Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Air Peace has announced a temporary disruption to its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service after a minor technical issue was detected during a routine inspection of the aircraft.

In a statement shared on its official X account on Saturday, the airline said the fault was discovered shortly after passengers had boarded the aircraft, leading to the immediate withdrawal of the plane from operation in line with standard safety procedures.

“Following the completion of passenger boarding, a routine post-boarding technical check identified a minor aircraft fault that required immediate attention,” the airline stated.

According to the carrier, all passengers were safely disembarked while its engineers worked on the issue.

The airline emphasised that safety remains its highest priority, explaining that the decision to suspend the flight was taken to ensure the wellbeing of passengers and crew members.

“At Air Peace, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew will always take precedence over operational schedules,” the statement read.

“While we understand the inconvenience this situation may have caused, taking swift preventive action was the responsible and necessary decision,” it added.

The airline said affected passengers were promptly notified about the development and provided with hotel accommodation alongside other support services.

Air Peace also disclosed that another aircraft would be deployed from London to operate the delayed flight.

“To minimise further disruption, a replacement aircraft from London will be dispatched and passengers are scheduled to depart this morning,” the airline said.

The airline expressed appreciation to passengers for their patience and cooperation during the delay, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining safe and dependable flight operations.

Air Peace suspends Lagos-London flight over technical fault

 

Oakland’s City Council has voted that a Nigerian medical doctor, Matthew Bernard, and his wife will pay a fine of nearly $1m for felling 38 legally protected trees on and around their Claremont Avenue property in the United States.

A California-based media platform, KQED, reported that more than 20 residents at a public hearing on Tuesday demanded enforcement of Oakland’s tree protection laws.

They argued that the leafy canopies of the trees in the area were important for wildfire prevention, public health and environmental equity.

Diaspora Tales reported last month that Bernard and his partner, Lynn Warner, said they removed trees from their property on an arborist’s advice.

At the hearing on Tuesday, the Nigerian medical expert told the council that the trees removed from his property nearly four years ago were “dead, dying, leaning,” or in “hazardous condition.”

The city, however, disagreed and fined Bernard and Warner $915,135.40 and placed a claim on their property that would prevent them from developing or selling the land until the fine was paid.

Defending the fine, a community tree specialist, Erys Gagnez, said, “Trees of that size are not commercially available for replacement. Even with replanting, it will take decades, even centuries, to restore the ecological and protective functions that were lost. The scale of the fine reflects this reality.”

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside National Chairman of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, paid a courtesy visit to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at his residence in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday night.

The visit was disclosed in a statement issued by Kwankwaso’s media aide, Hon. Saifullahi Hassan.

According to the statement, the political figures held discussions on political developments in the country, although details of the meeting were not made public.

Among those who received the visitors alongside Kwankwaso were former Kano State Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna; Senator representing Kano Central, Rufa’i Sani Hanga; prominent NNPP chieftain, Buba Galadima; and member of the House of Representatives representing Kura, Madobi and Garun Malam Federal Constituency, Yusuf Datti Kura.

Several other key figures within the Kwankwasiyya movement were also present during the meeting.

Although the exact issues discussed were not disclosed, the development is expected to further fuel speculation over ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, especially amid reports of possible alliance talks involving Obi and Kwankwaso on a joint presidential ticket.

2027 elections: Obi, Dickson meet Kwankwaso in Abuja ahead of NDC convention 

The Commissioner for Environment, Abia State, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna  has ordered immediate suspension of sand dredging activities at the Umuadele River, Okpulo Umuobo,  Osisioma local government area.

According to the State government, the suspension was in response to concerns of environmental degradation and other allegations of illegal operations in the River.

The Commissioner, who stormed the sand dredging site during an unscheduled official visit, directed all the sand dredgers, tipper operators and loaders at the site to report to the Ministry of Environment for proper verification of their operational status and documentation.

He condemned the increasing rate of illegal dredging activities in the area, expressing worry that the area has been severely degraded and devastated due to unregulated soil mining and sand dredging that had taken place for more than  a decade.

Ogbonna also stressed the need for the sand dredgers  to harmonise their activities with the Abia State government.

He expressed worry that any further unregulated sand dredging at the site will exacerbate the already bad situation.

Ogbonna explained that the visit was both an enforcement action and an appeal for cooperation, noting that the government was determined to restore environmental sanity and ensure compliance with environmental laws in all parts of the State.

Abia Govt orders suspension of sand dredging in Osisioma River

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for immediate measures to address rising xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, urging the Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, to launch a large-scale awareness campaign to protect migrant workers.

In a letter dated May 7, 2026, and addressed to the leadership of COSATU in Johannesburg, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned recent incidents involving the killing of African migrants and destruction of their businesses.

Ajaero described the attacks as a consequence of worsening economic conditions and ineffective government policies, stressing that African workers should not be turned against one another.

“We cannot claim to fight for the working class while allowing a section of that class to be hunted like wild animals,” he stated.

The labour leader urged COSATU to lead extensive sensitisation efforts in communities, unions and workplaces to counter narratives blaming migrants for unemployment and poverty.

“We must break, once and for all, the racist myth that a fellow black African from across a colonial border is our enemy,” Ajaero added.

The NLC also criticised what it described as the inadequate response of South African security agencies, accusing authorities of failing to provide sufficient protection for migrants and their businesses.

Ajaero called for the full deployment of security resources to prevent further violence, while demanding the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

He also urged the South African government to ensure compensation for victims and families affected by the violence.

According to the NLC, xenophobia poses a major threat to workers’ solidarity across Africa, weakening labour movements and collective bargaining efforts.

“Xenophobia is not good for anybody, especially the world of work, because it fractures working-class unity and weakens our collective bargaining power against capital,” Ajaero said.

The congress further proposed an emergency meeting involving African labour organisations under the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity to develop coordinated strategies for protecting migrant workers across the continent.

Ajaero warned that failure to tackle xenophobic violence decisively could encourage similar incidents in other African countries.

“Xenophobia is a cancer that, if not excised in South Africa, will metastasise across the continent,” he said.

Xenophobia: NLC calls on South African unions to protect migrants

Malawi U-20 women’s team captain,  Laticia Chinyamula is confident the team can beat Nigeria’s Falconets to a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, DAILY POST reports.

The Young Scorchers will host Moses Aduku’s side in the second leg of their final qualifying round tie at the Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe on Saturday (today).

Maggie Chombo’s side must overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg to earn a place at Poland 2026.

 Chinyamula is adamant the task is achieveable despite the pedigree of their opponent.

“We know what this match means to the nation, and as players we are ready to give everything on the pitch. We believe in ourselves, and we will fight until the final whistle,” said Chinyamula.

The encounter will kick-off at 3pm local time 2pm Nigeria time.

Three other African countries will be vying for places at the U-20 Women’s World Cup this weekend.

U-20 WWCQ: Malawi will give everything to beat Falconets – Chinyamula

 

Security agents on Thursday night arrested Bello Bodejo, an aspirant for the Taraba Central Senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

Bodejo, who is the president of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, had earlier arrived in Jalingo aboard a private jet through the Danbaba Suntai Airport at about 1:20pm.

He was received by thousands of supporters drawn from the five local government areas that make up the Taraba Central senatorial zone.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Bodejo’s personal aide, Umar, said the APC aspirant was arrested after visiting some security agencies’ offices alongside close political associates.

According to him, the arrest occurred at one of the security offices shortly after Bodejo addressed supporters at the APC state secretariat in Jalingo.

Umar said the associates who accompanied him were asked to leave immediately, while Bodejo was detained.

“At the moment, we do not know where he has been taken to,” he said.

“The same security personnel that escorted and protected him from Abuja to Jalingo were the ones who later arrested him.

“We are yet to be informed of the reason for his arrest, and our major concern now is that we do not know where he is being detained,” Umar added.

Before his arrest, Bodejo had told journalists at the APC secretariat that he purchased the senatorial nomination form to contest the election and would not to step down for any aspirant.

He insisted that he remained committed to the race and would not bow to pressure to withdraw his ambition.

“I am in this race to win, and nobody is going to force me to step down,” he declared.

The APC aspirant also disclosed that the consensus committee reportedly set up by Governor Agbu Kefas to engage aspirants across the three senatorial zones of the state had not contacted him.

“The consensus committee set up by the governor has not contacted me, and let me make it clear that I will not step down for anybody, no matter the pressure,” Bodejo said.

This is not the first time that he would be arrested.

In 2024, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested him over alleged creation of a vigilante group in Nasarawa State.

Bodejo was arrested at the Miyetti Allah Katal Houre’s Head Office at Tundun Maliya Cattle Market, Kilometre 22, Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Tundun-Wada, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The DSS operatives alongside some soldiers of the Nigerian Army, were said to have stormed the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office at about 3:40 pm, and they drove off after arresting Bodejo at the gate.

It is unclear if this latest arrest is political or has anything to do with security.

 

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” who lost his life to a thunder strike while on duty in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The public relations officer of the command, ASP Nahum Daso, in a tribute on Friday, said the officer was struck on Wednesday alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, who survived the incident.

According to him, both officers had attempted to seek shelter before the rain started but were caught by lightning before reaching their destination.

The statement read, “Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.

“It was on a quiet Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19 p.m., when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as ‘Buratai,’ a police officer widely respected for his dedication, commitment, and passion for duty, was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.

“As strong winds began to gather, both officers reportedly attempted to seek shelter before the rain started. But in a sudden and devastating moment, a loud thunderclap echoed through the atmosphere, followed instantly by a powerful lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty,” he said.

Daso added, “While ASP Wazani Adamu survived in what may be described as a miracle, unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body.”

He described Inspector Garba as a man who stood daily under the scorching sun and uncertain weather to maintain order and serve humanity.

“He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm.

“Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was more than a police officer to many; he was a familiar face, a hardworking officer, and a symbol of dedication to service,” he said.

The police spokesperson further stated that the officer’s sudden passing had left shock, grief and painful memories in the hearts of colleagues and members of the public who knew him.

“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he said.

 The Nollywood Reporter has expressed concern over what appears to be the possible withdrawal of its media accreditation and invitation to cover the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), following the publication of a critical editorial feature examining unresolved issues surrounding the awards over the last eleven years.

The story, titled “Eleven Years of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA): What the AMVCA Still Hasn’t Solved,” published by The Nollywood Reporter, explored recurring concerns within the Nigerian film industry regarding transparency, industry representation, category definitions, and broader conversations about the evolution of the awards platform.

According to internal communications available to the publication, The Nollywood Reporter had previously received indications that it would participate in official media coverage activities for the forthcoming AMVCA ceremony. However, subsequent developments have reportedly suggested that the publication may no longer be included among accredited media representatives.

While no official explanation has been communicated by the organizers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, the timing of the apparent exclusion has raised concerns about whether the publication’s recent editorial stance may have influenced the decision.

The Nollywood Reporter maintains that the article in question was published in good faith as part of its commitment to constructive industry journalism, critical engagement, and the advancement of conversations aimed at strengthening the Nigerian film and television ecosystem.

“As a publication dedicated to the documentation and development of Nollywood, we believe thoughtful critique and industry accountability are essential to growth,” the publication stated. “Media independence and open dialogue should remain central to the continued progress of Africa’s creative industries.”

The publication reiterated its respect for the achievements of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and its role in elevating African storytelling globally, while also emphasizing the importance of accommodating diverse perspectives within the entertainment industry.

The Nollywood Reporter noted that it remains open to clarification or engagement from AMVCA organizers on this matter and future access to the annual event.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further comments, contact:

‘Jamin Ohwovoriole, Ph.D.

Publisher, The Nollywood Reporter

Email: ohwovoriole@thenollywoodreporter.com 

Phone/WhatsApp: +14077855740

For the second time in less than two weeks, armed men have reportedly attacked hostels occupied by students of the College of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, at its Ibogun campus in Ogun State.

The latest incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday when about seven armed hoodlums invaded the student hostels, shooting sporadically before robbing occupants of their valuables, including mobile phones and a vehicle.

No fewer than 15 students were said to have been affected by the attack, which reportedly lasted for about two hours between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.

The attackers were said to have escaped with a black Lexus ES 350 belonging to one of the students.

President of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association at the institution, Oluwafemi Aderupatan, confirmed the incident on Friday.

He expressed concern over repeated attacks on students, blaming the situation on inadequate security presence around the campus community.

“The armed robbers, about seven of them, attacked students in their hostels in the early hours of Friday,” he said.

“They were shooting and threatening to kill the students. They robbed about 15 students of their phones and also went away with a black Lexus ES 350 belonging to one of the students.

“We actually called for police intervention and they came around after the robbers had left, but the deed had already been done.”

Aderupatan stated that the attacks persisted because security measures earlier promised by authorities had yet to be implemented.

“We are equally not happy that the police post and robust security architecture that the police, the school management and community leaders promised to put in place about two weeks ago when we had a similar armed robbery incident have not become a reality,” he added.

According to him, the criminals were taking advantage of the weak security arrangement in the area, stressing that a stronger security presence such as a functional police post or military formation would deter future attacks.

He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, saying students could no longer continue to live in fear.

Reacting to the incident, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that investigations had commenced.

“I can however confirm that the matter is under investigation and the police are already acting on the information available,” she said.

“The Ogun State Police Command takes every security concern within the Ibogun campus environment seriously, and efforts are ongoing to ascertain the facts surrounding the report and take necessary action where required.”

About two weeks earlier, suspected gunmen reportedly invaded student hostels in the same area, assaulting some students and making away with phones, a vehicle and other valuables.

Again gunmen attack OOU students, cart away car, phones