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The Edo State Government has taken a major step in its war against cultism, kidnapping, and violent criminal gangs.

In a move that demonstrates a clear shift from rhetoric to action, Governor Monday Okpebholo has formally written to the Chief Judge of Edo State requesting the constitution of a Special Court dedicated to the speedy hearing and determination of cultism and kidnapping cases.

The letter, dated June 19, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., states that the request is aimed at ensuring the expeditious trial of offenders while strengthening the administration of criminal justice in Edo State.

This development is particularly significant because one of the biggest challenges in the fight against violent crime has often been the slow pace of prosecution. Arrests may be made, but when cases drag on for years, the deterrent effect is weakened.

The Okpebholo administration appears determined to change that.

From the demolition of properties linked to criminal activities, to aggressive security operations against cult groups and kidnapping syndicates, and now the push for a dedicated court system, the government is building what many observers see as a comprehensive anti-crime strategy.

For residents who have lived through decades of cult-related violence, gang wars, and rising kidnapping threats, this latest move sends a strong message:

The objective is not simply to arrest criminals. It is to ensure they face justice swiftly.

If approved by the Chief Judge, the Special Court will focus specifically on cultism and kidnapping offences, potentially accelerating trials and reducing delays that have often frustrated victims and law enforcement agencies alike.

For criminal gangs operating within Edo State, the message is becoming increasingly clear.

The hiding places are shrinking.

The arrests are increasing.

And now, the path from arrest to prosecution may become much shorter.

Governor Okpebholo promised a tougher fight against cultism and kidnapping.

With this latest action, many will argue that the government is not merely making promises.

It is putting structures in place to deliver results.

– Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded a resounding victory at the polling unit of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, in Saturday’s governorship election, polling 448 votes to defeat his closest rivals by a wide margin. Results from Polling Unit 001, St David’s Primary School/Maternity Area, Afao-Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government […]

The post EkitiDecides2026: Oyebanji sweeps Fayose’s polling unit, secures 448 votes appeared first on Tribune Online.

As Ekiti State residents trooped out on Saturday to elect a new governor, an 80-year-old man and a 20-year-old physically challenged hairdresser have appealed to whoever emerges victorious in the election to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable citizens and address the worsening economic hardship in the state. The octogenarian, Pa Ojo Sunday, who voted at […]

The post Ekiti guber: Octogenarian, physically challenged hairdresser plead for better living conditions appeared first on Tribune Online.

Former Ballon D’Or and World Cup winner Ronaldinho is set to come out of retirement at the age of 46 to play for Ravenna in the Italian third tier.

Ronaldinho was scheduled to sign a deal in Miami on Tuesday while already in the United States for the World Cup.

“I can’t wait to get back dancing with the ball again and to write a new story with Ignazio Cipriani (the Italian-American owner of Ravenna) and his entire family,”Ronaldinho said.

“Football has always been a source of joy for me. I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna,” added the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star.

However, Ravenna vice-president Ariedo Braida, said that Ronaldinho’s signing was more a marketing ploy than a piece of squad-building, and he may never actually play.

“He’s a magical player, who will have his registration, that’s a huge coup for us,” he said.

Ronaldinho has not played since a two-month stint at Fluminense in 2015.

Ronaldinho Comes Out Of Retirement To Join Italian Third-Tier Club is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 

Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, has died at the age of 69.

Katagum, who served as deputy governor between 2018 and 2019 during the administration of former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored two votes; the Action Democratic Party, one vote, while…

The post #EkitiDecides2026: Oyebanji wins own unit with 326 of 333 votes appeared first on Tribune Online.

 

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 13 suspects for their alleged involvement in illegal mining of Black sand in Bayelsa State.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, led to the interception of two wooden boats loaded with suspected illegally mined black sand at Lekeson and Liama communities in Brass Local Government Area.

Commanding Officer of FOB Formoso, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of the boats. 

He added that the suspects, the recovered black sand, and the two boats have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nembe Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Black sand is rich in valuable heavy minerals like ilmenite (titanium ore) and magnetite (iron ore). These deposits are primarily found in the coastal regions and river basins across the Niger Delta.

The CP linked the turnout to the high level of confidence that voters had expressed over security arrangements put in place.

The post CP Shogunle elated at successful security arrangement, peaceful election in Ekiti  appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Senate spokesman and senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, has refuted allegations that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were involved in vote-buying during the governorship election in Ekiti State. Adaramodu described the allegation as false and mischievous, claiming it was being propagated by members of the opposition. The senator, […]

The post Ekiti guber: Senate spokesman dismisses allegations of vote-buying appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Lagos State Government has tasked members of major transport unions to serve as waste police and monitor roads, bus stops, garages and lay-bys across the state against indiscriminate refuse dumping.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the state Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, the directive came on Saturday as the state government inaugurated a Special Task Force on the monitoring of the metropolis, charging transport union members to partner with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in enforcing environmental sanitation standards.

Speaking at a meeting in Alausa attended by top government officials and the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the move was aimed at tackling the growing challenge of indiscriminate waste disposal and environmental abuse.

“Our beautiful city is being challenged by indiscriminate refuse disposal and environmental abuse; we cannot fold our arms while people carry waste from their homes and dump it on roads, medians and public spaces. This is totally unacceptable,” Osiyemi said.

The commissioner noted that the state government could not monitor every road around the clock and stressed the need for collaboration with transport unions because of their widespread presence across Lagos.

“We cannot be on every road twenty-four hours a day; we are not abandoning this responsibility to you, neither are we doing it alone; what we are asking for is collaboration because this fight is not for government alone; it is for all of us,. In collaboration with LAWMA, some of your union members will act as our waste Police,” he said.

Osiyemi warned that individuals caught engaging in illegal waste disposal would face consequences, declaring that the era of impunity was over.

He also directed transport union leaders to take responsibility for maintaining clean and orderly parks, garages and bus stops, while condemning indiscriminate trading and the proliferation of makeshift structures within transport facilities.

According to him, such activities contribute significantly to waste generation and environmental degradation.

“You must stop allowing indiscriminate trading in your parks and bus stops. You must stop the proliferation of shanties in garages; these places should not become centres for environmental abuse or criminal activities; Every garage must have cleaners and must be maintained at all times,” the Commissioner added.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sam Egube, underscored the strategic role transport workers play in maintaining public order and security, saying they are important sources of information in the fight against crime.

He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes the state’s environmental and social challenges can be overcome through collective efforts.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, revealed that Lagos generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily.

He commended the transport unions for moving more than 22 million commuters every day and urged them to deploy the same level of organisation and discipline towards supporting environmental sustainability.

“We need your support. Lagos is our home and we must keep it clean. From today, there must be no waste brought onto any road. Waste should be collected from homes and taken to designated points. Don’t bring refuse to the roads,” Gbadegesin said.

He further called on the unions to stop street trading around bus stops and newly constructed roads, warning that allowing traders to return to cleared areas would undermine the huge investments made by the government in road infrastructure and urban renewal.

Representatives of the transport unions, in their response, expressed readiness to collaborate with the state government on waste policing across the metropolis, including garages and bus stops.

Lagos Tasks Transport Unions With Policing Roads, Garages Against Waste Dump is first published on The Whistler Newspaper