Author: Daily Post Nigeria

A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has said former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, died of a heart attack, contrary to widespread claims that he was poisoned.

Amachree insisted that evidence pointed to the fact that Abacha died of a heart attack.

Abacha died on June 8, 1998, while serving as Nigeria’s Head of State, and there have been different accounts of his death.

In an interview on TVC News, Amachree said investigators questioned a woman who was reportedly with Abacha shortly before he died, describing her account as the only direct eyewitness testimony of what happened in the room.

According to him, the woman arrived at the residence with her sister, who was said to know the former Head of State.

“The girl who was with him when he died was later brought to me for questioning. When she entered my office, the first thing she said was, ‘I did not kill him.’ She was very direct about it.

“I had to believe her because she had no reason to lie to me. I did not create an atmosphere that would make her feel threatened.

“Her account remains the only true eyewitness account of what happened because nobody else was in that room with them.

“From everything she told me and from what I gathered during the investigation, I strongly believe it was a heart attack. She did not know he was dead while she was with him, but later realised something was wrong. In my assessment, his death was the result of a heart attack,” he stated.

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Abacha died of heart attack, wasn’t poisoned – Ex-DSS director

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has said that lasting peace remains essential for the state’s development, adding that the door to negotiation is open to those willing to embrace peace across the state.

According to him, the state government is willing to engage bandits and kidnappers who genuinely denounce criminal activities, stressing that it is also prepared to facilitate their reintegration.

He urged them to abandon violence, embrace dialogue and surrender their weapons in the interest of peace and development.

The governor reportedly made the appeal during the official commissioning and handover of 152 housing units to internally displaced persons in Jibia Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.

The houses were constructed under the UNDP Northwest Prevention Facility Project, with support from the government of Germany in partnership with the state government.

The governor urged those still involved in criminal activities to turn a new leaf and return to their families and communities, assuring them that government support and opportunities could also be extended to them if they choose the path of peace and lay down their weapons.

“To our brothers and sisters in the bush and forests, to those who still raise weapons against innocent people, and to those engaged in banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me clearly today: there is a better path, the doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open,” he said.

Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to pursuing lawful and practical measures aimed at ending the persistent insecurity confronting many communities across the state, adding that lasting peace remains essential for the state’s development and pledging continued support for initiatives that promote stability, rehabilitation and community recovery.

Gov Radda opens door to dialogue with bandits, urges peace in Katsina

Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, has credited the pipeline surveillance collaboration between Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian Army for driving crude oil production to approximately 1.7 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.

Emekah spoke at the inauguration of 60 transit residential units for senior military officers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, built with support of Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering Services.

“It is noteworthy that the contributions and collaborative efforts of stakeholders such as Tantita Security Services have significantly enhanced the operational environment within the Niger Delta region,” the GOC said.

“These efforts have contributed immensely to the attainment of the current crude oil production output of approximately 1.7 to 1.8 million barrels per day, a remarkable feat that has not been achieved since 2009,” he added.

The Army GOC’s remarks come as recent security data indicate declining violent incidents in the South-South geopolitical zone and rising crude oil production after the Federal Government’s award of pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita in 2022.

A recent analysis by THE WHISTLER found that violent incidents in the zone declined by 20.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).

The data showed that violent events in the South-South fell from 651 in 2023 to 515 in 2025. Fatalities from such events declined by 8.3 per cent in the same period.

Meanwhile, the North-West recorded a 127.9 per cent rise in incidents between 2023 and 2025, the North-Central zone recorded a 74.1 per cent increase, and the North-East saw a 19.5 per cent rise alongside a 26.4 per cent increase in fatality rate. Together, the three northern zones accounted for approximately 78 per cent of all conflict events and over 90 per cent of all fatalities in 2025.

Tantita, which currently employs about 136,000 persons in pipeline surveillance activities, has also partnered with Stakeholders Development Network and Ecosus Pro Nigeria Limited to launch the Tantita Sustainable Rice Farming Initiative to transition communities previously engaged in illicit oil-related activities into structured, large-scale rice farming.

Managing Director of TSSNL, High Chief Kestin Pondi, had stated at the launch of the programme in 2025: “We recognise that security enforcement is only one part of the solution. Providing alternative, sustainable livelihoods is the real way to break the cycle of illegal oil activities.”

At Wednesday’s inauguration of the residential units, Major General Emekah said: “The completion of these 60 units of one-bedroom flats is a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnership, shared vision, and commitment to national development.”

He said the project aligns with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which places “premium emphasis on the sound administration and welfare of troops as a critical enabler for operational success.”

Tantita’s General Manager (Security), Brigadier General Efemena Edafioghor (rtd), represented High Chief Pondi at the event, said the company believes that troops’ welfare is key to operational effectiveness.

“The decision by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Services to facilitate the construction of this accommodation project was informed by our belief that the welfare of personnel is a critical component of operational effectiveness,” Edafioghor said.

“As indigenous companies committed to the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta region, Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering recognise the importance of strategic partnerships in promoting peace, security, and economic prosperity.

“Our collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies has continued to yield positive outcomes in safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure, enhancing security, and supporting the economic well-being of our country,” he said.

He expressed hope that the facility would “serve as a lasting symbol of the fruitful partnership between the Nigerian Army and responsible corporate organisations working together for the advancement of our nation.”

Army GOC Credits Tantita Security As Nigeria’s Oil Output Hits 18-Year High is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, on Tuesday freed 22 awaiting-trial inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Ado-Ekiti, during his quarterly visitation to the facility.

The Chief Judge said the exercise was in line with his constitutional mandate under Section 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 12 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ekiti State.

A total of 543 cases were reviewed during the visit, comprising 535 male and 8 female inmates. Of the number, 18 inmates were released unconditionally, 3 were granted bail, and 1 was released on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution for having no case to answer.

Justice Ogunmoye thanked stakeholders in the justice sector for their support and said the visitation would be sustained. He promised to return to the centre before the end of the year.

In his welcome address, the Comptroller of the Correctional Centre, CC Alaba Ajeleti, commended the Chief Judge for the decongestion exercise, describing it as “great succour” for inmates. She, however, lamented that the facility was overstretched.

“The centre was originally designed to house 324 inmates but currently accommodates 937 inmates,” Ajeleti said. She urged the Chief Judge and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN, to liaise with relevant authorities for the construction of additional cells.

She added that many states now operate more than one custodial facility and commended the Ekiti State Judiciary for exploring non-custodial sentences for minor offences.

Officials present at the visit included judges of the Ekiti State Judiciary, magistrates, the Director of Legal Aid Council, Mr. Adeyinka Opaleke, the Director of Public Prosecution, and lawyers from the private and official bars.

The Chief Judge said only inmates with minor offences were considered for release.

Ekiti Chief Judge frees 22 awaiting trial inmates, 543 cases reviewed

 

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected impostor who allegedly posed as a retired Major General in Kaduna State.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday by troops of the 312 Artillery Regiment deployed at the Strike Force Base in Sabo area.

The suspect was alleged to have been impersonating retired Major General A.T. Ibrahim.

According to the sources, the arrest followed intelligence that led troops to the suspect at about 9:14 a.m.

“The individual was arrested for allegedly impersonating Maj.-Gen. A.T. Ibrahim (rtd) and is currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation,” the source said.

The sources added that the suspect would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution after the completion of initial military procedures.

Military authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the alleged impersonation or whether the suspect used the false identity to commit any offence.

However, security agencies said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and determine whether other persons were involved.

The Oyo State Government has suspended the entire technical crew and management of Crown FC.

The decision was necessitated following the team’s poor performance in the Nigeria National Leagu, NNL, last season.

The state ministry of youth and sports announced the suspension today.

According to the statement, the suspension takes immediate effect.

The ministry stated that further decisions regarding the club and the next course of action would be communicated in due course.

The Ajilete Warriors endured a difficult campaign and only secured their NNL status on the final day of the season. 

Crown FC finished in seventh position on the Conference B table with 16 points from 16 points.

Oyo govt suspends Crown FC technical crew, management indefinitely

 

DETAILS OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE POLICE AND FEDERAL POLICE BY KENNY ADEWOLE

1. Establishment of Federal Police and State Police (New Section 214)

•  Two distinct police bodies are constitutionally established:

•  (a) the Federal Police

•  (b) State Police (one per State, established by State law)

The National Assembly must pass an Act prescribing:

•  Structure, organisation, administration, and powers of the Federal Police

•  Framework and guidelines for the establishment of State Police

•  State Police cannot commence operational policing until:

•  Established by a Law of the State House of Assembly, and

•  Certified as meeting national minimum standards (prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly)

•  Transitional provision: Until a State Police becomes operational, the Federal Police continues all policing functions in that State. After commencement, the Federal Police handles federal policing functions and may provide assistance to the State Police.

2. Responsibilities and Non-Interference (Section 214)

Federal Police is responsible for:

•  Maintenance of public security, public order, and security of persons/property throughout the Federation (to the extent provided by the Constitution or National Assembly Act).

•  Similar functions within a State to the extent the State has legislative power under the Constitution.

Key safeguard against federal overreach (Section 214(6)):

The Federal Police shall not interfere with State Police operations or a State’s internal security affairs except in these limited cases:

•  To contain serious threats where there is a complete breakdown of law and order and the State Police is unable to respond.

•  When the Governor requests intervention.

•  When a State Police is unable to function due to administrative, financial, or other problems.

Any such intervention requires prior approval by the National Police Council.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Fully under the jurisdiction and operational control of the Federal Police.

3. Leadership and Command (New Section 215)

•  Federal Police: Headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

•  Appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council, from serving members of the Federal Police.

•  Subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

•  The IGP has command over the entire Federal Police, including contingents in States.

•  The President (or authorised Minister) may give lawful directions on public safety and order; the IGP must comply.

•  State Police: Headed by a Commissioner of Police (CP).

•  Appointed by the Governor on the advice of the National Police Council, from serving members of the State Police.

•  Subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

•  The Governor (or authorised Commissioner) may give lawful directions on public safety and order; the CP must comply.

•  If the CP believes a direction is unlawful or contradicts general policing standards, the matter can be referred to the National Police Council (whose decision is final).

4. Removal of Top Officers (New Section 216)

•  IGP: Removed only by the President on the recommendation of the National Police Council for specified grounds (grave misconduct, breach of Police Act/Regulations/Code of Conduct, conviction for fraud/dishonesty, bankruptcy, or mental incapacity). Requires two-thirds majority approval of the National Assembly.

•  State Commissioner of Police: Removed only by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council for similar grounds. Requires two-thirds majority approval of the State House of Assembly.

5. Funding Support (New Section 216A)

The Federal Government shall provide grants or aids to State Police on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to approval by the National Assembly.

6. Oversight Bodies

National Police Council (restructured and renamed from the old Nigeria Police Council; new composition and expanded functions in Third Schedule):

•  Broad membership including: Chairman (Presidential appointee confirmed by NA), Attorney-General of the Federation, serving senior Federal Police officer, Attorneys-General of all States, retired Commissioners of Police (one per geo-political zone), representatives of NHRC, Public Complaints Commission, NLC, NBA, NUJ, and Traditional Rulers’ Councils.

•  Key functions: Appointment and discipline of Federal Police officers (except IGP); recommending State top officers (CP, DCP, ACP) to Governors based on State PSC lists; supervising Federal and State Police activities (within constitutional limits); setting standards for training, intelligence, forensics; assisting State Police on request.

State Police Service Commission (new body established for each State in Third Schedule, Part II):

•  Composition: Chairman (appointed by Governor, confirmed by State HA), representatives of NHRC, Public Complaints Commission, NLC, NBA, NUJ, retired Assistant Commissioners of Police (one per senatorial district), and Traditional Rulers’ Council.

•  Functions: Recommending three qualified candidates for CP/DCP/ACP to the National Police Council; appointment, discipline, and removal of State Police officers below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police; other functions as prescribed by Constitution or National Assembly Act.

7. Legislative Framework (Second Schedule – Concurrent Legislative List)

•  National Assembly may make laws on: establishment/organisation/administration/powers/duties of Federal Police; powers/duties of State Police; national minimum standards for both; policing standards, inspection, certification, complaints mechanisms, criminal information systems, inter-governmental cooperation, federal intervention, use of force, firearms, grants, and accountability.

•  State Houses of Assembly may make laws for the establishment, organisation, administration, funding, and oversight of their State Police — but must comply with the Constitution and valid National Assembly Acts.

•  States may set higher standards than national minimums but not lower.

•  National Assembly laws cannot give federal authorities routine command, deployment, appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, or control over State Police personnel (except for explicitly authorised federal intervention).

8. Other Related Changes

•  Updates to various constitutional provisions (e.g., Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89, 129, 153) to replace references to “Nigeria Police Force” with appropriate “Police”, “Federal Police”, or “State Police” terminology.

•  Exclusive Legislative List adjustments (e.g., light arms for policing purposes; fingerprints/biometrics/forensics shared with State Police; Federal Police listed separately).

•  Consequential amendments to the Third Schedule for the new bodies and their compositions/powers.

Kenny Adewole is the publisher of Swift Reporters 

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Designed to reward loyal consumers and attract value-conscious shoppers seeking quality cooking essentials, the promo adds extra flavour, convenience and value to everyday cooking. It also reinforces Golden Terra Oil’s longstanding reputation as a trusted household name, known for its purity, quality, and its role in nourishing families across Nigeria.

Under the Get Gold Promo, consumers who purchase a 5-litre keg of Golden Terra Oil will receive a 100-piece Terra Gold seasoning pack worth N1,200, free, while shoppers who purchase a 1-litre pouch will receive a 20-piece Terra Gold seasoning pack worth N240, free.

The initiative brings together two beloved brands from TGI Group. While Golden Terra Oil has earned the trust of consumers through its quality and healthy cooking benefits, Terra Gold has become a kitchen favourite for delivering rich taste and flavour that elevates everyday meals. Together, both brands are creating a rewarding experience that gives consumers more value for every naira spent.

Probal Bhattacharya, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, said, “The Get Gold Promo is an exclusive offer to our well-deserving consumers who choose Golden Terra Oil. Every consumer deserves more, and this promo is our way of saying thank you for the trust they place in our brand. We understand the realities of today’s economy, and we remain committed to delivering not only quality products but also added value that makes a meaningful difference in our consumers’ everyday lives. Through this initiative, we are rewarding loyalty while bringing together the purity of Golden Terra Oil and the great taste of Terra Gold in one exciting offer.”

The Get Gold Promo is expected to drive excitement across retail outlets and markets nationwide, while strengthening consumer loyalty and encouraging more families to enjoy the winning combination of healthy cooking and delicious flavour.

Golden Terra Oil is a premium, all-purpose cooking oil made from 100% pure soya beans, sourced and manufactured in Nigeria. It is rich in PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) proven to deliver numerous health benefits, like reducing cholesterol, maintaining a healthier heart, enhancing nerve function, boosting brain health, and supporting muscle strength. Discerning consumers trust Golden Terra Oil to bring an unmatched balance of Taste & Health to every dish cooked with it. Available in various sizes, including 1000ml pouch, 700ml and 1.4L bottles, and 3L, 5L, and 25L keg

Golden Terra Oil launches Get Gold Promo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed 73,463.21 kilogrammes of illicit drugs worth N2.8 billion in Edo State.

DAILY POST reports that the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were destroyed on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Idogbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The substances were destroyed by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, a representative of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, heads of various security agencies in the state, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Commander of the Edo State Command of the anti-drug agency, said the public destruction of the illicit drugs followed an order of the Federal High Court, Benin City.

Ofoyeju gave the breakdown of the destroyed exhibits, with an estimated street value of N2.8 billion, to include 73,210.23 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa and 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, including Tramadol (141.81kg), Diazepam (8.4258kg), and Codeine cough syrup (61.7652kg).

Others were 2.662 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, 3.7441 kilogrammes of cocaine, and 0.2168 kilogrammes of heroin.

He said that during operations leading to the seizures, the command intercepted cars and articulated trucks laden with drugs.

“We have identified and destroyed cannabis farms as well as illicit drug warehouses. We have apprehended both the young and the old, male and female, and have even recovered drugs hidden in shrines. We have been attacked on the line of duty with firearms, but we are not deterred from executing our mandate.

“We may give our children the good things of life, such as money, the best schools, good food and clothing, but if we fail to protect them from drug and substance abuse, we have indeed given them nothing,” he said.

He described the ceremony as a product of relentless, intelligence-led operations by the officers and men of the command.

He also added that the destruction ceremony amplified what the combined efforts of a committed government, a determined agency, and an engaged citizenry can achieve.

In his keynote address, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa described the event as a reaffirmation of the collective resolve to confront, dismantle, and defeat the menace of drug abuse.

Marwa, represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Deputy Commander-General of Narcotics Ahmed Suleiman Ningi, commended the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration for its support, particularly the allocation of 20 plots of land for the construction of a model State Command Headquarters.

“This gesture speaks volumes about his (Governor Okpebholo’s) administration’s understanding that the war against drugs requires infrastructure, institutional capacity, and long-term investment,” he added.

He commended the officers and men of the command for their bravery, dedication, vigilance in the face of danger, willingness to work long hours under difficult conditions, and uncompromising commitment to the mandate of the agency.

“You have my deepest admiration, my unqualified respect, and the gratitude of the nation you serve,” he stated.

In his remarks, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was the special guest of honour, described the war against drugs as a battle against criminality.

Okpebholo, who was represented by Mrs Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State and Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee, opined that the ceremony was not a moment for celebration alone but also a moment for sober reflection and recommitment to the fight.

“The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation. It is a war against criminality, kidnapping and banditry, as well as the health hazards that drug abuse brings,” he noted.

Okpebholo, who assured the NDLEA of continued partnership, reeled off plans by his administration to provide a modern rehabilitation centre for people recovering from drug use disorders.

He, however, issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, saying: “Drug traffickers must leave Edo State because we are coming for them, and we will not relent until every gram of illicit substance is seized and destroyed.”

Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Ikpea, commended the NDLEA for the monumental drug seizures and pledged legislative backing as well as appropriation support to ensure a better-equipped, better-funded, and better-motivated anti-narcotics agency.

Ikpea, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, posited that every kilogramme of cocaine, every bag of cannabis, and every sachet of tramadol and codeine destroyed represents lives saved from the catastrophic effects of drugs.

“Your work is dangerous and often not properly funded, yet you fill the gaps. We will continue to press for better welfare, funding, equipment, and legal backing for your operations,” he said.

NDLEA destroys illicit drugs worth N2.8bn in Edo

Ogun State House of Assembly has restated its commitment to continuous staff development through regular capacity-building and retraining programmes to aid quality service delivery.

The Speaker. Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, represented by the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin, stated this on Thursday, while declaring open a- day training programme for all categories of staff at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He explained that the Assembly leadership considered learning and relearning essential in building a highly effective legislative workforce.

The Speaker noted that the Assembly had organized the quarterly training programmes to ensure that members of staff remain professionally equipped towards delivering quality service.

He described the workshop as an opportunity for officers to sharpen their skills and adapt to the changing demands of modern governance and administration.

Elemide appreciated the resource persons for supporting the Assembly’s efforts towards strengthening the capacity of its workforce through knowledge sharing.

He added that the Assembly would continue to invest in human capital development to promote efficiency, productivity and effective legislative service delivery.

The workshop featured specialized training sessions for different categories of staff on time management, financial regulations, digital transformation, communication, records management and workplace professionalism.

Ogun assembly trains workers, assures sustaining quarterly capacity building