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Toxic Gas Emission: Over 90 Students  Hospitalised In Ogun State

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Toxic Gas In Ogun School

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

By
The Source
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Seriake Dickson
Senator Seriake Dickson

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Blessing CEO

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.

Uzodimma Has Not Backed Any Imo Aspirant For House of Reps, Other Contests

By
The Source
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Governor Hope Uzodimma
Senator Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State

Governor Hope Uzodimma has not thrown his weight behind any aspirant from Imo State gunning for the House of Representatives primaries scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, or for any other elective position for that matter.

If anything, the Governor is strongly rooting for a free, fair and transparent democratic process that will throw up Imo candidates for all the elective offices in the country on the platform of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This clarification, according to a statement signed by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, has become necessary following a report on social media (Facebook in particular) where one Iheanyi Daniel Enwerem, mischievously credited the Governor to be backing a particular House of Representatives aspirant for the primaries.

Relying on Governor Uzodimma’s remarks on the United Nations proposition that women and the youth be encouraged in politics, and the willingness of the APC to take the proposal seriously, the reporter, out of selfish consideration, singled out one of the numerous women aspirants in Imo State and wrote, “Uzodimma backs the return of Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha to the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.”

The report is not just an outright misrepresentation of Governor Uzodimma at the APC Stakeholders meeting of Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House Owerri but designed to cause dissaffection and hurt the feelings of other aspirants.

The Governor remains committed to an APC primary process in Imo State that will enthrone fairness, inclusiveness, true democratic representation, and guarantee a sense of belonging that will strengthen the  unity within the Party.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Governor’s position is reproduced verbatim from his Social media handle:

“Ahead of the commencement of our Party’s Primary Elections, I convened a stakeholders’ meeting with all aspirants, the Party leadership in the State, Party leaders, and other critical stakeholders, where we harmonised strategies and addressed the realities necessary for the successful conduct of the exercise.

“In my remarks, I strongly admonished against the “do or die” approach to the primaries, emphasising that the process must remain peaceful, transparent, and driven by the overall interest of the Party.

“I reminded all aspirants that, inevitably, only one candidate will emerge for each available position, and as loyal Party members, we must unite behind whoever emerges victorious.

“I further reiterated that zoning remains a vital practice adopted to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and true democratic representation.

“It is, therefore, in the best interest of all stakeholders that we respect and abide by the zoning arrangement in our various constituencies, as it gives every group a sense of belonging and strengthens unity within the Party.

“Consequently, I advised aspirants whose ambitions run contrary to the established zoning framework to respect the arrangement in the collective interest of peace, equity, and Party cohesion.”

The public, mainly APC members, stakeholders and particularly the aspirants, are therefore advised to take the report for what it is – fake and mischievous.

Former Sokoto State Gov Tambuwal Withdraws From Senate Race

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Aminu Tambuwal

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Governor of Sokoto State, and Senator representing Sokoto West  District at the National Assembly, Aminu  Tambuwal, has withdrawn his ambition to return to his  Senate seat in 2027.

Similarly , Ibrahim Lamido ,the Senator representing Sokoto East ,also announced his withdrawal from the race to return to the National Assembly.

Although details of the reasons for their withdrawal were not made known as at the time of reporting, a party source disclosed that their ir followed a reconciliation agreement reached by stakeholders of the party.

Specifically, Tambuwal ,a former Speaker of the House of Representatives was said to have made way for Faruk Malami Yabo ,a former Commissioner who served in his cabinet.

But party stakeholders are yet to decide who will take the place of Senator Lamido

While confirming the development, Lamir Ameen, spokesperson for the Sokoto State chapter of the ADC, explained that the party, as a matter of policy has decided to give younger politicians the chance to express themselves.

He emphasized that in line with the new thinking, most of the ADC House of Representative aspirants are young political actors.

He expressed the optimism that the move will encourage inclusiveness, as well as encourage youth participation in political activities.

The source reports that Senator Tambuwal has served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, served as two-term Governor of Sokoto State, and presently a serving Senator.

South West NUP Rejects Parallel Pensioners’ Association, Says Registration Illegal

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Union of Pensioners - NUP

By Ayodele Oni

The South-West zone of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has accused officials in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment of approving registration of a parallel association for pensioners without due process.

Speaking at the South-West zonal meeting of the union held in Akure, Ondo State, the Secretary of the NUP and Public Relations Officer of the South-West Zone, Comrade Dr. Olusegun Abatan, condemned the registration of the National Association of State Retirees of Nigeria, alleging that the process was carried out by overzealous officials in the Ministry of Labour and Employment without due process.

He argued that the registration violated the Trade Union Act, which prohibits the creation of a parallel union where an existing union already caters for the same category of workers or retirees.

Abatan maintained that the constitution of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners already covers all categories of retirees, including federal pensioners, state pensioners, local government retirees, pensioners from statutory corporations, paramilitary agencies and those under the contributory pension scheme.

“If the Nigeria Union of Pensioners already caters for state retirees, there is no justification for creating another parallel association. We reject it and call on the Ministry of Labour to withdraw the registration immediately,” he stated.

He further disclosed that pensioners’ forums in the 19 northern states, the South-West and the South-East had all condemned the registration.

The union also accused the Registrar of Trade Unions, Shaib Rabiu, of allegedly facilitating the registration without proper consultation, while warning pensioners nationwide not to join the new association.

Abatan stated that the union would seek legal redress if the registration was not withdrawn

The union scribe also decried the persistent delay in the payment of pensions to federal pensioners and state pensioners with federal shares, describing the development as cruel and unacceptable for senior citizens who depend largely on pensions for survival and medical care.

He revealed that pensioners across the country were worried over the continuous delay in pension payments.

According to him, it had become common for pensioners to receive their monthly pensions far into the following month, a situation he said was unbearable for elderly citizens who rely on the money for medication and daily survival.

Abatan appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise prompt payment of pensions, stressing that proper welfare for retirees would also help reduce corruption in public service.

“If government truly wants to reduce corruption in Nigeria, pensioners must be treated well. When serving workers see retired senior officers languishing in poverty after decades of service, they may be tempted to misuse public resources while still in office,” he said.

NPF Dismisses Five Inspectors, To Face Trial, Three Others On The Run

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Police Officer

By Ayodele Oni

In continuation of efforts to rid the Nigeria Police Force of misconduct, five inspectors have been dismissed and criminal prosecution initiated against them over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and other acts of professional misconduct in Rivers State.

Police also revealed that three inspectors and one corporal attached to the Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who were allegedly involved in similar criminal activities, are currently on the run.

The development is said to be part of the ongoing reform drive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and misconduct within the Force.

Announcing the action in a statement on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, said the Force remains committed to discipline, accountability, and institutional reform.

“The Force notes that the actions of the affected officers represent a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read.

Police investigations reportedly uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, including Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus.

The officers were accused of carrying out armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion while allegedly conducting illegal patrol operations within Port Harcourt and nearby communities.

According to the police, victims were allegedly abducted during unlawful stop-and-search operations, after which the officers forcefully accessed their banking and cryptocurrency applications to extort millions of naira.

It added that investigation led to the arrest of three officers, while other alleged accomplices identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa remain at large.

Police also disclosed that exhibits recovered from the suspects included three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the illegal operations, alongside N7.3 million believed to have been linked to the criminal activities.

Investigators further alleged that the suspects operated with firearms and had carried out similar operations against unsuspecting residents across Rivers State.

In a separate investigation, the police uncovered another alleged criminal syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command.

The officers — Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu — were accused of organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption.

“Consequently, the five implicated officers were subjected to orderly room proceedings and dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, while the case file has been forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, official corruption, and related offences,” the statement added.

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