President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state governors to rethink their spending priorities, calling on them to halt the construction of unnecessary flyovers and invest instead in projects that will strengthen security and improve the lives of Nigerians.
The President made the appeal while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu said the increased revenue accruing to states should be channelled into road networks and other critical infrastructure that would enable security agencies to respond more effectively to threats, rather than expensive flyovers in areas with little traffic.
According to him, no state should be borrowing to pay salaries or pensions, given the improved financial position of state governments.
The President also assured the monarchs that the long-awaited establishment of state police would soon become a reality, describing it as a key step in addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.
He added that the Federal Government is strengthening the forest guards to complement the operations of the military and other security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
Tinubu noted that insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic has spilled across Nigeria’s borders, with some of those carrying out attacks identified as foreign nationals.
He urged the traditional rulers to help impress upon governors the need to deploy available resources to projects that directly enhance public safety and economic development.
Why Govs Must Stop Wasting Money On Flyovers
Self-acclaimed Borno Boko Haram/ISWAP Ransom Negotiator Arraigned
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama ,the President of the Borno State Youth Association, BOSYA, who alleged high profile official ransom negotiations with terrorists elements, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court on a four-charge bordering on alleged money laundering ,and terrorism financing.
Kaigama had, recently, in an interview on Channels Television claimed to have acted as a middleman in some high stake ransom negotiations involving the the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, some highly placed individuals including Senator Ali Ndume and terrorist kingpins running into several billions of Naira.
In one of the transaction, allegedly involving the staggering sum of N5billion ,the Borno Youth Leader claimed to have contacted the Senator representing Borno South, Ndume for the purpose of linking him with the ONSA.
According to him, while the ONSA eventually released the said N 5 billion , only N1.5 billion was finally given to the terrorists , with the remaining N 3.5 billion unaccounted for.
Although, Senator Ndume had since denied any knowledge of the transaction, the revelation has continued to stir widespread reactions both within and outside the country , with not a few calling for a full inquest into the allegations..
However, the Federal Government in its charge sheet filed at court 13 of the Federal High Court Abuja, accused Kaigama of collecting and handling illegal funds under the guise of negotiating with supposed terrorist elements for the purpose of effecting the release of abducted victims.
According to the prosecution, Kaigama was aware that the funds were meant for the purpose of financing terrorism and other criminal activities, thereby committing an offence under the Terrorism ( Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022
Specifically, the prosecution alleged that the Borno Youth Leader between January and June 2026 concealed vital information in relation to the terrorist activities of both Boko Haram and ISWAP, thereby denying relevant security agencies intelligence that could have assisted in preventing violent attacks .
In another of the total four-count charge, the Federal Government accused Kaigama of readily aiding terrorism by way of possessing, facilitating and managing financial transactions that would benefit two unlawful terrorist groups in their violent attacks in the country.
Kaigama, however denied all charges , with trial judge adjourning proceedings to September 24 ,2026 for the commencement of hearing .
Kaigama’s arraignment by the Department of State Service DSS was preceded by his arrest last week after the explosive television interview .
Instructively, the Borno state Youth Leader’s alleged official payment of ransom for the release of kidnapped victims came amidst widespread insinuations suggesting Government patronage of banditry kingpins at all levels in most security challenged states.
Osun Govt Flays Police Over Selective Enforcement Of Law
By Ayodele Oni
Osun State Government has accused the Nigeria Police of selective enforcement of the law as the governorship election draws nearer.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Jimi-Bada, SAN, who addressed a press conference in Osogbo on the spate of arrest of members of Accord Party in the State declared that “We will not accept the detention of citizens without clear legal justification.
“We will not accept a situation where allegations are shifted from one ground to another in search of justification after the fact. We will not accept selective enforcement. We will not accept media trial. We will not accept the criminalisation of lawful political association.
“The Government of Osun State recognises the constitutional role of the Nigeria Police Force. We do not oppose lawful investigation.
“We do not support criminality. We do not shield anyone who is properly suspected of committing an offence. Nobody is above the law.
“However, it must be said with equal firmness that the law is also above every institution, including the police.
“Law enforcement must be carried out with fairness, neutrality, restraint, and strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“From the information available to the Government of Osun State, the Secretary to the State Government was not at home when his residence was raided.
“He was not arrested at the scene. He did not flee. He did not evade the police. Upon being informed that persons had been arrested at his residence, he voluntarily proceeded to the Force Headquarters to assist the process and to seek administrative bail for those arrested.
“It is therefore shocking that a senior public official who voluntarily submitted himself to law enforcement authorities, not as a fugitive but as a responsible citizen, was subsequently detained.
“This is a matter of serious concern. If a citizen who voluntarily goes to the police to assist an inquiry can be turned into a detainee without clear and credible grounds, then every citizen is at risk.
“We have been informed that some members of the Accord Party were present at the residence in connection with the distribution of funds intended for lawful party logistics.
“Political parties are entitled to organise their members, arrange transportation, mobilisation, feeding, communication, and other legitimate election-related logistics, provided such activities are conducted within the law.
“It is important to emphasise that the Osun State Governorship Election is scheduled for 15th August, 2026. The incident in question occurred on 29th July, 2026.
“No governorship election was taking place in Osun State on that date. No polling units were open. No ballot was being cast. No voter was in a voting queue. No collation was taking place.
“While the law rightly prohibits voter inducement and electoral bribery, such a serious allegation must be supported by credible, specific, and admissible evidence.
“The mere possession or distribution of funds for party logistics should not be hastily labelled as vote-buying without proof of unlawful inducement of voters.
“The distinction is important. Party logistics are not, by themselves, a crime. Political mobilisation is not, by itself, a crime. Printing campaign materials is not a crime. Holding a meeting in a private residence is not a crime. Belonging to an opposition or minority political party is not a crime.
“We have also been informed that the police allegedly recorded or displayed some Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, found with persons at the residence.
“The information available to us is that those PVCs belonged to the Accord Party members who were present at the residence. If a citizen is in lawful possession of his or her own PVC, that fact alone does not constitute an offence.
“Furthermore, INEC has already released the voters’ register to political parties in accordance with the electoral process. A voters’ register that INEC has lawfully released can be printed or reproduced by political parties for legitimate electoral planning, mobilisation, verification, and polling-unit organisation.
“The possession of printed copies of the voters’ register, without more, should not be sensationalised as evidence of criminal conduct.
“If the police have contrary evidence, they should disclose it in accordance with the law. They should state clearly whose PVC was found with whom. They should state whether any PVC was found in the unlawful possession of another person.
“They should state whether any voter was identified as having been offered money in exchange for a vote. They should state whether any written statement, video recording, marked money, or direct complaint supports the allegation of vote-buying.”
The commissioner called on election stakeholders topay special attention tothe August poll in the state to ensure peaceful conduct.
“We call on INEC, civil society organisations, election observers, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Human Rights Commission, and all lovers of democracy to pay close attention to this matter and to the general conduct of security agencies ahead of the 15th August, 2026 governorship election in Osun State.”
Osun Guber: Accord Accuses Police of Intimidation, Petitions Tinubu, IGP
The Accord Party has accused the Nigeria Police Force of orchestrating a campaign of harassment, intimidation and politically motivated arrests against its members ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The party has consequently petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser and other relevant stakeholders, urging them to intervene to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Accord also renewed its demand for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, alleging that his continued presence in the state could compromise the credibility of the governorship poll.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, claimed that nearly 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters had been arrested and detained across Osun State, with some reportedly transferred to Abuja.
He alleged that the arrests were politically motivated and designed to weaken the party’s grassroots campaign, warning that the development poses a serious threat to democratic governance.
According to Mgbudem, the party had previously reported a series of attacks on its campaign council, party offices, supporters and campaign billboards to security agencies, but no meaningful action was taken against those responsible.
“We had earlier raised the alarm over the killing of our leaders and supporters, repeated attacks on our campaign structures and the destruction of our campaign materials. Despite reporting these incidents to the police and other security agencies, none of the suspected perpetrators has been arrested or prosecuted,” he said.
He argued that the police’s alleged failure to respond to those complaints prompted the party’s earlier call for the removal of the state police commissioner.
The Accord chairman further condemned what he described as the harassment, intimidation, arrest and detention of party officials and members without formal charges, insisting that the actions were aimed at frustrating the party’s participation in the election.
Despite the allegations, the party urged its supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while continuing their campaigns across the state.
Accord also appealed to President Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, civil society organisations, the international community and other stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all political parties participating in the election.
The party encouraged eligible voters in Osun State to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process, expressing confidence that the will of the electorate would prevail.
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet,” the statement declared.
Campaign activities have intensified across Osun State as political parties step up mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Meanwhile, security agencies have repeatedly assured residents of their commitment to maintaining neutrality and providing a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the poll.
Raid On Osun SSG Home Politically Motivated – Gov Adeleke’s Aide, Says N4.8Million Recovered Meant For Empowerment
By Ayodele Oni
Fumiso Babarinde, an Aide to Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has clarified that the sum of N4.8m recovered from the resident of the State Secretary to Government’s, ( SSG) Teslim Igbalage, was meant for empowerment.
Disputing the claim by the State Police Command that the money was meant for vote buying ahead next month election, Babarinde, who is a Senior Special Adviser to the State Governor, said that no electoral offence has been committed.
Babarinde made the clarification during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, while reacting to the controversy surrounding the police operation at the SSG’s residence ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
This is just as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State concluded plans to stage a peaceful protest and address a press conference to draw public attention to what it described as the unfolding situation in the State.
He argued that N4.8 million was not an unusual amount for an official occupying the office of the Secretary to the State Government and noted that empowerment programmes were routinely organised by government officials at different levels.
He alleged that the raid took place while Igbalaye was attending a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with political stakeholders in the state.
According to Babarinde, police operatives from the Osun State Police Command stormed the SSG’s residence and arrested several party canvassers who had gathered there.
He said Igbalaye later drove himself to the police headquarters after learning about the operation in a bid to secure the release of those arrested but was detained upon arrival.
Babarinde disclosed that police recovered N4.8 million in cash, voters’ registers for Osogbo Local Government Area, two voter cards, a laptop and a printer during the raid.
He explained that the voter registers were public documents obtained from INEC and were being reproduced for party canvassers who would embark on grassroots mobilisation across the 15 electoral wards in Osogbo Local Government.
He emphasized that the printer and laptop were being used to produce copies of the registers for distribution to party members involved in house-to-house campaigns.
He further stated that police claimed some persons they had been searching for were among those arrested at the residence, adding that while some detainees had been released, others remained in custody as of Thursday morning.
He maintained that there was nothing illegal about possessing or reproducing the voter register, describing it as a public document made available by INEC.
He also questioned the basis of the vote-buying allegations, insisting that those gathered at the residence were members of the ruling party rather than voters being induced to support a candidate.
Babarinde accused security operatives of portraying legitimate political activities as criminal acts and maintained that the operation was politically motivated.
Governor Alia Showers Praises On President Tinubu For Approving Army 5th Division Headquarters In Makurdi
By Akinwale Kasali
Following seemingly unstoppable killings of his people in the State, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has commended President Bola Tinubu’s sensitivity to the plight of the people of the State by his actions.
He applauded the President for approving the Nigerian Army’s 5 Division Headquarters in Makurdi to boost security and stability nationwide.
Governor Alia gave the commendation to the President in a statement signed by Tersoo Kula, his Chief Press Secretary.
Alia stated that the approval has further demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and addressing security challenges nationwide.
He added that the new Division created through expansion of the Nigerian Army’s operational structure from eight to 12 divisions, would cover Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
According to him, the Division will strengthen military operations through improved command and control, quicker responses to security threats, and enhanced protection of lives and property regionally.
The Governor expressed confidence that the development would complement his administration’s efforts to combat criminality, safeguard farming communities, and restore lasting peace in parts of Benue facing security challenges.
He also showered encomium on the President for the approval of recruitment of 28,000 additional Nigerian Army personnel while sustaining investments in military equipment, troop welfare, and operational readiness across the country.
He stated that the measures taken by the President have further reflected his determination to build a well-equipped, highly motivated armed forces capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting citizens from security threats.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies toward achieving lasting peace, improved security, and sustainable development across Benue State for all.
DSS, Forest Guards, Kill Bandits, Rescue Nine Persons In Kwara State
By Akinwale Kasali
The Department of State Security, DSS, and Forest Guards have successfully rescued nine persons from kidnappers dens. They, also, killed three bandits during an operation which ended up in a fierce gun battle in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The Bandits were tracked following an
intelligence-led operation by operatives of the DSS with Forest Guards, which led to the success of the operation.
The victims rescued from their abductors included farmers, who were seized from farmlands, and others who had earlier been abducted in neighbouring Ekiti State.
The fierce gun battle forced the kidnappers to flee, abandoning their captives.
The operation, which also involved the Kwara State local hunters and vigilantes, was carried out in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi axes of Ekiti LGA bordering Ekiti and Kwara States.
Prince Dada Sunday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Ekiti LGA, confirmed the operation, saying that the intelligence report gathered by security agencies led to the successful rescue mission.
Sunday said the kidnappers, numbering more than 10 had assembled victims abducted from different locations before they were overwhelmed by the security operatives.
He disclosed that one of the victims sustained serious head injuries after he was cut with a machete while resisting abduction.
Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, confirmed that the operation was intelligence-driven.
“We neutralised three of them and rescued nine victims. They were heavily armed and possessed different types of firearms. We need more operational equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night vision goggles, walkie talkies and ammunition to effectively confront them”, he declared.
Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, one of the rescued victims recounted their ordeal, saying armed men suddenly emerged and seized him and his son.
“They came from nowhere and pointed a gun to my head. Four of them took me and my son. They also took my friend’s motorcycle before marching us into the bush,” he recounted.
Ibrahim Danga, another rescued victim said he had been held captive before security operatives arrived and engaged the kidnappers.
CSMC Worldwide Leader, Abiodun Alogbo, Dies Aged 93 Years
By Akinwale Kasali
The whole Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, CSMC, Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, has been thrown into mourning following the passing of its Leader and Spiritual Father, Pro. (Dr.) Emmanuel Adewale Alogbo. He passed in the early hours of Thursday July 30th, 2026 at the age of
He died at the age of 93 Years after less than three years in the saddle as the Leader and Spiritual Father of the fold.
In a statement, the Secretary General of the Church, Snr. Sp, Ap. Pro, Anthony Olusesan Samaye, said the revered Clergyman transited to glory and called to sainthood peacefully in his sleep at about 2:10am at his residence in Lagos.
He added that he was with his family members and domestic staff when he transited to glory.
He urged the Church to stay firm and strong at this moment, and stressed that prayers will be held at his residence daily by 5.00pm for seven days.
Samaye prayed that God will give the family and the Church at large the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He added that burial arrangements will be announced later.
Katsina Father Kills, Buries Daughter For Rejecting Early Marriage
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Katsina State Police Command has vowed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of his teenage daughter, Ummul Khair, not long after she resisted attempts at railroading her into an early marriage,
This is the father of the deceased Kabir Sani ,a commerical driver was arrested by the police shortly after the death of the teen.
According to witness accounts, citizen Khair estimated to be around 16 years, was said to have received severe beatings repeatedly from her father owing to her rejection of a marriage proposal brokered for her.
She was said to have, in the process of the beating, sustained both external and internal injuries, resulting in her untimely and unfortunate death.
Neighbours revealed that the obviously enraged father whose obsession with marrying off Khair had bitterly polarized the family, began assaulting the deceased mercilessly on Wednesday, with all efforts to intervene proving abortive.
According to them, due to the repeated and severe beatings, she became unconscious by Thursday morning, and later passed on.
Her death was said to have been discovered when some of her friends and school mates came calling to pick her for school on Thursday morning.
However, her schoolmates were said to have met her lifeless body being prepared for burial by her father ,and subsequently alerted neighbours .
The deceased was said to have been buried on Thursday morning at the Abbatoir Cemetery in Katsina metropolis in line with Islamic rites.
Spokesperson for the Katsina state police Command, Sadik Aliyu, confirmed the development , and informed that investigations are underway with the Command to provide details later .
Military Involvement In Election Duty: INEC Says It’s Unconstitutional; DHQ: Army Will Demonstrate Professionalism
By Ayodele Oni
he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has argued that only the Nigeria Police Force among all other security agencies has constitutional role during elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, rejected the routine deployment of troops of the armed forces during elections, saying the Force should remain exceptional.
The electoral body specifically said the deployment of the military should arise only where prevailing security conditions require armed forces’ support in aid of the civil authorities.
Amupitan, who spoke through the Director of Legal at the Commission, Al-Hassan Umar at a one-day seminar organised by the Defence Headquarters Department of Operations in Abuja on Thursday, stated this at Army War College, Abuja while delivering a keynote address at a seminar.
The seminar, themed “The Role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the 2027 General Elections,” brought together senior military officers, security agencies, election management officials, resource persons and other stakeholders to examine the military’s constitutional role in election security.
According to the INEC chairman, the Constitution clearly defines the roles of institutions involved in election management, arguing that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security.
The electoral body boss said, “As both a teacher and practitioner of the law, permit me to begin by reaffirming the constitutional framework governing election security in Nigeria.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly delineates the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process.
“INEC is constitutionally mandated to organise, undertake and supervise elections, while the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security under the framework of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“The role of the Armed Forces is exceptional rather than routine. Their deployment arises only where prevailing security conditions require military support in aid of the civil authorities and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
In a speech, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) commitment to professionalism, impartiality and strict adherence to constitutional provisions in supporting the conduct of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections during the 2027 General Elections.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, was represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye.
Speaking at the event, the CDS described the seminar as timely, noting that the evolving security environment and increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections require continuous training and preparation of military personnel for election support operations.
General Oluyede directed that personnel deployed under Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 must remain apolitical and strictly comply with the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement governing military participation in election-related operations.
He noted that the Armed Forces had consistently demonstrated professionalism during previous electoral engagements, including recent off-cycle and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo states.