2027: Accord Party Welcomes Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, As He Seeks Presidential Ticket

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May 24, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

After leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential hopeful, Gbenga Olawepo-Kashim has pitched his tent with Accord Party where he believes his Presidential ambition can come to reality.

Olawepo-Hashim made the declaration of defecting to Accord Party during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by elders, marketers, and youths drawn from the 16 local Government Areas of Kwara State.

Addressing a large gathering at his Pipeline residence in Ilorin, the politician said both Kwara State and Nigeria were in need of a new political movement with the vision, commitment, and capacity to deliver meaningful development and sustainable growth to the people.

Criticizing the President BolaTinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress, APC, Olawepo-Hashim alleged failure in key sectors including security, human capital development, infrastructure, healthcare, and citizens’ welfare.

According to him, the Accord Party represents a people-oriented platform with policies designed to address the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.

Recalling his role in the political evolution of Kwara State, noting that he introduced the PDP into the state in 1998 despite skepticism from many quarters at the time.

He stated that the Accord Party now stands as a credible alternative capable of rescuing Nigeria from what he described as maladministration and poor governance.

Speaking further, he disclosed that membership registration for the Accord Party was gaining momentum in several states across the country and urged Kwarans to join the movement.

He also charged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts by spreading the message of the Accord Party across all the 193 political wards in Kwara State.

“Why Africa Should Not Be Poor” – Peter Obi

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The Source

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May 24, 2026

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Peter Obi, a leading opposition figure in Nigeria and the sole presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming 2027 elections, has articulated reasons why Africa ought to rise above poverty.

During his visit to South Africa over the weekend, Obi addressed an international dialogue, emphasizing that Africa is rich in natural resources provided by God, which should prevent the continent from facing poverty.

In a post on his X account, the former governor of Anambra State shared insights from his speech, stating, “In South Africa yesterday, after a morning meeting with ministers, I spoke at the Spier Dialogue Event on ‘Policies for Growth in Africa’ in Cape Town. I reinforced the idea that Africa has no reason to be impoverished. Our continent is endowed with vast natural and human resources. Africa possesses significant mineral reserves, more than 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, and boasts the youngest population globally. These attributes should be viewed as valuable assets for economic progress, not liabilities.

However, Africa still faces significant challenges, including ineffective leadership, corruption, fragile institutions, and high governance costs, which hinder its potential.

Moving forward, Africa must adopt a forward-thinking approach. We should divert our attention from the distractions of politics and endless elections towards enhancing productivity, fostering development, and engaging in nation-building efforts. The continent’s future hinges on aggressive investments in Human Development Index (HDI) indicators, particularly in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

Currently, numerous African nations struggle with low life expectancy, elevated infant mortality rates, rampant unemployment, and increasing poverty levels. Small and medium enterprises, which are crucial for economic growth, are faltering due to adverse economic conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent policies.

What Africa requires is capable leadership that exhibits capacity, empathy, and a commitment to prioritize production over consumption, and development over political maneuvering. By investing in our people, strengthening institutions, lowering governance costs, combating corruption, and fostering a conducive environment for businesses, we can create a more productive, secure, democratic, and prosperous Africa that serves its entire population.

Presidential Polls: ADC Must Present Its Strongest, Most Prepared; Not Its Loudest – Atiku Warns

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 24, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of its presidential primaries, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emphasized the imperative of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, settling for what he described as “a winner”, and not “an experimental candidate” for the general elections.

The ADC is billed to conduct its presidential primaries on Monday 25, 2026, to select among three aspirants- Atiku, immediate past Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen, a former Bank Managing Director, who will fly its flag.

In a statement on Sunday May 24, 2026, signed by Phrank Shuaibu his spokesperson, Atiku cautioned against fielding a neophyte , insisting that Nigeria, at the moment cannot afford to have what he termed “a learning-on-the-job Presidency.”

He noted that the country is already battling with some teething and even existential problems, including economic hardship, insecurity, mounting debt profile and institutional collapse, and as such will need the services of an experienced presidency.

“At a time when Nigeria is bleeding from every pore, crippled by economic hardship, insecurity, rising debt, institutional failure, and deepening hopelessness, the question before the ADC is simple: who has the capacity not merely to campaign, but to govern effectively from day one?

“This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job Presidency.

“What the country needs is someone who has negotiated globally, created jobs through enterprise, managed national crises, built coalitions and consistently articulated a practical roadmap for economic recovery and national renewal”, Atiku stated.

This was as he urged ADC delegates to prioritize electability and governance capacity in their choice of a candidate.

Particularly, he cautioned against placing undue consideration on some mundane variables, especially sentiments in the process of making a choice for the party’s candidate.

“At this defining moment, ADC delegates must ask themselves a simple but profound question: do we want to make a statement, or do we want to make a president?

“Nigeria is not merely facing economic hardship; it is grappling with devastating consequences of catastrophic economic choices, deepening insecurity and institutional decay. This is not the season for sentiment or political experimentation .

“Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation.

“The ADC must present to Nigerians its strongest, most credible, most prepared candidate, not merely its loudest.

“This is a defining election. The party needs a candidate with national acceptability, political resilience, tested structures, and the capacity to unify disparate interests into one winning coalition”, Atiku asserted.

Ekiti Police Command To Arraign LG VC Over Fake Kidnap Report

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Ayodele Oni

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May 24, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Police Command will, this week, arraign the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje local government, Mrs Cecilia Ogunleye for allegedly arranging her kidnap.

Report revealed that Ogunleye was purportedly abducted between Iludun, her hometown and Ipere, a neighbouring community by gun welding and masked suspected bandits.

She was forced to abandon her official Toyota Corolla car and her bag, which contained some valuables and whisked away into the bush.

Falade Sunday, Director of Information and Civic Orientation,

Ilejemeje Local Government, in a statement confirmed that “The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Hon. Chief Mrs. Grace Ogunleye, has reportedly been kidnapped along Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road.

“According to reports, her vehicle was later found abandoned while her whereabouts remain unknown.

“Her mobile phone has also been switched off as of the time of filing this report.

“She had earlier visited Ilejemeje this morning and was returning to Ido Ekiti when the unfortunate incident occurred. Security agencies have been alerted while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue her safely.”

However, investigation by the police revealed that Mrs Ogunleye and yet to be disclosed persons organized the kidnapping to score political goal.

The vice chairman and her accomplices were invited by the Department of State Security Service, (DSS) which later transferred the case to the police command for prosecution.

The chairman of the local government, Pius Dada condemned the incident, describing it as unfortunate and embarrassing, especially coming at a time that 25 worshippers abducted at a Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC) Eda Oniyo are yet to be released .

“As a government committed to transparency, peace and integrity, and protection of life and property in our local government, we strongly condemn every form of criminality deception and misconduct, capable of bringing the image of government into disrepute,” the chairman added.

APC Presidential Primary: Tinubu Secures 10.99 Million Votes, Osifo, 16,504

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Ayodele Oni

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May 24, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primary Election Committee, chaired by former Senate President Pius Anyim, has collated 10.99 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the primary election held on Saturday.

Report from the collation centre in Abuja, indicated that President Tinubu has secured the APC presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections, defeating his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, in a landslide victory.

Tinubu polled a staggering 10.99 million votes across the country’s 8,809 wards, reaffirming his grip on the ruling party’s structure ahead of his re-election bid.

Osifo, a businessman and politician, who previously ran for the presidency under the Alliance for Social Democrats (ASD) in 2019 before joining the APC, managed to secure 16,504 votes.

The official results emerged from the national collation center at the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The national collation process was overseen by the APC Presidential Primary Election Committee, chaired by former Senate President Pius Anyim.

The direct primary format in which all financial members of APC took part on Saturday witnessed large turnout nationwide.

APC governors from 31 states, alongside top party stalwarts acting as state coordinators and collation officers, presented their respective state results to the national committee.

President Tinubu dominated the polls in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), capturing 100 percent of the cast votes in several states.

Despite the lopsided outcome, Osifo managed to register noticeable numbers in a few key states, including, Niger, Kano, Lagos, Bauchi and Abia.

Tinubu, in a reaction to the exercise lauded governors for enduring smooth exercise in their respective states.

Speaking after casting his vote at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos, the President said the exercise afforded party members to pick their leaders across all levels.

He hailed the exercise across the country as peaceful, transparent and a reflection of strong internal democracy within the ruling party.

APC Primaries: Adams Alleges Manipulation Of Results By HRM Elegushi… The Oba Denies, Demands Apology

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 24, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

There is brewing crisis in the All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State Chapter, over the outcome of the APC Primaries for the State House of Assembly.

The Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Noheem Adams, who won the Wednesday Primary for the House of Assembly in Eti-Osa Constituency 1, by securing 7,635 votes during the exercise, while his only opponent, Bankole Saheed, polled 1,225 votes, has alleged a plot by Oba Saheed Elegushi, Kusenla II, the Elegushi of Ikate Land and other political leaders to manipulate the outcome of the result and substitute his name with their own aspirant.

According to the Lawmaker, the result was being manipulated despite the outcome of the primary election being openly monitored by journalists and party members.

“When I called the Returning Officer, Gbenga Odofin, he told me he had submitted my name as the winner, but there are some forces trying to manipulate the results,” Adams alleged.

Adams stressed that Odofin mentioned some names, and Oba Elegushi was one of them.

He added that his offense is that he did not support them during the impeachment move against the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

The allegation has triggered tension within political circles in Eti-Osa and across the Lagos APC, especially amid ongoing permutations ahead of the emergence of principal officers in the proposed 11th Lagos State House of Assembly.

Adams maintained that the election was free and transparent, and insisted that the process reflected the will of APC members in the constituency.

However, the Media Team of Oba Elegushi has swiftly denied any involvement in the alleged manipulation of the primary result.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Temitope Oyefeso, the Monarch described the allegation as baseless and politically motivated, demanding an apology.

“The attention of the Palace of His Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, has been drawn to a media campaign orchestrated to blackmail the traditional ruler over the failure of some politicians to secure the ticket of their party to contest in the next general elections.

“Ordinarily, we would not have dignified this with a response, but it is appropriate to reiterate the apolitical stance of the palace and the throne, and to reject in its entirety this cheap blackmail by politicians who were rejected by their own party,” the palace added.

The palace insisted that Oba Elegushi remained neutral in partisan political matters and had no role in the APC primary election process.

Former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofi Elegushi, has however slammed Adams over his remarks against Oba Elegushi and the entire Elegushi family.

The former Commissioner gave the knock in a statement signed by him, noting that in spite of the support and encouragement Oba Elegushi had given to Adams and other public office holders over the years, his verbal attacks in a video against the Monarch showed lack of respect and appreciation for the traditional ruler’s fatherly roles.

“Following the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Eti-Osa Constituency I involving Hon. Saheed Bankole, the immediate past Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government and Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams, the incumbent Honourable Member representing Eti-Osa I Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, various reactions and grievances emerged, as is common in political contests.

“I watched with shock, disappointment, and deep concern the public comments made by Hon. Noheem Adams against His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, and by extension, the entire Elegushi family. Initially, I struggled to believe the authenticity of the video in circulation because such remarks were difficult to reconcile with the history of support, relationship, and goodwill that existed,” he said.

Malami Secures Kebbi State ADC Governorship Ticket

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 24, 2026

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Abubakar Malami Secures Kebbi State ADC Governorship Ticket

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Embattled former AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has emerged as the Kebbi State Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 polls.

His emergence, which was disclosed in a statement on Sunday, May 24, 2026, by Mohammed Bello Doka, resulted from consultations with and subsequent endorsement by party leaders , stakeholders, as well as supporters across the State .

Malami, in the statement, expressed appreciation to the ADC leaders in Kebbi State, and supporters who by his endorsement, demonstrated their unflinching and unalloyed trust and confidence in his ability to move Kebbi state forward.

“I sincerely appreciate the confidence and support shown by leaders, stakeholders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress. ADC, in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections”,Malami stated.

Other candidates endorsed by party leaders and supporters include Major General Aminu Bande rtd, for the Kebbi Central Senatorial District, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Ibrahim Muhammad Mera for Kebbi North Senatorial District ,as well a Garba Danjuma Limi for the Kebbi South Senatorial Zone.

Malami’s emergence is coming amidst his ongoing multiple prosecutions, arising equally from multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds and illegal possession of firearms.

However, not a few are of the strong belief that his travails are as a result of his political preferences, especially his decision to throw his hat into the gubernatorial ring on the opposition platform.

Malami who had severally admitted same, however insist that he will neither succumb to orchestrated blackmail or allow himself to be intimidated.

Malami was the AGF/Minister of Justice under the late President Mohammadu Buhari Administration.

FUTA Teaching Hospital Health Workers Begin Strike

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Ayodele Oni

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May 24, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The leadership of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Ondo State council has directed its members to withdraw their services in FUTA teaching hospital effective Monday.

According to a statement released by the Chairman and Secretary of the union, Dr. E O. Elusoji, and Dr. Adeojo Michael respectively, attempts to resolve the lingering crisis between the Management of the FUTA Teaching Hospital and the Union have failed due to the uncompromising and autocratic disposition of the Chief Medical Director, (CMD).

The crisis arose following the unilateral release of an organogram by the CMD which grossly violated extant circulars, public service rules, all related legal statutes and established administrative procedures governing public service in Nigeria.

The union asserted that one of the major contentious issue is the arbitrary scrapping of the Department of Medical Services, a critical department in the hospital structure.

“This action has unjustly rendered the most senior Director in the institution without any portfolio or defined responsibility, contrary to civil service regulations and established administrative norms.”

The Union described the action as a calculated attempt to distort the professional balance within the hospital system and create an avenue for members of a particular profession to dominate others and head specialized units and departments outside their professional jurisdiction.

“Of particular concern is the move to position medical doctors to head various sections of the Medical Laboratory Department and similar professions which is contrary to professional ethics and regulatory laws, Scheme of Service, and global best practices.”

Additionally, the union berated the management, over an attempt to impose one profession over another in a process of establishing professional servitude.

“This unfortunate approach of instituting modern slavery lacks a single legal statute, extant document or law to back the imposition.

“The interest inherent is just an ego trip predisposition which targets self aggrandizement, taking of power and validation at the expense of quality Medical Laboratory Services and improved healthcare service delivery which the hospital is known for.

“In view of the continued refusal of the Management to address these grievances, the Union subsequently issued a fourteen (14)-day ultimatum to the Management, demanding immediate corrective actions and implementation of agreed resolutions appropriately. This shall expire by midnight of Sunday, 24th May, 2026.

“Arising from the SEC meeting of the Union held in Akure on Friday May 22nd, 2026, members present unanimously resolved that unless urgent and sincere intervention is made before the expiration of the ultimatum, the Union shall commence an indefinite total withdrawal of services and complete shutdown of activities rendered by our members at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Akure, effective from Monday, 25th May, 2026.

“The Union regrets the inconvenience this action may cause patients and members of the public, but wishes to emphasize that the Management’s persistent disregard for due process, extant regulations, professional autonomy, and industrial harmony has left the Union with no other viable option.

“We hereby call on relevant government agencies, professional bodies, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene in order to prevent a total collapse of healthcare services in the institution.

“The Union remains committed to justice, equity, professionalism, and the protection of dignity and integrity of all members within the hospital system.”

Bandits Attack Prayer Mountain In Kwara, Kill Three, Abduct 15

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Ayodele Oni

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May 24, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three worshippers and the abduction of 15 others following a deadly attack by armed assailants at a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin by the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, described the attack as gruesome and condemnable.

The statement read, “The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.”

He explained that the incident was reported to the authorities by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who was conducting a night vigil with members of his congregation when the gunmen struck.

“While conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically.”

He confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack, while 15 others were taken away to an unknown destination by the gunmen.

According to the police boss, operatives attached to the Ekiti Division were immediately mobilised to the scene after the distress report was received.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.

“A comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets has been deployed for a coordinated rescue mission.

“The command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act.

“Vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice,” the statement added.

The command urged members of the public to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing rescue and security operations.

The latest attack comes amid recurring assaults on worship centres in Kwara South.

In November 2025, armed bandits attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 congregants before the victims were later rescued after a security operation.

In March 2026, another ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun LGA was attacked, with eleven worshippers abducted before a joint security response led to the rescue of three victims, while the other eight remain in captivity as of press time.

How Imo Police Command Nabbed Killers Of 21-Year Old Nursing Student

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The Source

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May 24, 2026

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By Charles Igbo

The Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, has arrested two men, one of them a vulcanizer, who ra*ed and beheaded a 21-year-old Nursing Student of Mercy College of Nursing Science, Umulogho, Obowo Local Government Area.

The victim of the unprecedented gruesome muder, a student, Wenda Achumba was attacked by the two suspects, Onyema Okonkwo and Emmanuel Onyekachi while she was in her off- campus room. After ra*ing her, they beheaded her.

According to reports, she lived in the off-campus apartment with two other student-nurses who, sadly, were away for their practicals when the devils struck to commit their heinous crime.

Outraged by that heinous murder, the Police and youths of the Community went in pursuit of the suspects and upon investigation, arrested the two culprits.

According to a Police statement, the suspects have confessed to the crime with one of them, Okonkwo, disclosing that she refused to date them or allow them have s*x with them, revealing that her refusal led to their ra*ing and beheading her.

Hereunder is the full statement issued by the Police.

POLICE NAB SUSPECTS ALLEGEDLY CONNECTED WITH RAPE AND MURDER OF 21-YEAR-OLD NURSING STUDENT IN OBOWO LGA

“Operatives of the Obowo Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with community partners, have arrested two suspects allegedly connected with the rape and murder of Wenda Achumba ‘f’, aged 21 years, a Post-Basic Nursing student of Mercy College of Nursing Science, Umulogho, whose lifeless body was discovered in her private off-campus residence at Umuadara, Umulogho in Obowo LGA on 21st May, 2026.

“The suspects, Onyema Okonkwo ‘m’, aged 32 years, and Emmanuel Onyekachi ‘m’, aged 25 years, both indigenes of Umuadara, Umulogho, were arrested following sustained, intelligence-led investigative efforts by operatives of the Division in synergy with community stakeholders.

“During investigation, Onyema Okonkwo confessed to the killing of the victim after forcibly having unlawful carnal knowledge of her on multiple occasions in an attempt to conceal his crime, and further implicated Emmanuel Onyekachi as being involved in the matter.

“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet and comprehensive investigation and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, assures the public that the matter is being handled with utmost diligence and professionalism, and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.

“Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

The Police statement was signed by DSP Henry Okoye, the Command’s Spokesperson.