Category: News

The campaign team of Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has officially disavowed the results announced for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Kaduna Central, claiming the process was flawed and did not reflect the true choice of party members in the zone.

Addressing reporters in Kaduna on Tuesday, Cafra Caino, the Deputy Director General of the Zailani campaign, urged the APC National Working Committee, the party’s electoral committee for Kaduna State, and other relevant bodies to swiftly investigate the irregularities and rectify the compromised exercise.

“We are calling for a review of the primary election outcome in accordance with party guidelines and democratic values,” Caino stated.

He appealed to supporters of Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani and APC members across Kaduna Central to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that the campaign would pursue redress through constitutional and internal party channels.

Caino emphasized that the campaign remains dedicated to internal democracy and will not accept any subversion of the people’s will. He expressed confidence that the party leadership would act quickly to uphold the APC’s integrity and deliver justice.

According to Caino, the primary election failed to meet the standards set by the APC National Working Committee. He described the process as lacking transparency, which cast doubt on the credibility of the entire exercise.

He added that the primary, which was supposed to be an internal affair aimed at strengthening party cohesion and democratic practice, fell well short of all required norms and procedures.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has concluded its House of Representatives primaries, with former entertainer and ex-lawmaker Uche Ogbuagu emerging as one of the winners. The exercise, held on May 17 across all 27 local government areas, produced candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Three women secured the party’s tickets, reflecting the PDP’s adherence to its constitutional 35% affirmative action policy for women in elective and appointive positions. Party spokesperson Lancelot Obiaku highlighted this commitment during a press briefing, crediting party chairman Austin Nwachukwu for the inclusive process.

The successful female candidates include Peace Adanna Nwadike for Nkwere/Nwangele/Njaba/Isu Federal Constituency, Olachi Ndidi Iheme for Owerri Federal Constituency, and Oleka Chinedu for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency. Other flag bearers are Chief Samuel Christian Onye for Okigwe/Onuimo/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency, Ikenna Emeruem for Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, and Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna for Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency.

The party expressed confidence in the candidates’ ability to win, citing their strong character, experience, and competence. The Imo PDP has called on all members and leaders to rally behind the nominees as they intensify mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 polls.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s approach to Nigeria’s security crisis, accusing the administration of offering repetitive statements rather than decisive action. In a strongly worded reaction to recent deadly attacks in Oyo and Katsina states, Atiku argued that the government’s response has become a predictable cycle of empty rhetoric.

Through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, Atiku highlighted that the escalating violence—including kidnappings of schoolchildren and teachers—reflects a systemic failure at the highest level of leadership. He noted that after each tragedy, the president issues the same tired condemnations and vague threats of justice, but no tangible change occurs.

“The script never changes: condemn, threaten, wait for the next attack,” Atiku said. He emphasized that Nigerians have grown weary of this pattern, which he described as “recycled outrage” that has lost all meaning.

The former VP warned that criminal elements now operate with impunity, as the state’s authority has eroded. “When abductions and massacres happen without consequences, it signals a collapsed security apparatus,” he stated. He also criticized what he called attempts to suppress information about violent incidents, calling it a dangerous move for democracy.

Atiku called for an immediate overhaul of the security system, urging the government to prioritize rescuing hostages and implementing effective measures to prevent further bloodshed. He concluded that a leader who only speaks after lives are lost is not leading but presiding over failure.

A wave of terror swept through Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday as suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on several communities, abducting 46 individuals. Among the kidnapped is a two-year-old pupil, Christianah Akanbi, from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. Community leaders have confirmed that seven teachers and 39 pupils and students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School were taken. The attackers also seized four motorcycles belonging to residents—three from Yawota and one from the secondary school area.

The names of the abducted school officials have been released: Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Vice Principal Mr. Ojo Jonathan; and teachers Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus, Mr. John Olaleye, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, and Mrs. Oladeji. A teacher from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Mary Akanbi, was also reported missing.

From Ahoro-Esinele community, the victims include Rashida Tajudeen (11), Ahmed Ramoni (8), Abdulsalam Toyib (4), Baraka Abioye (16), Fatimo Jimoh (15), Hassan Azeez (14), and Joshua Adeleke (13). In Yawota community, those abducted are Samuel Oyedele (7), Emmanuel Oyedele (4), Idowu Taiwo (4), Christianah Akanbi (2), Juwon Sunday (7), Sikiru Salami (3), Soliu Salami (4), Ojo Joseph (8), Lydia Adewole (8), Testimony Jacob (5), Kehinde Kaosara (7), Sewa Seyi (7), Waliya Bello (4), Lydia Olohunloluwa (7), Damilare Oderinde (8), Deborah Adebowale (5), Aisha Oguntowo (10), Lege Taiwo (12), Balkis Ayanwale (8), and Asa David (10).

Oniya community residents abducted are Shuaibu Aliyu (10), Ahmed Aliyu (7), Muiz Aliyu (5), and Jomiloju Ogunlola (6). From Alawusa community, the victims are Agune Noah (8), Elizabeth Abadi (5), Tosin Abadi (9), Pius Stephen (5), Hannah Ojo (14), Habidat Ayanwale (7), Mary Gabriel (6), and Jacob Gabriel (age unknown).

The attacks have plunged the area into fear and uncertainty, with residents urging security forces and the government to act swiftly to rescue the victims and restore peace.

The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigam, has attributed the abduction of over 50 students from Mussa Askira School in Uba Local Government Area, Borno State, to a revenge attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to Kaigam, the kidnapping was a direct response to a previous assault by a rival Boko Haram faction, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS).

Kaigam revealed that a fierce clash had occurred between JAS and ISWAP fighters, during which JAS militants overran several ISWAP camps in southern Borno. After JAS withdrew from the area, ISWAP members launched a retaliatory operation but, failing to locate their adversaries, instead targeted the school and took children hostage. The BOSYA leader stated that discussions with JAS leaders confirmed they were not involved in the abduction, pointing fingers at ISWAP.

The abduction, he emphasized, was not premeditated but occurred when ISWAP fighters, unable to engage their rivals, turned to the community. Negotiations are underway for the release of some captives, including women and children, with the insurgents requesting a list of potential releases. Efforts are also being made to contact ISWAP-linked individuals to verify the condition of the abducted pupils. Kaigam expressed concerns that ISWAP may not publicly acknowledge the act or seek ransom, highlighting the unpredictability of the group.

In a dramatic twist in the wiretapping trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the prosecution has leveled serious allegations against his family, accusing them of orchestrating a media campaign to undermine the judiciary. During Tuesday’s session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, lead prosecutor Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, asserted that relatives of the defendant have been leveraging social media and press appearances to portray the legal proceedings as a form of persecution.

Aladedoye detailed a specific incident on May 15, where one of El-Rufai’s wives reportedly arrived at the ICPC facility accompanied by cameramen and livestreamed claims that her husband was being denied food and family visits. He further alleged that politician Timi Frank publicly insinuated that the former governor might be harmed while in custody, prompting security agencies to transfer him to DSS custody to prevent further controversy.

The prosecution argued that the family’s actions escalated when two wives and a son visited DSS headquarters with journalists, openly criticizing the court’s bail conditions. Instead of pursuing legal remedies, Aladedoye contended, the family resorted to media campaigns that could erode public trust in the judicial system. He urged the court to admonish the defendant and his relatives to desist from further public attacks, emphasizing that the case is a criminal prosecution, not political persecution.

In response, the defense counsel claimed ignorance of the alleged incidents and maintained that El-Rufai should not be held accountable for statements made outside the courtroom. However, he assured the court that the defense would advise family members and supporters to exercise caution.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the relevance of social media narratives, stating she pays no attention to online discussions and instructing that such matters remain outside courtroom proceedings. She directed the trial to continue. Subsequently, the prosecution submitted a silver flash drive and a certificate of compliance, which were admitted as Exhibits B and B1. The court then reviewed the drive’s contents, which included an interview El-Rufai granted to Arise News Television.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has leveled serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu, claiming that the administration is employing unprecedented methods to influence and compromise individuals across Nigeria. In a statement posted on social media platform X on Tuesday, Effiong argued that many previously principled figures have become indifferent to governance failures, while others feign neutrality or make excuses for the government while quietly resisting reform efforts.

Effiong warned that the damage to national integrity would be so severe that a special census would be needed to count those whose moral compasses remain intact. He asserted that Tinubu’s approach to buying and compromising people is without historical parallel, leaving previously respected individuals blind and mute to issues of bad governance. Some, he said, are now pretending to be neutral while actively making excuses for Tinubu and tacitly opposing any push for change.

The lawyer’s comments come amid growing criticism of the administration’s policies and handling of security and economic challenges. Effiong’s remarks underscore a deepening concern among some Nigerians about the erosion of accountability and the manipulation of public figures through inducements.

Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State has taken decisive action by shutting down Al-Hadeed Private School following allegations of sexual misconduct against its students. The closure, effective immediately, was announced on Monday, May 18, 2026, through a statement released by the council’s Education Councillor, Malam Abdullahi Wakili.

The decision came after reports surfaced that a teacher at the institution, identified as Uncle Kamal, had allegedly abused four underage female pupils. The local government chairman, Hon. Tijjani Amiru Bilyaminu, emphasized that the accused would face full prosecution under the law to ensure justice for the victims.

The teacher has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court at No-man’s-land in Kano on charges of rape. The court has remanded him in a correctional facility and set the next hearing for June 9, 2026. Ungogo LGA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and vowed to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has launched a scathing attack on Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni, branding him a liar and a propaganda tool for Peter Obi. In a post on X on Tuesday, Bwala accused Oseni of distorting his words and engaging in blackmail and hate speech. The conflict erupted after Oseni, during The Morning Show’s ‘What’s Trending’ segment, cited a December 2023 comment from Bwala when he served as Atiku Abubakar’s spokesperson. At that time, Bwala had stated that the APC would fail even if given 30 years in power. Oseni used the quote to criticize the current government’s handling of insecurity, but Bwala claimed his remarks were taken out of context.

Bwala’s response was blistering, as he referred to Oseni as an adult toddler and a fake journalist who has lost all credibility. He argued that Oseni is nothing more than an unofficial spokesperson for Peter Obi, masquerading as a neutral media figure. Bwala further likened Oseni’s journalism to a mechanic performing surgery, suggesting he should focus on documentaries about animals rather than spreading fake news. The presidential spokesman’s outburst highlights the ongoing tension between government officials and media personalities perceived as biased.

During a court session in Abuja on Tuesday, the prosecution introduced evidence to support claims that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai intercepted a classified conversation involving the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The trial is being held at the Federal High Court.

The prosecution played a recorded 43-minute interview that El-Rufai gave on Arise News Television, in which he allegedly stated that an unidentified person wiretapped the NSA’s conversation and forwarded it to him. In the broadcast, El-Rufai justified the act by asserting that governments routinely monitor communications of others.

Testifying before the court, a prosecution witness revealed that following the interview, investigators interviewed NSA Nuhu Ribadu, who confirmed that the conversation referenced by El-Rufai indeed occurred between him and the ICPC chairman. The witness further stated that the ICPC chairman also verified the discussion after portions of the interview were played to him.

The witness added that the program’s anchor, Charles Aniagolu, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, and a cameraman were summoned for questioning. Aniagolu reportedly confirmed that El-Rufai admitted during the interview that someone intercepted the conversation and passed it to him, while also insisting that governments routinely engage in such practices. Statements from Aniagolu and Adeyanju were admitted as Exhibits C, C1, and E without objection from the defense.

A statement from Arise TV cameraman Ugochukwu Agalayana was also admitted as Exhibit D after he confirmed setting up the equipment for the interview, though he said he did not pay attention to the conversation. Investigators concluded that El-Rufai made an “open confession” during the broadcast regarding the interception, which they deemed capable of undermining national security, leading to his prosecution. A preliminary investigation report was admitted as Exhibit F.

Under cross-examination by defense counsel Chief Paul Erokoro, SAN, the witness acknowledged that investigators did not examine any communication devices belonging to the NSA, obtain IP addresses, or conduct forensic analysis of the alleged interception. However, he maintained that such steps were unnecessary after the NSA confirmed the authenticity of the conversation. The witness also agreed that El-Rufai never explicitly stated that he personally carried out the interception, but insisted that the former governor repeatedly stood by the claim that the conversation had been tapped and forwarded to him. When asked whether the defendant might have been boasting as a politician during a politically charged television appearance, the witness responded that he considered El-Rufai a person of integrity and believed he meant what he said.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the trial to June 22 and 23 for further proceedings.