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Five Killed In Fresh Plateau Attacks

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Gunmen

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

About five persons have been reportedly killed in the Fan District of volatile Barkin Ladi Local Council of Plateau state in a renewed wave of attacks.

 

The latest in the spate of violent attacks and killings rocking some parts of the state occurred on Sunday night. Four people died on the spot while the fifth person succumbed to  his injuries at a medical facility where he was rushed.

 

The victims were ambushed and attacked by hordes of armed hoodlums  at about 9.00 pm on the day while returning home.

 

It is not yet clear if the incident was yet another in the growing cases of suspected terrorist attacks on parts of Plateau State in the recent past.

 

According to a local witness account, the attackers ambushed and started shooting indiscriminately at their victims.

 

“Four persons died at the scene of the attack, while one later died in the hospital” a resident volunteered .

 

Confirming the unfortunate incident, Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders,  expressed deep shock over the development.

 

While describing  the latest attack and killings as regrettable, unfortunate and condemnable, Tengwong called on security agencies and the Plateau State Government to enhance security in the Local Government Area ,so as to adequately protect lives and property of the people.

 

As at the time of reporting, neither the security agencies, nor the Plateau State authorities has officially reacted to the situation.

 

The source further reports that some parts of Plateau State, of recent, have been the epicentre of violent attacks and killings allegedly orchestrated by suspected terrorist elements and armed herdsmen.

Protest Rocks UNICROSS Over Death Of Students

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Cross River University - UNICROSS



By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Angry Students of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, stormed the streets of Calabar, Cross River State Capital, protesting the death of three colleagues and their driver, who, allegedly died due to negligence at the General Hospital Calabar.

 

The aggrieved Students in their hundreds marched from the University Campus along Mary Slessor Avenue to the hospital, destroying signage, before proceeding to the Governor’s Office, where they clashed with heavily armed Policemen who restricted them from gaining entrance. 

 

During the confrontation  many of the Students sustained various degrees of injuries, prompting hospital Staff to desert the facility for fear of reprisal attacks.

 

It would be recalled that three students and their driver died in a ghastly accident while returning from an official assignment in Akwa Ibom State.

 

The students accused the hospital of failing to attend to them promptly upon arrival.

 

Following the massive protest that rocked the State and the confrontation the Students had with the Police, Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah said they have been able to put the situation under control.

 

“I’ve been right on the scene from the onset, and so far so good; we’ve been able to put the situation under control,” he said.

 

He added that Police had dispersed the protesters amid rising tension.

 

But the aggrieved Students were not allowed to see the Governor to express their grievances as they were dispersed.

 

There is however fear that the students may have gone to mobilize, as there is palpable tension that there may be reprisal attack.

 

The Police PRO had said  the situation has been curtailed and sanity returned to the State.

Insecurity: Northern Govs. Foreclose Negotiation With Bandits

By
Ayodele Oni
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Northern Governors Forum

By Ayodele Oni

Governors across Nigeria’s North-West zone have insisted that bandits must surrender unconditional as they are not ready for negotiation with them.

The governors assured that they intensify efforts to restore stability in the troubled region.

The position was restated by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, during the inauguration of the N12.6 billion Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri Road in Katsina State.

Aliyu pointed out that the governors were united in their resolve to confront armed groups decisively, insisting that dialogue had failed to deliver peace.

“We will not negotiate with any criminal, nor accept any terms from them unless they surrender unconditionally,” he said.

He noted that governments in the region were ramping up investments in security infrastructure while deepening collaboration with security agencies to dismantle bandit networks responsible for years of violence.

The governor also urged residents to play a more active role in tackling insecurity, stressing the importance of vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities.

According to him, many bandit operations thrive due to the support of informants within communities.

“We must remain alert and monitor movements within our communities to prevent infiltration by criminal elements,” he added.

Aliyu expressed confidence that ongoing measures would yield results, calling for sustained public cooperation and prayers for security operatives engaged in the fight against banditry.

He commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, for establishing the State Community Guard, describing it as a critical support structure for conventional security agencies.

He revealed that Sokoto State has adopted a similar model after observing its effectiveness in Katsina, noting that community-based initiatives were increasingly proving useful in addressing local security challenges.

Aliyu further lauded Radda, who chairs the North-West APC Governors’ Forum, for coordinating collective action among governors to tackle insecurity.

Wike-backed PDP Faction Disowns Abuja Meeting Which Birthed Caretaker Committee

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Wike Faction

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike backed faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has disowned a National Executive Committee (NEC), meeting in Abuja on Monday where a caretaker committee was constituted.

 

The Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde backed faction had announced the appointment  of a 13-member Caretaker Committee headed by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as chairman.

 

The decision was reached on Monday during the faction’s 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.

 

The motion was moved by the Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, and seconded by the party’s ex officio member, Clement Fagboyede from Ondo state.

 

Reacting, the Wike faction stated that “Our attention has been drawn to claims by a group led by Senator Adolphus Wabara and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, regarding the purported convening of a 103rd NEC Meeting of the PDP and the alleged composition of a Caretaker Committee. 

 

“The PDP wishes to categorically state that no such meeting was convened by the leadership of the Party. 

 

“Consequently, any resolutions, announcements, or claims emanating from that gathering are null, void, and of no effect.”

 

Jungudo Haruna Mohammed  National Publicity Secretary, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

 

According to him, “It is both ironic and disappointing that individuals who previously argued that the Party’s Constitution does not provide for the establishment of a caretaker committee have now contradicted themselves by claiming to have constituted one. 

 

“This glaring inconsistency exposes the lack of credibility and coherence in their actions. This contradiction underscores the opportunistic and self-serving nature of their actions.

 

“Even if, for the sake of argument, they possessed the legal authority to convene such a meeting (which they do not) they have once again failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. 

 

“Specifically, the mandatory requirement to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a minimum of 21 days notice for such a meeting was blatantly ignored. 

 

“There is no evidence of compliance, nor was INEC in attendance as required by law. This alone renders their actions null and void.

 

“Furthermore, the involvement of Senator Wabara in this matter is equally troubling. Having been expelled at his ward level by the party for anti-party activities, following his open support for the election of Governor Alex Otti, lacks the moral and constitutional standing to assume any leadership or oversight role within the Party. 

 

“The attempt to cloak these actions under the authority of the Board of Trustees (BoT) is misleading, as the BoT is clearly designated as an advisory body without any executive powers.

 

“It is equally concerning that respected members of the legal profession, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, would lend themselves to actions that fall far below the standards of professionalism and ethical conduct expected of them. 

 

“We urge the appropriate regulatory bodies to take note and consider necessary disciplinary measures.

 

“This entire episode is yet another unfortunate attempt to mislead the public and create confusion within the Party. 

 

“Nigerians will recall that a similar gathering recently branded as an “opposition political summit” ended in failure. Today’s purported NEC meeting is nothing more than a continuation of that charade.

 

“We therefore call on all Party members, stakeholders, and the general public to completely disregard this illegitimate assembly and its outcomes. It has no constitutional basis, no legal standing, and no binding authority whatsoever.

 

“The PDP remains committed to upholding its Constitution, the rule of law, and democratic principles under the able leadership of Alh Abdulrahman Mohammad and Senator Samuel Anyanwu.”

Supreme Court Judgment: Gov. Makinde-backed PDP Faction Names 13-Member Caretaker NEC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The leadership and internal crises bedeviling the Peoples Democratic party PDP on Monday May 4, 2026 took a turn for the worse as the Governor Seyi Makinde-backed faction named a 13-member National Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party ahead of  the 2027 polls.

 

The Source reports that on Thursday, April 30, Supreme Court’s judgment  created what many have come to perceive as a huge leadership lacuna as the two contending offered varying interpretations of the ruling to justify their claims to the party leadership.

 

While the five-member panel of Justices of the country’s apex court had, in a majority ruling, declared as a nullity, the November 14 and 15 Ibadan National Convention that gave birth to the Tanimu Turaki-led factional National Working Committee NWC , dissenting rulings by two of the justices  had also reaffirmed the trial Court’s and  Court of Appeal’s earlier verdict validating the suspension ,and later expulsion order slammed NJon the National Secretary of the party Senator Samuel Anyanwu and others.

 

Similarly, while the Supreme Court affirmed the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led NEC as the authentic leadership ,the minority verdict however subtly voided same with a declaration that all actions undertaken by expelled Anyanwu,which included the nomination of Mohammed first as Interim National Chairman ,and later by playing a key role in the Abuja Convention where Mohammed  emerged as the substantive Chairman ,are null,void and of no effect.

 

Instructively, before the intervention of the apex court ,a Federal Capital Territory FCT High Court had on January 12, 2026, upheld the expulsion of Anyanwu by the PDP authorities.

 

Senator Anyanwu and others were on November 1, 2025, based on the reports and recommendations of the Chief Tom Ikimi-led National Disciplinary Committee NDC suspended and later expelled Anyanwu and others over alleged gross anti-party activities.

 

The FCT High Court Abuja had a few days before the Supreme Court judgment warned the duo of Senator Anyanwu and the INEC Chairman against the consequences of continued disobedience of the court’s January 12 ruling, ordering the electoral umpire to discontinue the recognition of Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary, and asked Anyanwu to stop parading himself as such.

 

The appointment of the Turaki-led 13-member interim PDP which was conducted by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees BoT Senator Adolphus Wabara at the 103rd NEC meeting in Abuja, was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the Edo state PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi ,and seconded by an ex-officio member Clement Fagboyede.

 

While Taofeek Arapaja, a known ally of the Oyo state Governor, Makinde will serve as the National Secretary ,Ini Ememobong still retains his position as the National Publicity Secretary.

 

The Wike-backed faction has, however, rejected any claims of further factionalisation  , insisting that the April 30 Supreme Court’s judgment has conclusively settled all leadership questions within the PDP.

EFCC Raises Alarm Over Rise In Number Of Students Involved In Cybercrimes

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ola Olukayode - EFCC Chairman

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has released a shocking statistics showing that six out of 10 University students in Nigeria are into internet fraud and other related crimes.

 

Chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, expressed concern about the trend of growing involvement of university students in cybercrime.

 

Olukoyede made this known while speaking at the 8th biennial conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria held in Kano. 

 

The conference focused on the theme, “Unlocking the potentials of artificial intelligence: University governance, internationalisation and rankings.”

 

According to the EFCC chairman, findings from the commission’s operations over the past years point to widespread participation of students in cybercrime activities, a trend he described as deeply troubling.

 

He attributed the situation to systemic failures within the university system, including weak oversight structures and poor accountability. 

 

Olukoyede also disclosed that many suspects arrested during recent EFCC operations were students, with some allegedly bribing lecturers to secure academic advantages, thereby undermining institutional integrity.

 

Citing a major operation in December 2024, he noted that a significant number of the 792 suspected cyber fraudsters apprehended in Lagos were undergraduates, highlighting the scale and organization of such criminal networks.

 

Olukoyede also expressed concern over the rise of “Yahoo Plus,” a form of cyber fraud that incorporates ritual practices, warning that the trend poses serious social and security risks.

 

He called on university administrators to strengthen internal controls and work more closely with law enforcement agencies to address the growing menace.

 

Emphasizing the broader implications, Olukoyede stated that universities lacking financial discipline cannot effectively produce credible professionals, stressing that the integrity of higher education institutions remained critical to national security.

Effurun Shooting: PSC Dismisses Killer-ASP, Four Others

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Effurun Shooting Police Officers

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

ASP Nuhu Usman who murdered a suspect, Mene Ogidi, 28, on April 26, 2026, has been dismissed by the Police Service Commission.

 

Dismissed along with him are four other policemen who were on duty  with him and enabled the horrifying incident.

 

The five had, last week, appeared before the Police Disciplinary Committee at the Force Headquarters. Found guilty, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu, had recommended their dismissal from the NPF to the Police Service Commission which job it is to approve the dismissal or not.

 

The Force Headquarters, in a statement on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said their dismissal followed the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings and takes immediate effect.

 

He, also, disclosed that the case file has been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, for vetting and prosecution.

The Police pledged full cooperation to ensure justice is served.

 

The FPRO said:
“Following the incident, the Force ordered an immediate investigation by the Police Monitoring Unit,” findings established that ASP Nuhu Usman and members of his team engaged in professional misconduct, abuse of office, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, culminating in the unlawful killing of Mr. Mene Ogidi.”

 

Placid said that no suspicion, however serious, justifies extra-judicial action. He noted that every suspect is entitled to due process.

 

Placid disclosed that that the driver who delivered the parcel and two vigilante members linked to the incident remain at large. He, also, said  that the Police’s tactical teams have been deployed to arrest them.

 

According to the Police, Ogidi  received a parcel from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which took to a motor park in Effurun for onward delivery to Sapele.

 


When the parcel was searched, it was found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition.

 

Ogidi, the Force said, was arrested by members of the public who  arrested him,  and alerted the police.

 

Thereafter, ASP Nuhu Usman, and his team arrived at the scene, but said the Police,  instead of following due procedure, ASP Nuhu Usman shot and killed the already apprehended suspect.

 

But authorities and witnesses at the Effurun motor park told a different story of what happened on that day. They said Ogidi was the one who brought the parcel himself for weigh-billing and  dispatch; that he did not come to the motor park to receive it.

 

Their story is that Ogidi arrived alone at about 5.00 p.m. with a parcel he wanted to send. He told them the carton contained baby clothes. When they asked that the parcel be unwrapped and the contents checked. They said he resisted that the parcel be  opened.

 

But when the parcel was opened a pistol allegedly wrapped in clothing materials was discovered.

 

That led to his arrest by persons around, who  contacted the Police.

 

“We insisted he should open it because that is our practice. He said he had instructions not to open it,” one of them offered.

 

 “After it was opened and the gun discovered, he was tied and the police were called.”

 

But instead of arresting him legally, instead of following the law, ASP Nuhu murdered him.

INEC Faults Petition, Confirms Egwuaba  Resigned From APM, Is Legally Of NDC

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Barrister Reuben Egwuaba

By Adesina Soyooye

A petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, against the Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Barrister Reuben Egwuaba, that he is, at the same time, of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, has been dismissed by the Electoral body.

In response to the petition, the INEC has confirmed that Barrister Egwuaba, the National Legal Adviser of the NDA, resigned from the APM before joining the NDC and there is no way he  is simultaneous listed  on both parties’ records on the INEC portal.

The Commissioner explained that it could be

APM’s failure to, officially, inform of his resignation to the Commission and promised that “the needful will be done to update the portal.”

This clarification was provided by Wilfred Ifogah, INEC’s  Deputy Director of Voter Education and publicity while  responding  to a point raised by a Civil Society Coalition, the Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy,  which pointed  out what it described as the double listing as “a serious legal contradiction with far-reaching implications” and a  criminal offence under the amended Electoral Act 2026.

The clarification by INEC has taken care of what could have been a big legal challenge to the NDC just when high profile politicians were beginning to embrace it. On Sunday, both former Presidential Candidates and former Governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

The NDRA has  on Sunday, same day as Obi and Kwankwaso’s embrace of the NDC, in a statement signed by its Julius Aondowase, its National Secretary raised the alarm to what it described as “disturbing inconsistencies in official party records which list Barr. Reuben Egwuaba as National Legal Adviser in both the Allied Peoples Movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, with one of the listings expressly stated to be ‘by court order.’

It said “The infraction is not a clerical oversight. It is a serious legal contradiction with far-reaching implications,” the NDRA stated.

Citing Section 77 of the amended Electoral Act, which  prohibits dual membership of  political parties at the same time, which penalty is N10 million in fines or a prison term of up to two years or both for anyone found guilty of dual membership, the group said:

“The position of National Legal Adviser is not symbolic; it is a core office within a party’s National Executive Committee, which requires full and exclusive membership of that party. Therefore, occupying this role in both the APM and NDC simultaneously is not only politically improper it constitutes prima facie evidence of dual membership and a potential criminal offence under Nigerian law.”

It said to INEC: “If these records are accurate, then this is a clear violation of the law. If they are not, then the public deserves an immediate correction and explanation as to how such conflicting information came to be officially documented.

“Political parties must not become safe havens for legal contradictions. The rule of law must be upheld without exception.

It called on “relevant authorities, including electoral regulators, to investigate this matter without delay and take appropriate action in line with the law, and noted that “Nigeria’s democracy must be governed by rules not convenience.”

But Ifogah said: “My inquiry revealed that he has already resigned from APM, which means he is of NDC.”

He explained why the dual listing persisted on the portal despite the resignation: “It’s likely APM has not formally communicated the commission. However, the needful will be done to update the portal.”

2027: Sule Lamido Urges Aggrieved Members To Bury Hatchets, Return To Party

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Alhaji Sule Lamido

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Sule Lamido, former Jigawa State Governor has expressed dissatisfaction over the crisis rocking the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. 

 

The PDP Chieftain said it was time for aggrieved members who left the Party and those who are in different factions to drop internal hostilities and embrace reconciliation.

 

He warned that the continued division would further weaken the Party’s historical standing.

 

Lamido urged stakeholders to prioritise unity over personal or factional interests, noting that Nigeria’s broader political challenges require a stronger and more coordinated opposition.

 

The two-term former Governor, in a statement, argued that both the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, are largely made up of former PDP members, urging them to return to the PDP.

 

 “Let us forgive each other. We are brothers and sisters. Why should we be prisoners of the moment? Life is dynamic. Today’s anger should not destroy tomorrow’s future.

 

“The most dangerous thing is a family fight. When a family begins to fight itself, it becomes very bitter. But for the sake of posterity, we must forgive and come back together.

 

“I don’t see any party that can dominate Nigeria in the next 50 years more than PDP. Other parties are ad hoc, arrangements of convenience.

 

“If you go to APC or ADC, you will find PDP people. So who am I fighting? That is the irony. It is all PDP in different forms.

 

“There is no basis for this conflict. PDP has a shared history and legacy. It is something we all built together, so there is no reason to fight over positions or leadership.

 

“The party is founded on democracy. Struggle for positions is normal, but it should not become personal or driven by ego. To me, it has never been personal.

 

“Victory is not individual; it is collective. If I win, it is for the party. If I lose, it is still about the party’s objective.

 

“My intention, if I had become Chairman, was to bring together figures like Obasanjo, Atiku, Jonathan, and other key leaders to reposition the party. PDP made them, and we have the right to bring them back to strengthen the party’s unity.

 

“A lot of people in APC are willing to return to PDP. They are only waiting for a strong and stable platform that gives them confidence. That was the vision”, he stated.

 

The PDP has been polarized, and it has for months been facing crisis, as the faction of Turaki led PDP and that of Wike led PDP have been having legal battles, with the Court quashing the Ibadan Convention done by the Turaki led faction.

 

This has further put the Party at a crossroads with no respite in sight for both factions of the Party. 

 

As the 2027 election draws closer, the PDP is still struggling to get its bearing right.

LP Waives Expression Of Interest,  Nomination Form Fees For Otti

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Adesina Soyooye

Impressed by the leadership qualities of its National Leader Governor Alex Otti, and his sterling performance in Abia State, the Labour Party has offered him free Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. He has been asked not to pay a kobo for the forms. Otti is the only Governor under tye banner of the LP. But he has performed so well that 2027 is looking like a no-contest between the Governor and others.

The Party made the  free offer to the Governor just as it pegged the amount of money it’s Presidential Candidate will pay at N50 million for both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

The LP has, also made public its timetable and schedule of activities for its 2026 primary elections in readiness for the 2027 general polls.

A statement on Sunday, by  Ken Asogwa, the Party’s National Publicity Secretary said that  the schedule aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to Asogwa, Otti would receive both the expression of interest and nomination forms for free.

The timetable stated that the sale of nomination forms will begin on May 6 and end on May 16, and their submission  scheduled for between May 17 to May 18.

A breakdown  shows that House of Assembly aspirants will pay ₦3 million, House of Representatives ₦5 million, Senate ₦10 million, and governorship ₦25 million.

It said: “For the presidential race, aspirants are to pay ₦10 million for the expression of interest form and ₦40 million for the nomination form, bringing the total to ₦50 million.

“The party has, however, approved concessions for women, youths aged 25 to 30, and persons living with disabilities, who are only required to pay for the expression of interest forms across all categories.

“Please note that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will receive both his expression of interest and nomination forms free of charge, in recognition of his performance in office and contributions to the party’s image,” Asogwa stated.

The party fixed May 20 for the screening of House of Assembly and governorship aspirants, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be screened on May 22. Screening results are expected to be published on May 23.

“Appeals and petitions will hold on May 24 for state-level positions and May 25 for National Assembly and presidential aspirants, with the final list of cleared aspirants to be released on May 26.

“Primaries for House of Assembly and governorship positions are scheduled for May 27, while those for National Assembly and presidential aspirants will take place on May 29.”

The LP urged prospective aspirants who are yet to register as members to take advantage of its ongoing e-registration.

This will close midnight on May 4, just before the deadline  for the submission of its membership register to the INEC.

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