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Presidency, NASS Meet On State Police

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Nigerian Police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila has disclosed that the federal government is in the final stage of working out  the modalities for the establishment of state police.

According to him, the government is trying to ensure that all legal frame works are followed before the bill for its establishment is sent to the National Assembly for Constitutional amendment.

The president’s chief of Staff made the remark on Thursday while speaking to journalists after a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the nation’s capital with NASS Principal Officers, including the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as well as the Inspector General of Police,  Tunji Disu.

Gbajabiamila stressed that President Tinubu is determined that state police are established, saying the issue is very important to the administration, noting however that the matter cannot be rushed because  there’s “a lot involved in terms of the constitution and legalities.

He explained that the government is moving fact on the issue.  “Hopefully the amendment will come shortly and then the details of the amendment will come after that,” he said.

“Right now what we’re looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law will follow thereafter.

“So that’s what we’ve been deliberating on in the last couple of hours. And hopefully we know that there’s a national consensus on the establishment of state police.”

Presidency Confirms Arrest Of Ifechukwu Dennis, Suspect Behind Al Generated Voice Of Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ifechukwu Dennis

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Presidency has confirmed the arrest of Ifechukwu Dennis, the man identified as the originator of an AI-generated voice note that was widely circulated online as a leaked recording of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the arrest on Thursday in a post on his official X account, said the suspect is already with the police.

 

“The IGP crack team has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis who originated the fake voice that he passed on to his gullible targets as President Tinubu’s voice,” he said.

 

The arrest closes a week-long controversy that began on May 27, 2026, when a video of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, went viral.

 

In the clip, an AI-generated voice resembling Tinubu’s was heard making inflammatory statements — including that insecurity in the South-East was deliberate, that he had pressured Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2023 election, and that he was indifferent to Nigerians’ suffering.

 

Investigations by multiple news organisations, however, established that VDM had not posted the doctored audio.

 

An unidentified individual had extracted footage from VDM’s original Instagram video and superimposed the AI-generated voice notes before recirculating the manipulated version online.

 

Despite this, the Presidency had initially called for VDM’s prosecution.

Onanuga had described the incident as “a clear case of egregious abuse of the social media platform,” drawing criticism after fact-checkers confirmed VDM’s original video contained none of the fabricated audio.

 

Further details on the circumstances of Dennis’s arrest and the charges he may face were not immediately available at the time of filing this report.

Father Escapes As Gunmen Abduct His 9-Year Old Son In Ondo State

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack on residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun Ido-Ani, in Ose Local Government Area of the State.

 

According to a Police report, the incident was reported in the early hours of Friday, 5th June 2026, at about 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun. 

 

According to their reports, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the same day, a group of armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents.

 

During the attack, the assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac. 

 

In a desperate attempt to save his life, he escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men. 

 

Mr. Joel Owalekan also reported that the same group of assailants unlawfully damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry. 

 

He similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm.

 

Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his men, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilized to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. 

 

Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators.

 

 Investigations has commenced while relevant exhibits have been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.

 

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units and other relevant security assets to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim unhurt and the arrest of the perpetrators. 

 

The Command is also working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice.

 

The Command assures residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the abducted child. 

 

Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations.

 

Anyone with credible and actionable information relating to the abducted child or the suspects is encouraged to report promptly to the nearest police station or other security agency.

War Against Terrorism Should Not Be Selective – Atiku… Urges DSS To Invite Igboho For Questioning

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, has accused the Federal Government of being selective in the fight against terrorism.

 

Ibe also called on the Department of State Services, (DSS), and other security agencies to invite Yoruba nation campaigner, Sunday Igboho, in the ongoing war against banditry, especially in the South West.

 

The media aide advised that Igboho should disclose the identities of politicians he alleged are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.

 

Ibe made the call in a post on X, arguing that security agencies should take advantage of any credible information capable of aiding efforts to rescue the victims and dismantle criminal networks behind the attacks.

 

Igboho had during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, claimed he knew the politicians allegedly backing kidnappers operating in parts of the South-West.

 

The remarks were made against the backdrop of concerns over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

Reacting to Igboho’s claims, Ibe said security agencies should immediately engage him if he indeed possesses information that could assist ongoing investigations.

 

“Since Sunday Ighoho claims to know those behind the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, I think that the State Security Service and other security agencies knew to invite him to release those names to them.

Sunday Igboho
Sunday Igboho

“Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers.”

 

Ibe also broadened the conversation to the wider insecurity challenges confronting the country, questioning what he described as the Federal Government’s muted response to the reported abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15.

 

Drawing a comparison between the official response to the incidents in Oyo and Borno states, he asked, “By the way, who knows those behind the abduction of over 50 school children in Mussa, Borno State on May 15, 2026?

 

“Why is Tinubu and his government mute over the Borno abduction? Are those school children not Nigerians? 

 

When will the Commander-in-Chief and Consoler-in-Chief send a delegation to Mussa like it did in the case of Oriire?

 

“When will Borno and other vulnerable states get their own forest guards? Why wait for a tragedy to occur before the Tinubu government takes action to stem insecurity in our country?”

 

Igboho had told his visitors that the kidnappers were not invincible and could be dislodged if decisive action was taken against them.

 

“If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are neither gnomes nor mannequins; they are humans, so they can be dislodged.

 

“I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. I know them. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said.

CBN Caps Foreign Tuition Payment @$25,000

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,  has increased the maximum tuition fee remittance limit for Nigerian undergraduate and postgraduate students schooling abroad from $15,000 to $25,000 per semester.

According to the revised Foreign Exchange Manual, issued by the Yemi-Cardoso-led CBN the initiative is part of ongoing reforms to improve transparency, efficiency and confidence in the nation’s forex market.

The apex bank said  in the guidelines that tuition fee payments must be processed through Authorised Dealer Banks, ADBs on behalf of eligible Nigerian students pursuing education in foreign higher institutions.

The new initiative is contrary to the previous framework, where tuition fee remittances were pegged at $15,000 per semester and restricted to a maximum of two semesters per academic session. The new policy raises the allowable remittance amount to $25,000 per semester, providing greater flexibility for students and their sponsors in meeting international education expenses.

The CBN stressed that  educational expense payments for Nigerian students studying abroad must continue to comply with established procedures and documentation requirements outlined in the revised Foreign Exchange Manual.

Under the current framework, tuition fees, maintenance expenses are combined in a single invoice, and must be paid directly to the institutions where the learning is taking place.

Zenith Bank Reinforces ESG Commitment With World Environmental Day Initiatives

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Adaora Umeoji - Zenith Bank Female GMD

In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices, Zenith Bank Plc has commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with a two-phase environmental clean-up initiative in Lagos State, held under the global theme “Inspired by Nature For Climate For Our Future.”

 

The first phase was a morning clean-up conducted by staff of the Bank on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, along Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The exercise mobilised employees to clear waste, sensitise residents on proper disposal practices, and reinforce the Bank’s culture of community service and environmental stewardship.

 

The second phase, on Thursday, 4 June 2026, featured a waterways clean-up at the Falomo Waterways, Ikoyi, Lagos, executed in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). The joint effort focused on removing marine debris, promoting cleaner waterways, and supporting the State’s broader climate-resilience agenda.

 

Speaking on the initiative, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, said: “At Zenith Bank, sustainability is integral to how we operate. Clearing our streets and our waterways is a practical reminder that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility – and one we are proud to take up alongside LAWMA and LASWA. Through these exercises, we are taking deliberate action to preserve our communities, support climate action, and inspire others to act. Our operations will continue to align with global environmental standards as we build a more sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa.”

 

Zenith Bank remains committed to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles across its operations, investing in green initiatives, energy efficiency, and community-focused programmes. These efforts advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Sustainability remains an operational imperative across the Bank’s Nigerian base and its broader African, UK and European footprints.

 

 

Demolition Of Cenotaph: Ondo Governor Shifts Blame To Owo Monarch

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Controversy over the demolition of the cenotaph erected in memory of victims of the June 5, 2022, St. Francis Catholic Church massacre in Owo, Ondo still rages as Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, put the blame on the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunleye.

 

The governor, who distanced himself from the demolition, insisted that the action was initiated by the Olowo of Owo over a land ownership dispute.

 

The memorial park was built by late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to honour worshippers and families affected by the terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, which claimed over 40 lives and left many others injured.

 

Four suspects linked with the demolition were on Wednesday sentenced to death by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

 

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye, Aiyedatiwa pointed out that  the cenotaph was constructed without the approval of the state government at the time and was sited on land belonging to the Olowo of Owo.

 

According to the governor, some actors in government then ignored objections raised by the traditional ruler and proceeded with the project, erecting the monument directly opposite the palace, a location considered taboo in Owo tradition.

 

He maintained that he neither approved nor directed the demolition, stressing that the monarch exercised his rights as the owner of the land.

 

“I wasn’t the one who instructed that it should be demolished. The owner of the land felt that this is my land and I need to take over my land,” the governor said.

 

The demolition of the memorial sparked widespread reactions from residents and religious groups, who viewed the structure as a symbol of remembrance for the victims of one of Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist attacks in recent years.

Panic In Ijebu Ode, As Several Students Are Hospitalised Over Gas Leakage

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gas Leakage in Ijebu Ode

By Akinwale Kasali

 

For the third time in less than two months, reoccuring Gas leakage has led to the hospitalization of Students and residents of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

 

This is as scores of Students and  Staff of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, are receiving medical attention at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode.

 

This present incident marks the third time of the mysterious gas leak within two months, heightening concerns among residents over its potential health implications and environmental impact.

 

Recall that the first incident happened in April during which 40 Students were  hospitalised, while another gas leak happened I’m May affecting nearly 100 Students who were subsequently treated for exposure-related symptoms.

 

Following the reoccuring gas leakages, the Ogun State Government had earlier disclosed that monitoring equipment deployed to the area detected the presence of methane gas, which officials identified as the substance responsible for the recurring incidents.

 

However, residents stated that the latest incident occurred during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive odour that triggered panic across the school premises.

 

“The gas leakage incident occurred again during school hours when students and teachers suddenly perceived an offensive smell, causing discomfort, breathing difficulties and panic within the school premises,” one of the residents stated.

 

In the same vein, another resident said, “Some of the affected students and staff members were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where they received medical attention. Some of the students are still on admission. The general complaints were discomfort and weakness, while some of them even fainted.”

 

The resident urged the government to urgently investigate the recurring phenomenon and provide a lasting solution.

 

“The government has to get to the root of this terrible incident. This is the third time in two months that we are experiencing this hazardous gas leakage. The government should please do something before it is too late,” the source added.

 

Ola Oresanya, the State Commissioner for Environment, confirmed the latest incident and assured residents that the Government was actively addressing the situation.

 

According to him, authorities have identified the source of the gas emission through monitoring devices installed in the area.

 

“I am aware of this gas leak incident, and we have detected the source through our installed monitoring devices. The gas leakage is coming from behind Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode,” Oresanya said.

 

This development has prompted Civil Rights Activist and National Coordinator of the Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, FFRC, John Eko, sending a Save-Our-Soul to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and ensure a permanent resolution to the recurring gas leak.

 

Eko expressed concern over the possible long-term health consequences of repeated exposure to the unidentified emissions.

 

“It was shocking to hear that the mysterious gas leak occurred again on Wednesday for the third time in two months. Nobody really knows the damage inhaling this obnoxious gas may be doing to the health of residents.

 

“We appeal to the government to deploy every available resource to find a permanent solution to this unfortunate incident. That is the least the government can do for the people who entrusted them with leadership.”

 

Disturbed by the reoccuring Gas leak, residents have continued to call for a comprehensive environmental investigation into the source of the methane emissions, amid growing fears over public safety and the wellbeing of students and communities living around the affected area.

Senate Reviews Tax On SSBs, Replaces It With Percentage Based Levy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nigerian Senate

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, has lauded the Senate for passing a landmark bill seeking to overhaul Nigeria’s tax regime on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, SSBs.

 

CAPPA had described the move as a major breakthrough in the fight against rising non-communicable diseases in the country, as Bill proposes replacing the current flat N10-per-litre excise duty on Sugary Drinks with a percentage-based levy tied to retail price, while also setting aside part of the revenue for health promotion and disease prevention programmes.

 

Following this development, CAPPA showered encomium on the Senate for what it called a “bold and timely” intervention aimed at protecting Nigerians from the growing burden of diet-related illnesses.

 

Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director stated that the move by the Senate was commendable and courageous.

 

“By passing this bill, the Senate has demonstrated responsiveness to the growing public health crisis facing the country.

 

“We now urge the National Assembly to expedite the remaining legislative processes to ensure that the reviewed bill becomes law without delay.”

 

The organisation particularly applauded the sponsor of the bill, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, for championing policies focused on public health and social welfare.

 

CAPPA noted that Banigo had earlier sponsored the National Health Act Amendment Bill, which was passed in April 2026 to increase funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

 

The group said the planned earmarking of part of the SSB tax revenue for health interventions would provide much-needed support for Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.

 

According to CAPPA, Nigeria is witnessing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and dental conditions, with sugary drinks identified as a major contributor.

 

It cited public health statistics indicating that nearly one in three deaths in Nigeria is linked to non-communicable diseases, while more than 11 million Nigerians are currently living with diabetes.

 

CAPPA argued that the existing N10-per-litre tax introduced under the Finance Act has failed to reduce consumption because manufacturers easily absorb the cost without significantly increasing retail prices.

 

“Fixed-rate taxes like Nigeria’s current system are easily absorbed by manufacturers and rendered ineffective by inflation.

 

“A percentage-based levy ensures that the tax remains impactful over time, discourages excessive sugar intake, and better protects public health.”

 

The advocacy group added that the proposed ad valorem tax system aligns with recommendations by the World Health Organisation, which advocates stronger health taxes to reduce consumption of harmful products.

 

CAPPA also welcomed provisions in the bill that would dedicate part of the proceeds to health promotion, preventive care and improved access to essential health services.

 

However, the organisation stressed that transparency and accountability must guide the management of the funds to ensure effective utilisation.

 

While hailing the Senate’s action, CAPPA called on the House of Representatives to urgently concur with the bill and transmit it to the President for assent.

 

“Nigeria cannot afford to delay, we are in the midst of a preventable public health crisis driven by unhealthy diets and weak regulatory frameworks.

 

“Strengthening the SSB tax is not just a fiscal measure, it is a life-saving intervention.”

 

CAPPA maintained that a stronger tax regime on sugary drinks would help reduce disease burden, save lives and secure healthier outcomes for future generations.

 

“Lawmakers have taken an important step. Now they must finish the job”, Oluwafemi stated.

Minority Leader: Reps In Heated Session As Allegations of Forgery, Bribery, Rock Ikenga’s Endorsement

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The House of Representatives plenary on Thursday was marked by serious disagreement and tension which arose from the planned selection of a Minority Leader to replace Hon Kingsley Chinda who resigned from the.position on Tuesday following his defection from the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

 

The session which could have led to the emergence of Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere after his endorsement on Wednesday by about 61 of the 81 opposition Lawmakers was, however, thrown into heated disagreement following allegation by Hon Philip Agbese ,the House Deputy spokesperson, that his signature was forged.

 

The Source reports that a document in circulation on Wednesday night had indicated that Ugochinyere,  who represents Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo state had been  endorsed by his colleagues for the Minority Leadership of the green chamber of the National Assembly.

 

But while raising a matter of privilege on Tuesday, Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue state, denied appending his signature to the Ugochinyere project.

 

According to him, he only became aware of the document claiming the endorsement of the Imo state-born legislator when it surfaced on online and the social media space.

 

He noted that he was surprised and embarrassed to be listed as one of the signatories to the endorsement of Hon Ugochinyere as the new Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

 

While acknowledging engaging in discussions with some colleagues including Ugochinyere on some issues bordering on Minority members of the House and constituency projects, he however denied endorsing any candidate for the vacant position.

 

He maintained that he has not met with Ugochinyere since December 2025, and, therefore, never appended his signature to an endorsement document.

 

“Yesterday (Wednesday), at about 6 pm, my attention was drawn to a document on the internet with my name, purportedly nominating a member of this House for the position of Minority Leader.

 

“I feel that my legislative privilege has been breached because this amounts to forgery for my signature to be used for purposes which were not intended”, Agbese cried out.

 

While imploring the House to carry out an inquest into the circumstances surrounding his signature appearing in the endorsement document, Agbese also vehemently distanced himself from the claim suggesting that opposition law makers were feted with about $50,000 each for the purpose of endorsing Ugochinyere

 

According to him, the social media space has been awash with reports that each of the 61 Lawmakers whose signatures appeared in the document,  received the mouth-watering sum as a reward.

 

“I have not received any amount of money from anybody, and I will not do so . This is my integrity”, he added.

 

Responding to the development which expectedly triggered heavy uproar and confusion, Hon Ugochinyere vehemently debunked the allegations,  insisting that Agbese personally visited his office and signed the endorsement register.

 

” My colleague, Agbese, has made some weighty allegations before every member here and today on live transmission.

 

” My brother arrived from Benue, met me in the office in the presence of some of my colleagues, and voluntarily pledged and signed my nomination.for the post of Minority Leader.

 

“I understand that at the moment, an overwhelming majority of 61 members out of 81 opposition members selected  me.

 

” It may not go down well with some people, but I never expected that their desperation would get to this level”, Ugochinyere stated .

 

He regretted that his colleague and brother could make such weighty allegations which are not only false ,but defamatory .

 

He emphasized that some colleagues who were present when Agbese personally signed the nomination form,are ready to testify at the appropriate time.

 

However, in an attempt to douse tension, the Speaker of the House, Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, announced a closed-door meeting with all minority members for the purpose of resolving any issues involved.

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