A United Kingdom court has remanded a 32-year-old man, Maxwell Oguanaya, in custody over the alleged murder of a 41-year-old Nigerian, Taiwo Ekerin, following an assault in Lewisham, London.
The Metropolitan Police disclosed this in a statement obtained on Sunday.
The police noted that Oguanaya was charged with murder after Ekerin died from injuries sustained during an altercation.
According to the statement, officers were called to Lewisham High Street at about 4:40am on May 24, following reports of an altercation.
The police said Ekerin later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on May 30.
The statement read, “Police were called at around 04:40hrs on Sunday, 24 May, to Lewisham High Street following reports of an altercation.
“Officers attended the scene and discovered a 41-year-old man with a serious head injury. He was treated at the scene by colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and taken to the hospital. On Saturday, 30 May, he was sadly pronounced dead.
“He can now be named Taiwo Ekerin. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.”
The Metropolitan Police said Oguanaya, 32, of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 4 and charged the following day.
Oguanaya appeared before Ealing Magistrates’ Court on June 5, where he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
The police said he is expected to appear in court again on June 9.
“Maxwell Oguanaya, 32 (21.07.1993), of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, 4 June.
“He was charged on Friday, 5 June, and appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on the same day. He was remanded in custody and will next appear on Tuesday, June 9,” the police added.
The statement also disclosed that a second man, aged 34, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 5 and remains in police custody while investigations continue.
The police have yet to reveal the circumstances surrounding the altercation that resulted in Ekerin’s death.
Meanwhile, Taiwo’s brother, Kehinde Ekerin, confirmed that he died from an unprovoked assault during a night out.
In a GoFundMe appeal, Ekerin said the family seeks public support to cover funeral costs.
“It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved Taiwo Ekerin, who tragically lost his life following an unprovoked attack during a night out.
Born on 25th December 1984, Ekerin was a much-loved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He shared a special bond with his twin brother, and his loss left an unimaginable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
“Above all, Taiwo was a devoted father to his daughter, who now faces the future without her dad. He was known for his warmth, kindness, sense of humour, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His life was taken far too soon, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this devastating tragedy.
“As we prepare to lay Taiwo to rest, we are asking for support to help cover funeral expenses and give him the dignified farewell he deserves. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the financial burden on the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the appeal read.
As of the time of filing this report, a total of £3,710 has been raised out of the £10,000 target.
A former Ogun Central senator and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, alleging persistent disrespect, rejection and unfair treatment by the party’s leadership in Ogun State.
Obasanjo, who recently contested for the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State, announced her resignation in a letter dated May 31 and addressed to the state APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent on Monday.
The United States-based Associate Professor of Epidemiology criticised the consensus process that produced Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the party’s governorship candidate, describing it as inconsistent with the APC’s guidelines.
According to her, although she had pledged to abide by any consensus arrangement adopted by the party, she was neither consulted nor involved in the process before Adeola was announced as the consensus candidate.
She also alleged that some of her supporters were prevented from entering the venue where the candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation.
Despite her reservations, Obasanjo said she accepted the party’s decision in the interest of unity and publicly congratulated Adeola on the night of his emergence.
She disclosed that the senator later contacted her and requested a meeting with her supporters, during which three requests were presented to him.
According to her, Adeola promised to respond within a week, but more than two months later, no feedback had been received.
Obasanjo said the development reflected a broader pattern of disregard for her contributions to the party.
She 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.”
The former senator, however, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Ogun APC chairman, Chief Sanusi, and the Ogun Central Senatorial leadership led by Chief Soremi for the support and courtesy they extended to her while she remained in the party.
Obasanjo returned to active politics earlier this year after registering as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
She had previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007 and represented Ogun Central in the Senate between 2007 and 2011.
After losing her re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States and largely stayed away from partisan politics until late 2025, when campaign billboards bearing her image appeared across Abeokuta, signalling a possible political comeback ahead of the 2027 elections.
She subsequently declared her intention to contest the Ogun governorship under the APC before announcing her resignation from the party.
The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume has said that the 2027 presidential election is going to be as tough as the World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the politician was reminded of the storm building up against his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, with the likes of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Seyi Makinde all in the race
Asked if the APC and President Bola Tinubu can withstand the storm that is coming in 2027, he said, “I am not that worried about it, but at the same time, I don’t take opponents for granted.
“I have said this severally on TV, and that is the mistake most of us are making, especially those around Mr President: having problems telling him the facts. We are going to struggle it out together; it can be hard like the WWE; it’s going to be a tough fight.”
“As I said, even when I made the statement that we are going to reciprocate what the president did to us, many people that I didn’t expect to call me, called and shouted at me.
“The president is my president, he is in my party, we’re going to struggle it out together, and this is not the first time, Peter Obi has tried before, Atiku has tried before. Who else again? They are not new in the arena.”
An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has denied any connection to the abduction of the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.
The denial followed growing political rumours and online speculation after the victims were kidnapped in Ibadan before being rescued during a police operation.
Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, younger sister of Chief Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly abducted on their way to school before security operatives later secured their release during a coordinated rescue mission.
Reacting to the development, Senator Alli reportedly distanced himself completely from the incident, insisting he had no involvement or connection whatsoever with the kidnapping.
The incident has generated serious political conversations within Oyo State, especially as tensions continue to rise ahead of the 2027 governorship race where political alignments and rivalries are already becoming visible.
Police authorities had earlier confirmed the successful rescue operation, revealing that suspected kidnappers engaged operatives in a gun battle during the mission.
The abduction and rescue of Adelabu’s family members also sparked nationwide concern over insecurity and the growing activities of kidnapping gangs across different parts of Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, investigations into the kidnapping are still ongoing while security agencies continue efforts to track down other fleeing suspects connected to the crime.
…Agric, Manufacturing, Real Estate Hardest Hit Sectors With 60% Lending Rate
…Lending, Deposit Rates Disparity Widens
Three banks—Stanbic IBTC, First City Monument Bank Plc and Tatum charged the highest lending rates in Nigeria’s banking industry as of May 22, 2026, with maximum rates reaching 60 per cent in some sectors, according to lending and deposit rate data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The data, analysed by THE WHISTLER published under a new transparency initiative approved by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), provides a comprehensive snapshot of lending and deposit rates across Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), exposing significant differences in the cost of credit and returns on savings.
The figures show that while most banks paid between 7.95 per cent and 18.85 per cent on deposits, borrowers across key sectors of the economy faced lending rates ranging from single digits to as high as 60 per cent.
THE WHISTLER analysis of the data showed that Stanbic IBTC topped the list of the most expensive lender with maximum rates of 60 per cent.
The bank emerged the costliest in terms of borrowing at a maximum rate if 60 per cent in key sectors of the economy such as agriculture, manufacturing, real estate, public utilities, transport, and construction among others
The bank was followed by FCMB with 46 per cent lending rate in the following sectors agric, manufacturing, real estate, arts and entertainment.
Further analysis by THE WHISTLER revealed that Tatum bank emerged the third most priced bank in terms of lending rate with 45.3 per cent in sectors such as construction, and education among others.
Where The Highest Rates Are Charged
Other banks with notably high maximum lending rates included First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Polaris Bank, Providus Bank and United Bank for Africa, where maximum rates ranged between 33 per cent and 38 per cent depending on the sector.
The data further revealed that Ecobank maintained lending rates of between 26 to 35 per cent across several sectors.
Guaranty Trust Bank, Keystone Bank, Nova Bank, Optimus Bank and Sterling Bank also recorded prime rates of around 30 per cent in multiple sectors.
At the lower end of the spectrum, Citibank maintained relatively moderate lending rates, with prime rates of 19 per cent and maximum rates of 20 per cent in sectors where data was available.
Coronation Merchant Bank reported prime lending rates as low as 9 per cent and as high as 35 per cent in some sectors, while Rand Merchant Bank recorded rates between 20 per cent and 26 per cent in selected sectors.
The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector recorded some of the widest disparities in borrowing costs.
Hardest-Hit Sectors For Borrowers
While some lenders offered agricultural loans at prime rates of between one per cent and nine per cent, most banks charged between 19 per cent and 31 per cent. Maximum rates in the sector ranged from 20 per cent to 60 per cent.
For the manufacturing sector, which remains central to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda, prime lending rates generally ranged from 19 per cent to 32.5 per cent. Maximum rates reached 46 per cent at some institutions and exceeded 30 per cent at most major lenders.
General commerce, one of the largest recipients of bank credit, also attracted significant borrowing costs. Prime lending rates ranged from 24 per cent to 32.5 per cent, while maximum rates rose to between 32 per cent and 38 per cent.
In the oil and gas sector, prime lending rates were largely concentrated between 26 per cent and 32.5 per cent, while maximum rates climbed as high as 38 per cent.
Construction firms faced similarly high financing costs, with prime lending rates ranging from 19 per cent to over 30 per cent and maximum rates extending beyond 35 per cent for many borrowers.
The information and communication sector, one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy, recorded some of the most expensive loans. Prime lending rates ranged from 14 per cent to 40.63 per cent, while maximum rates reached 45.63 per cent.
The transportation and storage sector also faced substantial borrowing costs with prime rates ranging from 19 per cent to 31 per cent, while maximum rates rose as high as 46 per cent.
For businesses operating in the power and energy sector, prime lending rates varied from 16.95 per cent to 30 per cent, while maximum rates reached 38 per cent.
Real estate activities, which require long-term financing, attracted prime lending rates ranging between 20 per cent and 32.5 per cent, with maximum rates reaching as high as 37 per cent.
The professional, scientific and technical services sector recorded prime lending rates largely between 19 per cent and 30 per cent, while education and health-related activities attracted rates within similar ranges.
Beyond lending rates, the CBN data also highlighted sharp differences in the rates paid to depositors.
For demand deposits, which are typically current account balances, it was gathered that most banks offered returns below one per cent.
For instance, Access Bank paid 0.47 per cent, Citibank 1.49 per cent, Ecobank 0.43 per cent, FCMB 0.50 per cent, Fidelity Bank 0.50 per cent and Keystone Bank 2.50 per cent.
Savings deposit rates showed far less variation. Most banks paid the regulatory benchmark rate of 7.95 per cent. First Bank offered 8.25 per cent.
Time deposits generated the highest returns for customers with Keystone Bank emerging as the top payer with an average time deposit rate of 18.85 per cent.
Best Bank For Time Deposits
Keystone Bank and Sterling Bank paid 7.95 per cent each, while United Bank for Africa offered 8.10 per cent. Ecobank’s savings rate stood at 6.5 per cent, while Stanbic IBTC paid 2.65 per cent.
First Bank followed with 11.05 per cent, while Alpha Morgan Bank paid 18 per cent.
Greenwich Merchant Bank offered 17.5 per cent, Standard Chartered Bank paid 12.35 per cent, Providus Bank offered 16 per cent and Unity Bank paid 16.5 per cent.
Access Bank offered 15 per cent on time deposits, Premium Trust Bank 15 per cent, Union Bank 11.25 per cent, Zenith Bank 12.78 per cent and UBA 14.75 per cent.
Citibank recorded one of the lowest time deposit rates at 7.8 per cent, while Guaranty Trust Bank paid eight per cent.
The data revealed a substantial gap between what banks pay savers and what they charge borrowers.
While the highest time deposit rate in the industry stood at 18.85 per cent, the highest lending rate was 60 per cent, representing a spread of more than 41 percentage points.
The CBN said the weekly publication of rates is intended to promote transparency and enable businesses and households to compare lending and deposit offerings across banks.
Analysts believe the disclosures could intensify competition in the banking sector and improve consumer awareness, especially among businesses seeking credit.
However, they note that elevated inflation, a high Monetary Policy Rate and persistent economic uncertainties continue to exert upward pressure on lending rates.
The figures provide a detailed roadmap for borrowers of where credit is cheapest and most expensive.
For depositors, they reveal which institutions offer the best returns on savings and fixed deposits.
For the broader economy, the data underscores the challenge of balancing financial sector profitability with the need for affordable credit to drive investment, production and economic growth.
Feyenoord have decided to sack Robin van Persie as their manager.
This means the Dutch club will begin the 2026/27 campaign under a new head coach.
A terse statement released on its X handle on Sunday, read: “Feyenoord will start the 2026-2027 season with a new head coach. The club would like to thank Robin van Persie for everything he gave during his time as head coach.”
Van Persie returned to his boyhood club as head coach in February 2025.
He leaves despite leading Feyenoord to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Explaining the decision, Feyenoord’s newly appointed technical director, Devy Rigaux, said, “We conducted a thorough internal analysis. In this, we took into account, among other things, the development of the style of play and the declining trend in terms of points total, both in Europe and in the Eredivisie.
“The conclusion was that it is better to start the next season with a new head coach.”
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), and the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s education sector reforms for improving the quality of education in the country.
They argued that citizenship and community cooperation with security agencies through education are critical tools in the fight against banditry, terrorism and other security challenges confronting the country.
Both spoke during the unveiling of the Kaduna Christian Academy, a faith-based school built for the Kaduna Christian community by friends of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
It would be recalled that friends of the DSS boss had, in May 2025, built an Islamic school for the Muslim community in Danbushiya, Chikun Local Government Area of the state.
Describing the academy as a strategic non-kinetic intervention, the Defence Minister said national defence extends beyond military deployments, intelligence gathering and air power, stressing that lasting security can only be achieved through the defeat of ignorance and hopelessness.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power or intelligence gathering. However, true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands,” he said.
Musa commended the DSS for complementing its traditional security role with community development initiatives, noting that the agency had demonstrated that internal security is not only about surveillance and arrests but also about winning public confidence and building a better future.
He said an educated and enlightened population offers a stronger defence against extremism, criminality and social instability than force alone, adding that the school would provide children with academic knowledge, critical thinking skills and sound moral values.
The minister urged parents to prioritise their children’s education, recalling his humble background and stressing that every child possesses the potential to rise to the highest positions in society through hard work, education and divine grace.
He noted that Kaduna State had recorded significant improvements in security and governance through the combined efforts of the Federal, State and Local Governments. He commended Governor Sani for promoting inclusion, development and peaceful coexistence.
Musa also praised the resilience and peaceful disposition of the people of Southern Kaduna, urging them to resist attempts by divisive elements to undermine unity and harmony in the area.
He explained that security agencies alone cannot defeat bandits and terrorists without the support of citizens. The minister warned that criminal groups usually rely on local collaborators for information, logistics and other assistance.
“If we keep quiet, they will continue to destroy us. But if we speak out, they will not have any space to survive,” he said, urging residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
He maintained that while military operations remain necessary, non-kinetic measures such as education, community engagement and social development are equally vital to securing lasting peace, noting that a literate society is better able to reject extremist ideologies and support security efforts.
Musa described the academy as a symbol of interfaith harmony and national unity, urging the management, teachers and community leaders to protect the facility, maintain high academic standards and encourage civic participation, including voter registration and active involvement in the democratic process.
This was even as the Kaduna State Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality education, describing investment in learning as critical to the state’s future development.
Governor Sani made the declaration through the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal, human capital and social development. Every classroom built creates opportunities for learning. Every child educated strengthens our communities. And every investment in education contributes to a more prosperous future for our state and the nation,” he said.
Kanyip said the commissioning represented more than the opening of a new structure, describing it as a symbol of hope and opportunity.
“Today, we are not merely opening a new building. We are celebrating hope, opportunity and transformation,” he stated.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria for the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the DSS boss facilitated the project in recognition of education as one of the most effective tools for tackling insecurity, poverty and social challenges in Nigeria.
“Today is more than the opening of a school building. Today is the opening of doors to opportunity, doors to knowledge, doors to growth and a brighter future for our children,” he said.
Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna, Prof. Suleiman Adam, who gave a goodwill message on behalf of the Muslim community, appreciated the DSS DG for replicating what he did for Muslims by also establishing a school for Christians. He described the move as a major boost for the promotion of interfaith harmony.
Speaking on behalf of the friends of the Director-General of the DSS, Malam Musa Suleiman said education remains one of the most effective tools for addressing the root causes of insecurity.
Troops of Headquarters 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation Eastern Sanity II, have said that they arrested three suspected arms dealers and recovered weapons and ammunition in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
The development was disclosed in a press release issued by Mazinho Attah, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State.
According to the 14 Brigade, the operation, which was conducted in the early hours of June 7, 2026, saw troops of 14 Brigade Garrison and 14 Military Intelligence Regiment carry out a cordon-and-search operation at Amaetiti Iheshiowa community in Arochukwu LGA in conjunction with other security agencies.
He said the operation was based on credible intelligence regarding the proliferation of arms and ammunition within the community.
During the operation, the Nigerian Army said that three suspects identified as Francis Ifere (37), Oso Kalu (40), and Ifere Oti (32) were apprehended.
It listed the items recovered from the suspects to include seven locally fabricated Dane guns, 22 live cartridges, one motorcycle, and a bus allegedly belonging to one Stephen Kalu, which was impounded after the owner fled before the arrival of troops.
The press release further stated that troops across the various battalion areas continued to conduct night patrols and routine security operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
Osubi Airstrip in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State has denied reports that a bird strike involving an Air Peace aircraft occurred within its aerodrome, insisting that preliminary investigations indicated the bird was likely struck before the aircraft arrived at the airport.
The denial followed a statement issued by Air Peace on its Instagram page on June 5, which said its Lagos–Osubi flight experienced a bird strike upon landing at Osubi Airport, Warri.
According to the airline, the aircraft was subjected to safety and technical assessments after landing, with preliminary inspections revealing the need for further checks on the landing gear.
“As a result, the scheduled return service from Osubi to Lagos has been cancelled,” the airline stated, adding that affected passengers were being provided accommodation and support.
However, the Manager of Osubi Airstrip, Winston Egwuatu, strongly disputed the claim, noting that the airport had recently achieved a major safety milestone.
“In any case, and for your information, Osubi Airport recently celebrated almost two years of zero bird strikes at the airport. It is a major milestone in airport operations nationwide,” Egwuatu said.
“On this alleged report, I would like to strongly refute it and state that preliminary investigations by the airport have revealed that the said strike did not happen at Osubi Airport. We believe that the operating aircraft picked up the bird from the departing airport.”
Providing details of the investigation, Egwuatu said Air Peace Flight 5N-CEF, an Embraer E-195 aircraft, reported observing evidence of a bird strike during post-landing inspection.
“Air Peace Flight 5N-CEF, an E-195 aircraft, reported observing evidence of a bird strike during the pilot’s inspection of the aircraft after landing. The bird was stuck on the landing gear,” he said.
He disclosed that during interactions with airport officials, the pilot reported hearing a sound about 200 metres from Osubi Airport while approaching for landing, although the Incident/Bird Strike Information System (IBIS) report reportedly indicated that the occurrence was at about 50 feet above the runway threshold.
“The pilot never reported hearing any sound on approach to Air Traffic Control, nor did he report any bird strike to ATC until now,” Egwuatu stated.
According to him, wildlife hazard control officers conducted inspections before and after the aircraft’s arrival but found no bird carcass, feathers, or evidence of bird activity around the runway.
“In fact, there was no bird activity prior to landing or after landing. Propane cannons, chemical deterrents, and pyrotechnics were deployed, and they were effective.
“It is possible that the pilot struck the bird 200 metres out, as he told us before the station manager and Head of Operations, or elsewhere, but not within Osubi Aerodrome,” he said.
The airport manager also dismissed reports suggesting that Air Peace had suspended operations to Osubi, saying the airport had not received any such notification from the airline.
“We are not aware of any suspension of operations by Air Peace at Osubi Airport. You may need to cross-check your information with Air Peace,” he added.
Meanwhile, the said aircraft “departed safely at about 1450hrs,” the manager stated in a follow-up message on Saturday.
Iran on Sunday fired ballistic missiles at northern Israel for first time since April ceasefire
The Israeli military confirmed this on Sunday, noting that it was the first of such attack since a ceasefire paused the US-Israeli war with Iran two months ago.
Earlier, Iranian officials threatened to retaliate after Israel bombarded the southern outskirts of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, part of an Israeli campaign against the Iranian ally Hezbollah.
At the time of filing this report, there were no immediate reports of casualties from the Iranian missile fire.
Recall that the United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February, waging a blistering air war for several weeks that killed thousands, mostly in Iran and Lebanon and rattled the global economy.
Iran responded by firing waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and the United States’ Arab allies in the Persian Gulf.
Since early April, the three countries have been observing a shaky truce while President Donald Trump seeks to reach a deal with Iranian negotiators to end the war.
However, the talks have yet to reach a breakthrough, despite Trump’s repeated pronouncements that an agreement could be imminent.
