Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Akwa Ibom State owned airline, Ibom Airlines Limited has raised alarm over the skyrocketing price of aviation fuel in Nigeria unlike in other climes.

It urged Nigerian fuel marketers to reconsider the pricing of aviation fuel to make the airline business model continue to work in the country.

Group Manager, Marketing and Communication of Ibom Airlines, Aniekan Essienette who noted this in a statement in Uyo on Monday said if the price continues to exacerbate, they’ll have no option than to reduce the number of flights in operation.

Reiterating the unbearable cost of fueling their aircraft, Essienette said, “From an average of N2.1m per flight in January, as at today, the 27th of April, we are paying approximately N7.6m to fuel every flight. This is a more than 350% increase since the beginning of March, a space of just 7 weeks!”

She explained that domestic airlines are in awe why the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria is way above the rest of the world, while the fuel marketers obtain 95% or more of their aviation fuel from Dangote Refinery.

The Spokesperson said based on the twin factor of patriotism and competitive pressure, Ibom Air, has refused to increase the price of its fares, adding that the company as well as other domestic airlines had to absorb the immense operating losses resulting from the situation.

The statement added, “We chose to do this believing that the crisis would pass in a week or two, but it has persisted now for nearly two months, continuously increasing, with no reprieve in sight as at today. While we continue to do everything we can to maintain normal operations, it is clear to us that the current conditions are unsustainable.

“We, too, will have to take whatever ameliorating actions we can in the days ahead, including reducing our capacity if necessary, to be able to continue to provide services to our customers and our country. We also note that, if this situation persists much longer, airlines will not be able to continue operating just to pay for fuel and nothing else.”

Akwa Ibom govt raises alarm over hike in aviation fuel

Nigerian rapper Olamide has revealed that he is often nervous about performing on stage.

In an interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the Baddo crooner explained that his nervousness was caused by the trauma of past horrible stage experiences.

He recounted instances where he had been attacked on the stage like someone grabbing his chain or hat.

The rapper described the experiences as scary, stressing that they make him nervous about future performances.

“I get nervous everytime I am going on the stage. I have had too many crazy experiences while performing. Someone from no where will just come and grab your chain or your hat, you don’t even know what to expect,” he explained.

Why I get nervous about stage performance – Olamide

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, have stepped up operations against crude oil theft across the Niger Delta, arresting nine suspects and shutting down several illegal refining sites during operations conducted between 1 and 26 April 2026.

The operations also led to the recovery of more than 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), alongside the destruction of equipment used for illegal refining.

The Nigerian Army valued the recovered products at over N250 million.

In Rivers State, a series of intelligence-driven operations accounted for some of the major recoveries.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.

He stated that troops intercepted an abandoned truck along the East-West Road in Ukpeye Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area.

The vehicle, bearing registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano, was found to be carrying stolen petroleum products.

“In a swift response to credible intelligence, troops intercepted an abandoned truck with registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano at Ukpeye Community.

“The truck was discovered to have been loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen products,” the statement said.

Further raid at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area uncovered a large storage site containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Troops also discovered another illegal facility stocked with more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, with associated equipment such as galvanized pipes used for siphoning the products destroyed on site.

At Ebocha in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, soldiers confiscated 266 sacks containing approximately 17,760 litres of stolen petroleum products.

In another operation at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West, four drum ovens and 50 sacks holding over 3,000 litres of crude oil were discovered and destroyed, alongside two waste pits used for refining activities.

In Abua/Odual Local Government Area, around Okolomade, troops recovered 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.

Similar operations were carried out outside Rivers State. In Delta State, troops uncovered a tapping point at Obazogbe Community in Ethiope Local Government Area, where a nearby dugout storage pit contained more than 2,700 litres of stolen petroleum products.

In Akwa Ibom State, at Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, 45 bags of illegally refined AGO estimated at about 1,350 litres were recovered after suspects fled the scene.

The Army also confirmed that operations remain sustained in Bayelsa State, where troops have continued to deny oil thieves freedom of action.

The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their performance and urged them to maintain operational pressure on criminal networks.

He stated: “I commend the troops for their resilience,” and further charged them to “sustain the operational tempo against economic saboteurs and associated crimes across the Niger Delta Region.”

Army recovers over N250m worth stolen oil products in Niger Delta crackdown

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the attempted assassination of United States President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, delivering his message through the Washington lobbying firm he recently hired for $1.2m to manage his political interests in America.

On the evening of April 25, shots were fired near the main security screening area of the Washington Hilton in Washington DC, where the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was being held.

President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and members of the Cabinet were in attendance. Security personnel shot at the suspect after he forced his way through a checkpoint just outside the hotel ballroom.

Trump later described the incident as an attack by a would-be assassin. U.S. authorities believe the gunman was targeting Trump and members of his administration, according to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

One law enforcement officer was shot but was protected by a bulletproof vest. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was arrested at the scene and faces federal charges.

Atiku’s message condemning the attack was posted on Monday by Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., the Washington firm he engaged in March 2026 under a $1.2m contract registered with the US Department of Justice. In the statement, Atiku described the shooting as an attack not just on an individual but on the foundations of democracy itself, praised the security personnel whose swift response prevented further harm, and called for unity and an unwavering commitment to democratic values. He said his thoughts were with Trump, his family and all those affected.

The lobbying firm was engaged to boost Atiku’s reputational standing in U.S. policy circles and counter narratives linked to the Nigerian government. One of the contract’s stated objectives is to counterbalance the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives in the United States while advancing understanding of Atiku’s leadership posture and policy vision among American policymakers.

The firm is also tasked with facilitating meetings between the former vice president and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, alongside advisory services on policy positioning. The contract runs for 12 months and is payable in six instalments.

The Correspondents’ Dinner shooting is the third known attempt on Trump’s life. The first occurred in July 2024 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman reached a rooftop overlooking the stage and fired, wounding Trump in the ear and killing a spectator before being shot dead. The second took place in September 2024 near his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where an armed man lay in wait but was spotted by Secret Service before firing a shot.

Atiku’s intervention is his latest public engagement with the Trump administration through his lobbying arrangement.

Atiku Condemns Trump Assassination Attempt is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives have smashed a car theft syndicate and arrested four suspects linked to the crime.

The command also recovered some stolen vehicles.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Spokesperson for the State Police, Blessing Agabe, on Monday.

Agabe said the syndicate specialises in buying and selling stolen vehicles in different parts of the state.

He added that the feat was achieved following the arrest of one Paul Nwabueze, who has been on the run for car theft, saying his confession to the crime paves the way for operatives to track his accomplices.

The statement reads, “Rivers State Police Command have recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on organised vehicle theft, with the arrest of members of the syndicate specialised in buying and selling of stolen vehicles and the recovery of the vehicles.”

“This success is a direct result of intelligence-driven policing championed by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju.”

He started that “On 10th April 2026 at approximately 17:50 hours, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested one Paul Nwabueze Jude (male, 46 years), a resident of Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The suspect had been on the run following his involvement in a previously reported case of vehicle theft and the earlier arrest of his accomplice, one Uju Molokai (m), 32 years, on 16th November, 2025.

“At the time, a stolen Toyota Hilux in his custody was successfully recovered, while the said Paul Nwabueze Jude evaded arrest. During the investigation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the earlier crime as well as several other vehicle theft operations.”

He stressed that the state police image maker further disclosed that the syndicate operates as a four-man gang, saying, “Acting on this confession and subsequent intelligence, operatives of the command Violent Crime Response Unit arrested other members of the gang and receivers of the vehicles.

“The suspects are: one Paul Nwabueze Jude (male, 46 years), resident of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor LGA, Dike Micheal (m), (male, 46years), a native of Omo state, Uzomba Darlington (m), 47 years old, a native of Abia State, Emyinnaya Eugene (male), a native of Imo State. Exhibit recovered includes two (2) Toyota Hilux and three (3) Sienna vehicles.

“Investigations further revealed the existence of a key receiver of the stolen vehicles, who is believed to be in possession of additional stolen cars. Efforts are ongoing to arrest this individual and recover all other stolen vehicles in his possession.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and adopt basic security measures to protect their vehicles and property, install tracking and anti-theft devices and avoid leaving valuables exposed, unattended to in their vehicles.

Adepoju further encouraged citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, pointing out that timely information is vital to effective crime prevention.

On Sunday, the Kano State Police Command recovered two stolen vehicles in separate intelligence led operations conducted in Tarauni and Kumbotso Local Government Areas of the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the recoveries were part of the ongoing directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on intelligence-led policing and enhanced visibility patrols.

Police Nab Car Theft Syndicate In Rivers, Arrest Four is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington has hit hard at singer, Portable, claiming that his purported wealth doesn’t reflect on his looks.

The ‘Bangdadadang’ crooner stated this while explaining why he doesn’t put his music on the streaming platform, Audiomack, during a recent livestream with Peller.

The host urged him to emulate Portable by uploading his song on the streaming app but Speed Darlington refused, arguing that there was no money on the platform.

“I can’t see any proof of money on Portable… Anyone who wants to listen to my music must pay for it,” he added.

Recall that a few weeks ago Portable appealed to his colleagues, especially music executive Don Jazzy, to assist him in digital marketing, lamenting that he wasn’t making a lot of money from streaming platforms despite his fans streaming his songs “worldwide.”

Portable’s wealth doesn’t reflect on him – Speed Darlington

The Kogi State Government says 15 pupils abducted from an unregistered orphanage and school facility in Zariagi, in the state, have been rescued.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, on Monday in Lokoja.

Fanwo said efforts are ongoing to free the remaining victims, including the proprietor’s wife.

“The facility, Dahallukitab Group of School, operated illegally in a remote, bushy location along the Kabba Junction axis without registration or notification to authorities.

“The attack occurred late April 26, when gunmen stormed the premises and whisked away 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife.

“Security operatives led by the Nigeria Police Force, backed by other agencies, responded promptly, rescuing 15 pupils.” he said.

Fanwo commended the “gallantry and professionalism” of the operatives, saying their coordinated response significantly curtailed the impact.

The government raised concerns over unregistered institutions running in isolated areas, warning that such setups pose “serious security risks” in the current environment.

“The operation of such facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers,” Fanwo said.

He urged operators of orphanage homes and schools to comply strictly with existing regulations and engage authorities for proper security assessment and protection.

He reaffirmed the government’s “uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property”.

He added that security operations remain active to bring the situation under full control.

Kogi govt confirms rescue of 15 kidnapped pupils from orphanage

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has ordered the abolition of combined convocation ceremony in the state owned University, “Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU.”

He directed that convocations should be held as and when due.

The governor gave the directives weekend, during the University’s 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Combined Convocation in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government of the state.

“This will be the last combined convocation to take place in this University. Vice Chancellor, I want you to work out modalities that convocations should be done as and when due,” the Governor said.

Eno, who is also a PhD holder appealed to the Vice Chancellor, AKSU, to give him the opportunity to teach a course in the newly established Department of Business Development and Entrepreneurial Studies Pro Bono.

He admitted that though as a governor he has a busy schedule; he would create time to ensure that he imparts practical knowledge to help students understand the basics and principles of business development, especially small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).

He also charged graduates of the University to be innovative, make a difference and embrace entrepreneurship saying entrepreneurship is the single most critical ingredient that can unlock potentials and set one on the path of growth and sustainability.

His words, “I am so thrilled with the addition of this department that I am announcing here today my readiness to teach a course pro bono in this department, to impart my practical insights to help students understand the basics and principles of business development, especially small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).

The governor also authorized the Head of Service to put together the necessary measures to explore the possibility of granting employment to first class graduates as well as a select group of former students with masters and Ph.Ds.

Making reference to the theme of the combined convocation, “The Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century,” he commended and called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his determined and focused efforts to rid the country of all forms of security challenges.

The Governor commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, for his commitment, diligence, humility and collaboration that have immensely promoted the university to its present state.

Earlier, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, appreciated Governor Eno for his support and confidence in the management of the University to deliver on the set ideals of the school.

He announced that a total of 6,779 first degree students and 746 Postgraduate students were convoked, urging the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of the institution in the larger society.

Gov Eno abolishes combined convocation in Akwa Ibom Varsity

Industrialist, Charles Ekholowa Enahonna, has declared for the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election to represent Igueben Constituency, promising to serve only one term if elected.

Enahonna made his intention known yesterday at the All Progressives Congress, APC, Secretariat in Igueben Local Government.

Addressing the executives, leaders, and members of the party in the local government, Enahonna, promised to bring his wealth of experience in the industrial sector to galvanise the development of the constituency through people-oriented legislations.

The Igueben House of Assembly hopeful, who promised to serve only one term, noted that four years would be enough for him to change the political narratives of the people of the constituency.

According to him, “Igueben constituency deserves the best, and a better representation at the Edo State House of Assembly, which is why I, Charles Ekholowa Enahonna, am seeking election into the Assembly.

“I am your choice. I know what you want, and I will give you what you want. Igueben constituency deserves the best candidate to attract dividends of democracy to the people. My vision for the constituency is to build an environment where young Nigerians can grow, create, and thrive.

“If the next generation succeeds, everyone will succeed, and together, we can build a future we’ll all be proud of in the Igueben Constituency. Empowering the next generation is not just a promise, but a responsibility. That is how to secure the future”, he said.

The House of Assembly aspirant noted that collaboration, inclusiveness, and pragmatic governance would be his watchwords in ushering a new era of accelerated development across all ten wards of the constituency.

While pledging the rehabilitation of critical road networks, including Udo and Amahor roads when given the party’s ticket and elected, he posited that the construction of the roads and other infrastructural projects could be achieved through synergy between the state, local government and grassroots leadership structures.

He opined that understanding the socio-economic dynamics of Igueben gives him a strategic advantage to deliver impactful representation.

“I know that even before some of us were born, nobody goes twice. I will not disturb the leaders and the electorate to ask for reelection after one term.

“Just one term is enough for me to execute all I want to do. I will by the grace of God fulfill my promise”, he stated.

He said the welfare of the constituents would be his major priority, empowerment of youths and women as well as infrastructural developments among others.

Speaking further on his legislative priorities, the business magnate stressed the need for responsive laws to tackle youth unemployment, girl-child education, out-of-school children and community-specific challenges.

“There are laws that need urgent attention. It is not about money; it is about meeting the needs of the people,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Local Government executives of the party, Hon Ephraim Aluebhosele described Hon Enahonna, as one of the most promising aspirants to beat during the party’s primary election.

Aluebhosele, a former lawmaker at the Edo State House of Assembly and the leader of APC in Igueben local government area assured that the party would give a level playing ground to all the aspirants to contest the primary election.

He, however, advised the aspirants to shun politics of bitterness and campaigns of calumny, noting that they are all members of the same party and that only one person would emerge as a candidate after the primary election.

2027: One term is enough – Enahonna declares for Edo House of Assembly seat

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee of the Labour Party National Convention Planning Committee, Dr Philip Agbese, has clarified that the Labour Party, LP, was not part of the opposition political gathering reportedly held in Ibadan at the weekend.

He stressed that the party is currently focused on its forthcoming National Convention and broader preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Agbese, who spoke during a brief interaction with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, said the party’s leadership and members are fully engaged in internal processes aimed at strengthening its structures ahead of the convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

“We were not in Ibadan for any summit. As a party, we are focused on our National Convention coming up on April 28, and on strengthening our internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Agbese said.

Opposition political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, had met in Ibadan to deliberate on a possible coalition and the prospect of presenting a single presidential candidate in 2027.

However, Agbese distanced the Labour Party from the meeting, stating that the party is not involved in any such discussions at this stage, as it prioritises internal consolidation and preparation for future electoral contests.

“Our attention is on putting our house in order. The convention is a critical step in that process, and it is part of a broader effort to strengthen the party ahead of 2027,” he said.

The lawmaker emphasised that internal cohesion and organisational stability remain central to the Labour Party’s strategy, noting that a strong institutional foundation is necessary for effective political participation.

He added that the party is committed to building a credible platform capable of meeting the expectations of Nigerians, particularly as political activities begin to gather5 momentum ahead of the next general election.

“We believe that before you talk about external alignments or engagements, you must first build a solid and united structure within your party. That is what we are doing,” Agbese said.

He further noted that while political alliances are part of democratic practice, they must be approached with careful consideration and not at the expense of internal discipline and clarity of purpose.

“At this moment, we are not distracted by any summit or coalition talks. Our focus is clear; prepare for our National Convention, strengthen our internal systems, and position the party effectively for the 2027 elections,” he added.

Agbese’s remarks come amid increasing political realignments and early coalition discussions among opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the next election cycle.

However, the Labour Party’s position, as outlined by the lawmaker, suggests a deliberate and measured approach centred on internal consolidation before any broader political engagements.

2027: We were not in Ibadan for any opposition summit – LP lawmaker clarifies