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Two Days After He Joined In Protest Against Kidnapping, He Was Killed By Kidnappers

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Samuel Marcus killed by kidnappers

By Adesina Soyooye

The tragic irony is not lost on anybody. On June 2, a youth, Samuel Marcus joined other youths in a peaceful protest against cases of kidnapping in his Abraka Community which has become an epidemic. A couple of days later, reportedly on June 4, he and  his brother, Aruoture, were ambushed by alleged kidnappers.

He was on the driver’s seat. The scene of the attack was close to the Abraka Railway Station.

They rained bullets at his car. He was killed him instantly. The fate of his brother still remains a guarded secret. Dead, too, or alive?, it is not public yet.

Who dunnit?

There are two different stories surrounding the tragic cut-down of the young man. While one story says he was abducted and killed by his kidnappers within six hours, another said it was a retaliatory killing by rogue Fulani herdsmen whose four members were killed because of their involvement in Kidnapping activities.

It is confirmed, however, that the area where he was killed is a known dangerous zone, notorious for incessant attacks on innocent citizens.

Investigations are on by the Police.

Mixed Feelings Trail The Separation Of Nollywood Actress, Biola Adebayo From Husband

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Biola Adebayo and Husband

By Akinwale Kasali

It came as a rude shock to her fans, colleagues and admirers when screen diva, Biola Adebayo, announced her separation from Oluseyi, her husband of three years. She cited irreconcilable differences.

The actress said  the marriage came to an abrupt end after several efforts towards reconciliation proved unsuccessful. She stated that she and her partner had been separated for some time.

The ever smiling actress who has been of immense help to Nigerians by bringing joy to her audience through her “Talk to B Show”, recently brought joy to the face of Veteran actress, Jumoke George, as she spearheaded the return of her daughter from a slave camp in Mali, through the help of Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

The actress disclosed that she often found herself crying in private, and she and her estranged partner have agreed to peacefully co-parent their two-year-old child.

Biola broke this news in a heartfelt post on her official Instagram page Tuesday, coinciding with her former partner’s birthday.

Although the actress admitted to going through intense emotional stress during the 14 months of separation, she chose not to disclose the full details of what led to the breakdown of the marriage.

In her words, “@biolabayo1: Happy birthday to my ex-husband and my baby daddy. I pray that grace will abound unto you. I pray you find peace in all your ways. May God continue to light your path and bless you beyond your expectations, in Jesus’ name.

“Yes, you heard me right! My ex- husband and I have been separated since April last year, but we have decided to maturely and peacefully co-parent our dear son, who means everything to us.

“To everyone that feels disappointed, I’m sincerely sorry. I wished it worked, but it’s better to stay alive to tell the story. Please keep us in your prayers.

“While I go about making other people happy during the day, my pillow has been drenched with tears almost every night for the past 14 months. But I draw strength from Christ, who loves me eternally and gave Himself for me.

“Let’s learn to be kind to people—you never know what someone is going through until they speak up. SAY UNTO THE RIGHTEOUS, ‘ALL IS WELL!,” she concluded.

Following this development, the Social Media has been agog with mixed feelings.

Netizens took to the Social Media airing their view on this development.

@Godson-12; “It is disheartening that the marriage of this lady crashed, but I implore to move on, a suitable Man will come for her”.

@IremitideMarvelous007,  “The Two Year Child was bore out of surrogacy, she didn’t carry the baby, so why is she saying the Child between them, there is more to the break out. She should move on”.

@Amapiano012, “This industry and crashed marriage are 5 and 6, must they experience breakup.  Na dem sabi”, she stated.

After Two Decades Of Legal Battle, Supreme Court Reinstates Jokolo As Emir Of Gwandu

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Emir Of Gwandu - Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo

By Akinwale Kasali

In a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court,  Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo has been reinstated as the 19th Emir of Gwandu.

This  brings to a close a protracted legal tussle that has lingered for two decades.

A Panel of Five Justices of the Apex Court delivered the consolidated judgment. They were led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji  and upheld the rulings of both the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had earlier ordered Jokolo’s reinstatement.

It would be recalled that Jokolo was deposed in 2005 under controversial circumstances by the then Kebbi State Government, sparking a fierce legal contest that would become one of Nigeria’s longest-running royal succession disputes.

Unyielding in his quest for justice, the deposed Monarch approached the Courts to challenge the legality of his removal, insisting his dethronement violated due process.

The Supreme Court, in its June 4, 2025, judgment, which was brought forward from the initially scheduled June 6 due to the Eid-el-Kabir holidays, considered four appeals and two cross-appeals filed by the parties involved before issuing its landmark ruling.

The Apex Court affirmed Jokolo’s right to the throne, effectively nullifying the decision that led to his removal and restoring him as the legitimate Emir of Gwandu.

Jokolo was represented in court by Barrister Sylvester Imhanobe, while the Kebbi State Government and the current Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar, were represented by Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) and Hussaini Zakariya (SAN), respectively.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling now delivered, attention has shifted to how the Kebbi State Government and the Gwandu Emirate Council will implement the decision.

The judgment is expected to bring a final closure to a crisis that has caused tension and division within the Gwandu Emirate since 2005.

Saraki: PDP Will Resolve Crisis Before 2027

By
James Orji
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Bukola Saraki
Dr Bukola Saraki
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki,
says more people will still leave his party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, before the 2027 election.
Notwithstanding, the former Governor of Kwara state said the biggest opposition party in the country has the capacity to bounce back to power, due to the fact that many people are also moving into the party.
The former Senate President spoke in. Kwara state while answering questions from journalists, when he visited the Anikobi ward in Ilorin West Local Government.
According to him there are challenges in the party, which the party is trying to address through the PDP Reconciliation Committee he heads. He expressed confidence that the differences among some party members will be resolved soon.
He explained that there are ongoing efforts to rescue the PDP, urging Nigerians to be patient, noting that there is need for a vibrant opposition like the PDP in Nigeria’s democracy, adding that Nigerians still believe in the party to rescue the country fried m it’s current problems.
Saraki:  “The only viable opposition party is the PDP. Yes, there are challenges, and I have taken it upon myself to do my best. I’m encouraged by the responses from our colleagues who are willing to reconcile and settle our differences.
“We successfully held our NEC meeting and have another scheduled before the end of this month. Between now and then, we’ll engage in a lot of legwork.
“Luckily, we started early. We have two more years to work. This gives us time to identify those willing to stay and rebuild the party. Some may still leave, but others will surely join.
“Once there’s stability at the top, I’m sure we’ll begin to see a better future for the PDP. I thank Nigerians for their patience with our leaders.
“I want to use this opportunity to reassure our members across the country that we are doing our best to rescue the party. We’re confident that we will overcome our challenges. We’re committed to this because we believe in Nigeria’s democracy. A fledgling democracy requires a vibrant opposition, and we’re prepared to make the personal and collective sacrifices necessary in the national interest,” he said.

“Stop Wike From Wasting Money On Monthly Media Chats” —  Lawyer Urges Tinubu

By
The Source
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Ifeanyi Ejiofor

By Charles Igbo

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a Lawyer, has  Urged President Bola Tinubu to stop the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wke, from wasting Nigeria’s money on his Monthly Media Chats.

Wike is the only Federal Minister who holds Media Chats, monthly, almost. The Media Chats are usually streamed live on National Televisions. Such live events do not come cheap. They run in hundreds of millions of Naira. Air time does not come cheap.

Putting all that together, especially, in times of hardship, Ejiofor asked

Tinubu to halt the wasteful Monthly Media Chat, and ask his Minister to focus Focus on service delivery.

“It is wasteful and extravagant”, he posited.

Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wke, FCT Minister

In a press statement he  released, Ejiofor insisted that Wike’s Monthly Media Chats was of no use except for  the purpose of wasting public funds and offer the Minister an “opportunity to grandstand on national issues.”

Ejiofor lamented the “unconscionable waste coming in the face of millions of Nigerians battling record inflation, stagnant wages, and deepening poverty, describing it as an exercise that offers little substance and reeks of misplaced priorities.”

The statement reads in part:

“As millions of Nigerians battle record inflation, stagnant wages, and deepening poverty, it is unconscionable that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly spends hundreds of millions of naira monthly on an ostentatious media chat – an exercise that offers little substance and reeks of misplaced priorities.

“Framed as a public engagement, this monthly spectacle is anything but a tone-deaf misuse of public funds – especially in a country where many survive on less than $2 a day, and access to basic healthcare, education, and shelter remains a daily struggle.

“To illustrate the waste: The cost of one media edition could fund emergency relief and shelter for thousands displaced by the recent floods in Niger State. It could refurbish crumbling primary schools, equip rural clinics, or sustain nutrition programs in IDP camps for several months.

“The optics are disheartening. The implications are worse. Nigerians are not asking for a televised circus – Nigerians are crying out for competent governance, prudent spending, and people-centred leadership.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must take urgent action: call the FCT Minister to order, halt this wasteful spending, and redirect focus to service delivery. This is not a time for flamboyance and fanfare. It is a moment that demands humility, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the public good. Nigeria deserves better. The time to act is now.”

Ejiofor is a Human Rights Lawyer who entered national consciousness by his robust defence of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, as their Lawyer,  and, until in recent months, the main lead Counsel to embattled IPOB’s leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Withheld Osun LGs Fund: PDP Accuses AGF Of Bias, As APC Describes Remark As Blackmail

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lateef Fagbemi - AGF
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi

By Ayodele Oni

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC)have differed on the seizure of local governments’ funds by the federal government for the third months running.

The PDP condemned the action describing it as a manifest abuse of office by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

In a statement signed by Bamiji Oladele, Director of Media for the PDP in Osun, the party accused Mr. Fagbemi of political bias and constitutional overreach, saying his recent actions represent a “dangerous erosion of the doctrine of separation of powers.”

“We take great exception to what appears to be a deliberate, politically motivated interference in the governance of Osun State, particularly the unwarranted obstruction of statutory financial allocations to our local governments.”

Describing the AGF’s actions as “ultra vires and a subversion of the rule of law,” the PDP invoked legal maxims such as nemo judex in causa sua (no one should be a judge in his own cause) and audi alteram partem (hear the other side), arguing that Mr. Fagbemi’s prior role as lead counsel to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola in the 2022 election litigation compromises his neutrality.

The PDP further alleged that the AGF, having lost that case at the Supreme Court, has failed to discharge his current duties impartially and is now using his office in a manner that undermines justice.

According to the statement, no court has issued any judgment justifying the alleged withholding of local government funds, making the action not only unlawful but “a calculated attempt to frustrate governance in Osun State.

”In a swift reaction, the state chapter of APC dismissed the PDP’s allegations as baseless, accusing the state government of political blackmail and judicial sabotage.

In a statement signed by Kola Olabisi, APC Director of Media and Information, the party said the PDP’s claims against the AGF were nothing but “a desperate cry from a party on the losing side of justice.”

Olabisi recalled that the same PDP-led Osun government had earlier rubbished the February 10, 2025 Court of Appeal judgment that reinstated APC-elected local government chairmen and councillors—only to now posture as defenders of the rule of law.

“It is important to remind the public that the rule of law has remained constant and has been diligently observed by the Federal Government.”

APC also reminded Nigerians that the PDP had previously called on the National Assembly to summon the AGF to clarify his position on the same judgment they now oppose.

“The PDP’s moral and legal credibility is in question. They are the ones who have shut down grassroots governance by preventing local government workers from functioning since February 16, 2025.”

The APC  allegations of bias against the AGF, is untrue, noting that Mr. Fagbemi’s prior role as counsel to Oyetola was a matter of professional duty, not partisanship.

Eid-el Kabir Celebration: Again, Police Bans Durbar In Kano, Outlines Security Measures

By
Ayodele Oni
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Emir Sanusi holds Durbar In Kano

By Ayodele Oni

As Muslim faithfuls prepare to mark Eid-el-Kabir, various Police formations have announced plan to ensure hitch free celebrations.

The Ondo State Police Command has assured residents of robust and water-tight security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and safe celebration across the State.

The assurance is coming in the wake by threat by some terrorists groups to attack place of worship in the state.

Other States like Kano, which cancelled the annual durbar and Bauchi have also announced plans to protect Muslim faithfuls and other citizens during the celebrations.

The Ondo State Police Command in a statement by the spokesman, Olusola Ayantade stated that “recognizing the spiritual importance of this period, a time of sacrifice, reflection, and charity in line with the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), the Commissioner of Police has ordered the strategic deployment of personnel to all Eid praying grounds, major public places, and other critical locations.

“Tactical teams, detectives, and intelligence operatives have been mobilized to prevent any security breaches and respond swiftly to any potential threats.

“Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to intensify patrols, maintain high visibility policing, and provide water tight security in all places of prayer and public centers during this period.

“This coordinated effort is part of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property during and after the festivities.”

The Police command in Bauchi State, assured that adequate security has been put in place to ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid-el- Adha in the state.

The police stated this in a press statement by State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil and made available to Journalists in Bauchi.

“In anticipation of the upcoming Eid-el-Adha festivities scheduled for Friday, 06 June 2025, the Commissioner of Police,Sani-Omolori assures the citizens of Bauchi State of the Command’s continued dedication to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

“This commitment encompasses proactive measures before, during, and after the celebration.

“In this regard, the Command will collaborate with other pertinent security agencies and key stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful and seamless celebration”

“To facilitate this effort, the Commissioner has mandated the deployment of sufficient personnel, including conventional police officers and tactical teams, along with necessary logistical support at all prayer venues and event locations throughout the State ”

“Personnel assigned to this critical task are instructed to adhere to professional standards, respect citizens’ fundamental rights, and execute their responsibilities with humility, decorum, and vigilance”

“Moreover, the Command has established visibility policing measures, coupled with increased patrols in residential areas, major thoroughfares, both governmental and private infrastructures”

In  Kano State Police Command has reiterated a ban on all forms of Durbar activities during the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.

The command made this announcement in a press statement signed by its Public Relations Officer SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa,and was made available to journalist in Kano.

The statement said the ban is based on intelligence reports indicating plans by miscreants and their sponsors to use Durbar to undermine security and public order in the state.

The command had previously imposed a similar ban during the Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations, and it has been decided to extend the ban to the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.

The statement further explained that the command has taken adequate pre-emptive measures to guarantee peace and public safety across the state.

“Worshippers are enjoined to be law-abiding and conduct themselves peacefully during the celebrations.

“The command has also outlined specific security measures that must be adhered to, including: No horse/animal riding of any kind (Kilisa), No car-racing, reckless, and dangerous driving ,No unlawful possession/reckless display of firearms/weapons and  No carrying of any unnecessary/dangerous objects that may trigger suspicion or apprehension.

“Parents and guardians are to caution their children/wards against being used by subversive elements.The command is determined and ready to enforce the law to the later.”

With Two Deaths Out Of Five Cases, Edo Moves Against Outbreak Of Diphtheria

By
Ayodele Oni
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Diphtheria disease

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government have reached out to various health bodies and stakeholders, following report of an outbreak of diphtheria, which has  claimed two lives out of five cases reported.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, has held an emergency meeting with heads of health institutions, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other key health stakeholders in the health sector in the state.

The meeting followed an official report from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), confirming five cases of diphtheria, including two deaths.

The situation,  he said, had raised serious concerns and called for urgent action across the health sector.

Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It mostly affects the nose and throat and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact.

Without early treatment, it can lead to serious health problems, including fatality.

Dr. Oshiomhole warned that the outbreak, along with other rising health issues such as viral infections, highlights the need for quick and joint efforts to protect the public.

The meeting focused on setting up a rapid response team, improving coordination across state and local levels, reviewing surveillance data, tracing contacts, managing cases, engaging communities, and ensuring vaccine availability.

The Commissioner commended UBTH for their swift response and thanked all partners for their continued support.

He added that the Governor, Monday Okpebholo supports all necessary interventions to stop the spread of the disease and keep communities safe

“I Have No Reason To Defect To APC” – Odii, Ebonyi PDP Governorship Candidate

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chukwuma Odii

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

As the wave of defections continue to rock the ranks of the once political behemoth, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, its Ebonyi State Gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has vehemently rejected claims that he is about to join the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Source reports that the Ebonyi State Chairman of the APC, Stanley Okoro Emegha, had recently claimed that Odii and other notable PDP figures are at the verge of completing their sign-on exercise with the ruling party in the State.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the former PDP gubernatorial flag bearer noted that, he has no compelling and convincing reasons to break ranks with his Party.

According to him, defection to the APC or any other party ,for now, is not an option.

“Let me categorically state that I am not considering joining the APC now or in the foreseeable future.

I am yet to see to see any compelling reason, ideological, political, or developmental that would warrant such a decision.

“My commitment remains firmly with the ideals of purposeful leadership, people-oriented governance, and genuine democratic progress.

These values continue to  guide my actions, and political engagements. I believe in building a society anchored on justice, equity, and service, not opportunism or political convenience.

“While I acknowledge Mr Emegha’s right to express his opinions ,and promote his party, I urge political actors, especially those in leadership positions ,to refrain from speculative statements that may mislead the public ,or distort the political landscape of Ebonyi state” Odii stated .

So far, the former PDP Governorship candidate has been one of the few surviving rallying points for the party in the  State ,after losing most of its chieftains including former Senate President Pius Anyim, to the APC.

Mass Withdrawal Hits Super Eagles Camp As Team Prepares For Russia Friendly

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The mass Withdrawal that has rocked the Super Eagles camp ahead of their International Friendly against Russia has put Coach Eric Chelle in a Fix.

The large number of withdrawals and injuries to some players have combined to alter the list of players who will appear for Nigeria in Friday’s international friendly match in Moscow, from the original list drawn up by Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Chelle.

The goalkeeping sector is unaffected as first choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali was not listed for the trip in the first place, as a result of the upcoming burial rites for his late parents.

Italy-based Udinese Football Club Goaltender,  Maduka Okoye and Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie will still fight for the starting shirt in the Friendly match.

At the rearguard is Super Eagles Captain,  William Troost Ekong who is presently in Moscow, Russia,  alongside Fenerbache Football Club of Turkey defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, joining the Unity Cup trio of Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu.

However, Nottingham Forest Football Club defender, Ola Aina excused himself from the friendly, and Coach Chelle has had to draft in the Unity Cup duo of Sodiq Ismaila and Benjamin Fredericks into the squad that made it to Russia.

Former junior international, Fredericks impressed on his debut against Jamaica last Saturday, where the Super Eagles triumph against the Reggae Boys of Jamaica after a 2-2 stalemate, with the African powerhouse winning 5-4 on penalties to lift the Unity Cup.

In the midfield, injury to Wilfred Ndidi has handed Enugu Rangers’ ace,  Saviour Isaac the opportunity to shine.

Isaac is a key member of the Super Eagles B Team,  who is presently preparing to hoist the Nation’s flag at the African Nations Championship, CHAN,  finals in August 2025.

He will join Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche and Papa Daniel Mustapha to fight for shirts in the middle of the pack.

At the fore, Unity Cup ace of Samuel Chukwueze, and Kelechi Iheanacho, have excused themselves to attend to family matters, while Spain-based forward, Sadiq Umar has suffered an injury.

Nathan Tella’s United Kingdom passport is undergoing a renewal process, so he is unable to travel.

This situation has left Chelle with only Victor Boniface, Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare in the attack, and he has had to call up Russia-based former Junior international Olakunle Olusegun, who plays for Krasnodar FC.in the Russian League.

The Team arrived in Moscow on Monday, and began training sessions on Tuesday.

The match will take place at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, which is the largest football stadium in Russia and the ninth-largest in the whole of Europe.

The Super Eagles players to battle the Russia Team include;

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England)

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia)

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