Atiku Asks Tinubu, Uba Sani To Release El-Rufai

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May 16, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Presidential hopeful under the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar has pointedly held President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, responsible for the seemingly unending detention of a former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

Atiku has, therefore, asked both Tinubu Sani, to “immediately” release El-Rufai from detention.

Recall that El-Rufai has been in the custody and prosecution of Federal Government Agencies from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Department of State Services, DSS, for three months, almost. He has been dragged from a Federal High Court Abuja to a Kaduna High Court.

Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani

While in custody, he lost his mother and was released from custody for a couple of days to bury his mother in a ceremony that was attended by every who is who in Government and politics including National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Governor Sani and a host of other Governors. Surprisingly, however, he was scooped back into custody as soon as his mother was buried.

In a statement he released on his official channel, Atiku said the detention of El-Rufai till date, has put a question mark on due process and the rule of law. According to him, political disagreements should not translate into actions that undermine constitutional rights and personal liberty.

He said: “Regardless of political differences, no Nigerian should be subjected to arbitrary detention.

“I urge President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani to ensure that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is released without delay and allowed to answer any allegations through lawful channels.

“The credibility of our institutions is tested in how we treat those with whom we disagree.

“If there are allegations against Mallam El-Rufai, they should be pursued transparently in court, not through detention outside the bounds of the law.”

Ironically, El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling APC, contributed, in no small measure, to the electoral victory of President Tinubu beginning from his becoming a candidate.

He, it was, who led a group of Governors from the Northern part of the Country to then, now late, President Muhammadu Buhari, to insist that power must shift to the Southern part of Nigeria. At the time, speculation was strong that Buhari had his eyes on former Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, especially, when former APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, after a meeting in the Presidential Villa with Buhari, a few days to the Primary, came out and announced Lawan as the APC choice for the Presidency.

It, also, was El-Rufai who went to Court over the sudden Naira crisis, triggered by former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele and Buhari, which El-Rufai strongly felt was targeted at Tinubu to scuttle his campaign.

However, both men fail out when the Senate embarrassed El-Rufai by not clearing him during screening when Tinubu nominated him for the position of a Minister. El-Rufai insists he was deliberately set-up for humiliation by Tinubu and Ribadu, his estranged close friend, ally and confidant.

El-Rufai has since exited the APC for the ADC.

US, In Joint Operation With Nigeria, Kills Top ISIS Leader, Others In Sokoto, Trump Thanks Nigerian Govt.

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Ayodele Oni

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May 16, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

In a joint United States/Nigerian Military operation against Terrorists, a top leader of ISIS, Abu-Bilal al Mimiko, has been killed in Sokoto State.

President Donald Trump , who disclosed this, stated that U.S. and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who he described as the second in command of ISIS globally, in a joint operation in Nigeria.

Trump announced the strike Friday night on Truth Social, his social media platform. He said American and Nigerian forces carried out a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” at his direction which was flawlessly executed.

Trump: “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.”

“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump added.

He said al-Minuki “will no longer terrorise the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans” and that his removal has “greatly diminished” ISIS’s global operation.

Trump thanked the Nigerian government for partnering on the mission.

The operation comes after a December 2025 U.S. strike in Sokoto State that targeted ISIS militants at Nigeria’s request.

U.S. Africa Command said that earlier strike was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities and killed multiple militants.

Nigerian officials have said recent strikes are part of ongoing security cooperation with the U.S., involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu met with U.S. officials in Washington this week to deepen counterterrorism partnership.

At the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Government nor the Nigerian Military has issued a statement on the heart-warming news.

APC, Disqualifies Hon Abiante Who Led Rivers Stakeholders To Purchase Nomination Forms For Fubara

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 16, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a serving member of the House of Representatives who led some Rivers State Elders and stakeholders to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is top on the list of aspirants disqualified by the All Progressive Congress APC Screening Committee from further participating in the party primaries.

Abiante, representing Andoni/Okpobo Federal Constituency at the National Assembly had, penultimate week, led other Rivers State APC stakeholders to purchase and present the party’s gubernatorial nomination forms to Fubara whose estranged political godfather, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed not to allow a second term in office.

Three other loyalists of the Governor, including another serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon Boma Goodhead, were also disqualified from the primaries which the party said will hold on Saturday May 16, 2026.

A statement from Chibuike Ikenga, the spokesperson for APC Rivers State, however, informed that 21 other aspirants, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martins Amaewhule, were cleared by the Committee to contest.

Amaewhule is angling to take the place of Hon Kingsley Chinda, member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, who has allegedly been lined up by Wike to challenge Fubara for the state’s topmost job.

Ikenga in the statement stated that the final list of the aspirants was released to the State APC chapter by the national leadership of the party.

The party spokesperson called on all the aspirants to note and comply accordingly.

“You are by this notice informed of the release of the final list of aspirants for the House of Representatives primary election of our great party, the APC scheduled for 16th May, 2026 as released by the National Leadership of the party.

“Aspirants are kindly advised to note and comply accordingly.

“This information must be taken seriously in view of the election as scheduled.

“Please, find attached, the list of aspirants who are cleared and not cleared”, the statement reads.

Ooni Of Ife Welcomes Two Princes As His Wife, Mariam, Gives Birth To Twins

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 15, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and one of his Wives, Olori Mariam Ajibola Ogunwusi have welcomed two baby boys.

Announcing the arrival of the twin Princes, the revered Monarch, on his official Facebook page on Friday, described the birth as a blessing to the Royal House of Oduduwa.

The Oonirisa said Mother and the Children are in good health.

The statement reads: “To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again!

“Warmest congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and to Olori Mariam Ajibola on the joyous arrival of twin princes to the royal throne of Oduduwa today.

“We give thanks to Almighty God as mother and children are in good health.”

Recall that estranged Olori Naomi Silekunola bore the Monarch a son when he ascended the throne, and he was named; Tadenikaro.

The Imperial Majesty later married six wives within three months in 2022, including Olori Mariam Anako; Olori Elizabeth Akinmuda; Olori Tobiloba Philips; Olori Ashley Adegoke; Olori Ronke Ademiluyi and Olori Temitope Adesegun.

While marking his 48th Birthday and Seventh Coronation Anniversary, the Monarch said his marriages were influenced by the traditional heritage of Ile-Ife.

Toxic Gas Emission: Over 90 Students Hospitalised In Ogun State

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 15, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

There was panic in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Friday when suspected toxic gas emission reportedly affected more than 90 students across several secondary Schools, forcing many flee their classrooms as others collapsed in distress.

The most affected Schools were Anglican Girls Grammar School, AGGS, Our Lady of Apostles Girls School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School and Sambadola Private School, and other surrounding Schools in the ancient town.

This sparked fears among parents and residents, as it came barely one month after a similar incident disrupted academic activities in the area.

It was gathered that the strange odour spread rapidly through parts of the town, including the Epe Garage and Obalende areas, causing confusion and anxiety among residents.

Several affected students were evacuated to the State General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, where medical personnel reportedly battled to stabilise victims complaining of abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea and respiratory discomfort.

In a video posted on Facebook by Awogbagbe Babamekunnu, anxious parents and guardians were seen at the General Hospital searching for their children and wards.

The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Ogun Ministry of Health and the Ogun State Government are yet to comment on this incident, as netizens are aggrieved that the Government is paying lip service to the health and welfare of the Students.

They also complained that the Company found culpable to such toxic gas emission should be severely sanctioned and made to face the wrath of the law.

Nomination Forms: NDC Makes Special Discounts For Women, Youths, PWD

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The Source

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May 15, 2026

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has restated its commitment to ensuring that women, the youth and persons living with disabilities are fully integrated into the electioneering process in Nigeria, and also present themselves for elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

This is in keeping with a key promise of the new party to carry every Nigerian, both at home and in the Diaspora along.

A statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said that “the fact that someone is young and may not be a money bag or is disadvantaged by some physical disabilities should not shut him or her from contributing their quota to nation-building”.

According to the NDC scribe, “Women, due to cultural and other inhibitions, have also been largely receiving the short end of the democracy stick. They, therefore need some form of affirmative action to give them the needed push to participate and contest”.

He said this is so, because the NDC feels that Nigeria would be short-changing itself if it unwittingly shuts out about 50 per cent of its population, as represented by women, from the democratic process.

To this effect, Enekweizu reaffirmed that all women aspirants on the platform of the NDC are to pay 50 per cent of the advertised costs of both the Expression of Interest Forms currently on sale, as well the Nomination Forms which is currently on sale.

Similarly, aspirants aged between 18 years and 35 years are also to pay 50 per cent of the advertised fees, while Persons Living with Disabilities are to pay 25 per cent of the advertised fees.

The statement also clarified that while Presidential, Governorship and National Assembly Forms are to be obtained at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, those for the State Houses of Assembly are to be collected at the party state office in their respective States.

Abduction of Principal, Students: Oyo Announces Closure Of Schools In Four LGs

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Ayodele Oni

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May 15, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Government has confirmed the abduction of the Principal and unspecified number of students in LA School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire LGUBEA,

The State Government, through, Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, expressed sorrow and deep concern over the unfortunate attack on the school by bandits.

A statement signed by Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Chairman of the Board announced the closure of schools in four other neighbouring local governments.

“This is a dark and painful moment for our education family in Oyo State, and our hearts are with the affected parents, teachers, and the entire community.

“As we speak, the accurate number of pupils kidnapped is yet to be ascertained, as security agencies continue to comb the affected areas and establish full details of the incident.

“We understand the fear and anxiety this situation has caused, and we want to assure our parents and stakeholders that the safety of our children remains our utmost priority.

“I, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, in collaboration with the Honourable Commissioner for Education, wish to reassure the public that security operatives, under the direct coordination of the Commissioner of Police, are fully on top of the situation.

“A tactical response team has been deployed, and all necessary intelligence and operational measures are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the pupils and to restore peace to the community.

“In the interest of safety, the Board has directed all primary schools in neighbouring communities, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire, and Olorunsogo, to immediately vacate their schools until further notice.

“This temporary measure is to prevent any secondary incidents and to allow security agencies to thoroughly stabilise the area.

“We appeal to parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain calm and prayerful. We understand your pain.

“We understand your fears. But we want to reassure you, your children will not be abandoned, and this government will not rest until every child is safely returned.

“The Board is in constant communication with security agencies, and updates will be shared as new information emerges.

“At this trying time, let us stand together as one united community. We mourn with the families of the teacher whose life was tragically cut short. His service, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“We call for cooperation, vigilance, and the avoidance of unverified information that may cause further panic.

“OYOSUBEB remains committed to protecting the lives of every child in our care.”

School Principal, Yet To Be Verified Number Of Students Abducted In Oyo State

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Ayodele Oni

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May 15, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Report from Oyo State states that gunmen invaded Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area, and abducted the Principal of a secondary school and an unspecified number of students.

The incident, according to the Oyo State Police Command, occurred between 8:00 am and 9:00 am on Friday at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Friday, said the attackers stormed the school premises and whisked away students whose number is yet to be confirmed, alongside the school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu.

The statement read: “Gunmen have invaded Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting the principal of a secondary school and an unspecified number of students.”

According to him, a resident reported that the gunmen also shot a teacher during the attack.

“The source also said a teacher was shot during the attack, though the extent of the injury has not been confirmed.

According to the report, the gunmen fled the scene with the principal in her vehicle and escaped into a forest reserve bordering the community.

Residents said the nearest police station is some distance away, which delayed immediate response.

The Police command stated that the Commissioner of Police had deployed officers to the area for assessment and rescue operations.

Edo Seeks Nigeria Police Collaboration To Sustain Peace

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Ayodele Oni

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May 15, 2026

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IGP Olatunji Disu and Monday Okpebholo — IGP Olatunji Disu and Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called for increased support and collaboration from the police authorities to sustain peace and security in Edo State.

Okpebholo who spoke on Friday, assured the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, (IGP),Olatunji Rilwan Disu, of stronger collaboration and continued support in securing Edo State.

The governor spoke when the new police boss paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.

The IGP, who is the 23rd indigenous Inspector General of Police of Nigeria, arrived with a delegation that included the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the AIG Nigeria Police Mobile Force, among other senior police officers.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okpebholo congratulated the new IGP on his appointment, describing him as a professional officer who earned his elevation through dedication and competence.

The governor said, “Let me first congratulate you and also let you know that we are solidly behind you. You have so far demonstrated professionalism in your work and that is why you rose to the rank at which you are today,”

He recalled the role played by the IGP during the events surrounding his election as governor, commending his conduct and professionalism.

He added, “I remember the night to my election as governor. You were one of those that went there to get Governor Obaseki out of that place.

“I was so impressed with the way you demonstrated professionalism that night. If you were not a professional police officer, maybe there would have been harassment or something else.

“We need more collaboration. We need more support from you. When I look at the calibre of men that you have deployed to Edo State, I see people that are interested in working for their people.

“They want to keep the state very safe. Day and night, these people do not sleep in their houses. I want to thank you and God bless you,”

Earlier, the IGP said his visit to Edo State was aimed at meeting with officers and men of the Edo State Command, while also appreciating the governor for his support to the police in the state.

He said, “I’m here in Edo State to see my officers, the commissioner of police and the men of the command. We thought it was very important to see you before commencing that exercise,”

The police chief commended Governor Okpebholo for fulfilling promises made to support security operations in the state.

“The commissioner of police has been briefing me almost daily about all the assistance you have been rendering to officers of Edo State Command. We have come to say thank you. All the promises you made, they have told me you fulfilled everything. Like Oliver Twist, I still solicit for more,”

The IGP stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective efforts, noting that modern policing thrives on community participation and public trust.

“Security is everybody’s business. The modern policing says the police are the community and the community are the police. We are trying as much as possible to enforce community policing,”

According to him, commissioners of police across the country have been directed to make their phone numbers publicly available to strengthen communication and build trust with residents.

The IGP added, “We are trying as much as possible to start intelligent policing and policing by consent.”

N36m Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Social Media Influencer, Blessing CEO, Remanded In Custody

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 15, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Okoro Bessing Nkiruka, popular as Blessing CEO, self acclaimed Relationship Expert and Social Media Influencer, has been arraigned by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC.

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, on Friday, arraigned her before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 Million Fraud.

The Influencer who had, weeks back, announced that she had stage four cancer, and sought for donations from well meaning Nigerians was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira).

At the commencement of proceedings, defence Counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded part of the money to the petitioner.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” he said.

Responding, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, stated that the prosecution was not privy to any discussion between the defendant and the nominal complainant.

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he said.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that “the defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the Court. The defendant will take her plea.”

One of the counts reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did obtain the sum of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira) from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex situated at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State, which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Another count reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently converted to your own use the sum of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira), property of Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her.

Following her plea, Suleiman applied for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional facility pending trial.

Counsel to the defendant, however, informed the court that the defendant had only been served with the charge on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and that efforts were ongoing to file her bail application.

He, therefore, prayed that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

Justice Dipeolu granted the application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.

The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.