Category: News

In a unique display of faith and cultural devotion, female traditional worshippers from throughout Egbaland gathered on Friday to parade through key streets and sacred sites in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Their mission: to call upon divine powers for the safe return of those taken during the Oyo abduction incident.

Dressed in flowing white garments associated with their spiritual practice and bearing ritual objects, the women traversed prominent cultural and religious landmarks across the city. They chanted invocations and offered prayers to ancestral spirits and deities, appealing for an end to the escalating security crisis.

The ceremony was guided by Dr Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, who holds the titles Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom. She emphasized that the procession was a solemn act of supplication and atonement, aimed at securing the protection of Yorubaland and the entire nation through the intercession of revered spirits and deities.

The worshippers made stops at several venerated shrines, including those at Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, and the shrine honoring the legendary Egba warrior Sodeke. Their journey concluded at the Itoku shrine located at Orita Aje Junction in Abeokuta, where final rites were performed.

At each sacred site, participants engaged in prayers and traditional rituals consistent with age-old customs, seeking mercy and intervention.

Speaking to journalists during the event, Fashola-MacGregor explained that the spiritual exercise stemmed from profound worry over the safety of innocent schoolchildren, their educators, and other Nigerians currently in the hands of abductors. “We have come to implore the deities of our ancestors and the spirits of our heroes to step into this distressing situation. Our collective prayers are aimed at the safe return of all who have been kidnapped. We trust that when people unite with genuine faith and purpose, supernatural intervention can occur,” she stated.

Security forces in Plateau State have successfully dismantled a human trafficking operation, rescuing two pregnant women, a nursing mother, and seven minors from a makeshift transport hub in Jos South. The operation, which took place at Zawan Junction, targeted a syndicate that allegedly preyed on vulnerable individuals, luring them with false promises of employment in mining camps in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Olivia Dazyam, the Special Adviser on Gender to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, led the rescue mission. She recounted that her team acted on a tip from a local resident who noticed unusual activity at an illegal motor park operating only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The informant suspected the park was being used to transport victims to Ibadan for forced labor in mining sites.

During a discreet investigation, authorities discovered that children as young as 11 were being recruited for grueling work. The victims were promised wages, but in reality, they were subjected to bonded labor—working six days a week for their handlers and keeping only the earnings from the seventh day. Dazyam described the conditions as exploitative, noting that the system enriched a chain of beneficiaries at the expense of the victims’ freedom.

On the day of the raid, Dazyam and her team found five vehicles preparing for a night journey. They intercepted the group, identifying minors among the passengers. Three suspected traffickers were arrested in connection with the ring. Dazyam emphasized that many parents were unaware of their children’s whereabouts, with one father expressing shock that his two children were about to be transported.

The rescue underscores the ongoing fight against human trafficking in Plateau State, where illegal mining camps have become a magnet for exploitative labor practices. Authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable populations.

The academic community is mourning the loss of Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, who passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Professor Ambali, who served as the 9th Vice Chancellor of Unilorin from 2012 to 2017, died in the early hours of Saturday after a brief illness. He was 68 years old.

The current Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, confirmed the news in a statement released by the institution’s spokesperson, Kunle Akogun, in Ilorin.

According to Professor Egbewole, the death of Professor Ambali represents a significant loss not only to the University of Ilorin and the Kwara State University, Malete, where he served as Pro-Chancellor, but also to the entire nation and humanity at large.

Professor Egbewole expressed his condolences to the family of the late scholar and the people of the Ilorin Emirate. He urged sympathizers, particularly members of the Unilorin community, to attend the Janazah (funeral prayer) for the former Vice Chancellor at his residence in Oloje Housing Estate, Ilorin, by 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The Anambra State government has sparked widespread condemnation after it arrested and prosecuted Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, an aspirant for the Abia Central Senatorial seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), for allegedly orchestrating fake miracles and prophecies. The cleric, originally from Abia State and a bishop at an Onitsha-based Pentecostal church, appeared before the Anambra High Court in Awka alongside seven other Christian ministers accused of similar offenses.

Bishop Nwankpa’s media aide, Stanley Nduagu, expressed strong disapproval of the government’s actions, asserting that his principal has maintained a spotless record over 25 years of ministry and has never engaged in fraudulent activities. Nduagu argued that the allegations are baseless and unsupported by evidence.

Additionally, Nwankpa’s kinsmen from Isiala Ngwa in Abia State have voiced their concerns, demanding his immediate release. A native of the area, Ngozi Ahunanya, accused the Anambra administration of declaring war on Christianity and traditional religious practices. Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Assembly candidate for Arochukwu constituency, Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya, criticized the arrest as a needless harassment of Christian clerics and worshippers.

The case has further fueled tensions, with many seeing it as an overreach by state authorities. The government, however, maintains that it is determined to crack down on deceptive religious practices that violate state laws.

Dr. Yusuf Bello Danbatta, who previously served as the deputy governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, has officially become a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued to media representatives in Kano on Friday, Danbatta disclosed his political realignment. He emphasized that the move followed thorough deliberation and extensive consultations with his mentors, political allies, backers, and key stakeholders.

“I am formally announcing my decision to align with the APC. This step was taken after weighing all options and seeking counsel from those I trust,” he stated.

Danbatta expressed confidence that the APC provides a more effective avenue for him to render service to the populace and foster progress within Kano State and Nigeria overall. He specifically cited Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s visionary guidance and the state administration’s developmental blueprint as major influences on his choice.

“I believe the APC offers a superior platform where I can meaningfully contribute to uplifting our people and advancing our state and nation,” he remarked.

The former PDP stalwart also commended the APC for what he termed its open-door policy and dedication to enhancing citizens’ well-being. He reaffirmed his commitment to championing unity, peace, and enduring growth.

In addition, Danbatta extended gratitude to his former party members and leaders for their collaboration and encouragement over the years. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with APC members and other stakeholders to propel Kano State’s continuous development.

Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, the APC candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District, has expressed strong confidence that former Senator Iyiola Omisore will not abandon the party. Speaking on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Osun State Council Guest Platform, Adegoke dismissed speculation about Omisore’s political allegiance, describing him as a seasoned politician who makes wise decisions.

“Senator Iyiola Omisore is not going anywhere. He is a shrewd politician, and I admire his political acumen. He will not take that path,” Adegoke stated.

He further argued that the APC commands strong support across Osun East Senatorial District, making it unlikely for Omisore’s supporters to shift loyalties. “The entire Osun East Senatorial District is firmly behind the APC. Why would any of Omisore’s followers leave a comfortable environment for an uncertain alternative?” he queried.

Adegoke also downplayed internal party disagreements, labeling them as minor and manageable. He emphasized that conflicts are common in any political organization and should not be blown out of proportion. “Disagreements are not unique to the APC. Every party experiences internal friction. Ours are minor and will not hinder our progress,” he said.

According to him, members who have resigned are merely signaling their grievances, and the party leadership is actively engaging them to resolve issues. “Those leaving are just giving us early warnings. We are already in talks to address their concerns,” Adegoke added.

Drawing a contrast with the opposition, Adegoke claimed the PDP is no longer a viable force in Osun State, as many of its members have defected to the Accord party. “The PDP is practically nonexistent here. They couldn’t manage their own affairs, yet they hope to win the state. Ironically, the same people who helped them win in 2022 are now with us in the APC,” he noted.

He concluded by asserting that the APC’s internal challenges are negligible and will not impact its electoral performance. “Our differences are trivial and will not affect our success at the polls,” Adegoke affirmed.

The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal has delivered a stinging rebuke to Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, ruling that she improperly granted reliefs that no party had requested during the hearing of a dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a judgment authored by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, the appellate panel declared that the trial judge overstepped her bounds by validating a factional caretaker committee that was not part of any party’s prayers. The lower court had recognized the committee led by Abdurahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu in its January 30 decision.

Justice Onyemenam noted that the trial judge’s action created a clear legal issue, as she went beyond the scope of the reliefs sought. The court emphasized that such unauthorized recognition of a factional committee undermined the integrity of the proceedings.

The Court of Appeal further stated that the caretaker committee’s legal foundation had been dismantled by a prior Supreme Court ruling that nullified the Ibadan convention, which was the basis for the committee’s creation. Since the Supreme Court had already declared that convention null and void, any structures built upon it, including the caretaker committee, automatically lack legal validity.

Although the appellate court stopped short of explicitly labeling the trial court’s action as ultra petita—a Latin term meaning beyond what is asked—it indicated that the offending parts of the judgment were null and void and liable to be set aside. The panel also refused to order a retrial, reasoning that doing so would invite the lower court to revisit issues already settled by the apex court, which the law forbids.

Justices Mohammed Mustapha and Okon Abang concurred with the lead judgment. The decision effectively nullifies the Federal High Court’s recognition of the caretaker committee aligned with the Abdurahman Mohammed faction of the PDP.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State have escalated their grievance over the party’s primary election for Agege Constituency I, marching to the national secretariat in Abuja on Friday. The delegation, spearheaded by Johnson Kolawole, voiced strong objections to the announced outcome of the exercise held on May 20, 2026, which they insist was manipulated to sideline their preferred candidate, Egunjobi Ganiyu Kola.

According to Kolawole, Egunjobi had clearly won the primary with 9,132 votes out of the 10,126 valid votes cast across the five wards in the constituency. Other contenders, Oladipo Tunde Shola and Oluwagbenga Michael Abiola, reportedly garnered 560 and 434 votes respectively. The protesters claimed that the returning officer, Hon. Kayode Kassim Eleshin, officially declared Egunjobi the winner at the venue.

However, frustration mounted when a newspaper publication dated May 25, 2026, named Oluwagbenga Michael Abiola as the APC candidate for the same constituency. The group described this as a blatant contradiction of the authentic results and demanded that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, intervene to restore what they termed the true mandate of party members.

Kolawole emphasized that the primary election was monitored by APC officials, INEC observers, security agents, journalists, and other stakeholders, and was conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible manner. He added that the delegation is ready to present documentary evidence, video footage from the five wards, and observer reports to substantiate their claims.

Appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership, the protesters urged them to ensure that the genuine will of party members in Agege Constituency I is upheld and protected.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Kebbi State has officially released the dates for elections to its local government chapters, following the end of tenure of current executives across the state. The election timetable was announced by the state chairman, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar Khalifa, during a press conference at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

Khalifa stated that the elections are being conducted in accordance with the council’s constitution to ensure an orderly leadership transition and to sustain youth development initiatives throughout the region. The notice for the polls took effect on June 5, 2026, with the sale of nomination forms beginning on June 6. Voting for local chapter positions is scheduled for June 27 and June 28, 2026.

To be eligible, candidates must be under 35 years of age, physically and mentally fit, and possess at least a school leaving certificate. The chairman also emphasized gender inclusion, noting that the deputy coordinator position and two other executive roles are reserved exclusively for women.

Khalifa encouraged Kebbi youths to actively participate in the electoral process and contribute to the council’s growth. He also called on young people to support security agencies by sharing useful information to combat insecurity and promote peace across the state.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State is currently grappling with internal turmoil, as two distinct factions have emerged, each asserting their authority over the party’s operations. The opposing groups are spearheaded by Kabiru Garba Gusau and Shehu Muhammad Maisshanu Guluba, both of whom insist they are the rightful leaders of the ADC in the state.

Despite the ongoing leadership dispute, there is a consensus among the warring parties that Barrister Mahadi Aliyu Gusau remains the party’s official candidate for the upcoming governorship race, having secured victory in the ADC primary election. Speaking to reporters in Gusau, the state capital, Guluba sought to debunk rumors suggesting a change in the party’s candidate, labeling such claims as baseless and misleading. He firmly stated that Mahadi Aliyu Gusau continues to be the ADC flagbearer and urged members and supporters to ignore any contrary information.

Guluba further pointed fingers at unnamed individuals, accusing them of spreading falsehoods to incite confusion within the party ranks. In response, the faction aligned with Kabiru Garba Gusau maintained that he is the legitimately recognized state chairman of the ADC for Zamfara. According to this group, any move to acknowledge a different chairman violates the party’s constitution, as Gusau was duly elected through a proper process.

Gusau additionally asserted that his leadership has the backing of the party’s national secretariat, emphasizing that the congress which affirmed his position was conducted under the supervision of officials dispatched from the national headquarters. This development signals intensifying internal friction within the Zamfara ADC as the factions vie for dominance over the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the two sides remain entrenched in their positions regarding leadership, they have consistently voiced unified support for the party’s governorship candidate, Mahadi Aliyu Gusau.