Banditry: Stop stereotyping ethnic groups, Obi pleads

 

 

The 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has risen against what he calls  “Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines”, describing it as divisive and unfair to the tribes involved.

 

Writing on his X handle this Monday morning, the former Anambra State Governor said, “As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins.

 

“This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character.

“I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people.

Borrowing from experiences abroad, the former Governor of Anambra state said: “Even in America, such unjust labelling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin.”

He insisted that: “Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity.

“A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law. We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals.

” It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity.”

Obi went on urging Nigerians: L”et us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain.

“A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace.

“We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect, and hope for a better future.

“We are capable of this. A new Nigeria is within our reach,” Obi insisted.

Iyabo Obasanjo defects from APC, gives reasons

 

Former Senator representing Ogun Central and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what she described as repeated disrespect, exclusion and unfair treatment by the party leadership in Ogun State.

Her decision was contained in a resignation letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi.

 

The development comes just weeks after she stepped down from the race for the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

 

Prof. Obasanjo, an Associate Professor of Epidemiology based in the United States, expressed dissatisfaction with the consensus arrangement that produced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the APC governorship candidate.

 

According to her, she had accepted the idea of a consensus process and was ready to support any candidate that emerged through it. However, she claimed that she was not consulted before the final decision was announced.

 

She also alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the candidate was unveiled and were intimidated during the exercise.

 

Despite her concerns, the former senator said she decided to put the interest of the party first and publicly congratulated Adeola on the day he emerged as the consensus candidate.

 

She disclosed that after the exercise, the senator reached out and requested a meeting with her supporters. During the meeting, three requests were presented, with an assurance that a response would come within one week.

 

According to her, more than two months have passed without any feedback, a situation she said confirmed a pattern of neglect.

 

Explaining her decision to leave the ruling party, Obasanjo stated, **”I agreed to support whichever candidate emerged through a consensus process, but I was not consulted before Senator Adeola was presented as the consensus candidate. Some of my supporters were denied access to the venue and intimidated. Nevertheless, I accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and publicly congratulated Senator Adeola that same night.

 

“Following his emergence, Senator Adeola requested a meeting with my supporters. During that meeting, three requests were made and he promised to respond within one week. More than two months later, no response has been received.

 

“The treatment I have received since then has reflected a consistent pattern of rejection and disrespect. When disrespect is the only dish served, then one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcomed.”

 

Although she expressed disappointment over her experience in the party, the former lawmaker thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Ogun APC chairman, Chief Sanusi, and members of the Ogun Central Senatorial leadership for the support and courtesies extended to her while she remained in the party.

 

Prof. Obasanjo only returned to active politics earlier this year after formally joining the APC in Ward 11, Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. Her return sparked political discussions across the state after campaign billboards bearing her image surfaced in Abeokuta, signalling her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.

 

Recall that  Politics Nigeria had earlier reported that Iyabo Obasanjo suspended her governorship ambition after the APC adopted Senator Solomon Adeola as its consensus candidate for the 2027 Ogun governorship race. Reubenabati.com.

TCN grants mainstream site access for construction of 2x330kv bays at Kainji substation

 

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, said it has formally granted access to Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, MESL, operator of the Kainji Hydro Power Plant in Niger State, to commence the Kainji Switchyard Units 1G3 and 1G4 bays construction project at the Kainji Transmission Substation.

 

A statement by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (GM), Public Affairs of TCN said the site handover was conducted on Friday, 5 June 2026.

 

According to Ndidi, the physical handover of the 2x330kV bays construction site is intended to facilitate the start of construction activities, including civil, electrical, and mechanical works, as well as testing, commissioning, and all other approved project tasks.

 

“After completion, the 220MW capacity bays will enable the evacuation of the two additional IG3 and IG4 turbines with capacity to generate 110MW each, totalling 220MW, which is to be installed in Kainji power station,” the GM said.

 

During the signing and handover ceremony on behalf of TCN, General Manager, Materials Control and Stores, and Chairman of the Project Technical Committee, Engr. Abdulkadir Gwaram Adamu, stated that the event marked a critical milestone and that its execution will enable TCN evacuate power that will be generated by MESL’s new turbines on completion into the national grid.

 

He commended the management of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited for their cooperation and commitment towards improving electricity supply to Nigerians, noting that the project is to be carried out wholly by MESL and at no cost to TCN. The project is scheduled to be completed by December this year.

 

In response, the Chief Technical Officer of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Engr. Cleber Romao Grisi, expressed appreciation to TCN for granting site access and assured that the project would be completed within the agreed schedule.

 

Also present at the handover were the General Manager (Business Development), Engr. Robert Bodam; General Manager (Transmission) Shiroro Region, Engr. Kabiru Suleiman; Assistant General Manager (System Electrical), Engr. Ebenezer Opadare; and Principal Manager (Transmission) Kainji Work Center, Engr. Gbenga Akorede.

Police rescue abducted woman, twin sons in Ibadan

 

 

THE Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

 

The Police said the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

 

Placid said the operation took place at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in Ibadan.

 

According to him, Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted on June 3 while she was driving them to school.

 

He said the victims were seized at about 7:30 a.m. by suspected kidnappers.

 

The police spokesman said sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical operations led to the rescue.

 

He said investigators tracked the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.

 

Placid said two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during the operation.

 

He added that two rifles were recovered from the suspects.

 

According to him, the victims were rescued unharmed and are receiving medical care and support.

 

The Inspector-General of Police commended the operatives involved in the rescue mission.

 

He praised their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty.

 

Placid said security operatives had intensified efforts to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.

 

He said preliminary intelligence indicated that some suspects escaped with gunshot wounds.

 

According to him, operations are ongoing to track and arrest all those connected with the crime.

 

The police also appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and support during the operation.

 

Placid reaffirmed the force’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country. Realnews.

Gov Idris orders immediate review of security strategies

 

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris has directed an immediate review of existing security strategies to address the resurgence of armed banditry in parts of the state.

The directive followed an emergency security meeting convened at the weekend at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, to assess recent attacks and strengthen response measures.

The meeting was attended by the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police, Director of State Security Service, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commander of the Vigilante Group, as well as Controllers of Customs and Immigration Services.

Speaking before the closed-door session, Governor Idris expressed concern over the renewed activities of notorious bandit groups, particularly Lakurawa, in Wasagu Chiefdom and parts of Argungu Emirate.

He declared that new strategies must be introduced to protect lives and property “regardless of cost implications”.

While the meeting was ongoing, a high-powered government delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, was dispatched to Wasagu Chiefdom.

The delegation included the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Dangoje, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mikailu Sami Gomo III, Honourable Commissioners, and Chairmen of State Boards and Commissions.

At the palace of the Chief of Wasagu, Alhaji Mukhtar Mùsa Muhammad, the Deputy Governor delivered the Governor’s sympathy message to the affected community and assured them of the government’s commitment to ending the banditry menace.

The delegation also assessed the extent of damage and engaged community leaders to strengthen local participation and support for security efforts.

Governor Idris reiterated that his administration remains committed to supporting security agencies. To date, the state government has trained thousands of selected youths to complement security operations and has provided over 100 operational vehicles, 7,000 motorcycles, and financial support to officers on the frontline.

The Governor is scheduled to present the current security situation and recommendations from the State Security Council to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Defence, and Defence Headquarters, with the aim of securing lasting solutions to the unfortunate situation.

Oyo school kidnap: Bandits list four demands

 

 

Gunmen who abducted pupils and teachers from three communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly presented a list of demands as negotiations for the victims’ release continue.

The victims were taken during attacks on schools in the Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15. The incident sparked concern among residents and raised fresh fears over insecurity in parts of the state.

According to reports, the kidnappers are demanding the release of two men currently facing terrorism-related charges. They are also seeking a large ransom payment, two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of a Sharia-related legal arrangement as part of the conditions for freeing the captives.

The two individuals the gunmen want released have been identified as Mahmud Usman and his deputy, Abubakar Abba. The men are also known by several aliases, including Abu Bara’a, Abbas Mukhtar, Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri and Mallam Mamuda.

Security authorities have linked both suspects to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, commonly known as Ansaru, an extremist group that split from Boko Haram several years ago.

Ansaru has been associated with a number of violent incidents across Nigeria, including the attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in 2022.

Records from security agencies indicate that the two suspects were arrested between May and July 2025. They are currently being prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Abuja over various terrorism-related allegations.

Mahmud Usman was separately convicted for illegal mining after reportedly admitting that proceeds from the activity were used to purchase weapons and support kidnapping operations. Despite that conviction, he remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) as other cases against him continue.

His deputy, Abubakar Abba, has denied the charges filed against him and is still standing trial.

In addition to demanding the release of the two suspects, the abductors are reportedly seeking about ₦1 billion in ransom. Reports indicate that the money is expected to be transferred to a bank account located in the Republic of Benin.

Authorities have not yet publicly commented on the demands, while efforts to secure the safe return of the kidnapped pupils and teachers continue. GWG.

Insecurity: OPM pastor shuts all free schools in northern Nigeria

 

Founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, has temporarily shut all OPM free schools in Northern Nigeria following fresh security concerns.

The clergyman announced the decision in a Facebook post, citing a WhatsApp message he received about an alleged kidnap threat in Nasarawa State.

According to the message shared by Apostle Chibuzor, kidnappers lodging in a hotel had abducted children in the state. The claim triggered panic, with Muslim parents reportedly arriving barefoot at schools to pick up their children.

Pupils were sent home and told to resume on Monday only if the situation was deemed safe.

Reacting to the report, Apostle Chibuzor said the safety of the children comes first, even if the closure is painful.

“So with pains in my heart, I HRM KING APOSTLE CHIBUZOR GIFT CHINYERE is shutting down temporarily all OPM free schools in the northern part of Nigeria until the security situation improves. I know it is painful, but the life of these children are more important,” he wrote.

OPM runs several tuition-free schools across Nigeria, many of them in northern states, catering to children from low-income families.

The clergyman did not state when the schools would reopen, noting that it depends on improvement in security. GWG.

Mountain of Fire Ministries suspends overnight vigils, ends services by 8pm over insecurity

 

 

Citing escalating security worries across Nigeria, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries has banned overnight vigils and ordered that all church activities must wrap up by eight in the evening.

 

A circular dated June 5, 2026, carrying the instruction, was sent to Regional Overseers and branch pastors. The directive is effective immediately.

 

Under the new rule, every service, meeting, and programme at any level of the organisation must finish by 8 p.m. for the foreseeable future. The church has also indefinitely halted all overnight vigils and late-night prayer meetings. Should such gatherings be deemed essential, leaders must convert them into evening prayer sessions that still end at or before 8 p.m.

 

Temitope A. Olawale, Director of Administration for the MFM International Headquarters and Nigeria, signed the memorandum. He explained that the move is a precaution driven by the current security climate.

 

“The directives are purely precautionary and aimed at safeguarding the lives and well-being of our members in the face of the current security situation in the country,” the statement said. Dailyblast.

Police arraign man, 26, over alleged possession of stolen goat

 

 

The police on Friday arraigned a 26-year-old man, Adesuyi Kayode in an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged possession of stolen goat.

 

Kayode, whose address was not provided, is facing one-count charge of possession of stolen goat.

 

The prosecutor, Insp Elijah Adejare, told the court that Kayode committed the offence on May 24 at about 11 p.m. in Ikole-Ekiti.

 

He alleged that the defendant had in his possession one goat suspected to have been stolen.

 

Adejare said the offence contravened Section 345 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

 

He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him study the case file and present his witnesses.

 

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty and his Counsel, Mrs Blessing Falaye, urged the court to grant him bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.

 

Consequently, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Kehinde Awosika, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until June 25 for hearing. (NAN)

8 months pregnant housewife files divorce petition

 

 

AN eight-month pregnant  housewife, Halima Yusuf, has filed a petition for confirmation of divorce in the Upper Area Court Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

Yusuf accused her husband, Isah, of beating her.

In the petition, she also accused her husband of neglecting his responsibilities.

“We got married under the Sharia Islamic law.

“Isah does not provide food, clothing or healthcare for me,” she said.

The petitioner told the court that she was eight months pregnant and had since been living with her parents in Mararaba.

She prayed the court for confirmation of the divorce and an order compelling Isah to take responsibility for her pregnancy.

The Judge, Mohammed Yakubu adjourned the case until June 11 for hearing. (NAN)