Sowore Remanded In Kuje Prisons, Recusal Application For Hearing On Wednesday

June 22, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Following his absence in court during the last sitting, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), in Kuje Correctional Centre.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a short ruling, ordered Sowore to be kept in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his motion for stay of the order for revocation of his bail and bench warrant.

Justice Umar also dismissed Sowore’s earlier application seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on the grounds of alleged bias.

The Judge then adjourned the matter until June 24 for hearing of the application for stay.

The motion for stay was filed by the defendant’s new lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.

Sowore had arrived at the court accompanied by his associates all of whom carried placards.

Justice Umar had, on June 16, revoked the bail granted Sowore following his failure to appear in Court for his trial.

In a ruling on an oral application made by the Counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

Foreign: Starmer Out As UK PM; Who Takes Over From Him?

James Orji

June 22, 2026

““Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.” With that statement, Keir Starmer has ended his two year’s tenure as British Prime Minister.

The UK Premier had battled for months to keep his job, after vowing to continue in office despite calls by some cabinet ministers on him to throw in the towel following some scandals that have rocked his administration, particularly the appointment of former UK Ambassador to the United States, Peter Madelson accrued of links to convicted child molester, Jeffery Epstein.

Mandelson, was relieved of his appointment by Starmer in September 2025 following serous pressure on the former Prime Minister, who was alleged to have been privy to Madelson link to Epstein, but went ahead to appoint him as UK’s highest diplomat to the US.

The biggest pressure on Stammer to resign had been from the opposition Conservative Leader, Kemi Badenoch who said the former UK leader had lost the morality to lead the British people following the Epstein scandal.

The pressure on Stammer further grew after Foreign Office officials said they had recommended against appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador due to ties to Epstein, but that the recommendation was overruled by the former prime minister.

While calling for his resignation over the Epstein controversy, the opposition leader had accused Starmer of lying to the country, saying he was no longer fit to remain in the office.

“The first is that he misled parliament because he said full due process was followed and if Mandelson failed the vetting and was still appointed, then full due process wasn’t followed.

“The second is he sad at a press conference in February that Mandelson cleared security vetting – that was not true.

“That is a breach of the ministerial code, a resigning offence. He lied, not just to parliament, but to the country and has never corrected the record.

“The third thing is that he was supposed to put all of these documents into he humble address and we found out about this through the press, which means there was a cover-up.

“Each of these three things is a very serious problem for the Prime Minister, and unless he can prove all three wrong, he is definitely in resigning territory.”

In spite of the pressure, Stammer managed to stay in office for months until last week when it became clearer that more Cabinet Ministers wanted his exit as Labour Leader in the Parliament.

Starmer problem grew stronger after Andy Burnham, who was until last Friday the mayor of Greater Manchester, secured a seat in Parliament with a remarkable win over far-right Reform UK in the small northwest England area of Makerfield.

Following his win, Burham had openly discussed mounting an effort to replace Starmer as leader of the ruling center-left Labour Party, and thus prime minister.

Yet, Starmer informed the country that he was not prepared to live, saying he will fight on to retain his position as British Leader.

But while announcing his resignation on Monday, Starmer said he will now focus on taking care of his family, saying his goal as Prime Minister was to ensure “fairer country with dignity and respect,” for all citizens.

Starmer: “When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job: being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad; and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.”

“The hard work of change was with a singular purpose – not power for power’s sake but to change Britain for the better, to build a fairer country with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued, wealth and opportunity for all not just the privileged few.”

Meanwhile, frontline Labour members of parliament Edward Samuel Miliband, a former Secretary of State for Energy and Burnham are believed to be gearing up to become Labour Leader during the election slated for July 9. Among the duo, Burnham is highly favoured to take the position.

Troops Move On Notorious Kingpin Bello Turji; To Get Him Dead Or Alive

James Orji

June 22, 2026

Security forces in the country are desperately searching for notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji following reports that he’s planning to launch attacks on some communities in the north west part of the country.

According to sources close to the National Security Adviser, NSA office “an order” has been issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the military and other security operatives, including the Department of State Services, DSS, Police and others to search and “neutralise” him wherever he’s found to stop him from further inflicting killings and death on Nigerians.

Others sources who spoke on the issue stated that the Nigerian Airforce Special Forces contingent has also been ordered to join ground troops in the coming assault in Turji’s strongholds in the two states.

“Recall that the Airforce Special Forces have played a major role in the attacks and clearance operations of the Armed Forces recently, including in Kogi state, where many bandit leaders were eliminated, and the successful rescue of General Rabe’s widow in Katsina state,” the source said.

Some bandit leaders killed in the Kogi miliatyr operations include Kachala Ibrahim Batijo (also spelled Battijo or Baccujo) and his deputy, Isa Mai Dabbaba, who were neutralized few days ago by a joint task force of Nigerian security forces.

The order was said to have been granted after reports that Bello who have killed many people in the north west, rustled cattle, sacked farmers from their farms, is currently training some fighters, including renegade Boko Haram fighters, in some parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states, in preparation for a bigger assault in some communities in the twos states.

Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, had at the weekend revealed that the notorious kingpin is planning a wider assault on the two states, and has embarked on a military-style training and weapons handling exercises in preparation for the attack which he said could happen anytime soon.

The NGO coordinator claimed that preliminary findings indicate that Turji and his other cohorts, Illa Manawa and Bomi, are taking part in the drill, on how to handle sophisticated weapons, including assaults riffles, the use of night vision head gear and other tactical training in some communities surrounding Sokoto state and its environs.

Isa stated in a Facebook page that some of the fighters, including Boko Haram terrorists who have joined Turji in the training exercise with the aim of strengthening his ranks, are experts in ‘weapons handling” and are ready to confront security agencies anytime from now.

He said: “Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces,” he said.

“There are indications that some of the new arrivals possess advanced combat and weapons-handling expertise. Their mission, according to sources, is to train and strengthen Turji’s fighters operating within the border communities of Sokoto and Zamfara states.”

The magazine reports that Turji had recently claimed responsibly for the attack on some security personnel, which led to the killings of some soldiers and policemen. In another viral video believed to be from him, the bandit kingpin claimed that he has acquired sophisticated assaults weapons, vowing to eliminate those he accused of rustling cattle from Hausa communities and killing his people.

In the video, dated June 20, 2026, a masked speaker, believed to be Turji, appeared alongside armed men dressed in military-style camouflage and claimed that his fighters had carried out attacks against those he accused of killing members of their communities and confiscating their livestock.

In spite of his threats to attack, the bandit leader also said he’s open to peace talks with the federal government, but said his fighters are ready for any eventuality.

“Some people who are chasing away our livestock are killing our innocent brothers and sisters, people who have done nothing wrong, in places such as Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Sabon Birni in Sokoto State and other surrounding areas,” Turji said.

“We killed them. May Allah help us to succeed in defeating them and in recovering our animals from their hands.

“If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation. But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes.”

Turji has been linked to to the deadly attacks on communities and violent confrontations with security forces which have led to mass abductions and killings of many people in the north west part of the country, particularity, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

In July 2021, Turji reportedly took more than 200 people hostage, killed 63 residents and set over 338 houses ablaze in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Two months later, in September 2021, Turji launched another major attack in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack forced residents of more than 14 villages to flee their homes, while over 1,000 cattle were rustled.

Many residents reportedly crossed into the neighbouring Niger Republic and sought refuge in Maradi.

One of the most recent attacks linked to Turji was the assault on a joint military base known as Burkusuma Camp in Dama community, Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

Dama is among the communities that have repeatedly come under attack from Turji and his loyalists.

During the attack, an unspecified number of security personnel were reportedly killed.

Military vehicles were burnt, while rifles and other military equipment were taken away by the attackers. The incident reportedly forced troops stationed at the camp to retreat to Basira, a border community near the Niger Republic.

The Nigerian military later attributed the attack to fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In June 2025, Turji’s fighters were reported to have killed some security operatives during an ambush near Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security analyst Bakatsine also alleged that the attackers set a military vehicle ablaze during the incident.

Bakatsine further claimed that Turji released a video showing the execution of a former bandit, Bashari Maniya, whom he accused of collaborating with security agencies after abandoning criminal activities.

Earlier, in September 2024, a video surfaced online showing Turji and his fighters celebrating after two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles belonging to the Nigerian Army were burnt in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In the footage, the bandits displayed the destroyed vehicles while chanting victory slogans. Turji was also seen making claims that his group had seized military trucks and issuing threats against security forces.

In January 2025, suspected members of Turji’s group abducted 10 passengers and set their vehicle ablaze along the Kaura Namoda-Shinkafi Road in Zamfara State.

The attack occurred shortly after the Defence Headquarters declared Turji “a dead man walking” and vowed that he and other terror leaders would not survive beyond 2025.

The incident was believed to be connected to threats allegedly issued by Turji over the continued detention of his brother, Baka Wurgi, by military authorities.

The attackers reportedly ambushed the commercial vehicle at Kwanar Jalab village in Zungeru Ward of Shinkafi Local Government Area while it was travelling from Gusau to Shinkafi town.

Turji has managed to escape security forces in the past, including an order from a former Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, on the military arrest and kill him.

Badaru had in one of his working visit totroops of Operation Fansar Yamma ordered them to arrest the notorious bandits’ kingpin, saying the federal government would provide all they needed to do the job.

“I had some reassurances from the commander officer and was pleased, sure that we would reach the goal. Are you ready to finish with them? Are you ready to end it? Please get me Turji,” Badaru said then.

With reports From Daily Trust

Shettima: Tinubu Carries ‘Fire” Like His Late Mother, Abibatu Mogaji

James Orji

June 22, 2026

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has eulogised the late mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who he said played a crucial role in shaping him to become an enviable leader the country can be proud of.

President Tinubu’s mother, Abibatu Mogaji who in her lifetime was the Iyaloja General of Nigeria died on June 15, 2023.

Shettima made the remark in Abuja, the nation’s capital during the annual Grand Prayer Session in honour of the president’s late mother, saying Mogaji left a good legacy behind that will continue to impact future generation in the country.

According to the vice president, President Tinubu learned greatly from his late mother, saying Tinub “carries” the same fire as the late matriach of his family, adding that the values inculcated in him by his mother has continued to guide him as Nigeria’s leader and public life generally.

He stressed that one of the values President Tinubu learned from his late mother, include sacrifice to fight for the people even when it’s not convenient, adding that while alive Mogaji used her position as market leader successfully bu turning the marketplace to “a meeting point of human need and human dignity.”

Shetima: “It should surprise no one, then, that the son she raised carries the same fire into the highest office in our land. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, learned at her side that public life is a trust and that leadership is owed first to the ordinary and the unheard.

“The instinct to fight for democracy when it was dangerous to do so, the willingness to stand for the common good when comfort counselled silence, the conviction that the citizen deserves a government that works for them — all of this was first kindled in a home where service was the daily example. A mother shaped a leader, and through that leader her values now serve the whole of Nigeria.”

OPINION: A Smorgasbord Of Sad ‘Newses’

The Source

June 22, 2026

By Steve Osuji

‘Newses’ is of course not correct grammar. News is an uncountable noun. News is news. But when events become overwhelming, we take some liberties and lapse into the unusual.

This columnist is so snookered by the rash of sad news items he found in the newspapers in one day that he couldn’t help but call them ‘

newses.’

Going through the newspapers last Tuesday June 16, to source ideas produced over 10 issues of serious national concerns that could have taken up this space. How do you have such a number of unpleasant occurrences and still term them news? They naturally have to be ‘newses’ and we must manage the space to accommodate as many of them as possible. This is hoping someone would see them and take some positive action.

So below is a smorgasbord, a salad of offensive matters happening in our country currently.

YELEWATA: A BLOOD MONUMENT FOR 272 CITIZENS KILLED IN COLD BLOOD

June 13, 2025 will forever remain a dark day not only for the people of Yelewata in Guma LGA of Benue State; it is indeed a never, never day for the entire world and the human race.

The hapless people of that remote precincts of central Nigeria were slaughtered, annihilated and incinerated in a four-hour holocaust. It was the kind of tragedy possible only in an ungoverned jungle. But it happened in Nigeria. Four hours of blood festival.

If the massacre of Yelewata couldn’t be preempted by superior intel, if four hours was too short for Nigeria’s military to stem the blood lust, what has government done in 365 days? Virtually nothing.

A slew of suspects have been arrested and are undergoing trials. One thought that a matter of this nature with self-evident proof of massacre would be conducted with expedited trial and justice?

Beyond bringing the murderers to quick justice, not much else has been done in that blood soaked patch. Even the marbled memorial was donated by a foreign NGO. Displaced compatriots have not been resettled, fear pervades the land as farmlands are still besieged.

All 272 innocent Nigerians quenched in one night – 67 children, 83 women and 122 men quenched. No metrics or mention of lost limbs and broken heads. Even many more Nigerians have been put down across Nigeria since June 13, 2025.

The orgy of blood letting and destruction rages on daily. Government remains at sea… confounded and helpless.

GENERAL RABE AS METAPHOR

It’s a failed State, isn’t it? Okay, let’s tweak the question: how many army generals and officers would a country lose to ‘bandits’ before such an entity would be termed a failed State? One? Two? How many exactly before the commander in chief takes umbrage and command the troops to annihilate the threat once and for all?

Let’s count: Gen. Dzarma Zirkusu; Gen. Musa Uba; Gen. Oseni Braimah; and now Gen. RABE Abubakar.

This is not to forget numerous other officers killed without a song or bugle by the military and government.

Exactly on June 13th, the first anniversary of the Yelewata blood party, government announces the death of Gen RABE in the hands of terrorists within Nigeria’s territory.

The late, retired Rabe and wife were captured during a trip. They were held captive somewhere in Katsina State with other victims for 14 days. Nigeria’s military couldn’t rescue her General for all of two weeks right here on our soil!

But here’s the sad twist: Gen RABE died in the bush and was brought home by the so-called bandits who killed him, for burial. Nobody threw even stone at them. They walked in and out. Nobody has been sacked. Nobody is chagrined!

What about the other victims. Are they collateral damages? No one word.

If we had a military or even a government, why are these non-State actors operating freely and with brazen impunity? Why is nigh the whole country besieged and overawed by terrorists?

Why is President Bola Tinubu looking so helpless? Why has Nigeria become the terrorism capital of the world? Why is no other country in Africa being terrorised like Nigeria?

One thinks Mr President should resign if he has no answer to this 20-year-old war against Nigeria.

JUSTICE LIFU’S BEFUDDLEMENT

How could a grown up man act so befuddlingly? Could it be that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja lost his marbles or he’s bent on self-destruction?

We and the entire Nigerian are right now wondering why he would make such an utterly irrational judicial call.

He decided to deregister some political parties, including the giant, ADC.

It’s common knowledge that the court have no such powers.

It’s also known to all that there’s a subsisting appellate court case on the matter.

Even a layman can see that this is a matter of serious national interest as parties are in advanced stages of preparation for the next election.

Since Lifu’s pronouncement is nothing short of a mendacious act liable of causing a national breach of peace, we urge the National Judicial Council (NJC) to step in as a matter of national emergency to moderate the situation.

That’s the very least Nigerians expect.

YARI’S N4BILLION GOLD BARS AND ALAKE’S LAXITY

A Sitting senator and former governor of Zamfara State has been fingered in a N4b gold bars trafficking saga. But he denied it furiously blaming political adversaries who according to him, are bent on tainting his “hard-earned reputation.”

Well, while the EFCC owes Nigeria a duty to get to the bottom of this (and this is easy if the commission wants Nigerians to take her seriously),

more cogent is that this episode is a further confirmation that Nigeria truly has a huge wealth of fine gold deposit in Zamfara and a few other States.

This matter has been going on for quite a while and the FG seems to have been complicit in the relentless stealing Nigeria’s most precious solid mineral resources.

We urge Mr Dele Alake, Solid Minerals Minister to be more upfront with Nigerians about the status of our abundant non-oil minerals.

Unfortunately, the Minister seems to have sustained the opacity inherent in the sector.

Alake needs to be more open, more accountable and more acute in capturing our solid mineral resources in a more structured national framework the way oil and gas is operated.

Enough of this finders-keepers system.

Considering that the free for all carting away of our gold and other minerals is a major inspiration for terrorism in Nigeria, Alake must do better. He has made little impact in the sector so far.

His time is far spent.

ALL HAIL SHETTIMA’S 10,000 ELECTRIC TRICYCLE ROLLOUT!

Who will help the Tinubu administration to think clearly? The bane of the government seems to lie squarely in the lack of a think-tank.

Emblazoned in the news on the same day is a shouting headline by Vice President Kashim Shettima in which he proclaimed rather proudly that the APC government would unveil ten thousand electric tricycles by August.

He presents it as part of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) initiative. He also said it was a part of a proposed integrated logistics chain of sea ports, rail lines, CNG-powered trucks, inland waterways, airports and local feeder roads that would work together to support the economy.

First, it is hoped that these tricycles wouldn’t be branded as RENEWED HOPE GIFTS if they are truly to be rolled out.

Second, NEDC funds are for special high-end infrastructure projects and not for funny tricycles that rigs the people deeper into poverty.

Third, Shettima wants development commissions in other zones to emulate this tokenistic IDIOCY as policy. No sir.

Development funds are for high impact infrastructure and each zone has peculiar needs.

Nigerians must resist any attempt by the FG to impose its wonky will on zonal commissions.

WE CAN’T BREATHE, COOKING GAS PRICE CHOKING THE POOR TO DEATH

Nigerians can’t breathe. At least not properly anymore. Tens of millions are falling into poverty every year yet the Tinubu government seems oblivious of this. Prices of essential needs continue to soar daily.

Cooking gas, which is the main fuel in kitchens today is getting out of the reach of the populace.

Prices have jumped from about N1000 in January this year to about N2400 currently. Such steep hike in only six months. To think that Nigeria has one of the highest gas deposits in the world. Yet she still imports gas.

Petrol, the life blood of the economy has had its pump price spike by 500% in just three years of Tinubu. Prices of every commodity, including food have leapfrogged in this manner.

This of course, is no way to run a country. It’s unsustainable.

President Tinubu must rework his model or something would give soon.

INFLATION HITS 16%

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS has reported that inflation has continued to rise in the last three months peaking at 16% in May.

With petrol and cooking gas prices hitting the skies, headline inflation is the logical result.

President Tinubu has made no attempt to make life easy for the people. It’s unlikely he has such an agenda.

The question is: as the 2027 elections approach, what is he going to tell Nigerians who are suffering acute hunger?

VANDALS DESTROY 14 POWER TRANSMISSION TOWERS IN NIGER STATE

Niger State is one of the hotbeds of terrorism in Nigeria today. So also are Borno (the headquarters) and Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and lately, Kwara States.

Niger is also fondly referred to as the POWER STATE because it’s home to the Kainji and Shiroro hydro electricity dams.

It’s also the country home of many army generals, both serving and retired.

But a running irony today is that terrorists are in control of many LGAs in the State.

Everyday, there’s always a tale of blood and sorrow emanating from the marauders running the towns there.

Their latest news offering is that they have just destroyed 14 transmission towers, among other facilities of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN.

The enemies of Nigeria seem to be attacking from all fronts. Apparently they seek a total eclipse of the giant of Africa. The vandals are succeeding. The question is: who will stop them?

LAST LINE: STATE POLICE… YES, YES, STATE POLICE!

This debate has gone on for far too long now that it has become irritating. It has become like a mountain-sized community fufu which everyone approaches from whichever side he cares to.

This column will applaud President Tinubu if he can push this through.

That will represent a phenomenal milestone for Nigeria – for better or for worse.

Decentralised policing works all over the world. Why would Nigeria be different.

Let’s give it a shot please. If it fails, it wouldn’t be the end of Nigeria.

But it can jolly well succeed. Let’s say some governors might just make a model of the police in their states; giving it verve and enduing it with a healthy competition that would drive many other States… the way Alex Otti is making most other governors shamefaced with his stellar performance in Abia.

Let’s do it!

Ogun State Broadcaster, Aunty Kitan Assassinated Alongside Her Security Guard

Akinwale Kasali

June 22, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Media has been struck by tragedy.

A media personality, retired broadcaster, Kitan Oyesiku, popular, as Aunty Kitan, has been murdered in her home. Murdered along the former Senior Programme Producer with Ogun State Television, OGTV, was her Security guard.

The tragic incident happened at her residence in Kobape area of Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

The circumstances surrounding her assassination remains unclear, but her murdered has sparked outrage among residents.

Her body and that of her security guard were discovered on Sunday at her residence in the Agodo community.

The incident which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 21,

has sent shockwaves across the state and left family members, neighbours, friends, and former colleagues devastated.

The yet-to- be unidentified assailants may have attacked the residence on Saturday night, killing the victims before fleeing with the deceased broadcaster’s vehicle and mobile phones.

She retired from Ogun State Television after years of service, and was widely regarded as a dedicated media professional, fondly known as “Aunty Kitan”.

She earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and members of the public through her professionalism, warmth, and commitment to broadcasting.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the double murder.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command disclosed that the incident was reported at the Owode Egba Police Division by a resident of Iyana Agodo Village who raised an alarm over suspicious activities at the residence.

According to the statement, Police detectives were immediately deployed to the scene, where preliminary observations revealed signs of forced entry and disturbance within the premises.

“The corpse of the security guard was discovered within the security post, while the body of Ms. Kitan Oyesiku was later found inside her apartment. The victim’s vehicle was also observed missing from the premises,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, has ordered an intensive investigation into the incident, directing detectives to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths and bring those responsible to justice.

“The Ogun State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of renowned broadcaster and retired Ogun State Television personality, Mrs. Kitan Oyesiku, and her security guard,” the statement added.

The police further disclosed that surveillance and intelligence-led operations had been expanded across relevant locations as part of efforts to track down the perpetrators.

While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the OGTV community and the media industry, the command assured residents that no effort would be spared in ensuring justice is served.

“The Command commiserates with the family of the deceased, the Ogun State Television family, the media community and all those affected by this tragic loss. We assure the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring that justice is served,” the statement said.

The police also urged members of the public to remain calm and provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.

NDLEA Nabs Two Grandpas Who Sell Hard Drugs To Students

Akinwale Kasali

June 21, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has nabbed Godfrey Orji, an 84-year-old pensioner, and 75-year-old, Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora, a patent medicine dealer, for allegedly selling illicit drugs to Secondary School Students in Umuahia, Abia State Capital.

The grandpas were arrested in separate operations following intelligence reports linking them to the sale of illicit substances to students and other youths, raising concerns about the growing exposure of teenagers to substance abuse.

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, in a statement issued on Sunday stated that Obiora was arrested on June 19 at his patent medicine store located on Club Road, Umuahia.

Babafemi said operatives recovered 4.64 kilograms of opioids, including tramadol and diazepam, during a search of the premises.

“Pa Obiora was arrested following credible intelligence that he was selling illicit substances to young students and others in his patent medicine store located at 4, Club Road, Umuahia, where 4.64 kilograms of opioids, including tramadol and diazepam, were recovered during a search of the premises,” the statement said.

According to NDLEA, Orji, a pensioner, was apprehended, in a separate incident, after he was allegedly caught supplying illicit drugs to two teenage students of Saint Silas Secondary School, Old Umuahia.

Babafemi disclosed that security personnel at the school intercepted the suspect and handed him over to the Police before the case was transferred to the NDLEA.

“Pa Orji, who is a pensioner and also involved in the illicit drug trade, was nabbed by security guards at Saint Silas Secondary School, Old Umuahia, for supplying illicit drugs to two teenage students.

“The guards subsequently handed him and the students over to the Police, who later transferred the matter to the NDLEA,” he stated.

One of the students, a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) pupil, reportedly told investigators that Orji regularly supplied him with drugs, some of which he consumed while selling the remainder to fellow students.

The agency said the two students involved had been placed on counselling and rehabilitation programmes, while the elderly suspects were expected to face prosecution, noting that the arrests came amid a series of anti-narcotics operations across the country.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 9.5-kilogram consignment of ADB Chminaca, a synthetic cannabinoid classified as a dangerous new psychoactive substance, which was shipped from China and concealed in a carton at a courier facility.

Operatives also recovered 300 grams of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden inside ladies’ handbags at another logistics company in the state.

The agency further arrested a wanted drug dealer, Lukman Badmus, also known as Lukman Ogombo, in the Ogombo area of Ajah, Lagos, where narcotic substances were recovered from his residence, adding that additional drugs and paraphernalia were also seized from a shop linked to his wife, Aisha Saraki.

The NDLEA operatives also intercepted a suspect, Tochukwu Onah, along the Okene-Lokoja Highway in Kogi State with 1.03 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in custard containers.

In Ekiti State, a couple who have been declared wanted in connection with the seizure of 117 kilograms of skunk earlier in the year were arrested after months on the run.

The agency also reported major seizures in Oyo and Edo states, including the recovery and destruction of large quantities of cannabis during raids on drug warehouses and forest camps.

While commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), praised their efforts in reducing drug supply and sustaining anti-drug awareness campaigns across the country.

The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting young Nigerians from the dangers of substance abuse and dismantling networks involved in the distribution of illicit drugs.

Uzodinma, PGF’s Chairman, Boasts Over Oyebanji’s Victory, Says It’s Endorsement Of Tinubu’s Policies

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 21, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, Chairman, Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, has described the jinx-breaking second term victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, as an eloquent testimonial that good governance is bound to produce a commensurate electoral outcome.

The Source reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday declared Oyebanji the winner of Saturday’s gubernatorial election.

Governor Oyebanji of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC polled 319,000 votes to beat both the Peoples Democratic Party’s Olumayokun Oluyede, and African Democratic Congress, ADC’s Dare Bejide, who came distance second and third respectively.

At an interactive session with the media at the Ekiti State Government House, Governor Uzodinma appreciated the good people of the State for their huge trust and confidence in the APC-led administration ,as well as the historic second term victory of Oyebanji.

Oybanji is the only sitting Governor of Ekiti state to secure a second term victory since the advent of the fourth republic in 1999.

Others before him have had to leave office after their first tenure to launch a come back bid later.

The PGF Chairman attributed Governor Oyebanji’s electoral feat to the high quality of his leadership, and performance since mounting the saddle in 2022.

Governor Uzodinma also expressed happeness and appreciation of the APC over Oyebanji’s electoral victory, noting that the feat is an indication that the people are equally appreciative of the polices of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He commended the leadership of President Bola Tinubu whose policies are increasingly being appreciated across the country.

While lauding the impressive turn-out of voters, Governor Uzodinma expressed gratitude to the President whose transformative polices have promoted unprecedented growth and development across all sectors of the economy ,and states in the country.

“As a party, we are delighted. We congratulate Governor Oyebanji on this remarkable victory and on the excellent performance he has delivered in Ekiti State.

“We, also, congratulate the National Leader of our party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the leadership of the APC at all levels.

“The massive turn-out of our supporters in Ekiti state, and their overwhelming support for our Governor is a clear demonstration of confidence in his leadership and performance.

“We are happy as a party. We are happy as progressive Governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields positive results.

“We commend the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose policies are increasingly being appreciated across the country.

Our democracy is growing steadily. Achievements are being recorded, the economy is becoming stronger and our politics is becoming more sustainable. For all these, we give glory to the Almighty God”, Uzodinma stated.

APC Hails PDP’s Victory In Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-election

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 21, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has described the electoral victory of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in Saturday’s Rivers South East Senatorial District polls, Olaka Nwogu, as a triumph for democracy, as well as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had earlier, on Sunday, declared Nwogu as the winner of the election, ahead of candidates of APC, Labour Party, LP, and Action Alliance, AA.

In the election which covered seven out of the Rivers state 23 local councils, Nwogu polled a total of 46,961 votes according to INEC’s Returning Officer Prof. Rosemary Ogun.

His closest rival Osarokaka Ebenezer Erawari of the APC garnered a paltry 1,647 votes.

However, despite its poor outing, the APC in Rivers State in its congratulatory message expressed the confidence that Nwogu’s resounding victory will translate to effective and result-oriented representation.

In a statement on Sunday, Tony Okocha, the State APC Chairman noted that Nwogu’s clean sweep of the polls is clear endorsement of his impacable integrity, capacity, and the high level of trust the people have in him.

“Your election is a clear endorsement of your integrity, capacity, and the trust the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District have in your leadership.

“This reflects years of dedicated service, and the confidence that you will represent your Senatorial District and your people with diligence, courage, and distinction at the National Assembly”, Okocha stated.

This was as he noted that the PDP candidate’s victory is not only a triumph for the APC, but also for the “Rainbow Coalition” being promoted in the State by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and his political allies and cronies.

He expressed the unflinching confidence that Nwogu’s wealth of experience will translate into effective, representation, impactful legislation and developmental strides for the people.

The APC Chairman further appreciated the electorate over what he described as their wise choice, noting that they have demonstrated remarkable trust in Nwogu’s abilities ,and capacity to defend their interests.

The Rivers South-East Senatorial seat became vacant following the death of former Senator Barinada Mpigi a couple of months back.

LP’s Labaran Maku Rejects Nasarawa North Senatorial By-election, Calls For Cancellation

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 21, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Labaran Maku, has rejected the outcome of last Saturday’s Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election, describing the exercise as heavily manipulated and compromised.

The Source reports that the All Progressive Congress, APC, flagbearer, Danladi Envulu-anza polled, 45,362 votes to defeat Maku, the Labour Party candidate who garnered 12, 931 votes to place a distant second, while Emmanuel David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic party PDP came third with a total of 11, 570 votes.

But at a media briefing on Sunday, Maku who served as former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Minister of Information, asked the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to cancel the polls, insisting that the results declared does not truly represent the will of the electorate.

“I have observed that what took place during the by-election in Nasarawa North was a sham, a complete sham. I consulted with my party, and we have decided that the best option is to withdraw from the election.

“And we ask INEC to honourably cancel this election and conduct a free and fair election for the Senatorial District”, Maku stated.

This was as he accused the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led Nasarawa state Government of masterminding the alleged large scale heist that characterized the polls.

He alleged that despite voting not taking place in many polling units owing to the malfunctioning of the BVAS, outrageously large number of votes were recorded in favour of the candidate of the ruling party in the state.

The former Minister expressed serious concern that the election was marred by irregularities,and fraudulent practices despite his earlier warning,and notice to the electoral umpire.

Maku particularly alleged that in his Nasarawa Eggon Local Council, as well as other places, many voters were disenfranchised due to the failure of the BVAS to capture their finger prints.

“There was no reason for anybody to wait until the finger print alone is accepted. You can use facial recognition and let people vote”, he added.

Besides mass disenfranchisement, Maku alleged several cases of ballot box snatching, manipulations in many polling units and other criminal activities during the election.

“Look, it is not about me accepting the result or not accepting it. It is the process, the transparency of the process that we are all concerned about.

“It is about the country winning. Democracy will prosper the nation if we allow it to be transparent”, Maku noted.

Although he did not disclose the next line of action, there are strong indications that the former Minister of Information may be weighing the legal option, should the authorities ignore his complaints .

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