Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Ondo State government has disclosed that a coordinated joint security operation has been activated following the kidnapping of a nine-year-old pastor’s son by suspected bandits in Igbosi Community, Idogun, Ose Local Government Area.

With the state government calling for calm over the situation, particularly in the community, it stated that personnel of the Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and the military have been mobilised for a rescue operation.

According to the Commissioner for Information in the state, the combing operations within the community have begun, stressing that no stone will be left unturned towards rescuing the victim.

A nine-year-old son of a pastor, Victor Olaosebikan, was in the early hours of Friday abducted by bandits who stormed the community. The attack marks the latest security breach in the state.

The statement read, “The Ondo State Government wishes to assure residents that the security situation is being closely monitored and professionally managed by relevant agencies.

“Preliminary security measures have already been strengthened in the affected axis, while intelligence gathering and search operations are ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.” 

Ondo govt, security agencies launch manhunt for abductors of pastor’s 9yr old son

Professor Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia has emerged as a potential contender for the senatorial ticket of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the

The post 2027: ZLP holds strategic talks as Asikhia eyes FCT Senate seat appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has commenced a large-scale enforcement operation targeting motorists using illegally tinted vehicles, concealed number plates and unregistered vehicles as part of efforts to combat crime in Abuja.

Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, announced the development during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja.

According to Sanusi, the exercise was prompted by the growing use of vehicles with obscured identities by criminal elements involved in various offences across the territory.

He noted that intelligence gathered by the command showed that vehicles with tinted windows, hidden number plates and improper registration are increasingly being used to facilitate crimes, including kidnappings and the notorious “one-chance” robbery operations.

The police commissioner explained that such vehicles often enable offenders to conceal their identities and evade security checks, making crime detection and investigation more difficult.

“This poses a serious threat to public safety.

“Consequently, the Police Command in the FCT has commenced a comprehensive enforcement operation targeting vehicles operating in violation of these regulations.

“This exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding citizens who have legitimately acquired approval to use tints on their vehicles.

“It is to deny criminals the cover they exploit to perpetrate crimes against innocent citizens and FCT residents,” he said.

Sanusi disclosed that more than 30 vehicles found operating in violation of the regulations had already been impounded since the commencement of the operation.

He stated that the affected vehicle owners and operators would face prosecution in line with relevant federal laws and the provisions of the FCT Road Transport Regulations 2023.

The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and preventive security measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property throughout the nation’s capital.

He appealed to residents for cooperation and understanding as the enforcement exercise continues across various parts of the FCT.

Sanusi also encouraged members of the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to security agencies through the nearest police station or the command’s emergency communication channels.

Insecurity: Police begin crackdown on vehicles with illegal tints, covered number plates

The Federal Government has urged Nigerian manufacturers to embrace quality-driven production and position the country as a leading producer and exporter within Africa.

This is as 131 companies with 220 products from 23 states received the African Quality Mark (AQM) certification.

Speaking at the presentation of the AQM, developed by the African Regional Standards Organisation (ARSO), in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, said Nigeria must transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production and export-led economy.

He noted that the Federal Government remains committed to industrial expansion, economic growth and local value addition through policies that create an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable development.

According to him, the certification demonstrates the resilience and commitment of Nigerian manufacturers to raising standards, increasing consumer confidence and producing goods capable of competing favourably across the African continent.

The Permanent Secretary commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON and ARSO for ensuring that manufacturers comply with standards that guarantee safety, trust and reliability in products made in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Director-General of SON, Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, described standards harmonisation as critical to enhancing trade and market acceptance of Nigerian products across Africa.

He said the certification would open wider opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers, noting that products bearing the African Quality Mark would enjoy greater acceptance beyond Nigeria’s borders.

In her reaction, the National Programme Coordinator of the Federal Government/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Dr Fatima Aliyu, expressed delight that five local rice processor groups from Niger State emerged among the recipients of the certification.

She described the recognition as a significant achievement for local farmers and processors under the programme and assured them of continued support to expand their market opportunities.

“We are proud that these women and processors can stand shoulder to shoulder with organisations that have sophisticated processing facilities. We will continue to support them and provide platforms that will help them grow,” she said.

Also speaking, the Niger State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, described the certification as proof that years of investment in training farmers and processors on global best practices had paid off.

Nigerian govt urges quality food production, warns against consumption-driven economy 

The media adviser to Anambra State Governor, Mr Ejimofor Opara, who confirmed the development, said the Homeland Security law was passed in February 2025, and it frowns at certain forms of religious practices that are deemed inimical to the public, especially as it pertains to the creation of illegal wealth.

The post Anambra govt arraigns eight alleged fake pastors in court appeared first on Tribune Online.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and immediate past chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, has alleged that he was denied the party’s ticket for Agege Constituency I despite emerging winner of the primary election.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, Egunjobi accused the Lagos APC leadership of disregarding the outcome of the primary and imposing Mr. Gbenga Michael Abiola as the party’s candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat.

According to Egunjobi, results collated from the various voting centres showed that he won the election by a wide margin and was duly declared winner by electoral officials in the presence of party members and stakeholders.

He claimed that records available to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), supported his victory.

Egunjobi said he scored 9,132 votes in the primary election, while Oladipo Tunde Shola polled 560 votes and Abiola secured 434 votes.

“The figures and evidence at my disposal indicate that the mandate was freely given to me by the electorate,” he said.
He expressed disappointment that Abiola, whom he said came third in the contest, was eventually announced as the APC candidate.

“For some reason beyond fairness, justice and the principle of democracy, the party hierarchy in the state, in the comfort of their office, coronated Abiola who came distant third,” Egunjobi alleged.

He maintained that his challenge was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process and uphold the will of party members.

While reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Egunjobi said he would pursue all constitutional and legitimate avenues to challenge the outcome.

He added that petitions, accompanied by documentary evidence, had already been submitted to relevant party organs and appeal bodies.

He urged the party leadership to review the matter objectively and ensure justice is done, stressing that the credibility of the APC’s internal democratic process depends on fairness and transparency.

Egunjobi also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the petitions.

Also speaking at the briefing, the APC chairman in Agege Local Government Area, Alhaji Fatai Bisiriyu, backed Egunjobi’s claims and accused unnamed party leaders of attempting to overturn the outcome of the primary election.

Bisiriyu said letters and petitions had been sent to the party leadership in Lagos and Abuja, as well as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, seeking intervention.

“We have evidence to back our claims that Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi won the primary election. He was duly elected in an election supervised by INEC, the police, the DSS and members of the party’s electoral committee and was announced by the returning officers,” he said.

According to him, the party leadership has yet to respond to the petitions.
He warned that although party members in Agege remained calm, the matter required urgent attention to prevent tensions from escalating.

“We are patiently waiting on the party leadership both in Lagos and Abuja to address this injustice and restore the stolen mandate of Hon. Egunjobi,” Bisiriyu added.

However, Lagos APC chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, rejected the allegations, insisting that the party did not alter the outcome of the primary election.

“No changes were made to the outcome announced by the state chapter. The published results of the primary elections reflect the wishes of party members. I urge all concerned to utilise the party’s internal mechanisms for resolving disputes,” Ojelabi said.

The post Agege APC primary: Egunjobi claims mandate stolen, petitions party leadership appeared first on Tribune Online.

A former governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, Farouk Mustapha, has debunked reports linking him to a purported vice-presidential nomination by the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde.

Mustapha, in a statement on Friday, described the reports circulating on social media as false, insisting that no discussion had taken place between him and the APM presidential candidate regarding such an arrangement.

He said, “My attention has been drawn to speculations making the rounds on social media alleging that the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement is considering me as his running mate in the forthcoming election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state categorically that no such arrangement has been discussed with me, nor have I given my consent to any such proposition.”

The former governorship aspirant stated that he remained content with whatever position God had destined for him and had not held talks with anyone within the party concerning the vice-presidential slot.

“At no point have I had any discussion with anyone, whether within the APM or with its presidential candidate, regarding the position of running mate. Therefore, any claim suggesting that I have agreed to such an arrangement is entirely false and without foundation,” he said.

Mustapha explained that the clarification became necessary following enquiries from journalists, supporters and associates who had contacted him about the reports.

Citing a Hausa proverb, “Kowa ya san matar auren sa” (everyone knows his own bride), he said it was important to clear the air for the benefit of those concerned by the speculation.

He urged his supporters, friends, well-wishers and residents of Bauchi State to disregard the reports, describing them as mere rumours.

The politician further disclosed that he is currently in Saudi Arabia, where he is engaged in prayers and seeking divine guidance on his future political direction.

He thanked his supporters for their concern, support and prayers.

Bauchi politician Farouk Mustapha denies VP slot talks with Seyi Makinde

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ilesa, Osun State has sentenced two men, Damilare Oladunjoye and Azeez Ibironke to one year in prison for stealing iron rods from a federal road construction site along the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway.

The duo were found guilty by Magistrate Adedokun Ayeni of Magistrate Court II, Ilesa Division, after being arraigned on charges bordering on theft.

According to the Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps in a statement obtained by DAILY POST on Friday, the suspects were arrested during a routine midnight patrol conducted by operatives on Monday along the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway.

The Corps, in a statement by its spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu Abass, stated that the patrol team observed the duo riding a motorcycle while transporting iron rods concealed in a sack. 

“The suspects reportedly attempted to flee upon sighting the Amotekun patrol vehicle but were pursued and apprehended.

“During preliminary investigations, the two men allegedly confessed to stealing the iron rods from a road construction site located on the expressway.

“The suspects further admitted that they had previously stolen construction materials from the same project on more than one occasion.”

According to their confessional statements, the stolen iron rods were sold to a scrap dealer for ₦35,000 per operation, with the proceeds shared between them.

Following the completion of investigations, the defendants were arraigned before Magistrate Court II, Ilesa Division, on June 2, 2026. 

The prosecution was conducted by the Legal Adviser of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Oyedele Akintayo, on three counts of stealing, contrary to the laws of Osun State.

After hearing the matter, the court convicted the defendants and sentenced them to one year imprisonment each. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Amotekun secures conviction for two over stolen road project materials

A Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, senatorial aspirant in Edo South, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, has regretted leaving the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the NDC, saying it is like a movement from frying pan to fire.

Appearing on Arise News’ News Day on Friday afternoon, the former House of Representatives member claimed that he won the senatorial ticket in the primary election but is now being denied the opportunity to appear on the ballot.

The former governorship aspirant also said it was the national leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, that encouraged him to pick the senatorial expression of interest and nomination forms but has now denied ever speaking to him about it.

Agbonayinwa, who left the APC for the NDC, said, “I’ve moved from frying pan to hell fire. We had the direct primary after we couldn’t reach a consensus. They kept us in the room at the time with all other contestants for us to step down for each other, and we couldn’t do that.

“We went through rigorous processes. I understand that they are new, but I have never experienced this being with APC or being with PDP. Never. Where people were asked to go for primary… May 29 was the day the primary was conducted today is June 5 and elections have not been announced.

“The national leader of NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, a very good friend and a brother to me for many years. We are colleagues. He was the governor, now senator, a brother I respect dearly. When we were to leave NDC, I called him. He sent it to me and said, I should come to the house.

“I went to his house and he said, “Why can’t you go to the Senate under NDC? I say I will think about it, and for me, I was going for the House of Reps but when he offered that, I started thinking, I say I will consult with my leaders, which I did, and I told him, thank you. But to my greatest surprise, the same man who asked me to go and buy the form, this morning we had a meeting and he said he never said so.”

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has engaged in discussions with Nigeria’s Minister of Power and Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, regarding the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in essential sectors such as electricity, infrastructure, and industrial development.

The meeting, which took place on Thursday, aimed at advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations and exploring opportunities for more profound collaboration in areas deemed crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and modernization agenda.

During the talks, Ambassador Yu extended his congratulations to Tegbe on his recent appointment as Minister of Power and recognized his efforts in fostering stronger relations between Nigeria and China through the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

The Chinese envoy reiterated Beijing’s dedication to collaborating with Nigeria to realize the outcomes of the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit and other agreements established by the leaders of both countries.

He underscored the significance of ongoing cooperation in sectors such as energy, power infrastructure, and development projects as part of initiatives to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership to a more advanced level.

According to the ambassador, enhanced engagement in these sectors would facilitate economic growth and yield tangible benefits for the citizens of both nations.

In his reply, Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with China, characterizing the Asian country as a vital development partner. He expressed gratitude for China’s support towards Nigeria’s socio-economic development over the years.

The minister also committed to enhancing collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and relevant Chinese institutions to promote practical initiatives in priority sectors, including electricity infrastructure, manufacturing, and modern agricultural development.

Nigeria seeks partnership with China on power infrastructure