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Armed men suspected to be bandits have reportedly killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter along with several other residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Residents said the attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when the gunmen stormed the community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents, many of whom fled for safety.

Amid the confusion, the attackers reportedly forced their way to the residence of the NSCDC officer, shot him and abducted his daughter and other victims into a nearby forest.

A community source said Olukotun was rushed to a hospital shortly after the attack but was confirmed dead on arrival.

“Mr. Olukotun was taken to the hospital immediately after the incident, but sadly, he was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary,” the source said.

The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Hon. Tosin Olokun, condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and heartbreaking.

Olokun, who also serves as Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said the death of the NSCDC officer was a painful loss to his family, the Odo-Ere community and the entire local government area.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he said in a statement issued on Tuesday through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyemi Babarinde.

The council chairman urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities in the area.

Also reacting, the member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, described the incident as tragic, barbaric and a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting communities across the country.

“The news of the killing of Mr. Ayo and the abduction of his daughter came to me with profound sadness. This is a painful moment for the people of Odo-Ere, Yagba West and Kogi State as a whole,” Abejide said in a statement.

The lawmaker called on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims, particularly the daughter of the slain officer.

Meanwhile, residents have urged security agencies to deploy the advanced surveillance drones recently unveiled by the state government to monitor vulnerable communities and forest corridors prone to criminal activities.

According to them, the drones were introduced to enhance intelligence gathering and improve rapid response against banditry and kidnapping across the state.

“The government and security agencies should leverage technology-driven security infrastructure to prevent further attacks and improve the protection of lives and property in Yagba West,” said Ayobami, a resident of the community.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, simply responded, “Noted.”

The police command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Onus Igwe Nwankwo, has accused party officials of withholding the results of the party’s primary election for the Ohanivo Federal Constituency and warned against any attempt to alter the outcome of the exercise.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nwankwo claimed that the NDC primary election for the constituency was conducted on May 29 across the three local government areas of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo, despite reported disruptions during the process.

According to him, delegates participated in the exercise and votes were cast, but the results were never publicly announced.

“The primary election took place. I participated in the election, my delegates participated, voting was conducted, and delegates exercised their democratic rights,” he said.

Nwankwo stated that he possesses video recordings and other materials documenting the conduct of the election, adding that the evidence has been preserved.

He expressed concern over the failure to officially declare the results, describing it as a threat to transparency and due process.

“In every credible democratic exercise, results must be openly declared in the presence of aspirants, agents, delegates and observers. The withholding of results creates uncertainty and opens the door to potential manipulation of the democratic process,” he said.

The aspirant further alleged that he had received credible information suggesting that efforts were being made to alter or substitute the genuine results of the primary election.

“I wish to state clearly that any result which differs from what was actually recorded at the polling locations across Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo will be challenged through all available lawful and party mechanisms,” he said.

Nwankwo called on the NDC Election Appeals Committee, National Working Committee and other party leaders to ensure transparent collation of votes and immediate public declaration of the authentic results.

He also urged the party to suspend the submission of candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until the results are properly collated and announced.

The aspirant additionally raised concerns over what he described as the concentration of both the Senate and House of Representatives tickets within the same ward and village in Onicha Community, warning that such an arrangement could generate feelings of exclusion among other parts of the constituency.

“Given the diversity of our constituency, equity, inclusiveness and balanced representation remain essential to party unity and electoral success,” he said.

Despite the dispute, Nwankwo reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC, saying he remains committed to the party and its democratic ideals.

He also appealed to his supporters and residents of Ohanivo Federal Constituency to remain calm and peaceful while pursuing the matter through lawful channels.

“The people of Ohanivo have spoken through the democratic process, and I am confident that the leadership of the NDC will uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, justice and equity,” he added.

The NDC leadership had yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

Withheld primary results may undermine party credibility – NDC Reps aspirant warns

  

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology from his former ally, Kenneth Okonkwo, over alleged defamatory statements.

According to Obi’s lawyers, Okonkwo made comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026, which they say were false and damaging to Obi’s reputation.

In a legal letter dated June 9, 2026, the lawyers accused Okonkwo of alleging that Obi and some NDC leaders collected money from political aspirants, made fraudulent demands, and engaged in misconduct during party activities.

They described the claims as “false, malicious, and without evidence,” saying they portrayed Obi as corrupt and dishonest.

Obi’s legal team is demanding that Okonkwo:

Withdraw all the statements immediately

Publish a full public apology on TV and all social media platforms

Give a written promise to stop further comments on the matter

Pay ₦5 billion as damages for reputational injury

They warned that if he fails to comply within seven days, they will take legal action.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that some persons are sponsoring insecurity to distract President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign for Local Government Council elections in Edo South Senatorial District, the governor said, “They can even kidnap all of us—yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

He said insecurity had suddenly increased in the country, alleging that it is being orchestrated to tarnish the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Okpebholo said promoting insecurity would not guarantee the perpetrators seats in the Senate, House of Representatives, or the presidency, as there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition.”

“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well,” Okpebholo said.

The governor said the President had done more for the country than his predecessors.

He noted that the impact of removal of the fuel subsidy had been seen and felt in various projects dotting the state.

He commended those, who scaled through the party’s primary election to emerge as candidates for the forthcoming council elections.

He said their victories would signal the possibility of delivering the 2.5 million votes pledged to President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking also, the party’s chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, described the APC as the only viable party in the state.

He urged the candidates to take the message of the governor’s developmental strides to the nooks and crannies of the state, and to replicate it in their various local government areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highpoint of the event was the official unveiling of the Edo South candidates of the party by the governor, including Ogbeide Ihama as – senate, Dr Paddy Iyamu -Oredo federal constituency, Omorede Igbinedion -and Ovia Federal constituency among others 

(NAN)

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, arraigned a social media influencer,  Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, (a.k.a Blessing CEO) for an alleged N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fraud before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

Nkiruka was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N69,150,000.

At the commencement of the proceedings,  prosecution counsel, C.C.Okezie, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant had been duly served with the charge.

However,  defence counsel, Nkama Nneka, informed the court that service of the charge had only recently been effected.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law, hence the charges were subsequently read to the defendant.

Count one reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to confer a benefit of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on you under the representation that the property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, belonged to you and was leased to the company for a period of five years, a representation you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(2) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.”

Count two reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), being the property of Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, thereby committing an offence of stealing contrary to Section 280(2) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her.

In view of this, Okezie asked for a trial date and prayed  the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending her scheduled arraignment before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on June 10, 2026, for another alleged fraud case.

Consequently, Justice Oshodi remanded the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter till July 16, 2026 for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.

In a related development, Justice Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, granted Blessing Nkiruka, who is being prosecuted for an alleged N36m fraud, bail in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must be a family member and is required to provide proof of employment, Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and a valid phone number. 

The sureties must also submit a valid international passport, tax clearance certificates for the last two years, and six passport photographs

The defendant was earlier arraigned on a two-count charge by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36million

….Advances Gas Pipeline, Other Projects Despite Funding Constraints

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) says less than 10 per cent of the N140bn appropriated to it in the 2026 federal government budget has been released.

The commission disclosed this on Tuesday after appearing before the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission at the National Assembly.

Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, chaired the session.

In a statement issued after the engagement, SEDC said it “used the opportunity to highlight progress made despite significant funding constraints,” adding that it had “advanced preparatory work on several strategic regional initiatives, including high—impact transformational projects such as the gas pipeline, railway projects.”

“Of the N140 billion appropriated to the Commission in the 2026 budget, less than 10% has been released to date across all budget lines,” the commission said.

SEDC called on the federal government to speed up releases of its budgetary allocations.

“The Commission emphasised that the scale of development required across the South East demands sustained funding, institutional coordination, and continued collaboration among all stakeholders,” the statement read.

Since its board was inaugurated in February 2025, the commission says it has made progress on multiple fronts.

This includes the South East Vision 2050 stakeholder consultations, which “brought together senior government officials, development partners, business leaders, academics, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders to develop a long-term framework for the economic transformation and sustainable development of the region.”

The commission also reported the launch of the inaugural South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP). Through “a transparent and competitive selection process, twenty-five startups from across the South East received equity investment under the Programme.”

The initiative was “designed to catalyse innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment across the region” and is housed within the South East Investment Company, which the commission said seeks to build “a more structured and credible venture capital ecosystem for the South East.”

The SEDC also listed the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Afreximbank, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Bank of Industry, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, and the Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria among its partners.

The Senate Committee had asked for additional documentation on the commission’s operations and budget performance. The SEDC has until 23 June 2026 to submit the materials.

The commission said it “views accountability, transparency, and constructive engagement as fundamental to the successful delivery of its mandate and will continue to provide all information required to support effective legislative oversight.”

The development commission covers Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Its mandate includes infrastructure development and post-conflict reconstruction across the South East.

SEDC Says Only 10% Of N140bn 2026 Budget Released is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

As part of preparations for the state’s planned mass wedding, the Kano State Hisbah Board has announced that nearly 720 prospective couples have so far undergone medical screening across 24 local government areas.

The figure forms part of the 3,000 prospective couples the state intends to marry soon in a state-sponsored mass wedding for the less privileged.

DAILY POST recalls that the Hisbah Board, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, has been mandated to conduct mandatory tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, genotype compatibility, drug use, pregnancy, and other sexually transmitted infections to ensure healthy unions.

The Deputy Commander-General of the Board, Mujahideen Aminudddeen, confirmed the development in a statement, saying the exercise is ongoing, with couples from metropolitan local government areas scheduled to continue their screening on Wednesday at the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) office along Naibawa.

He explained that participants are expected to present copies of their registration forms at the venue, adding that couples from the remaining local government areas will be notified of their screening dates in due course.

The mass wedding programme, revived under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is designed to support widows, divorcees, orphans, and other less-privileged residents by covering marriage expenses and providing financial and household support.

Kano Hisbah screens 720 couples ahead of mass wedding exercise

Former Sunshine Stars player, Kehinde Abiodun had been appointed the club’s scout, DAILY POST reports.

The Owena Waves confirmed Abiodun’s appointment in a statement made available to DAILY POST.

Abiodun is expected to bring his keen eye for talent and vast football knowledge to help discover and nurture the next generation of players. 

His appointment is with immediate effect as they get set for the new campaign.

Sunshine Stars missed out on promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, last season.

They finished in fifth position with 25 points from 16 matches in the NNL Conference A.

NNL: Sunshine Stars appoint Kehinde Abiodun as new scout 

 

A tragic incident has occurred at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, as one of the candidates contesting for the position of Registrar, Deputy Registrar Dr. Solomon Oluwasola Afolabi, reportedly slumped during the aptitude test conducted as part of the selection process for the appointment.

Sources at the university disclosed that Dr. Afolabi suddenly cried out in distress during the exercise, causing concern among fellow candidates and officials present at the venue. He was immediately rushed to the university’s health centre for urgent medical attention.

However, despite efforts to save his life, he was confirmed dead by medical personnel at the health facility. 

The incident has thrown the university community into confusion as the nature of his death was considered strange given that he suddenly screamed during the test.

 A staff who spoke under anonymity said Dr. Afolabi was among the favourite candidates being considered for the position of Registrar of the institution before he died during the Aptitude test.

 Other candidates in the selection process are Dr. Babatola J.E.T. and Mrs. Adeojo R.T.B.

As of the time of filing this report, the university management had yet to issue an official statement on the development

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate in the last FCT council election, Dr. Paul Moses Ogidi, has called for the immediate suspension of the proposed judgment in Petition No. FCT/ACET/EP/01/2026, citing what he described as unresolved jurisdictional issues surrounding the composition of the Area Council Election Petition Tribunal.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ogidi said the tribunal was allegedly constituted in violation of Section 135(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which, according to him, requires the inclusion of a High Court judge in the tribunal’s composition.

The petitioner argued that the alleged defect raises fundamental questions about the tribunal’s competence to hear and determine the matter.

According to him, his legal team had on April 10, 2026, petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, requesting the reconstitution of the tribunal in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

He stated that after receiving no response, a further petition was submitted to the Chief Justice of Nigeria on May 21, 2026, seeking urgent intervention on the matter.

Ogidi said the concerns raised in both petitions remain unresolved despite the tribunal’s reported plans to deliver judgment in the case.

He also disclosed that communications on the issue had been sent to several national and international institutions, including the United Nations, the European Union, the United States Embassy and the British High Commission.

“It is trite law that jurisdiction is the foundation of every judicial proceeding. A court or tribunal that lacks jurisdiction cannot confer validity upon its proceedings by the mere passage of time,” he said.

The petitioner warned that proceeding with judgment while questions over the tribunal’s composition remain unresolved could raise legal and constitutional concerns and potentially affect the validity of any decision reached.

He therefore called for the suspension of the judgment, urgent intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the reconstitution of the tribunal in compliance with the Electoral Act.

Ogidi maintained that the issue extends beyond his petition and touches on the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral justice system, urging the relevant authorities to ensure that all jurisdictional concerns are addressed before any final judgment is delivered.

Ogidi seeks suspension of FCT election tribunal judgement