Suspected Kidnappers Kill Newly Wed Ekpoma Entrepreneur On Son’s Dedication Day

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May 5, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Jusewayne, Chief Executive Officer of Principal Takeout, is dead.

He was shot multiple times by suspected kidnappers while attempting to escape an abduction on what was meant to be one of the most joyful days of his life — the dedication of his newborn son.

The tragic incident has left the city of Ekpoma, Edo State, in a melancholy mood.

The newlywed late young business owner according to his friend was on his way to deliver a food order when he was ambushed by the attackers who forcefully attempted to drag him into a nearby bush path.

In a desperate bid for freedom, Jusewayne broke into a run, but the assailants opened fire on him, hitting him two to three times before he was rushed to a hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead.

The cruel timing of the tragedy has left everyone in shock, and his

wife devastated.

The deceased, who recently got married and welcomed a baby boy, had scheduled the Child’s dedication ceremony for the very same day the fatal attack occurred — a coincidence that has further deepened the anguish of those who knew him.

The death has left friends and residents of Ekpoma in rude shock and devastated by the loss, with many describing the slain entrepreneur as a vibrant and promising young man who had been steadily building both a business and a family before his life was abruptly cut short.

Th tragedy has further heightened anxiety among residents over the security situation in the area, with many calling on law enforcement authorities to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice and curb the rising tide of kidnapping and violent crime in the community.

“No, You Are Not Eligible To Contest Until 10 Years After”, Court Tells Convicted Nyame, Fmr. Gov Of Taraba State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 5, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The hope of Rev Jolly Tanko Nyame, former Taraba State Governor to relaunch his faded political career after his conviction and sentencing to jail, has suffered a huge set-back.

A Federal High Court Court sitting in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital, has ruled that Nyame is not eligible to contest any elective position as a result of his earlier conviction and sentencing on charges bordering on abuse of office and mismanagement of public funds.

The Source reports that Rev Nyame who presided over the affairs of Taraba State from 1999 to 2007, was in 2018, convicted and sentenced to a 14-year jail term, by an Abuja Federal High Court.

The court presided over by Honourable Justice Adebukola Banjoko found him guilty on all 27 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.

However, Nyame alongside about 158 others were in 2022 granted presidential reprieve by late President Mohammadu Buhari, thereby cutting short his stay in the correctional Centre.

The former Governor, early last year, began the process of rehabilitating his political career with plans to contest for a Senatorial seat in 2027 on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

However, his move which was believed to have unsettled some forces including, Governor Agbu Kefas, was to elicit a legal action from an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Barrister Badmus.

In the suit marked FHC/JAL/CS/6/2026 filed by Badmus on behalf of the Incorporated Trustees of the Taraba Progress Front, the applicant sought a clarification from the court on whether the respondent( Nyame) by virtue of the presidential pardon of 2022, is eligible to contest elective office going by the provisions of Section 66(1)(d) and Section 182 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)

The applicant had argued that the Constitution clearly bars persons convicted of offenses involving dishonesty from contesting public offices for 10 years from the date of conviction.

In his ruling, presiding Judge Honourable Justice Mashkur Salisu Mohammed held that under Section 175 of the Constitution, the presidential pardon granted to the respondent does not obvitiate the conviction, but rather the sentence.

According to the Court, the presidential pardon does not erase the constitutional restrictions attached to Nyame’s conviction.

“The presidential clemency granted to the respondent does not confer immediate eligibility to participate in elections until after the expiry of the mandatory 10-year period from the date of conviction.

“The prerogative of mercy exercised in 2022 pardoned the sentence ,not the conviction. The constitutional disqualification under Section 182 (1) (e) remains operative.

“Accordingly, the 1st respondent ,Rev Jolly T. Nyame remains.ineligible to contest any elective office in Nigeria until 10 years after his conviction , being May 30,2028” Justice Mohammed ruled.

Consequently, the Court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, political parties and the respondent from taking any steps towards the participation of the respondent in the electoral processes leading up to the 2027 polls.

However, while the applicant has described the judgment as a welcome development, Nyame’s legal team said they will study it and afterwards determine the next line of action.

Uncertainty Of Presidential Ticket Forced Obi Out Of ADC – Spokesman Abdullahi

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Ayodele Oni

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May 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has said that the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, left the party’s coalition arrangement because he was not sure of getting the party’s presidential ticket.

According to him, Obi found it difficult to thrive in a highly competitive political structure.

Abdullahi made the remark on Monday during a television interview, following Obi’s recent political realignment alongside former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to him, Obi’s movement was not sudden but the outcome of an unfolding political disagreement over how the coalition was structured and managed.

“The kind of party Peter Obi needed was the party he is now in. A party that belongs to one man, that can assure him of the ticket before he even comes in,” Abdullahi said.

He argued that the ADC coalition was designed differently, with multiple stakeholders expected to negotiate and agree on power-sharing arrangements.

“In a political coalition where a lot of negotiations must happen, where nobody is taken for granted, and where you have to carry everyone along even when they don’t get what they want, I don’t think Peter Obi can survive in such an environment,” he added.

Abdullahi further alleged that Obi’s expectations went beyond securing the party’s presidential ticket, insisting he also wanted influence over key party decisions, including the choice of running mate.

Obi had recently exited the ADC following weeks of speculation about internal tensions, while Kwankwaso also signalled alignment with the NDC after what he described as “wide-ranging consultations.”

Despite the high-profile departures, Abdullahi stated that the ADC was not weakened by the development.

“Personally, I’m not happy they left, but in a way, it is a relief. Now we can focus on building the party without the pressure they were putting on the system,” he said.

He, however, stressed that the ADC does not view Obi or Kwankwaso as political enemies, adding that their exit would not derail the party’s long-term plans.

“We are not going to go into a dogfight with them. They are not our enemies,” he said.

He maintained that while the departure may appear significant in the short term, it would not fundamentally alter the ADC’s political direction ahead of future elections.

Alleged Cultists Storm Wedding, Kill Bride’s Father, Hypeman In Lagos

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 5, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Tragedy struck at the Ikotun area of Lagos, as suspected cultists stormed a wedding ceremony, and killed the bride’s father and a hypeman, identified as Victor.

The densely populated area was deserted Saturday night, as the suspected Cultists invaded the Wedding After Party along Oviawe Street on Governors Road in Ikotun, shooting sporadically into the air.

According to eyewitnesses account, the attack happened shortly after the wedding ceremony had ended, when guests had gathered at an event centre for the after-party. The atmosphere was lively, with music playing, and guests dancing, when the Cultists suddenly stormed the venue.

The first target was Victor the hypeman, who was shot, as he tried to escaped after being hit by a gunshot. The Men ran after him, shooting him multiple times, before matcheting him.

The bride’s father was also shot as he was trying to scamper for safety.

Another account from an eyewitness who craved anonymity stated that:

“When they shot Victor and started matcheting him, the bride’s father came out and tried to plead with them. He didn’t want them to kill him. But in the process, both of them were shot.

“They died there on the spot. They were rushed to the hospital, but the hospital said they were Brought In Dead, BID”, the source said.

The attack threw the entire neighbourhood into confusion. The incident is still being discussed. Police investigation of the incident has started.

Some residents and shop owners are yet to come to terms with the occurrence. Many shops in the area have remained shot.

A young man identified as Simple, said that a lot of youths have fled the area because of fear of possible reprisal attack by rival cult groups, and, also, for the fear of Police, who residents said will be making indiscriminate arrests.

Ikotun, like several parts of Lagos, has in recent years experienced cases of cult-related clashes, often involving rival groups fighting over territory or settling scores.

Such clashes sometimes lead to loss of innocent lives, raising concerns about public safety.

Some community members believe the attack may not have been directly linked to the wedding but rather part of an ongoing feud between cult groups in the area.

Another residents said: “This kind of thing has been happening around here before, it is possible the gunmen were targeting someone, maybe Victor or another person, but innocent people ended up dying”, he stated.

A neighbour, who identified himself as Steve, said he recognised Victor as someone who was well known in the community.

“I was inside my house when my wife told me there was a problem outside, When I got there, I heard that Victor was involved. I later realised he was I usually saw around the street. He was not a big person in size, but many people knew him as a hypeman”.

The killing has left many residents worried about their safety, especially as such incidents appear to be happening more frequently. Some are calling on security agencies to increase patrols and address the issue of cult violence before it escalates further.

“This is very sad. A wedding is supposed to be a happy occasion, but it ended in tears. The government and police need to do something about these cultists. Innocent people are dying”, a shop owner in the area lamented.

There are insinuations that Victor may also be a Cultist of a rival group, possibly he was the target, coincidentally, leading to the killing the bride’s Father.

But some residents claim that Victor was a gentle, friendly and passionate person in the community, who was a friend to everyone and also respectful.

Another source stated that Victor may have identified some of the Cultists, leading to them killing him in cold blood.

It however remains a mystery, which only the Police can unravel.

SP Abimbola Adebisi, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, reacting to the incident said that the case is under investigation.

She added that the matter would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, in Panti for further handling.

“The matter is being investigated and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti,” she said.

No arrest has been made so far by the Police as at the time of filing in this report.

Breaking: Zenith Bank Founder, Jim Ovia Retires As Chairman

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 5, 2026

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Zenith Bank Plc has announced the retirement of its chairman, Jim Ovia, following the expiration of his tenure.

Ovia is the founder of Nigeria’s leading commercial bank.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during the bank’s ongoing 35th Annual General Meeting, AGM.

The bank said Ovia is exiting the lender after completing the mandatory 12 years as a non-executive director and chairman, in accordance with the corporate governance guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Ovia became the bank’s chairman on July 16, 2014, having previously served as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive for 20 years.

How Investigators Obtained Voluntary Confessions From Suspected Coup Plotters

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Ayodele Oni

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May 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The ongoing trial of persons accused of planning to topple the President Bola Tinubu’s administration has exposed roles of some of the suspects.

A prosecution Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) has made public confessional video recordings of two of the suspected coup Plotters admitting knowledge of the plot to topple the government of President Tinubu.

The suspects, are Navy Capt. Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd.) and Insp Ahmed Ibrahim (2nd and 3rd defendants).

Video recording sessions during investigation were played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in their ongoing trial.

The video recordings, which were contained in a hard disc was tendered by Oyedepo with the court admitting it as evidence during the continuation of the trial on Monday.

In reaction, lawyers to the defendants raised objection about the admissibility of the videos on the grounds that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily.

The defence lawyers also objected to having the recordings played in open court when they were yet to be admitted in evidence.

Justice Abdulmalik, however, overruled them and ordered that the recordings be played, noting that it was the standard practice.

The judge, who noted the objection raised by the defence team, held that a trial-within-trial could be conducted to ascertain the propriety of the defence.

Meanwhile, the first interview session played was that of retired Maj-Gen. Mohammed Gana, who said he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as a Chief of Defence Logistics and had since lived a quiet life.

Gana, who said he had never committed any act of indiscipline or crime, told investigators, in the video, that he knew the alleged mastermind of the plot, Col. M. A. Ma’aji.

Gana said he learnt that Ma’aji had issues with his promotion, but did not know he was planning a coup, adding that if he was aware, he would have reported.

He said his name first came up in connection with the alleged plot in relation to a N2 million transfer, which investigators linked to him.

Gana also admitted sharing via WhatsApp, a copy of the coup speech read by Joshua Dongayaro during an earlier coup in the country.

He also admitted sharing, through the same means, some messages containing anti-government rhetorics, but explained that he only forwarded the materials as received and did not edit or originate it.

When investigators told him that the coup speech recovered from Col. Maji was tailored in line with the coup related speech he forwarded, Gana said he did not know.

He, however, denied allegations of conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa, participating in efforts to raise funds, including claims of sourcing billions from a former governor.

Retired Capt. Erasmus Victor, who is the 2nd defendant, admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of the plot to overthrow the government, but failed to report to any security agency because of his relationship with Ma’aji.

He said Ma’aji had complained about his stalled promotion and “out of anger, he said he wants to overthrow the system.”

Victor stated that he advised him against such act and suggested that the officer should consider retirement instead.

He admitted in the video that he was approached to render financial support, assist in raising funds for the plot or help them to acquire an apartment with an assurance of being offered an appointment when the coup succeeds.

The retired Navy captain said he declined involvement in the plot, confirmed that he continued communication using a secure messaging platform and acknowledged that coded language was used in discussions.

He insisted he was not part of any operational arrangement and that he never rendered any assistance as requested by Ma’aji.

Victor said his relationship with Ma’aji beclouded his thoughts, adding that if there was no relationship between them, he would have reported to any security agency like the Navy, which is his constituency.

He said he regretted his action for not reporting about the coup plot.

Victor, who looked remorseful in the video, expressed regret that he failed to report the plot to the appropriate authorities when he ought to and appealed for clemency.

“I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” likening his situation to being at the wrong place at the wrong time.” He said.

He pleaded for clemency, noting that the Almighty God himself said he regretted creating man but still continues to seek mercy for man.

Victor said if the government could grant amnesty to terrorists and bandits who had taken the lives of innocent souls, called them repentant and reintegrate them into the society, he also should be forgiven because he had served the country meritoriously in the Navy.

Police Insp Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, told investigators he was initially approached to help facilitate Col. Ma’aji’s promotion through contacts within government circles.

Ibrahim said discussions between him and Ma’aji later shifted from promotion matters to alleged plans to overthrow the government.

He admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance operations around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House.

He said he took photographs of some parts of the Presidential Villa, including the president’s residence and its surroundings, and discussed possible access routes.

The inspector further confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used during conversations to refer to funding and the alleged operation.

He maintained, however, that his involvement stemmed from misplaced judgment influenced by his relationship with the principal suspect.

Ibrahim said he merely played along with the alleged plotters because he knew it would be impossible for them to access the state house.

At the beginning of every interview session, the investigators explained to the defendants the rationale behind the audio-visual recording of the session, which they said was in line with the provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The investigators added that the recording was being done to ensure that the statement made by each of the defendants was voluntarily obtained and that it was not under duress, torture or promise of any favour.

The investigator equally told them that they had the right the right to remain silent if they chose not to say anything.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter for continuation of trial.

Trouble: Kano NDC Rejects Kwankwaso Takeover Of Structure

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 5, 2026

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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Barely 72 hours after former Governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso joined the National Democratic Congress, NDC the local chapter of the party in his state is tied up in a battle with him regarding the control of the party’s structure.

From all indications, the dispute has the potential to test the former Minister of Defence resolve to wield the party together ahead the 2027 general election, particularly as he positions himself to serve as running mate with Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra state for the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso and Obi had on Sunday defected to the NDC from the African Democratic Congress, ADC to pursue their presidential ambition.

After joining the NDC on Sunday, the former governor had expected the party’s structure in the state to be handed over to him, according to sources in the state, but that’s not the case as the State Chairman of NDC, Usaini Isa Mai Riga has refused to do so, warning that any attempt to remove him and his officials from their current positions as State Excos will be legally resisted.

The NDC state Chairman said negotiations to integrate Kwankwaso and his supporters into the party has broken down because the former governor, he alleged, is trying to hijack the entire party structure from those he met in the party.

Riga said this will not be allowed to happen, saying the leadership of the party in the state had work so hard for the party to become prominent, and will not allow Kwankwaso, who’s a new member to take it from them.

According to him, the State Chapter will also resist the attempt by the National Body of the party to foist Kwankwanso on it as he was not there while they were building the party, and when NDC had “little of no presence” in the state.

“He (Kwankwaso) wants us to hand over the entire party to him, despite the sacrifices we made when the party had little or no presence

“This will not happen. We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that the party structure is not hijacked.

“We were instructed not to hold the congress because of plans to hand over the structure. That is why I am not at the venue today. We will not allow the rights of our members to be trampled upon,” Riga said.

NNPP: Aniebonam Faction Says It Has Pardoned Erring Members; Adopts Consensus

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 5, 2026

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The Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP Boniface Aniebonam says the party will adopt consensus in deciding its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Aniebonam, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the party said the NNPP has pardoned all expelled members and would re-admit them into its fold.

He made this known in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to him, it is an established fact that some primary elections in Nigeria have denied very credible candidates from participating in the general elections to test their popularity.

“We shall avoid this scenario in accordance with our resolutions during our last convention in Lagos to adopt the principles of consensus candidates to bring out our best candidates rather than money politics .

“Under the circumstances, Nigerians who are committed to the ideals of a new Nigeria, who may not want to waste their resources on primary elections and has the capacity to undertake effective campaign for the general election should come forward.

“In-particular are the women who shall enjoy free nomination fee shall pay only administrative cost as a commitment and loyalty to the NNPP.

” Aside from our elected members in their various states that are entitled to automatic tickets, the tickets for presidential and other elective positions are open for contest but the best person will be picked via consensus.” Aniebonam stated.

According to the NNPP founder, the party in its last convention in Lagos, promised automatic tickets for all its elected members in the executive positions and legislative arms of government for the 2027 general elections.

“The party have not shifted its position on that despite the misdemeanours of some members ,” Aniebonam stated.

Speaking on the pardon for suspended members, the NNPP founder recalled that in the wake of internal wranglings and litigations that hit the party, it expelled some members for anti party activities.

“By virtue of the inherent powers conferred upon me by the NNPP constitution as the founder and chairman, board of trustees in council, I hereby declare a general pardon for all members who have acted unconstitutionally due to the unmerited influence of certain individuals in the past.

“It is constitutional for the founder and chairman, board of trustees of NNPP to call any member of the party in contravention of its constitutional provisions to order.

“Accordingly, all members of our great party who were deceived by the defunct National Working Committee (NWC) are at liberty to return to the family.

“However, all concerned shall report to the NWC under Dr Agbo Major to pledge allegiance and loyalty to the party going forward.”

He pointed out that under the circumstances, those , who might have defected to other parties due to the escalated court cases could still return immediately to beat the time limit of the new Electoral Act and Electoral Guidelines released by INEC.

“It shall be the duty of the leadership of the Screening Committee in consultation with the National Chairman and Secretary General of the party to give their consent before an acceptance is granted to expelled members. This is to ensure safety and peace of the happy family

“The founder and chairman, board of trustees shall continue to oversee and supervise the proper administration and management of our party in accordance with the judgment of the Appeal Court, Owerri.

“Politicians, who want to participate in our journey for a new Nigeria of our dreams are equally invited to join within the time frame.

The Board urges members not to be worried about the delay of INEC to upload our elected NWC members and the original logo to the national server of INEC.

The order of the court stands to upload our NWC members is extant and supreme

He urged incoming members to ensure proper resignation from whichever party they might have registered for so as not to run foul of the Electoral act, which does not permit dual membership of political parties.

“All new members must ensure that their resignation are properly documented and withdrawn both manually and electronically.” he added.

2027: Baba-Ahmed Endorses Obi/Kwankwaso Ticket, Doubtful Of North’s Support

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 5, 2026

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Presidential hopeful Peter Obi will not get the support of northern voters in the 2027 election, according to Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as his running mate during the 2023 presidential election.

Baba-Ahmed made this remark during a recent media interview, insisting that he still maintains a cordial relationship with the former Anambra state governor despite his opinion over his presidential ambition.

The 2023 running mate to Obi former under the Labour Party, LP also made the comment after the former Anambra helmsman joined the National Democratic Congress, NDC from the African Democratic Congress, ADC to pursue his next year’s presidential bid.

The magazine reports that Obi defected alongside a former governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who’s said to be plotting a joint presidential ticket with the former LP presidential candidate for next year’s election.

The duo now goes with the campaign sobriquet “OK” meaning Obi and Kwankwanso, amidt suggestions by some political analysts that the joint ticket, if well pursued, has the potential to upset the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu apple’s cart in the 2027 presidential election.

The postulations, according to these analysts is that Obi is capable of pulling massive votes from the South with the expectation that Kwankwaso will bring huge votes from the north, enough to defeat the incumbent.

But Baba-Ahmed disagreed, as, according to him, the expectation that the north will support Obi in 2027, may just be a mirage.

The former LP running mate to Obi, however, welcome the idea of a joint ticket of Obi and Kwankwaso, saying he had been advising the former Anambra governor to reach out to the former Kano governor or Nasir El Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna state to form a joint presidential ticket.

“It is very unlikely that the North will rally around OK. That is my personal opinion,”

Benue 2027: PDP Picks Fmr. AGF/Minister Aondoakaa As Consensus Gov. Candidate

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 5, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

After weeks of consultations by Party stakeholders, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has been chosen, by consensus as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship Candidate, Benue State for the 2027 elections.

To so emerge, 10 other aspirants stepped down for

him and endorsed his candidacy.

Stakeholders who played key roles in the process which threw him up include a former Benue governor, Samuel Ortom, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, PDP State Chairman, Ezekiel Adaji, members of the State Executive Committee, PDP State Assembly caucus, and blocs of consequence like the G-14 and G-9.

Aondoakaa was the Attorney General and Minister of Justice under late President Umaru Yar’dua’s Government.

Deemed by many to be blunt and controversial, he was fired by President Goodluck Jonathan who succeeded Yar’dua after his passing.

Presently, he is thought to be an ally of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and, allegedly, thrown up by Akume loyalists to challenge Governor Hyacinth Alia whose relationship with the SGF has been untidy.

However, it emerged on Monday that some semblance of peace and reconciliation have been knocked together between the two. How that reconciliation will affect the Governorship election in 2027, especially, with Aondoakaa’s emergence as PDP Candidate, is being highly anticipated by many.