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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Peter Obi, a leading opposition figure and the sole presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2027 election, has taken steps to ease the tensions between South African officials and Nigerian expatriates residing in the country. Obi arrived in South Africa on Friday to participate in an international conference, where he engaged with Nigerians to gain insight into the immigration challenges they face.
In a post on his X account from South Africa on Saturday, he shared, “After speaking with Nigerians in Cape Town yesterday, I had constructive discussions this morning with three South African ministers and political party leaders concerning the ongoing issues related to immigration, regional collaboration, and promoting peaceful coexistence between our nations.
I had the opportunity to meet Mr Leon Schreiber, the South African Minister of Home Affairs and a key member of the Democratic Alliance; Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); and Mr Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
Our discussions were open and productive, addressing the pressing issues impacting both countries—especially those concerning migration, economic difficulties, youth unemployment, security challenges, and the growing tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa.
I strongly believe that Nigeria and South Africa, both significant nations on the continent, must enhance dialogue, increase cooperation, and pursue solutions rooted in justice, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law.
In these difficult times, both leaders and citizens need to exhibit responsible leadership, show compassion, and exercise restraint.
We collectively emphasised the need for law-abiding behaviour, the importance of avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to handle grievances through democratic and constitutional means, regardless of the challenges we encounter.
The future of Africa relies on our capacity to foster unity, promote economic inclusivity, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, regardless of their location.
The Honourable Justice Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano Division is dead.
The accomplished Jurist reportedly passed on after he collapsed at his residence. The incident took place on Thursday while he was in his living room.
Confirming the passing of the Judge, the Director of Information, Federal High Court, Nigeria, Catherine Christopher disclosed the Justice Yunusa passed on at the State Medical Center, Kano.
The Federal High Court in a statement said: “The Federal High Court regrets to announce the passing of Honourable Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Kano Judicial Division who departed this life on 21 May 2026, after a brief illness.”
The Court extended condolences to his family and prayed for the repose of his soul.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday earned the right to seek reelection in the January 2027 presidential election, garnering 582, 823 votes to floor his lone challenger, Emmanuel Osifo, who managed to secure 103 votes during the presidential primary held across 305 Independent National Electoral Wards in Imo State.
Governor Hope Uzodimma who is Imo State’s Coordinator (Returning Officer) of APC presidential primary election declared that President Tinubu has earned the right to seek re-election in 2027, citing his administration’s grassroots-driven political reforms and democratic inclusiveness.
The Governor spoke both at the collation Centre at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri where the results were collated and at his home town at Omuma where he went to vote for Tinubu during the primary.
Following the collation of results from the 27 Local Government Areas that comprise Imo State, Uzodimma officially announced Tinubu as the overwhelming winner of the exercise in Imo State.
According to him, results “were collated from all the 27 Local Government Areas
and 305 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wards in the State.
Out of 647,231 registered APC members, 583,963 voters were accredited, while 583,653 votes were cast during the exercise.
“Tinubu secured 582,823 votes to emerge victorious, defeating Stanley Osifo, who scored 103 votes.”
Uzodimma described the exercise as peaceful, orderly, and successful, commending Party members for their discipline and maturity throughout the process.
He also called on eligible residents who were yet to register with the APC to do so ahead of the general elections next year in order to strengthen the Party’s electoral base across the State.
The Presidential primary ended with goodwill messages and renewed optimism among Party stakeholders as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking earlier at Omuma Ward
(Central School Omuma), Oru East Local Government Area, accompanied by his wife, Chioma, Uzodimma noted that the massive turnout of Party members demonstrated growing support for Tinubu across the country.
Uzodimma had declared that President Tinubu has earned the right to seek re-election in 2027, citing the President’s administration’s grassroots-driven reforms, democratic inclusiveness, and growing nationwide support within the APC.
He reiterated that the large turnout of Party members across the State was a reflection of increasing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the Party’s internal democratic process.
The Governor commended the electronic membership registration and validation system introduced by the APC, noting that it had strengthened grassroots participation and enhanced internal democracy within the Party.
“You can see over 35,000 people in just one Ward in Oru East. If only APC members vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has already won the election,” Uzodimma stated.
He praised Nigerians for sustaining democracy and described Tinubu as a leader “doing politics the way it should be done.”
Uzodimma also expressed satisfaction with the current democratic process in the country, saying he could “score democracy 90 per cent in Nigeria and 100 per cent in Imo State.”
He further maintained that Tinubu’s policies were already producing positive outcomes that would eventually translate into greater prosperity for Nigerians.
Addressing concerns raised by newsmen about the fate of the opposition Parties in the Country ahead of the 2027 general election, the Governor urged them to remain organised and active, stressing that opposition was essential to a healthy democratic system.
Uzodimma who is the Director General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors hinted that democracy cannot be complete if there is no opposition.
He therefore encouraged the opposition Parties to work hard like the ruling APC if they desire to remain relevant in the Country’s political contestation.
“And when, by the grace of God, it becomes their turn, they will elect their own President,” he said.
He commended Nigerians for sustaining democracy and praised Tinubu for “doing politics the way it should be done.”
He further maintained that Tinubu’s policies were already yielding positive results and would ultimately bring greater prosperity to Nigerians.
Uzodimma had told newsmen: “Of course, it is very obvious that President Bola Tinubu has done enough to deserve him going back for a second time.
“If you look at what is happening at the grassroots, how the grassroots have been stimulated, starting from the membership registration, which was done electronically, to the validation of members, and you can see 35,000 human beings in just one Ward, in Oru East Local Government, it means that if we vote, only our Party members voting for President Bola Tinubu, he has already won the election.
“Because the membership registration that the All Progressives Congress conducted took care of grassroots inclusiveness, today it is manifesting to the realities of our democratic situation in Nigeria.
“So, I want to congratulate Nigerians for sustaining democracy. I want, also, to congratulate President Bola Tinubu for bringing time to do the politics the way it should be done. And also congratulate members of my Ward in particular, Imo APC electorate in general for turning out in their numbers to vote for President Bola Tinubu for a second time in office.
” I am particularly very delighted that democracy is working in Nigeria. I can score democracy up to 90 percent in Nigeria, and up to 100 percent in Imo State.
“Well, let me say it is no longer democracy if there is no opposition. I also encourage opposition Parties to work hard, do what the ruling Party has done (through hard work). And when, by the grace of God, it becomes their turn, they will elect their own President.
“But today, I can see that Nigerians are excited, Nigerians are happy that President Bola Tinubu has done well. And our teaming members, teaming members of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress, are very happy and delighted that the President made us proud. And the outcome of his various policies has brought prosperity to Nigeria.
“And going forward, Nigeria shall see poverty no more. Thank you very much.”
The Presidential primary that took place in all the 305 Electoral Wards in Imo State was marked by large turnout of Party faithful who voted for President Tinubu making him to win convincingly.
