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Fed Govt Increases WAEC, NECO Registration Fees To N50,000 …”Insensitive”, The Poor Laments

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Students in Examination Hall

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Effective 2027, parents  and guardians are to pay more for their children and wards to participate in the West African Examination Council, WAEC, and the National Examination Council, NECO, Senior School Certificate SSCE.

 

The Federal Government has increased registration fees by as much as 82 per cent.

 

According to a statement from Adeniyi Ibrahim ,the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, prospective candidates are to pay a new registration fee of N50,000 as against the old rate of N27 ,000.

 

The statement emphasized that the upward  review of the examination fees was reached at a consultative meeting among industry stakeholders, examination bodies and the Ministry of Education held on March 31, 2026.

 

Accordingly, industry operators were said to have reviewed the present circumstances, and arrived at the decision to align fees payable for the examinations with realities on the ground.

 

Similarly, the registration fees for both  WAEC and NECO examinations have been harmonized, with all candidates paying the same N50,000.

 

The statement reads in part: “You may recall that at a meeting of examination bodies held with the Honourable Minister of Education on 31st March, 2026, where the need for an upward review of examination fees was discussed, the Honourable Minister directed that WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee for the conduct of WAEC and NECO SSCE.

 

“Consequently, I am directed to convey the Honourable Minister of Education’s approval of the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira ( N50,000.00) only, as the new examination fee per candidate with effect from SSCE ( Internal) 2027.”

 

Not a few people have described this raise as not only insensitive, but aimed at denying children of the poor the opportunity to participate in the examinations.

Submission Of Candidates’ Names: INEC Warns Parties To Stick To New Deadline

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, by political parties.

The commission, which earlier directed parties to submit the list of their candidate on its porter on or before July 11, said the deadline has been extended by three days, to July 14, 2026.

INEC made this known in a release issued on Sunday, by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission’s  National Commissioner & Chair, Information & Voter Education Committee.

INEC stated that the decision to extend the deadline was based on appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline.

The extension, according to the electoral umpire, underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, while acting within the ambit of the law.

The commission, however,  enjoins political parties in the country to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline.

The magazine had earlier reported that some political parties in the country were struggling to submit the list of their presidential and National Assembly candidates on the INEC porter, due to some challenges facing them, particularly the controversies that emanated from their primaries two months ago.

INEC Extends Deadline For Submission Of  Candidates’ Names By Political Parties

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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INEC Logo
INEC Logo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the dateline for political parties to submit names and particulars of their Presidential and National Assembly Assembly candidates.

 

The electoral umpire had, in its timetable for the 2027 polls, fixed Saturday July 11, 2026, as the final date for political parties to formally transmit details of their flag bearers for the Presidential and National Assembly contests .

 

However, in a statement issued on Sunday July 12, by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the INEC informed that political parties now have until midnight of Tuesday , July 14, 2026 to submit their candidates.

 

The Commission disclosed that the extension was necessitated by an appeal  from the Inter-party Advisory Council, IPAC ,on behalf of political parties who could not upload the names and details of their candidates within the initial timeline.

 

This is as INEC appealed to political parties to avail themselves of the extension to complete the submission of their candidates’ details.

 

“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-party Advisory Council IPAC on behalf of political parties that were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline .

 

“The Commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiry of the new deadline” Haruna stated.

 

The electoral body noted that the extension underscores its commitment towards ensuring inclusiveness and wider participation in the electoral process.

Our Nigerians First Journey Has Started

By
The Source
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Chibuzo Okereke

By Chibuzo Okereke, PhD

 

 

Today marks another defining moment in our collective journey to build the Nigerians First Vision. It is with profound gratitude to God and an abiding sense of duty to our nation that I formally congratulate  Hajja Bintu Konto as my Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2027 General Elections following her selection and ratification by the leadership our great Party, the Labour Party.

 

This decision was guided by only one consideration: the best interests of Nigeria and the Nigerian people. It is entirely consistent with the Labour Party’s enduring commitment to competence, integrity, inclusion, social justice, and transformational leadership.

 

Hajja Bintu Konto is a renowned nurse, accomplished public health specialist, humanitarian, development expert, and compassionate mother whose distinguished career has been devoted to improving lives, strengthening communities, and advancing human dignity. Her impeccable credentials, exceptional expertise, and remarkable accomplishments in public health management, humanitarian response, and development leadership made this decision both compelling and timely.

 

I have absolutely no doubt that she would bring extraordinary value, strategic, and compassionate  insight to our presidential ticket and, by the grace of God, to the governance of our dear country.

 

Our campaign is built on a simple but profound philosophy: Nigerians First. This is more than a campaign slogan; it is a governing philosophy that places the welfare, security, dignity, and prosperity of every Nigerian above every other consideration. It demands that leadership decisions be guided not by sentiment, patronage, ethnicity, religion, or gender, but by best interest of the Nigerian people and by competence, character, capacity, and the ability to deliver measurable results for our people.

 

The choice of Hajja Bintu Konto reflects this philosophy. She was not selected because she is a woman. She was selected because she is exceptionally qualified, eminently capable, and fully prepared to serve Nigeria with distinction as Vice President. This  demonstrates our conviction that when merit is allowed to flourish, capable women will naturally occupy their rightful place at the highest levels of leadership.

 

As a party firmly rooted in the principles of equal opportunity and social justice, the Labour Party believes that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable national development while excluding or underutilising half of its population. Mainstreaming women into leadership is not an act of political correctness or tokenism; it is a strategic imperative for national development. Nations that maximise the talents, creativity, and leadership of both men and women consistently build stronger institutions, more resilient economies, healthier communities, and more inclusive democracies.

 

Women are not peripheral stakeholders in national development; they are indispensable partners in building the Nigeria of our dreams. Leaving women behind is like attempting to clap with one hand, it weakens our national capacity and limits our collective progress.

 

It is therefore both my personal conviction and the corporate conviction of the Labour Party that Nigeria must become a nation where women have every opportunity to thrive, lead, innovate, and attain the highest levels of their potential, not because of charity or political convenience, but because of their proven competence, merit, and capacity.

 

Hajja Bintu Konto embodies these ideals. Throughout her distinguished career, she has demonstrated courage in adversity, resilience in service, compassion for the vulnerable, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to national development. She represents the values of integrity, service, inclusion, and transformational leadership that our campaign seeks to institutionalise in government.

 

Together, we present to Nigerians a ticket that reflects the diversity, aspirations, and immense potential of our nation, a partnership founded on competence, experience, compassion, and an commitment to placing Nigerians first in every policy, every programme, project and every decision of government.

 

I wish to express my profound appreciation to the leadership of the Labour Party for the confidence reposed in this historic ticket.

 

I am particularly grateful to our National Leader, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose strategic vision, courageous leadership, political foresight, and forthrightness continue to inspire confidence in the future of our great party.

 

My sincere appreciation also goes to our National Chairman, Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman, PhD, for her steadfast leadership and commitment to party unity, and to our National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, for his dedication, solidarity, and invaluable support throughout this process. Together with the National Working Committee and leaders of our party across the federation, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening the Labour Party as the credible platform for national renewal.

 

To every member and supporter of our great party, and indeed to every Nigerian, I reaffirm our solemn commitment to building a nation where justice prevails, opportunities are expanded, institutions are strengthened, and government works for the benefit of all.

 

Together, we shall restore trust, inspire Nigerians to believe again and build a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to live in peace, dignity, prosperity and thrive in their various legitimate endeavours.

 

Forward!

Nigerians First… Believe Again!

 

God bless the Labour Party.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

OKEREKE Ph.D. FSM, is The Labour Party Presidential Candidate for 2027

Labour Party Woos Women, Unveils Hajja Bintu Konyo As Vice Presidential Candidate

By
The Source
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0
Hajja Bintu Konyo

Labour Party has become the first political party with name-recognition to choose a female as its Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2027 Presidential Election.

 

The party, to confirm to Nigerian women that they are a consequential party in Nigeria’s politics, future, and development, has unveiled a woman of unmistakable substance, Hajja Bintu Konto, as Nigeria’s number two citizen if the party wins in 2027.

 

The National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Barr. Ken  Eluma Asogwa, who announced the heart-warming choice in a statement, said the Vice Presidential Candidate is a Health Specialist who hails from Borno State, and has significantly contributed to the training of health professionals in Nigeria.

 

Asogwa’s statement reads:

 

“The National Leadership of the Labour Party is pleased to formally unveil Hajja Bintu Konto as the Party’s Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2027 Presidential Election, to run alongside our Presidential Candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, on the Labour Party ticket.

 

“This decision followed extensive consultations across critical stakeholders of our Party and reflects our unwavering commitment to presenting Nigerians with a ticket that embodies competence, integrity, inclusiveness, patriotism and proven capacity for public service.

 

“Hajja Bintu Konto is a distinguished public health expert, humanitarian leader and development practitioner whose professional career spans over three decades of dedicated service in healthcare delivery, community development, humanitarian intervention and stakeholder engagement. Her impressive record of service, particularly in conflict-affected communities across Northern Nigeria, has earned her widespread respect as a bridge-builder, consensus mobiliser and compassionate leader.

 

“Following a distinguished career with Catholic Relief Services, from which she has since retired, Hajja Konto served in several strategic leadership capacities, including as Community and Government Liaison Program Officer.

 

“Throughout her career, she led high-level engagement with governments, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and local communities in advancing health, nutrition, WASH and humanitarian programmes.

 

“She also held several leadership positions across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, coordinating community mobilisation, humanitarian response and multisectoral interventions that improved the lives of thousands of vulnerable Nigerians, including internally displaced persons.

 

“A trained Nurse, Midwife, Health Educator and Public Health Specialist, Hajja Konto holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and has also served as a Lecturer in Community Health, contributing significantly to the training of future health professionals. She currently serves as a Member of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund in Nigeria and is the National Treasurer of the Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), among several other professional affiliations.

 

“Her vast experience in governance engagement, humanitarian coordination, conflict-sensitive programming, women’s empowerment, community mobilisation and public policy implementation, combined with her ability to communicate fluently in English, Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa, Fulani and Bura, positions her as a national asset whose experience will greatly enrich the Labour Party’s vision of rebuilding Nigeria.

 

“The nomination of Hajja Bintu Konto further underscores the Labour Party’s enduring commitment to gender inclusion, national unity and the promotion of competent leadership drawn from every part of our country. It is also a clear demonstration that our Party remains resolute in presenting a ticket that reflects the diversity, resilience and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

 

“As our Vice Presidential Candidate, Hajja Bintu Konto brings compassion, experience, administrative competence and an uncommon understanding of the developmental challenges confronting millions of Nigerians, particularly women, children, rural communities and populations affected by insecurity. Together with Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, she represents a new generation of purposeful, people-centred leadership committed to restoring hope, strengthening national institutions, reviving the economy, improving security and delivering responsible governance.

 

“The Labour Party calls on all Nigerians to rally behind this historic ticket as we collectively embark on the task of building a united, prosperous, secure and just Nigeria.”

Edo LG Polls Sham – Opposition Parties

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Edo LG Election

By Ayodele Oni

 

Major opposition parties in Edo State have described Saturday’s local government election as a sham.

 

Some of them, however, boycotted the election, citing concerns over legality, fairness, and credibility of the process conducted by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and National Democratic Congress (NDC) refrained from fielding candidates, leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with minimal or no serious competition in most of the 18 local government areas.

 

EDSIEC had cleared 12 parties for the polls, but the absence of the main opposition groups turned the exercise into what critics described as a virtual walkover for the APC.

 

In a strongly worded statement issued after the polls, Saintmoses Eromosele, NDC candidate for the Esan Central Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, highlighted widespread issues with result sheets obtained from several polling centres.

 

According to Eromosele in the statement, the sheets showed cancellations, contradictory figures, and arithmetic that “simply do not add up.”

 

He claimed that in some centres, APC votes were recorded as the total valid votes despite other parties receiving credits, while in others, the sum of valid and rejected votes exceeded the number of accredited voters.

 

“They had no serious competition. They controlled the process. Yet they still could not produce believable arithmetic,” Eromosele stated.

 

He questioned the ruling party’s competence in governance, asking how a government unable to reconcile basic election figures could manage budgets, education, health, security, and public funds.

 

Eromosele urged Edo residents to preserve the result sheets as evidence of “shameful display of incompetence” and described the episode as a poor example for children, equating it to unacceptable cheating in a classroom setting.

 

He positioned the NDC as offering a “credible path toward national renewal,” endorsing Peter Obi for president in 2027 and himself for the Esan Central seat.

 

The boycott stemmed from allegations of constitutional violations, including the dissolution of previously elected local government officials and their replacement with caretaker committees, the reconstitution of EDSIEC before the end of its tenure, and disregard for court judgments.

 

PDP chairman Tony Aziegbemi had earlier declared that “illegality cannot produce legitimacy.”

 

EDSIEC maintained that the process was prepared and conducted peacefully, with manual accreditation and voting.

 

Governor Monday Okpebholo and APC officials described voter turnout as encouraging in available reports.

 

Some early results, such as in Ovia South West, showed APC victories.

 

As results are being expected, the claims of irregularities remain unverified by independent observers in public reports so far.

“Nigerian Christians  Will Not Vote Muslim-Muslim Ticket In 2027”  – Vatsa, APC Chieftain

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Jonathan Vasta

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, and former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon Jonathan Vatsa, has warned that nobody can persuade the Christian family in the country to vote for the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket again in 2027.

 

Vatsa’s warning is coming against the backdrop of the APC’s  approval of the same 2023 Tinubu/Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The Source reports that contrary to widespread insinuations, the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwaltda, in a statement shared on his official site Friday, disclosed that the party has  settled for the same president  Bola Tinubu/Vice President Kashim Shettima ticket that earned it electoral victory in 2023.

 

The decision of the party, however, came against the grains of speculations suggesting that it may have concluded plans to abandon the controversial ticket.

 

In a statement on Saturday in Minna, Vatsa pointedly described the repeat of the Muslim-Muslim ticket by the APC as a direct affront to the Christian Community in the country.

 

This is as he insisted that the same 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket will not be tolerated in 2027.

 

Vatsa further described the APC ticket adventure as “a grievous mistake” going by the present realities on the ground.

 

“I think this is a grievous mistake by the APC to have allowed this;(Muslim-Muslim ticket).It is highly insensitive”, he stated.

 

According to him, whoever advised the APC leadership to subscribe to another Muslim-Muslim ticket in the face of global outrage over perceived persecution of Christians in Nigeria do not mean well for the party.

 

The APC chieftain emphasized that the situation in 2023 during which time people gloated over the development is completely different from what is presently on the ground.

 

“With the current situation in the country, and the insinuations of Christian genocide all over the world about Nigeria, nobody expected the President to repeat this arrangement.

 

“Nobody can convince the Christian community in the country to vote for APC in 2027 where other political parties have Christians as their Presidential, and Vice Presidential candidates. It will be a difficult sell.”

 

“What this means is that the president and APC have made the campaign very difficult for the Christian members of the party ahead of the elections.

 

” What do you expect us to tell the Christian community ,to vote for another Muslim-Muslim ticket ? ” Vatsa lamented.

 

While expressing deep shock and disbelief ,the former Commissioner ,warned that President Tinubu with his decision to stick to the highly contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket has thrown a challenge to the Christians.

 

He maintained that the choice made by the APC will certainly come with some consequences , unless the president must have made other arrangements for the winning of the election ,apart from the ballot box.

 

Vatsa noted that the Christian community in the country is already facing challenges, and feeling unsecured, and therefore, will be comfortable opting for an arrangement that will offer them protection.

 

” I have nothing against the Vice president ,nor the Muslim community ,but I am speaking for equity , justice and fairness in the political arrangement in the country”, he added.

 

The source further reports that Vatsa had last week made a passionate appeal to the Niger state Governor to consider chosing a Christian deputy ahead of the 2027 election.

 

He described as completely unacceptable orchestrated attempts aimed at relegating the Christian community to the background ,in the governance space of Nigeria.

Jaydeen Adams, South Africa Midfielder Dies On Return From 2026 World Cup

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The South African Football Community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its mercurial midfielder, Jaydeen Adams.

 

The Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club of South Africa player died less than a month after the passing of his grandmother, on the eve of South Africa’s Group A match against Czech Republic at Atlanta Stadium, USA.

 

The 25-Year old was instrumental to South Africa’s historic qualification for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, after the former apartheid country made its debut at the world stage in France 1998 World Cup.

 

The deceased played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, as Bafana Bafana reached the Round of 32 for the first time, but did not feature in the knockout after it was defeated by Canada.

 

 The South African Sport Minister, Gayton McKenzie in a statement said; “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams”.

 

The circumstances surrounding his death remains unknown, as the

Minister did not disclose any cause of death.

 

 “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents,” he added.

 

The Continent’s Football Governing Body, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, has also paid tribute,  on X, saying:

 

“Football has lost one of its own.”

 

According to South African Police, an investigation has been opened after the body of the 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.

 

“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” Western Cape Police spokesperson told AFP.

 

The deceased was part of Mamelodi Sundowns team that won the 2026 CAF Champions League,  and was also part of Bafana Bafana of South Africa squad that finished third at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

 

He was born in Cape Town, and started his Football career with  Stellenbosch FC Academy and became the club’s first youth graduate to sign a professional contract in August 2020.

 

He went on to make 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands side and helped them win the Carling Knockout in 2023 before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.

Tinubu Approves Conversion Of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa To University Of Mining

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By ,Ayodele Oni 

 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa The move is aimed at strengthening technical education and advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The approval, announced in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the President’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to train professionals in mining and technology while supporting industrial development.

According to the statement, the decision followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, for the establishment of a specialised institution that would harness the State’s abundant solid mineral resources and contribute to Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts.

 

President Tinubu said the new university would serve as a centre of excellence for teaching, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

 

He noted that the institution would also help produce the skilled manpower required to promote value addition, technological progress and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

 

The President further stated that the conversion is in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the establishment of specialised institutions to address key national development needs.

 

To facilitate the transition, Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant government agencies to commence the necessary administrative and regulatory processes.

 

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in education, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, employment generation and national development.

Police Arrest 80-Year Old, Four Community Leaders Over Murder Of Miyetti Allah Chairman In Benue State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Ardo Muhammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Benue State Police Command has announced the arrest of seven  key suspects, including an 80-year old man, and four local chiefs, in connection with the gruesome killing of the state’s Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association MACBAN, Ardo Risku Mohammad.

 

This is as the Command assured that investigations are still ongoing to unravel more masterminds behind the dastardly incident.

 

The source reports that the MACBAN leader and an associate, Yakubu Isah Mairiga, were on July 1, 2026,  reportedly ambushed and killed along Otukpo Local Government Area by  suspected hoodlums while returning from a peace meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council of the state.

 

The Benue State Police Command on July 2, 2026, barely 24 hours after the incident, reported the interception of no fewer than 10 suspects believed to be part of the attack and killings.

 

However, in a statement on Saturday, July 11, from its spokesperson, Udeme Edet, the Police disclosed the arrest of Chief Morgan Ejaga ,43 , Chief Moses Anteyi 45 , Chief John Ogli 58, Chief Yawuhu Adaji 49, Sylvester Ajonye 80 ,Aba Alexander Uloko ,59 ,and 45-old Fidelis Iduma as suspected key perpetrators of the killing of Muhammad and his associate.

 

According to the statement, the apprehension of the fresh suspects was sequel to  intelligence-driven operations to ascertain those behind the ambush and attack on the MACBAN state chairman.

 

The Command, while reaffirming its unflinching determination to get to the root of the unfortunate incident, also assured that all those directly and or remotely connected will be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws of the country.

 

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, was quoted by the statement as lauding the high sense of professionalism exhibited by the investigative and tactical teams of the Command ,which he said has led to the significant progress so far recorded.

 

The latest arrest brings to 17 the number of suspects so far in custody over the incident.

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