Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Former Chelsea defender, Jason Cundy, has backed Declan Rice to become Arsenal’s next captain if Martin Odegaard leaves the Premier League North London club.

Cundy described Rice as a defensive monster, adding that the England midfielder has brilliant control of the ball.

Speaking about Rice on talkSPORT, Cundy said, “Defensively, he’s a monster.

“When he goes forward, he carries the team. He’s brilliant and in control. I think he will be England’s next captain, and I think he will be Arsenal’s next captain.”

Odegaard has been linked with a move away from Arsenal at the end of the season.

But it is yet to be seen if the Norway international will end up leaving Emirates Stadium.

EPL: ‘He’s a monster’ – Cundy names player to become Arsenal’s next captain after Odegaard

 

Detectives of the Anti-Robbery Squad, Ogun State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, have arrested three (3) suspects, namely: Hammed Olarewaju, Adedokun Ayinde, and Adedokun Adewusi, and recovered three (3) stolen vehicles and a pistol.

The operation followed reports of vehicle theft, prompting a discreet and intelligence-led investigation by detectives of the Unit.

The investigation led to the arrest of Hammed Olarewaju, who was found in possession of a suspicious vehicle plate number. Further inquiry resulted in the arrest of Adedokun Ayinde, identified as the leader of a suspected armed robbery syndicate operating within parts of the State.

During the operation, a Toyota Sienna previously stolen was recovered, along with a fabricated pistol believed to have been used by the suspects in the commission of the crimes.

In a related development, a Toyota Corolla earlier stolen at Ilaro was recovered from one Arowolo Taoreed in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Similarly, operatives arrested Adedokun Adewusi in connection with another armed robbery incident. Further investigation led to the recovery of a stolen 2017 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport vehicle, traced to Abuja. The vehicle is grey in colour. A pistol recovered at Ajah, Lagos State, is also linked to the same criminal network.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are part of a coordinated criminal network involved in vehicle theft and armed robbery activities across Ogun State and neighbouring states.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen vehicles.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commends the operatives for their professionalism and assures the public of the Command’s continued commitment to crime prevention and public safety.

Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

 

Anglican Diocese On The Niger Suspends Popular Anglican Priest For Arranging Fake Miracles and Prophecies

The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, His Lordship Bishop Owen Nwokolo, Diocese has suspended a Priest, Revd Ifunanya Maduka (Revd Chaluoku Tv)  for 6 months over allegations of given false prophecies, paying people for false testimonies and arranging fake miracle with signs and wonders.

Until his suspension, Revd Chaluoku was the vicar of St Paul’s Anglican Church Nteje where he also runs his prayer and prophetic ministry.

The accused priest has been given 4 days to hand over church properties and vacate the church premises.

The Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti, has declared that the most challenging period in the party’s history is over, affirming that there is “no victor and no vanquished” following the just – concluded Labour Party elective National Convention.

The convention, held on April 28, in Umuahia, produced a new National Working Committee (NWC) led by Distinguished Sen. Nenadi Usman.

Governor Otti made this known on Thursday, April 30, while observing the maiden inaugural meeting of the NWC of the Party at the Labour Party National Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking after observing the inaugural meeting of the newly elected and inaugurated NWC of the Labour Party led by Sen.Nenadi Usman as the National Chairman of the party, Governor Otti said, “The worst is over. We can’t see anything worse than what we have seen in the past.”

Governor Otti who is also the national leader of the labour party emphasized that the party has now emerged stronger and is now moving in the right direction.

The Governor congratulated the newly elected NWC members, commending their resilience and willingness to serve. He urged them to operate with unity of purpose and cautioned against trivial or careless responses to sensitive issues, stressing that the party must speak with one voice through appropriate channels.

Governor Otti further reminded the leadership that true leadership is anchored on service and stewardship, not personal gain, noting that the system ultimately rewards those who serve diligently.

He also appreciated the National Convention Planning Committee for organizing what he described as a peaceful and rancour-free convention that successfully produced the new leadership of the party.

The Governor reassured the NWC of his full support, as well as that of party members Nationwide, as the Labour Party moves forward in unity to build a Party that Nigerians will be proud to identify with.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Otti revealed that reconciliation efforts within the party are already underway and yielding positive results. He disclosed that over 25 State Chairmen from the opposing faction attended the convention, with some already elected into the new National Working Committee.

“If you followed the convention, over 25 State Chairmen of the former group that you mentioned attended the convention, and some of them were returned as members of the newly elected National Working Committee.

“Part of the charge that we gave the National Working Committee is to reconcile and bring back as many people as possible and you can see that it is happening.

“In these disagreements, we declared that there were no vanquished and there were no winners, everybody is a winner.

“So, we keep our doors open, even for Abure to return to the Party that he had worked for.

“The disagreement is over, we are now reconciling, reintegrating and ensuring that the party becomes stronger,” Governor Otti stated.

Ukoha, Njoku Ukoha chief press secretary to the Governor report that the
Governor Otti also declared that the party is prepared to participate fully in the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) expressed deep appreciation to Governor Otti for his steadfast commitment to the Labour Party, particularly during its most turbulent period that almost destroyed the party.

They commended him for what they described as his courage and unwavering support, stating that he stabilized and saved the Labour Party from collapse even when the easy option would have been to join the ruling party or any other party where his joining would be greatly celebrated because of his excellent performance in office. They noted that his leadership helped preserve the party as a credible and viable alternative in Nigeria’s political space.

The NWC further pledged their loyalty to the party and its National Leader, assuring that they would give their utmost best in their respective roles and would not disappoint the confidence reposed in them by the Governor and party faithful.

Labour Party Crisis Over, Says Otti is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Shehu Lawan, has withdrawn from the state governorship race and endorsed Mustapha Gubio as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, according to a statement by the senator’s legislative aide, Usman Alkali.

Alkali said the meeting, attended by key party leaders and stakeholders, resolved that Lawan should step down to pave the way for Gubio’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate.

He added that the senator is expected to retain his seat in the Senate following the development.

The meeting was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and had in attendance Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, APC leaders, National Assembly members, and members of the Borno Elders Forum.

According to the statement, the decision was taken to promote unity and strengthen cohesion within the party ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Government confirmed that the APC has adopted Gubio as its consensus governorship candidate.

In a separate statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, said Zulum presented Gubio to Vice President Shettima in Abuja as the party’s preferred candidate.

Zulum described the move as a reflection of a united position within the party in the state and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support.

He also acknowledged the role of the Vice President in fostering unity among party stakeholders in Borno State.

Party leaders and stakeholders are expected to return to Maiduguri for further consultations following the development.

Borno: Senator Lawan withdraws from governorship race, backs Gubio

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed the arrest and prosecution of a woman accused of assaulting her 15-year-old daughter in the Ipaja area of Lagos.

The development follows public outrage over a viral video that surfaced on Wednesday, showing the alleged incident at a residence on Tashoro Street near Ipaja.

In the footage, the woman was seen restraining the teenager while holding a knife after reportedly beating her within a residential compound, sparking widespread concern online.

Providing an update via its official X handle on Thursday, the agency said the case was brought to its attention through the viral clip, prompting an immediate response in line with established child protection protocols.

According to the statement, the victim was promptly rescued by the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and has since been placed in a shelter, where she is receiving care and psychosocial support.

The agency added that the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and subsequently handed over to the police at Ipaja Division.

“The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency was alerted to a distressing viral video depicting the alleged assault of a 15-year-old girl by her biological mother in the Ipaja area of Lagos State on Wednesday, 29th April 2026. The Agency immediately activated the State’s response protocol upon receipt of the report.

“The survivor was swiftly rescued by the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and has been placed in a shelter, where she is currently receiving appropriate care and support services.”

The case was later transferred to the Family Support Unit of the Ipaja Division of the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation.

LSDVA disclosed that the matter was subsequently filed before Court 23 of the Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court in Ogba, where the suspect was arraigned on Thursday.

Following the court proceedings, the defendant was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Following diligent investigation, the case was charged to court on my Thursday, 30th April 2026, and heard at Court 23, Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court, Ogba, Lagos, even as the defendant has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ advice.

“We commend the swift collaboration of concerned Lagosians and mandated reporters in ensuring the safety of the survivor and the progression of the case through due legal process.”

The agency praised members of the public who reported the incident, noting that their prompt action played a vital role in ensuring the child’s safety and advancing the legal process.

It reiterated the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance in policy on child abuse and assured that all offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Residents were also encouraged to continue reporting cases of domestic and sexual violence through designated helplines and official channels.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dele Momodu has disowned a presidential campaign poster of him as running mate to Atiku Abubakar.

Momodu described the presidential campaign poster as a joke designed to distract the ADC.

The poster tagged AtiDele 2027 showed Atiku as president while Momodu as running mate.

Reacting, Momodu assured his followers that he’s not running for the presidency.

Posting on X, the former presidential candidate said he would support ADC leaders because they are competent.

He wrote: “Bob Dee, Is this real? When I first received this poster from a friend, I dismissed it as a joke designed to distract us.

“But I’m now being bombarded with a deluge of this unsolicited message.

“As such, I will be most grateful if my friends and party members can do me the honor of ignoring this joke.

“I’m not running for any race again. I’m interested in humbly supporting the coalition of political parties, to work together and oust the incompetent APC government that has viciously thrown our Democracy into apparent chaos.

“There are more than enough leaders in my party, ADC, more competent than me. I will humbly support any of them, when our candidates emerge.”

ADC: I’m not contesting – Dele Momodu disowns VP presidential campaign poster with Atiku

OPay, a leading fintech company in Nigeria, recently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with four additional tertiary institutions in the country: Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Benue State; Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State; Montgomery Polytechnic, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State; and Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State. This expansion is in line with the brand’s ongoing commitment to support academic excellence and empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders, bringing the total number of partner institutions to 24 nationwide.

Under the terms of the ₦1.2 billion 10-year partnership, OPay will award scholarships valued at ₦300,000 each to 20 students per tertiary institution annually. The scholarship is need-based, designed to support high-performing students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Over the duration of the partnership, this commitment is expected to impact hundreds of students.

Since its launch, the scholarship initiative has continued to grow, showing OPay’s long-term commitment to education and youth empowerment in Nigeria. By adding four more tertiary institutions to the scholarship programme, the brand is intentionally broadening its reach to more states and campuses, ensuring more students have the support they need to succeed.

Speaking on the MoU signing, Itoro Udo, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager, OPay, said: “Education is one of the most powerful tools for changing a life, and we believe every student deserves a fair shot at it, irrespective of their background. Through this partnership, OPay is investing in students who have the drive but need the support. We are proud to stand with them and to keep expanding this commitment across more institutions and more communities.”

OPay remains committed to building a Nigeria where access to financial services and education is consistent and inclusive. By scaling its scholarship initiatives and partnerships, OPay is expanding opportunities for students across the country.

About OPay
OPay was established in 2018 as a leading fintech company in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, card service, airtime and data purchase, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customer’s funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

OPay signs new MoUs with 4 more schools, expands access to N1.2 billion 10-year scholarship programme

 

Tragedy struck in Lagos after 17-year-old Thompson Adams Omokafe was kidnapped and killed by two suspects identified as his friends 

They are Elijah Emmanuel, 23, and Tony Ogenata, 21.

The suspects reportedly lured the teenager to an apartment in Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki, where he was strangled before his body was dumped in a canal.

They were later arrested in Ikorodu after reportedly demanding ransom from the victim’s family.

The heartbreaking incident has sparked calls for justice and greater awareness on youth-related crimes.

The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted a large shipment of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion at a Lagos port, uncovering thousands of cannabis packages hidden inside imported vehicles.

The operation, carried out under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, followed a coordinated intelligence-led effort involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Briefing journalists on Thursday while formally handing over the seized items, Onyeka explained that the container, numbered HAMU 429961 and shipped from Canada, was falsely declared as carrying only used vehicles.

He said acting on credible intelligence, officers subjected the container to a full physical examination, which led to the discovery of 185 jumbo bags of cannabis carefully concealed within two vehicles.

“Acting on credible intelligence, our officers conducted a 100 per cent physical examination of the container and discovered 185 jumbo bags of cannabis concealed within two imported vehicles,” he stated.

According to him, the illicit substances were hidden inside a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet, in what he described as a deliberate attempt to evade detection.

A detailed count, he added, revealed 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion.

Onyeka described the interception as a significant operational success, crediting it to improved intelligence gathering, professionalism among officers, and strengthened collaboration between security agencies.

“This significant seizure demonstrates the strength of our intelligence-driven operations and the synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and sister agencies, particularly the NDLEA,” he said.

He further noted that the seizure came shortly after a formal cooperation agreement between the NCS and NDLEA aimed at strengthening joint efforts against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

“As part of the agreement signed on April 27, 2026, both agencies are committed to enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations and the development of coordinated operational guidelines,” he explained.

According to him, a standing inter-agency committee has also been set up, with its headquarters located at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, to improve coordination and operational efficiency.

The Customs chief confirmed that the intercepted drugs had been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution in line with its statutory responsibilities.

“Today, we hand over these illicit drugs to the NDLEA in line with their statutory mandate for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

Onyeka also issued a strong warning to smugglers and criminal networks, stressing that enforcement agencies remain vigilant and fully prepared to dismantle illicit trade routes.

“Let me send a clear message to all smugglers and criminal elements: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with its partners, is fully prepared to detect, intercept and prosecute all forms of illicit trade. There will be no safe haven for saboteurs,” he warned.

He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for leadership support, as well as to the NDLEA and other partner agencies for sustained cooperation. He also acknowledged the media for its role in public enlightenment.

Onyeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement and tighter port security to curb smuggling activities.

“The command remains resolute in deploying intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures to secure our ports and borders,” he added.

Customs intercepts N18.96bn cannabis hidden in imported vehicles at Lagos port