Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Ex-Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, has warned Arsenal that Fulham could be a potential banana skin in the Premier League title race.

Carragher was reviewing last weekend’s fixtures on Monday Night Football.

Arsenal defeated Newcastle 1-0 to move three points ahead of Manchester City, who still have one oustanding fixture.

If Mikel Arteta’s men beat Fulham at the Emirates this weekend, they would open up a six-point lead.

Carragher said: “It will feel like for Arsenal or Manchester City that one draw and you’ll feel like the league’s lost.

“I think Fulham are a really good team, and there’s a chance that could be the real banana skin for Arsenal.”

EPL: Carragher names team that could be Arsenal’s banana skin in title race

As students and teachers resume across Oyo State this week, many of them have bemoaned the sorry state of most of the public schools.

Findings by DAILY POST showed that many of the schools are in dilapidated condition.

This is as a lot of them are faced with blown off roofs, collapsed classroom walls, damaged ceilings, food vendor sheds destroyed, among others, a situation caused by a recent rainfall which wrecked havoc in some parts of the state.

Schools in the Ogbomoso geopolitical zone were worse hit by the havoc.

DAILY POST recalls that properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in some public schools in the state.

Some of the affected schools are: Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School, Laogun Adeoye Memorial High School, Muslim Comprehensive High School, Molete Community High School and Methodist Secondary Grammar School.

Others are: Baptist Grammar School Sunsun, Baptist Comprehensive High School, Muslim Grammar School, Ogbomoso Baptist High School, Government Technical College and Millennium Model Secondary High School.

Repair of the affected schools has not been carried out by the authorities concerned as of the time of filing this report.

DAILY POST learnt that this has compounded the problems being faced by the students, teachers and other staff members in the affected schools.

Checks revealed that the dilapidated condition of the schools would hinder effective learning.

A teacher in one of the affected schools narrated that the rain destroyed some properties in the school.

The teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “It is devastating. The government needs to come to the aid of the school.”

A resident of Ogbomoso, identified as Mamoru Adesina, noted that the incident may affect learning in the schools.

He used the opportunity to call on the state government to do the needful as quickly as possible.

He said, “However, assistance doesn’t normally come and if it does, it may take a long time.

“If schools resume, that will be a serious problem, because facilities have become reduced and will affect teaching and learning.

“In some schools also like Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School, their exam hall has partly collapsed.

“Ironically, it is public schools that are majorly affected; does that tell of the quality of work being done by the so-called government contractors who built some of the facilities?”

A principal in one of the affected schools, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told DAILY POST on Sunday that the rainstorm affected his school.

He, however, noted that the Local Inspectors of Education (LIEs) have informed principals to keep students away from all buildings that were not in good condition.

He said, “The LIEs have issued a statement to all the principals. The statement is from the commissioner and directed all the schools not to jeopardise the welfare of the students.

“The Honourable Commissioner for Education Science and Technology informed that no Principal should allow students to stay in a blown-off building.

“It is better to use all available classrooms that are conducive to learning and teaching activities in the School. The LIEs shared it with principals. You know it’s meant for principals”.

Destruction poses serious safety risks to students upon resumption – Majority leader, Adedoyin

Meanwhile, the majority leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, has declared that the destruction of the schools poses serious safety risks to both the students and their teachers.

Adedoyin used the opportunity to call for urgent executive intervention to address the devastating damage inflicted on the public secondary schools in the State.

He made these declarations while moving a motion of urgent public importance during the House plenary on Wednesday.

Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South State constituency, described education as a fundamental right and a central tool for human capital development that must not be compromised under any circumstance.

He stressed that safe and well-equipped schools were a prerequisite for a conducive learning environment that supports students’ psychosocial and academic growth and confirmed that many public schools were affected by the havoc.

Adedoyin said, “In many of the affected schools, academic activities will be abruptly halted, leaving students stranded and disrupting the educational calendar.

“The implication is prolonged interruption in learning, which may affect academic performance and overall development. Teachers will also be unable to carry out their duties effectively due to the damaged infrastructure.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the examination hall of Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School has partly collapsed. Molete Community High School, Molete Comprehensive High School and Government Technical College, Ogbomoso were seriously affected, and these damages would automatically deprive students of those schools and hinder their learning activities.

“Further observes that schools seriously damaged by the rainstorm need urgent government attention without delay, as schools are preparing for resumption on April 27, 2026.

“The fact remains that delay in rehabilitating the affected schools may be dangerous, in view of the importance of essential school infrastructure to teaching and learning which has been severely damaged”.

We directed principals, others to keep students away from unsafe buildings – Education commissioner

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the State, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, when contacted, confirmed the destruction, saying that it affected schools in all parts of the State and not only in the Ogbomoso geopolitical zone.

Olayiwola, who spoke with DAILY POST on Sunday, noted that he has issued a circular to all principals and heads of schools not to allow students in any building that is not safe for reading and learning.

The commissioner in a telephone conversation with DAILY POST said that a rainstorm is a natural disaster that can come at any time.

He said, “Rainstorm is a natural disaster that will not knock on anybody’s doors before it comes.

“We are working it out, it is not in Ogbomoso alone, it happens all over the places. We are making requests, we are discussing it, we are working on it.
“Because of that, I have already issued a circular to all schools, all LIEs, heads of schools that they should critically look at their schools, any building that is dilapidated or about to collapse, they should not allow any student to stay there. The life of every child that is under our custody is so important to us.

“We are working on it. So, that one, it is not our making. It is not the Oyo State government that brought the rainstorm, so when it happens, they will give us more time, people should be patient. We have to work on it so as to do something. So, we are working on it”.

Infrastructure: Uncertainty in Oyo schools as students, teachers resume

 PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT 

We have noted with concern a false report by Sahara Reporters alleging that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been “ordered to resign on health grounds” with the Deputy Governor set to take over.

This report is false in its entirety. Nobody has asked the Lagos Governor to resign-this is another fake news, which has become a pattern of Sahara Reporters. Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health, of sound mind, and is actively discharging his duties as Governor of Lagos State.

Earlier today, the Governor received Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who paid him a courtesy visit to formally notify him of his intention to contest for Governor. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, as is customary.

While Sahara Reporters has a track record of publishing disinformation, we are issuing this clarification to prevent the public from being misled by deliberate falsehoods. We would ordinarily ignore such baseless reports, but the need to reassure Lagosians makes this response necessary.

We advise the public to disregard the Sahara Reporters story and treat it as fake news.

Gboyega Akosile  

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity  

to the Governor of Lagos State  

27 April 2026.

The family of a National Youth Service Corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has rejected the Nigerian Army’s account of the circumstances surrounding his death in Dei-Dei, Abuja.

The family insisted that the 24-year-old was shot by soldiers inside his home and not caught in crossfire as claimed by the military.

The Headquarters Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, had said that Jamiu was caught in a crossfire on April 25 when troops responded to a distress call from residents reportedly under attack by armed robbers.

In a statement on Saturday, the brigade’s spokesperson, Odunola Olawuyi, said troops responded to a distress call about an armed robbery and came under fire from fleeing suspects, stating that Jamiu’s death occurred during the security operation.

“Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange. In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire,” Olawuyi said.

The brigade described the incident as “tragic,” adding that efforts were made to secure the area and protect residents, but Jamiu later died from his injuries.

However, in a detailed rebuttal issued on Monday, the family described the Army’s version of events as “false, misleading, and an affront to the memory of an innocent young man.”

“This statement is issued in direct and formal response to the account of events published by the Nigerian Military, which the family categorically rejects as false, misleading, and an affront to the memory of an innocent young man,” the statement read.

The family stated that Jamiu was killed in the early hours of April 25 at his residence in Dei-Dei Shagari Quarters while his parents were away.

According to the family, soldiers entered the premises around 2:00 a.m. and shot him through his bedroom door, adding that Jamiu’s sister was in the house at the time, while their parents were away in Okene for a burial ceremony.

The family added that Jamiu’s sister, upon hearing the gunshot, rushed downstairs but was told by the soldiers to go outside and “calm down”.

“The trajectory of the bullet… conclusively establishes that the shot was fired from outside the room, through the closed door,” the family said, adding that this “is not consistent with a firefight” but rather “consistent with military personnel discharging a lethal weapon at a person they could not see.”

The family also disputed the Army’s claim of an exchange of gunfire with suspected robbers, noting that no weapons were recovered and no evidence of a shootout was found.

“An exchange of gunfire presupposes an adversary who is armed and actively firing. No such adversary has been identified. No weapon was recovered from the scene,” the statement added.

They further alleged that soldiers entered the compound covertly by scaling the fence rather than through the gate, raising questions about the legality of the operation.

“This is not the entry pattern of a unit responding to an active armed robbery in lawful hot pursuit. This is the entry pattern of a covert, unannounced, and unlawful forced entry into a private residence,” the family said.

According to the family, residents and vigilante members in the area reported hearing only a single gunshot — the one that killed Jamiu.

“Every witness is consistent on one critical point: the only gunshot heard that night was the shot fired inside the Jamiu family residence,” they said.

The family also claimed that soldiers at the scene admitted responsibility for the killing, describing it as a mistake.

“The soldiers acknowledged that the killing of Abdulsamad Jamiu was a mistake. They admitted that they had killed an innocent person,” the statement said, noting that the admission was made in the presence of a Divisional Police Officer and documented.

The family raised concerns over alleged attempts to tamper with evidence, claiming vigilante members were instructed to clean the scene.

“Vigilante members were instructed by the military personnel to mop up the blood and flush it,” they said, describing the directive as raising “grave questions” about evidence preservation.

They called for answers from the military, including the identity of the commanding officer involved, the source of the alleged robbery report, and why force was used without confirming any threat.

Among their demands are “an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation,” the suspension and prosecution of those responsible, a retraction of the Army’s statement, and a public apology.

“The Nigerian Military operates under a constitutional mandate to protect Nigerian citizens. On the night of 25th April 2026, that mandate was catastrophically and fatally violated.

“The family does not seek vengeance. The family seeks justice. Justice requires truth. Justice requires accountability,” the statement read.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, insisted on Monday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that the signatures of late President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, were forged by unscrupulous Nigerians to defraud the country of $6,230,000.

EFCC Assistant Commander II, Mr Chinedu Eneanya, told the court that five officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) moved the money out of the apex bank under the guise that it was meant for the payment of foreign election observers in the 2023 general elections.

The anti-graft agency testified on Monday at the resumed trial of former CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, on a 20-count charge of criminal breach of trust brought against him by the federal government.

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the EFCC in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.

He is standing trial on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence while serving as CBN governor.

Emefiele was, among others, alleged to have knowingly obtained by false pretence the sum of $6,230,000 purportedly meant for international election observers for the 2023 general election.

The EFCC accused him of conferring corrupt advantages on two companies — April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment.

At Monday’s proceedings, Chinedu Eneanya, who served on the probe panel, was called to testify as the 13th prosecution witness (PW13).

In his evidence-in-chief, the witness told the court that his team was assigned to investigate the matter.

“The investigation revealed that the money, $6.2 million, was removed from the coffers of the CBN for a purported funding of foreign observers for the 2023 elections.”

He told the court that those connected with the movement of the fund were interviewed.

The witness said documents were recovered from the CBN regarding the release of the money.

Eneanya told the court that investigations also revealed that the signatures of the then President, Muhammadu Buhari, and then Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, were forged to collect the money.

He said forensic examination was carried out, which established that the two signatures were forged.

Drama, however, ensued during cross-examination by Mathew Burkaa, SAN, counsel to Emefiele, when the witness admitted that forensic examination was not carried out on Emefiele’s signature despite Emefiele’s claim that his signature was also forged by the culprits.

The witness said five CBN officers signed the internal memo that authorised the release of the money and that none of them is standing trial alongside Emefiele, but were only suspended by the CBN.

The witness told the court that he was not the one who took Emefiele’s extra-judicial statements.

When asked if any of the investigators established that Emefiele received any money, he said Emefiele’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Omeke, said he received money on behalf of Emefiele, but that he did not interview Emefiele on the claim.

Earlier, Emefiele’s counsel had frowned at bringing another Investigating Police Officer (IPO) on the ground that the witness would say the same thing said by two other IPOs.

He also drew the attention of the court to the last proceedings where the EFCC told the court that it was bringing its last witness.

“We understand their strategy. It seems they are ridiculing the court. All the same, we are ready to go on.”

Emefiele, through his counsel, applied for the foreclosure of the EFCC’s case after prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that he was not sure of bringing two witnesses on April 28.

Oyedepo informed the court that the EFCC was yet to obtain the subpoena from the court and that the witnesses were outside jurisdiction in Benin and Lagos.

When the court asked the prosecution how many more witnesses it intended to call, Oyedepo said two more and mentioned their names as Jim Obessa and CP Eloho Okpozikbo.

The court then asked the prosecution to bring all the witnesses between April 27 and 28.

At this point, Burkaa applied to the court that the EFCC’s case be foreclosed if it failed to bring the two remaining witnesses to court on April 28.

“If the witnesses do not come on April 28, we apply that they should be foreclosed. Justice is both for the prosecution and the defendant.

“This is an antic by the prosecution to put maximum hardship on the defendant. Please let it be on record that the prosecution has severally brought out this scenario,” he said.

Responding, Oyedepo told the court that he was not there to be a clog in the expeditious trial of the case and prayed the court to refuse the application to shut the doors against the prosecution.

Justice Hamza Muazu advised parties to reserve their arguments till their final addresses and directed Oyedepo to go to the court registrar for the signing of the subpoena.

Justice Muazu then adjourned till April 28 for continuation of trial.

Buhari, Boss Mustapha’s signatures were forged to defraud Nigeria of $6.2m in CBN – EFCC insists at Emefiele trial

For many Nigerians, buying engine oil is routine — something done out of necessity, not expectation. But for thousands who participated in the NNPC Oleum Scratch & Win Promo 2.0, that routine decision turned into something far more rewarding.

At the grand finale event held at the NNPC Service Station, Marina, Lagos, the full impact of the nationwide campaign came into view, as winners from across Nigeria gathered to receive prizes that ranged from cash rewards to high-value household items, and for one individual, a brand-new SUV.

Real Impact with Life-changing Winnings

The highlight of the event was the announcement of Uroko Chidera Samson, an Oleum customer from Port Harcourt, as the winner of the grand prize — a GAC Gas Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Like many others, his journey began with a simple purchase. He bought Oleum engine oil, scratched, dialed, and months later, he stood among hundreds of winners, leaving with a life-changing reward.

Beyond the Grand Prize

While the SUV captured the spotlight, it was only part of a broader wave of wins that defined the campaign. Across the promo period, Nigerians walked away with Samsung 5G smartphones, Refrigerators, Tricycles, and numerous Cash rewards.

These prizes reached participants from different backgrounds — car owners, mechanics, transport operators, business owners, and everyday Nigerians who rely on engine oil for their daily lives. This widespread participation was evident at the grand finale, where winners reflected a diverse cross-section of the country.
Why the Campaign Resonated

At its core, the Scratch & Win Promo was built on a simple but powerful idea: reward customers for something they already do.

Participants only needed to purchase any NNPC Oleum lubricant, scratch the panel on the bottle, and dial a code to enter. The simplicity of the process, combined with visible winners and real rewards, helped drive widespread trust and participation.

Behind the scenes, the campaign was powered by CashToken Rewards Africa, whose digital reward platform ensured that entries were securely tracked and prizes were transparently distributed.

Recognising the People Behind the Scenes

Beyond customer rewards, the grand finale also acknowledged Oleum dealers and distributors, whose role in driving awareness and participation across the country was instrumental to the campaign’s success.

Their recognition highlighted the collaborative effort that powered the initiative from start to finish.

More Than Just a Campaign

As the event came to a close, one thing became clear: the NNPC Oleum Scratch & Win Promo 2.0 was more than just a marketing campaign. It was a demonstration of how everyday consumer behavior can be transformed into real economic value, creating moments of excitement, hope, and tangible rewards.

For those who participated, it wasn’t just about engine oil. It was about the possibility that something ordinary could lead to something extraordinary.

NNPC Oleum Promo Finale: NNPC, CashToken Rewards Africa present SUV to winner, others get prizes

Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Barau FC have been crowned champion of the 2026 Kano State Federation Cup.

Barau FC defeated Nigeria National League, NNL, side Bichi First 3-2 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Monday.

The Maliya Boys won the title for the first time in their history.

DAILY POST recalls that Bichi First FC eliminated NPFL giants Kano Pillars from the competition.

Barau FC and Bichi First FC will represent Kano State in the 2026 national President Federation Cup.

The date and fixtures for the Round of 64 of the competition is expected to be announced by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

Barau FC clinch maiden Kano State Federation Cup title

The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said Governor Monday Okpebholo has the inalienable right to support aspirants seeking to emerge as candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections in the state.

Prince Afegbua stated this on Monday, April 27, 2026, while responding to questions at a press conference in Benin.

DAILY POST reports that members of the APC, especially supporters of some aspirants for the State and National Assembly seats, have alleged that the state governor has preferred aspirants he wants to emerge as candidates in the party’s primary elections scheduled for next month.

They alleged that the governor is behind the aspirations of some political appointees who resigned from his cabinet.

The supporters mentioned some of the alleged preferred aspirants as Dr Paddy Iyamu, the former Commissioner for Education, who is aspiring for Oredo Federal Constituency; Dr Washighton Osifo, former Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, aspirant for Uhunmwonde/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency; and Andrew Ijegbai, former Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, for Owan Federal Constituency.

Also mentioned was Dr Lucky Eseigbe, former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, for Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, among others.

Speaking on the allegation, Afegbua said that as the leader of the party in the state, the governor has the inalienable right to support any aspirant to emerge as candidate, as well as to win the election.

He, however, added that despite that right, the governor would not impose any candidate on the electorate.

“Talking about politics of endorsements or all that, the governor has the inalienable right to support an aspirant or a candidate.

“That right is called inalienable because you can’t take it away. How he exercises those rights is left to him and him alone as the leader of the party in the state.

“This governor is very magnanimous when it comes to the issues of politics. He allows for cross-pollination of ideas. He allows for a lot of consultations. He allows for robust engagement before decisions are taken. He is not in the business of imposing people on the electorate.

“We will look at what is best for every senatorial district, what is best for every scenario we are confronted with, and we will try as much as possible to be united in taking a decision that will lead the party to victory come 2027.

“So, I am not going to speak to the mind of the governor. He is the leader of the party, but I can assure you that there will be a collective decision-making process and not a selective decision-making process,” he said.

Edo: Okpebholo has right to back APC aspirants for 2027 – Afegbua

The Benue State Police Command has announced that the written examination for successful applicants in the ongoing Police Constable Recruitment will take place from April 28 to April 30, 2026, in Makurdi.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command.

The examination follows the recently concluded physical and credentials screening exercise and is the next phase for qualified candidates.

The test, organised by the Police Service Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, will cover both General Duty and Specialist applicants from Benue State.

The venue has been fixed at Government Model Secondary School, located at High Level, Makurdi.

Applicants have been directed to visit the official recruitment portal to print their updated Examination Invitation Card, which contains their specific exam date, time, and other details.

Those who earlier printed slips with previous dates have been advised to reprint the updated version.

Candidates are required to come along with their printed invitation card, National Identification Number (NIN) slip with a clear photograph, a pen, and be dressed in white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.

The command stressed that the recruitment process is free of charge and warned applicants against dealing with fraudsters or individuals demanding payment for assistance, noting that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

Police fix April 28–30 for constable recruitment exam in Benue

The German government has reaffirmed its support for reconciliation initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts between farmers and herders in Benue State and fostering sustainable peace.

This assurance was given by Thomas Rachel during a visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi on Monday.

Rachel stated that Germany is willing to support credible efforts that encourage peaceful coexistence, stressing the importance of collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders.

He also pointed to the strong diplomatic ties between Germany and Nigeria, anchored on shared democratic principles and joint efforts toward peace and development.

Describing Benue as Nigeria’s “food basket,” he acknowledged the persistent challenges confronting the state, including clashes between farmers and herders, religious tensions, and illegal mining activities.

According to him, Germany seeks to better understand these issues and contribute to practical, dialogue-driven solutions.

He noted that Germany is already supporting peacebuilding programmes in the state through the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

“Our role is to support the Benue State government with funding from the German government through the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

“This is an important measure to support peace. It is the responsibility of local leaders to find solutions, but we are committed to supporting initiatives that improve the humanitarian situation and promote peace,” he said.

In response, Governor Alia, represented by his deputy Sam Ode, expressed confidence that ongoing peace efforts are beginning to produce results, particularly in reducing farmer-herder clashes.

He reiterated Nigeria’s status as a secular state, citing constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of religion and government neutrality.

The governor explained that the seasonal movement of pastoralists across West Africa has increasingly triggered disputes over land use in recent decades, especially as population pressure grows. In Benue, where most rural residents rely on farming, this has led to recurring violence and loss of lives.

While noting that pastoralism is an age-old practice, he said the situation has deteriorated due to the infiltration of criminal elements.

“In the dry season, pastoralists move across the West African sub-region into the southern parts of Nigeria. This transhumance has existed for centuries, but in recent decades, pressure on land has forced herders into farmlands, leading to conflicts and the tragic loss of lives.

“In Benue, over 95 per cent of the rural population depends on agriculture. The government has made sustained efforts to de-escalate these conflicts, and we remain committed to that goal.

“We are not supporting any group; we have a duty to protect our citizens.

Unfortunately, genuine pastoralists have been infiltrated by bandits, leading to senseless killings. As a government, we are committed to deepening the peacebuilding process,” he said.

Governor Alia further highlighted that the state had enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in 2017 to regulate livestock activities and curb conflicts.

(NAN)

Germany backs peace moves between farmers, herders in Benue