Police bust child trafficking syndicate in Oyo, rescue 17 children

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement, saying the breakthrough followed an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29, 2026.

According to Iniedu, police detectives arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4 following extensive investigations.

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He said Popoola allegedly confessed to involvement in the stealing, movement, and sale of children from churches, Parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.

Her disclosures, the police spokesman said, led detectives to another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State.

“Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody,” Iniedu said.

He added that information obtained during the investigation led detectives to the whereabouts of Ifakunle, who was rescued from the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.

The investigation subsequently revealed that the alleged criminal network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.

According to the police, detectives on September 2 extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from persons suspected of having illegally acquired them.

Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation, the police said, adding that their arrests further confirmed the alleged interstate nature of the network.

The investigation also uncovered allegations that deceased victims were transferred to persons suspected of involvement in ritual activities.

The development led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the allegations, the police said.

The Command also said it had received information about six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network.

It said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths. Newspot.

Nigeria in a mess, but Obi has capacity to rescue it -Media Office

The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has acknowledged that Nigeria is currently facing deep-seated challenges but maintained that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has the capacity and experience to lead the country’s recovery if elected president in 2027.

POMR was reacting to recent comments by former Labour Party presidential candidate running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who reportedly said that no individual, including Obi, could single-handedly rescue Nigeria from its multifaceted problems.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, POMR said Datti-Baba Ahmed’s position was understandable given the scale of the challenges confronting the country, but argued that it should not be interpreted as evidence that Nigeria could not be rescued through competent leadership.

The group said years of what it described as mismanagement, corruption, waste and poor leadership had weakened the country’s institutions and placed an enormous burden on Nigerians.

However, it said the severity of the challenges made it more important for citizens to distinguish between political promises and proven administrative capacity.

“Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed’s suggestion that not even Peter Obi can rescue Nigeria is understandable as an expression of frustration, but it is not a conclusion supported by the facts,” the statement said.

POMR argued that Obi would not be approaching the country’s problems as an experiment, pointing to his record as governor of Anambra State as evidence of his ability to manage public resources.

“Peter Obi does not approach Nigeria’s challenges as an experiment. His record in Anambra provides evidence of what he can do with limited resources when public office is treated as a responsibility rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment,” it said.

According to the organisation, Obi demonstrated fiscal discipline during his tenure and prioritised education, healthcare and human development while investing in critical infrastructure and reducing government waste.

It added that his record continued to generate discussions and scrutiny years after he left office.

POMR said the fundamental question before Nigerians was not whether one individual could single-handedly or magically solve every problem facing the country.

“Therefore, the question is not whether one individual can magically rescue Nigeria. No individual can. The question is whether Nigeria can elect a leader with the character, competence, prudence, and courage to begin the rescue,” it said.

The group said it believed Obi possessed the qualities required to commence such a national rescue effort.

It stressed, however, that an Obi presidency would not be based on the expectation that he could solve the country’s problems alone.

“He will not do it alone. He will do it by building strong institutions, assembling competent Nigerians, confronting corruption, cutting waste, investing in production, and restoring confidence in government,” the statement added.

POMR also rejected what it described as the politics of presenting political leaders as “messiahs,” arguing that Nigeria needed responsible leadership anchored on accountability and prudent management of public resources.

“Nigeria does not need a fake messiah. It needs leadership that understands that public money is public trust,” the organisation said.

It maintained that Obi had demonstrated such an understanding while serving as governor of Anambra State, insisting that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for him to apply his experience at the national level.

“The task in 2027 is to allow him to demonstrate it at the national level,” POMR said.

The group further argued that Nigeria remained capable of overcoming its current difficulties and that Obi’s potential to lead the process was based on his antecedents rather than claims of possessing extraordinary powers.

“So, yes, Nigeria can be rescued. And Peter Obi can lead that rescue — not because he claims to be a miracle worker, but because his record shows that he knows how to turn limited resources into measurable results,” it said.

POMR concluded with its campaign slogan, saying: “With O-K, Nigeria is rescueable.”

Authority.

Peter Obi to Datti-Ahmed’s criticism: Nigeria has wounded everybody

* He remains my brother

In his usual mature and elevated manner of response, Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general elections, Mr Peter Obi has said he did not believe that his running mate in 2023, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed intentional classified him (Obi) among those who are unfit to rule Nigeria well.

The Peter Obi Media Office urged the former Governor of Anambra state to respond to his former vice-presidential running mate’s decision to include him among those considered unfit to rescue Nigeria.

According to a statement on Tuesday by Peter Obi Media Reach, Obi’s “response was heartfelt and disarming”

The Media Office statement quoted Obi to have said: “I do not believe that my dear brother Datti spoke sincerely.

“My relationship with him extends beyond politics, and I do not believe he intended to describe me as unfit; I sincerely question that interpretation. We have shared a journey profound enough that I cannot imagine him truly viewing me in that way.

“He once stood with me as my running mate, partner, and brother in the struggle to build a better Nigeria. He knows that we won the election. He may view me differently today, and I respect his right to hold his opinions and convictions.

“However, he also knows that I will never permit political differences to erase the bond of brotherhood between us. I will always speak of Datti with respect.

“Despite everything that has been said, he remains my brother and my ally. In my view, none of this is sufficient to diminish our brotherhood.

“We may differ politically, including over the direction Nigeria’s future should take, but I believe those differences will never make us enemies. Why? Nigeria has wounded each of us in different ways.

“What Nigeria needs now is not deeper resentment among brothers, but reconciliation, mutual understanding, and people prepared to place the nation above personal grievances.

“Datti remains my beloved brother, and no political disagreement can change that. I believe, in my heart, that he feels the same way.

“The time will come when we can sit together once more—not as former allies or political adversaries, but simply as brothers who contributed to Nigeria’s progress. Brotherhood must endure beyond politics, and I hope ours always does,” Obi was quoted to have said.

According to the statement, the NDC flagbearer went further to say: “Nigeria’s circumstances are deeply frustrating and can bring people to despair or prompt unexpected remarks, but this period will certainly pass as a new Nigeria—one that is possible and O-K emerges and moves forward,” the statement concluded.

2027: Atiku, Obi can’t fix Nigeria – Datti Baba-Ahmed

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed says none of the politicians contesting against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election can improve Nigeria.

Among the politicians lining up against Tinubu next year is Peter Obi, with whom he ran as running mate.

Baba-Ahmed made the declaration in an interview on the Mic On Podcast, hosted by television personality, Seun Okinbaloye.

The Senator stated this while was responding to a question on his thoughts on the Tinubu presidency.

Baba-Ahmed said while President Tinubu should prepare to leave office next year, he, however, should not hand over to any of the politicians currently running against him, including Obi.

He said, “I will simply advise uncle (Tinubu) to please prepare to hand over and move away, but not to the people contesting against him because none of them will improve Nigeria.”

Tasked to clarify if he meant all the opposition candidates, Baba-Ahmed said, “none of that pack. Tinubu should leave the stage. All those people contesting against him, too—they were all in bed together at some point or another.”

When Okinbaloye asked if Obi was among those he was referring to, Baba-Ahmed replied, “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”

Before moving to the Labour Party (LP) in 2022 to contest as presidential candidate and presidential running mate respectively of the party, Obi and Baba-Ahmed were both members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

On his part, Atiku Abubakar served as Vice President on the PDP platform from 1999 to late 2006 when political disagree m between him and his boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo forced him to defect to the Action Congress (AC), which later became Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Atiku contested the 2007 presidential election on the ACN platform.

On his part, Peter Obi joined the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2002, and continued with the party after serving as Anambra State governor from 2005 to 2013, until 2014 when he defected to the PDP.

In 2019, Obi ran as presidential to running mate to Atiku Abubakar on the PDP platform, but lost out to President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC,). Authority.

Obi condoles with two Emirates, Zurmi and Gumel, over the passing of their rulers

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has commiserated with the people of Zurmi in Zamfara State and Gumel in Jigawa State over the death of their Emirs.

Obi wrote on his X handle, “I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the people of Zurmi Emirate in Zamfara State and the people of Gumel Emirate in Jigawa State regarding the demise of two esteemed traditional leaders: His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, Sarkin Zamfara, Zurmi, and His Royal Highness, Emir Ahmed Sani II, Emir of Gumel, who passed away in Egypt.

“Their deaths mark considerable losses to their respective emirates and to Nigeria. As custodians of our culture, history, and traditions, the Royal Fathers played vital roles in safeguarding the identity of their people and fostering peace, unity, and social harmony.

“I sincerely sympathise with their families, the traditional institutions, and the people of Zurmi and Gumel Emirates during this challenging time. May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and provide their families and subjects with the strength and resilience to endure these irreplaceable losses.”

Dangote Refinery gets SEC approval for IPO, sets price for share

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the commencement of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, paving the way for what could become one of the largest capital market transactions in Nigeria’s history.

The approval was conveyed in a letter to the Lead Issuing House, Vetiva Advisory Services Limited, and signed by the Director of the Securities and Investment Services Department of the SEC, Abdulkadir Abbas.

According to the Commission, the proposed offering comprises 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share, with the potential to raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion if fully subscribed.

In addition, the SEC has registered the company’s existing 120.13 billion ordinary shares.

The regulatory approval clears the refinery’s draft offer documents and authorises the company to proceed with its Completion Board Meeting and Signing Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the IPO process.

The SEC’s clearance represents another major step in the evolution of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, opening investment opportunities in one of Africa’s most strategic industrial assets and further strengthening Nigeria’s capital market.

Located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex occupies approximately 2,635 hectares and is home to a world-class integrated refining and petrochemicals facility.

The complex currently has a refining capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world, alongside a 900,000 tonnes per annum polypropylene plant. The facility is powered by a dedicated 435-megawatt power plant.

At full production, the refinery is designed to satisfy Nigeria’s domestic demand for refined petroleum products while generating substantial volumes for export markets.

The facility is also undergoing expansion that is expected to increase capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it to become the world’s largest refinery.

The refinery is supported by extensive world-class infrastructure, including a self-sufficient marine facility designed to optimise logistics and freight efficiency.

It also holds the world’s largest single order of five Single Point Moorings (SPMs) and incorporates advanced processing technology that meets World Bank, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European emission standards, and Nigerian regulatory requirements.

Its integrated port infrastructure includes multiple quays capable of handling Panamax vessels, liquid cargo shipments, and roll-on/roll-off operations, while its storage network comprises 177 tanks with a combined capacity of 4.742 billion litres.

With SEC approval now secured, the refinery is poised to embark on a historic public offering that could significantly broaden investor participation in one of Nigeria’s most transformative industrial ventures. Franktalknow.

Three killed as vehicle falls from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway bridge

Three women were killed while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries after a vehicle plunged from the Long Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and fell into a ditch.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the crash occurred around 5:24pm near Mikano on the Long Bridge, inward Lagos.

Akinbiyi stated that the crash involved three vehicles: a white Toyota bus with registration number KJA 247 YM, a white Toyota Corolla marked BDG 867 HG and a white Mazda bus with registration number AGL 891 XX.

According to the statement, 16 people, comprising 12 males and four females, were involved in the crash, while 10 people, nine males and one female, sustained injuries.

The statement said three female occupants were killed in the crash.

“16 people were involved. 10 people were injured and three female adults died.

“According to eyewitness accounts, excessive speeding and loss of control caused the vehicle to somersault into the ditch,” Akinbiyi stated.

According to the statement, two of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital, Ifo, morgue, while another presumed dead victim was deposited at the Idera Hospital morgue in Sagamu.

The statement added that other injured victims were taken to A.Z. Hospital by the FRSC for medical attention.

Akinbiyi said the vehicle that plunged into the ditch had been recovered and moved to the Warewa Police Station alongside the other vehicles involved in the crash for further investigation.

“The accidental vehicle had been recovered from the ditch and moved to Warewa Police Station with other vehicles involved for further investigation,” the statement said. Punch

2027: INEC to release final list of presidential, NASS candidates September 12

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to release the final list of candidates contesting the January 16, 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Officials of the commission are currently fine tuning the list, The Nation gathered yesterday in Abuja.

Section 32(1) of the 2026 Electoral Act stipulates that the final list of candidates for an election be released at least 60 days to Election Day.

The commission had, last month, published the provisional list of 19 presidential candidates, their running mates and the particulars of each of them.

Released at the same time was the list of candidates for the election into the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The presidential and NASS elections are scheduled for the same day.

The window for substitution of candidates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections closed on Saturday, August 22, while the last day for the submission of nomination form (form EC 13A-E) closed on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Publication of the candidates’ Form EC9 is a statutory requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates the commission to display the personal particulars of candidates after receiving their nomination forms.

On the provisional list of the presidential candidates were:

Bola Tinubu – All Progressives Congress (APC)

Atiku Abubakar – African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Peter Obi – Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)

Senator Sandy Onor– Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Omoyele Sowore – African Action Congress (AAC)

Donald Duke – Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)

Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick – National Democratic Party (NDP)

Chukwu Anita Zugwai – Young Progressives Party (YPP)

Rufai Adekunle Omoaje – Action Alliance (AA)

Adenuga Sunday – Boot Party

Memeh Samuel – Democratic Liberty Alliance (DLA)

Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)

Okereke Sunday Chibuzor – Labour Party (LP)

Okereke Iken Esther – National Rescue Movement (NRM)

Abbas-Bin Aliyu – Action Democratic Party (ADP)

Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed – New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)

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Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer – Social Democratic Party (SDP)

Seyi Makinde – Allied Peoples Movement (APM)

Yusuf Kabiru – Action Peoples Party (APP)

Vice-presidential candidates

Kashim Shettima (APC)

Rotimi Amaechi (ADC)

Rabiu Kwankwaso (NDC)

Shehu Hussaini (AA)

Egbeola Olawale Mertins (YPP)

Ike Chinazam (ADP)

Mustapha Usman Turaki (Boot Party)

Balogun Alex (DLA)

Chikwuemeka Uchenna Anthony (NDP)

Magashi Haruna Garba (AAC)

Umaru Babangida (PDP)

Konto Hajja Bintu (LP)

Hassan Khalid (ZLP)

Samuel Magdalene Gali (NRM)

Abubakar Isah (NNPP)

Buba Musa (PRP)

Bugaje Usman Mohammed (SDP)

Ibrahim Adamu Bala (APM)

Ofordile Peace Egobia (APP) Nation

Daylight.

Northern Senators pay tribute to fallen monarchs, say their voices will be missed

The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has mourned the passing of the Emir of Gumel, Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani, and the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, saying their deaths have created a significant void in the traditional institution and northern leadership.

The Forum, in a condolence message signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, said it received the deaths with profound sadness and submission to the will of Allah. The Emir of Gumel died on September 3, 2026, while the Emir of Zurmi passed away on Monday.

Senator Yar’adua described the late Emir of Gumel as a scholar, administrator and bridge-builder whose reign was characterised by humility, wisdom and dignity. He said Dr. Sani played an important role in strengthening peace, unity and educational development in the Gumel Emirate and remained accessible to people across social and ethnic divides.

The Forum also recalled the late monarch’s efforts in promoting modern education and girl-child schooling, noting that his leadership was particularly valuable during periods of tension. His national recognition as a Commander of the Order of the Niger, the senators said, reflected his contribution to society, while his counsel helped shape many leaders.

On the Emir of Zurmi, the senators said Alhaji Bello Sulaiman distinguished himself through courage, wisdom and dedication to his people during a challenging security environment in Zamfara State. His five-year reign, according to the Forum, was marked by efforts to strengthen peace, unity and resilience within the emirate.

The Forum said the late Zurmi monarch’s influence went beyond his immediate traditional domain, with his voice respected in wider traditional and peace-building efforts across the North-West. It commended both royal fathers for their contributions to peaceful coexistence, national stability and community development.

The Northern Senators Forum extended its condolences to the two Emirate Councils, the families of the deceased, the governments and people of Jigawa and Zamfara states and the entire traditional institution in Nigeria. It prayed that Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings, accept their good deeds and admit them into Aljannah Firdaus, while granting their loved ones the fortitude to endure their passing. Authority.

NSCDC cracks down on traffickers, rogue officers, telecom vandals

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its offensive against criminal networks with the arrest of suspects linked to child trafficking, illegal arms diversion and telecommunications infrastructure vandalism across different parts of the country.

The operations, conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), led to the rescue of 15 trafficked minors, recovery of an AK-47 rifle allegedly stolen by a serving officer and the dismantling of a network involved in the vandalism and resale of telecommunications equipment.

According to a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the operations were carried out under the zero-tolerance policy of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, against crime, corruption and the destruction of national assets.

The child trafficking investigation began after a petition over missing children in Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State. Investigators allegedly discovered that Anderson Archibong had been using a purported NGO and a “Back to School Project” to gain the confidence of low-income parents before taking their children. Sixteen children were reportedly trafficked in January and sold for ₦2 million each.

Intelligence operations subsequently led to the rescue of 15 of the minors in Anambra, Imo, Enugu and other eastern transit locations. Three alleged buyers identified as Joy Julius, Ngozi and Eze Lazarus were arrested and reportedly confessed to the offences, while the search for the remaining minor continues.

The Corps also reported a serious breach of its internal security system following the disappearance of an AK-47 rifle assigned to CAII Igah Ameh James of the CG’s Crack Squad. Investigators alleged that James deserted his post and transported the weapon to Otukpo, Benue State, where he sold it to Abakpa Simon Anthony for ₦700,000. The firearm was later sold to Sunday Akor, alias IBB, for ₦800,000 before NSCDC operatives recovered it with two empty magazines.

In Adamawa State, an armoury audit led to the arrest of ASCI Peter Ardo, a former Head of Armoury, and CCA Boniface B. Lawyer over the alleged illegal removal and sale of two unserviceable G3 rifles. Meanwhile, in Delta State, the Corps arrested Henry Dennis with 12 vandalized telecom panels, with investigations allegedly uncovering a wider network involving financier Yusuf Musa and fleeing accomplices.

The NSCDC said administrative and disciplinary proceedings involving implicated personnel had been concluded and that its Directorate of Legal Services had been directed to commence prosecution. The Corps reaffirmed its resolve to protect critical national infrastructure, vulnerable citizens and the integrity of its ranks.

Authority