Month: June 2026

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio secured a position in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) without going through the proper recruitment process.

The former Edo State governor made the claim during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. He spoke while defending his remarks on the Senate’s handling of matters involving the NNPC and the bench warrant issued against former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

Oshiomhole further alleged that Akpabio had a personal interest in issues concerning the state-owned oil company. He claimed that Kyari played a role in the appointment of the Senate President’s daughter.

According to the senator, information available to him indicated that the employment did not follow the standard procedure used for recruitment.

“Myself inclusive. The second is my response to the former chief financial controller of NNPC, whose tenure the investigation covers, who pointedly said to the committee that it is you people. And now I know that the Senate President said his daughter was taken by Mele Kyari and put in a, well as Nigerians we say, in a juicy position that he probably didn’t merit,” he said.

Oshiomhole also accused current and former officials of the NNPC of using their influence to secure jobs for relatives within the organisation.

“They all have employed their children, their uncles, their cousins, their in-laws into various aspects of NNPC and put them in different positions. If they carry out the payroll of NNPC, you will find that they’ve turned the top level to a family business,” he said.

Despite the allegations, the senator stated that there was nothing wrong with relatives of public office holders working at the NNPC if they met the required qualifications and were employed through the appropriate channels.

“You can only make an issue if you give them a job they did not merit, they are not qualified for, and you didn’t follow the right procedure. Well, somebody told me that the Senate president daughter was taken without, not through a regular interview, not through the normal, but that is his own problem,” Oshiomhole said.

He also responded to criticism surrounding reports that the Senate distanced itself from the arrest warrant issued against former NNPC boss Mele Kyari. Oshiomhole maintained that the National Assembly acted within the powers granted to it by the Constitution.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected kidnappers have abducted the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana.

The monarch, who is said to be 60 years old, was reportedly taken from his residence on Saturday night after armed men stormed the community.

Sources said the attackers, believed to be about six in number, arrived at about 8:30 p.m. and opened fire during the operation. The gunmen allegedly shot the monarch’s wife before taking Adelana into a nearby forest.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the injured woman is receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.

Jimoh said security personnel were immediately deployed to the area after the attack. He added that tactical teams have commenced an intensive search of the forest and surrounding communities in an effort to rescue the abducted traditional ruler.

He said, “A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim is reunited safely with his family while all those involved face the full weight of the law.

“The Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations.”

The police said efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the traditional ruler. Authorities also appealed to residents to support security agencies with useful information that could assist the rescue operation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, has cautioned the Federal Government and state governments against holding talks or striking deals with terrorists and bandits, insisting that such actions are contrary to the law.

Falana gave the warning while delivering the keynote address at Amnesty International’s Second Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on June 13, 2026.

He argued that it is widely known that some government officials at both the federal and state levels have engaged in negotiations with terrorists and armed groups. According to him, these engagements have resulted in several individuals described as “repentant” criminals receiving pardons and undisclosed cash rewards.

The senior advocate maintained that groups such as Boko Haram have already been outlawed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. He stressed that members of such organisations and those associated with them should face prosecution rather than receive favourable treatment from the authorities.

Falana stated that the law provides clear penalties for anyone who knowingly associates with or supports terrorist groups. In support of his position, he cited Section 22 of the Act, which states:

“A person who knowingly—(a) arranges, manages, assists in arranging or managing, participates in a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, (b) collects, or provides logistics, equipment, information, articles or facilities for a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, or (c) attends a meeting, which in his knowledge is to support a proscribed entity or to further the objectives of a proscribed entity, commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years.”

The legal practitioner said the provisions of the law should guide government actions in dealing with terrorist groups and their members, rather than negotiations that could undermine efforts to combat insecurity.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has announced that multiple road projects in Nigeria’s South East region—first conceived during the colonial era but abandoned for decades—are now being actualised under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on Saturday in Ebonyi State during a tour of legacy projects with senior journalists and government officials, Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, highlighted the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway as a strategic corridor for the South East, South South, and parts of the North Central region.

“It is a colonial-era dream long forgotten, but President Tinubu has revived it, and construction is now underway. We must thank him immensely,” Umahi said.

The minister reported steady progress on the project, noting that Section One, initially 118 kilometres, has been extended to 123.6 kilometres, with a contract sum of ₦45 billion. Dualisation works are ongoing.

Section Two, which runs from the Aboadi border through Benue and Kogi States to Nasarawa, has been awarded at ₦668 billion. Umahi said the project has reached about 28% completion in some areas, with work continuing through the rainy season due to President Tinubu’s adoption of concrete road technology.

“The Trans‑Sahara Superhighway is not just a road; it is an investment corridor that will catalyse trade in agricultural produce like cassava, yams, cashews, and palm oil from Cross River, Benue and Ebonyi, while also connecting Nigeria to Cameroon,” Umahi explained.

He noted that concrete road technology, pioneered by President Tinubu as governor, is now being deployed nationwide. Umahi expressed the South East’s gratitude for what he called an end to decades of exclusion. “All our forefathers sought—inclusiveness—we have it now,” he said.

During the tour, the team inspected critical bridges in Section One, concrete pavement on the Onueke section, and the 1.3-kilometre Ndi-Egbe Bridge in Afikpo LGA, Ebonyi, which links Ugep in Cross River State and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

The Onueke Flyover in Ebonyi’s Central Senatorial District, a ₦35 billion project, stands 90 metres high and is flanked by a 2.2-kilometre road on both sides, designed to decongest the highway.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru declared that his state remains the safest in Nigeria, with no reported kidnapping cases since he assumed office. Receiving the media delegation in Abakaliki, Nwifuru thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development in the South East and highlighted numerous completed and ongoing projects across the state, including rural roads, primary health centres, and water schemes.

“We have kept contractors busy in the state with projects spread across every local government area. We do not even view the road projects as a big deal because we have road projects scattered all over the state,” Nwifuru said.

South East governors and leaders are scheduled to converge on Abakaliki on Monday for a major rally to endorse President Tinubu for a second term. Umahi said Governor Nwifuru would lead the people of Ebonyi State at the rally to show appreciation to the President.

The National Media Tour, organised by the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team, will proceed from Ebonyi to Enugu State on Monday, and later to Abia, Anambra, and Imo States.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has alleged that certain enemies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are responsible for financing the country’s deteriorating security situation, with the aim of undermining the success of Nigeria’s democracy.

Akpabio made the remarks in Abuja during the launch of three books honouring former military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, as part of celebrations marking his 84th birthday. One of the books is a biography of the former leader.

The Senate President praised Abdulsalami for his role in transitioning power to a civilian administration in 1999, a move that laid the foundation for the democracy Nigeria continues to enjoy to this day.

By Umar Mohammed Dewa

As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democracy on June 12th, some are popping champagne bought with democracy dividends, while others are eating their hearts out in lamentation. Such is the paradox of Nigeria’s democratic experience, a journey marked by notable achievements and persistent challenges.

June 12 remains a defining symbol of the Nigerian people’s struggle for democratic governance. It commemorates the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history, and honours the sacrifices of countless patriots who fought against military rule and for the restoration of civil liberties.

Twenty-seven years after the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria can point to significant gains. Democratic institutions have endured, political participation has expanded, and citizens continue to exercise their right to choose their leaders at the ballot box. Yet for many Nigerians grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rising living costs, the promised dividends of democracy remain elusive.

Democracy is more than periodic elections; it is about accountable leadership, responsive governance, social justice, and the improvement of citizens’ welfare. As the nation celebrates this year’s Democracy Day, it is also an opportunity for sober reflection on how democratic governance can better serve the people and fulfil the aspirations of those who fought for it.

The significance of June 12 lies not only in remembering the past but also in recommitting to the ideals of freedom, equity, transparency, and national unity. Only through such commitment can Nigeria’s democracy continue to strengthen and deliver meaningful progress for all.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.

Umar Mohammed Dewa wrote from Yola, Nigeria.                                                                                                                              

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The loss of an Army General, whether retired or in active service, at the hands of ragtag bandits, insurgents or terrorists is heartbreaking and a major loss to the nation.

What Nigeria is witnessing today can no longer be described merely as insurgency or banditry. Nigeria is at war. Simple.

Over the years, the country has suffered painful losses of highly trained military officers in the fight against terrorism and armed criminal groups. These incidents clearly show the scale, sophistication, and dangerous evolution of insecurity across the country.

In November 2021, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu was killed in an ambush while commanding the 28 Task Force Brigade in the Chibok area of Borno State.

In November 2025, Brigadier General Musa Uba was killed in an ISWAP ambush near Wajiroko along the Damboa–Wajiroko Road in Borno State.

On April 9, 2026, Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, a Brigade Commander, was killed during a coordinated Boko Haram/ISWAP assault that overran a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

On June 13, 2026, the Katsina State Government announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died while in captivity after being abducted by bandits.

Similarly, in September 2018, retired Major General Idris Alkali was killed by a mob in Plateau State, another painful reminder that even retired senior military officers are not spared from the growing insecurity.

Reaching the rank of General in the Nigerian Army is an extremely competitive, merit-based process that often requires 25 to 35 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to the nation.

These are not ordinary individuals. Generals and indeed all well-trained security personnel, whether active or retired, are strategic national assets. Their experience, intelligence, leadership, and institutional knowledge are invaluable to any country.

When a nation begins to lose such high ranking officers to terrorists and bandits, it is a clear indication that the threat has grown beyond ordinary criminality.

The time has come for Nigeria to fully confront this reality and respond with the seriousness, unity, and determination that war demands, despite the heavy consequences that often come with prolonged conflict and guerrilla warfare. The country’s survival, stability, and future depend on it.

Nigeria is at war with the bandits

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has selected ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Confirmation of the development came from Leader Sampson, the immediate past chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, who spoke on the matter on Saturday.

Amaechi was among the aspirants who contested the party’s presidential primary. However, he lost the ticket to Atiku.

Before the primary election took place, Amaechi had publicly stated that he did not obtain the ADC presidential nomination form with the intention of later accepting a vice-presidential position.

The former Rivers State governor also rejected the outcome of the primary election after it was concluded. His position aligned with complaints raised by some dissatisfied party members who alleged that the exercise was manipulated in Atiku’s favour.

Despite his earlier stance, indications now suggest that the two politicians have reached an agreement ahead of the general election.

When asked whether Amaechi had accepted the vice-presidential slot, Leader Sampson responded briefly, saying, “yes.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kebbi State Police Command has refuted reports alleging that schools across the state have been shut down because of insecurity, describing the claims as untrue.

In a statement released on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, the command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, addressed reports that schools had been closed, pupils withdrawn by their parents, and kidnappings had disrupted academic activities.

Usman said there was no basis for such claims. He stated that schools are operating normally across the state and academic activities are progressing according to schedule.

He explained that students recently resumed for a new academic term. He also noted that final-year students are currently writing the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) safely at various centres within the state.

According to the police spokesperson, the school calendar remains intact and continues to be managed by the Ministry of Education without any disruption linked to security challenges.

Usman further stated that security agencies are working closely with vigilante groups to conduct intelligence-driven operations aimed at maintaining peace and safeguarding communities across Kebbi State.

He said recent arrests of suspected criminals and the elimination of some criminal elements reflect the impact of ongoing security operations. He urged residents to ignore rumours that could create unnecessary fear and anxiety among the public.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, over allegations that he took several married women from their husbands and made them his wives.

The pastor has also been accused by some church members of compelling couples to exchange spouses and of taking the wives of members of his congregation for himself.

The allegations surfaced as the state government continues its campaign against individuals it describes as fake clerics. In recent weeks, several people have come forward with complaints about their experiences after the government prosecuted a number of pastors in court.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, announced the arrest in a post on Facebook. He said the suspect has been handed over to the police and is now the subject of a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Government and the police command.

Opara urged members of the public who may have information about the pastor’s activities to come forward and assist investigators.

According to him: “Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him.

“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.

“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives.

“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.

“While investigations continue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, has urged anyone with additional information to report it to the State Government via 08034182108.”

Authorities said investigations into the allegations are ongoing. They encouraged anyone with relevant information to assist in the process.