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  • El-Rufai’s Son Breaks Silence, Warns Over Father’s Detention Amid Bail Controversy

    Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has reacted strongly to the continued detention of his father, insisting that the family is unafraid of intimidation or pressure.

    Speaking to journalists, the lawmaker said the El-Rufai family would not be silenced, warning that those allegedly responsible for his father’s situation would be held accountable if anything happens to him.

    “We fear no one,” El-Rufai’s son says

    Mohammed stated that the family remains firm despite the ongoing legal and detention issues surrounding the former governor.

    “We, the El-Rufais, fear no one and nothing,” he said.

    He added that any harm that comes to his father would not go unanswered, stressing that those involved in his continued detention should be prepared for consequences.

    “If anything happens to my father, Nasir El-Rufai, those behind his continued detention despite being granted bail should be the ones living in fear,” he said.

    Ongoing detention claims and legal disputes

    Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly been in and out of custody since February 2026 following allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.

    He was said to have first been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after honouring an invitation, before being granted bail days later.

    However, reports claim he was later re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with additional allegations linked to ongoing investigations.

    He has also reportedly faced separate scrutiny from the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cybercrime-related offences.

    Family maintains strong stance

    Mohammed insisted that the family would not be intimidated by the situation, maintaining that they will continue to speak out on developments surrounding his father’s detention.

    The comments have since sparked reactions online, with supporters and critics weighing in on the unfolding legal and political drama.

  • Oyo Police Clarify Ogbomoso Panic Was False Alarm, Warn Against Fake Bandit Rumours

    The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports of a bandit attack in Ogbomoso and Ajaawa, describing the widespread panic on Tuesday as a false alarm triggered by misinformation circulating within affected communities.

    The Command said normalcy has since been restored, while reassuring residents that there was no security breach in the area as earlier feared.

    Police Deploy Operatives After Panic Spreads

    According to the statement issued on May 19, 2026, panic broke out in parts of Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, including Ajaawa Town, after rumours alleged that armed bandits had invaded the area near Are-Ago High School.

    The police said surveillance and patrol teams were immediately deployed to verify the claims and prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Upon arrival, officers engaged school authorities, including the principal, Mrs. Akanbi Ruth, who explained that the alarm started from students who reported sighting unfamiliar individuals near the school fence.

    NSCDC Officer, Civilians Cleared After Verification

    The Command disclosed that preliminary investigations identified the individuals at the centre of the panic as an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to the Kwara State Command, alongside two civilians.

    They were found in a Toyota Venza SUV and reportedly explained that they were in the area for a birthday visit.

    Security authorities in Ogbomoso were contacted to confirm the identity and status of the NSCDC officer involved.

    Altercation and Rumour Spread Trigger Escalation

    The police noted that an altercation between some teachers and the visitors further escalated suspicion within the school environment.

    This, according to the Command, led to students spreading unverified claims to nearby schools and communities, which quickly intensified panic across Ogbomoso and Ajaawa before facts were established.

    Police Warn Against Fake News

    The Command firmly stated that there was no bandit attack or invasion in the affected areas, stressing that the situation was fully contained.

    It added that patrols have been intensified and stakeholders engaged to reassure residents and maintain calm.

    The police also warned against the spread of fake news and unverified security reports, noting that such misinformation can trigger unnecessary fear and disrupt public order.

    It cautioned that individuals found guilty of spreading false security information will be investigated and prosecuted.

  • EFCC Arrests Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman After 75-Year Corruption Conviction

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, days after he was convicted and handed a 75-year prison sentence over corruption-related offences involving about ₦22 billion.

    EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that Mamman was picked up at about 3:30am on Tuesday in Kaduna following a court order directing security agencies to arrest him wherever he is found.

    Arrest Follows Court Conviction

    Mamman’s arrest comes after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds.

    The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to multiple prison terms on each count, which are to run consecutively, amounting to a total of 75 years.

    Justice Omotosho also ordered that the sentence takes effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest.

    ₦22 Billion Power Project Fraud Case

    The former minister was prosecuted over alleged fraudulent transactions linked to the diversion of funds meant for major electricity infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Power.

    The affected projects include the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power schemes, both considered critical to Nigeria’s long-term energy expansion plan.

    The court further ordered the forfeiture of recovered funds and properties linked to the case to the Federal Government, as well as the refund of outstanding diverted amounts.

    EFCC Moves to Enforce Judgment

    Following the ruling, the EFCC intensified efforts to ensure enforcement of the judgment, leading to Mamman’s arrest in Kaduna.

    The commission said the arrest was necessary to ensure compliance with the court’s decision and continuation of the sentencing process.

    The case adds to ongoing anti-corruption prosecutions involving high-profile former public officials accused of mismanagement of public funds.

  • Togo Removes Visa Requirements for All African Nationals, Allows 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

    The government of Togo has announced the removal of visa requirements for citizens of all African countries travelling into its territory for short stays, in a sweeping policy aimed at strengthening continental integration.

    The decision was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement issued by Togo’s Ministry of Security via its official X account.

    30-Day Visa-Free Entry Approved

    According to the statement, all African nationals holding valid national passports can now enter Togo without a visa for a period of up to 30 days.

    The government said the policy is designed to promote ease of movement, regional cooperation, and stronger ties across African countries.

    “Togo takes a historic step in strengthening African integration,” the ministry said.

    It added that the country’s leadership remains committed to positioning Togo as a hub of openness and opportunity within the continent.

    Travel Declaration Still Required

    Despite the visa waiver, authorities clarified that travellers must still complete an online travel declaration at least 24 hours before arrival.

    The requirement, they said, is to ensure proper entry documentation and security tracking for incoming visitors.

    Push for African Integration

    The policy places Togo among a growing list of African nations easing travel restrictions to encourage intra-African mobility, trade, and tourism.

    Rwanda has also implemented a similar visa-free arrangement for African nationals in recent years.

    In response, Nigeria has begun rolling out a 30-day visa exemption for Rwandan citizens, signaling a broader shift toward more open travel policies across the continent.

  • Nigerian Army to Recruit 28,000 New Troops as Tinubu Orders Major Security Expansion

    The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 troops as part of a wide-ranging expansion aimed at strengthening national security amid rising threats across the country.

    The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, during the opening of the First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, where he outlined new strategies to boost military manpower and operational capacity.

    Mass Recruitment Drive Announced

    According to the Army leadership, the recruitment is part of directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address manpower gaps within the armed forces.

    The move is expected to significantly boost “boots on the ground” across various theatres of operation, including insurgency-hit regions in the North-East and banditry-prone North-West.

    The Army said the new personnel will be trained to support intelligence-led operations and rapid response missions across the country.

    New Military Formations Across States

    Alongside the recruitment plan, the Nigerian Army has established several new formations to strengthen security coverage nationwide.

    These include the 15 Brigade in parts of the South-East, new battalions in Kogi and Adamawa States, as well as logistics bases in Ilorin, Kwara State and Gusau, Zamfara State.

    A new training depot has also been set up in Amasiri, Ebonyi State, which will serve as a key centre for training the incoming recruits.

    Security Strategy and Government Push

    Military authorities say the expansion is aimed at improving coordination, enhancing intelligence gathering, and increasing response speed to emerging threats across different regions.

    Lt. Gen. Shuaibu commended President Tinubu for continued support in equipment procurement, welfare improvements, and infrastructure upgrades within the Army.

    He also noted that the restructuring has already contributed to improved operational outcomes in some volatile areas.

    Concerns Over Implementation

    While the development has been welcomed by some security analysts and stakeholders, concerns remain over training capacity, troop welfare, and the challenges of integrating such a large number of recruits within a short timeframe.

    There are also ongoing discussions around casualties and long-term sustainability of military operations amid widespread insecurity.

    Further details on recruitment requirements, timelines, and application processes are expected to be released by the Nigerian Army in the coming weeks.

     

  • Kwara Residents Risk Death Crossing Collapsed Moro Bridge After Floods

    Residents and commuters in Kwara State are risking their lives daily by crossing the collapsed Moro Bridge on the Ilorin-Igbeti Federal Highway following severe flooding caused by the overflowing Moro River.

    The collapsed bridge, located in Moro area of the state, has left thousands stranded and disrupted movement between Ilorin, parts of Oyo State, and northern communities in Kwara including Kaiama and Baruten.

    Flooding Worsens Situation

    Heavy rainfall on May 18 reportedly caused the Moro River to overflow, submerging vehicles and worsening conditions around the damaged bridge.

    Eyewitness videos circulating online showed stranded passengers climbing onto vehicle roofs while others trekked through floodwaters carrying loads on their heads in desperate attempts to cross.

    Some commuters were also seen balancing dangerously on the remains of the collapsed Bailey bridge despite safety concerns.

    Bridge Collapsed Weeks Ago

    The colonial-era Moro Bailey Bridge reportedly collapsed around 5 a.m. on April 30 after a heavy-duty truck passed over the aging structure.

    Several commuters were injured during the incident and taken to hospitals in Ilorin for treatment.

    The bridge serves as a major transport route linking communities in Kwara and Oyo states, making its collapse a major setback for residents, traders, farmers, and transporters.

    Farmers, Traders Lament Hardship

    Residents said the situation has severely affected economic activities, especially the movement of farm produce from rural communities to markets.

    Farmers and traders lamented rising transportation costs, delayed movement of goods, and possible spoilage of perishable food items.

    Many commuters also complained that they now spend longer hours navigating alternative routes or trekking through dangerous paths to reach their destinations.

    Government Responds

    The Kwara State Government earlier announced traffic diversions and deployed engineers to carry out palliative repairs on alternative routes.

    According to the Ministry of Works, engineers were mobilised shortly after the collapse to ease traffic congestion while work continues on a permanent replacement bridge.

    The government also dismissed reports claiming huge sums were spent on emergency interventions, insisting that only ₦27 million was used for palliative works on the federal bridge.

    Residents Demand Urgent Action

    Despite the government’s intervention, residents and community leaders said repairs have been too slow, forcing people to continue risking their lives daily.

    They called on both the federal and state governments to urgently provide temporary solutions and accelerate the completion of the new bridge before more lives are lost.

    The incident has again raised concerns over the poor condition of aging infrastructure across several parts of Nigeria, especially major transport corridors linking farming communities.

  • Family Of Killed Oyo Teacher Begs Nigerians To Stop Sharing Graphic Videos

    The family of murdered Oyo school teacher, Michael Oyedokun, has appealed to Nigerians and media platforms to stop circulating graphic videos and photos of his killing online.

    The appeal followed the tragic attack carried out by bandits in Aholo-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where pupils, students, and school staff were abducted from multiple schools last Friday.

    Family Speaks Out

    A family member, Adesewa Oladosu, made the emotional appeal in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying the repeated circulation of the disturbing content has worsened the pain of the family.

    “Hello everyone, please we sincerely appeal to the public and media platforms to kindly reduce or stop sharing the graphic videos and pictures of our beloved uncle,” she wrote.

    She explained that the videos and images have continued to traumatise the family, especially the late teacher’s children who are currently sitting for their WAEC examinations.

    “We truly appreciate the love, concern, and sympathy shown towards our family during this painful time,” she added.

    “However, the continuous circulation of those videos and images is deeply traumatizing for us as a family.”

    Children Writing WAEC Exams

    According to her, the emotional toll has been overwhelming for the deceased’s children, elderly relatives, and extended family members.

    “His children are currently writing their WAEC exams, and it has been extremely difficult emotionally for them, his elderly loved ones, and all of us his nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives especially as these contents keep appearing on social media,” she stated.

    The family urged Nigerians to use blurred images or officially released family photos whenever discussing the incident online.

    “For the sake of our mental and emotional wellbeing, we humbly ask that if it is necessary to post about the incident, please kindly blur the videos/images or make use of the pictures officially released by the family instead,” she appealed.

    “We sincerely appreciate your understanding, prayers, love, and support during this difficult period. Thank you.”

    Attack Sparks Outrage

    Mr Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded in a video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday, May 17, a development that has triggered outrage and grief across Nigeria.

    The attack in Oyo State has also intensified concerns over insecurity affecting schools and rural communities, with teachers and residents demanding urgent government intervention.

  • JAMB Speaks On Delay In Printing 2026 UTME Original Result Slips

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that printing of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) original result slips has not yet been activated, urging candidates nationwide to remain patient.

    JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

    Why Printing Has Not Started

    According to the board, the delay is connected to the completion of foreign examinations and preparations for the mop-up examination for candidates who missed the main UTME through no fault of theirs.

    “The printing of the 2026 UTME Original Result Slip has not yet been activated. Candidates are kindly urged to be patient as the Board has just concluded the foreign examinations and is also preparing to conduct the mop-up examination for candidates who were unable to sit for the main examination through no fault of theirs,” the statement read.

    JAMB explained that the UTME remains a ranking examination and that the original result slip contains the ranking position of candidates, making it necessary for all pending processes to be completed before the portal is activated.

    “Candidates are reminded that the UTME is a ranking examination, and the Original Result Slip contains the ranking of candidates. Consequently, all necessary processes must be completed before the slips can be released,” Benjamin added.

    Candidates Await Portal Activation

    The examination body assured candidates that the portal for printing the original result slips would be activated once all adjustments had been finalised.

    “As soon as the necessary adjustments are concluded, the printing portal will be activated. This will be done shortly, and candidates will be duly informed when to proceed with the printing of their result slips,” the statement added.

    JAMB also apologised for the delay and appealed for understanding from candidates and stakeholders.

    Candidates Express Frustration

    The development has triggered frustration among several candidates online, with many saying they urgently need access to their result slips for post-UTME screening, admission processing, and change of course or institution applications.

    The board had earlier enabled candidates to check their UTME scores through SMS using their registered phone numbers.

    The latest update comes weeks after JAMB announced 150 as the cut-off mark for university admission for the 2026 academic session.

  • Panic In Oyo As Parents Storm School, Withdraw Children Over Fresh Bandit Rumours

    Fear and confusion erupted in a community in Oyo State on Tuesday after anxious parents reportedly stormed a primary school and forcefully withdrew their children over rumours of a fresh bandit attack around the Ajawa axis.

    The incident reportedly happened at Ijeru Baptist Basic School I and III following claims circulating within the area that armed bandits had invaded nearby communities.

    Parents Force School Gates Open

    Photos and videos seen online captured chaotic scenes as worried parents rushed into the school premises, forced the gates open and hurriedly took their children away amid panic.

    According to SaharaReporters, the situation caused tension among teachers, pupils and residents within the area.

    A community source said the panic was triggered by unverified reports linking violence in nearby communities to suspected bandit activities.

    “The parents stormed the school, forced the gate open, and began taking their children away by force,” the source said.

    Teachers Attempted To Calm Situation

    The source explained that school authorities repeatedly assured parents that there was no confirmed bandit invasion around the school environment.

    “The information they heard was that bandits were around Ajawa, which is not true,” the source added.

    Teachers were also said to have contacted security operatives within the district in a bid to calm the growing panic.

    “The teachers came out saying they had contacted the police command within that district that they were told the violence had to do with a fight between Fulani people and the farmers there,” the source stated.

    Fresh Fear After Oyo School Abduction

    The latest scare comes days after terrorists attacked schools in the Ogbomoso axis of Oyo State, killing and abducting teachers and students.

    Two teachers have already been confirmed dead, while videos showing one of the abducted school principals pleading for government intervention surfaced online.

    Authorities are yet to officially comment on Tuesday’s panic at the school as tension continues to grow among residents and parents across affected communities in Oyo State.

  • Full List Of 46 Abducted Teachers, Pupils And Toddler In Oyo School Attack

    A 2-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, is among 46 persons abducted during a coordinated attack on schools and surrounding communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday.

    Community leaders confirmed that the victims include seven teachers and 39 pupils and students abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

    The attackers were also said to have carted away four motorcycles belonging to villagers during the operation.

    Below is the full list of abducted teachers, pupils and residents as released by community leaders.

    Abducted Teachers

    1. Mrs. Alamu Folawe – Principal, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele
    2. Mr. Ojo Jonathan – Vice Principal
    3. Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus – Teacher
    4. Mr. John Olaleye – Teacher
    5. Mr. Michael Oyedokun – Teacher
    6. Mrs. Oladeji – Teacher
    7. Mary Akanbi – Teacher, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School

    Victims From Ahoro-Esinele Community

    1. Rashida Tajudeen – 11 years
    2. Ahmed Ramoni – 8 years
    3. Abdulsalam Toyib – 4 years
    4. Baraka Abioye – 16 years
    5. Fatimo Jimoh – 15 years
    6. Hassan Azeez – 14 years
    7. Joshua Adeleke – 13 years

    Victims From Yawota Community

    1. Samuel Oyedele – 7 years
    2. Emmanuel Oyedele – 4 years
    3. Idowu Taiwo – 4 years
    4. Christianah Akanbi – 2 years
    5. Juwon Sunday – 7 years
    6. Sikiru Salami – 3 years
    7. Soliu Salami – 4 years
    8. Ojo Joseph – 8 years
    9. Lydia Adewole – 8 years
    10. Testimony Jacob – 5 years
    11. Kehinde Kaosara – 7 years
    12. Sewa Seyi – 7 years
    13. Waliya Bello – 4 years
    14. Lydia Olohunloluwa – 7 years
    15. Damilare Oderinde – 8 years
    16. Deborah Adebowale – 5 years
    17. Aisha Oguntowo – 10 years
    18. Lege Taiwo – 12 years
    19. Balkis Ayanwale – 8 years
    20. Asa David – 10 years

    Victims From Oniya Community

    1. Shuaibu Aliyu – 10 years
    2. Ahmed Aliyu – 7 years
    3. Muiz Aliyu – 5 years
    4. Jomiloju Ogunlola – 6 years

    Victims From Alawusa Community

    1. Agune Noah – 8 years
    2. Elizabeth Abadi – 5 years
    3. Tosin Abadi – 9 years
    4. Pius Stephen – 5 years
    5. Hannah Ojo – 14 years
    6. Habidat Ayanwale – 7 years
    7. Mary Gabriel – 6 years
    8. Jacob Gabriel – age not specified

    Following the attack, teachers in the affected communities have suspended work, calling on the federal government and Oyo State Government to urgently secure the release of the abducted victims.