Category: News

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.

A member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has turned himself in to soldiers from the 192 Battalion stationed in Gwoza Local Government Area. The surrender occurred on May 7 around 12:35 PM while troops were performing routine picket duties along the Gwoza–Limankara road, according to security sources.

The individual, speaking to soldiers, disclosed that he fled a terrorist camp in the Drume area, situated near the Mandara Mountains. The report was shared by Zagazola Makama on X, a platform known for security updates. Upon his surrender, troops recovered N3,500 from him.

Currently, the suspect is in military custody undergoing profiling and interrogation as part of standard procedures. Analysts observing the security situation note an uptick in terrorist surrenders in recent months, attributed to intensified military campaigns and persistent pressure on insurgent hideouts throughout the North-East region.

In parallel, Nigerian forces continue to conduct clearance operations, patrols, and interdiction missions across various parts of Borno State. These efforts aim to dismantle remaining terrorist networks and encourage further defections, contributing to the overall stabilization of the area.

Six governorship hopefuls from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State have collectively dismissed the alleged endorsement of former Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Baba Mallam Wali, as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. They insist that only a transparent and competitive primary election will be acceptable.

In a statement released after a meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the aspirants outlined their unified stance. They argued that the reported adoption of Wali contravenes both the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution, calling the process fundamentally flawed.

The group comprises notable figures: Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai representing Yobe South, Bashir Sheriff Machina, former Chairman of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Council, and Kashim Musa Tumsah, former NNPCL board member. Others include Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, ex-Director General of NEMA; Lawan Kolo Geidam, former Mandate Secretary for Youths and Sports in the FCT; and IGP Mohammed Alkali Baba, former Inspector-General of Police.

The statement emphasized that the alleged endorsement fails to meet the legal standards outlined in the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC Constitution, making it null and void. They stressed the need for strict compliance with consensus provisions to guarantee a credible candidate emerges.

Furthermore, the aspirants called for a fair and transparent direct primary election if consensus cannot be achieved, adhering to APC guidelines. They maintained that the rules were disregarded in selecting Wali, and any consensus must follow due process as defined by relevant laws.

The Islamic Coordination Council (ICC) has declared that a Muslim should emerge as the next governor of Oyo State in the 2027 election, challenging recent statements attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde. In a statement signed by its chairman, Sulaiman Abanise, and secretary, Mas’ud Akintola, the council argued that an unofficial but long-standing tradition of religious balancing in the state’s leadership makes it imperative for a Muslim to succeed the current governor.

The ICC pointed to a historical precedent during the 2019 transition, when a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo publicly stated that it was the turn of Christians to govern after former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The council also noted that only six of the 18 individuals who have occupied the Agodi Government House since 1976 were Muslims, reinforcing their demand for a Muslim governor.

The group was responding to remarks Makinde reportedly made at a farewell event for 2026 Hajj pilgrims. The ICC criticized the governor for comparing executive and legislative roles, especially his reference to past Muslim senators, arguing such comparisons ignore the unique power of the governor’s office.

“We are aware that the governor is sufficiently educated to understand the difference between executive and legislative roles,” the statement read. The council described the remarks as “misleading” and an “insult to the intelligence of the citizenry.”

The ICC also questioned the governor’s consistency, highlighting his 2021 decision to appoint a Muslim deputy governor after the impeachment of his former deputy. According to the council, this suggests religious considerations have previously influenced political appointments in the state. The statement further alleged that CAN was involved in consultations with Muslim leaders during Makinde’s re-election campaign.

The group warned that ignoring religious balancing in the 2027 succession could have political consequences, potentially strengthening opposition parties during the election.

Former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Austin Tam-George, has described Governor Sim Fubara’s leadership as the best opportunity for the state to break free from what he termed the excessive self-aggrandizement of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Thursday, Tam-George asserted that while political godfathers are not unusual in Nigeria, Rivers State has experienced a unique situation where a former governor has taken prebendal politics to unprecedented levels.

The former commissioner said, “Fubara’s administration is our best chance to escape Wike’s self-aggrandizement. We have a godfather who has elevated personal enrichment and self-serving politics to a point where the people can no longer accept it.”

Tam-George pointed out that during Wike’s eight-year tenure as governor, no civil servant was promoted in Rivers State. He praised Fubara for being wise enough to shift focus toward meeting the needs of the people. “Governor Fubara has shown wisdom in gravitating toward addressing the welfare of the citizens,” he added.

He reiterated that those supporting Fubara’s administration do so because they believe it represents a departure from the prebendal, self-aggrandizing politics that characterized Wike’s era. “We back Fubara because it is our best shot at a government that prioritizes public good over personal aggrandizement,” Tam-George concluded.