Category: News

A tragic road accident on the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway has claimed the life of Major S. Sayyadi, a senior officer attached to the Headquarters Infantry Corps Command (ICC). The incident occurred near the Julius Berger gate, close to Jaji Military Cantonment.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, citing military sources, reported the accident on Saturday. The crash took place on Thursday when the officer’s vehicle collided with a Sino truck that had slowed to enter a railway construction site operated by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) in the New Barracks area, Jaji.

Emergency responders from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) and the Infantry Corps Command promptly arrived at the scene. The officer sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the spot.

His remains were transported to a medical facility and later moved via military ambulance to Katsina State for burial. He was interred according to Islamic rites.

Military authorities have extended condolences to the family, describing the loss as a significant blow to the armed forces.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, has expressed profound grief over the death of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade I, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti. In his condolence message, Fayemi extended heartfelt sympathies to the Ekiti State Government, the Ilawe royal family, the immediate family of the late ruler, and the entire Ilawe-Ekiti community.

Fayemi described the monarch’s demise as a huge loss to Ekiti State and the entire country. He recalled that during the reign of the late Alawe, Ilawe-Ekiti witnessed significant development and unity among its people. The former governor noted that the late monarch’s commitment to culture preservation and his relentless work for the growth of his domain and Ekiti State will be remembered for generations.

Fayemi highlighted that Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi was an accomplished diplomat who served the nation for over 25 years, attaining the rank of Deputy Director in several foreign missions. He described him as a diligent, upright, and dedicated public servant. The former governor also pointed out that the late monarch chaired the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers from 2019 to 2021 during Fayemi’s administration, where he showed exceptional leadership by focusing on the welfare of the council, fostering harmony among chiefs, and remaining committed to the state’s advancement.

Fayemi stated that the 14-year rule of the monarch will be remembered for his great contributions to community development, investments in the well-being of his subjects, and a legacy of service, integrity, and piety. He added that the passing of the king is a personal loss to him and his family, urging the royal family, the people of Ilawe-Ekiti, and all associates of the departed ruler to find comfort in the remarkable legacy he left. The ex-governor prayed for the peaceful rest of the monarch’s soul and for God to grant the family strength to bear the irreparable loss.

The traditional rulers from Kwara North Senatorial District have extended their heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) hierarchy for endorsing the region’s ambition to produce the state’s next governor in 2027. Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, the Etsu Patigi and Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, delivered the gratitude on behalf of his peers.

He characterized the decision as a historic breakthrough, emphasizing that it reflects fairness, inclusiveness, and a sincere dedication to ensuring political equilibrium across the state. The Etsu Patigi stated, “Supporting Kwara North’s aspiration shows that our leaders are genuinely committed to justice, unity, and maintaining tranquility throughout all parts of Kwara. This move has revitalized the hopes of our people, enhanced political harmony, and strengthened trust in the APC at both state and national levels.”

The monarch went on to commend Governor AbdulRazaq for his statesmanlike approach and unwavering commitment to equity, noting that his administration has consistently fostered unity, peace, and progress in Kwara. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the APC leadership for heeding the long-standing demand from Kwara North residents. According to him, finally addressing the call for power rotation to the district will be remembered as a significant milestone in the state’s political history.

In their collective message, the traditional rulers pledged to continue supporting peace, unity, and democratic principles. They concluded by offering prayers for wisdom, good health, and divine guidance for President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and all APC leaders.

The Nigerian military has achieved notable victories in its ongoing campaign against insurgency in the Northeast. According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), troops have rescued kidnapped individuals, detained terrorist accomplices, confiscated weapons, and seen an increasing number of insurgent relatives turning themselves in.

During a patrol along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area, soldiers intercepted and freed four abductees: Salamatu Sidiq Ali (19), Halima Idrisa (20), Umar Abdullahi (3), and Mustapha Abdullahi (4). These individuals had been seized during a terrorist assault on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. Investigations suggest that the hostages were held in a terrorist camp but were liberated as military pressure escalated on hideouts in the Mandara Mountains. After medical checks, the freed victims were returned to their families via community leaders. To date, 65 abducted persons have been rescued, with efforts ongoing to free more.

In another development, troops at a checkpoint in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, arrested a suspected terrorist supporter, Mrs. Kellu Alhaji Abba (50). She was found with clothing and other supplies believed destined for a terrorist operative in the Dumba area. Similarly, along the Dalori axis, soldiers detained Mr. Amadu Abdu (50), a suspected logistics supplier transporting a large quantity of packaged goods allegedly for insurgents. Further inquiry revealed he provided supplies to terrorists in return for grazing rights. Seized items included packaged goods, a mobile phone, a cutlass, suspected illicit drugs, and cash.

Additionally, troops cooperating with local hunters apprehended four individuals suspected of cattle rustling and collaborating with terrorists at Kwaya Kusar Market. The suspects were caught with stolen livestock and are now being interrogated.

The military also reported the surrender of family members linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. Among them are Aishatu Sale (20), who gave herself up in Bama Local Government Area, and Hauwa Abubakar (70), who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains. Both stated that relentless military operations and a lack of basic necessities in terrorist camps drove their decision to flee. They have been processed and are undergoing standard procedures.

In related actions, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine along a known terrorist escape route, further weakening insurgent capabilities.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has set free a young man from Gashua in Yobe State’s Bade Local Government Area, identified as Ya’u Mohammed, after determining his detention was baseless. Additionally, the agency provided him with a sum of two million naira to assist with his return to normal life.

This was revealed by Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), who serves as the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor. He made the disclosure during a formal handover ceremony at the DSS Yobe State Command Headquarters in Damaturu, where the service officially released Mohammed into his custody before he was reunited with his relatives.

Abdulsalam stated that his visit to the command was aimed at understanding the reasons behind Mohammed’s arrest and subsequent discharge. According to him, after a thorough review and investigation, the DSS concluded that Mohammed had no connection to the crime for which he had been held.

The security adviser described this action as unprecedented in his many years of public service. He remarked that he had never encountered a situation where a cleared suspect not only walks free but also receives financial assistance. He noted that this move reflects a clear commitment by the Director General of DSS to uphold justice, compassion, and societal reintegration.

Abdulsalam also called on other security bodies to consistently respect the rule of law and fundamental human rights, emphasizing that doing so would enhance public trust and cooperation.

Upon his release, Mohammed thanked God and described his experience as a matter of destiny and faith. He expressed gratitude for the support, which he said would help him reintegrate into society.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has reported a widespread power failure affecting critical locations in Nigeria’s capital, including the Presidential Villa and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

According to a Saturday statement from AEDC, the disruption stems from a technical glitch. The affected zones span key government and diplomatic establishments, such as the Supreme Court, State House, and numerous embassies like those of Turkey, Sudan, and Egypt. Residential and commercial areas like Lugbe, Asokoro, Garki, and Central Area are also without electricity.

The utility firm listed additional impacted sites: Bolingo Hotel, National Hospital, several government lodges, embassy complexes, and streets like Yakubu Gowon, Lagos, and Kaltungo. Locations including the National Assembly Annex, Aso Drive, military barracks, and the Airport Road corridor—including Dunamis Church and Shoprite—are also affected.

AEDC assured the public that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is actively working to rectify the fault and restore power. “We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience,” the company stated in the notice.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority has intensified its crackdown on safety violations across the state’s ferry terminals. During a compliance operation carried out on Friday, officials confiscated 120 life jackets that were found to be defective.

The inspection covered multiple terminals and jetties including Ipakodo, Bayeku, Ijede, Ebute-Ero, Liverpool, Sabokoji, Alex, and Coconut. The primary focus was on assessing the seaworthiness of boats and ensuring that all life jackets met safety standards.

LASWA reported that the damaged life jackets were promptly removed from circulation to eliminate any potential danger to passengers and other waterway users.

While many operators were found to be compliant, some vessels required repairs and upgrades before they could be considered safe for operation. The authority emphasized that adherence to safety regulations, especially concerning vessel conditions and the use of approved life jackets, is mandatory for all operators.

LASWA warned that enforcement actions would continue across all ferry terminals and jetties in the state to guarantee full compliance with waterway regulations. The agency reminded operators of their legal obligation to maintain safe vessels and provide passengers with functional and certified life jackets at all times.

The authority reiterated its dedication to fostering a safer, more reliable, and well-regulated water transportation system throughout Lagos State.

The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has issued a strong appeal to political parties, urging them to actively increase female representation in upcoming elections. The call comes as parties prepare for primaries ahead of the 2027 general polls.

In a statement released on Saturday, NAWOJ Chairperson Abisola Ariwodola and Secretary Oluwaranti Ojewumi highlighted the persistent underrepresentation of women in elective positions. They pointed out that recent primary results in Osun State have shown minimal female participation, with only one woman emerging as a candidate for federal legislative seats from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The association emphasized that political parties serve as gatekeepers to candidacy and thus hold the key to addressing gender imbalance. They urged parties to take voluntary affirmative action, including reducing nomination fees for women, reserving specific slots for female aspirants, and providing campaign resources to level the playing field.

NAWOJ also called for the inclusion of women’s groups in candidate selection processes and for women to be integrated into party decision-making structures. The statement noted that even before the proposed Special Seat Bill is passed, parties can demonstrate commitment by fielding more women voluntarily.

Highlighting the broader context, NAWOJ stated that women currently hold less than five percent of National Assembly seats, placing Nigeria among African nations with the lowest female parliamentary representation. The association described the Special Seat Bill as a necessary structural solution, but stressed that immediate action is needed from political leaders.

“Inclusion is not a favour; it is a democratic requirement,” the statement added, calling on all stakeholders to work toward a more equitable political landscape.

Abdulrahman Haske, a prominent contender for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, has voiced serious concerns about the conduct of the party’s primary election. Speaking during a press interaction on Friday, the aspirant detailed what he described as troubling irregularities that could undermine the credibility of the exercise.

Haske pointed to the absence of collation processes in several local government areas, irregularities in voting at some polling units, and restricted access to collation procedures ahead of the final result declaration. “It was surprising that while we were waiting for the collation of votes, the winner was suddenly declared. We have our data, and we will consult and state our position over the weekend,” he stated.

While acknowledging that a candidate has already been announced, Haske emphasized that the integrity of any electoral process must be built on transparency, fairness, and inclusion. “The integrity of the process is as important as the outcome. Transparent and inclusive procedures remain essential to sustaining trust, confidence, and unity within our great party,” he said.

The aspirant appealed for calm among his supporters across the state, urging them to remain peaceful as he engages party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters to chart the next steps within the APC constitution. “As responsible democrats, we are engaging widely to review the exercise and explore all legitimate avenues. Our decisions will be guided by due process, party unity, and the best interests of Adamawa State,” he added.

Haske expressed gratitude to his supporters across the 21 local government areas for their dedication and encouragement during the primaries. Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, he stressed that the broader objective remains the unity and progress of the party and the state, underscoring the importance of internal democracy. He concluded by urging supporters to remain patient and peaceful while consultations continue, noting that unity and maturity are key to the party’s strength.

The chairman of the Accord party in Osun State, Pastor Victor Akande, has issued a strong call for the immediate release of a party supporter who is allegedly being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department. He directed his appeal to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, urging action without further delay.

According to a statement released on Friday, the detained individual is identified as Owoeye Muyiwa. Akande claims that Muyiwa has been in custody for three days under the instruction of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, reportedly issued through the senator’s police orderly.

The situation, as described by the party, stems from Muyiwa’s act of putting up a billboard in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke within his own family property. This action, the chairman suggested, led to the arrest. The party further alleges that the detention may be linked to Muyiwa’s refusal to switch allegiance to the All Progressives Congress, despite ongoing pressure and invitations from Senator Fadahunsi.

Akande also said that there were attempts to falsely implicate Muyiwa in the destruction of APC billboards in the area. However, individuals who were called to identify him reportedly told investigators they had not witnessed him committing any vandalism, thus clearing him of that accusation.

The Accord chairman emphasized that even in the absence of any evidence tying Muyiwa to a crime, he remains locked up at the State CID. He noted that officials at the CID have indicated that only the Commissioner of Police can authorize Muyiwa’s release.

Akande condemned the ongoing detention as a form of intimidation and harassment directed at Accord members and supporters across Ijesaland. He stated, “We respectfully call on the Commissioner of Police to ensure the immediate release of Mr. Owoeye Muyiwa without further delay. No citizen should be subjected to unlawful detention or political intimidation for expressing support for a political leader or exercising his lawful rights.”

The Accord chairman also drew the attention of the Inspector General of Police, the Owa Obokun Palace, and democratic institutions both in Nigeria and abroad to what he described as increasing violations of people’s rights in Ijesaland. He added, “Our people should not be pushed to the wall through acts of intimidation and harassment. Democracy must be protected, and the rights of citizens must be respected at all times.”