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Former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani, has picked up the All Progressives Congress, APC, Expression of Interest and Nomination forms in a bid to return to the upper legislative chamber in 2027.

Sani picked up the form in Kaduna State on Tuesday ahead of the party’s primary elections.

The 58-year-old politician represented Kaduna Central in the Senate after winning the election in 2015.

The human rights activist has remained a prominent voice in Nigeria’s political landscape, making notable contributions to national issues.

His decision is expected to shape the dynamics of the contest in the district, given his grassroots appeal and political experience.

DAILY POST reports that APC primary elections will commence on May 15, 2026, starting with the House of Representatives, followed by the Senate.

2027: Shehu Sani picks APC nomination form to return to Senate

The Nigeria Police Force says that it has, in collaboration with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, successfully secured the release of fourteen victims abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.

A statement signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid said the victims were rescued following sustained intelligence-driven operations, robust inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated tactical efforts targeting criminal elements operating within the maritime corridor.

It said that, acting on credible intelligence, the joint operatives intensified surveillance and conducted targeted operations across identified flashpoints, leading to the safe rescue of all victims without harm.

“The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and necessary debriefing, after which they will be reunited with their families,” the statement said.

It said that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the joint security team for the successful rescue, describing it as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations.

The Nigeria Police Force assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend all perpetrators involved in the abduction and bring them to justice.

Police, EFCC rescue 14 kidnap victims from Calabar-Oron waterways

Phyna, a former reality show winner, has named Omah Lay as the only Nigerian music star she can have a one-night stand with.

Phyna made the statement during a recent livestream.

Speaking during the livestream, the reality star, who was asked which artiste she could have a one-night stand with, mentioned Omah Lay.

While explaining that she has been crushing on the musician, Phyna stated, “but I feel it is just going to be boring.”

She said: “Actually, a Nigerian artiste that I can have one night with is Omah Lay. I low-key like Omah Lay ooo.”

DAILY POST reports that a one-night stand is a single sexual experience without any further sexual relationship between the participants.

Watch video

Omah Lay is only Nigerian artiste I can have one-night stand with – Phyna

 Statement Issued by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State 

“I am pleased to announce that following Presidential approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to international status, the maiden international flight from Uyo to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, is set to take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

The historic flight will be operated by our flagship carrier, Ibom Air, with a return flight scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026.

This milestone marks another major step in our commitment to expanding aviation capacity, improving global connectivity, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism, trade, and investment.

I deeply appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for granting the approval, and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his support in making this vision a reality. I also acknowledge the contributions of past leaders who laid the foundation for the growth of our aviation sector.”

A former senator representing Zamfara Central, Senator Kabiru Marafa, has dumped the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was made known during his visit to the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, at his Abuja residence.

Speaking during the visit, “We warmly receive you into the NDC. This is not decamping; this is a man coming to a house that is probably suited to him, his principles, his values, and what he stands for,” Senator Seriake Dickson said.

This comes just weeks after defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition party due to internal disagreements.

It is gathered that Marafa, who plans to run for governor in Zamfara State, was reportedly denied the ticket in the ADC and has now moved to the NDC, where he has been assured of the governorship ticket.

DAILY POST earlier reported that Senator Kabiru Marafa, a former senator representing Zamfara Central, had joined the African Democratic Congress, citing concerns over “political manipulation” within the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Senator Marafa defects to NDC weeks after joining ADC

The Nigerian Navy said it has, through personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, recorded a significant operational success in the ongoing fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

The Navy said that on 25 April 2026, FOB FORMOSO personnel, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a well-coordinated raid at Egbama-Angalabiri in Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

A statement signed by Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, said the operation led to the arrest of one Mr. Godwin, also known as “Idiot,” identified as the leader of a notorious pipeline vandalism syndicate operating within the Clough Creek axis.

It said the successful operation followed sustained intelligence and surveillance, which confirmed the suspect’s involvement in recent attacks on critical oil and gas infrastructure, as well as details of his residence and movement patterns.

It said the suspect was apprehended at a nearby night market where he was reportedly extorting illegal levies from traders.

According to the statement, during a follow-on operation to search his residence, naval personnel encountered resistance from armed members of the syndicate, adding that the situation was swiftly brought under control through a coordinated tactical response, forcing the assailants to withdraw.

“A search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of two handheld radios and other technical tools used in illegal activities. Further exploitation of intelligence obtained from the suspect resulted in the arrest of another individual, Mr. Happiness, believed to be an associate, as well as the recovery of one pump-action gun,” it added.

It said the arrested suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and prosecution.

Navy arrests “Idiot”, other pipeline vandals in Bayelsa

The consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on Tuesday met with two governorship aspirants of the party following his recent adoption as the flag bearer.

Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, was adopted as the consensus candidate at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta.

In a bid to unite the party and rally support from other aspirants, he has embarked on a series of engagements with critical stakeholders, especially those who have made their intentions known in the governorship race.

On Tuesday, Yayi and his team met with the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, at the Olusegun Osoba Hilltop in Abeokuta.

He also met the immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola, and his supporters at the residence of Elder Joju Fadairo, one of the party leaders, at Ibara Housing in Abeokuta.

Speaking at the meeting with Obasanjo, he pledged to align with her policies and vision, assuring that her manifesto and political direction would be integrated into his agenda.

Yayi also promised to foster unity within the party and work closely with the former senator and her team, stressing that she was among the first to congratulate him after being adopted by the party.

His words: “Immediately after, Iyabo Obasanjo congratulated me, and I was truly excited. I want to promise that at any given opportunity, I will be there for you. I am here as a son of the family to give assurance that we will work together.

“I am ready to inherit your manifesto. I will work in line with your vision. One, two, or three people from your group must be part of my campaign team. Nobody will be left out,” he added.

Meanwhile, the immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom collapsed 24 support groups into Yayi’s 2027 project, stating that his decision was guided by the overriding interest of Ogun State.

According to Isola, his support was driven by the need to end the era of bitter political succession in the state, stressing that his personal ambition must give way to collective progress.

“The love for Ogun State comes first, and I must do all that is necessary in that regard. I have been a strong and committed advocate of the Yewa agenda over the years, and this is the first time the Yewa people are coming together as one without opposition.

“This presents the best chance, and as someone who has benefited from Ogun State, I have a duty to support that aspiration,” he said.

In response, Yayi expressed gratitude to him and clarified that his ongoing consultations with other aspirants are motivated by the desire for harmony and collective progress, pointing out that the party would greatly benefit from Isola’s experience.

Ogun 2027: Yayi meets Iyabo Obasanjo, Sarafa Isola, vows to incorporate manifestoes

 Many Nigerians have taken to social to condemn the execution of a young man by officers of the Nigerian Police,  Effurum Division in Delta State 

The incident captured on a viral video showed the young whose hands were tied to his back being executed in broad daylight in full glare of the public by a police officer 

The Police Command through the Delta State Commissioner under the instructions of IGP Tunji Disu has ordered for the arrest and transfer of the policeman to Abuja for further interrogation 

This is a statement issued by the Delta State Police Command on the incident 

DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND

EFFURUN SHOOTING INCIDENT: DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS, TRANSFERS OFFICER RESPONSIBLE TO FORCE HEADQUARTERS TO FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

As CP condoles with family, friends and concerned members of the public, and assures them of justice

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, has condemned in strong terms the extra-judicial killing of a suspect, one Mene Ogidi, aged 28 years, which occurred on 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State.

The unfortunate incident occurred when operatives attached to Area Command Effurun received credible intelligence from members of the public regarding the deceased, who was reportedly apprehended while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition.

Police operatives were promptly deployed to the scene to take the suspect into custody. However, the police officer leading the team, ASP Nuhu Usman, in clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, discharged his firearm, leading to the death of the suspect.

Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the Area Commander, Effurun, to immediately arrest ASP Nuhu Usman and transfer him to the State Headquarters, Asaba, for necessary disciplinary action. The officer has since been queried and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he will appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee, currently in session, for immediate disciplinary sanction and prosecution.

The Command, in line with the policy of the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizes respect for the rule of law, human rights, professionalism, accountability and public trust. The Command further reaffirms its zero tolerance for lawlessness, recklessness and extra-judicial conduct.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, extends his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, Mene Ogidi, and assures the bereaved family that the Command is fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.

The CP hereby appeals to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, as all necessary steps are being taken to bring the culprit to justice.

SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

DELTA STATE COMMAND,

ASABA

28/4/2026

Another Statement From Force Headquarters Abuja 

EFFURUN SHOOTING: POLICE ASSURE JUSTICE AS OFFICER FACES DISCIPLINARY ACTION

The Nigeria Police Force condemns the fatal shooting of a suspect, Mene Ogidi, which occurred on 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State.

Preliminary reports indicate that operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command responded to credible information from Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway regarding a suspect apprehended by members of a transport union while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition. 

While efforts were being made to take the suspect into lawful custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, discharged his firearm in clear violation of extant regulations, resulting in the death of the suspect.

The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has directed the immediate transfer of the officer and his team to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they would face the Force Disciplinary Committee for summary disciplinary measures and prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police extends his condolences to the family of the deceased and assures them that justice will be served in accordance with the law. He further urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the disciplinary and legal processes take their course.

The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions, abuse of authority, and any conduct that undermines public trust.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mnipr, mni

Force Public Relations Officer

Force Headquarters, Abuja

28th April 2026

China on Tuesday handed over the ECOWAS Headquarters building it constructed in Abuja as a landmark symbol of friendship, regional cooperation, and shared development with West Africa.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, during the handover ceremony said the project marked a historic moment in the three-decade relationship between China and the West African bloc.

According to him, ties between both sides had continued to flourish on the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

“I think this is going to be a historical moment in the history of the friendly cooperation between China and ECOWAS. This is a great milestone,” Yu said.

He said China and ECOWAS had deepened political trust, strengthened practical cooperation, supported peace and stability, and promoted people-to-people exchanges over the years.

Yu described the complex as a modern, intelligent and multifunctional facility that would improve the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Commission.

“The successful handover of this building is going to enhance the operational capacity of the ECOWAS Commission and also provide a platform for member states to chart the future of regional development,” he said.

The envoy reiterated China’s cooperation model with Africa, saying it was based on sovereignty, non-interference and no political conditions attached.

“Our cooperation has always been based on the actual needs of African countries,” he said.

Yu also praised Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, describing the country as a major player on the continent and globally.

He said China attached great importance to relations with Nigeria, noting that bilateral ties had accelerated since President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in 2024.

He listed key cooperation projects to include the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railways, roads and airports.

Yu stressed the importance of food security and said both countries had strong potential for agricultural collaboration.

He added that Chinese telecommunications company Huawei had trained more than 70,000 Nigerian youths in information technology.

Also speaking, Dr Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, expressed appreciation to China for its support to the regional bloc.

He said the new headquarters was a major institutional boost that would support implementation of regional decisions on trade, peace, security and free movement.

“This is a facility that provides a good working space for the bureaucracy that is supposed to help implement decisions on regional integration, peace and security, decisions on trade and free movement of people in our region,” Touray said.

He added that China’s zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries offered a major economic opportunity for ECOWAS member states.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the occasion represented more than the opening of a building.

“It represents the consolidation of a vision, a reaffirmation of unity, and a renewed commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace and sustainable development,” she said.

China hands over new ECOWAS headquarters to sub-regional bloc ​

Shareholders jubilate as GTCO announces highest dividend payout of N12.76 kobo

The shareholders of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) are in jubilation as the management of the financial institution announced the highest dividend payout of N12.76 kobo in the Nigerian banking sector for the 2025 financial year.

The shareholders on Tuesday at the GTCO’s 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) lauded the Group’s impressive 2025 financial year performance and also for meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s N500 billion new minimum capital requirement.

Speaking at the AGM, the president of the Nigerian Shareholders’ Solidarity Association, Chief Timothy Adesiyan, expressed excitement for the management dividend payout for 2025FY, stressing that the board has demonstrated discipline to sustain its dividend payout to shareholders.

Another shareholder, the chairman of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mrs. Bisi Bakare, lauded the management for paying shareholders a N12.76 kobo total dividend payout in 2025; she noted that GTCO makes history as the first Nigerian bank to reward shareholders with a N12.76 kobo dividend payout, urging the management to maintain such a gesture.

The management of GTCO had declared an interim dividend of N1.00 per share for the half-year ended June 2025 and a final dividend of N11.76kobo in the 2025 financial year performance, bringing its total dividend to N12.76kobo for the 2025 financial year.

Responding to shareholders, the Board Chairman of GTCO, Suleiman Barau, said over time, the Group has evolved from a single-line banking institution into a broader financial services ecosystem encompassing banking, payments, funds management, and pension administration.

“This diversification is not simply a structural change; it represents a strategic effort to build an institution that can serve customers more comprehensively while creating multiple engines of sustainable growth.

“A diversified ecosystem allows the Group to operate with greater balance across economic cycles, reduces concentration of risk, and broadens the value proposition we offer to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients,” he said.

He noted that the continuing management’s discipline underpins its risk culture. “In an environment where macroeconomic conditions remain fluid across many markets, maintaining a healthy balance sheet and strong credit practices is essential,” he said.

He added that “The Board remains deeply committed to ensuring that the Group’s growth is anchored in careful risk assessment, responsible lending practices, and robust internal controls. “Ultimately, what defines a strong financial institution is not simply its performance in favorable conditions, but its ability to remain stable, trusted, and relevant through periods of uncertainty.

“The durability of our performance reflects years of careful institution-building, disciplined leadership, and shared commitment across the organization to long-term value creation,” Barau added.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO, Segun Agbaje, stated that 2025 FY was a year of deepening this integration. “Across our banking, payments, asset management, and pension businesses, we leveraged data, digital tools, and operational insight to create frictionless experiences for our customers across Africa and the United Kingdom.

“By connecting our personal and business solutions, we are able to extend the reach of each business line while amplifying the value delivered to customers,” he said.

He expressed that 2025 would be remembered as a landmark year in GTCO’s growth and expansion journey with the successful listing of its shares on the London Stock Exchange.

“This historic achievement makes GTCO Plc. the 1st financial services institution in West Africa to list its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) main market for listed securities, strengthening our capital base and enhancing liquidity for shareholders,” he said.

Looking to 2026, Agbaje expressed that “GTCO execution discipline will remain our defining advantage. By integrating our ecosystem offerings, deepening customer engagement, and leveraging platform-driven solutions, we will continue to create meaningful experiences and long-term impact for individuals, businesses, and communities.

“Technology continues to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and insight-driven decision-making, while a robust balance sheet and disciplined capital management provide the flexibility to act decisively across market cycles.

“In a landscape shaped by macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, GTCO enters 2026 confident, resilient, and focused.

“Our ecosystem is stronger, our ambition greater, and our commitment unwavering. Fellow Shareholders, the next chapter of GTCO promises to be as historic as the last, and we are grateful for your continued trust and partnership.”

GTCO announces highest dividend payout of N12.76 kobo