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By Jimitota Onoyume

Suspected kidnappers, Friday night, whisked away the Chairman of Sapele local government council, Delta state,  Mr Bright Abeke. 

Different sources  in Sapele confirmed that he was abducted  along  Owumi road.

They said  one of  his security aides  was allegedly  shot and  later rushed to an undisclosed hospital by those around. 

Vanguard gathered that the kidnappers  drove in a  Range Rover SUV , but it could not be confirmed if they abandoned their vehicle or used it to disappear with the hostage.

It could also not  be confirmed at press time if the kidnappers had made any call  to the family of the council boss or anyone close to him to demand for ransom.

Meantime ,the ugly development has raised questions around insecurity in the ancient city with many calling for improved security in the area.

The post Delta: Sapele council chairman, Abeke kidnapped appeared first on Vanguard News.

President Bola Tinubu has claimed that Nigeria’s fuel price is better than Kenya’s and other African countries.

He disclosed this in his speech on Thursday when he visited Yenagoa for project commissioning.

He acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of fuel Nigerians face.

He said he understands the concerns of Nigerians over the current economic situation but stressed that the country is still faring better than some other nations on the continent.

“Yes, I hear you from the angles of the economy; the fuel prices are biting hard,” Tinubu said. “But look around; let’s thank God together that we are better off than those in Kenya and other African countries.”

Checks by DAILY POST showed that fuel price in Kenya as of April 2026 stood at $1.37 per litre which around N1,862.

Since the Iran-United States-Israel start in March, fuel prices have skyrocketed to between N1,290 and N1,350 per liter, while crude oil prices hover around $95 and $100 per barrel.

In the last six weeks, petroleum marketers, depot owners, and Dangote Refinery have increased their domestic fuel pump prices to reflect global crude oil price volatility.

Thank God fuel price in Nigeria cheaper than in Kenya, other African countries — Tinubu

By Golok Nanmwa, JOS

Eight victims of Thursday night’s deadly attack on Mbwele village in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State were laid to rest in a mass burial amid grief and growing anger over security lapses on Friday.

The victims were killed around 11pm when armed gunmen stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately for nearly an hour.

Our correspondent gathered that most of those killed belonged to the same family.

Those buried were Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, who conducted the burial service, told mourners at the graveside, “My fellow Christians, I will not stop calling on heaven because of our brothers and sisters that have been killed in Bokkos.

These are people who were living peacefully without knowing that they would be killed today, without knowing that some people were planning to come and kill them while we are busy thinking that we are living in peace with them.

“Most of the victims are Christ Apostolic Church members,” he added.

The other time, I was at the Catholic Church in Kuru, and 90 per cent of the attack victims were Catholic members.

I have performed mass burials for COCIN members, ECWA members and Pentecostal members.

We are all under a dilemma. The whole world should know what is happening in Plateau State.

We need help.” The cleric added.

It could be recalled that the chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, said the assault had created serious tension in the community.

“The people are saying they want to protest because the security men have not protected them. The attack lasted for hours, and yet there was no presence of security to repel the assailants,” Mallai said.

Youth Leader of Bokkos, Christopher Luka, described the killings as “a sad and devastating assault on the people of Bokkos and Plateau State as a whole”, adding that the gunmen “targeted one family mostly.

The post Jos: Eight buried in mass funeral as Bokkos mourns night-attack victims appeared first on Vanguard News.

Investors in the Nigerian stock market recorded a gain of N392 billion on Friday, as trading on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) ended the week on a positive note.

Market capitalization rose by 0.30 percent to N131.165 trillion, up from N130.773 trillion recorded in the previous session, reflecting the N392 billion increase.

Similarly, the All-Share Index advanced by 608.62 points, or 0.30 percent, to close at 203,770.43, compared to 203,161.81 posted earlier. Consequently, the year-to-date return climbed to 30.95 percent.

Despite the overall positive performance, market breadth closed negative, with 34 losers outweighing 24 gainers.

On the gainers’ chart, FG202033S6 led with a 36.30 percent increase to close at N115.86 per share. Other notable gainers included Trans-Nationwide Express, International Breweries, CHAMS, and Guinness.

On the losers’ side, Omatek Ventures topped the chart with a 10 percent decline to close at N2.07 per share. It was followed by Austinlaz, Coronation Insurance, Zichis Agro-Allied Industries, and Cornerstone Insurance.

Meanwhile, trading activity declined, as total volume traded dropped by 15.97 percent to 548.60 million shares valued at N31.46 billion across 48,538 deals.

Access Corporation maintained its lead on the activity chart for the third consecutive session, with 52.7 million shares worth N1.37 billion. Zenith Bank followed with 47.8 million shares valued at N5.34 billion, while United Bank for Africa traded 38.9 million shares worth N1.83 billion.

Also, Secure Electronic Technology recorded 36.7 million shares valued at N35.4 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company posted 34.9 million shares worth N4.63 billion.

Aradel Holdings recorded the highest value of trades at N6.49 billion, accounting for 20.64 percent of the total value traded for the day.

NGX closes week on positive note as investors gain N392bn

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced the delisting of 23 computer-based test (CBT) centres across 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory following technical issues recorded during the 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The affected centres are spread across Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, the FCT, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Plateau States.

In Abia State, the delisted centre is Micben, Seat of Wisdom Academy Umunteke Asa (Micben ICT Hall), Ukwa West.

In Anambra State, the affected centres are Bishop Crowther Seminary CBT Centre in Awka and The Oracle Lens located at Ubili Town Hall, Nnokwa.

Bayelsa State has Derby’s Young ICT Centre situated behind Government Science and Technical College, Okaka, Yenagoa.

Delta State has four centres on the list, including Avid ICT Solutions CBT Centre at the Institute of Continuing Education in Asaba, Brightfield School CBT in Ekpan, Uvwie, and Conarina Maritime Academy along Eseme River Road in Oria-Abraka.

In Edo State, Daniet Global Resources on Akpakpava Road, Benin City, and Moses and Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology CBT Centre, also in Benin City, were affected.

In the Federal Capital Territory, the delisted centres are De-Lite CBT Centre at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Zulqud Consult Ltd CBT Centre at Government Secondary School, Lugbe.

Lagos State has the highest number of affected centres, including Florin High School in Ejigbo, Folbob CBT Centre in Ibeju-Lekki, Great Kezino College CBT Centre in Ikorodu, Obans CBT Centre also in Ikorodu, and Teesas Learning and CBT Centre along Lekki Expressway.

In Ogun State, Braingate Model Schools CBT Centre in Arepo-Fadunsin, Ijoko, and Greenhills Academy along Itele Road were delisted, while Oduduwa University CBT Centre in Ipetumodu is the only affected centre in Osun State.

Oyo State has three centres on the list, namely Lasting Glory Schools CBT Centre in Ibadan, Nesam International School CBT Centre in Apata, and SAF Polytechnic along Iseyin-Oyo Road in Iseyin.

In Plateau State, Rabjib Computer Academy located along Museum Road in Jos was also delisted.

JAMB said the action followed its internal review of the mock UTME, during which the affected centres were found to have fallen short of required technical and operational standards.

The board maintained that only centres that meet its guidelines will be allowed to participate in the main UTME to ensure a smooth and credible examination process.

JAMB blacklists 23 CBT centres in 11 states, FCT over 2026 mock UTME glitches -Full List

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the president of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on his 69th birthday on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The message was conveyed in a statement issued on Friday by the president’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu described Dangote as a shining example of enterprise whose contributions continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs.

“I salute Aliko Dangote for his conglomerate’s role in job creation, infrastructure development, and unwavering belief in the Nigerian economy and its potential,” the president said.

He added, “As you mark another year, I pray for his continued good health, wisdom, and greater accomplishments in service to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity.”

I salute you — Tinubu sends birthday message to Dangote

UEFA has reportedly removed Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs from officiating any further matches in the 2025-26 Champions League season following controversial decisions during Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Barcelona.

The heated quarter-final first leg at the Camp Nou was marred by disputes over a red card and a shout for a handball penalty, which left Barcelona coach Hansi Flick furious.

According to Spanish radio station Cope’s programme El Partidazo, UEFA’s decision was primarily due to Kovacs’ initial failure to send off Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi for a foul on Giuliano Simeone. The referee first issued only a yellow card before VAR intervened to upgrade it to a straight red.

Spanish journalist Isaac Fouto confirmed on the programme: “Yesterday’s referee will not officiate again, but for the error of not sending off Cubarsí live.”

According to Goal, while UEFA focused on the Cubarsi incident, Hansi Flick was particularly upset about another moment when Atletico’s Marc Pubill appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area after a short goal kick.

“I don’t know why VAR didn’t intervene,” Flick told Movistar. “We all make mistakes, but what’s the point of VAR? I can’t understand it. It should be a penalty, a second yellow card, and a red. This is what can’t happen.”

Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the current Champions League campaign, Kovacs is not facing a long-term ban. According to reports, he remains on the preliminary list of referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The post UEFA drops referee after controversial decision in Barcelona Champions League loss to Atletico appeared first on Vanguard News.

Controversial Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi, has called the peace talk between the United States, US, and Iran as one between enemies.

Gumi said Iran sees the US as the biggest devil while America sees the Islamic Republic as the “axis of evil.”

The Islamic scholar made the remarks while commenting on relations between the United States and Iran, noting that despite deep hostility, both sides are still engaging in talks.

“Peace talks between enemies. Iran sees the USA as the Biggest Devil. The USA sees Iran as part of the Axis of Evil.

“All parties see the other as terrorists. Yet they are over a round table. So don’t tell me the crap: ‘we don’t dialogue with terrorists’,” he said.

‘Iran sees US as biggest devils, Islamic Republic sees America as evil’ – Gumi

Rangers manager, Danny Röhl, has explained why he didn’t feature Emmanuel Fernandez in his side’s recent 4-2 win over Dundee after he played for Nigeria during the March international break.

Recall that Fernandez was an unused substitute as Rangers defeated Dundee in the Scottish top-flight league last weekend.

Röhl opted to play John Souttar and Nasser Djiga in the defence, leaving Fernandez among the substitutes.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Rangers’ clash with Falkirk this weekend, Röhl was asked whether Fernandez is back in contention for Sunday’s match after missing out against Dundee.

He said, “Manny, it was a decision from my side. Manny travelled a lot. It was his first experience with the national team.

“We have John, as well as a centre-back, available. Derek is back in the training group, and we have a competition for this position. And it is good for us and Manny to push and not to be comfortable in a position. We won 4-2, and then my choice was not too wrong.”

Why I didn’t feature Fernandez after he played for Nigeria – Rangers manager Röhl

Justice Musa Suleiman Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 13 for judgment in a suit filed by a House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, seeking an order restraining Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The Judge fixed the date on Friday after Abejide’s counsel, Ibrahim Idris, SAN, and lawyers to the defence adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suit.

Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the ADC, had instituted the suit through his lawyer.

In the originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025 filed on February. 15, 2026 by Idris, the lawmaker sued ADC, Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

Nwosu was the former national chairman of ADC who stepped down for Mark, the former Senate President to take over the leadership of the party.

Abejide, among the eight reliefs, sought an order nullifying Nwosu’s handover or transfer of ADC’s leadership to Mark and Aregbesola as interim national Chairman and intenm national Secretary respectively on July 2, 2025, at Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja for being illegal, unlawful, null and void.

He sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as leaders of the party “as thelr purported appointment, selection or election was unlawful, illegal, null and void.”

He also sought perpetual injunction, restraining INEC from recognising Mark and Aregbesola as ADC’s interim national chairman and interim national secretary “as their appomtment. selection or election did not meet the requirements of Section 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022,” among other prayers.

But ADC, represented by Shaibu Aruwa, SAN; Nwosu, represented by P. I. Oyewole; Rilwan Okpanachi who appeared for Mark; Aregbesola’s lawyer, I. R. Abdullahi, and counsel who appeared for INEC, Anthony Onyeri, all prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.

ADC, Nwosu, Mark and Aregbesola, in their arguments, submitted that Abejide lacked the legal right to institute the suit.

In their separate preliminary objections, they argued that the subject matter of the suit borders on the internal affairs of a political party which is non-justiciable.

They added that the court lacked the jurisdiction to delve into such matters.

The defendants also stated that contrary to Abejide’s submission, the Mark-led leadership was elected on July 29, 2025, at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party, and not July 2, 2025.

They stated that Abejide had not demonstrated any reasonable cause why the suit should be filed.

The defendants, who urged the court to dismiss the suit with subtantial cost in line with Section 83(5) of the Electiral Act, 2026, argued that the matter is academic.

Also in his argument, A. O. Onyeri, who appeared for INEC, prayed the court to dimiss the suit.

Another suit seeking David Mark, Aregbesola’s sack as ADC leaders for judgment April 13