Welcome

Author: Promise Odejide

  • Terrorists Kill Soldiers, Seize Army Gun Truck in Kwara After Hours-Long Gun Battle

    Terrorists have reportedly killed security operatives and carted away an army gun truck after a fierce gun battle with soldiers in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, in the early hours of Monday.

    The clash, which lasted nearly two hours from about 3am to 5am, comes amid fresh attacks in Plateau and Benue states where at least 11 persons were also reported killed.

    What happened

    Sources said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers and launched a direct assault on a security formation comprising soldiers, forest guards, and vigilantes.

    A former council chairman disclosed that three soldiers and two vigilantes were killed during the encounter, while several others sustained injuries.

    “They came around 3am and attacked the security post… they also took motorcycles, guns, ammunition, and even the army gun truck,” the source said.

    Weapons carted away

    Residents confirmed that the attackers overwhelmed the troops before fleeing with military equipment, including about 12 motorcycles, arms, and ammunition.

    Another source said the attackers also evacuated their injured members, raising concerns about possible local collaboration.

    Military response

    Security operatives were said to have launched a pursuit operation into nearby forests, believed to be the attackers’ hideout.

    Some injured personnel have been taken to Kaiama General Hospital, while severe cases were referred to Ilorin for further treatment.

    No civilian casualties

    Community sources and the village head, Alhaji Sanni Zikki, confirmed that residents were not attacked during the incident.

    “The terrorists came from Kainji National Park and attacked our security men. We lost three soldiers… but there was no casualty among residents,” he said.

    Wider attacks

    The Kwara incident occurred alongside separate attacks in Plateau and Benue communities, where no fewer than 11 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured.

    Efforts to get official confirmation from police authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

  • APC Unveils Full Timetable for 2027 Elections, Fixes Dates for Primaries, Forms

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, outlining dates for sale of forms, screening, primaries, and appeals.

    The schedule, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, shows that the process will begin on April 20, 2026, with the notice of election to state chapters.

    Key dates announced

    According to the timetable, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026.

    Submission of completed forms is fixed for May 4, while screening of aspirants for all positions will take place between May 6 and May 8.

    The publication of screening results is scheduled for May 11, with appeals set for May 12 and 13.

    Primary elections schedule

    The party fixed its presidential primary for May 15 and 16.

    House of Representatives primaries will hold on May 18, followed by the Senate on May 20.

    State House of Assembly primaries are slated for May 21, while governorship primaries will take place on May 23.

    Appeals timetable

    Appeals for the presidential primary will be held on May 18.

    House of Representatives appeals are scheduled for May 20, Senate on May 21, State Assembly on May 23, and governorship on May 25.

    Cost of forms

    The APC also released the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms.

    Presidential aspirants will pay ₦100 million, made up of ₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination.

    Governorship forms cost ₦50 million, Senate ₦20 million, House of Representatives ₦10 million, and State Assembly ₦6 million.

    The party added that female, youth, and physically challenged aspirants will pay for expression of interest forms and 50 percent of nomination fees.

    What it means

    The release of the timetable signals the formal start of APC’s internal process ahead of the 2027 elections, with political activities expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

     

  • Blord Regains Freedom After 20 Days in Kuje Over VeryDarkMan Impersonation Case

    Popular Nigerian crypto entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejika, widely known as Blord, has been released from Kuje Correctional Facility after spending 20 days in custody over allegations of impersonating social media activist VeryDarkMan.

    He regained freedom on Monday evening after meeting his bail conditions.

    What happened

    Blord was earlier granted bail on Friday by the court, with a directive to submit his international passport.

    However, he remained in custody after the passport did not arrive in Abuja from Anambra State in time to fulfil the condition.

    He was later released after completing all requirements.

    Sowore confirms release

    Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed the development in a post on Instagram.

    “Linus Williams, also known as @mrblordofficial, is finally out of Kuje Prison… No one should be abandoned to unjust detention,” he wrote.

    Sowore also thanked members of the public for their support during the period.

    Background

    Blord was remanded following allegations that he impersonated VeryDarkMan, a controversial social media figure known for his outspoken commentary.

    The case drew attention online, with supporters calling for his release.

    His exit from custody now marks the latest development in the ongoing legal matter.

     

  • “I’m Changing My Birthday” — Mr P Drops Bombshell as Feud with Rudeboy Deepens

    Afrobeats star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has stirred fresh reactions after announcing plans to change his birthday amid his ongoing rift with twin brother, Rudeboy.

    The singer made the declaration in a viral post on Instagram, though he did not reveal the new date.

    What happened

    “I’m officially changing my birthday date,” Mr P wrote in the brief but striking post.

    The statement has since triggered speculation among fans, many linking it to the lingering tension between the former P-Square members.

    Feud resurfaces

    Mr P and Rudeboy, born on November 18, 1981, rose to fame as P-Square before their split in 2017.

    Their fallout was tied to disagreements over management, finances, and creative direction.

    Although the duo reunited in 2021, the comeback was short-lived as both artists returned to solo careers.

    EFCC controversy

    The latest development comes after Rudeboy accused Mr P of being behind his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    According to reports, Mr P had filed a petition alleging fraudulent dealings.

    Rudeboy was later cleared after being questioned by the anti-graft agency.

    Despite this, he expressed disappointment that his brother did not apologise over the incident.

    Reactions trail post

    Mr P’s birthday comment has added a new layer to the ongoing family dispute, with fans reacting across social media platforms.

    Many described the move as symbolic, while others called for reconciliation between the twin brothers.

  • Tinubu Approves New Police Academy Campus in Ogun, Releases ₦15bn Take-Off Fund

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigeria Police Academy campus in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, alongside a ₦15 billion take-off grant for its development.

    The approval was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    What was approved

    According to the statement, the ₦15bn intervention fund will be sourced from TETFund’s 2026 allocation.

    It will cover key infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and essential training equipment for the new campus.

    The Presidency said the move aligns with the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, which allows the institution to operate multiple campuses nationwide.

    Why Ogun was selected

    The siting of the campus in Erinja followed recommendations from a high-level meeting involving top government officials.

    Participants included the Minister of Police Affairs, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Universities Commission.

    They considered factors such as student capacity, funding, academic standards, and the long-term training needs of the Nigeria Police Force.

    What it means

    The Presidency said the expansion is aimed at strengthening policing education, institutional governance, and national security.

    The Nigeria Police Academy currently operates a single campus in Wudil, Kano State.

    The new Ogun campus will be the first additional campus created under the 2021 Act.

    Background

    The Academy began in 1988 with temporary campuses in Kano and Kaduna before relocating to Wudil in 1996.

    It became a degree-awarding institution in 2012 and now offers programmes across law, sciences, and related fields.

    Lawmakers had earlier called for decentralisation of the Academy, proposing campuses across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

     

  • “Stay There, Fight Them, Scatter ADC” — Gbajabiamila Tells Abejide Amid Party Crisis

    Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged ADC lawmaker Leke Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress and intensify internal battles within the party amid its ongoing leadership crisis.

    He made the remarks at a birthday event in Abuja, where a video of his comments later surfaced online.

    What happened

    In the viral clip, Gbajabiamila openly encouraged Abejide to stay in the ADC and resist rival factions.

    “I know you to be a committed party man… Stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party,” he said.

    He added that Abejide should ignore opposing voices and continue his political efforts within the party.

    “We like what you are doing. Continue… Nobody can come and take your party away from you,” Gbajabiamila stated.

    ADC crisis deepens

    The ADC has been engulfed in a leadership tussle, with multiple factions battling for control, including a group linked to former Senate President David Mark.

    Abejide is aligned with the Nafiu Bala faction, which is contesting the legitimacy of the rival leadership bloc.

    Abejide’s stance

    The Kogi lawmaker has maintained support for President Tinubu despite remaining in the ADC.

    Speaking on Channels Television, he said his political loyalty cuts across both APC and ADC.

    “My heart is in the APC, and in the ADC… Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and it’s not about party,” he said when asked about his 2027 presidential choice.

    Protest at INEC

    Last week, Abejide and other supporters staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, rejecting the Mark-led faction.

    They accused the group of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution.

    “We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing… These people are hijackers,” Abejide said.

    What this means

    The development highlights growing tensions within the ADC as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The party’s internal crisis is expected to shape its strength as a potential opposition platform.

     

  • “I’m Stepping Back” — VeryDarkMan Announces Social Media Break Amid Criticism

    Popular social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has announced a temporary withdrawal from all social media platforms following criticism over his influence on Nigerian youths.

    He made the announcement in a video shared on his Instagram page.

    What he said

    VeryDarkMan explained that his decision was triggered by allegations that his content distracts young Nigerians from holding the government accountable.

    “Because of the allegations and accusations that it is my posts that have been distracting the Nigerian youths from holding the government accountable, I have decided to not post again on social media during this period,” he said.

    Calls on others to step up

    The influencer urged fellow content creators, celebrities, and activists to use his absence to push conversations around governance and accountability.

    “I would expect all influencers and celebrities and activists to use this opportunity to take over, let’s watch and see,” he added.

    Full break from platforms

    He further clarified that the decision applies across all his social media accounts.

    “I’ve made my decision that from today I am not going to be making any post on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube everywhere.

    “I am going to leave you people, I am going to give you people time… VeryDarkMan is going to be taking a back stage,” he said.

    Context

    VeryDarkMan is known for his outspoken commentary on social and political issues, with a strong following across digital platforms.

    His temporary exit has sparked reactions online, with many debating his impact on public discourse and civic engagement.

  • Gunmen Attack Travellers on Ibadan–Ijebu Road, One Killed as Passengers Flee

    Suspected terrorists attacked travellers along the Ibadan–Ijebu road in Oyo State on Saturday evening, leaving one person dead and several others scrambling for safety.

    The incident occurred around 6 p.m. near Onigambari Village in the Idi Gbogun area.

    What happened

    Witnesses said a Toyota Corolla Sport car was leading a convoy of vehicles, including a bus, when armed men suddenly emerged from the bush and opened fire.

    Passengers reportedly jumped out of their vehicles and ran in different directions to escape the attack.

    Footage circulating on social media showed a bus riddled with bullet holes and stained with blood, highlighting the intensity of the assault.

    Police react

    The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident.

    According to the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the attackers attempted a kidnapping but were unsuccessful.

    “There was an attempted kidnapping, but nobody was abducted. One life was unfortunately lost,” he said.

    Rising concerns

    The attack adds to growing security concerns on Nigerian highways, where cases of armed attacks and abductions have continued to rise.

    Travellers have increasingly raised alarm over the safety of major roads across the country.

  • Supreme Court Pushes Kano Emirate Battle to 2027, Case to Resume After Elections

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned proceedings in the long-running Kano Emirate dispute to April 19, 2027, effectively pushing further hearing until after the next general elections.

    The decision was announced after parties adopted their preliminary arguments at the resumed sitting.

    What the case is about

    The suit centres on the legality of actions taken by successive Kano State governments over the restructuring of the emirate system and the occupancy of the Kano throne.

    At the heart of the dispute are rival claims linked to the 2020 deposition of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the subsequent appointment of Aminu Ado Bayero.

    The controversy deepened after later developments saw Sanusi reinstated following policy reversals by a new administration.

    How the crisis started

    The dispute dates back to 2019 when the Kano State Government under former governor Abdullahi Ganduje created additional emirates, splitting the system into Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya.

    The move sparked widespread reactions and legal challenges.

    In 2024, the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf repealed the law establishing the new emirates, dissolved them and reinstated Sanusi, triggering fresh litigation from opposing parties.

    Latest court position

    At the Supreme Court, the case was filed by a claimant challenging the legality of the repeal law and subsequent actions by the state government and the House of Assembly.

    With the new adjournment date, the apex court has left the issues unresolved for now, prolonging one of the most closely watched traditional and political disputes in the country.

  • “I Don’t Pay Tithe to Church” — Zubby Michael Says After Donating ₦10.2m to Street People

    Nollywood actor Zubby Michael has revealed that he donated ₦10.2 million to people on the streets, describing the gesture as his personal form of tithe after earning ₦102 million from movie roles within a short period.

    He made the disclosure during a recent interview.

    What he said

    The actor explained that the donation represents 10 percent of his recent earnings, stressing that he prefers to give directly to those in need rather than through a church.

    “Not to brag but I am the richest actor. The last time I checked my book, I realised that I have made ₦102 million from artist’s fee lately. Not in my whole career but just of recent.

    “I donated ₦10.2 million, which is 10 per cent of the money to the needy on the street,” he said.

    His stance on tithe

    Zubby Michael stated that he does not believe in paying tithe through religious institutions.

    “I don’t pay tithe to the church. I don’t go to the church. I don’t believe in paying tithe to the church,” he added.

    Context

    The actor noted that the earnings were made within a relatively short time, reflecting his current success in Nollywood.

    His comments have sparked conversations online, particularly around tithing practices and alternative ways of giving.