Category: News

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially announced the date for its first-ever national convention, which will take place in Nigeria’s capital. The announcement was made by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, via the party’s official social media account on X.

According to the statement, the convention is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, and will be held at the Los Angeles Event Centre located on Ahmadu Bello Way in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The event is set to commence at 10 a.m.

Senator Cleopas extended a warm invitation to all delegates to attend this landmark gathering, emphasizing its importance for the party’s future. The statement read: “The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) welcomes all delegates to its inaugural national convention holding on Saturday, 9th May 2026, at Los Angeles Event Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, FCT Abuja, by 10 a.m.”

This convention marks a significant milestone for the NDC as it seeks to solidify its presence on the national political scene. The party has been actively recruiting members and building momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several high-profile defections from other parties in recent weeks.

During the cross-examination at the FCT High Court, the 14th prosecution witness in the money laundering case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants clarified that he never communicated with any of the accused concerning the property in question. The witness, Ramadan Jibrin, an employee of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), stated under questioning by defense counsel Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, that he received no directives from Bello, Shuaib Oricha, or Abdusalam Hudu.

Jibrin revealed that his involvement in the transaction for the property at 35 Danube Street, Maitama, was solely through Shehu Bello Bala, who instructed him to assist with due diligence. He admitted that he did not attend the payment meeting and only learned about the amount paid from Yakubu Haruna. The witness also acknowledged that he had previously testified in a related case before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court.

Under questioning, Jibrin confirmed that he never met any of the three defendants throughout the process. He explained that he prepared legal documents such as the deed of assignment between Palchi Ventures Limited and White Tree Nigerian Limited, along with a power of attorney, based on instructions passed through Yakubu Haruna. The documents were later executed by the client and returned to him for delivery to Shehu Bello Bala.

The trial continues, with Justice Maryann Anenih scheduling a ruling on a pending application for May 22 and further hearings on June 16 and 17.

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to food vendors operating within public schools, emphasizing strict compliance with health and safety regulations. Principals are now directly responsible for any breaches in their institutions.

This directive was announced during a strategic meeting at the Education District III headquarters in Falomo, Ikoyi, where the newly appointed Supervising Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, outlined her vision. She reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing education quality across the district.

Dr. Oyetola stressed that all school-based food vendors must follow established rules, and school heads will face accountability for any infractions. “Violations will not be tolerated,” she warned, “and principals will answer for them.”

Beyond food safety, she urged principals to uphold excellence, discipline, and integrity in school administration, particularly with the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Noting that Education District III is currently second in the state’s WAEC performance rankings, she called for improved academic results and a zero-tolerance stance on exam malpractice, warning of disciplinary action for violations.

Dr. Oyetola also mandated that all eligible students be registered and prepared for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in line with state policy. She highlighted the importance of accurate data for planning, directing schools to promptly update staff and student records in the state database. Additionally, officers nearing retirement must notify the district at least six months in advance to ensure smooth workforce transitions; non-compliance could delay document processing.

The Supervising TG/PS reaffirmed the state’s commitment to holistic education by requiring schools to participate in 15 approved competitions, with adequate training and logistics provided. She emphasized the Ilera Eko health scheme, urging staff to maintain active plans and schools to boost student enrollment in support of the Greater Lagos agenda.

Concluding, Dr. Oyetola called on school administrators to maintain high standards, shaping responsible future leaders and preserving the values of Lagos State’s education sector. “Every school must operate at optimal levels to positively influence learners,” she added.

Residents of Ebonyi State are urging the government to take immediate action to prevent potential flooding, following a warning from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) that the state and 18 others could experience flash floods due to heavy rains. The agency noted that prolonged dry conditions may harden the soil, reducing water absorption and increasing surface runoff, which could trigger floods in vulnerable areas.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Friday, a resident named Chinedu Ngwuta described the prediction as a crucial alert. He called on authorities to enhance public awareness through radio programs, market campaigns, and local language initiatives to safeguard lives and property. Ngwuta also urged the establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps for at-risk residents, especially farmers who might be reluctant to leave their homes and farmlands without alternative shelter.

Another resident, Ukah David, criticized the government for allowing construction in flood-prone zones. He emphasized the need for continuous public education, noting that many traders and farmers continue to operate along waterways and other dangerous locations.

In response, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, Victor Chukwu, stated that the government has already initiated measures to mitigate flooding risks. He warned residents against farming along waterways and urged communities to cooperate with environmental authorities. Chukwu revealed that the ministry has planned aggressive tree planting, drainage clearing, and other preventive actions to reduce flood impacts. He noted that since the first rainfall in the state, some communities, including residents of Mbukobe, have already experienced flooding that destroyed household items.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has initiated a comprehensive medical assessment for its personnel, focusing on mental health and stress evaluation. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi announced the program during a visit to the Maitama Area Command on Friday.

Sanusi emphasized that all officers in the territory will undergo regular check-ups to assess their physical and psychological well-being. The goal is to enhance performance by identifying and addressing health issues early.

The CP stressed that the exercise is not punitive but aims to support officers. He warned against sharing medical results and urged personnel not to panic, as anxiety could affect the assessment.

Under his leadership, the command will conduct these screenings consistently, recognizing that health conditions can change suddenly. The initiative includes evaluating stress levels and providing expert advice.

A prolonged leadership dispute within the Okewaye Ruling House of Ado-Odo, Ogun State, has finally been resolved after a court-mediated settlement at the Ogun State High Court in Idi-Oke. The agreement, reached in Suit No. HCI/19/2024, officially recognizes Prince Sulaimon Adedimeji as the legitimate Head (Olori-Ebi) of the ruling house.

Prince Mufutau Adekunle, who had previously contested the position, conceded defeat voluntarily. In a public statement, Adekunle confirmed his decision to step aside for Adedimeji, emphasizing that his choice was made in the interest of peace and unity within the ruling house and the broader Ado-Odo community. He urged residents to avoid any activities related to chieftaincy titles linked to the former dispute, warning that such engagements would be fruitless.

By the terms of the settlement, Adedimeji now holds exclusive authority to nominate or recommend candidates for the stool of the Olofin of Ado-Odo, in accordance with the 1956 chieftaincy declaration. The agreement also puts an end to all pending legal issues, with each party bearing its own legal costs.

Legal representatives for both sides endorsed the settlement, which is expected to bring stability and streamline traditional governance in Ado-Odo. Residents have been advised to avoid any further involvement in the previously contested leadership matters.

A legal practitioner based in Kano, Abba Hikima, has formally called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to launch an urgent, impartial, and thorough investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of missing activist Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata.

The petition, signed on May 8, 2026, was made public via Hikima’s Facebook page, where he also shared copies addressed to the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja.

According to the petition, the lawyer referenced claims attributed to Muhammad Musa Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle. Kamarawa allegedly accused CSP Hussaini Gimba and CSP Hassan Gimba of being involved in Dadiyata’s death.

The petition cited Kamarawa as stating that “they threatened to kill me just as they killed Dadiyata and Saminu S/Fada Gusau, among others, in my presence at Operations Yaki Kaduna.”

Hikima characterized the accusation as “extremely serious,” stressing that police authorities cannot afford to overlook it, especially given that Dadiyata has been missing since August 2019. The case continues to stir public anxiety and unresolved doubts nationwide.

“Therefore, when a citizen explicitly says he saw Dadiyata being killed and directly implicates named police officers, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive, independent, and credible probe into the matter,” part of the petition read.

The lawyer also argued that if the allegations are false, a proper inquiry would exonerate the officers and help rebuild public trust. Conversely, if there is any truth to the claims, justice must be served without regard to rank, office, or influence.

Hikima urged the IGP to quickly set up an independent investigative committee to look into the allegations against the two senior police officers and make the findings public.

The Lagos State House of Assembly is taking decisive steps to curb unauthorized tax and levy collections across the state. During a public hearing held on Friday, the Finance Committee reviewed a proposed bill aimed at harmonizing revenue collection and prohibiting unofficial bodies from imposing fees.

The draft legislation, titled the Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, seeks to ensure that only designated tax authorities can assess or collect taxes and levies on behalf of the state or local councils. It explicitly bans individuals, unions, associations, or groups from setting up roadblocks for the purpose of collecting taxes, levies, or membership dues.

According to the bill, the relevant tax authority is empowered to use technology for assessment and collection, streamlining the entire process. It also stipulates that no state agency or local government can authorize the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service to collect taxes without clearly defined terms. Residents are granted the right to challenge any unlawful taxes or levies in court.

The proposed law imposes strict penalties: anyone caught erecting roadblocks for tax or levy collection faces a fine of N5 million, a three-year prison sentence, or both. Additionally, the bill seeks to harmonize daily ticketing and levy collections for market fees, abattoir charges, transport tickets, and animal trade levies, with rates set by the State Joint Revenue Committee where necessary.

If passed, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service will act as the central collecting agency, with revenue shared between the state government and local councils. Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, emphasized that the public hearing reflects the Assembly’s commitment to participatory governance. He noted that effective lawmaking must be inclusive and that citizens should have a direct say in policies affecting their lives.

Obasa highlighted that the bill addresses longstanding issues of multiple taxation and revenue administration confusion. He stated, ‘One of the major objectives of this bill is to harmonize taxes and levies to eliminate duplication and multiple taxation, which have been major concerns for residents, businesses, and investors.’

Finance Committee Chairman Femi Saheed described the bill as crucial for governance, business, and revenue generation, aligning with recent National Assembly tax reforms. Majority Leader Noheem Adams added that the legislation would strengthen the state’s revenue base and improve service delivery. Stakeholder Ayodele Subair commended the Assembly and pledged support for policies enhancing the business environment and public administration.

On May 6, 2026, troops from Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, working alongside sister security agencies, successfully disrupted a planned assault by suspected IPOB and ESN militants in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State. The operation was part of an intelligence-led patrol aimed at tracking terrorist collaborators in the region.

According to Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, the soldiers were advancing on foot when they came under fire from a concealed position within a building. The attack left three soldiers wounded, but the troops maintained control, repelled the attackers, and secured the vicinity. The injured personnel have been evacuated to a military hospital and are receiving care.

The statement further revealed that during the firefight, improvised explosive devices stored by the militants inside the building detonated, causing a blaze that destroyed the hideout. Subsequent searches led to the recovery of additional IEDs, homemade grenades, and a shrine used for ritual purposes. The shrine was dismantled and destroyed to prevent further criminal use.

One suspected accomplice was arrested at the scene and has been handed over to the Nigerian Police in Ezeagu Division for interrogation. The army has called on law-abiding residents to remain calm, avoid harboring criminals, and cooperate with security forces.

The Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, reiterated its warning to members of the proscribed IPOB and ESN to abandon illegal activities or face severe consequences. Security agencies remain committed to restoring peace and dismantling terrorist networks in the region.

In a significant milestone for the National Examinations Council (NECO), the Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi, announced that over 35 million candidates have participated in its examinations over the past quarter-century. The disclosure was made during the council’s 25th anniversary gala and awards ceremony held in Minna.

NECO was established on July 10, 1999, following persistent calls for a reliable and locally oriented assessment body. The cumulative figure of 35 million candidates encompasses those who sat for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and other assessments conducted by the council.

Professor Wushishi highlighted that NECO’s creation was a response to recommendations from various government panels between 1977 and 1997, which consistently emphasized the need for a national examination body.

The anniversary event also honored Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, who served as NECO’s first registrar from 1999 to 2007 and later as JAMB registrar. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his foundational role in shaping the council.

In recognition of outstanding performance, NECO acknowledged schools and states based on their SSCE Internal examination results since inception. Dority International Early Learning School was named the top-performing secondary school, followed by Federal Government Academy and Air Force Comprehensive School.

Among states, Bayelsa was recognized for having the highest percentage of candidates achieving five credits or more, while Lagos State was lauded for registering the largest number of candidates for NECO exams. Ogun, Edo, Kaduna, and Oyo states also received commendations for various performance metrics.

Looking ahead, Professor Wushishi stated that NECO will continue refining its processes and embracing technology to enhance examination administration and uphold standards.