Category: News

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional leaders across Yorubaland to intensify collaboration with security forces to tackle the growing threats of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the region. He made this appeal during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Ifa Festival held in Ile-Ife.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Moses Olafare, the monarch emphasized that traditional institutions must work more closely with one another and maintain strong ties with government authorities and security operatives. He argued that community-driven approaches could significantly bolster official security efforts.

The Ooni underscored the crucial role of traditional institutions in preserving peace and stability at the grassroots level. He urged royal fathers to draw inspiration from ancestral values to confront criminal elements threatening the safety of residents. “We must unite our traditional powers, spiritual heritage, and communal values to drive out bandits, kidnappers, and all criminals from Yorubaland and Nigeria at large. Our forebears stood for justice, peace, and communal harmony, and we must invoke these values at this critical juncture,” he stated.

He called on monarchs to take a more proactive stance in protecting their domains, describing insecurity as a collective challenge requiring action from every segment of society. “We must rise together against the scourge of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear. Traditional rulers must shoulder greater responsibility for safeguarding their communities while backing the government and security agencies,” the Ooni added.

Acknowledging the security challenges facing the nation, Oba Ogunwusi commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its ongoing efforts to address public safety threats. He stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration among governments, traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders, and citizens. “This is a time for unity. The government alone cannot solve the nation’s security problems. Traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens must join hands to support ongoing efforts to secure our country,” he said.

During the festival, the Ooni also offered special prayers for the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states. Describing the incidents as distressing and unacceptable, he prayed for their immediate release and expressed hope that affected families would soon be reunited with their loved ones.

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has successfully retrieved N521.8 million in unremitted Value Added Tax (VAT) from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This recovery stems from an ongoing investigation into revenue losses tied to transactions processed via the Remita platform.

The committee’s probe focused on remittance practices and compliance with Treasury Single Account (TSA) guidelines among government agencies. Following a House resolution, the investigation targeted allegations of revenue leakages through Remita and non-adherence to operational protocols.

Bamidele Salam, the committee chairman, stated that a review of transaction records and remittance flows uncovered outstanding obligations to the Federal Government. Specifically, the CBN failed to remit N521,765,134.17 in VAT, which represented tax deductions from Remita transaction fees collected between November 2018 and April 2024.

In response, the committee ordered the central bank to transfer the overdue amount to the government’s treasury and provide proof of payment. On May 7, 2026, the CBN confirmed compliance via a letter, attaching documentation verifying the remittance of the N521.8 million.

Salam hailed the recovery as a major achievement for the committee’s oversight role, emphasizing that legislative scrutiny is vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds. He reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to enforcing financial regulations and securing full revenue remittances from all government entities.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially unveiled the deployment list for prospective corps members under the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I mobilization exercise. The announcement was made on Monday via the agency’s official social media handle, informing all eligible graduates that they can now access their posting details.

According to the scheme, the published list assigns each graduate to a specific state where they will carry out their compulsory one-year national service. This marks a crucial step in the mobilization process, occurring just before the orientation camp for this batch commences.

Prospective corps members are advised to visit the NYSC portal to confirm their deployment status. The platform also provides additional information such as reporting dates, camp requirements, and other essential guidelines for a smooth service year. This release brings clarity to thousands of graduates eagerly awaiting their postings.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 elections, has opened up about his personal encounters with ethnic bias. He revealed that as an Igbo man, he has faced unfair judgment and labeling based on his heritage. Obi made these remarks on X, where he criticized the growing habit of linking criminal acts to specific ethnic groups.

He emphasized that this experience is not exclusive to the Igbo people, pointing out that many Nigerians have been reduced to their ethnic identity rather than being seen for who they truly are. The former governor of Anambra State expressed empathy for ordinary Fulani individuals who are often wrongly accused for crimes committed by people they do not know or endorse.

According to him, offenders should be judged by their deeds, not by their ethnic background. He stated clearly that a criminal is a criminal regardless of tribe, and such individuals must be identified, arrested, and dealt with according to the law. Obi drew inspiration from the civil rights movement in the United States, citing Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream that people would be evaluated by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.

He stressed that every ethnic group in Nigeria has its own distinct culture, skills, and contributions, while crime knows no ethnic boundary. Obi called on Nigerians to avoid the dangerous practice of blaming entire communities for the misdeeds of a few, warning that such attitudes breed hatred and weaken national unity. He urged a greater appreciation of the country’s cultural diversity and a renewed commitment to justice, mutual respect, and national togetherness.

In a decisive operation, soldiers from the Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) task force have liberated a clergyman and his spouse from the grasp of kidnappers in Faggem village, located within Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The rescue mission unfolded on Friday, June 5, 2026, after the couple was seized by armed assailants. Responding swiftly to a distress signal, the troops tracked the criminals to a hideout in a nearby forest, where they found the victims injured but alive.

According to Captain Polycarp Oteh, the Media Information Officer for the task force, the pastor and his wife sustained wounds during the initial abduction. They were immediately evacuated to a medical facility in Bokkos for treatment. The troops also recovered eight empty casings of 7.62mm special ammunition at the scene, indicating the kidnappers’ firepower. A manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, as the military remains committed to eradicating criminal activities from the region’s highways and communities.

Captain Oteh emphasized that the task force will not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety of residents and travelers. This successful operation marks another victory in the ongoing campaign against banditry and kidnapping in Plateau State, reflecting the troops’ readiness to respond to emergencies and protect vulnerable citizens.

The Kano State Fire Service has disclosed that it responded to 58 fire outbreaks and recorded 13 deaths throughout the state during May 2026.

According to a statement released by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the Director of the Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, provided a breakdown of the month’s operations.

Between May 1 and May 31, the service handled a total of 80 emergency calls. These included 58 fire incidents, 15 rescue operations, and seven false alarms. The 13 fatalities stemmed from various causes, including fires, road accidents, and incidents involving ponds and wells.

Despite these losses, the service successfully rescued 34 people during rescue missions across the state. The director also noted that fires destroyed property valued at over ₦144 million, but timely firefighting efforts saved property worth approximately ₦437 million.

Anas urged residents to prioritize fire safety and handle fire-related activities carefully to prevent avoidable incidents. He assured that the Kano State Fire Service remains dedicated to protecting lives and property through rapid response, public education, and preventive strategies.

A recent incident involving officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Housing confronting a homeowner about solar panels has sparked widespread outrage among the public. The viral video shows enforcement officers demanding approvals and payments for the installation, leading many to question the government’s motives.

In response, the state government clarified that the requirement only applies to residents of government-owned social housing estates, not private property owners. Wale Ajetunmobi, a media aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that these fees are administrative charges for structural alterations in shared spaces within those estates. He emphasized that the policy aims to manage liabilities and ensure compliance with planning laws.

Despite the clarification, critics remain unconvinced. Many argue that the government is penalizing citizens for seeking alternatives to the unreliable public power supply. Businessman Anthony Osewele described it as taxing a natural resource, while lawyer Marcellus Onah noted that people are forced to provide their own electricity due to government failure. Estate agent Rowland Adebayo added that Lagosians are already overwhelmed by multiple levies without corresponding services.

The debate has escalated into a broader discussion on governance and the limits of state control, with some fearing that the policy could eventually extend to all homeowners. Residents are calling for the law to be scrapped, viewing it as an unfair commercialization of basic survival needs in a city grappling with economic challenges.

Solomon Dalung, a former Minister of Youths and Sports, has revealed that the founders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition swore an oath during its formation. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Dalung explained that the oath bound members to prioritize Nigeria over personal aspirations.

According to Dalung, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, many coalition members have since violated that pledge. He expressed disappointment that individual ambitions now overshadow the collective vision that initially united the group.

Dalung acknowledged that while the coalition remains active, it has lost the strength and unity it had at its inception. When asked about internal disputes within the ADC, he stated that controversies are inevitable in politics and that anyone claiming otherwise is being dishonest. He reaffirmed his own commitment to the original oath, even as others stray from it.

The former minister pointed out that the coalition’s current instability stems from personal interests taking precedence over the early agreement. He concluded by noting that the ADC is not dead, but it is no longer as resilient as it once was.

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has firmly rejected any notion that there is discord between him and Peter Obi, who is now the 2027 presidential flagbearer for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). In a recent interview on Channels TV, he addressed critics who pointed to his inability to secure his ward and local government for the Labour Party during the 2023 elections.

According to Datti, Obi remains a highly respected political figure, despite their current affiliation with different parties. He emphasized that their relationship is built on mutual respect and admiration. “Nobody will cause a problem between me and my boss, Peter Obi,” Datti stated, underscoring that their bond cannot be disrupted by external forces. He further remarked, “Peter Obi and I have mutual respect for each other, so nobody will come between us,” reaffirming his unwavering regard for Obi’s governance style and integrity.

The statement comes amid ongoing political realignments and speculations about potential fractures within opposition circles. Datti’s comments serve as a clear message that his loyalty to Obi transcends party lines.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmen from various local government areas in Lagos State have issued a strong appeal to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). They are urging the NWC to honour the results of the governorship primary election and respect the collective will of party members.

In a communiqué released after a meeting of the Forum of Local Government Area Chairmen of ADC in Lagos, the leaders expressed concerns over attempts to undermine the democratic process. The statement, jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Anaere Ugochukwu, and Secretary, Oluwabukola Okeowo, highlighted what they see as efforts to set aside the mandate given by members during the primary.

The chairmen reaffirmed their confidence in the state party leadership, particularly ADC Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru and the State Executive Committee. They praised the committee’s efforts in steering the party’s affairs effectively.

According to the forum, the credibility and future growth of any political party hinge on its dedication to internal democracy and adherence to members’ decisions. They insisted that the votes cast by party faithful must remain the ultimate basis for selecting candidates, warning against any actions that could erode members’ trust.

“As grassroots leaders, we firmly believe that the strength and integrity of a political party are anchored on democratic principles. The collective decision of our members must be upheld without exception,” the communiqué noted.

The forum argued that the ADC’s electoral prospects in upcoming elections would largely depend on the confidence and loyalty of its members and supporters statewide. They urged the national leadership to carefully review the issues surrounding the Lagos governorship primary and ensure that any final decision aligns with the party’s constitution and democratic norms.

The chairmen cautioned that moves perceived as disregarding the preferences of party members could weaken the party’s foundation at the grassroots level and hinder its electoral success. They further appealed to the National Secretariat and NWC to allow the mandate freely expressed during the primary to stand, describing this as essential for preserving unity and stability within the party.

According to the forum, respecting the primary outcome will boost the ADC’s chances of becoming a major political force in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group emphasized that a commitment to democratic values is crucial if the party intends to build on its growing support and achieve electoral victory in the state.