skits on everyday Nigerian life which resonated with audiences across country giving her a big fan base. Fans and creators now flood social media with tributes and condolence messages calling her energetic and inspiring.

May her soul rest in peace🕊️

— Filmmaker Ayankola Ayanwuyi canceled the Ibadan screening of his doc “The Throne of Alaafin Oyo” indefinitely due to death threats from Alaafin Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, who allegedly warned he’d kill him over the film praising his ancestors’ throne.

The 45 minutes film covers the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III’s transition, rites, and Oyo’s kingship history. Ayanwuyi who is Ogbomoso born and a  UNESCO silk road fellow, notified the palace first but postponed the April 16 event amid fears of death threats.

It’s part of his Dundun Centre work preserving Yoruba culture his previous films include  Egungun, Orisa Ibeji, and Olojo fest. This documentary is dedicated to late poet Adebayo Faleti a renowned Yoruba poet, writer and broadcaster. A private Lagos screening was held last week with historians, cultural advocate and enthusiasts in attendance.

There has been no official response from the palace as at the time of this report. This has triggered debate on artists safety, free speech versus Nigeria traditions.

Thursday, 16th, April 2026 — Lagos State got 24 new train cars from China to boost the Red Line rail from Agbado to Oyingbo.

Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the development on Thursday describing the addition as a major boost for daily commuters as the three 8 car sets would help to handle peak hour crowds, cut waiting time and ease traffic.

The line started full service late 2024 but runs limited trips because they share tracks with national rails. New cars will mean more frequent rides, less overcrowding in areas like Agege, Ikeja, and Mushin.

Governor Sanwo-Olu promises reliable and smooth transit for all. Deployment soon to reduce  bus or car use and also reduce travel time.

Friday, 17th, April 2026 — Nigerian phone users are angry after major networks like MTN and Airtel suddenly stopped airtime borrowing through the popular *303# code. Millions of prepaid customers especially low income earners who rely on it can’t borrow credit for calls, data, or emergencies anymore.

It started with a letter sent on  April 2 by  FCCPC ordering telecommunications services to pause services tied to new 2025 lending rules until they register properly with approved providers .MTN halted Xtratime temporarily and Airtel also followed for suit. FCCPC denied their involvement in the ban and blamed telcom’s’ choices.

Users had been venting across social media on how helpful xtratime has been.Lagos traders call it a “lifesaver” for business, Port Harcourt sellers say it’s vital for daily needs. Service still down nationwide as of Friday while everyone waits for fix.

Friday, 17th, April 2026 — ICPC convicted a woman known as Remilekun Temitope Balogun-Okedeyi for faking NAFDAC job letters, ID, intro letter, and a bank statement to get a UK visa. She never worked at NAFDAC or had an account at Chanelle Microfinance Bank as she had claimed.

The case started from a British High Commission tip, leading to the discovery of  a visa scam gang led by Olusegun Ojo Adigun with 16 fake applications.

At Ikeja court, she opted for plead bargain, pled guilty to one charge through her counsel, and got sentenced by Justice Mojisola Dada to one year jail term or N500k fine to be paid in 7 days, plus a mandatory 2 days community service and a good behavior bond in Lagos records.

ICPC describes it as a win against  documents forgery and impersonating agencies like NAFDAC. UK visa scams hurt honest Nigerians who face stricter checks and delays.

Saturday, 18th, April 2026 — Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a top Islamic leader cursed the kidnappers of John Arum, a graduate of the University of Jos who was abducted  on the dangerous Jos to Kaduna highway, and also cursed  anyone who helped create Nigeria’s security mess, ignored it or is happy with it.

In a released video, Arum was held captive, with the bandits demanding N30 million or they’d kill him. The Sheikh blasted leaders for bad strategies, overusing soldiers, which according to him just makes bandits tougher, and slow government responses that let these groups grow strong from Plateau to Kaduna and Zamfara.

He pushed for talks, mediation, and changing bandits’ mindsets instead of endless force. Gumi warned against conspiracies fueled by anger  saying anyone could be next victim.

The National Association of Nigeria students, gave the federal and Plateau governments 48 hours to free Arum or face nationwide protests, and school shutdowns, emphasizing how unsafe roads are even for new grads heading to NYSC.

—  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos raided a suspected baby factory in Badagry’s Okuju Ilado area on Wednesday night. During this raid, they rescued 18 pregnant women and 10 children, a total of 28 victims and arrested two suspects named Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu.

After 3 weeks of spying, officers found rooms holding the women, from age 18-35. One woman reportedly miscarried during the ordeal. The gang tricked poor women with money promises for their unwanted pregnancies, paying ₦500k–₦1.8m per baby to sell to childless couples. Police seized baby items, phones, generators, and gas cylinders.

Suspects claimed it was voluntary help, but officials called it a cruel trafficking scam exploiting desperate women. The victims were sent NAPTIP for care while the suspects are to face court.

The bust has sparked anger in Lagos, with calls for better social media checks. Poverty fuels these factories despite crackdowns and NSCDC promises more raids and urges tips on suspicious spots.

And that wraps up this week’s edition of the NaijaChoice Newspaper Weekly Review.

Thank you for joining us as we broke down the biggest stories, opportunities, and trends shaping Nigeria and beyond.

Stay informed, stay ahead, and don’t forget to join us again next week for another fresh dose of what really matters.