Category: News

PDP chairman Umar Damagum calls Delta governor’s defection to APC “unfortunate” and says 2027 will be a battle between Tinubu and Nigerians, not governors.

PDP Reacts to Delta Governor’s Defection, Says 2027 Election Is Between Tinubu and Nigerians

Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has described the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other prominent party members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “unfortunate” and a betrayal of the party’s trust.

Speaking in Abuja during the presentation of Certificate of Return to PDP’s Anambra governorship candidate, Jude Ezenwafor, Damagum expressed deep disappointment, especially considering the support the party had given to Delta State over the years.

We least expected this action from them. PDP has been very magnanimous to Delta. We gave them everything grom the governorship to vice presidential candidacy,” Damagum said.

The defection, which also reportedly includes former Delta Governor and PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, was announced after a closed-door meeting in Asaba, led by Senator James Manager.

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Despite the high-profile exits, Damagum emphasized that the party remains unshaken and would immediately reconstitute its state leadership structures, beginning with the formation of a caretaker committee in Delta.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Damagum dismissed concerns about party defections and stressed that the real battle is not between political parties but between President Tinubu and the Nigerian people.

“This election in 2027 is not about how many governors you have. It’s APC versus Nigerians,” he declared.

Citing Peter Obi’s performance in 2023, Damagum reminded Nigerians that party machinery alone does not determine election outcomes, adding that citizens suffering under current economic hardship will decide the next administration.

He also encouraged PDP members across the country to remain united and resilient, stating that the party had overcome greater challenges in the past.

Meanwhile, Jude Ezenwafor, PDP’s candidate for the upcoming November 8 Anambra governorship election, expressed gratitude and confidence in securing victory.

Anambra is PDP and PDP is Anambra. I’ll surprise the world with the election result,” Ezenwafor said.

Labour Party’s Julius Abure insists he remains the party’s National Chairman, warns Peter Obi and Governor Otti against misinterpreting Supreme Court ruling.

I Remain Labour Party National Chairman, No Vacancy in Leadership  Julius Abure Declares

Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has declared that he remains the undisputed leader of the party, dismissing any claims of a leadership vacuum or alternative authority.

At a press briefing held Thursday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, spoke on behalf of Abure, describing the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee as illegitimate and lacking constitutional backing.

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Abure also warned key party figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, to stop misinterpreting the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 ruling, which he claims reaffirms his leadership.

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“The Supreme Court actually validated the party’s national convention held on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, thereby affirming the legality of our National Working Committee,” Abure stated.

He criticized internal actors for exploiting a misunderstood judgment to sow division within the party, insisting all processes leading to the 2024 convention were constitutional.

Quoting directly from the Supreme Court judgment, he emphasized the autonomy of political parties:

“A political party is a corporate entity with its own constitution… binding on members who freely joined it,” referencing Abegunde Vs. Ondo State House of Assembly.

Abure urged both Otti and Obi to “hear the Supreme Court loud and clear” and to uphold the party’s constitution.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions, as the Obi-Otti faction recently presented a 48-page Certified True Copy of the judgment at a parallel National Executive Committee meeting, insisting the ruling invalidates Abure’s chairmanship.

Efforts to get a response from Peter Obi’s media team and Tony Akeni, spokesman for the Usman faction, were unsuccessful as of press time.

Suspected herdsmen launch midnight attack on Agbo Vengav community in Benue, killing seven and abducting others, including women and children.

Seven Killed, Others Missing in Midnight Benue Attack by Suspected Herdsmen

Seven people, including women and a young girl, have been confirmed dead following a midnight attack by suspected herdsmen on Agbo Vengav community in Udam, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

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The attack occurred around 1:00 am on Friday, catching residents off guard as they slept.

Eyewitnesses say the assailants, believed to be armed Fulani herders, stormed the village and opened fire, leaving seven people dead.

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“A little girl was killed while her mother was abducted. We still don’t know where she is,” a local resident said anonymously.

The community is still searching for several missing persons as fears of more fatalities mount.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement. Attempts to reach the Benue State Police Command spokesperson were unsuccessful, as calls to her mobile phone went unanswered.

The attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents in Benue State, which has been one of the hotspots of clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria.

EFCC and National Sports Commission strengthen collaboration to develop grassroots talents ahead of the 2025 OSOM Games aimed at fostering peace and unity.

EFCC, NSC Partner to Boost Sports Development Ahead of OSOM Games 2025

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have agreed to deepen their partnership in promoting sports development and national unity.

The resolution was reached during a courtesy visit by the EFCC’s Sports Committee, led by Assistant Commander Halilu Dauda, to NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, ahead of the upcoming One Service, One Medal (OSOM) Games.

The OSOM Games, an annual multi-sport tournament, brings together participants from Nigeria’s armed forces, law enforcement, and para-military agencies, fostering peace, camaraderie, and national integration.

Dauda commended Dikko’s efforts in revitalizing Nigerian sports, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development.

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“The OSOM Games will serve as a platform to harness talent that can bring Nigeria global recognition. We have exceptional athletes at home and abroad our focus should be on grooming the best from the grassroots,” he said.

EFCC Sports Committee PRO, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, also highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, stating that synergy among government institutions is vital to resource mobilization and talent discovery.

In response, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko emphasized the Commission’s commitment to early athlete development.

“We’re prioritizing grassroots and school-based programs. Waiting for competitions to start preparations is counterproductive our focus is on long-term training and talent grooming,” Dikko said.

The 2025 OSOM Games will include a diverse range of events such as swimming, taekwondo, weightlifting, beach volleyball, chess, football, golf, shooting, boxing, table tennis, tennis, squash, badminton, and scrabble.

The EFCC has arraigned Lexicon Media CEO Alex Ologbosele and two others for alleged N459 million fraud. Court adjourns bail ruling till May 2, 2025.

EFCC Arraigns Lexicon Media CEO for Alleged N459m Fraud, Court Remands Defendants in Kuje Prison

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Osabohem Alex Ologbosele, the Chief Executive Officer of Lexicon Multiconcept Media Limited, alongside his company and staff member Augustine Osas Iyoha, before Justice E. Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The three defendants face a six-count amended charge bordering on fraud, obtaining money under false pretense, and money laundering amounting to ₦459,050,000.

During the court session, EFCC counsel O.S. Ujam requested the court to substitute the initial charges filed on March 7, 2025, with an amended charge dated March 10, 2025, which the judge approved.

Details of the charges:

Count One: Ologbosele allegedly took possession of ₦340 million, transferred from the account of one Hope Onome Ogholemu, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Count Two: Lexicon Multiconcept Media allegedly received ₦16 million from Ologbosele’s Kuda Bank account into its Moniepoint account, also suspected to be laundered funds.

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All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the plea, Ujam requested an adjournment to allow the prosecution time to call witnesses. However, the defense counsel, Samuel Ogala, appealed for bail for all defendants, citing applications filed in March 2025.

Ujam opposed the bail, presenting a 17-paragraph affidavit detailing how the first defendant was arrested in November 2023, but failed to report back to the EFCC for several months until February 5, 2025, describing him as a flight risk.

Justice Akpan, after hearing both parties, adjourned the case to May 2, 2025, for a ruling on the bail applications and ordered the remand of all defendants in Kuje Correctional Facility.

President Tinubu declares “enough is enough” on killings in Nigeria, orders total security overhaul and collaboration with governors to restore peace.

Tinubu Orders Security Overhaul: ‘Enough is Enough,’ President Tells NSA, Service Chiefs

President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern directive to Nigeria’s security agencies, demanding an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security strategy. In strong terms, the President declared “enough is enough” in response to recent killings across Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states.

The marching order was delivered during a high-level security meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The session was attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, alongside the heads of the armed forces, police, and intelligence services. Details of the meeting were shared via a statement by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

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Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Ribadu revealed that President Tinubu demanded a new, coordinated approach to national security, emphasizing grassroots collaboration.

“Mr. President gave us the opportunity to provide a full update. It was a very lengthy and detailed session,” Ribadu said. “He directed us to intensify efforts and to work more closely with local communities, local governments, and state governors.”

Ribadu stressed that Tinubu remained actively engaged with security developments even while on official visits abroad, including trips to Paris and London, during which he continued issuing instructions to security operatives.

“The President was visibly concerned. He said clearly ‘enough is enough.’ His directive is for us to restore peace and stability, no matter what it takes,” Ribadu said.

Security agencies have now been tasked with implementing new strategies at every level, including reinforcing coordination at the community level where many of the recent conflicts have flared.

This renewed commitment underscores Tinubu’s resolve to end Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges and safeguard citizens in every part of the country.

EFCC obtains court order to arrest six CBEX promoters over alleged $1bn crypto fraud. Platform blocked withdrawals after luring investors with fake returns.

BREAKING: EFCC Secures Court Order to Arrest CBEX Crypto Fraud Suspects Over Alleged $1 Billion Scam

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the authority to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) over an alleged $1 billion cryptocurrency investment fraud.

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Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Thursday following an ex parte application filed by EFCC counsel Fadila Yusuf. The suspects are to remain in EFCC custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.

The individuals named in the arrest warrant include Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim. They are accused of operating CBEX through ST Technologies International Limited, a platform allegedly designed to exploit investors with promises of unrealistic 100% returns on crypto assets.

According to the EFCC, unsuspecting victims were encouraged to convert their digital currencies into stablecoins (USDT) and transfer them into wallets controlled by the suspects. Once over $1 billion had been collected, the platform became inaccessible, and investors were blocked from making withdrawals.

The anti-graft agency further disclosed that CBEX was never registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a key indicator that the operation was fraudulent from the outset.

The EFCC said the arrests are crucial to unraveling the full extent of the scam and securing justice for affected investors.

Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano South has officially left the NNPP for the APC, ending weeks of speculation. He says his priority is serving his constituents better.

Kawu Sumaila Confirms Defection from NNPP to APC, Cites Constituents’ Welfare

Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents the Kano South Senatorial District, has officially confirmed his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement, made through a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, puts an end to growing speculation surrounding his political future.

Sumaila explained that his decision was driven by a deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents, which he described as his “first and most important priority.”

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“Yes, it is true the rumours regarding my defection are accurate,” the senator wrote. “All politics is local, and my primary concern has always been, and remains, the welfare of my immediate constituency. I am resolutely determined to advance the lives of my people, ensuring their needs are met and their future is secured.”

His move has sparked fresh speculation about the possible return of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former NNPP presidential candidate, to the APC.

Sumaila’s defection also follows a wave of high-profile political realignments, including the reported defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in Delta State to the ruling party.

These shifts are seen as signs of intensified political maneuvering ahead of future elections.

A herder is missing after suspected locals ambushed herders in Plateau’s Shen Mountain area. Livestock killed as police launch search and investigation.

Suspected Locals Ambush Herders in Plateau: One Missing, Livestock Killed

Authorities in Plateau State have confirmed an early morning ambush on herders in the Shen Mountain area, leading to the death of several animals and the disappearance of one herder.

According to the police, the attack occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, when suspected local residents intercepted the herders as they moved their cattle through the mountainous terrain.

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The assailants reportedly killed two cows and three rams during the incident. One herder has been declared missing, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Upon receiving a distress call at about 7:30 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer in Bukuru deployed a patrol unit to the scene to prevent further violence and secure the area.

A search operation is currently underway for the missing individual, and a full investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for the ambush.

The Plateau State Police Command is urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations, stressing the importance of community collaboration to maintain peace in the region.

Lagos State enforces a pregnancy ban for 2025 Hajj pilgrims, citing serious health risks. Advanced screenings and medical checks introduced to ensure compliance.

Lagos Bans Pregnant Women from 2025 Hajj Over Health and Safety Concerns

The Lagos State Government has announced a ban on pregnant women participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, citing significant health and safety concerns associated with the physically demanding journey.

Speaking in Badagry, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, confirmed that the decision aligns with a directive from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). He stressed that the pilgrimage conditions can pose serious risks to the health of expectant mothers and their unborn children.

Ramadan midnight prayer nafilah

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also weighed in, urging that only individuals deemed medically fit should embark on the spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia. To enforce this new policy, the state has introduced rigorous health screening protocols, including the deployment of mobile diagnostic vans capable of detecting pregnancies and other medical conditions.

This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety of all pilgrims and minimize emergency health incidents during the Hajj. The Lagos State Government emphasized its commitment to safeguarding lives while supporting citizens in fulfilling their religious obligations.