ASP, Two Inspectors Among Six Dismissed Police Officers In Edo For Extortion

By

-

April 13, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

In a renewed push to enforce discipline and accountability within the Force, Edo State Police Command has dismissed six officers over their alleged involvement in an organised extortion ring operating in Benin City.

The Command disclosed that the affected officers were implicated in a criminal syndicate accused of harassing, abducting and extorting unsuspecting residents while posing as legitimate operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the action followed the conclusion of preliminary investigations and internal disciplinary procedures.

According to the statement, the dismissed officers, alongside other accomplices, operated a coordinated network that targeted residents, particularly around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City.

Victims were allegedly forced into vehicles, intimidated, and compelled under duress to transfer money through Point of Sale (POS) operators.

Those named in connection with the syndicate include ASP Bonny Paul Onajite; Inspectors Ehubarieme Wisdom and Arebame God’s Power; Corporals Mordi Philip and Okon Elvis; as well as Destiny Emmanuel, a previously dismissed corporal.

Civilian collaborators identified by the police include POS operator Goodluck Jaja and two mini-bus drivers, Samuel Nicholas and Etim Bright.

The Command said the serving officers underwent orderly room trials, which resulted in their dismissal, while all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Describing the acts as a gross abuse of office and a betrayal of public trust, the police noted that the suspects exploited official uniforms and accoutrements to perpetrate criminal activities, thereby bringing the Force into disrepute.

The Command, however, assured residents of its commitment to sanitising the system and eliminating bad elements, urging members of the public who may have fallen victim to the syndicate to come forward with useful information.

It also warned POS operators and other service providers against facilitating unlawful transactions, stressing that anyone found complicit would face arrest and prosecution.

The police added that the action aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, noting that no officer found culpable would be shielded from the full weight of the law.

ADC Finally Secures Convention Venue, As El-Rufai Promises To Attend In Spirit

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 13, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Detained former Kaduna state Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has assured that he will be aligning and participating at the National Convention of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress ADC despite being in custody.

This is as the party informed that it has, after all, secured a venue for the event in Abuja .

The Source reports that the main opposition party is scheduled to hold its National Convention on Tuesday April 14, 2026, after its ward, local council and state congresses.

Although the party had allegedly faced initial difficulties securing both private and Government-owned facilities as venue for the event, it nevertheless affirmed on Monday that it has gotten approval from the owners of Rainbow Event Centre Abuja to host the Convention.

The party’s national spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, who disclosed this, also assured that arrangements have been concluded for a hitch free Convention at the Rainbow Event Centre within the Area 11 of Abuja .

El-Rufai, while fielding questions from the media during his appearance before a Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday, said he will be attending the scheduled ADC Convention in spirit.

“How about the ADC convention tomorrow?, a journalist asked.

El-Rufai responded: ” Oh, tomorrow is the ADC Convention. I will be there in spirit”

The Source further reports that the former Kaduna state Governor, who is facing inter-agency prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged diversion of public funds, money laundering, abuse of office and security related Offences, was in court for the ruling on his bail application.

However, the court adjourned ruling till tomorrow April 14, same day a Federal High Court Kaduna, is billed to rule on his bail application.

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC since February 18, 2026, when he was granted bail by the EFCC.

“I Am Not Same Level With Shettima, Can’t Engage Him In Public Discourse” – Atiku

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 13, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Chieftain of the African8 Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has slammed Vice President Kashim Shettima over his (Atiku’s) comment on his tenure as Vice President from 1999 to 2007.

Atiku maintained that Shettima was disrespectful to him as he was older and more experienced than him in public life.

Shettima had challenged Atiku to showcase achievements from his 1999–2007 tenure, prompting Atiku to dismiss the challenge, citing Shettima’s “disrespectful” demeanor and lack of maturity.

Shettima demanded a “scorecard” from Atiku, specifically asking for projects implemented in Northern Nigeria and individuals empowered during his time in office.

Speaking during an exclusive interview, Atiku stated that he would not engage Shettima in a public exchange, stressing that respect and decorum are important values, particularly in Northern Nigerian culture.

“I cannot answer Kashim because he is disrespectful and that is not the attitude of an Arewa man,” Atiku said, adding that his age and longer years of experience in public service place him in a different position.

The comments come amid rising political tensions, as exchanges between key figures in Nigeria’s political space continue to draw public attention.

Observers say the development reflects deepening divisions among political leaders, especially as discussions around governance and future elections begin to intensify.

Denial Of Venue: Wike Says ADC Never Applied For The Use Of Eagle Square

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 13, 2026

0

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has rejected claims that the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, has been denied the use of the Eagle Square for its April 14, 2026, National Convention.

This is as he explained that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome which played host to the Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led Peoples Democratic party PDP Convention penultimate week, is under the control of the Federal Ministry of Sports, and not the FCT Administration.

The Source reports that the planned venue of the ADC Convention had been marred in controversy, with initial speculations suggesting that the Management of the Abuja Nicon Hilton Hotel was allegedly forced to cancel at the last minute , earlier bookings by the party.

However ,the management of the Hotel responded swiftly , with an emphatic denial of any such bookings by the party.

Similarly, there were also reports alleging that the opposition party, which is currently locked in a battle of wits with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the status of the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC, has been denied the use of the Eagle Square and the Velodrome for its National Convention by authorities.

But responding to the allegation on Monday during an inspection tour of some ongoing projects, Wike insisted that there were no formal applications for the use of the Eagle Square by the ADC, or any other political party.

According to him, intending users of the national facility normally apply through the Abuja Investments Company Limited which is the supervising authority, with the appropriate payment equally made through the outfit.

He maintained that as at the last check, no such application was filed by the opposition Coalition.

“Who denied them the use of the Eagle Square? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to.

” If it is the African Democratic Congress, ADC, such claims are part of their usual ways of attempting to gain public sympathy”, the FCT stated.

He emphasized that the use of the national facility is subject to adherence to due process, including a formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited.

“When the All Progressive Congress, APC, used the venue, and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed”, he submitted.

Not a few people, however, have the feeling that the ADC is being deliberately frustrated.

Fresh Borno Attack: Terrorists Kill Nigerian Army Colonel, 21 Soldiers

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 13, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Coming few days after a Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army was killed by terrorists, reports say another attack by Boko Haram insurgents of a military outpost in Monguno, Borno State, has left at least 22 soldiers of the Nigerian Army including a Colonel killed.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the overnight assault is said to have occurred as the military was preparing to launch a renewed offensive against the terrorists, who have recently intensified attacks on security forces in the region.

The affected officer, Colonel I.A. Muhammad, along with his troops, was attached to the 242 Battalion in Borno, an area that has remained a major hotspot in the long-running insurgency that has lasted over 17 years.

A spokesperson for the Nigerian Army did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Meanwhile, a video purportedly showing the attack circulated on social media shortly after the incident.

Colonel Muhammad is reported to be among at least six senior officers killed by Boko Haram fighters within the past two weeks.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to intensify military action against insurgents, as the conflict, ongoing since 2009, continues to challenge successive administrations.

“Benisheikh Attack Surprised Me Because Security Agencies Had Prior Information” – Gov Zulum

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

April 13, 2026

0

Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

By Adesina Soyooye

“There is a need to reassess the security architecture”

A seemingly tired and helpless Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has disclosed that Security Agencies had prior knowledge of the attack at the Army Brigade Command Benisheikh.

According to the Governor, Security Agencies knew three days in advance that the attack was coming.

Recall that terrorists of ISWAP and Boko Haram bent launched a devastating offensive on the 15 Task Force Brigade Benisheikh, which resulted in the killing of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah and a number of other troops.

Based on the Governor’s shocking disclosure, the questions then are: What happened? Why were the troops not prepared for the attack? Why was the Brigade not fortified? Why were more troops not moved into the area to avoid the embarrassing overrunning of a Brigade Command and the killing of a Brigadier-General and a number of his troops?

Zulum’s disclosure came when he paid a sympathy visit to the community after the assault that, also, took the lives of several civilians.

The Governor who described the incident as shocking, called for an urgent overhaul of security strategies.

He said: “This is one of the most surprising attacks I’ve witnessed in recent times.

“Credible intelligence had been available for about three days. There is a need to reassess our security architecture.”

The Local Government Chairman also confirmed that intelligence reports were received, and blamed the incident on “a major lapse.”

ADC’s Request For Convention Venue Suffers Setback, As FCT, Private Individuals Reject Letter

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 13, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Few hours to the commencement of its national convention, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is yet to secure a venue for the event.

Virtually all places visited, including government and privately owned event centres, seem to be reluctant to release the property to the Party.

The ADC fixed Tuesday, April 14 for the event, which is expected to attract delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The disclosure was made by a party chieftain, Kola Ologbondiyan, who on Monday, in a post on his X account, detailed what the party described as a series of setbacks and repeated refusals by both government-controlled and private venues.

The situation has raised fresh concerns over alleged attempts to frustrate the party’s activities.

According to Ologbondiyan, the party had formally applied to use the Eagles Square and submitted a letter to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Although the request was acknowledged, he said no approval has been granted.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” he stated.

He further revealed that efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium also failed, despite multiple visits to officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” the statement added.

In what the party described as a worsening situation, Ologbondiyan alleged that privately-owned event centres in Abuja are declining requests from the party due to fear of intimidation or reprisals.

“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC requests for fear of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.

Despite the logistical challenges, the party insisted that its national convention would proceed as planned in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in line with its earlier notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the Notice issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan declared.

The latest development adds to earlier claims by the ADC that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was attempting to stifle opposition activities.

The Party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had previously told SaharaReporters that the party’s request for Eagles Square was ignored, while access to the Velodrome was denied over a purported sporting event.

However, the Presidency, through spokesman Sunday Dare, has denied the allegations, insisting that all political parties have equal rights under the law.

With no confirmed venue and the clock ticking, the ADC’s insistence on proceeding with its convention signals a looming confrontation between the opposition party and authorities.

ADC Holds National Convention, With Party’s Top Brass Rallying Delegates

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 13, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Following completion of congresses in wards, local governments and states level, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to conduct the national delegates Congress on Tuesday.

To this end, the party has nominated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to conduct the convention.

The convention, has a former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke as chairman of the 126-member Convention Planning Committee.

A former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal was named as deputy chairman, while a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami were also named as members.

The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) camp loyal to Kwankwaso, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, will serve as secretary to the committee.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would not monitor the Congress following crisis over the leadership of the party.

One of the factions, is being led by Senator David Mark and the other claimant to the Chairmanship, Nafiu Gombe is also championing the cause of others.

The faction being led by Mark, which is holding its national convention on Tuesday has vowed to go ahead with or without the presence of INEC officials.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will, on Tuesday, hear an appeal filed by Sen. David Mark, the embattled National Chairman, African Democraric Congress (ADC).

Mark is seeking an order staying the execution of the March 12 judgement of the Court of Appeal.

The apex court, in a hearing notice with appeal number: SC/CV/180/2026 between Sen. Mark vs Hon. Nafiu-Bala Gombe and four others, said the proceeding was scheduled for April 14.

The hearing notice, sent to the parties in the case through the Litigation Department of the Supreme Court on Friday, was sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Branded A Witch At 13, Matcheted, Left For Dead, Thrown Into The Bush, Edet Is Today University Graduate

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

April 13, 2026

0

By Adesina Soyooye

This is the unbelievable life story of Asuquo Edet. A native of Ikon-Edikor, Udung Uko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Edet was one of those unfortunate kids life has dealt with in the hands of those that should have protected him the most – his family members.

He lost his biological mother, but still had his loving father who, however, got remarried to a devil of a woman.

At 13 years of age, Edet was branded a witch and cursed and treated differently by his step mother who showered love on her own children. He would have been thrown into the streets to roam and die, but his father who still loved him was an obstacle.

His stepmother hated him and heaped all kinds of allegations against him – a witch, who is responsible for his father’s prolonged illness and the family’s poverty.

Then, his father died, and the teenager was put through hell and thrown into it. As he sat at a corner of his father’s compound mourning his father’s death and the fate life has thrown at him, a group of young men, about 12, led by two of his step brothers, descended on him with machetes, clubs, cables, rods. They put him through a horrifying experience, all the while, asking him why he killed his father.

When they macheted him on the head, and smashed his head, they carried him into the bush, and dumped him there, believing he was dead.

But God and destiny were on his side.

A Danish Aid worker, Anja Rinngerin Loven and her husband, David, who run an organization, ‘Land Of Hope’ rescued him from the bush when they were alerted. They took Asuquo to hospital and took care of all his need. They took care and literally, adopted him as their son.

Out of hospital, they put him back in school where he always passed on top of his class. 13 years later, the “witch” has just graduated from the Akwa Ibom State University. Edet is now a graduate of Genetics and Biotechnology to the shame of his cruel family and the shame of all those who tried to kill him.

His unbelievable story, from an abandoned child to a university graduate was, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Anja Ringgren Loven, the Danish Aid Worker who, along with her husband, David, rescued him in 2014, shared his story and achievement in a tribute on Facebook.

“They beat him with machetes, cables, rods, and sticks, demanding to know why he had ‘killed’ his father. Then they decided to kill him. A machete was smashed into his head. He collapsed. Believing he was dead, they carried his body and threw him into the bushes,” Loven wrote in the tribute.

Following is the full text of Loven’s post on Asuquo Edet:

“I came to Nigeria for the first time 13 years ago.

“One of the very first children my husband, David, and I rescued was Asuquo.

“He had been accused of being a witch by his step mother.

“At the time Asuquo was a young teenager and the brightest student in his class. Life was good. He had a close and loving bond with his father, worked hard, and was known in the village for his kindness, humility and willingness to help others.

“But when his mother died and his father remarried, everything changed.

“His stepmother never accepted him. She blamed him for the family’s hardships, and when his father fell ill, she accused him of being a witch.

“Not long after, his father passed away.

“Asuquo was heartbroken.

“He was sitting in his father’s house, mourning his loss when a group of about a dozen men, led by two of his stepmother own children, stormed in and attacked him.

“They beat him with machetes, cables, rods and sticks, demanding to know why he had ‘killed’ his father.

“Then, they decided to kill him.

“A matchet was smashed into his head. He collapsed. Believing he was dead, they carried his body and threw him into the bushes.

“But Asuquo did not die.

“He survived.

“David and I found him and rescued him. We reported the case to the Police and rushed him to the hospital.

“And there is one moment I will never forget.

“On that very hot day, as he lay there with a deep machete wound in his head, bleeding heavily, Asuquo was not thinking about himself.

“He was worried about me.

“He kept asking if I had enough water to drink.

“That is who Asuquo is.

“We contacted the Media, and his story was published in several newspapers. We wanted the world to know. We wanted justice for him.

“If you have followed my work, you already know Asuquo. He is one of the first children we rescued.

“And you will also know this:

“Year after year, Asuquo has taken the first place in class throughout secondary school and high school.

“He graduated with one of the highest scores. Even his principal did not want him to go.

“Everywhere he goes, he brings calm, kindness and hope.

“He has always been, and will always be an inspiration to our children and our staff.

“And now…after 13 years in our care…

“Words cannot describe how proud I felt when Asuquo sent me his certificate.

“From being left for dead in the bushes… to becoming a university graduate.

“Let that sink in.

“To anyone who claims that children are witches, shame on you!

“To any pastor who spreads these beliefs, shame on you!

“To anyone who labels children, the elderly, or people with disabilities or mental health challenges as witches, shame on you!

“Congratulations, Asuquo.

“You are an inspiration to the world. The future is yours, and I know you will help lead the way for a new generation.

“Thank you to everyone who supports Land of Hope.

“Everything our children achieve… is because of you too.

“I did not give birth to Asuquo…

“But he is, and will always be my son.

Sheikh Gumi Demands Probe Of Pilots Who Carried Airstrike At Jilli Market

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 13, 2026

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has condemned the Nigerian Air Force airstrike that reportedly killed more than 50 civilians at a weekly market in Jilli village along the Borno–Yobe border. Describing it as unfortunate, he demanded for an urgent investigation.

Gumi questioned the accountability of those responsible for the operation, asking who authorised and executed the bombings that hit innocent civilians.

He demanded for the identities of the Pilots who carried out the airstrike, and called for their immediate probe.

In a Facebook Post, Gumi

cited previous incidents, including the Tudun Biri bombing and other reported strikes in Nasarawa and Sokoto, describing them as part of a troubling pattern of attacks affecting non-combatants.

He also argued that terrorism cannot be defeated through actions that endanger civilian lives, insisting that such operations risk undermining public trust.

He called on the Senate to immediately conduct hearings into what he described as repeated “mistakes” involving the bombing of villages, markets, and other Civilian locations.

Gumi: “Who are the Pilots behind these bomb releases on innocent locals?

“Tudun biri, Nasarawa attack on herdsmen trailer, Sokoto attack etc are just the few ones recorded. Terror cannot be fought with another terror.

“There should be an immediate Senate hearings on these so-called ‘mistakes’ on bombing villages, markets and civilians targets.

“We need answers not condolences.”

The airstrike occurred on Saturday evening during peak trading hours at Jilli market, claiming the lives of numerous civilians, with several persons sustaining various degrees of injuries.

It was gathered from eyewitness that multiple fighter jets were involved in the operation.