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Category: Breaking News

  • NYSC Corps Member-to-Be Sparks Debate After Rejecting Posting to Kano Over Security Fears

    A prospective member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sparked mixed reactions online after expressing frustration over being posted to Kano State for her mandatory national service.

    In a video circulating on social media, the corps member, who resides in Owerri, questioned the deployment, arguing that the posting placed her far from home and raised personal safety concerns.

    Concerns Over Posting

    The young woman said she was uncomfortable with the relocation, stressing that fears about insecurity and kidnapping influenced her decision to reject the posting.

    She questioned the rationale behind being deployed to a distant state despite her current location in the South-East.

    “NYSC called me but I won’t be going, tell me why you’re posting me to Kano State out of all the 36 states… with the whole insecurity,” she said in the viral clip.

    She also referenced financial concerns, suggesting that kidnapping risks made her uneasy about travelling to the region.

    Reactions Trail Viral Video

    The video has since generated widespread debate across social media platforms, with Nigerians sharing divided opinions on the matter.

    Some users defended Kano State, describing it as peaceful and culturally welcoming, while encouraging Nigerians to visit and experience the state firsthand.

    Others sympathised with her concerns, arguing that insecurity fears continue to shape public perception of certain regions in the country.

    Ongoing Debate on NYSC Postings

    The incident has once again revived conversations around NYSC postings, especially concerns about safety, distance, and the emotional readiness of graduates deployed to unfamiliar environments.

    The NYSC scheme, established to promote national unity, continues to generate debate among young Nigerians over its relevance and structure in today’s security climate.

  • Nigeria’s New Power Minister Tegbe Promises Steady Electricity Improvements Amid Sector Challenges

    Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has highlighted what he described as early improvements in the country’s electricity supply, while pledging sustained progress in the sector.

    Tegbe, who recently assumed office following the resignation of former minister Adebayo Adelabu, made the remarks during a television interview where he assessed developments in the power sector over the past few weeks.

    Early Gains in Power Sector

    The minister said recent coordination with key agencies such as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has contributed to relative stability in electricity supply.

    He noted that the sector had recorded some improvements within a short period of time, describing them as encouraging signs for ongoing reforms.

    Persistent National Challenges

    Despite the reported progress, Nigeria’s power sector continues to face long-standing structural problems, including gas supply shortages, transmission constraints, and grid instability.

    Average electricity generation remains significantly below national demand, with output typically ranging between 3,000 and 4,500 megawatts, compared to installed capacity estimated at over 13,000 megawatts.

    These challenges have continued to result in frequent outages and uneven power distribution across the country.

    Public Reaction Remains Mixed

    While some stakeholders have welcomed claims of improved stability, others remain skeptical, citing persistent blackouts and lack of consistent supply in many parts of the country.

    Critics have also called for clearer data and transparency regarding actual improvements in generation and distribution.

    Minister Outlines Reform Priorities

    Tegbe said his administration will focus on stabilising the national grid, improving gas supply to power plants, expanding metering coverage, and upgrading infrastructure across the sector.

    He also promised improved coordination among stakeholders in the power value chain and hinted at plans to introduce a public performance tracking system.

    The power sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic development agenda, with stakeholders continuing to stress that reliable electricity is critical for industrial growth, job creation, and overall productivity.

  • FCT Police Commissioner Calls Upgraded Detention Cells “VIP”, Says Facilities Have AC and TVs

    The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has sparked widespread reactions after describing upgraded police detention cells as “VIP” facilities equipped with air conditioners and televisions.

    The remarks were made during a public address in a video that has since circulated widely on social media.

    Upgraded Cells Described as “VIP”

    Sanusi said the improvements were part of efforts to enhance humane treatment of suspects in police custody and align detention conditions with basic human rights standards.

    He noted that he personally ensured air conditioners were installed in cells, adding that detainees are now kept in improved conditions while awaiting investigation or trial.

    “We have AC and TVs to watch Premier League. Our suspects are enjoying their stay,” he said in the widely shared clip.

    He also stated that some suspects reportedly leave detention “happier” and speak positively about their experience after release.

    Push for Humane Treatment of Detainees

    The FCT police chief said the upgrades reflect a commitment to treating suspects with dignity, stressing that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty.

    According to him, the reforms are aimed at improving public trust in policing and correcting past concerns over detention conditions.

    Sanusi, who assumed office as the 35th Commissioner of Police in the FCT in March 2026, previously served in key intelligence and response operations within the Nigeria Police Force.

    Public Reactions Trail Comments

    The comments have generated mixed reactions across social media, with some Nigerians welcoming the move as a step toward modern policing standards.

    Others, however, criticised the remarks, arguing that they appeared insensitive given the broader economic and infrastructure challenges facing ordinary citizens.

    Some users also questioned the prioritisation of detention upgrades amid concerns over welfare conditions in other public sectors.

    Ongoing Conversations

    The FCT Police Command has not issued additional clarification on the scope of the upgrades as discussions continue online.

    The command has, however, maintained its focus on intelligence-led policing and operations targeting crime across the capital territory.

  • DSS Arraigns Man Over Alleged Calls for Military Coup Against Tinubu

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a Lagos-based man, Paul Oweleke, before the Federal High Court over allegations that he used social media to incite Nigerians to support a military coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    The suspect was brought before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime offences, including the transmission of subversive messages through his online platform, “Oweleke TV.”

    Allegations by DSS

    Prosecuting counsel, Michael Bajela, told the court that Oweleke, on or about May 23, 2025, allegedly posted broadcasts calling for the unconstitutional removal of the President and advocating a military takeover similar to what occurred in Burkina Faso.

    He said the messages were capable of inciting public unrest and undermining national security and stability.

    Bajela further alleged that the defendant used his platform to harass and threaten the President, actions which he said placed the Presidency in fear of violence and bodily harm.

    Cybercrime Law Charges

    According to the DSS, the alleged offences violate sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.

    Court Proceedings

    Following his plea, the prosecution requested that the court fix a date for trial and remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the conclusion of proceedings.

    However, the defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.

    Justice Aluko subsequently adjourned the case until June 16, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded pending further proceedings.

  • Warri-Itakpe Train Derails in Delta as NRC Confirms Three Deaths

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of three passengers following the derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service in Agbor, Delta State, on Monday, June 8, 2026.

    The corporation said four coaches left the rail track during the incident, prompting an immediate emergency response operation.

    NRC Confirms Casualties

    In a statement, the Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, described the incident as a serious accident on the Warri-Itakpe corridor.

    He disclosed that rescue operations were activated immediately after the derailment and that all passengers onboard had been accounted for.

    “Sadly, three fatalities have been confirmed at this time,” Opeifa stated.

    Emergency Response Ongoing

    According to the NRC, emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently managing the situation and providing support to affected passengers.

    The corporation said efforts are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the derailment.

    Authorities are also assessing the extent of damage caused by the accident as investigations continue.

    Public Urged to Await Official Updates

    The NRC expressed condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by the tragedy.

    Opeifa said the thoughts and prayers of Nigerians are with the deceased and their loved ones during this difficult period.

    The corporation further advised members of the public to rely only on verified information and official updates as investigations progress.

  • Indian Hotel Fire Claims Nigerian Victim as Death Toll Rises to 22

    A Nigerian national injured in the devastating fire that engulfed the Flourish Stays bed-and-breakfast facility in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar area of New Delhi, India, has died in hospital, raising the death toll from the incident to 22.

    The victim reportedly succumbed to burn injuries on Saturday while receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, according to Indian authorities.

    Nigerian Victim Dies in Hospital

    Police said the deceased, a middle-aged Nigerian man, had been staying at the facility for several days before the fire broke out.

    He was initially rushed to a nearby hospital before being transferred to Safdarjung Hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the blaze.

    Authorities confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy had been notified of the development.

    The latest casualty increases the number of foreign nationals killed in the fire to 13.

    Police Intensify Investigation

    Delhi Police have continued investigations into the tragedy, with efforts focused on locating two key hotel officials, identified as accountant Jay Mishra and manager Rakesh, who remain at large.

    Police have already arrested the hotel owner and the facility’s cook, Keshav Negi, in connection with the incident.

    Investigators said three hotel employees were present when the fire broke out, including Negi, manager Rakesh and another staff member.

    According to police findings, the fire allegedly started in the hotel kitchen after sparks were noticed in an air fryer.

    Authorities claimed Negi fled the scene after noticing the malfunction instead of alerting occupants or contacting emergency responders.

    Police said his actions formed part of the basis for his arrest.

    Reconstruction of Incident Underway

    On Sunday, officers took Negi back to the hotel to assist in reconstructing the sequence of events leading to the fire.

    Investigators questioned him about how the fire started and his actions immediately afterward as they sought to establish accountability.

    Uttarakhand Governor Intervenes

    The arrest has attracted attention in Uttarakhand, where Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he had spoken with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta following claims by Negi’s family that he was innocent.

    Dhami said Gupta assured him that the investigation would be guided strictly by evidence and that no innocent person would be punished.

    He also revealed that he had spoken with Negi’s daughter and promised support for the family.

    Negi, who lives in Dilshad Garden, East Delhi, with his wife and two children, had reportedly worked at the hotel for about two years before the incident.

     

  • Nigeria Considers Retaliatory Measures Over Anti-Nigerian Violence in South Africa

    The Federal Government has indicated that Nigeria may consider retaliatory measures against South Africa following renewed incidents of violence targeting Nigerians living in the country.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saying the option remains under consideration as concerns grow over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

    Evacuation Process Delayed

    According to the minister, plans to begin evacuating willing Nigerians from South Africa on Monday were delayed due to ongoing verification and screening exercises being conducted jointly with South African authorities.

    She explained that the documentation process, which reportedly involved more than 1,000 Nigerians, began last Thursday and was expected to conclude before evacuation arrangements could be finalised.

    The government said preparations were still ongoing for citizens who had indicated their desire to return home.

    Nigeria Not Happy, Says Minister

    Speaking on the possibility of restricting certain privileges currently enjoyed by South Africans in Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the matter could be considered at the highest levels of government.

    “Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government,” she said.

    She added that the option was “not off the table.”

    References to Nigeria’s Support During Apartheid

    The minister noted that many Nigerians remain unhappy about what they see as a pattern of hostility despite Nigeria’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

    According to her, Nigeria committed significant resources, financial support and educational opportunities to South Africans during the fight against apartheid.

    She recalled that many Nigerians participated in protests and advocacy campaigns in solidarity with South Africa during that period.

    Concerns Over Targeting of Black Migrants

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu also alleged that black migrants were being disproportionately targeted.

    “Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated. They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave,” she said.

    The development comes amid growing calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between both countries as concerns persist over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.

  • WAEC Blames Logistics, Security Challenges for Delayed WASSCE Papers Across Nigeria

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delayed conduct of Mathematics and Agricultural Science papers in parts of Nigeria during the ongoing 2026 WASSCE to a mix of logistical setbacks, security challenges and operational disruptions.

    WAEC Explains Cause of Examination Delays

    The Head of Public Affairs for WAEC Nigeria, Moyosola Adesina, said in a statement on Monday that the disruptions were linked to recent protests over the abduction of schoolchildren, alongside other unforeseen operational difficulties.

    According to the council, the situation was further worsened by the death of three WAEC staff members in a road accident in Gombe State while transporting examination materials.

    Students Affected Across Multiple Centres

    The examination process came under criticism after candidates in several states experienced long delays before writing scheduled papers.

    Reports showed that students waited for hours before sitting for examinations such as Physics, General Mathematics and other core subjects, with disruptions recorded in multiple centres.

    In some parts of Oyo State, candidates were reportedly forced to complete their papers under poor lighting conditions, with videos showing students using torchlights and mobile phone flashlights.

    WAEC Cites Security Concerns and Protests

    WAEC said protests triggered by the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states also contributed to movement restrictions that affected the timely distribution of examination materials.

    The council explained that the loss of personnel in the Gombe accident severely disrupted its logistics chain.

    “First, the delay is the direct result of a devastating motor accident on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, which tragically claimed the lives of three of our dedicated personnel who were transporting sensitive examination materials interstate,” WAEC said.

    It added that the incident, combined with prevailing security challenges, affected its distribution schedule.

    Emergency Measures Activated

    WAEC said it immediately activated contingency measures to minimise disruption and ensure that examinations were still conducted in affected centres despite the challenges.

    The council also extended condolences to the families of the deceased staff, describing them as dedicated officers who died in active service.

    Stakeholders Commended

    WAEC acknowledged the support of the Federal and State Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in managing the situation.

    It assured candidates and the public that corrective measures had been implemented to prevent a repeat of the disruptions and ensure smoother conduct of remaining papers.

    The council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the WASSCE across Nigeria.

  • Kidnapped Oyo School Principal Rejects Ransom Claims, Reveals Fresh Demand by Abductors

    A principal abducted during the attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has released a new video from captivity, dismissing reports that the terrorists demanded ransom, vehicles or the implementation of Sharia law for their release.

    Mrs. Alamu, the principal held by the abductors, said in the video that the demands circulating online are false and are complicating efforts to secure their freedom.

    The victims have now spent 24 days in captivity following the attack that led to the abduction of about 45 pupils and teachers.

    Principal Speaks From Captivity

    In the video, Mrs. Alamu said the abductors showed them reports claiming they demanded N1 billion, the implementation of Sharia law and other conditions.

    According to her, the reports do not reflect the actual position of the kidnappers.

    “Today marks the 24th day we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are making our case complicated already. We were shown some print media that these people who abducted us requested a billion naira and requested Sharia to be entrenched in the country. These are not true,” she said.

    She insisted that the abductors were not demanding money, weapons or religious laws.

    “They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for money, the single thing they are asking for is the release of their people,” she added.

    Appeal Against Politicising Their Situation

    The principal appealed to authorities and the public not to politicise the abduction, warning that misinformation could affect negotiations.

    “They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for weapons, they are not asking for money, all they are asking for is the release of some people and negotiation. Don’t play politics with our lives,” she said.

    Earlier Reports Linked Demands to Terror Suspects

    The latest video comes days after reports claimed the abductors demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, ransom payments, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related policies.

    According to reports, two of the individuals allegedly being requested are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

    The suspects are said to be leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a faction that broke away from Boko Haram.

    They were reportedly arrested in 2025 and are currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges.

    Government Yet to Respond

    Authorities have not officially commented on the claims made in the latest video.

    The abduction of the pupils and teachers has continued to generate concern across Oyo State, with families and residents calling for urgent action to secure the release of those still being held.

     

  • Police Arrest Four Suspects Linked to Gun Found on Musician Killed in Delta

    The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the Beretta pistol recovered from upcoming musician Oghenemine Ogidi before he was shot dead by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State.

    The arrests followed an intelligence-led investigation into the firearm, which was intercepted at a motor park in Uvwie Local Government Area on May 1.

    Police Trace Source of Firearm

    Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed the development on Monday, saying operatives tracked the suspects through coordinated operations in Bayelsa and Imo states.

    The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike.

    According to the police commissioner, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka was arrested in Bayelsa on May 4 alongside a friend whose phone was allegedly used to arrange the firearm purchase.

    How the Gun Changed Hands

    Oyeniyi said Chukwuemeka confessed to purchasing the gun from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before selling it to a man identified as Desmond, who remains at large, for N380,000.

    Police said Desmond allegedly sent the firearm through a waybill service to Effurun and contacted Ogidi to collect the package and forward it to Sapele.

    The commissioner added that investigations led to the arrest of Princewill in Imo State on May 15.

    During interrogation, Princewill allegedly revealed that he bought the weapon from Amadi Felix for N200,000. Felix was subsequently arrested in Owerri on May 16.

    Background to Ogidi’s Death

    The case drew national attention after Ogidi was killed on April 26 while attempting to collect a package at a motor park in Effurun.

    Reports indicated that the package contained a hidden Beretta pistol, which Ogidi allegedly did not know about.

    After the weapon was discovered, police officers reportedly restrained the 28-year-old musician.

    A viral video from the scene showed Ogidi crying and insisting that he had been deceived into collecting the package.

    Despite his pleas, ASP Nuhu Usman allegedly shot him at close range.

    Investigation Continues

    The Delta State Police Command said investigations are ongoing as operatives continue efforts to uncover other members of the syndicate and dismantle the network.

    The command also assured the public that all individuals connected to the illegal firearm operation would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.