Home Blog Page 26

Tinubu orders service chiefs, IGP to go after killers of Benue people

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the nation’s security chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to hunt down those responsible for the recent spate of killings in Benue State.

He gave the directive yesterday during a visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following renewed deadly attacks in the North-Central state.

“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” Tinubu stated during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue Government House.

Directing further remarks to the top brass of the military and intelligence community, the President added:

“Christopher (the Chief of Defence Staff), you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground, let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out.

“DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”

Man to die by hanging for killing 18-yr-old SS2 student in Ebonyi

A High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, has sentenced a 30-year-old man, Boniface Abraham Edigbo to death by hanging for the murder of an 18-year-old SS2 student after assaulting the deceased sexually.

The deceased, until his death, was a student at Community Secondary School, Amachi, in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.

The convict killed the deceased, Ogbonna Joshua, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, by poisoning him in a hotel after their last sexual encounter on the night of Monday, May 22, 2023.

Justice Ruth Okeh, found Boniface Abraham Edigbo guilty of the offence and sentenced him to death by hanging.

The prosecuting counsel, MrsIjeoma Mike-Ajanwachukwu, hailed the judgement.

She said the judgement will serve as a deterrent to others who have been committing such heinous crimes in society.

It was revealed that their sexual relationship, which resulted in the deceased experiencing anal problems.

He had been in a relationship with the boy since 2021.

In 2023, they made a covenant not to reveal the relationship to anyone.

when the deceased started experiencing anal problems, he reported it to the principal of the school and some students, and the matter became public.

The convict lured the boy to Edigbo Guest House, where they spent the night of Monday, May 22, 2023.

The court was told that on May 23, he brought out a Fanta drink and Sniper insecticide, added the Sniper to the Fanta, and gave it to the boy, who drank it and died.

After the boy died, Edigbo left the hotel, reported the matter to a woman, and explained that he did not intend to kill the boy but acted because the boy revealed their homosexual relationship to others.

The woman told him to wait while she went to get money for him to leave the state, but instead reported the incident to the youths of the community, who apprehended him and took him back to Edigbo Guest House, where they found the boy in room 006 lying lifeless.

10-yr-old boy kills his Police Inspector father in Anambra

A 10-year-old has mistakenly killed his father, Inspector Okolie Amechi, with a gun assigned to the Police officer.

The state Police command, which said it was due to an accidental discharge, expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP TochukwuIkenga, the son was unaware of the state of the AK 47 rifle assigned to the Inspector, adding that he pulled the trigger and struck the Inspector on the back, while the bullet hit his second child on the hand.

“Regrettably, Inspector Amechi was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at the hospital, while the second victim was said to be responding to treatment”, Ikenga said.

He added that the AK-47 rifle has been recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue.

The command, while wishing the second victim a quick recovery, consoles the family and friends of the late Inspector.

Police nab Anambra domestic worker for stealing employer’s car

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one Divine Nnalue for absconding with his employer’s car at Trinity Avenue, Federal Housing in 33, close to the Onitsha area of the state.

The suspect was arrested at Ugbeji-Okpanam, very close to Asaba in Delta State, by police operatives attached to 33 Police Station on June 13, following an intelligence-driven investigation.

According to a press statement released by the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, yesterday, the police tracked the suspect to the location where he was arrested.

“Police operatives attached to the 33 Police Station in the late evening of June 13, 2025, acting on an intelligence-driven investigation, arrested one Divine Nnalue at Ugbeji-Okpanam very close to Asaba in Delta State.

“The suspect is a domestic worker who allegedly stole a black Toyota Camry with Reg No: ENU 289 JF belonging to his employer at Trinity Avenue, Federal Housing in 33.

“During the interrogation, the suspect confessed to having sold the car to an unidentified person. Given the revelations of the suspect, the operatives are working on the information for possible recovery of the vehicle and arrest of the other persons involved in the criminal act,” the statement read.

Ikenga noted that this arrest highlighted the police command’s ability to track down and bring to justice individuals who breach trust and commit crimes.

“It also demonstrates the Command’s commitment to protecting citizens’ properties and upholding the law,” he added.

Tension in Makurdi as angry youths chase away Rep’s cows, Fulani herders

Tension flared in the Nyorhyungu area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Monday morning as irate youths forcefully drove out a herd of cattle reportedly belonging to Dickson Tarkighir, a member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.

The chaos followed the arrival of the cows on Sunday evening, accompanied by six Fulani herders and a group of heavily armed escorts.

Eyewitnesses told Our correspondent that the presence of the armed men and strange herders sparked widespread anxiety among residents.

“People couldn’t sleep. There was panic everywhere. We were shocked to see armed escorts with cows parading through our community,” said a resident who requested anonymity.

“It felt like an invasion. No one knew what was happening or why they were here.”

By dawn, the community had erupted in protest, with scores of youths taking to the streets to demand the immediate removal of the cattle and their minders.

The protesters, chanting and waving placards, alleged that the presence of the herders posed a security risk, especially in light of recent deadly attacks on farming communities in Benue State.

Tarkighir reportedly arrived at the scene in a bid to calm tensions and explain the situation.

However, his intervention was roundly rejected by the protesters, who insisted that both the cows and their Fulani handlers must leave the area without delay.

The confrontation reached a head when the youths, undeterred by security personnel, began chasing the herd out of the neighborhood, forcing the Fulani herders to flee with them.

Fresh suit challenges NASS role in Rivers emergency rule

A civil society organization, Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Preservation and Social Integration, has filed another case at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, this time challenging the legality of the National Assembly’s ratification of the appointment of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIbas.

The group is questioning the authority of the National Assembly to approve such an appointment and to constitute a committee to oversee the purported emergency rule in Rivers State, including its reception and handling of the state’s 2025 budget.

Defendants in the suit include the Sole Administrator, Ibas, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the National Assembly.

This legal action came barely a month after all suits related to the state of emergency and the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, SiminalayiFubara, his Deputy, Professor NgoziNmaOdu and State House of Assembly members were transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja, in line with Order 49 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

When the matter came up in court, counsel to the first and second defendants, Ola Faro, requested more time to respond to the originating summons.

The plaintiff did not oppose the request, and the presiding judge, Justice Muhammad Turaki adjourned the case to July 21, 2025, for hearing.

Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, plaintiff’s counsel Kingdom Chukwuezi explained the basis of the legal action, emphasizing that the group is seeking “clarity” on what it describes as an “unconstitutional role taken by the National Assembly in the administration of Rivers State.”

Report has it that while no legal representative appeared in court on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, counsel to two of the defendants, Faro, declined to comment on the matter.

Edo Police arrest, man 32, for alleged killing of employer in his farm

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old, BasseyNyongUweh from Akwalbom State for alleged kidnapping and killing of his employer in the state.

reports has it that the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed this on Monday to newsmen in Benin City.

Yamu said the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command deployed technicalities to arrest the suspect in a creek at EyoAbasi village in Oron, Akwalbom State.

He said BasseyNyongUweh, a member of the five-man gang, allegedly kidnapped and killed one Henry Ohiengbomwan, 59, a farmer after collecting over N900,000 from the proceeds from the sales of pineapple harvested from his farm.

He said the incident happened in Igueze village on Benin-Lagos road in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the State.

The Command’s image maker, alleged that the suspect led operatives to the forest where the deceased was buried in a shallow grave.

He added that the suspect and four others now at large were employed by the deceased in his farm.

He said, the suspects, allegedly conspired to kidnap him after the deceased sold pineapple that they helped him to harvest.

Yamu, however, assured that investigation is on to arrest the four other suspects who are at large and bring them to justice.

It was, however, learnt that two of the suspects are from AkwaIbom State while three others are from Nasarawa State.

A source close to the family, speaking with newsmen said the deceased, a farmer who resides in Benin has a large acres of pineapple, cocoa, melon and yam in his community.

He said the farmer engaged the service of the five labourers who work in his farm on a monthly salary.

“The deceased on May 13, 2025, went to his farm in company of his five workers to harvest pineapple and sold the produce for over N900,000.

“The labourers after the sale, kidnapped their employer in the forest, collected the N900,000, killed and buried him in a shallow grave.

“After the kidnapping, they reportedly called the deceased family, demanding a ransom of N60 million to effect his release but the family requested to speak with the deceased before paying ransom.

“The suspects reportedly demanded for N300,000 from them to have an audience with the deceased but didn’t allow them despite receiving the money paid by one of the deceased’s brothers.

“This development, however, made the family members suspect that the deceased wasn’t alive and reported the incident to the police.

“At the time of negotiating ransom with the suspects, the family of the deceased were not aware that they had already killed and buried him. the killers fled the community to evade arrest”, he said.

Bricklayer bags life imprisonment for defiling minor in toilet

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court yesterday sentenced a Bricklayer, AzeezShoderu, to life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour’s eight-year-old daughter in a toilet.

The reports said that Justice RahmanOshodi sentenced Shoderu after he found him guilty of the one-count charge of defilement proffered against him by the Lagos State Government.

Oshodi held that the prosecution successfully proved the offence of defilement against the convict.

According to him, the survivor’s testimony is well corroborated with the testimony of the investigative police officer, who also testified before the court.

He said the evidence of the convict was inconsistent, and all attempts to distance himself from the offence did not hold water.

Oshodi said: “The prosecutrix (survivor) gave compelling, eyewitness evidence before this court that the convict, alias Chisco ‘, took me to the toilet, carried me on his lap, covered my mouth and put his thing in my ‘bum bum’.

“The prosecutrix identified the convict as his neighbour, and when one of their neighbours saw them, he threw her into the other bathroom and ran away.

“Her evidence was consistent throughout her examination-in-chief that the convict removed her pant and put her on his lap,” the judge said.

The judge also said that the convict’s action had undoubtedly inflicted deep psychological wounds that might take a lifetime to heal.

The court further held that the convict admitted that he interacted with the child at the compound, where he claimed to have asked the child to bring water to him in the toilet.

However, the child narrated that she went to urinate in the bathroom, where the convict thereafter covered her mouth, placed him on his lap and had a sexual act with her.

Meanwhile, the convict denied that nothing happened when taken to the police station.

During his arraignment on Sept. 29, 2023, he pleaded not guilty.

The court held that the convict was a squatter on Ago-Hausa Street in Ajegunle, Lagos, where he interacted with the child, and confirmed that he was at a toilet facility where the survivor was also present.

The court held that the medical report corroborated the evidence of the survivor, the Investigating Police Officer and medical doctor’s evidence showed that the convict committed the offence.

The judge noted that a child who had not attained the age of 18 was incapable of consenting to sexual activity.

The court, having found the convict guilty,  hereafter sentenced him to life imprisonment and ordered that his name should be registered as a sex offender.

The state counsel, led by Mr Dare Dada, presented three witnesses and tendered exhibits in court to prove the charge against the convict during trial while the defendant testified in his own defence.

According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of 2015.

Thousands flee Tehran after Israeli attacks

Thousands of Tehran residents have been pouring out of the capital since the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Some eyewitnesses reported massive congestion on the exit roads of the capital.

At petrol stations, queues stretched for kilometres in places yesterday, while other streets were eerily quiet in the city of more than 15 million inhabitants.

On Saturday, Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Iran and its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying that Tehran will burn if Iranian missile attacks on Israeli civilian areas continue.

Katz wrote on X on Monday that residents of Tehran will pay the price for attacks that killed civilians in Israel.

Many people packed only the bare essentials and fled to the east of the country, which is still considered comparatively safe.

In the west, where many military installations are located on the border, the full force of the Israeli air force has been in evidence since Friday, with an onslaught of strikes.

Northern areas on the Caspian Sea, which are generally popular with holidaymakers, have become a place of refuge.

Zadshad, a 35-year-old teacher, was one of those who fled with his family to Rasht, a town near the sea.

The journey that normally takes four hours took them more than a day on the choked roads leading away from the capital.

“Now that we’ve arrived, it’s no better. The shops are overcrowded and there is a shortage of food,’’ he told dpa.

Prices for accommodation in such areas shot up after the start of the hostilities.

Zadshad feared a war away from home with all the additional strains: “Living in these conditions is really hard.’’

Another family making their way to Turkey with their son also spoke of the high cost of finding safety.

“I borrowed 5,000 euros (5,770 dollars) from a friend so that we can travel to Istanbul to see our daughter in the hope that the situation will calm down a bit,’’ said the father.

“At the moment, we’re waiting until the streets are a little emptier and are thinking about the best border crossing to get to Turkey.’’

Not everyone can leave the country.

One official from Tehran wanted to drive towards Azerbaijan on the advice of his brother from the U.S., setting off with his 82-year-old mother on Sunday.

“But because of the heavy traffic, the petrol shortage, and my mother’s poor health, we had to turn back.

“Now we are waiting for better conditions to try again,’’ he said.

Court rejects FG’s request to arrest Natasha over defamation charge

The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday rejected the Federal Government’s request to issue an arrest warrant against the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her failure to appear in court for arraignment in an alleged defamation suit.

The presiding judge, Justice Muhammed Umar, delivered this ruling after the federal government’s counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that the charge had been served on her lawyer earlier that morning in the courtroom.

Justice Umar stated that, as the senator had not previously been served with the charge or a hearing notice, it was inconceivable for her to have appeared in court.

On this basis, he refused the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant.

The Federal Government’s counsel, however, argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan should have been aware of her arraignment since her legal counsel had been served.

The judge, in response, dismissed this argument, stating that serving the charge on her legal counsel was not sufficient to presume the senator’s awareness of the arraignment.

Following the court’s ruling, the prosecution applied for substituted service of the charge through her counsel, Johnson Usman.

The application was granted and the court subsequently scheduled her arraignment for June 30.

The charge was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the Federal Government.

In the criminal charge which names Senator Akpoti-Uduagahn as the sole defendant, the FG accused her of making defamatory statements during a live television broadcast.

The charge, which names Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as the nominal complainants, alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Bello of conspiring with Akpabio to orchestrate her assassination outside Abuja and framing it as a mob or local attack.

According to the Federal Government, these allegations were made during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.

The FG argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly or recklessly made these imputations, fully aware that they could harm the reputation of the individuals involved.

She is alleged to have said, “Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks? He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. What is important to me is to stay alive, because dead men tell no tales. Who is going to get justice for me?”

The charge also cited her statements during the programme, “That you, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on or about the 3rd day of April 2025, during the same Politics Today programme on Channels Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, made the following imputation concerning Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State.“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night, to eliminate me. When he met with him, he then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.’

You knew or had reason to believe that such imputations would harm the reputation of Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State.”

The senator is also accused of making defamatory statements about Senate President Akpabio during a telephone conversation with Sandra C. Duru in Abuja on 27 March 2025.The alleged statement reads, “That girl that was killed, what’s her name, umm Imoren Iniubong, her organs were actually used for the wife, because the wife was really ill… when they killed the girl, and her organs were used for the wife.”

The Federal Government contended that Akpoti-Uduaghan knew or ought to have known that this claim would harm the reputation of Akpabio.

Also, the Senate President, Bello, and four others have been listed as witnesses for the trial.

2027: PDP group seeks Amaechi, Obi’s return to party

A pro-PDP group, under the aegis of Bala Agents’ Mandate, has urged former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return to their political roots in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The group said Amaechi and Obi should join forces with Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State to rebuild a strong and united opposition party.

The State Coordinator of the group, Amadi Chijioke, at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, yesterday, advised both men to shelve plans of forming a new opposition coalition, stressing that such a move would only weaken the fight to rescue Nigeria from alleged misrule and democratic backsliding.

“I strongly believe in the leadership of Bala Mohammed to lead the PDP to glory. I don’t think there is any need to bring Atiku Abubakar and others together to form a new coalition. I believe they should come back home — PDP is home.

“The likes of Peter Obi, the likes of Chibuike Amaechi — I am expecting these men to return and join Bala Mohammed in rebuilding the PDP, because right now, he is appearing alone in the system,” he said.

Supporting the call, the National Coordinator of the group, Habib Musa, lauded the PDP Governors’ Forum led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed as the most formidable and credible structure currently holding the party together.

According to him, the Forum has remained a symbol of unity and accountability amidst rising political uncertainties, faulting the recent defections of the governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom States to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“The defection of two governors from our party has been touted as a significant blow. But let us be clear: these defections were not driven by ideology or principle, but by fear and opportunism.

“We assure the good people of those states that the PDP remains a formidable force, and we will soon reclaim the governments of those states through the ballot box,” he said.

Musa, in a direct appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urged him to close ranks with Mohammed and work for the unity of the PDP, despite his current role in the APC-led federal government.

Nigeria’s inflation drops to 22.97%

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday, announced that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate has dropped to 22.97 percent.

NBS said the May 2025 headline inflation rate decreased 0.74 per cent compared to the April headline inflation rate.

According to the statistics office, inflation declined significantly to 1.53 percent in May from 1.86 percent in April, on a month-on-month basis.

This indicated a slower pace in the rise of prices across the economy.

On a year-on-year basis, the NBS said the headline inflation rate was 10.98 per cent lower than the rate recorded in May 2024 (33.95 per cent).

It stated that the easing in inflation was driven by a slowdown in price increases across key segments, including farm produce, utilities, clothing, and health.

Also, NBS announced that food inflation declined to 21.14 percent in May from 21.16 percent in April.

The statistics office attributed this sharp decline largely to base-year effects following the inflation rebasing methodology.

On a month-on-month basis, however, food inflation increased marginally to 2.19 percent in May from 2.06 percent in April.

PENGASSAN kicks over non inclusion of other oil, gas leaders in national honours list

President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo has said late Secretary General of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers(NUPENG) Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori, recently conferred with a posthumous award of Commander of the Order of the Niger(CON) was not the only personality who helped to actualise the June 12 pro-democracy struggles, which culminated in Democracy Day celebration.

It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, 2025 conferred the CON award on Kokori in recognition of his role in the historic June 12, 1993, pro-democracy struggle.

Tinubu also honoured other notable pro-democracy figures like late Kudirat Abiola, Humphrey Nwosu, literary icon, Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana amongst several others.

But reacting to the development, Osifo said other figures in the oil and gas industry at the time were equally instrumental in the 26 years unbroken Democracy we celebrate today.

At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, Osifo specifically mentioned a former President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Gani Owodunni and former Secretary General, Milton Dabibi as names that were conspicuously missing in the honours lists, despite their pivotal roles in the pro-democracy struggles.

The PENGASSAN President who doubles as President of the Trade Union Congress, however commended President Tinubu for honouring Chief Kokori posthumously.

He said, “we must first of all commend Nigerians for 26 years of unbroken democracy, we salute Nigerians for being resilient in the last 26 years. We salute the courage of an average Nigerian citizen. We say well done, irrespective of the hardship, the challenges and difficulties we all face we have emerged stronger and stronger.

“As we listened to Mister President delivering the Democracy Day address to the joint section of the National Assembly and going through the roll call of people that were the vanguard of June 12, to drive away the military back to barracks. We saw some names that we were quite happy about, because really those names he mentioned, they were people that we could reckon with, that stood for what was right.

“We are quite happy that in the oil and gas industry a posthumous award was given to Chief Frank kokori, the former Secretary General of NUPENG. But we were a bit taken aback that some of the veterans in PENGASSAN who were strong advocates and heroes of June 12, were missed from the list, among them is the former President of PENGASSAN Comrade Gani Owodunni and Comrade Milton Dabibi.

“In fact, it was because they stood their ground to ensure that what was right was done. If you remember, PENGASSAN was prescribed in 1994 because there was strike that was going on as at then, and they were pushed to call off the strike. The Abacha government pushed them consistently to call off the strike, but they refused. That was due to the doggedness of Comrades Owodunni and Dabibi.

“So we hereby call on the government to do the needful by also recognizing these our leaders, who were true heroes of June 12”

Alleged property fraud: Abuja court grants Emefiele N2bn bail

Justice Yusuf Halilu of a FCT High Court FCT yesterday admitted a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele to bail in the sum of N2 billion in a fresh charge of property fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an eight-count charge against him in respect of the disputed 753 duplexes in Abuja.

The said property located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, measures 150,462.86 SQM and comprises 753 housing units.

When the charge was read to him, he however, pleaded not guilty.

Following his plea, his counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, applied for bail which was not opposed to by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

Oyedepo however, asked the court to expunge some paragraphs in the bail application , and the court granted that.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Halilu held that bail is a constitutional right.

He added that the defendant (Emefiele) has been granted bail by two other judges and he did not go against the conditions and terms.

“I admit the defendant to bail on the terms and conditions that the defendant’s travel documents which is already before justice Muazu is hereby attached as part of the condition.

“The defendant shall provide two sureties who must be residents of Abuja within the jurisdiction of this court.

“The sureties must own landed property within the jurisdiction of this court precisely in Asokoro, Maitama and Wuse 2 which valued at N2 billion,” he held.

Halilu further ordered that the sureties shall also do undertaking to produce the defendant in court always all through his trial .

He added in the event the defendant jumps bail, they (sureties) will be put in prison.

He ordered that the defendant is granted from now to Wed (June 18) to vacate the ball or else risk going to prison.

He then adjourned until July 11 for continuation.

The charge, numbered CR/358/2025, borders on alleged having control of property reasonably suspected to be unlawfully obtained.

The offence, the EFCC said, is punishable under Section 319 of the Penal Code Law.

Emefiele was charged alongside one “Ocheme” who is at large.

Besides the housing estate, the two defendants are also charged with unlawfully keeping in their possession billions of naira in proxy accounts in Zenith Bank.

In count one of the charge Emefiele and Ocheme were accused of knowingly having within their control the housing estate suspected to be unlawfully obtained, contrary to the law.

In another count they were also alleged to have in their control another sum of N2.9 billion domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc.

In count five, the commission stated that the defendants between January and December 2022, knowingly had under their control the total sum of N1.98 billion domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

In other counts they were also linked with the sum of N900 million and N600 million in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account No: 1210750237 domiciled wit zenith Bank.

According to the anti-graft agency, the said sums were reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

Meanwhile, in count eight, Emefiele was said to have in January 2021, forged a document titled, “Irrevocable Power of Attorney Between MG Properties Limited and H and Y Business Global Limited” with the intention of causing it to be believed that the said titled document was executed by or by the authority of H and Y Business Global Limited.

The offences, according to the EFCC, contravened the provisions of sections 319, 362 and 364 of the Penal Code.

Tinubu under fire for describing Benue massacre as ‘reprisal attack’

TINUBU

President Bola Tinubu has come under heavy criticism for referring to the recent killings in Benue State as a “reprisal attack”.

The reports said that the President, while condemning the killing of over 200 villagers in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of the state, termed the ugly incident reprisal attacks.

In a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said he has “renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of reprisal attacks that led to the death of many people”.

The statement, however, did not explain why the reported unprovoked attacks were termed reprisal, triggering reactions from concerned citizens of the state.

Principal Special Assistant to the governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Atu Terver, in a post on his official Facebook page, said the “press statement by the President is just making me shed tears”.

He added, “How can u call genocide a reprisal attack?”

Also, an activist, Ukan Kurugh, said, “Bayo Onanuga speaking on behalf of the President on his X account called this a reprisal attack?

“Indeed nobody is coming for us but we must save ourselves”.

On his part, Aguredam Keghter Moses,

Deputy Country Director, African Youth Union Commission, Nigeria, said there is more to what the President said.

“That press statement from the President should communicate a “CLEAR MESSAGE” already,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

I will clear my schedule to visit Benue tomorrow — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu said he will clear his schedule to pay a condolence visit to the people of Benue State on Wednesday.

This followed attacks in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of the state, where about 250 people were killed by suspected herdsmen.

The reports had it that Tinubu has been criticised by Nigerians over his poor response to the Benue crisis.

Several Nigerians have questioned his failure, up till now, to visit the troubled area.

FG clarifies position on $5bn Aramco oil-backed loan

Amid ongoing conversations around a proposed crude-for-loan arrangement with Saudi oil giant Aramco, the federal government said it remains committed to deploying innovative and fiscally responsible financing strategies to optimise Nigeria’s oil assets, enhance external liquidity, and strengthen macroeconomic stability.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Federal Ministry of Finance addressed recent media reports, suggesting that discussions over a $5 billion oil-backed loan deal with Aramco may have collapsed. The ministry stated that no final decision has been taken on the matter and urged the public to disregard speculations about the status of the negotiations.

“While market speculation is not uncommon in the context of ongoing economic reforms and transactions, no final decision has been announced by the Government, and commentary suggesting the collapse of any such initiative is unfounded,” the ministry said.

This clarification followed a report earlier in the week by Reuters, which indicated that the proposed oil-for-loan deal between Nigeria and Aramco had stalled. The report, citing four unnamed sources, said the deal was experiencing delays due to a recent downturn in global crude oil prices, which had raised concerns among prospective financiers.

According to the report, the deal, potentially Nigeria’s largest oil-backed loan, would have been the first of its kind involving Aramco at such a scale in the country. However, the sharp drop in global oil prices, along with evolving market indices, reportedly dampened interest among Gulf and African banks expected to co-fund the facility.

The proposed $5 billion loan is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader external borrowing strategy, which includes a recent request to the National Assembly for approval to borrow $21.5 billion to support the 2024 budget. Sources familiar with the deal said President Tinubu first initiated talks during a bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh at the Saudi-African Summit in November 2023.

As part of the loan terms, Nigeria would be required to allocate at least 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day to back the facility. However, oil price volatility and output constraints are reportedly complicating the structure of the arrangement.

Bonny Light, Nigeria’s flagship crude blend, is currently trading at around $78 per barrel, slightly above the $75 per barrel benchmark in the 2024 federal budget. Despite this, actual production remains below target. The May report from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) shows Nigeria produced just under 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, falling short of the 2 million bpd budgeted output.

Years of underinvestment in the oil sector have hindered Nigeria’s ability to ramp up production. At the same time, the country is using a significant portion of its oil output, estimated at 300,000 bpd, to service existing oil-backed loans, primarily through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). While one of these facilities is expected to be paid off this month, lower oil prices mean Nigeria may need to allocate more barrels for debt servicing, which in turn affects its capacity to secure new deals.

The slow progress in the Aramco discussions is also attributed to concerns from participating banks over delivery commitments. Some of the lenders involved — said to include Gulf banks and at least one African financial institution — reportedly fear there may not be enough crude available to meet the loan terms due to existing obligations and rising joint-venture costs.

To address production shortfalls and increase oil revenue, the federal government has issued executive orders aimed at lowering production costs and incentivising upstream investments.

These efforts are part of a broader push to stabilise the country’s fiscal outlook amid mounting budgetary needs and global market headwinds.

Despite the current challenges, the federal government maintains that its financing decisions will remain anchored on transparency, accountability, and the effective utilisation of the country’s oil resources.

Federal Civil Service to go paperless by December 2025, says FG

The federal government has announced that the Nigerian Civil Service will become fully paperless by December 2025.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, announced this at a briefing in Abuja yesterday to commemorate the 2025 African Public Service Day and Civil Service Week.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Walson-Jack said the move is in line with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, which is set to conclude at the end of the year.

She explained that digitalisation is a major pillar of the reform plan, and the government is committed to accelerating its implementation across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

According to her, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has already achieved a paperless operation and is working to support other MDAs to reach the same milestone.

“Even before I assumed office, the OHCSF had already gone paperless. We are now working to accelerate this transformation across all MDAs.

 

“Just last week, I was at the Federal Ministry of Health to launch their Enterprise Content Management Systems (ECMS), making them the 11th ministry to go paperless. The rest are at varying stages of implementation.

“We have engaged partners to help fund digital transitions in some of the ministries. The race to December 31, 2025, is on, and with hard work and God’s grace, the Nigerian Civil Service will be fully paperless by December 31, 2025,” she declared.

Walson-Jack further outlined the activities scheduled to mark the 2025 African Public Service Day and Civil Service Week.

She recalled that the African Public Service Day was adopted in 1994 at the Pan-African Conference of Ministers in Tangier, Morocco, and is celebrated annually on June 23 across the continent.

She said Nigeria observes the event with a week-long celebration to honour public service values, promote excellence, and advance reform efforts in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Dr. Walson-Jack described the Civil Service Week, which will run from June 20 to 28, as a time to reflect on the progress of reforms and celebrate achievements within the public service.

She said the programme of events will include the commissioning of the remodelled reception of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, special religious services, wellness activities, a study tour for State Heads of Service, and a social gathering for civil servants.

The celebration will culminate in the hosting of the International Civil Service Conference and a national Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony.

She revealed that the event will be declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Eagle Square, Abuja. The conference will feature keynote addresses by reform experts from countries such as the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Ghana and Nigeria. It will also include strategic panel discussions, interactive sessions, exhibitions by public and private organisations, and a special segment to recognise former Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation.

She explained that the conference is designed to serve as a premier platform for knowledge exchange, digital transformation, institutional partnerships, and citizen-centred service delivery. It also aligns with the strategic priorities outlined in the FCSSIP25, including capability building, performance management, and innovation.

Dr. Walson-Jack expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners who have supported the Civil Service Week and the International Civil Service Conference.

She also extended a special invitation to the private sector to partner with the government by sponsoring the conference. She said sponsorship packages ranging from Diamond to Bronze have been designed to give organisations strategic visibility and engagement opportunities with high-level government officials, including permanent secretaries, agency directors, and heads of service from all 36 states and the FCT. Interested sponsors were urged to visit the official conference website to register and secure their slots.

Dr. Walson-Jack concluded by thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for civil service reforms and his acceptance to open the conference and attend the awards ceremony.

She called on civil servants, stakeholders, and the general public to participate actively in the week-long celebration and to remain committed to building a civil service that is transparent, efficient, and centred on the needs of citizens.

June 12: Bode George urges Tinubu to reinstate Fubara

Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to, in the spirit of the June 12 anniversary, reinstate suspended Gov. SiminalayiFubara of Rivers.

George made the appeal yesterday  in an open letter to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 election.

The reports had it that the  presidential election  was won by  late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, but was  annulled on June 23, 1993 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,

It would be  recalled that Fubara was suspended by Tinubu on March 18 due to political tensions in the oil-rich  state.

Meanwhile, Fubara visited Tinubu in Lagos during Sallah celebration.

George said: “If Tinubu could forgive Gov. BabajideSanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend same gesture to Fubara.

“On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people.

“Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, then it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office. I am talking as an elder”,he said.

George noted that  Tinubu was in the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule.

The PDP chieftain said Tinubu was passionate about returning to civil rule during the military era, aspiring for top political positions in Lagos.

“He later joined NADECO to fight for democracy. Some of those who fought alongside him for democracy have died. It is not of his making that he is alive today.

“So, he should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately.

“I also appeal to him, in the spirit of my maternal grand uncle who founded the first political party in Nigeria in 1922, Herbert Macaulay, to please reinstate Fubara.

“Tinubu should listen to, and honour this appeal in memory of all those who died in the journey to our democracy,” George said.

Natasha:Appeal Court strikes out Akpabio’s motions, awards N100,000 fine

…Court fixes June 27 for judgement on Senate’s suspension

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out two interlocutory motions the Senate President, GodswillAkpabio, brought before it in the case, challenging the six-month suspension that was handed to the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel led by Justice HammanBarka, struck out the motions after they were withdrawn, even as it awarded N100,000 cost against the Appellant.

In the ruling delivered on May 21, with the enrolled order sighted by Vanguard on Wednesday, the motions the court struck out were dated March 3 and March 25, 2025, and marked CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025, respectively.

Whereas Akpabio was listed as the Appellant, cited as Respondents in the appeal were Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan; the Clerk of the National Assembly; the Senate; as well as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator NedaImasuem.

Specifically, Akpabio had through his team of lawyers, prayed the appellate court for an order, “enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the FederalRepublic of Nigeria and three Others (Coram: Honourable Justice ObioraAtuegwuEgwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal.”

He further prayed for: “An order of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and three Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice | ObioraEgwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025, on Grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.

“An order of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may file their Notice of appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice ObioraEgwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025.”

As well as: “An order of this Honourable Court staying further proceeding in Suit No: FCH/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice ObioraEgwuatu), pending the hearing and determination of the Appellant/Applicant’s appeal before this Honourable Court.”

Following the withdrawal of the motions which were said to have been overtaken by events, the appellate court struck them out and awarded cost in favour of the Respondents.

It will be recalled that Justice BintaNyako of the Federal High Court had earlier fixed June 27 to determine the legal validity of the suspension that was slammed against the embattled Kogi state female federal lawmaker.

Justice Nyako inherited the case file after a previous judge who handled the matter, Justice Egwuatu, recused himself following claims of bias by the Senate President, Akpabio.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the high court after she was summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee following a faceoff she had with the Senate President during plenary on February 20.

While protesting the alleged arbitrary change of her seating position, the lawmaker repeatedly raised a point of order to be allowed to speak, even though she had been overruled by the Senate President.

Irked by her conduct, the Senate President referred her case to the Ethics Committee which eventually recommended her suspension.

In a television interview she granted on February 28, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected unwanted sexual advances from Akpabio.

In the suit she filed before the court, she applied for an order to declare any action the Committee took within the pendency of her suit as “null, void, and of no effect.”

2027: PDP leaders divided over Wike’s proposition for southern presidency Southern presidency

Following the position taken by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, MrNyesomWike, and some concerned stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket should be zoned to the south, party leaders yesterday expressed divergent views over the position.

The National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Umar Bature; a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Bode George and a member of its Board of Trustees (BoT), Mr Jones Onyereri, yesterday, differed over the position of the Wike-led stakeholders.

Wike and a concerned stakeholders’ group had on Monday, met in Abuja and called for the PDP 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the south.

They also backed the reaffirmation of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.

This came as former Governor of Ekiti State, MrAyodeleFayose, warned that the PDP risks becoming a political ‘carcass’ if urgent and drastic steps are not taken to salvage its dwindling fortunes.

Reacting to the meeting organised by Wike and the G-5 governors, MrOnyereri, a former House of Representatives member, in a chat with our correspondent, criticised the recent National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting, saying it was not properly organised.

He said: “The issue is that it (NEC) wasn’t properly convened. According to Section 47, subsections 1, 2, 1, 3, and 5, or thereabouts, it’s clearly stated that only the National Secretary has the authority to send out correspondence on behalf of the party.

“The National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, didn’t issue any notice to members about the meeting. He even wrote to confirm that the meeting had been cancelled. So, I believe that’s the crux of the matter, it wasn’t properly convened.

“Eminent stakeholders from across the country have reaffirmed that Senator Anyanwu is the duly elected and substantive National Secretary. A communiqué has been issued to that effect. Additionally, we’ve always emphasised that the PDP must adhere to its constitution, which supports the principle of zoning.”

On the zoning of the presidential ticket to the South, Onyereri said: “In this regard, we’ve always stated that the zoning for the 2027 presidential election should favour the South. That was included in the communiqué, which was read out yesterday (Monday).”

On his part, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George called for caution, noting that family matters are not discussed in the marketplaces.

Geroge said: “We have a functional national executive of the party and we do not discuss family matters in the marketplace. A meeting is scheduled for June 30 and so, everyone must be quiet about the details of what we want to discuss at that meeting. I want to appeal that this is not the way we run our party, otherwise, we will be discussing our secrets with the enemy. This is becoming too nasty and I urge all of them to their fire and wait for the next NEC meeting.”

Also, the National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Umar Bature, said the position of the Wike-led ‘Concerned Stakeholders’ group, aligns with the party’s official stance.

Bature, in a chat also, said: “We don’t even know what happened at the meeting. So, how are we to give a reaction? What they said in the communique is it different from what the party believes in? I don’t think so.

“The secretaryship position is clear. I know that some people are being deliberately mischievous. It’s a very clear position of the law and the party stands at risk if we do not abide by that law.”

When reminded that the stakeholders claimed the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was not properly convened, Bature said: “No decision taken during that NEC meeting was binding on the party. Had it been a binding decision was taken, there would have been cause for alarm, but no such decision was taken.”

However, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, MrDeboOlogunagba, when contacted, said the party will respond to Wike’s position in due time.

Ologunagba said: “We will react and when we react, you will get it. There is a committee in charge of that. We have a NEC and there is a process in our party. The party will respond appropriately.”

Meanwhile, former Ekiti State governor, MrAyodeleFayose has reiterated his unflinching loyalty to the PDP, declaring that he has no intention of defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence, Lagos, Monday night, Fayose said: “For Nigerians, no one is saying it is easy. No miracle can turn things around overnight.

But for the little the President has done, we must commend him. I was a critic of the last administration, but you cannot compare the situation now. I came not just because of his homecoming, but to also encourage him to do more for the country.”

When asked what he was doing to help reposition the PDP, the former governor said: “I’m no longer in the frontline; I am not a sitting governor anymore. When I was Governor of Ekiti State, I made significant contributions. I was a hotbed of opposition and a strong voice for the PDP, everybody knew that. But today, I can only play a supportive role. Still, I must speak the truth: without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline.”

Ogun: Ohanaeze demands justice for Igbo woman allegedly murdered over N1,500

The reported killing of an Igbo trader in Ogun State has attracted condemnation from the OhanaezeNdigbo Youth Council Worldwide.

The group has therefore asked the Ogun State Government to ensure justice for the victim’s family.

It was alleged that the victim, a woman, Blessing Eze, was killed at Ifo Market, in Ogun State by a gang.

The armed group, said to be parading as government agents, were said to have stabbed Blessing on the chest, resulting in her death.

Sources said her offence was refusing to pay a N1,500 religious levy imposed on the traders at the market.

Reacting, the National President of OhanaezeNdigbo Youth Council Worldwide, MaziOkwuNnabuike asked the Ogun State Government to provide clear details on what led to the death of the Igbo woman.

“We need to know why she was killed; who are those behind her gruesome murder?

“What has the government done to get justice for her? Have the perpetrators been arrested?

“The Ogun State government has to respond appropriately. Time has gone when Ndigbo are continuously treated as slaves in their own country.

“This gruesome murder of an innocent Igbo trader would not be condoned; we must fight until she gets justice,” Okwu vowed.

He also called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP KayodeEgbetokun to take over the investigation of the matter.

“We are urgently appealing to the Inspector General of Police, IGP KayodeEgbetokun to take over the investigation of the matter.

“This is the only way to guarantee justice for the victim’s family,” Okwu stated.

Guber Poll: ‘No contest in Anambra’ – APGA National Chair, Ezeokenwa boasts

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, has boasted that there is no contest in the November 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.

Ezeokenwa made this declaration on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ yesterday, adding that Anambra residents were happy with the performance of the current APGA-led administration, making the party’s candidate, ChukwumaSoludo, the popular choice.

“Anambra people can say, ‘We’ve never had it this good in just three years by any elected officials in the past.’ That is the consensus opinion on the streets of Anambra. And in that context, I can tell you, well, there is no contest really,” Ezeokenwa said.

According to him, Anambra residents are satisfied with the pace of progress in the state, particularly in the last three years.

“On the streets of Anambra, the general opinion is clear, and that is that the state is still very much with APGA. They have not seen any reason to change the trajectory of development that they have witnessed from 2006 to date,” he said.

This comes following the release of the final list of candidates for the November election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

APGA’s National Chairman, while acknowledging that elections naturally involve multiple candidates, expressed the belief that the reality on the ground points to APGA enjoying overwhelming support.

He maintained that the party’s legacy since it took power in 2006 has remained unbroken and has deepened with the current administration’s delivery on development promises.

Ezeokenwa explained further that the party’s ideology of leaving no one behind resonates deeply with voters across Anambra.

Rivers N1.48tn 2025 budget targets Fubara’s return — Ibas tells Reps

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIbas (retd), has said the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget envisages the return of suspended Governor SiminalayiFubara and other political office folders.

Ibas disclosed this in Abuja yesterday while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.

According to him, the proposed budget aligns with the strategic objectives of the River State Development Plan 2017-2027.

He also noted that the proposal presents a strategic and integrated framework designed to raise revenues and accelerate infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and promote inclusive economic growth across all sectors.

“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” the sole administrator said.

However, Ibas accused officials of the state government of failing to furnish his administration with adequate information to comprehensively capture all expenditures.

It would be recalled that on March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended Fubara and other officials for six months.

Why Tinubu supports leaders Like Gov. Mbah–  First Lady replies critics

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has explained President Bola Tinubu’s support for Governor Peter Mbah Administration in Enugu, saying her husband would always support leaders, who judiciously deploy public funds for the common good of the people.

Mrs. Tinubu made the revelation during the commissioning of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training College, GTC, Enugu, on the sidelines of her just-concluded two-day working visit to Enugu State.

It is recalled that Governor Mbah Administration inherited a highly dilapidated Government Technical College, GTC, Enugu, which it demolished about 11 months ago to erect a Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College comprising 24 ultra-modern skill training centres and massive hostels for 1,000 resident students.

The government equally built two Smart Green Schools in the quite expansive premises.

Speaking during the commissioning, Senator Tinubu, who noted the increased federal allocations accruing to the states under the Tinubu Administration, stressed the need for leaders to deploy the resources in the service of the people.

“I am really excited. Like some critics will say that Mr. President is really in support of the governor here. Now your allocation has tripled. The president will be happy to associate with the people, who are using the resources of this nation judiciously. And this is part of it. And we are excited.

“The slogan for Enugu state is ‘Tomorrow is Here’ and tomorrow is indeed here. This is just a glimpse of a better tomorrow that our children and even generations yet unborn will enjoy,” she stated.

In his remark, Governor Mbah said the project was the first of the eight Technical, Vocational Education and Training Colleges meant for each of the eight Federal Constituencies of the state to equip the youth with skills to shape the future.

He explained that his government decided to break away from the outdated system of memorisation to experiential learning, stressing that no nation could be greater than its human capital.

Mbah said that with the TVETs and other modern post-basic education schools being built, graduates of Green Smart Schools would sustain their upward trajectory in experiential and smart learning.

“So, today is a great day for us. It is a launch further into our vision to transform education in Enugu State. We are profoundly honoured and delighted that you were able to make out time to commission the TVET, Government Technical College,” he stated.

Giving further insight into the project, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. NdubuezeMbah, said TVETs were geared towards empowering the youth with skills and knowledge in response to emerging industry needs.

“The new GTC Enugu is made up of 24 ultramodern skill and training centres, which include ICT and Digital Innovation Hub, Renewable Energy, Weldieng and Fabrication, Auto-Mechatronics, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Electrical Installation, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Hospitality Training, and others equipped with twenty-four ultra-modern skill training centres.

“It is supported by two massive modern hostels accommodating 1,000 resident students. The new GTC, Enugu, is a milestone realisation of an audacious vision, that enables a transition from the Enugu Smart Green Schools, into professional workforce and masterful skills development for the youth of Enugu State,” Prof. Mbah explained.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu had during his official visit to Enugu on 4th January to inaugurate some iconic projects executed by the Governor Mbah Administration also said he was more interested in performance than political affiliations.

“He is doing a fantastic job. The election is over and we have to move the nation forward. You have demonstrated that irrevocable commitment towards human development. I don’t care which party you come from. You are my friend. You are doing well and very focused,” the president had asserted.

Bayelsa PDP commends Wike, G5, endorses Anyanwu as national secretary

The PDP in Bayelsa has commended the FCT Minister, NyesomWike and G5 members for their zoning of the President to the South and recognition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of PDP at a meeting in Abuja.

The state chapter, under the leadership of its Acting Chairman, George Turnah, said in a statement on Tuesday in Yenagoa that the recognition was a commitment to the survival and unity of the party.

The reports said that the meeting also has in attendance the former Governors Samuel Ortom, OkezieIkpeazu, and IfeanyiUgwanyi.

Turnah noted that the G5 commitment as evidenced at the meeting convened on June 9, was commendable.

According to the Bayelsa PDP, the meeting is a testament to the unwavering love Wike has for the PDP and his relentless fight for justice against impunity.

Turnah, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Derri Wright, salutedWike’s dedication to party’s principles.

Turnah said Wike’s commitment stood him out and had endeared him strongly to all genuinely committed members of the party nationwide.

He commended Wike for always championing the cause of unity and integrity within PDP ranks, adding that Bayelsa PDP endorsed all the decisions taken at the Abuja meeting.

The statement read in part: “We fully endorse the resolutions reached at the meeting, and as a State Chapter, we stand by our decision, and to state that there is no vacancy requiring any replacement whatsoever. Our party’s Constitution and the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the National Secretary issue are very clear and unambiguous in this regard.

“As a State Chapter, we stand united with the rest of our Eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders across the Federation in the decision to zone the Presidential ticket of our party for the upcoming 2027 elections to the Southern region. This strategic move does not just demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and fairness. It also does ensure that our party remains attuned to the voices of all Nigerians.

“Bayelsa State PDP reaffirms its loyalty to the resolutions of this meeting and remains steadfast in its support for NyesomWike as our national leader, as well as our endorsement of Samuel

Anyanwu as the National Secretary. Together, we will forge ahead with renewed vigour to restore the PDP to its rightful place as a beacon of hope and justice for our people and nation.”

Dele Momodu alleges dual power structure in Nigeria, questions Wike’s rising influence

Renowned publisher and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu has raised concerns over what he described as the outsized influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), NyesomWike within President Bola Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that Nigeria is operating under an unofficial dual leadership.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief yesterday, Momoducriticised President Tinubu’s apparent endorsement of Wike’s political style, following the commissioning of the newly refurbished International Conference Centre in Abuja, which has been renamed in Tinubu’shonour.

Momodu remarked, “Right now, it’s looking like we have two presidents in Nigeria. Wike can do anything. Even President Tinubu, who has controlled Lagos since 1999, was never this audacious.”

The comment came in response to Tinubu’s public praise of Wike during the inauguration ceremony, where the president urged the minister to ignore “busybodies and naysayers.”

Momodu strongly disagreed with Tinubu’s choice of words, stating, “I listened to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria calling fellow Nigerians ‘busybodies.’ You interpreted it as ‘naysayers’—‘naysayers’ is still far better. Who is a bystander in his own country because of one man?”

He also took a swipe at the scale of the conference centre project, questioning the rationale behind celebrating what he called “a ₦30 billion launch” with such fanfare.

“If you were in Wike’s shoes, you would dance more than he danced yesterday. I saw the expressions on the faces of the audience—they looked befuddled, like, ‘what is our country turning into?’” he added.

When you join APC, we will sing as “e dey pain them” together – Tinubu tells Wike

President Bola Tinubu has openly signaled his readiness to receive the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, NyesomWike into the All Progressives Congress (APC.

Speaking during the commissioning of Arterial Road N16 in Abuja’s Katampe District, Tinubu applauded Wike’s contributions to governance and jokingly referenced the former Rivers governor’s popular campaign slogan.

“We have somebody—NyesomWike—he is not a member of my party (APC), not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him. Because we will enjoy singing ‘as e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us,’” Tinubu said, drawing laughter from the crowd and Wike himself.

Wike, though officially a PDP member, has been a prominent supporter of Tinubu since the 2023 general election. After the PDP’s internal fallout following its presidential primaries, Wike declined to support the party’s candidate, AtikuAbubakar, and instead threw his weight behind Tinubu.

Appointed FCT Minister in August 2023 by the APC-led administration, Wike has since pledged allegiance to President Tinubu’s leadership, even vowing to spearhead his re-election campaign in Rivers State come 2027.

“I am a key asset. I will lead President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State,” Wike declared in a recent media briefing.

The tensions over Wike’s divided loyalties have resulted in a number of splits within the PDP, and calls for Wike to be expelled from the party have met with challenges from Wike’s own loyalist faction.

Particularly, on Monday, Wike referenced his position and uttered a demand from the “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP” that the party must zone its presidential ticket in 2027 to the South of Nigeria in the spirit of inclusion and equity.

Moreover, Wike raised procedural issues, and he stated that only the National Secretary, currently Senator Sam Anyanwu, can call a meeting of the party in constitutional terms which directly underlined the current form of leadership.

Imo Ministries directed to forward all govt assets in their custody to Finance Commissioner

…As 17 new more roads get EXCO’s approval despite rain

All Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Imo State, have been directed to forward details of every government assets, including stocks in their custody, to the office of the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Chuck Chuckuemeka.

The directive was part of the decisions reached Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from the weekly State Executive Council meeting.

The Imo State Ministry of Finance, under Mr. Chuckuemeka, is working on the consolidation of all assets of government under the umbrella of Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFIN), preparatory to incursion into the stock market.

Rising from the Imo State Executive Council Meeting presided over by the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, several other key decisions were reached.

Briefing newsmen after the session, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, stated that the State Government is continuing with its road construction drive despite the rainy season.

Emelumba said several roads are nearing completion, while directives had been given to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Development, Barr Ralph Nwosu, to arrange for the commissioning of the completed ones.

He was flanked by the Commissioners for Finance (Mr. Chuck Chuckuemeka), Works and Infrastructure Development (Barr. Ralph Nwosu), Industries and Solid Minerals (Hon. Ernest Ibejiako), Health (Dr. Mrs. Chioma Vivian Egu), and the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor, OguwikeNwachuku.

Emelumba further disclosed that the Exco had approved contracts for 17 new roads, including the building of Imo Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) Office. The roads, he said, will span across all three zones of the State; Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu.

According to him, the roads that are getting rapid attention, despite the rains include, the Ihiala – Banana junction road, Orlu – Akokwa road, and Owerri – Umuahia road, among others, noting that “many of these roads have been completed and are waiting for commissioning.”

He said that apart from the decision made by the Exco to domicile all government assets with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, there was a directive for immediate reassignment of staff from the Imo State Housing Corporation and the Imo State Hospital Management Board to their parent ministries.

The State Executive Council also designated the Solicitor-General, Barr. (Mrs.)Gloria Egwuagu as Acting Attorney General pending further notice.

Emelumba explained that the decisions were part of the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and streamline governance in the State.

Okey Azuonwu Appointed Director General of Nkwachikwere Movement on Political Affairs

By Fredrick Njoku

The Nkwachikwere Movement has announced the appointment of Hon. Okey Azuonwu as its new Director General on Political Affairs. The appointment was formally approved by the Movement’s Founder and Chief Convener, Dr. Chijioke Kaduru, according to a press release issued by the Organisation’s Directorate in early June 2025.

Hon. Azuonwu brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the pioneer Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area. He is also a former Editor at The Moment Newspapers and previously served as Special Assistant (Media) to a Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

In his new role, Hon. Azuonwu is expected to oversee the day-to-day coordination of the Movement’s socio-political engagements, strategy development, and grassroots mobilization efforts.

His appointment comes shortly after his well-publicized return to the political fold in Ngor Okpala, marking what many observers see as a renewed momentum for the Movement’s political agenda in Imo State and beyond. The statement confirmed that Hon. Azuonwu has since assumed his new responsibilities.

Diphtheria outbreak: Aboh Mbaise LGA directs reopening of Schools.

Following the Advise from Health Staff, Headmistresses, and Headmasters that the Diphtheria disease has been contained to a minimum, the Executive Chairman of Aboh Local Government Area (LGA) Of Imo State, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, has directed the reopening of Nursery, Primary, and Secondary schools in Aboh Mbaise, effective Today June 11, 2025.

In Press Release Signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman Of Aboh Mbaise LGA Mr Dike Godspower said that to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all learners, the following guidelines must be strictly adhered to:

– All learners must provide evidence of vaccination before being allowed to resume classes.

– School Heads and administrators must report any incident promptly to the relevant authorities.

According to the release the Education Secretary and all School Heads are mandated to ensure strict compliance with these guidelines.

“Let’s work together to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our learners.”

The release also appreciated the efforts of the health workers for their diligence in containing the Diphtheria outbreak.

“We look forward to a successful and safe resumption of academic activities in our schools”

We won’t succumb to intimidation in fight against fake drugs — Onitsha drug market leader

…Says collaboration with NAFDAC remains strong and effective

The leadership of Ogbo-Ogwu Medicine Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, has firmly dismissed allegations that it is colluding with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC), to aid the sale of fake and expired drugs.

Speaking to journalists at the market’s union hall, the Chairman of the Caretaker Transition Committee, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwuleta, described the claims as false, malicious, and an attempt to discredit the market’s ongoing efforts to rid itself of fake drug peddlers in partnership with NAFDAC.

Chukwuleta alleged that the accusations are being fueled by six suspended members of the committee who were removed by the Anambra State Government for misconduct and sabotaging the market’s reform efforts.

“The allegations of conniving with NAFDAC to sell fake drugs and protecting the agency’s interests over those of traders are baseless and intended to tarnish my image and that of the Transition Committee,” Chukwuleta said.

“We know the source of these lies—six suspended committee members who are uncomfortable with our leadership style and the progress we’ve made.”

Chukwuleta, who has been active in the market for over 32 years, emphasized his personal and professional integrity.

“I served my apprenticeship here for nine years and have run my own business for 32 years. In all that time, I’ve never been accused or found guilty of selling fake drugs. I detest fake drugs with a passion and would never promote such evil,” he stated.

He challenged the notion that assisting NAFDAC in sanitizing the market is a betrayal of traders’ interests.

“Over 95% of our traders are legitimate and honest. Working with NAFDAC to eliminate fake and substandard drugs protects both the public and our members,” he said.

Chukwuleta said the committee typically avoids responding to unfounded accusations but felt compelled to speak out due to the damage the falsehoods could cause if left unchallenged.

He recounted how, since taking office as chairman, he has faced multiple challenges, including being taken to police stations, courtrooms, and government offices—all in attempts to intimidate and frustrate him.

“Despite the pressures—including bribe offers ranging from N10 to N15 million—we have remained resolute in our fight against fake drugs. We confiscate and hand over fake and expired products worth over ₦70 million annually to NAFDAC for destruction, and we have documentation to prove it,” he stated.

He further added that their partnership with NAFDAC is not only functional but also based on mutual commitment to public safety.

“We will never relent in our mission to rid our market of illicit drug dealers. We cannot and will not succumb to intimidation or blackmail. Our relationship with NAFDAC in this fight remains cordial and strong,” Chukwuleta concluded.

43-year-old man jumps into well, dies after taking ‘Colos’

A 43-year-old man simply identified as Kazeem has died after jumping into a domestic well under the influence of a hard substance known as ‘Colo’ (Colorado) in Kwara State.

The lifeless body was recovered from a domestic well at Ile Alapo, Edun area of Ilorin metropolis.

The spokesman of the fire service, Hassan Adekunle, disclosed this in Ilorin on Saturday.

He stated that “the distress call was received by the fire service control room at about 10:29 hours, reporting that a man had fallen into a well”.

“The distress call was received by the Fire Service control room at about 10:29 hours, reporting that a man had fallen into a well. Firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene, where they successfully recovered the body from the well.

“The victim, identified as Kazeem, reportedly jumped into the well under the influence of a hard substance known as Colo (Colorado) shortly after returning from Eid prayers.

“The body was handed over to Inspector Babatunde Amos of the ‘C ‘ Division Police Station, Ilorin. The Ministry awaits formal identification and claim of the body by the victim’s family.

“The director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, admonish residents of the state to stay away from drug abuse, warning that such acts often lead to tragic outcomes,” Adekunle stated.

Edo residents ignore danger, scoop diesel from fallen tanker

Some residents of Benin City, Edo State capital threw caution to the winds when they besieged the scene of a fallen diesel tanker to scoop its leaked content.

The incident occurred yesterday at Ikpoba slope around a section of the road known for heavy vehicular traffic and challenging terrain for large trucks.

Eyewitnesses report that the tanker which was fully loaded with diesel, lost control and overturned while navigating the slope.

Within minutes of the accident, crowds of residents from nearby community stormed the scene with jerry cans, buckets, and various containers.

Despite the inherent danger, people were seen scooping the diesel directly from the road surface and drainage.

“I heard about it from my neighbour and rushed here with these containers,” said one female resident who declined to give her name.

“Fuel is expensive these days, so this is a blessing for us.”

The scene has raised serious safety concerns among authorities, as the fumes from the content can ignite fire at a location with crowd of people.

Police arrest couple for pouring hot water on widow

Police in Ebonyi State has arrested a couple, Chigozie and his wife, Ginika, for allegedly pouring hot water on their neighbor, a widow identified as Cynthia Ucha, at Akidi Street in Abakaliki, the state capital.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident began with a verbal altercation between Ginika and Cynthia, which escalated into a physical confrontation.

An eyewitness, identified as Ozioma, claimed that Chigozie, along with his children and brother-in-law, joined Ginika in assaulting the widow.

“They beat her to a pulp using clubs and other dangerous objects,” Ozioma alleged. “While the woman was already seriously injured, Ginika fetched a steaming pot of hot water and poured it on her.”

The eyewitness further claimed that the couple had previously threatened the widow on several occasions.

“Since she moved into the compound, she has kept to herself and tried to avoid conflict,” Ozioma said.

“But instead of allowing her to live peacefully, Ginika and her family have made her life unbearable.”

Following the incident, the suspects were initially detained at the Central Police Station and later transferred to the Special Weapons and Tactics, (SWAT), unit at the Police Headquarters in Abakaliki.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Seek true peace to avoid impeachment APC tells Fubara

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has warned suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara that only sincere reconciliation efforts can prevent his impeachment.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja monitored in Owerri, Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee, Tony Okocha, stated that the suspended governor has yet to initiate any meaningful steps to reconcile with the duly elected lawmakers in the state.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political deadlock between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Following this declaration, the President suspended Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator for a six-month tenure.

While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors have challenged the President’s actions in court, recent meetings involving Tinubu, Wike, and the suspended governor indicate the beginning of possible reconciliation.

Okocha’s warning was issued amid rumours that President Tinubu may use the June 12 anniversary to reinstate Governor Fubara.

He stated, “I can confirm that there is no reconciliation effort currently underway in Rivers.

“The suspended Governor, Fubara, has not made any move to reconcile with the lawmakers.

“Only genuine reconciliation can save him from impeachment, as the Supreme Court judgment stands.”

APC chieftain, Jesutega Onokpasa, dies

An All Progressives Congress, (APC), chieftain, Jesutega Onokpasa, is reportedly dead.

The lawyer and prominent political commentator died on Monday.

Announcing his demise on his X account yesterday, a pro-APC crusader, Okezie Atani, said the prominent political commentator was survived by his wife and children.

He wrote, “We lost Barr. Jesutega Onokpasa, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”

A Facebook page named Renewed Hope United Kingdom also wrote a tribute entitled “A Farewell to a Passionate Advocate: Honouring Jesutega Onokpasa’s Legacy” to announce the late APC chieftain’s demise.

It wrote, “The passing of Barrister Jesutega Onokpasa is a profound loss to the Nigerian political and legal landscape. As a dedicated lawyer and political commentator, he was deeply engaged in shaping discourse and advocating for his beliefs.

“His contributions as a member of the APC Publicity Committee and the APC Presidential Campaign Council in 2023 reflected his commitment to his party and the nation. Onokpasa’s voice, whether in support or critique, was a vital part of Nigeria’s democratic conversation, and his absence will be deeply felt. May his family, friends, and colleagues find strength and solace in this difficult time.

“May His Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.”

Onokpasa, an APC’s Presidential Campaign Council member in 2023, passed away under yet-to-be-disclosed circumstances.

He also served on the APC’s Publicity Committee.

He gained national attention for his political commentary and staunch support for President Bola Tinubu, often appearing on TV to defend the administration.

Lagos court jails nine Chinese for cybercrimes

Justice D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one-year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, following their arrest in a major sting operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

According to a statement on Tuesday via X by the EFCC, the convicts, identified as LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng, were part of a syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects apprehended on December 19, 2024.

The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 charged the nine individuals in February 2025 with one count separate charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The charge stated, “That you, LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang and Du Ji Feng, sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: cause to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.”

Initially pleading “not guilty,” the defendants reversed their pleas to “guilty” during a court session on June 5, 2025.

Prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, a request supported by the defence counsel.

Justice Osiagor subsequently sentenced each defendant to one year in prison, effective from their arrest date of December 10, 2025, and imposed a fine of N1,000,000 on each.

The court further ordered that the convicts be repatriated to their country of origin within seven days of completing their sentences, as directed to the Comptroller General of Immigration.

Additionally, mobile phones, computers, laptops, and routers seized during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” were forfeited to the Federal Government.

Abuja CP orders woman’s arrest over child abuse

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Adewale Ajao, has ordered the immediate arrest of a woman alleged to have subjected a 14-year-old girl to starvation and physical abuse in Abuja.

The directive comes after a disturbing video surfaced online showing the girl, identified as Bashariya, narrating her ordeal in Hausa.

According to the footage, monitored on Monday by our correspondent, Bashariya, originally from Zamfara State, was taken to Abuja after her parents fled their hometown due to incessant bandit attacks.

They sought refuge in an Internally Displaced Persons camp in the Gwiwa Eka area.

In the viral clip, the teenager revealed that she was hired as a maid and taken to Abuja under the promise of a better life.

Instead, she claimed she was starved, beaten, and even burnt as a form of punishment.

Visible bruises and burn marks were seen on various parts of her body, prompting public outrage and calls for justice on social media.

Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had taken swift action upon seeing the video.

She said the Divisional Police Officers across the FCT had been directed to locate and arrest the woman responsible for the abuse.

“Although the incident was not initially reported to the police, the Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, has directed all Divisional Police Officers within the FCT to urgently identify and arrest the woman involved,” Adeh stated.

She continued, “The CP strongly condemns any act of child abuse. He emphasises that anyone who knows they are not capable of properly caring for a child should refrain from taking on such responsibility. No child should be made to suffer such cruelty.”

Adeh further urged residents of the FCT and beyond to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or abusive behaviour to law enforcement.

“When you see something, say something. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of every child in our communities,” she added.

Army Major dies in Kogi kidnappers den

A retired Major in the Nigerian Army, Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped at his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State a few weeks ago, has died in the kidnappers’ den despite a ransom of N10m paid for his rescue.

Major Ajayi was kidnapped on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from his residence around 11:30 pm by gunmen who shot sporadically.

It was gathered that the initial demands of N50m ransom by the abductors lingered when the family could not pay.

This resulted in his health deteriorating, as he had no means to get his medication.

It was gathered that the kidnappers informed the family that their plea for his medication to be forwarded to him would come at an extra cost, a concession that couldn’t be met by the family.

However, as soon as the abductors discovered that Ajayi couldn’t survive, they reduced the ransom to N10m.

A source in the community said the Ajayi family, believing he was still alive, quickly agreed to pay the amount for his rescue.

“Once the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to where they would find him, only for them to meet his (Ajayi’s) lifeless body,” he told our correspondent.

The retired army officer’s remains has been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital Mortuary.

Efforts to get a reaction from the state police command proved abortive as neither the Public Relations Officer, William Aya, nor the state Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, took their various calls.

They also did not respond to text messages sent to them as of the time of filling this report.

It would be recalls that the state governor, Ahmed Ododo, while speaking at the Eid ground last Sallah in Okene, appealed to residents to remain calm, as efforts to rid the criminal elements out of the state were already yielding positive results.

Kidnapping has surged in the state for a while now, with the abduction of a first-class monarch, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area, who was in the same way abducted from his home in early May. He’s yet to be released either.

1...252627...81Page 26 of 81

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

Copyright © 2024 || The STATESMAN Newspaper LTD || All Rights Reserved || Email: Statesman_2004@yahoo.com || Mobile: