Category: News

Datti Baba-Ahmed, a prominent figure in the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has made a bold prediction regarding the 2027 presidential election. He asserted that Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State, would emerge victorious over President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, provided the election is conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Baba-Ahmed extolled Duke as one of Nigeria’s most qualified political figures. He lamented that the nation has yet to fully grasp the extent of Duke’s national appeal and leadership abilities.

DAILY POST recalls that Duke recently secured the presidential ticket of the PRP. Baba-Ahmed confidently stated, “In a free and fair election in Nigeria, Donald Duke is the winner.”

He further drew a parallel with the 2023 election, noting that many Nigerians underestimated Peter Obi before the polls. He cautioned against making a similar error by overlooking Duke’s potential this time around.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally announced the revised campaign committees for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. This development was made public through a statement shared on the party’s official X account.

The unveiling of the committees is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the APC National Secretariat located in Abuja. The event marks a key milestone in the party’s preparations for the electoral contest.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has been appointed to serve as the Chairman of the committee, while the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, will act as Co-Chairman. These appointments underscore the party’s strategic alignment ahead of the polls.

The Ekiti State governorship election is set to hold on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and the APC is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to secure victory. The updated committees are expected to coordinate campaign activities across the state effectively.

The administration of Ogun State has refuted widespread claims circulating online that suggest the region is under imminent threat from herdsmen, Boko Haram militants, and other terror groups. In a formal statement, the government labeled these reports as baseless and pure misinformation.

Speaking through Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the authorities confirmed that intelligence gathered from security agencies shows no credible danger. They emphasized that the state remains calm and secure, urging residents to ignore unfounded rumors intended to cause alarm.

According to Akinmade, security forces are fully alert and have implemented robust measures to thwart any attempts by criminals to disturb the peace. He revealed that some individuals spreading the false alerts have been arrested and are being prosecuted. This action, he noted, should deter others from disseminating fake news that could incite panic.

The government highlighted that Ogun enjoys strong collaboration among law enforcement, local leaders, traditional institutions, and community members. This synergy enhances intelligence sharing and rapid response to any potential threats. The administration is also refining state-specific security strategies that integrate conventional policing with traditional security structures to ensure long-term stability.

Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to protecting lives and property through investments in security infrastructure and technology. Residents are encouraged to rely only on official government communications and verified security sources. They can report concerns via the Gateway Shield toll-free line at 0800 000 9111 or emergency numbers 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

The government reiterated that there is no cause for alarm, as security agencies are working tirelessly to keep Ogun safe. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by providing timely information, as security is a collective responsibility.

Growing unease surrounds the federal government’s approach to recent school kidnappings. This unease stems from the contrasting reactions to attacks in Oyo and Borno states, which have sparked accusations of unequal treatment.

On May 16, armed groups struck schools in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area, taking roughly 46 pupils and teachers. Simultaneously, suspected Boko Haram militants abducted 42 students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Borno State’s Askira/Uba Local Government Area. These twin incidents, occurring within hours, represent some of the year’s most notable school abductions.

However, the government’s response has drawn sharp criticism. In Oyo, President Bola Tinubu swiftly ordered coordinated rescue missions and dispatched a high-powered federal delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and other top officials. The delegation visited Ogbomoso and the affected communities on May 31, conveying presidential concern and promising swift action. As an immediate measure, Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo and deployed a specialized security rescue unit.

In contrast, the Borno abduction has received comparatively muted national attention. Weeks after the attack, 42 students remain in captivity, and residents of Askira/Uba and Southern Borno express deep frustration over what they perceive as neglect. Civil society organizations, including the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno State, have publicly decried the disparity. Chairman Abubakar Suleiman noted that no similar high-level delegation has visited Borno, despite its chronic insecurity. Political analyst Abubakar Kareto echoed this, observing that the Oyo incident prompted immediate high-level action, while Borno’s tragedy elicited only routine condemnations. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana urged President Tinubu to extend the same security measures—including forest guard recruitment and a federal delegation—to Borno, emphasizing that all regions deserve equal protection.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Government has visited affected communities and assured residents of ongoing rescue efforts, but fear persists. Security experts argue that while rescues are critical, prevention through intelligence, surveillance, and community-based security must be uniformly implemented across regions facing similar threats.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has formally complained to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, accusing officers from the Enugu State Police Command of misconduct and abuse of authority.

According to DAILY POST, the group claims that law enforcement agents are persecuting local leaders in connection with a land dispute between Ostara Farms Limited and the Okpogho community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State.

RULAAC alleges that police personnel, allegedly acting at the behest of the private firm, are using intimidation tactics against residents over a dispute that is essentially civil in nature.

In a petition dated May 29, 2026, signed by Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organization stated that officers have meddled in an ongoing land litigation, terrorized community members, and leveraged criminal charges to sway a disagreement that is already before multiple courts.

The group explained that the conflict stems from a deal where Ostara Farms Limited purportedly bought roughly 2,000 hectares of communal land from individuals who claimed to represent the community for N50 million.

A large portion of the community has contested the sale, arguing that the agreement was reached under dubious conditions and includes provisions that disproportionately benefit the company.

Several lawsuits regarding ownership and control of the disputed land are currently being heard in Enugu State courts, including case numbers A/24/2025, AWH/41/2022, E/299M/2025, A/58/2025, A/59/2025, A/60/2025, and A/61/2025.

RULAAC expressed concern that police authorities have intensified their involvement in the matter through criminal investigations and prosecutions, despite the pending civil cases.

The organization alleged that criminal accusations stemming from the burning of a company-owned bulldozer by unknown individuals have been used to target vocal critics of the land transaction.

Instead of identifying the actual culprits, the company reportedly provided names of community leaders and opponents of the deal, who were then treated as suspects, the petition stated.

“If these allegations are true, they amount to an abuse of police procedures and a dangerous weaponization of criminal justice to silence dissent, intimidate citizens, and gain an upper hand in a civil matter,” the organization said.

RULAAC also connected the issue to a previous land conflict involving Obeagu Awkunanaw and Amechi Uwani communities and Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA).

The group recalled that concerns regarding police involvement in the PEIWA case had earlier been flagged to the IGP and referred to the Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters.

Additionally, RULAAC referenced findings from the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee Report on Land Matters and Disputes, which was adopted in December 2024.

The organization urged the IGP to instruct the Police Monitoring Unit to immediately take over all investigations and prosecutions related to the Ostara Farms dispute, probe accusations against certain officers, and review any criminal proceedings that may have been initiated solely for harassment or intimidation.

In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also called on the IGP to step in regarding two criminal cases before the Federal High Court in Enugu, where police authorities have repeatedly failed to produce defendants for arraignment.

The cases are Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.

According to RULAAC, charges were filed after investigations by the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, indicating that probes were complete and prosecution was ready.

However, the organization lamented that despite the charges being filed, the defendants have consistently not been brought to court for plea-taking, causing significant delays.

The cases were before the Federal High Court on May 20, 2026, where the court reportedly expressed frustration over the prosecution’s inability to present the defendants for plea.

RULAAC warned that continued delays could result in the cases being dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution, eroding public trust in the justice system.

The group urged the IGP to direct the FCID Annex, Enugu, and the FID, Abuja, through the Directorate of Legal Services, to ensure defendants are produced on the next adjourned date of June 18, 2026, and to facilitate diligent prosecution.

RULAAC maintained that its actions are aimed at preserving the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that police powers are used fairly and in line with the rule of law.

As of the time of this report, the police have not issued any public response to the petition.

In Katsina State, a senior cleric has sounded the alarm over the closure of no fewer than ten churches following escalating bandit attacks. The Reverend in charge of ECWA in the region, Rev. Daniel Barau, revealed that worshippers and pastors have been forced to abandon their places of worship as insecurity worsens across multiple communities.

According to Barau, the affected local government areas include Kankia, Musawa, Kankara, and Malumfashi, where persistent raids, kidnappings, and killings have created a climate of fear. He described the situation in the Funtua zone as dire, noting that attacks occur daily, often at any time of day or night.

“There is hardly a day without an attack,” the cleric stated. “Bandits kidnap people, assault women, steal property, and kill anyone who resists.” He also alleged that armed groups are now demanding levies from farming communities before allowing them access to their fields for the current planting season.

Barau claimed that residents of Mazoji (B) Ward have been ordered to pay N30 million, while communities such as Maruji, Dan Ali, Ilali, Gwarjo, and Jimpi face demands of N10 million each. Over the last two weeks, he said, more than 20 people have lost their lives in the affected areas.

The insecurity has severely disrupted Christian worship, leading to the shutdown of churches in Boraji under Siyyaya Chiefdom, Yan Sako in Musawa and Matazu areas, as well as Tagabawa in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area. Pastors have fled communities like Kakilawa, Sabon Layi Mazoji, and Gidan Mai Doki, leaving churches abandoned. Other closed places of worship include ECWA Church in Jimpi, a church in Gidan Damo, Mararar Kankara, a Catholic Church in Gidan Na Moni, and a church in Yan Mayu Takalafiya.

Rev. Barau appealed to the federal government, the Katsina State government, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to urgently provide security reinforcements and humanitarian aid. “We plead for immediate intervention to prevent further displacement and loss of life,” he said, warning that without decisive action, more communities will be uprooted and religious activities will be completely halted.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially received the findings of an independent investigative committee established to probe allegations of corruption, torture, and other human rights abuses within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made this known through a statement on his official social media handle. The panel, chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani, completed its work after an 18-month investigation that began in November 2024.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the report’s conclusions will shape future reforms aimed at transforming correctional facilities across the country. He stated, ‘The findings will serve as a strong foundation for converting our correctional centers from mere holding places into true hubs of rehabilitation, reformation, restoration, and reintegration.’

The minister also highlighted progress in rehabilitation programs, noting a sharp decline in recidivism—from 11,616 inmates in 2023 to just 1,382 in 2025. Additionally, 62 inmates are now pursuing postgraduate degrees, 261 are enrolled in undergraduate programs, 1,125 are involved in ongoing educational studies, and 9,582 are participating in vocational and skill acquisition training.

‘As a government, we are dedicated to ensuring that no Nigerian, whether free or incarcerated, is left behind,’ Tunji-Ojo added. The government plans to implement the panel’s recommendations through robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to strengthen correctional administration. ‘Our goal is clear. Never again should our correctional centers be associated with dehumanization, corruption, or discrimination,’ he concluded.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced a special compensation package for Band A electricity customers who experienced power supply shortfalls due to grid generation constraints during February and March 2026. The announcement was made in a public notice on Thursday, citing significant generation deficits across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) that prevented Distribution Companies (DisCos) from meeting their committed service levels to some Band A customers.

According to NERC, these shortfalls stemmed largely from inadequate gas supply and vandalism of critical gas and transmission infrastructure—factors beyond the control of DisCos. The compensation covers the two-month period and applies to eligible customers on feeders that underperformed.

For Band A feeders that delivered an average of 18 to 20 hours of daily supply, existing compensation rules under Addendum No. NERC/2024/003 will apply for both Maximum Demand (MD) and Non-Maximum Demand (Non-MD) customers. However, feeders that supplied less than 18 hours will not be downgraded; instead, Non-MD customers will receive compensation equal to 20% of the approved February 2026 energy cap for their feeder, while MD customers will get 20% of the average energy billed per MD customer in February 2026.

Prepaid customers will receive their compensation as token credits, while postpaid customers will see adjustments on their bills. NERC has mandated that compensation for February 2026 be completed by May 31, 2026, and for March 2026 by June 30, 2026. The commission also prohibited DisCos from using compensation credits to offset any existing customer debts and required them to clearly inform customers of the amount and period of compensation.

NERC reiterated its commitment to protecting electricity consumers and ensuring market stability. It will continue to monitor implementation and verify compliance to guarantee that all eligible customers receive their due compensation.

In a fresh wave of controversy, Prophet Jacob Dangyang, a clergyman based in Jos, Plateau State, has accused Fulani herders of forcefully occupying his community’s ancestral lands in Fass District, Riyom Local Government Area. The prophet, who leads the Global UpperRoom Revival Ministries, shared his allegations on social media, describing a distressing transformation from peaceful coexistence to violent takeover.

According to Dangyang, Fulani bandits have been attacking villages in Fass, killing or displacing residents, then planting their flags and renaming the areas they conquer. He recalled his childhood in Fass, where Fulani herders would peacefully graze during the dry season and leave before the rains, fertilizing the land with their cattle. This harmonious cycle persisted for generations, but suddenly shifted when the visitors turned aggressive, seizing control of the village and its farmlands.

The prophet lamented that many indigenous families, including his own, lost their properties. He stated that Fass is now predominantly Fulani, and original landowners like himself no longer have access to their own farmlands. He expressed frustration that his outcry has been met with threats and accusations of inciting unrest from authorities, who urge him to remain silent. But Dangyang insists he cannot stay quiet while families suffer such immense losses.

He declared his unwavering determination to speak out against the atrocities, emphasizing that he has only scratched the surface of what is occurring across Plateau. He called for the church to defend itself by acquiring weapons, a stance that has led to calls for his arrest. Dangyang challenged his critics, questioning why authorities focus on silencing him instead of arresting those who attack churches and kidnap worshippers. He asserted, “The land of Plateau will fight against the enemies of Plateau, and Jesus Christ will give us victory.”

Despite some improvements in Nigeria’s security landscape over recent years, the nation cannot be described as completely safe, according to a security expert. In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, retired Army Captain and Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, shared his perspective on President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary address.

President Tinubu had stated that security conditions are improving in parts of the country, citing military operations and reforms yielding results against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. Adamu noted that both statements—that some areas are safer and that serious insecurity persists—can coexist. He acknowledged that highways once notorious for kidnappings now have heightened military and police presence, and some terrorist leaders have been neutralized, but stressed that significant challenges remain.

Adamu pointed out that kidnappings for ransom continue in the North-West and North-Central regions, and rural communities still suffer attacks from bandits and armed groups. Farmers, herders, and travelers remain vulnerable. He emphasized that security gains are uneven and vary by state, making it premature to declare the country fully secure.

On whether security agencies can locate bandits and end the crisis, Adamu affirmed that modern agencies have intelligence capabilities, surveillance technology, and community networks to track criminal activities. However, completely ending banditry is complex due to vast forests, difficult terrain, alleged informants within communities, weak border controls, poverty, and unemployment that facilitate recruitment. He stressed that prosecution and conviction rates are often inadequate.

Despite these hurdles, Adamu believes banditry can be drastically reduced with stronger political will, better intelligence coordination, improved accountability, and sustained operations. He added that tackling insecurity goes beyond locating criminals; it requires arresting and prosecuting them, disrupting funding sources, stopping arms supplies, protecting vulnerable communities, and addressing the social and economic drivers of recruitment.

In summary, Adamu stated that while some regions show security improvements, persistent kidnappings and bandit attacks indicate much remains undone. Security agencies can locate bandit networks, but ending banditry demands a comprehensive, sustained national effort—not just military action alone.