Mustapha Abdullahi, DG Energy Commission, Arrested By EFCC Over Alleged N500bn Fraud

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May 13, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. He was alleged to have been arrested over money laundering offences running into N500 billion.

Unconfirmed reports said a source within the EFCC, told the Press in confidence that Abdullahi was arrested on Wednesday in Abuja and is currently under the custody of the EFCC.

Even though there has been no confirmation by the EFCC, a source within the Commission confided: “We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of N500bn.”

Dr. Abdullahi was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 24, 2023, as the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

Ahead Of APC Primary Election, Ondo Police Command Deploys Teams

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Ayodele Oni

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May 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

As the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State commences its primary election on Friday, the state government has called on party members to conduct themselves peacefully during the upcoming party primaries.

The exercise is expected to last for three days.

This is just as the Ondo State Police Command commenced a statewide show-of-force operation ahead of the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections following growing concerns over possible violence and alleged influx of political thugs into parts of the state.

The police action comes amid rising tension in several communities, including Owo, Idanre, Akure, Irele and Okitipupa, where residents had earlier raised fears over security threats linked to the APC primaries scheduled to begin on Friday.

Leading the security operation on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, visited Idanre and Owo Local Government Areas alongside senior police officers, tactical commanders and other security personnel.

According to the command, the exercise involved the deployment of conventional police operatives, tactical squads, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets aimed at preventing breakdown of law and order before, during and after the political activities.

The development is believed to be a direct response to mounting fears among residents following violence that reportedly marred the APC congresses in the state.

The primary is expected to select candidates for the House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and Senate.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by. Idowu Ajanaku, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the government emphasised the importance of the exercise as a vital democratic process for the ruling party.

“We urge all aspirants, party leaders, and supporters to ensure the exercise remains hitch-free, transparent, and devoid of violence or rancour before, during, and after the polls,” the statement said.

The government reiterated that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is committed to maintaining orderliness throughout the exercise, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Ondo State must continue to remain a model of political maturity and democratic excellence through the conduct of party members,” the statement stressed.

The statement added that the Ondo State Government has officially adopted direct primaries, aligning with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, which stated that “direct primaries should be adopted in situations where there is no agreed consensus candidate.”

The statement confirmed the state chapter’s commitment to abiding by the guidelines and internal democratic principles set by the national leadership of the APC in Abuja.

Describing the primary as a significant boost for the party’s preparations towards future electoral victories, the government highlighted the importance of unity and discipline among party members.

“Unity, discipline, and peaceful coexistence among party members will further strengthen the APC as one political family working towards a common goal.

“We urge all stakeholders to place the interest of the party and the state above personal ambition.”

Anambra Police Command Arrests Killer Of Pentecostal Bishop In Delta

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Ayodele Oni

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May 13, 2026

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Killer Of Pentecostal Bishop arrested in Delta

By Ayodele Oni

Anambra State Police command has arrested a domestic staff member allegedly linked to the murder of a Pentecostal Bishop in Delta State.

He was allegedly arrested at a point where he attempted to sell the cleric’s stolen Toyota Prado Jeep in Anambra.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed that the suspect, who reportedly served as the bishop’s driver and domestic aide, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.

The Bishop, who was said to have been hit with a mortar at the back of his head on Tuesday, died immediately before help could come his way.

The alleged killer, who was also his personal driver , was reported to have driven away with the victim’s Prodo jeep and was about to dispose of it at Akwuzu in Anambra State when he was apprehended by the police who have been on his trail since the incident took place on Tuesday.

According to the police, the victim was a bishop of End-Reconciliation Ministry based in Asaba.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly conspired with other criminal elements, currently at large, to murder his employer before fleeing with the victim’s Toyota Prado Jeep to Anambra State for disposal.

“The breakthrough followed a swift intelligence-led operation by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, which led to the arrest of the suspect and another individual alleged to be the buyer of the stolen vehicle,” the statement said.

The police added that operatives tracked and intercepted the suspects in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, where the stolen vehicle was recovered.

South East APC Faults Allegation Of N800 Billion Fraud Against PGF Chairman, Gov Uzodimma

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Ayodele Oni

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May 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The South-east chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted allegation against Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who is also Chairman Progressive Governors Forum, (PGF), of involvement in the diversion of ₦800 billion in campaign funds. It described the claim as false, misleading, and politically driven.

The Party maintained that Governor Uzodimma remains focused on delivering good governance, sustainable development, and improved welfare for residents of Imo State, stressing that the allegations were designed to distract him from ongoing developmental efforts.

The allegation has led to report and counter report on purported removal of governor Uzodimma as PGF Chairman.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the APC National Vice-Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, noted that the governor had come under increased political attacks, following reports of his interest in contesting the Imo East senatorial seat in 2027.

The party alleged that the accusation formed part of a wider campaign of blackmail aimed at undermining Uzodimma’s political relevance, insisting that every citizen reserves the right to pursue political ambitions without intimidation or defamation.

Reacting to claims that ₦800 billion was diverted from funds allegedly contributed by members of the PGF for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, the APC South-East described the allegation as “factually incorrect and logically impossible.”

According to the party, no official campaign structure or funding arrangement had been activated due to legal restrictions on political campaigning.

The party further explained that the Progressive Governors Forum is not a campaign body and, therefore, has no mandate to collect or manage election-related funds, adding that such claims were inconsistent with established political procedures.

It also questioned the credibility of the ₦800 billion figure, describing it as unrealistic and mathematically implausible, noting that it would imply an average contribution of about ₦26 billion per APC governor.

The APC emphasized that Governor Uzodimma has maintained a record of transparency and accountability in public service and has not been linked to any form of financial misconduct, urging critics to refrain from what it called baseless propaganda.

The party called on opposition figures to prioritize constructive engagement and issue-based politics, rather than what it described as fabricated allegations intended to mislead the public

Why We Rejected Obi, Kwankwaso In PRP When They Approached Us – Nat. Chair, Baba-Ahmed

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Ayodele Oni

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May 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, has revealed that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, first made an attempt to join the party.

He explained that they came with conditions one of which was automatic presidential ticket of the party.

Speaking during a Hausa political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed revealed that discussions between the PRP and the two politicians broke down after disagreements over conditions for joining the party.

According to him, Obi and Kwankwaso initially approached the PRP for possible collaboration and negotiations progressed to the point where a committee was proposed to continue talks.

“They came and said they wanted to join the PRP, but when we sat down and discussed with them, there were certain demands they made,” he said.

Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joins NDC — Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joined NDC

The PRP chairman revealed that one of the major issues was the request by both politicians to secure the party’s presidential ticket without facing internal opposition.

“Before they joined, they told us that they were the presidential candidates, meaning they should be given the ticket. We told them no, this is PRP; we do not practice that kind of politics.”

He stated that the party insisted that Obi and Kwankwaso must first formally join the PRP and follow its laid-down procedures before seeking any elective position.

“I told them: first come into the party. After joining, you can then tell me, ‘I am Obi and I want to run for president,’ and ‘I am Kwankwaso and I want to be his running mate.’

“But for you to come even before a decision is made and ask us to guarantee you the ticket without opposition if you are truly strong contenders, then why fear competition?” he asked.

Baba-Ahmed admitted that the PRP leadership acknowledged the political influence and support base of both men, but maintained that the party could not violate its constitution and internal democratic procedure.

“We believed that if anyone entered a room and saw Obi and Kwankwaso, they would think strong contenders had arrived. But we cannot break our party’s rules.”

He further disclosed that the camps of the two politicians also requested a significant number of party positions because of the supporters they intended to bring into the PRP.

“They requested that many positions be given to them because they said they had many supporters. We told them this was not a problem come into the party first, then we can sit down and discuss,” he added.

The PRP chairman said that concerns over the party’s status on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal and internal disputes within the party contributed to the collapse of the talks.

24 Suspected Cultists Arrested In Ondo During Pre Initiation Ceremony

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Ayodele Oni

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May 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 24 suspected cult members as their initiation was being planned.

The Special Anti-Cultism squad stormed venue of the initiation ceremony at Ile-Oluji and rounded up the suspects.

The command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement on Wednesday, revealed that 24 suspected members of the dreaded Aiye Confraternity were picked up during a planned initiation and unlawful gathering in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Akure, swung into action on Saturday, 10th May, 2026 leading to the successful interception and arrest of the suspects.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, all males, allegedly converged from different parts of the State and beyond for initiation rites and a secret cult meeting held in a bush concealed within Ile-Oluji town.

“The operation was executed professionally and without incident, thereby preventing what could have posed a serious threat to public peace and security in the area.

“Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include two Aiye confraternity crested caps, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and several mobile phones believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy and all forms of violent crimes capable of undermining the safety of residents in the State.

He warned criminal elements and individuals involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately, noting that the Command remains resolute in identifying, tracking and prosecuting those involved in activities capable of disrupting public order.

Fmr. Minister Mamman On The Run As Court Jails Him 75 Years

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Ayodele Oni

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May 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court has slammed former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman with 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

The Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC) said he diverted the funds using some ministry officials, private companies, and Bureau de Change operators.

Mamman, who recently bought the Taraba State APC governorship forms, also faces a separate case at the FCT High Court in Maitama, where he is accused of diverting N31 billion meant for the Mambilla Power Project.

The Court had earlier pronounced his conviction during the last sitting despite opposition by his lawyers.

Delivering the judgment Wednesday, Justice Omotosho sentenced Mamman, who is on the run and was absent at the last court sitting, on each count and ordered that the sentences run consecutively. Combined, the sentences amount to 75 years.

Justice Omotosho also ordered that the sentence will start to run from the day the convict is arrested.

He also directed security agents, including Interpol, to arrest the convict wherever he is found.

Monies recovered from him, as well as the properties, will be forfeited to the federal government.

The convict is ordered to pay the outstanding balance of N22 billion meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

2027: Finally, Obasa Leaves Lagos House Speakership, Declares For House Of Reps Seat

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 13, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly has finally bowed to pressure from the powers- that-be in the Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, and would, in 2027, vacate the seat of t Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, a seak hebhas occupied for 12 years.

Obasa has declared his intention to contest for the Agege Federal Constituency Seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the forthcoming Primaries of the APC.

He announced his decision on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Agege, Lagos, stating that leaders of the APC in the area have encouraged him to join the race for the Federal Legislative position.

During the gathering, the Speaker also appealed to Party members and stakeholders to support the aspiration of former Chairman of Agege Local Government Council, Ganiyu Egunjobi, who is seeking to represent Agege Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Egunjobi will be replacing Obasa as Lawmaker representing Agege 1 Constituency in LAHA.

He further endorsed Azeez Oladapo Yusuf Ninolowo for the Agege Constituency II Seat in the State Assembly.

It would be recalled that Obasa had stated his intention to run for the Governorship Seat, where he openly challenged the power of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and stated that he had what it takes to be the Governor of the State.

This was the genesis of the crisis that led to his impeachment by his colleagues in 2025, before he was reinstated on the orders of President Bola Tinubu.

Before he resorted to running for the House of Representatives Seat. He had stated his intention to run for the Senate, where he had planned to unseat Senator Idayat Adebule, who is representing Lagos West at the Red Chamber, but his plans failed.

Obasa has been Speaker of LAHA for three terms since taking over the saddle from former Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who was in the saddle from 2005 to 2015.

Political Observers opined that Obasa had fallen from his olympian height to have settled for the House of Representatives Seat, while his former Deputy Speaker, Senator Wasiu Sani Eshilokun is going for the Second Term in the Senate, representing Lagos Central Senatorial Zone.

With his decision to run for the Agege Federal Constituency Seat at the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly, Obasa will unseat Hon. Wale Ahmed who is occupying the Seat, as he will not be given the nod for a second term.

Obasa, unarguably, is the most powerful Speaker in the country. His son is the Chairman of the Agege Local Government Area.

“South African President Owns Appreciable Shares In MTN” – Oshiomhole… Not True, The Senator Lied – Rufai Oseni

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 13, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

One of Arise Television’s Anchor persons, the fiery Rufai Oseni, on Wednesday put a lie to Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s claims that South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa owns appreciable shares in MTN.

Oshiomhole made the claim, Tuesday, May 12, when he appeared as a guest on Arise Television’s flagship programme, The Morning Show.

Asked by Oseni why he called, on the floor of the Senate Chambers, for the nationalisation of South African companies because of Xenophobic attacks on Africans, especially, Nigerians in that country. In answer, Senator Oshiomhole doubled down. He said more companies than he mentioned on the floor, owned by South Africans, should be given same treatment. And when Oseni really took him up on that and the impact it will have on Nigeria, a country looking for investors, Oshiomhole raised the antenna and flaunted what his contribution on the floor achieved.

He began by claiming that President Ramphosa is a big time investor in MTN and that after his call, where he also threatened that Ramphosa will beg Nigeria on his knees, the South African President quickly condemned Xenophobia, and warned his subjects to stop – something he had not done before. He claimed the glory for that, indirectly, some people say, confirming that the Federal Government of Nigeria, has been soft on South Africa.

Oshiomhole’s words: “After I spoke and accused the South African President of doing nothing and that he will go on his knees to beg when we hit him, he has made a broadcast condemning the attack which he did not do before I said it”

And on Oseni’s argument on the loss of jobs, and Nigerians who hold shares there, Oshiomhole says those do not compare to lives.

But on Wednesday, May 13, during the Arise TV Morning Show, Oseni let it be known that Oshiomhole got his facts wrong on Ramphosa and his MTN shares.

According to Oseni, from “empirical evidence”, Oshiomhole was wrong. The South African President, he said, has no shares in MTN. He had an interest in a company, 30 percent, he said, which invested in MTN. However, Oseni disclosed, Ramphosa had since a number of years, divested his interest from the company.

However, most Nigerians are in support of Oshiomhole’s tit-for-tat stand against South Africa over their atrocious treatment of Nigerians in their country. “HIT BACK AT SOUTH AFRICA”, they chorus.

Broken Hearts As Fans, Colleagues Mourn Actor, Alexx Ekubo

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 13, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The death of the very handsome Nollywood Actor, Alexx Ekubo has thrown the Entertainment Industry into deep mourning.

Families, colleagues and fans, who are yet to come to terms with his sudden demise are, at once, heartbroken, shattered and devastated.

The 40-year old thespian, unknown to many had been battling with liver Cancer.

He endured and carried his cross with uncommon grace which added to the

shock of many of his colleagues who are falling over themselves to pay him tribute.

Ekubo was the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr. Nigeria Contest. He then rose to prominence in the Nollywood blockbuster, Weekend Getaway.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Kate Henshaw, expressed shock and regret over Ekubo’s passing and revealed that she had been trying to reach him without realising the severity of his condition.

Taking to her X handle, Henshaw initially reacted to the breaking news with a post that captured her disbelief.

“I just heard a terrible news! Father Lord plsssss ,” she wrote.

She said she was kept in the dark over his illness, explaining that she had been sending him messages that went unacknowledged.

“I had no idea. Been sending chats no response…I just decided to give him some breathing space not knowing,” she responded.

An X user, the_beardedsina, commented on the devastating impact of the disease.

“Cancer has really taken so many lives. One day, we will have a total cure. Rest in peace, Alexx Ekubo.”

“I hope it comes really quick! It is needed urgently,” Henshaw responded.

Funke Akindele, Actress, filmmaker and Queen of Movie Box Office, shared a post on her Instagram story, revealing her own attempts to see the actor before he passed.

“Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace, Alex,” she wrote.

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also reacted. “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

Singer Peter Okoye simply posted, “RIP.”

Veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo wrote, “Life is not only fickle, it can also feel unreal. Even as I type this, I still struggle to fully process it, and it deeply saddens me to hear this news.

“Rest in peace to a truly great soul. You came, you saw, and you conquered. We are proud of the life you lived, the journey you embraced, and the legacy you leave behind.

Sleep well, our dear Alex.”

Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore described the late actor as a rare talent.

“My profound condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo, who I understand passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer,” Sowore wrote on X.

“I never met him personally, but I still cannot forget a movie of his I watched on an Emirates flight from New York to Dubai en route to Nairobi. He was a rare talent whose presence lit up the screen effortlessly. May he rest in power.”

Broadcaster Oseni Rufai wrote briefly, “Rest well Alex.”

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe who broke the news described his passing as heartbreaking.

“I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo.

“To think you already prepared your will — it’s heartbreaking. I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also expressed condolences, saying Ekubo’s contributions to the entertainment industry would not be forgotten.

“Your contributions to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten in a hurry. You made significant strides and your memory will continue to inspire younger actors.”

According to Family sources, the actor passed away on

Monday, May 11, 2026, after months of illness.

The prolonged absence of Ekubo from the public eye had raised concerns among fans and colleagues, as he stayed away from social media and public events for an extended period.

His last post on Instagram was made in December, 2024, shortly after reports emerged that his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu had been called off.

The late Ekubo was born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but hails from Arochukwu in Abia State.

He attended Federal Government College, Daura, Katsina State, for his secondary education, and went ahead to study Law at the University of Calabar before obtaining a degree in Mass Communication.

The late Actor began acting professionally in the early 2010s and quickly established himself as one of Nollywood’s leading actors.

Beyond entertainment, Ekubo is actively involved in charity and humanitarian initiatives. In 2020, he was inducted into the MIPAD/United Nations Most Influential People of African Descent Top 100 Under 40 Hall of Fame. He also received a Certificate of Excellence from Sapio Club SDG for his contributions to African entertainment and humanitarian services.

In 2021, he received the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as the Global Social Giving Actor of the Year for his charity efforts.

The same year, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Arts and Culture by Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion University, Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

Ekubo largely kept his private life away from public scrutiny, although he remained one of the most visible celebrities in Nigeria’s entertainment industry through his social engagements, endorsements and philanthropic activities.

He will be missed for his good interpretation of roles and for his modest way of life.