Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Nigeria human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has criticised Primate Elijah Ayodele over what he described as increasingly indistinguishable political prophecies that create confusion within the country.

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a social crusader and national commentator, took on Ayodele in a statement he released on Saturday.

According to him, there is perhaps no greater tragedy in contemporary Christendom than the gradual transformation of some sacred altars into political observatories, where divine revelation appears increasingly indistinguishable from political speculation.

He argued that prophecy, once reserved for the salvation of souls, now competes vigorously with election forecasts, power permutations, and partisan calculations.

Ejiofor said: “Ordinarily, men clothed in cassocks are expected to be fishers of men, custodians of faith, guardians of morality, and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. 

“Their divine mandate is neither ambiguous nor negotiable. They are called to reconcile humanity to God, not to become perpetual commentators on the ever-changing fortunes of politicians and political parties.

“One is tempted to wonder whether Heaven now convenes daily political strategy meetings from which he alone receives exclusive briefings.

“The frequency of these pronouncements has become so relentless that many political observers now await Ayodele’s forecasts with the same anticipation usually reserved for election results, opinion polls, or intelligence briefings.

“At times, one struggles to determine whether one is listening to a clergyman delivering divine messages or a political analyst offering electoral projections under ecclesiastical cover.

“The concern here is neither personal nor denominational. Every citizen enjoys the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression. The issue, however, is whether the incessant intrusion of prophetic declarations into partisan political matters advances the cause of Christianity or merely fuels uncertainty within an already fragile democratic order.

“Democracy thrives on institutions, reasoned debate, electoral participation, and the sovereign will of the people. It becomes vulnerable when public discourse is persistently inundated with prophetic declarations predicting victories, defeats, conspiracies, impeachments, disasters, collapses, betrayals, and political cataclysms. 

“Such pronouncements often generate avoidable tension, deepen political anxieties, and sometimes create an atmosphere in which democratic choices appear subordinate to prophetic predictions.

“One must ask: At what point does prophecy cease to be spiritual guidance and begin to resemble political fortune-telling?” he queried.

Ejiofor further wondered that if the same intensity with which they monitor political events were devoted exclusively to evangelism, discipleship, moral reformation, and soul-winning, the nation might witness an even greater spiritual revival.

He added that while ministers are undoubtedly entitled to express opinions on matters affecting society, there is a vast difference between offering occasional moral guidance on governance and maintaining a continuous stream of political forecasts that effectively positions the preacher as a permanent participant in the political arena.

Ayodele’s political predictions becoming embarrassing to Christianity – Rights lawyer, Ejiofor

A social media controversy involving prominent Kannywood actress Hadiza Gabon, businessman Salim Goje and his wife, Hafsat Kamal, has continued to generate intense reactions across various platforms, with thousands of users following the unfolding drama.

The controversy began late Friday night when Hafsat Kamal, who is married to Salim Goje, took to Instagram Live where she allegedly shared screenshots and videos which she claimed were evidence of her husband’s relationships with several women.

During the live broadcast, Hafsat displayed what she described as conversations between Salim Goje and a number of women, including renowned Kannywood actress Hadiza Gabon.

The controversy intensified after screenshots purportedly showing WhatsApp conversations between Hadiza Gabon and Salim Goje began circulating on social media.

Screenshots shared by Hafsat Kamal allegedly showed the pair engaging in intimate and sexually suggestive conversations. 

In one of the exchanges that circulated widely online, Hadiza Gabon was purportedly seen discussing plans to travel to Saudi Arabia and allegedly asked Salim Goje to pay for her flight ticket. 

The screenshots quickly became one of the most discussed aspects of the controversy, although their authenticity has not been independently verified.

Hafsat also accused several other women, some of whom she alleged are married, of maintaining relationships with her husband.

In addition, she made allegations against Salim’s first wife, Shafa Ardo, claiming she had used spiritual means to prevent her from having children.

Hadiza Gabon Yet to Respond

As of the time of filing this report, Hadiza Gabon has not publicly responded to the allegations or the screenshots circulating online.

The actress remains one of the most respected figures in the Kannywood industry, having spent nearly three decades in the entertainment sector.

Beyond acting in numerous successful films, she is also the creator and host of “Gabon Talkshow,” a popular interview programme featuring actors, entertainers and notable personalities.

Observers say the allegations, if proven true, could potentially affect the public image of the actress, who remains one of the most recognizable faces in northern Nigeria’s film industry.

Video Shows Attempt to Reach Wife’s Residence

Meanwhile, another video circulating online allegedly shows Salim Goje attempting to gain access to Hafsat Kamal’s residence shortly after the Instagram Live session began.

However, the house was reportedly locked.

During the livestream, Hafsat appeared visibly distressed as she claimed unidentified individuals were attempting to force their way into her home.

“Lock the window, lock the door,” she was heard saying repeatedly in apparent panic while speaking to viewers.

The dramatic livestream attracted thousands of viewers, while reports indicated that curious residents gathered outside as the incident quickly became a major topic of discussion.

Shafa Ardo Fires Back

Reacting to Hafsat’s allegations, Salim Goje’s first wife, Shafa Ardo, issued a response on social media, dismissing claims that she was responsible for Hafsat’s inability to have children.

According to screenshots circulating online, Shafa wrote:

“You are not a woman who keeps secrets. Everything you accuse others of doing to you happened before you were married. You even followed him to Saudi Arabia before marriage.”

She also rejected allegations linking her to infertility issues.

“You know what is preventing you from having children. It has nothing to do with me,” she reportedly stated.

Mixed Reactions Over Alleged Leaked Chats

Some online users expressed disappointment, arguing that public figures should conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status.

Others urged caution, noting that screenshots and display names alone do not constitute definitive proof of authenticity.

One X user wrote:, “People should wait for proper evidence before rushing to judgment. Anyone can use another person’s name or picture online.”

Another commenter said, “If these chats are genuine, it will be disappointing because many young people look up to these personalities.”

Memes, jokes and commentary have also flooded social media as users continue debating the authenticity of the leaked conversations and the allegations surrounding them.

Salim Goje Breaks Silence

Although Salim Goje has not directly addressed the allegations, he made a brief post on Facebook late Thursday night in Fulfulde.

He wrote: “Allah hokka kowa no wada. Amin.”

The phrase translates as, “May Allah guide everyone to what is good. Amen.”

Many of the responses to the post expressed sympathy for the businessman, while others advised him to focus more on managing family matters privately rather than allowing personal disputes to play out on social media.

As discussions continue across social media platforms, many observers are awaiting official statements from the individuals involved, particularly Hadiza Gabon and Salim Goje, regarding the authenticity of the alleged messages and the claims currently circulating online.

Alleged leaked chats spark social media controversy as Hadiza Gabon, Salim Goje ‘battle’ online

Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN, a Civil Society Organisation, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the security crisis rocking Nigeria.

The CSO urged the president to work with the 36 State Governors and members of the National Assembly to establish State Police and National Forest Guards in Nigeria.

The Akwa Ibom State Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, who made the appeal in his remarks at the June 12 Annual Public Lecture organised by the CHRAN to mark the 2026 Democracy Day in Nigeria with the theme, “The Dangers of Vote Selling in a Democracy,’’ expressed worry at cases of school abductions both in Borno and Oyo States, urging the President to ensure immediate release of the abducted students and teachers.

He said, “The Centre urges the President of the Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to declare a state of emergency in the security situation facing the federation as a matter of urgent public importance.

“CHRAN calls for the overhauling and decentralisation of the security architecture of the federation to give more powers to the sub-national governments.’

He also tasked citizens to collaborate with the security agencies, as security is everyone’s responsibility.

The Director expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some government councils in the state, urging the chairmen to complement the state government’s efforts by embarking on people-oriented projects.

On the 2027 elections, Isong urged the political class to approach 2027 electioneering campaigns with utmost decorum and a high degree of responsibility, appealing to the electorate to exercise their democratic right out of personal convictions, not by inducement.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Enefiok Essien, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, in his lecture, decried the prevalence of trade in votes at elections, warning that it was inimical to democracy and good governance.

He noted that every Nigerian must be sensitised to their civic duty to guard democracy by shunning vote selling.

While describing poverty as one of the reasons for vote selling, the former UniUyo VC urged government at all levels to diversify the economy and create more employment opportunities to reduce the level of poverty.

He urged security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be intentional in their approaches toward reducing vote trading.

“It is for INEC to ensure that voting cubicles are kept away from the public such that it will be difficult for vote buyers or their agents to see how the voters thumbprint the ballot papers. Mobile phone should not be allowed to be carried into the voting cubicle, to prevent the photographing of thump-printed ballot papers which the vote seller normally does to show the vote buyer (or his agent) as evidence of how/for whom he voted.”

On his part, Dr Udeme Nana recalled how free, fair and transparent the June 12, 1993 elections were and urged the political class and the electorate to reflect on those ethos to re-enact them in the 2027 polls.

He said, “June 12 brought a seismic change in the democratic culture of most Nigerians. It was the day when Nigerian voters stopped for a moment, blocked their ears, ignored and refused to dance to the drumbeats of Nigeria’s diverse tribes and tongues to go out and vote for a popular candidate of their choice. Nigerians voted proudly, massively. It was a day nobody bought or sold a vote.

“As we draw closer to yet another nationwide election, let us reflect on that missed opportunity and resolve to re-enact the political conduct exhibited by Nigerians on June 12 1993. On that date, even incumbent Governors lost in their own States. In this State, the sitting Governor, the late Obong Akpan Isemin, was a Member of the National Republican Congress ( NRC ), but the Social Democratic Party, SDP, of the late Chief Moshood Kolawole Abiola won with a large margin.”

Democracy Day: Declare state of emergency on security crisis- CSO urges Tinubu

President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States killed Niño Guerrero, the leader of the Venezuela-based gang Tren de Aragua, in an airstrike, describing him as the head of “one of the most bloodthirsty terrorist organisations on planet Earth.”

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strike was carried out earlier in the week on a Tren de Aragua compound in Venezuela, in full collaboration with Venezuelan security forces.

Venezuela’s communications ministry confirmed in a statement that Guerrero Flores was killed in a “combined operation” between U.S. forces and Venezuelan security services, targeting organised crime in the country’s Bolívar state.

Trump’s post on Truth Social included a video showing a projectile striking a building, which then erupted in flames.

“Tren de Aragua terrorists no longer have safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else and, under my leadership, we will find these vicious murderers and drug lords anytime, anyplace, and send them to the depths of hell where they belong,” Trump wrote.

Hegseth added that the operation “underscores the shared U.S. and Venezuelan commitment to take the fight to narco-terrorists and deny them any safe haven in our hemisphere.”

Tren de Aragua became a major target of Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda after he returned to office in 2025, with the State Department designating the gang as a foreign terrorist organisation in February 2025.

The strike comes months after U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s former president, Nicolás Maduro, in a large-scale operation in January, with Maduro currently in U.S. custody facing charges including narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine.

U.S. Confirms Killing Of Top Venezuelan Gang Leader In Airstrike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate Thelma Lawson has explained why she turned down her colleague, Rooboy’s proposal on the show.

Recall that Rooboy approached Thelma for a romantic relationship during the show last year but was rejected. 

Speaking during the final episode of the reunion aired on Friday night, Thelma explained that she rejected Rooboy because he is not the kind of man she wants around her son.

She mentioned that Rooboy’s tattoos and lifestyle as a hypeman shows he’s not the ideal role model she wants for her child.

She said, “Rooboy could not even spell correctly. I do not want him around my son. He is too loud and his tattoo are not the lifestyle that I want. We can be friends, just friends.”

Thelma claimed Rooboy was upset about the rejection and began speculating that she was “a bitter person.”

Rooboy admitted that he asked Thelma out but added that he wasn’t upset about the rejection. 

He accused Otega of betraying him for his own selfish interest.

“I told Thelma that I liked her and would like to date her. I was talking to Otega as a brother not knowing he was also in the picture,” he said.

BBNaija: ‘I rejected Rooboy because he’s not kind of man I want around my son’ – Thelma

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has picked former Transportation Minister, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate.

The immediate past chairman of ADC in Rivers State, Leader Sampson, confirmed this to DAILY POST on Saturday.

Amaechi contested for the ADC presidential primary election but lost to the former vice president.

Prior to the primary election, Amaechi declared that he did not buy the ADC presidential form to later become Vice President.

Amaechi also vehemently rejected the outcome of the primary election, which some aggrieved party members alleged was rigged in favour of Atiku.

But when asked if Amaechi has accepted the vice presidential role, Mr Leader Sampson simply said, “yes.

Amaechi finally agrees to become Atiku’s running mate

Real Madrid are planning to bring Luka Modric back in some capacity, according to Marca.

Modric left the LaLiga giants in May 2025 after 13 years.

The 40-year-old then signed a short-term contract with AC Milan.

However, the Croatian is wanted by Madrid, despite bidding an emotional farewell just over a year ago.

Madrid presidentFlorentino Pérez has indicated that Modric would have flexibility in deciding what his return looks like.

But it is likely that the midfielder would either be a sporting director or an executive consultant.

LaLiga: Modric set for Real Madrid return

Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria, AMEN, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has spoken publicly about his past relationship with former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, saying he took significant risks to support him during his impeachment ordeal.

Mbaka made the remarks during a church programme on Friday while responding to criticism from some supporters of Obi.

According to the cleric, he played a key role behind the scenes when Obi was impeached as governor of Anambra State, insisting that many of those who now publicly support the former governor were absent during that period.

Mbaka stated that he was not a problem to Obi and questioned claims that he had failed to support him.

The cleric also cited several individuals whom he said were witnesses to events surrounding Obi’s impeachment, including Chris Uba and Cletus Ibeto.

Mbaka maintained that his actions were motivated by his commitment to his people, stressing that he sees himself as “a solution, not a problem.”

Mbaka’s words: “Listen, when Peter Obi was impeached as a governor, Peter Obi is still alive, all the midnight movement made to gather the documents to bring him back, father Mbaka!

“How did I not help me? I’m not a problem to him. If he comes to bazaar and didn’t want to do anything, is it a problem?

“All I did for Peter, none of these people crying Obi, Obi…can’t do one out of hundred of what I did for Peter Obi.

“The risk I took for him when he was impeached as a governor, 99.9 per cent of those who were following him abandoned him.

“If the corpse starts smelling, we will know those that love the deceased when he was alive.

“Go and ask Chris Uba (Eselu), he is still alive. Ibeto is still alive. Let me just mention a few who were in the inner room where things happened.

“People will just be making mouth, talking what they don’t know. I mean a lot for my people. I love my people. I’m a solution not a problem.”

‘I took risks for him’ – Fr Mbaka finally breaks silence on Peter Obi [Video]

FCMB Group Plc (NGX: FCMB) has announced its audited financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, and its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

For the 2025 financial year, the Group’s profit before tax rose 81% year-on-year to ₦202.1 billion from ₦111.9 billion in 2024, while profit after tax increased 142% to ₦177.3 billion, leading to Return on equity improving to 23.2%.

The strong earnings momentum continued into the first quarter of 2026, with profit before tax and profit after tax increasing by 148% and 137%, respectively, to ₦87.0 billion and ₦76.5 billion.

All business divisions recorded double-digit growth and contributed positively to profitability during the period. In 2025, the banking subsidiary grew profit before tax by 110% to ₦163.3 billion, while the consumer finance, investment management and investment banking businesses recorded profit growth of 107%, 29% and 90%, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2026, profit growth across the divisions was 97% for banking, 99% for consumer finance, 54% for investment management, and 322% for investment banking.

The banking subsidiary, First City Monument Bank Ltd., benefited from the deployment of proceeds from its 2024 capital raise and higher yields on earning assets, resulting in growth in net interest income and return on equity.

Gross revenue grew 42.5% to ₦1.13 trillion in 2025, largely driven by a 61.7% growth in interest income and a 17.3% growth in earning assets, which grew from ₦4.18 trillion to ₦4.90 trillion.

The same drivers supported a strong start to 2026, with gross revenue growing by 26.7% to ₦320.2 billion in the first quarter, compared with ₦252.7 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

Customer confidence in FCMB remained strong. Current and savings account balances grew 17% by ₦420.5 billion during 2025 and a further 15% by ₦433.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026.

Total customer deposits increased by 2.8% in 2025 and 5.8% in the first quarter of 2026, as low-cost deposit mix improved from 65.4% to 71.1%.

Net interest income grew by 124.5% to ₦505.9 billion in 2025 from ₦225.3 billion in 2024, driven by a growth in net interest margin to 9.5% from 6.3%.

This momentum continued into 2026, with net interest margin growing further to 10.7% in the first quarter.

Alongside stronger revenue generation, the Group improved operating efficiency. Its cost-to-income ratio declined to 53.8% by the end of 2025 from 59.9% .

These gains were supported by continued investments in people, technology and business expansion.

Total assets increased 8.2% to ₦7.63 trillion at the end of 2025 from ₦7.05 trillion a year earlier and grew a further 4.4% to ₦7.96 trillion as of March 31, 2026, reflecting the Group’s focus on balance sheet efficiency and optimisation.

The Group also maintained a disciplined approach to lending while expanding support for consumers and small businesses. Loans and advances to customers increased 0.4% to ₦2.37 trillion in 2025, while consumer and SME lending rose 24% to ₦930 billion.

Total loans and advances stood at ₦2.23 trillion at the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Assets under management maintained a strong growth trajectory, growing 24.2% to ₦1.70 trillion at the end of 2025 from ₦1.37 trillion in 2024.

This further grew by 10.1% to ₦1.88 trillion as of March 2026, supported by continued market share gains by FCMB Pensions and FCMB Asset Management.

The Group recorded a 21.4% increase in total equity to ₦835.4 billion at the end of 2025. Total equity rose further to ₦1.14 trillion as of March 2026, up 36.5%, supported by retained earnings and additional capital raised through the Group’s 2025 public offer.

The Group’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 26.95% as of March 2026, providing a strong capital buffer to support future growth. FCMB Group proposed a dividend of 35 kobo per share.

Commenting on the results, Group Chief Executive Ladi Balogun said:

“These results reflect the strength of our diversified business model and disciplined execution.

We grew earnings, improved efficiency and strengthened our balance sheet while continuing to support customers and create value for shareholders. Our strong start to 2026 positions us well to sustain growth across the Group.”

FCMB Group Plc is a financial services group, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with operating companies divided along four business groups – The Banking Group (First City Monument Bank Limited (‘The Bank’), FCMB (UK) Limited and FCMB Microfinance Bank Limited); Consumer Finance (Credit Direct Limited); Investment Banking (FCMB Capital Markets Limited and CSL Stockbrokers Limited) and Investment Management (FCMB Pensions Limited, FCMB Asset Management Limited and FCMB Trustees Limited). Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) with the ticker symbol (FCMB), FCMB Group Plc has 65,954,593,274 ordinary shares held by over 620,000 shareholders.

First City Monument Bank Limited, the flagship company, has about 15 million customers and 205 branches in Nigeria and a banking subsidiary in the United Kingdom through FCMB Bank (UK) Limited (which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA in the United Kingdom).

FCMB Group Reports N202.1 Billion Profit Before Tax for 2025, N87.0 Billion in Q1 2026

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Yerima Ibn Mahmud as the new Emir of Ngazargamu.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Mohammed Goje, and issued on Friday.

The appointment follows the demise of the late Emir, Alhaji Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam, who passed away recently in Egypt after a protracted illness and was buried today in Damaturu.

Until his appointment, the new Mai Ngazargamu held the traditional title of Turakin Ngazargamu for 16 years.

He also served as a member of the Yobe State House of Assembly, and at different times, as a member of the State Executive Council and Commissioner for Livestock Development.

Governor Buni, while congratulating the new Emir and the Ngazargamu Emirate, urged him to use his wealth of experience to unite the people, promote peace,, ensure peaceful co-existence, and drive economic growth in the emirate, Yobe State, and Nigeria.

The governor also called on the people to support the new Emir to function diligently, effectively, and efficiently for the benefit of the people, and for the peace, unity, and prosperity of the emirate.

Buni appoints commissioner as new Emir of Ngazargamu