The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta.
Reacting to the killing, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN, in a statement in Abuja, described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity”.
“No Nigerian should lose his/her life in the hands of those who swore to protect them. Every life matters and must be protected. The reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilised society.
“I am concerned over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and I call on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue” he said.
Ojukwu specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly. He further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
Ojukwu also emphasised the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated. The NHRC boss, warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
He assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalise brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence. No badge should become a license to kill,” he concluded.
The Delta Police Command claimed that the deceased was apprehended, following intelligence linking him to the attempted shipment of a parcel allegedly containing a Beretta pistol and ammunition.
ASP Usman, the officer that led the operation, allegedly opened fire on the suspect who was already in their control. (
Former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has congratulated the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, following his adoption as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ambode described Hamzat’s emergence as a product of loyalty, consistency, and sustained commitment to the party’s growth and unity over the years.
He noted that Hamzat’s consultations with key stakeholders within the party reflected a deliberate effort to strengthen internal cohesion and advance the collective interests of Lagos State. According to him, the development further underscores confidence in Hamzat’s experience in governance and public administration.
Ambode also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring his commitment to the President’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As I congratulate Dr Hamzat on his adoption, I restate my unshakeable commitment to support the re-election of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr. President,” he said.
He further expressed confidence that the continuation of Tinubu’s leadership would consolidate national development and economic progress, noting that ongoing policies would yield long-term benefits for the country.
The former governor called on members of the APC in Lagos State to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections, urging them to work collectively towards a decisive victory for the party.
He set an ambitious target of at least three million votes for the President in Lagos State and encouraged party faithful to also ensure strong performances for APC candidates across National Assembly and other elective positions.
Ambode further appealed for greater coordination among APC structures in the South-West region to strengthen the party’s electoral fortunes across the zone.
He expressed optimism about the future of both Lagos State and Nigeria, insisting that stronger days lie ahead for the ruling party and the nation at large.
The Senate has appointed Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo as the new chairman of its Committee on Public Accounts.
Dankwambo, who represents Gombe North Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is replacing Senator Aliyu Wadada.
Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West, had chaired the committee since the inauguration of the 10th Senate in 2023. His replacement followed his defection from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
By convention, the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee is reserved for a member of a minority party.
Dankwambo is a former two-term governor of Gombe State and is regarded as experienced in governance and public finance matters.
“His extensive experience in public finance, taxation, forensic accounting, and governance is expected to significantly improve the committee’s effectiveness in executing its mandate,” his spokesman, Farouk Yarma, said in a statement on Thursday.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts is responsible for examining reports of the Auditor-General and scrutinising how public funds are managed by ministries, departments and agencies.
It also ensures accountability in government spending.
Dankwambo had served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics.
The Supreme Court has voided the Ibadan Convention organised by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the People’s Democratic Party PDP in Ibadan last November.
In a split decision of three justices to two, the Apex Court, in its lead judgement prepared and read by Justice Stephen Adah, condemned, in strong terms, the disobedience of court orders by the Turaki camp.
This is the verdict on the appeal challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal that affirms that former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, was unlawfully excluded from the chairmanship race.
The five-member Apex Court panel expressed displeasure with the Turaki group for its disobedience of the order of the trial court, including the instruction to halt the planned Ibadan convention until forms are sold to all those interested in running for executive positions.
The Apex Court further stressed that the Ibadan Convention went ahead in defiance of a subsisting court order, an action deemed as ‘condemnable’.
Justices Mohammed Garba and Justice Chidioma Nwosu-Iheme are the others for the majority decisions, while Justices Haruna Tsammani and Abubakar Sadiq Umar were in the minority.
The Gombe State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Joash Amupitan, to resign.
The party members made the call during a peaceful protest at the INEC office in Gombe.
The protesters were seen carrying banners with an inscription that read, ‘Amupitan: Resign before the street resigns you’.
DAILY POST reports that there has been peaceful demonstrations by ADC members across the country, calling for Amupitan’s resignation.
The INEC boss was accused of having ties with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, following the recent discovery of alleged X account linked to him.
Abdul-Azeez Adediran, widely known as Jandor, has withdrawn from the 2027 Lagos State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adediran announced his decision on Thursday during a meeting with journalists, leaders of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, and supporters at Liberty House, Ikeja.
His withdrawal follows the public endorsement of the incumbent Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on his decision, Adediran said unfolding developments within the party influenced his move.
“Within hours after I purchased my nomination forms, there were developments, including a meeting involving the President and the Deputy Governor. It was subsequently made known that the President had endorsed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat,” he said.
“Based on my earlier position that I will align with the direction of the President, I have decided to withdraw from the race.”
He urged his supporters to remain calm and respect party processes, stressing the importance of unity and discipline within the APC.
Adediran added that his decision underscores his respect for party supremacy and his confidence in the party’s internal democratic system.
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and thanked party leaders in Lagos State for their support and guidance.
Adediran had only purchased his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms a day before announcing his withdrawal.
Last year, the Federal Government came up with a promise to reduce transport fares in the Federal Capital Territory by 40 per cent. According to the plan, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), in partnership with transporters, would install compressed natural gas systems on taxis operating from Area 1 motor park and other parts of Abuja, and fares would drop immediately for commuters.
Data presented by the PCNGI at the launch showed specific cuts: fares from Area 1 park to Gwagwalada would drop from N1,500 to N900. Area 1 to Jabi would move from N700 to N420. Area 1 to Bwari Duste, previously N1,500 , would become N900. Area 1 to Kuje would fall from N1,200 to N720. Area 1 to Galadimawa would reduce from N500 to N300. Area 1 to Mpape would go from N1,000 to N600. Area 1 to Zuba would drop from 1,500 naira to 900 naira. Area 1 to Lugbe would move from N700 to N420 . Area 1 to Nyanya would also reduce from N700 to N420.
Transporters
The government said over 50 per cent of taxis in Abuja had already been converted to CNG fuel at the time of the announcement.
Speaking in Abuja during the launch in Area 1 Park, Abuja, the Programme Director of PCNGI, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, represented by the Regional CNG Expansion Coordinator in charge of the North, David Idakwo, said the agreement reached with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) had begun to yield results. He disclosed that the PCNGI had already provided 300 CNG kits to the NURTW leadership free of charge for the conversion of Abuja taxis. He explained that the 40 per cent reduction in transportation fares applies to routes serviced by vehicles converted to Compressed Natural Gas(CNG).
Oluwagbemi stated that the reduction project would continue to Area 3 and eventually to all other parks within Abuja and the country.
He added that the government would ensure full compliance to the fare reduction agreement in collaboration with NURTW by sending out mystery shoppers pretending to be commuters along all the designated routes to fish out cheating drivers. Oluwagbemi said a sticker had been placed on each of the vehicles for easy identification, advising commuters to look out for the sticker before boarding to enjoy the benefits of the initiative.
Also, Secretary of the Garki Branch of NURTW, Ibrahim Jibril, who spoke at the event assured that the union had been working with PCNGI since the programme was launched, stressing that it was part of efforts of the President to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians with regard to movement from one point to the other. Jibril said a lot of vehicles had been converted, and the conversion was ongoing.
He confirmed that when they noticed that the majority of their vehicles had been converted, they put a task force in place to ensure transport fare price reduction for the ones that had been converted.
However, one year after that launch, THE WHISTLER visited Area 1 motor park to assess the implementation of the fare reduction plan and discovered that the by 40 percent reduction plan for transport fare did not only not take-off but did not fly.
Jibril, who was present at the launch in May last year, explained to THE WHISTLER that the initial challenge was lack of refilling centres. “ Well, after the launch, the problem the drivers started encountering was the lack of refilling centres. They had to queue for hours to get refilled. This was a problem because after wasting hours just to get gas, you don’t expect a driver to still reduce prices,” he said.
He, however, noted that the situation later changed with as there are many refilling stations available, but the distribution of the CNG kits meant for commercial drivers stopped.
He said the kits are being sold directly to the marketers or to the business people and are no longer going to the unions or to the drivers.
“The problem now is that the kits are no more available, just like being given from the government, especially to commercial drivers. Now, what they have is business. This one now, it’s like they’re selling it directly to the marketers or to the business people,” he said.
He said it is only when a driver has money that he can get the kit, and the cost is high.
According to his findings as of last week, the kits are being sold for about N600,000.
He said commercial drivers do not have that amount of money. He recalled that the kits installed last year were free and drivers only paid a token of N25,000 for the construction of the gas cylinder gasket.
He noted that the installation was even supposed to be free, but the token was introduced to help facilitate the process because the PCNGI was not paying the conversion centres as they were supposed to pay them.
He said this situation forced the centres to ask drivers to pay for the construction of the gasket.
“In order to help and facilitate, because the PICNG themselves, they are actually not paying the centres as they are supposed to pay them. So it makes the centres to go around and just ask the drivers to construct that gasket, and that’s all,” he said.
Jibril alleged that up until now, some conversion centres have still not received their money from PCNGI.
He said the union does not really know what exactly is happening with the programme.
On the number of beneficiaries from the initial rollout, Jibril said from his side alone, more than 500 drivers received the kits.
He said the beneficiaries included Uber drivers, union members, and airport taxis.
He acknowledged that the government tried during the initial phase of the programme and, however, noted that the exercise did not in any way reduce the rate of transportation for regular commuters.
He explained that the reduction is only noticeable among Uber drivers using CNG who are booked online.
On the continuation of the programme, Jibril said that as of December last year, they were told more kits would be distributed in January, but nothing happened.
“Maybe they are waiting for the political campaign to start or whatever. But so far, none of the commercial drivers, especially the unions, are actually receiving any kits from the PICNG,” he said.
On the current fare situation, Jibril said that despite the fuel crisis and the cost of fuel, the union has been able to manage transport fares.
He said there is a reasonable consideration, though not up to what people are expecting, considering the cost of fuel.
He said that in some places, only N50 or N100 has been added to the previous fares. He advised passengers to ensure they enter parks and board vehicles to their destinations.
According to The WHISTLER findings, transport fare from Area 1 to Gwagwada, Bwari, and Zuba is N2000, to Kubwa is N1300, Nyanya N800 and Lugbe, N800.
The Supreme Court has voided the national convention a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
DAILY POST reported that the convention produced the Tanimu Turaki, SAN-led factional national executives of the party
The apex court gave the judgment on Thursday in a ruling that is expected to shape the 2027 general election.
Justice Stephen Jona Adah who read the lead majority judgment held the disobedience to lawful order of court by the Seyi Makinde-backed faction of the PDP was an unpardonable act that must not be allowed in the interest of the rule of law and democracy.
However, Justices Haruna Tsanami and Abubakar Sadiq Umar, in the minority judgment, held that the issue in dispute was an internal affairs of a political party that ought not to have been adjudicated upon by any court.
A former governor of Jigawa State Sule Lamido had asked the court to stop the national convention on the grounds that he was denied nomination forms to participate in the exercise.
DAILY POST recalls that a Federal High Court had earlier stopped the convention, citing breaches of the party’s constitution and failure to comply with due process.
Despite the order, the convention went ahead, prompting further litigation.
The Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the decision of the lower court, affirming that the exercise was held in violation of valid judicial pronouncements and that its outcome could not stand.
Dissatisfied with the concurrent judgments, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the rulings and validate the convention as well as the executives it produced.
The Defence Headquarters say troops of Operation UDO KA, have apprehended top commanders and logistics operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, while briefing journalists on ongoing military operations across the country.
Onoja said that also apprehended were commanders in the IPOB armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), adding that the feat was achieved in coordinated operations across the South-East in April.
He said that the arrests of the high-value IPOB/ESN operatives marked a significant breakthrough in intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling separatist and criminal networks in the South-East.
He also said that troops neutralised three terrorists, arrested several suspects, and rescued kidnapped victims during sustained operations across the theatre.
According to him, the arrested suspects include key logistics handlers and financiers who provided support for kidnapping, armed attacks, and other criminal activities in the region.
He added that intelligence-driven raids on identified hideouts in forested areas led to the recovery of weapons, communication equipment, and ransom proceeds, while several camps and shrines were destroyed.
Onoja further said that air-supported operations forced armed elements to abandon their positions, leading to the dislodgement of criminal structures and further disruption of their networks.
In the South-South, the director of defence media operations said that the said troops intensified operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining, and pipeline vandalism, dismantling several illegal refining sites across creeks and forested communities.
He disclosed that over 101,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined products were recovered during sustained clearance operations, while 17 suspects were arrested in connection with oil theft and other economic crimes.
He added that troops also rescued kidnapped victims during swift response operations, forcing criminal elements to abandon their captives under pressure.
He said follow-up operations led to further arrests and the destruction of active criminal cells operating within riverine and forest environments.
According to him, troops remained deployed across strategic waterways and hinterlands to deny criminals freedom of action and protect critical national infrastructure.
Onoja said the combined operations in both theatres had significantly degraded criminal and separatist networks, disrupted illegal economic activities, and strengthened security in affected communities.
He assured Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ continued commitment to sustaining pressure on all criminal elements threatening national security and economic stability.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in dismantling all threats to peace, security, and Nigeria’s economic assets,” he said
The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from a press statement attributed to the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, in which he urged consensus or direct primaries for party unity in Ebonyi.
The APC in a statement on Thursday signed by Hon. Arum Kenechukwu, the State Assistant Publicity Secretary said while the party aligns with certain aspects of the statement, it views other elements in publication as a calculated attempt capable of misleading party faithful, inciting tension, and precipitating avoidable political crises within the state chapter.
The party also reaffirmed its support for the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Ogbonna Nwifuru and emphasized that both leaders remain its undisputed standard bearers at the national and state levels, respectively, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Against this backdrop, the Ebonyi APC wishes to unequivocally reaffirm its unwavering support for the President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. The party emphasizes that both leaders remain its undisputed standard bearers at the national and state levels, respectively, ahead of the 2027 general elections”.
The party further states that comprehensive arrangements have been concluded to ensure overwhelming electoral support for both the President and the Governor.
“Stakeholders across the state have intensified grassroots mobilization, not only by showcasing the visible achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the People’s Charter of Needs, but also by sensitizing voters on proper voting procedures to guarantee maximum participation and valid votes across Ebonyi State”.
The party however, expressed deep concern and strong disapproval of aspects of the Minister’s remarks which, if left unchecked, could destabilize the unity and discipline painstakingly built within the party.
“It is both surprising and unacceptable that statements credited to a leader of such stature appear to contradict the very structure and cohesion he helped establish”.
The party noted that the publication titled “Umahi Restates Support For PRESIDENT Tinubu, Nwifuru, Urges Consensus Or Direct Primaries For Party Unity In Ebonyi” contains suggestions that could be interpreted as encouraging aspirants to sidestep the authority of the Governor, who remains the recognized leader of the APC in Ebonyi State. Such a position, the party insists, is not only inappropriate but also capable of igniting disunity and internal crisis.
The Ebonyi APC argued that urging aspirants to procure nomination forms or pursue political ambitions without the knowledge and endorsement of the Governor amounts to a direct affront to party discipline and an invitation to chaos. It warns that any such guidance undermines established leadership.
While referencing the Minister’s claim that there was no directive from the President restricting aspirants from purchasing forms, the party cautions that this must not be misconstrued as a license for indiscipline or disregard for the state leadership structure.
The party also raises serious concerns about the intent and credibility of the publication, suggesting the possibility of misrepresentation by the Minister’s media handlers. It describes the tone and content as provocative and capable of fanning the embers of discord, particularly by creating the false impression of disunity between the President and the Governor.
“Ebonyi APC reiterates that all political activities within the state must be conducted strictly under the guidance and with the full endorsement of the Governor as the party leader in the state. Loyalty, discipline, and respect for constituted authority remain non-negotiable principles”.
Consequently, the party warns that any individual who allows themselves to be misled into acting contrary to the directives of the Governor does so at their own risk. According to the party, such actions will be deemed an exercise in futility and treated as a clear act of disloyalty to the party.
The Ebonyi APC therefore calls on all stakeholders to refrain from actions and statements capable of plunging the party into unnecessary crises, and instead act like elders or risk losing their pride of place.
